OPINION: A SIMPLE HELLO GOES A LONG WAY, PAGE 4.
THURSDAY
THE SPORTS, PAGE 12 Horseshoe Bend pitcher signs.
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892
November 10, 2016
Vol. 124, No. 226
www.alexcityoutlook.com Drink mural gets makeover.
Harbor Freight, AT&T coming
County, state show big turnout numbers Duerr, Trump take home wins on Election Day By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
While the final numbers changed a bit, the winners in Tuesday’s elections remained the same as vote totals were finalized Wednesday. Big wins by Donald Trump over Hilary Clinton to become the 45th president of the United States and Democrat Jeremy Duerr winning the DA’s race created a buzz in the area. To no one’s surprise, Donald Trump won Tallapoosa County and Alabama big, before being declared the winner just after 2 a.m. Wednesday morning. “The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer,” Trump said in his victory speech. “Now it’s time for America to bind the wounds of division. It is time for us to come together as one united people. It’s time.” Duerr’s win over Republican Bill Harris was a rare win for the Democrats in the state Tuesday. Across Macon, Chambers, Randolph and Tallapoosa counties, Duerr received about 51 percent of the vote with 25,753 votes to Republican Bill Harris’ 24,593. After first appearing to win Tallapoosa County, Duerr trailed Harris by more than 400 votes with Harris’ 9,604 to Duerr’s 9,267 when all was tallied. Other counties in the Fifth District, including a big win in Macon County, fuelled Duer’s win. See TURNOUT • Page 3
LOCAL, PAGE 11
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
James Machen of the Alexander City Veterans Honor Guard salutes as he presents the flag at Wednesday’s Veteran’s Day program at Stephens Elementary. Below, Jiah Hunter prepares for a tribute skit.
HONORING VETERANS
By MITCH SNEED Editor
Stephens holds moving tribute to servicemen By MITCH SNEED Editor
A student-led program Wednesday at Stephens Elementary in Alexander City provided a touching tribute to the brave men and women who served their county. Local veterans, families, friends and the school’s students filled the gym for the Veterans Day ceremony. The event included patriotic songs, history presentations and skits. The ceremony began with a posting of the colors ceremony conducted by former servicemen from the Alexander City Honor Guard and ended with moving rendition of “Taps” that had some in the crowd moved to tears. “We are proud to be part of a community and a school systems that puts so much emphasis on patriotism,” said Stephens See VETERANS • Page 7
Discount tool store, wireless phone store first of several headed here
Business that includes a nationwide discount tool store, a national cellular communications company and some others that are not quite ready to be identified are committed to opening businesses in Alexander City. Residents should see activity in the coming weeks as Harbor Freight and AT&T Wireless begin work on new Alexander City locations, according to the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ed Collari. Harbor Freight has signed a lease to occupy the former Steele’s location in the Marketplace Shopping Center on Highway 280, according to Collari. The company is known for having tools of all kinds sold at affordable prices. “I think Harbor Freight is a great fit for Alexander City,” Collari said. “They will be a great addition to what we have to offer. They estimate between $2 and $4 million in annual sales so you can do the math and see what that means to the local tax base. We are excited to have them coming.” According to the company’s website, Harbor Freight Tools was founded in 1977 “as a small family-owned business” with the aim of providing “working people with great quality tools at the lowest prices.” The company sells tools of all kinds – “from hand tools and generators to air and power tools, from shop equipment to automotive tools, Harbor Freight offers more than 7,000 tools and accessories at quality levels that match or exceed competing brands, but at prices that are up to 80 percent less.” The location is also significant. “By them going in the former Steele’s space, that means that the center is 98 percent filled,” Collari said. “There are preparing to begin work See BUSINESS • Page 3
Newly elected Dadeville city leaders sworn in By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
New Dadeville mayor Wayne Smith is sworn in my city attorney Robin Reynolds Tuesday. +
+ Buy Here + Pay Here + +
CLEAN USED CARS No Credit Checks
Cars• Vans• Trucks • SUV’s
Midway Auto,Inc.
Off Hwy. 280 • Alexander City, AL (On Right Past the River Bridge)
256.825.9830
Laughs were the main order of business at Monday’s organizational meeting of the Dadeville City Council. Laughs from comments by new council member H.A. Dick Harrelson to the talk of garbage. “The only thing I don’t understand is why you elected and 83-year-old man,” Harrelson said. “But I promise you, I won’t run but two more times. I will come down at 95.” New mayor Wayne Smith joked that Harrelson had a 48-minute written out speech. “I have to write things
down,” Harrelson quipped back. But all joking aside, Harrelson is grateful for the opportunity to serve. “It is a challenge to work for the people and the city that I dearly love,” Harrelson said. “…I intend to do everything possible to make the city a better place to live.” The sentiment was similar for the other new members also. “I am elated to be here to serve my city,” Teneeshia Good-Johnson said. Roy Mathis has just returned from mission trips to the Appalachians and to Louisiana. See DADEVILLE • Page 3
Lake Martin
Lake Levels
484.26 Reported on 11/9/16 @ 6 p.m.
LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443
laceyshowell@gmail.com 5295 Highway 280, Alex City, AL
Today’s
Weather
72 44 High
6
Low
54708 90050
8
USPS Permit # 013-080
We Care About You and Your Loved Ones!
•Home-like Environment • Specialized Dementia Care Unit •Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy Services
256-329-1313 Free Consultations
A DAMS HEALTH & REHAB 1555 HILLABEE STREET • (256) 329-0847
217 Madison Street, Alexander City, AL “We are a Debt Relief Agency. We help people file Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 under the Bankruptcy Code. Alabama State Bar requires the following in every attorney advertisement, “ No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”
Page 2
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Man’s new job with an old flame gives his wife a chill
Friday
71 47 High
Low
Sunny
Saturday
68 40 Low
High Sunny
Staff
Directory David Granger Staff Writer, Ext. 210 david.granger@alexcityoutlook.com
Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com
Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com 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 Jaylan Reynolds Advertising Sales, Ext. 232 jaylan.reynolds@alexcityoutlook.com Scott Hardy Advertising Sales, Ext. 208 scott.hardy@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 Accounting Angela Mullins Bookkeeping, Ext. 202 angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com Mary Lyman Boone Bookkeeping marylyman.boone@alexcityoutlook.com
Postal
(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.
DEAR ABBY: My husband was recently offered a new job that carries with it a significant increase in salary as well as upward mobility. He was offered the job by a woman he used to work with years ago. She will be his new boss. It was recently brought to my attention that not only were they co-workers, they also used to sleep together. He tells me there’s absolutely nothing there, and that I don’t need to be worried. However, I can’t help but wonder why they have maintained contact for all these years, and why she sought him out to work for her. She is also married, and I wonder if her husband knows their history, and if he would be OK with his wife’s request to work with a former lover.
DEAR ABBY Advice
Am I overreacting? Or should people cut off contact with their exes once they are married? Should I be worried about a physical or emotional affair? I just don’t have a good feeling about this. Thank you for your help. -- NEEDS AN OBJECTIVE OPINION DEAR NEEDS: In a situation like this, much depends upon the individuals involved and the circumstances of the breakup. Not all romances end acrimoniously. Sometimes they gradu-
ally diminish and the people involved move on. It would be interesting to know who told you your husband and this woman were once lovers. If it was your husband, I think you have less to be concerned about than if it was someone “trying to be helpful.” It is possible that the woman contacted your husband because she is familiar with his work ethic and his abilities and thinks he would be the best person for the job. That said, however, there are four people involved in this situation. And your question about whether her husband is aware of their history is a good one, because he should be.
take prescription medication. When they are finished with it, they should peel the label off the bottle, stick it to a piece of paper and send it through a shredder. These labels contain a lot of personal information. If they fall into the wrong hands, they could become shopping lists for drug addicts and our landfills could become their next source. Better to be safe than sorry, if for no other reason than privacy. -- CHET IN KENTUCKY DEAR CHET: I agree!
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. DEAR ABBY: I have a sug- com or P.O. Box 69440, Los gestion for your readers who Angeles, CA 90069.
Leadership Book Tasting
Composing Audra Spears Composing Department, Ext. 219 audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com Alethia Russell Graphic Artist, Ext. 231 alethia.russell@alexcityoutlook.com
Newsroom Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Lonna Upton Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 lonna.upton@alexcityoutlook.com Cathy Higgins Sports Editor, Ext. 228 cathy.higgins@alexcityoutlook.com Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com
Information
Thursday, November 10, 2016
The Outlook
Circulation Linda Ewing Asst. Circulation Manager, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com
Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, Lake Martin Living, Kenneth Boone Photography and a commercial web printing press. © 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Reproduction of any part of any issue requires written publisher permission.
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Members of Leadership Lake Martin take a look at books at the Amelia M. Russell Memorial Library Wednesday. The library hosted the group with a Book Tasting exploring many of the books the library offers. Leadership Lake Martin also toured Mamie’s Place Children’s Library.
Public Meetings 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. n Alexander City Council meets 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. n Camp Hill Town Council meets the first and third Mondays of each month. Meetings are held in town hall at 6 p.m. n Community Action Agency of Chambers, Tallapoosa, Coosa will holds its regular board of directors
meetings every other month at the Central Office in Dadeville.
the courthouse in Rockford. All meetings are open to the public.
n Coosa County Board of Education holds called meetings at least once a month.
n Dadeville City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m. in city hall.
n Coosa County Commission meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in the Coosa County Courthouse in Rockford at 9:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday and at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday.
n Daviston City Council meets the third Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Daviston Fire Department.
n Coosa County Industrial Development Board will hold its regularly scheduled meeting the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room in
n Jackson’s Gap Town Council meets the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in town hall at 6:30 p.m., all Jackson’s Gap citizens are encouraged to attend. n Kellyton Town Council meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the community center in Kellyton.
n Goldville Town Council meets the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the town hall.
n New Site City Council meets the second and fourth Monday of the month at 5 p.m. in the Conference Room in the Town Hall.
n Goodwater City Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held upstairs in the courthouse at 6:30 p.m.
n Ray Water Authority meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Ray Water Authority Office. All customers are invited to
attend. n Rockford Town Council meets the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in town hall at 7 p.m. n Tallapoosa County Board of Education meets on the second Monday of each month. Meetings are held in the new central office at 679 East Columbus Street, Dadeville, AL 36853. n Tallapoosa County Commission meets the second Monday of the month at 9 a.m. in the courthouse in Dadeville, with a pre-meeting also open to the public 30 minutes before each regular session.
Police Reports • Shawn Galloway of Swamp Hollow in Dadeville was arrested on outstanding warrants for 4 failure to appear unlawful distribution, possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and chemical endangerment of a minor.
2 grand jury indictments shooting into an occupied vehicle and criminal mischief. • Stephen Courtney of Highway 98 in Fairhope was arrested on outstanding warrants for probation violation and probation revocation. • Matthew Jones of Dadeville was arrested on a warrant for criminal trespass.
November 7
November 6
Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department November 8
• Patricia Phillips of Cooledge Street in Wadley was arrested on outstanding warrants for probation violation and a bench warrant. • Scottayvious McKenzie of Cherokee Trail in Tallassee was arrested on
SOCIAL SECURITY FAYE EDMONDSON
• A resident of County Road 34 filed a report for theft. • A resident of Highway 280 filed a report for a dog bite. • A resident of Dudleyville Road filed a report for criminal trespass.
November 5
135 N. Tallassee Street • Dadeville, AL
• A resident of Port Road filed a report for criminal mischief.
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.
November 4
Attorney at Law
825-9559
WHATLEY MONUMENT Company
Better Service A Family Tradition 1049 Hillabee Street Alexander City, AL C.M. “Mike” Whatley, Owner
329-1217
• Kenneth F. Moon of Dadeville was arrested for three failure to appear contempt of Court Warrants. • A resident of Crestline Circle filed a report for theft that occurred in the county. • A resident of Samford Drive filed a report for theft. • A resident of County Road 34 filed a report for a dog bite. • A resident of Tiber Cove Drive filed a report for criminal trespass in the area of Smith Mountain Tower.
November 3
• Joshua Johnson of Greenleaf Street in Alexander City was arrest-
ed for failure to appear child support, two probation violations and a probation revocation. • Amethyst Simpson of 13th Street in Alexander City was arrested for failure to appear resisting arrest. • Kelvin Bell of General Colin Powell Street in Tallassee was arrested for probation violation.
November 2
• Justin Johns of Shady Oak in Sylacauga was arrested on grand jury indictments for possession of marijuana first, unlawful possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. • Trashaun Stovall of Fitzpatrick Boulevard in Montgomery was arrested for trespassing.
November 1
• A resident of Rocksprings Road in Jacksons Gap filed a report for harassing communications. • A resident of Dudleyville Road in Dadeville filed a report for theft of property. • A resident of Dead Timbers in Dadeville filed a report for theft of property.
October 31
• A resident of Mullican Road filed a report for domestic violence.
October 30
• Jackie McElrath of County Road in Alexander City was arrested for criminal trespass. • A resident of McCain Lane in Notasulga filed a report for criminal trespass.
October 29
• Benjamin Joffrion of Highway 49 South in Tallassee was arrested for domestic violence assault. • Scott Joffrion of Highway 49 in Tallassee was arrested for domestic violence reckless endangerment.
Alexander City Police Department November 1
• Scotty Glenn Dye, 53, of Alexander City was arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle. • Harassing communications was reported on Smith Drive. • Theft was reported on O Street. • Harassment was reported on Dejarnette Road. • Domestic violence was reported on Robinwood Drive.
October 31
• Theft was reported on Highway 280. • Harassing communications was reported on Green Street. • Harassment was reported on Willow Drive. • Burglary was reported on Main Street. • Unlawful breaking and entering was reported in Alexander City. • Domestic violence was reported on South Road. • Criminal mischief was reported on Coley Creek Road. • Criminal mischief was reported on Coley Creek Road. • Domestic violence was reported in the 700 block of
Celia Circle. • Harassment was reported on Willow Drive.
October 30
• O’Hennessey Wright, 18, of Alexander City was arrested for possession of marijuana. • Shelby Dale Trotter, 53, of Cumberland Furnace, Tennessee was arrested for public intoxication. • Donald Eugene Knight Jr., 34, of Alexander City was arrested domestic violence.
Dadeville Police Department November 6
• An Eclectic man, age 27, was arrested on Highway 280 on the charge of Public Intoxication. • A Dadeville man, age 26, was arrested on Freeman Drive on two charges of Failure to Appear. • An Alexander City woman, age 47, was arrested on Highway 280 on the charge of Driving Under the Influence.
November 4
• A report was filed for Harassment that occurred on Crestview Street. • An Alexander City man, age 47, was arrested at the Tallapoosa County Jail on three charges of Failure to Appear. • A report was filed for Criminal Mischief that occurred on Freeman Drive.
November 3
• A report was filed for Theft of Property that occurred on S. Broadnax
Street. • A Dadeville man, age 41, was arrested on Highway 280 on the charges of Harassment and Criminal Mischief. • A Camp Hill man, age 36, was arrested at the Tallapoosa County Jail on three charges of Failure to Appear.
November 2
• A report was filed for Harassment and Disorderly Conduct that occurred on E. Lafayette Street. • A report was filed for Theft of Property that occurred on Freeman Drive. • A report was filed for Harassment that occurred on Freeman Drive. • An Alexander City woman was arrested at the Tallapoosa County Jail on four charges of Failure to Appear.
November 1
• A Dadeville woman, age 29, was arrested on E. Lafayette Street on the charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. October 31 • A report was filed for Criminal Mischief that occurred on Old Columbus Road. • A report was filed for Domestic Violence and Criminal Mischief that occurred on Old Miller’s Ferry Road.
October 30
• A report was filed for Domestic Violence and Assault that occurred on Pearson Circle.
Thursday, November 10, 2016
Page 3
www.alexcityoutlook.com
The Outlook
Judge calls vote process a success as unofficial results arrive steak house and which was complained about more. Young is temporarily acting as probate judge in the absence of Probate Judge Leon Archer. He admitted he was new to the election official With Election Day 2016 officially over and the position and called it a “real eye opener” having been unofficial results accounted for both county election “subject” to elections as a judge, but having never officials and winning party leaders had largely positive overseen one in an official administrative capacity. feedback on an election process that ran on into the “I was a novice give a lot of credit to my staff at the early morning hours. probate office,” said Young. “Because of the staff it Circuit Judge Tom Young said despite a few hangcertainly made my job easy last night.” ups early on Tuesday, the county’s elections ran The Secretary of State’s Office reported a 65 percent “smoothly.” turnout in Tallapoosa County, and Young said over 56 “There’s always glitches,” said Young. separate ballots were used and over 1200 absentee balBut he said they were prepared for those when votlots submitted. ing machines began intermittently rejecting ballots. “The process worked, from an electioneering standYoung said it was only a temporary inconvenience point,” Young said. though because of the technicians they had on hand Chief Probate Clerk Embirly Collum said though who stayed throughout the process that Young said ran the unofficial results were in, official numbers would until 3:30 a.m. Wednesday. not be available for about a week. He heavily credited the “smooth” running process to And she said new laws prevented her office from the staff of the probate office, and the poll workers. looking at write-in votes as well until then. “We had numbers we had never seen before,” “With the write-in law change we don’t look at Young said. th,” said Collum. them until the 15 He said there were reports of long lines also, but he She said that would be conducted in a canvassing used a humorous anecdote to describe the discontent session around noon next Tuesday, a week after the by comparing long lines at the polls and long lines at a By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
elections. The roughly 1,200 provisional ballots mentioned by Young In that session would be counted. The Tallapoosa County Republican Party Chair Person Denise Bates also applauded the courthouse staff, the poll workers and the sheriff’s department. “We were all their together they worked very hard,” said Bates. “The poll workers were just incredicble especially with the machine issues.” She said there was a big turnout for both parties and was happy with the outcome nearly every race. “Look we’re all thrilled about Trump winning the presidency … winning decisively in the state of Alabama,” Young said. Bates said she was a delegate with the Republican National Convention and would be traveling to the presidential inauguration ceremony to celebrate. A Tallapoosa County Democratic Party member, Carol Gowan, said they were primarily active in the Fifth Circuit Court DA’s race between Democrat Jeremy Duerr and Republican Bill Harris. “While we are very disappointed in Ms. Clinton’s loss we are extremely pleased with Mr. Duerr’s win in the Fifth Circuit DA’s race, this was quite a win given the big Republican vote,” said Gowan.
Dadeville “Folks, we just don’t know how good we have it,” Mathis said. “The people have asked for some changes, just give us sometime. We can’t do it overnight.” “Thank you. I am going to do everything in my power along with the other council members to try to make Dadeville a better place to live and work,” Betty Adams said. “I look forward to working with this group to make Dadeville a better place – not that it is a bad place,” Brownie Caldwell said. “I have had many chances to go back to Atlanta. I wouldn’t go. This is a great place to live.” The first order of business for the entirely new council was selecting the mayor pro tem to serve in the absence of Mayor Smith. Mathis was nominated by Harrelson and then confirmed by the council as a whole. Smith appointed the new council members along with himself to committees. Smith will serve on the police, finance and nutrition committees. Adams will serve on the cemetery, fire and parks and recreation committees, Caldwell
continued from page 1
will serve on the parks and recreation, police and cemetery committees, GoodmanJohnson will serve on the garbage, street and city shop committees, Mathis will serve on the fire, police, library and finance committees, and Harrelson will serve on the street and building committees. Johnson’s appointment to the garbage committee brought some laughs to Caldwell. “I had to laugh when Mayor Smith appointed Teneeshia to the garbage committee,” Caldwell said. “I just have this mental picture in my head. I am usually the person that is turning her trash can over when I drive my bus every Tuesday…I am going to work really hard not to turn it over.” The new council also approved to keep the town’s checking accounts with USAmeriBank with Smith, City Clerk Mike Gardner, Adams and Harrelson on the signature card. The council is also keeping meetings on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month with a pre-meeting at 4:30 p.m. and meeting at 5 p.m. using Robert’s
Rules of Order for rules of procedure. The administrative officers of Dadeville, like the clerk, police and fire chief and others are being allowed to continue employment at their current positions and salaries until made permanent by the council. Smith is appreciative of the support shown to himself and all of the new council members. “We appreciate the support you have given us,” Smith said. “Our challenge is to take this confidence that you have put in us and move this community forward.” Tuesday night, the new council and mayor came together again to take care normal business. The biggest thing Cliff Williams / The Outlook tackled was the The Dadeville Council and mayor stand to be recognized after being sworn in. Teneeshia Goodmanappointment to various Johnson, left, Roy Mathis, Dick Harrelson, Wayne Smith, Betty Adams and Brownie Caldwell. boards. Kevin Hall was engineers will be at the Broadnax Street and at The council approved appointed to planning Rice Street and Lafayette next meeting to answer a variance for the and zoning committee to questions and inform Street. Twice the Ice to move replace Mayor Smith. them on it. The council approved to the opposite side John Duerr was The Dadeville City the applying of two grants of the parking lot at appointed to the library Council also: for the fire department. Dollar General. The board. • learned that more One for a new truck new location must also Wayne Smith, Mickey title searches had been and the other for an air get the approval of the Tarpley and Teneeshia conducted for the compressor to refill air Alabama Department of Goodman-Johnson were demolition grant and that packs. Transportation. appointed to the Water the city was trying to The new council Bill Ponder asked and Sewer Board. communicate with grant will soon learn more of about getting two more Brownie Caldwell writers from Monroe and the Courthouse Square historical monuments, was appointed to the gas Associates on the project. renovation project as one at Cusseta Street and board.
Turnout
continued from page 1
fuelled Duer’s win. Turnout was another big story. The Secretary of State’s Office released statewide election numbers Wednesday and reported 2,065,660 total ballots were cast from 3,333,058 registered voters and a turnout rate of about 62 percent in Tuesday’s General Election. According to the SOS a total of 19,545 votes from a registered 30,212 voters were reported from Tallapoosa County in Tuesday’s General Election. It put the percentage of the turnout at nearly 65 percent for the county. Statewide Donald Trump got 1,280,080 to Hillary Clinton’s 701,971 votes, and a percentage of about 62 to 34 percent of the electorate. Independents Gary Johnson and Jill Stein had wide margins of 42,139 to 8,979 votes, with a clear Johnson lead. And the write-in option received 19,312 personal choices for the presidency. Countywide Hillary Clinton received 5,495 votes and about 28 percent of the vote. Donald Trump on the other hand got about 70 percent, and 13,546 total votes, while there were 88 write ins. In the state Republican Richard Shelby held a clear victory over Democrat Ron Crumpton with 64 percent of the vote between his 1,294,584 to Crumpton’s 721,178 votes. Throughout the county Shelby secured over double Crumpton at 13,354 to 5,778 and held had about 70 percent of the vote. Across Macon, Chambers, Randolph and Tallapoosa counties, Democrat Jeremy Duerr received about 51 percent of the vote with 25,753 votes to Republican Bill Harris’ 24,593. For the county however, Duerr trailed Harris by more than 400 votes with Harris’ 9,604 to Duerr’s 9,267. Other counties in the Fifth District however secured Duerr’s seat.
Business as they try to get ready for a March opening.” Collari said that AT&T will begin site work at a parcel between Zaxby’s and Pizza Hut for a free-standing store there. AT&T plans to have the store ready to open in the first quarter of 2017 if all goes well. Collari said that there is also a company committed to building on an outparcel in the Marketplace Shopping Center near Burger King. Collari said there hasn’t been an announcement of what the business may be, but said there is a lot of buzz about the possibilities.
continued from page 1
There is also some big news downtown. A Sylacauga business is looking to establish an Alexander City location and is eyeing a space on Alabama Street, next to JR’s. The space was occupied until its recent move to Main Street by the Alabama Street Maker’s Market. “We were just at a show with the International Council of Shopping Centers and we had a lot of interest,” Collari said. “That is a great thing to see. Hopefully these businesses are just the start of more to come.”
Another local contested position was the Place Four Board Member seat on the Tallapoosa County Board of Education. Republican Carla Talton secured 1,416 votes to her opposition Karen White with 373. Statewide Republican Mike Rogers got 160,878 total to Democrat Jesse Smith’s 76,718 for the Third Congressional District. In the county Rogers received about 71 percent of the totals and 13,554 compared with Smith’s 5,588 votes. Rep Martha Roby, R, held a close race to Democrat Nathan Mathis in the Second Congressional District but won with about 23,000 more votes than Mathis and a total of 134,450. Republican Robert Aderholt was elected representative in the Fourth Congressional District after running unopposed. Republican Mo Brooks of the Fifth Congressional District beat Democrat Will Boyd Jr and Republican Gary Palmer won over Democrat David Putman in the Sixth Congressional District. And the lone Democrat Terri Sewell ran unopposed for the Seventh Congressional District. All amendments were approved however Amendments 9 and 11 barely cleared a tying margin.
FOR SALE 1720 Dadeville Road • Alexander City, AL
LOT 40 NORTH WILLOW WAY, ALEX CITY $395,000 RARE FIND! Lake lot in the gate guarded community of Willow Point. +/-Two acre lot located in Phase 6B. No association dues. Privacy with nice view from cove. Don’t miss out on the one and only lake lot currently available in WP! Build the perfect Lake home in this prestigious neighborhood!
SAMANTHA SPURLIN
OfÄce: 256.329.LAKE (5253) Mobile: 256.786.0650 www.samanthaspurlin.com sam@samanthaspurlin.com
Call Spencer or Dax Today!
256.234.5331
DOWN PAYMENTS
MONTHLY PAYMENTS
$
$
As Low
As...........
500
As Low
250
As........... *Upon Kerley Motors Approval
Bill’s Electric ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS
P.O. Box 673 1814 Airpor t Blvd • Alexander Cit y, AL
(256) 234-4555 “PROVIIDING QUAALITYY ELEECTRRICALL CONSSTRUUCTIIONN SINCE 196 61”
MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213
editor@alexcityoutlook.com
EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Page 4
Our
View
A simple hello T goes a long way
I
f you are a shopper, a person who frequents restaurants or someone who wants to see the local economy grow – things are looking up in our area. In recent editions of the Outlook, news of new businesses have been featured.. Today we reported Harbor Freight, AT&T and two other unnamed businesses are coming to Alexander City. Last week, we told readers that Jack’s was coming to Dadeville. Folks, these companies don’t just open a new location on a whim. They do their homework. They often understand what is going on in Alexander City and they see potential in our area. Many business owners frequent the area because of Lake Martin, coming from Birmingham, Montgomery, Atlanta and beyond. What better way to recruit? Have you ever wondered why businesses ask for your zip code when you make a purchase? The folks at Harbor Freight use that data to show them where customers come from and when they send trends that point to interest from a certain place, they start considering that city for a location. While we are excited to see these businesses locating here, others are looking too. Let’s be sure that we have the welcome mat out. Just this past weekend, the Lake Martin Resource Association held a clean up on the lake. While it is good that it is cleaned up, it is sad the trash is there to start with. We all need to make sure that we not only take care of our own trash but pick up what others so hastily leave behind. The welcome mat extends beyond just the aesthetics. When you see someone, say hello. Who knows, you might be saying hey to that undecided business owner. That simple hello could be what tips the scales in the favor of Alexander City and Tallapoosa County.
Know Your
Officials
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.
Thursday, November 10, 2016
A new day in America – now what?
he hard-fought presidential election is, mercifully, over. Now Americans can relax, stop despising each other for how they voted, and go back to disliking each other based on the football team they like. Hillary and Trump campaigned frantically on the last day before the election. Trump barnstormed across the Midwest to shore up supporters. And Hillary spoke to her base to get out the vote for her, giving speeches to a small, offthe-record campaign rally in the NBC newsroom. She also spoke at some cemeteries in Chicago, New Orleans and Indiana. We had a choice between an outsider, an egomaniacal, populist billionaire and an historic female “first”: the first woman to head a New York crime family. But this election upset by Donald Trump is less about him and more about Americans fed up with big government elites. Hillary and Bill, the Bonnie and Clyde of American politics, had worn out their welcome with voters. While he is likable, President Obama’s policies are awful. From ObamaCare to his regulatory executive orders, his idealistic grad school theories just don’t work. He turned the Justice Department into a corrupt, racist, vigilante operation and the IRS into his own Mafia hitmen. We had enough. Hillary was able to advance the narrative, with the help of the DNC echo chamber we call “the media,” that she would protect women. Yet she never has. If Hillary cared about women, she would have changed Anthony Weiner’s Internet password years ago. There was an “October Surprise” of embarrassing pay-to-play Clinton Foundation issues, including the Foundation
RON HART Guest Columnist
paying for some of Chelsea’s wedding. Many of us were counting on a different “October Surprise” -- that each party would replace its candidate with someone else. This election was also a repudiation of big media. The only media watchdogs in our country were not even in our country: Julian Assange of WikiLeaks from the Ecuadorean Embassy, and hackers from the old Soviet Union. It was no surprise that CNN and other media operations were feeding Hillary debate questions. And that info was discovered in emails; there’s no telling what was texted, messaged or discussed in private meetings. Hillary’s relationship with the media will remain cozy; CNN had already slipped her questions she would have been asked in her inevitable impeachment hearing(s). 77 percent of the country is Hispanic, black or female. Trump pulled off the hat trick of insults with these voters. He thought he was doing well with “the blacks” in West Virginia and Pennsylvania, but it turned out they were coal miners. Donald Trump maintained that the current American system is “rigged” and unfair. Only in America can a son of a rich developer inherit a real estate empire, wed three supermodels, become a TV star, and win the GOP presidential nomination on his first try while still maintaining that the U.S. system is unfair. The killer fact was that blue collar Americans agreed with him because they understand he was not bought and will work for them. There is something comforting about a person
who does not need to make money in Washington – unlike the Clintons. The GOP had some very real political debates, something the lemmings in the Democrat party never have. The DNC never wins on issues; they win by destroying their opponents. Trump stood up to them and America applauded. Even Fox News’ Megyn Kelly (who seemed to go to the other side) attacked Trump over accusations from women and his own name-calling. When she tried to turn Newt Gingrich from his talking points to Trump’s past, Newt lashed back and accused her of being “more interested in sex than discussing public policy issues.” To be fair, I think we all are more interested in talking about sex than talking about public policy, but you get the idea. Trump urged early voters in Wisconsin who might have buyer’s remorse to go change their votes if they voted for Hillary. Trump understands buyer’s remorse; he changes spouses about every presidential cycle. The good news is that Americans became re-engaged in politics with this race. They paid attention. Nothing short of the media finding the suspects who robbed Kim Kardashian in France would have distracted them from this epic contest. Hillary misjudged Middle America’s anger. Her strategy down the stretch was just to ignore embarrassing scandals and run out the clock. It worked for her marriage, but not in this election. A syndicated op-ed humorist, award-winning author and TV/radio commentator, you can reach him at Ron@ RonaldHart.com, Twitter @RonaldHart or visit RonaldHart.com
“They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” – Isaiah 11:9
alexcityoutlook.com
Daily Poll Wednesday Question: Did you have to wait longer than 15 minutes to vote yesterday?
No- 45 Yes – 8
Thursday Question: Were you surprised at the outcome of Tuesday’s elections? To participate in this daily poll, log on each day to www.alexcityoutlook.com and vote. Find out the vote totals in the next edition of The Outlook and see if your vote swayed the results.
Our
Mission
The Outlook strives to report the news honestly, fairly and with integrity, to take a leadership role and act as a positive influence in our community, to promote business, to provide for the welfare of our employees, to strive for excellence in everything we do and above all, to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves.
How to
Subscribe
Opinion?
Buffy Colvin
Letter to the Editor Scott Hardy
Eric Brown
Tommy Spraggins represents District 5. His phone number is 256-329-7111. His address is 1539 College Street, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of Finance committee.
Scripture
What’s your
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.
Today’s
Bobby Tapley
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.
“True love is like ghosts, which everyone talks about and few have seen.” – Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Jim Nabors
Buffy Colvin represents 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.
Quote
The subscription rate is $136.00 per year in Tallapoosa and Coosa counties and $177.99 outside the area. Periodicals paid at Alexander City, AL. Newspapers are available at 100 news racks in our area at 50 cents for The Outlook and 50 cents for The Record. We would love to deliver a paper to your door. Call David Kendrick at 256-234-4281, Ext. 204 or e-mail david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook. com.
Bobby Tapley represents District 1. His phone number is 256329-9671. His address is 1821 LaVista Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Public Safety committee.
Today’s
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.
Tim Funderburk
No question, justice system is broken
Dear Editor, It seems I may have struck a nerve with my last editorial. That is good it means the people who need to listen are listening. That in itself doesn’t fix the problem. Our justice system is broken. No matter whether it be county, state or federal. Locally I see we will be stuck with business as usual justice system. Mrs. Young said I was wrong. I am not wrong. If you can’t see how broken the system is then you are out of touch with reality. Since my last editorial I was given the disposition of the burglary case I sited in my last editorial. The case went to court and was settled in 2013. I have called the DA’s office continually since the break-in in 2010. I was told the case
had not come to court. How could the case have been disposed and they tell me the case hasn’t come up? Like I said business as usual. Here is what happened to the two who broke in to my store and stole three handguns. The one who did not enter the building had the charges dropped. The one who entered the building and actually took the guns had two charges – felony theft and breaking and entering. The theft charge was dropped and he was charged with the B&E. He was given probation. With the Democrats supposing to be so gun control strict, how was this guy put back on the street especially when he was stealing guns to use on the street and both bad guys were already known
by police from their DNA. What a great system!!! Why do we bother? One of our local judges was in the store the other day and was explaining why the judges couldn’t do anything to the bad guys and it wasn’t the judges’ fault. Finger pointing is all we get. If that is the case then what are we as citizens to do to protect our property and families? Law Enforcement is as pissed off as the citizens. Why risk your life to arrest someone just to have them turned loose. A correction is coming. Trump being elected will stall the correction for now, but it will not stop it. Woody Baird De Opresso Liber Alexander City
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.
Thursday, November 10, 2016
The Outlook
CommunityCalendar Season Johnson Express Blowout • Highlight Ombre • Gloss • Color Make-Up • Keratin Adult & Children Hair Cuts Bridal & Bachelorette Packages
Today is
November 10, 2016 November 10
VETERANS DAY PROGRAM: Dadeville High School is hosting a Veterans Day Program Nov. 10. A reception for veterans will be at 8:30 a.m. and the program will be at 9 a.m. BOOK SIGNING: Peggy Jackson Walls will be at the Adelia M. Russell Library signing her book
“Alabam Gold: A History of the South’s last Mother Lode,” Nov. 10 at 2 p.m. CIVITAN CLUB: The Alexander City Civitan Club will hold an organizational meeting Thursday, Nov. 10 at noon at JR’s Sportsbar and Grill. The meeting will be over at 1 p.m. For more information call Brian Dix at 256-404-5858 or Reuben Prater at 256-794-1025. CANCER SUPPORT GROUP: A support group for those affected by cancer will meet Nov. 10 at
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/. 6:30 p.m. at God’s House in Hackneyville on Highway 63 North with David Church hosting. Meetings will be held the second Thursday of each month .
Today’s Birthdays
Brooke Price, Neil Moseley, Tonia Webb, Austin Hardman, Jennifer Tharpe, Clem Sherer, T.J. Stroud, Harvey Lankford,Beth Blankenship, Warren Philliips, Mary Bailey and Tammy Reeves are celebrating their birthdays.
HOLLEY’S HOME FURNISHINGS
We Dare You To Compare! 1660 Hwy. 22 West Alexander City, AL
792 Commerce Drive Suite 103 Alexander City, AL
256.234.4141
256.234.2007 256.749.8804
www.holleyshomefurnishings.com
Visit us online at:
Need Insurance?
The Learning Tree
Call me.
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
256.234.3481
Email: bbell@learning-tree.org
KarenChannell.com
Submitted / The Outlook
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
America Lives Here
Area children gathered at Mamie’s Place Children’s Library for the Drive In Story time. The children were treated to cars, popcorn and drinks as well as story.
November 1 - December 17
FOOD FOR FINES: The Adelia M. Russell Library and Mamie’s Place Children’s Library is accepting nonperishable food items in lieu of library fines. ANGEL TREE REGISTRATION: The Salvation Army Angel Tree registration will be on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 1 to Nov. 17 at the Salvation Army at 1725 Highway 22 West in Alexander City. The Angel Tree Program provides gifts of new clothing and toys to thousands of children who otherwise might not have anything for Christmas. Families in need of assistance may contact the Salvation Army at 256-2153730 for information on how to apply.
November 9 - 10
BOOK FAIR: There will be a book fair in the Russell Medical Community Room Nov. 9 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Nov. 10 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
November 10 - December 2
4004 U.S. Hwy. 431 Anniston, AL p: 256-820-8000 f: 256-820-3442
Website: www.claytonhomesanniston.com Email: john.slaughter@claytonhomes.com
SEE ME FOR INSURANCE
ACMS FUNDRAISER: The Alexander City Middle School is having a linen fundraiser Nov. 10 through Dec. 2. For sale will be Egyptian cotton twin, full, queen and king sheet sets for $35. See any student, parent or teacher at ACMS. Proceeds benefit ACMS.
November 12
CAR SHOW: Bill Nichols Chapter 13 Disabled American Veterans will host a car show at the Bill Nichols State Veterans Home Nov. 12 starting at 9 a.m. VETERANS DAY PROGRAM: The Alexander City Veterans Honor Guard is having a Veterans Day Program Saturday, Nov. 12 at 10 a.m. at the Sportsplex. There will be a short program honoring veterans.. The public is encouraged to attend to honor all those that who sacrificed so much for freedom.
November 15
Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com We will deliver the Lake Region’s News to your door
Daily, Weekly or Monthly
SUBSCRIBE TODAY! Take advantage of our Magazine Subscription Special and get both LAKE Magazine and Lake Martin Living for the low price of . . . $5000
Call 256-234-4281 or stop by our ofÚce at 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL
MEETING: The Artist Association of Central Alabama will meet Nov. 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church. DRUG PLAN ENROLLMENT ASSISTANCE: Tallapoosa County and The East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission’s Area Agency on Aging will host a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan enrollment assistance event on Tuesday, Oct. 18, Oct. 25, Nov. 1, Nov. 8, Nov. 15, Nov. 29 and Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sportplex Cabin. To help develop a plan comparison, Medicare recipients will need to bring their Medicare card,along with a complete list of medications they are taking and the dosages. Volunteers will guide them through the selection process and help them get information on the cost of each plan. People interested in getting a plan comparison will be assisted on a first come, first served basis. Each counseling sessions will last about 40 minutes. There may be a wait time. Contact East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission at (800) 243-5463 ext. 150 with questions. REUNION: There will be a Daviston School and Community Reunion Nov. 12 at 10 a.m. at the Daviston Community Center.
November 13
CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: Peace and Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church is celebrating its 136th Anniversary Sunday, Nov. 13 at 2 p.m. Guest pastor will be William Russell of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Pastor of Peace and Goodwill is Robert Williams.
November 17-20
CHURCH REVIVAL: Family Worship Center will host a revival Nov. 17-19 at 6:30 p.m. each night and at 10 a.m. Nov. 20. Speaking will be Pastor Mark Deason and Evangelist Philp Gipson. Pastor of Family Worship Center is Tony Harris.
November 18
CHARITY BALL: The Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Denim and Diamonds Charity Ball a the Lake Martin Event Center at The Rodeo Club Friday, Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. There will be a steak dinner and silent auction. Tickets are available by calling the Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce at 256-825-4019, the Lake Martin Area United Way at 256329-3600 or the Lake Martin Event Center at 256-825-7503.
November 19
COMMUNITY PRAYER: The Darian Missionary Baptist Church family and prayer teams are offering prayer to the community the third Saturday of each month through December from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot on the corner of Laurel and E Streets across from Stephens Elementary School. TRADE DAY: The Bibb Graves School Alumni and Friends are having a trade day Nov. 19 from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. TURKEY SHOOT: The Red Hill Community Club is hosting a turkey shoot Nov. 19 at 10 a.m. at the Red Hill Community Center. Cost is $5 per shot with all proceeds go to the Red Hill Community Roof Fund. PANCAKE BREAKFAST: The New Site Volunteer Fire and Ambulance will be having a pancake breakfast Saturday, Nov. 19 from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the New Site Town Hall.
November 20
CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: New Adka Missionary Baptist Church will observe its 144th anniversary Sunday, Nov. 20 at 2 p.m. Guest minister will be Rev. Anthony Pogue of Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church of Opelika. Pastor of New Adka is Edward Milner. PASTOR APPRECIATION: GAP Fellowship Church will celebrate the 17th Appreciation of Pastor Lewis and Marilyn Benson Sunday, Nov. 20 2:30 p.m. At the 11 a.m. service Minister Jessie White, GAP Fellowship Associate Minister will speak. at the 2:30 p.m. Pastor Larry D. Shealey of Darian Baptist Church will speak.
November 27
HARVEST RALLY: The Word Bible Church is holding a Harvest Rally Nov. 27 at 3 p.m. Pastor is Apostle Wayne and First Lady Min Brenda Davis. Guestspeaker will be Pastor D
emetrius Griffin of Hatchett Spring Baptist Church.
November 29
DRUG PLAN ENROLLMENT ASSISTANCE: Tallapoosa County and The East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission’s Area Agency on Aging will host a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan enrollment assistance event on Tuesday, Oct. 18, Oct. 25, Nov. 1, Nov. 8, Nov. 15, Nov. 29 and Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sportplex Cabin. To help develop a plan comparison, Medicare recipients will need to bring their Medicare card,along with a complete list of medications they are taking and the dosages. Volunteers will guide them through the selection process and help them get information on the cost of each plan. People interested in getting a plan comparison will be assisted on a first come, first served basis. Each counseling sessions will last about 40 minutes. There may be a wait time. Contact East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission at (800) 243-5463 ext. 150 with questions.
December 4
CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: Mt. Zion East Missionary Baptist Church is celebrating its 151st Church Anniversary Sunday, Dec. 4 at 2 p.m. Guest minister will be Rev. M. A. Moss of Reeltown Baptist Church. Rev. Jimmy Thomas is pastor of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church.
December 6
DRUG PLAN ENROLLMENT ASSISTANCE: Tallapoosa County and The East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission’s Area Agency on Aging will host a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan enrollment assistance event on Tuesday, Oct. 18, Oct. 25, Nov. 1, Nov. 8, Nov. 15, Nov. 29 and Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sportplex Cabin. To help develop a plan comparison, Medicare recipients will need to bring their Medicare card,along with a complete list of medications they are taking and the dosages. Volunteers will guide them through the selection process and help them get information on the cost of each plan. People interested in getting a plan comparison will be assisted on a first come, first served basis. Each counseling sessions will last about 40 minutes. There may be a wait time. Contact East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission at (800) 243-5463 ext. 150 with questions.
December 17
COMMUNITY PRAYER: The Darian Missionary Baptist Church family and prayer teams are offering prayer to the community the third Saturday of each month through December from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot on the corner of Laurel and E Streets across from Stephens Elementary School.
January 17
MEETING: The Artist Association of Central Alabama will meet Jan. 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church.
FOOT Specialties
Dr. Douglas Stewart Alexander City, AL
256-215-5596 American Board of Podiatric Surgery Certi¿ed Diabetic Shoes Hospital Surgeries Total Nail Care Hammertoes, Bunions, Corns and Calluses Sports Injuries
How to add a calendar item: Participate in your
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892
By e-mailing your event to calendar@alexcityoutlook.com or call 256-234-4281. _____ Send your news items to editor@alexcityoutlook.com
Page 6
www.alexcityoutlook.com
1. Auburn 2. Alabama 3. Texas A&M 4. Tennessee 5. LSU
Thursday, November 10, 2016
The Outlook
Jason Tapley
Kevin Keel
Matthew McClure
74-26 74%
73-27 73%
67-33 67%
6. Vanderbilt 7. Florida 8. Texas 9. Oklahoma 10. Troy
1. Auburn 2. Alabama 3. Texas A&M 4. Kentucky 5. LSU
6. Vanderbilt 7. Florida 8. Texas 9. Oklahoma 10. Troy
1. Auburn 2. Alabama 3. Texas A&M 4. Kentucky 5. LSU
6. Vanderbilt 7. Florida 8. Texas 9. Oklahoma 10. Troy
145 Alabama St. Alexander City, AL
256-329-2328
Kevin Keel
2133 Cherokee Rd. • Alex City, AL • 888-387-3230
786 S. Tallassee St. • Dadeville, AL • 256-825-4849
Leslie Wingler
Scott Hardy
Shane Vick
66-34 66%
66-34 66%
66-34 66%
1. Auburn 2. Alabama 3. Texas A&M 4. Tennessee 5. LSU
6. Vanderbilt 7. Florida 8. West Virginia 9. Oklahoma 10. Troy
1. Auburn 2. Alabama 3. Texas A&M 4. Tennessee 5. Arkansas
6. Missouri 7. South Carolina 8. West Virginia 9. Oklahoma 10. Troy
1. Auburn 2. Alabama 3. Texas A&M 4. Tennessee 5. LSU
6. Vanderbilt 7. Florida 8. West Virginia 9. Oklahoma 10. Troy
TPI
Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.
1551 Hwy. 280 • Alexander City, AL
P.O. Box 999 • Alexander City, AL 256-234-4281
2133 Cherokee Rd. • Alex City, AL • 888-387-3230
Brett Pritchard
Warry Sexton
Ralph Holley
64-36 64%
58-42 58%
57-43 57%
(256) 234-3432
1. Auburn 2. Alabama 3. Texas A&M 4. Tennessee 5. LSU
6. Vanderbilt 7. Florida 8. West Virginia 9. Oklahoma 10. Appalachian St.
1. Georgia 2. Alabama 3. Texas A&M 4. Tennessee 5. LSU
6. Vanderbilt 7. Florida 8. West Virginia 9. Oklahoma 10. Troy
1. Auburn 2. Alabama 3. Texas A&M 4. Tennessee 5. LSU
6. Vanderbilt 7. Florida 8. West Virginia 9. Oklahoma 10. Troy
S & S DISCOUNT TIRE 857 Cherokee Road • Alexander City
Alexander City • 256-234-6346 Web Site www.cacc.edu
256-215-8822 The
Outlook CIRCLE YOUR PREDICTIONS 1. Auburn vs. Georgia 6. Vanderbilt vs. Missouri 2. Alabama vs. Mississippi St. 7. South Carolina vs. Florida 3. Texas A&M vs. Ole Miss 8. Texas vs. West Virginia 4. Tennessee vs. Kentucky 9. Oklahoma vs. Baylor 5. Arkansas vs. LSU 10. Troy vs. Appalachian St. Tie Breaker: Total Points – Oklahoma/Baylor Name Address Phone Email
_
It’s fun and easy! CIRCLE the winners in the games listed by the team you think will win. (One entry per person.) If more than one entry is entered, you will be disqualified. Must be 18 or older to play. Employees of Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. and their family members are not eligible.
Bring or fax your entry to: 548 Cherokee Road Alexander City, AL Fax: 256-234-6550
Win $25
This Week’s Winner Kenneth Shaw Rockford, AL Entries must be received by 5:00 p.m. Friday
Thursday, November 10, 2016
The Outlook
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Page 7
Corey Arwood / The Outlook
Students at Radney Elementary School presented a tribute to veterans Wednesday. As part of the program ReAsia Brooks, right, performed a patriotic interpretive dance for those who gathered for the ceremony. Left, Radney students Jaxon Kerley, Austin Kenney, Carlee Fuller and Daneiya Owens performed a skit to help honor area veterans and inform students about why it is important to celebrate Veterans Day.
Radney Elementary School students celebrate Veterans Day By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
William L. Radney Elementary School celebrated Veterans Day with an hour-long program to honor local veterans and veteran staff members within the school. Students from RES led the program and a number of veterans from Bill Nichols State Veterans Home Veterans attended. The ceremony was held in the Radney Gymnasium and the students performed a Veterans Day Play. The RES Singers and Dancers performed to “Amazing Grace,” and a number of students sang “America the
Veterans
Beautiful” The keynote speaker was Alexander City native Steve King pastor of First Baptist Church of Alexander City. He spoke on “What it Means to be a Veteran” and incorporated topics from recent presidential elections, to scripture with a focus on “service.” The winners in a school-wide writing contest Kaden McCoy and Olivia Dean presented their essays on what it means to be a veteran. There was an “All Veterans-Service Song Medley” and the fully decorated veterans stood when each branch’s theme was played. RES students walked through the aisles and handed
them cards as each stood. Instructional Coach Kenyatta Simmons organized the event along with Special Education Instructor Beverly Johnson. Simmons gave closing remarks and a veteran performing “Taps” in the back of the gymnasium concluded the ceremony. Simmons said it was her first year organizing the event. She said she wanted to add something to the holiday. “I feel like it was a great success. I feel like the students in preparing for this event they learned a lot about veterans and the Veterans Day holiday,” said Simmons.
continued from page 1
Interim Principal Shireen Coleman, fighting back tears. “I want to thank everyone for coming and everyone who worked so hard on this program. It was beautiful. To our veterans, we appreciate you. We hope you were honored, because we were honored to celebrate your service to our country.” Assistant Principal Keonn Nettles said that the ceremony and the preparation that went into it was intended to teach children about history, patriotism and to instill respect for the nation’s servicemen. Student Meadow Walker was hosted the ceremony with Will Calhoun welcoming the veterans and guests. Students led the Pledge of Allegiance, and the entire third grade led the singing of the “National Anthem.” Student Cash Sassano delivered a lesson, telling all who gathered about the history of Veterans Day. The advanced band played “America the Beautiful” and the choir sang “Standing Up for Freedom.” The “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “America” were also performed. One of the veterans who helped present the colors said that this ceremony shows that there is hope for the future. “It is just tremendous to see how these children worked so hard to learn the history of out armed forces,” Ret. U.S. Air Force serviceman James Machen said. “It was definitely a moving tribute and we really appreciate it. It’s one we look forward to every year.”
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
Top right, JaMichael Richardson proudly displays the Marine Corps insignia along with all the other branches of the military. Left, Stephens third-grade chorus member Zanyla Dixon is all smiles as she waves her flag and prepares to sing at Wednesday’s Veterans Day program. Below left, the Stephens Elementary Choir sings ‘Standing Up For Freedom’ under the direction of Patricia Burley. Below right, Meadow Walker served as Master of Ceremonies for Wednesday’s Veterans Day program at Stephens Elementary School.
Page 8
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Thursday, November 10, 2016
The Outlook
POLICE SEARCH FOR SUSPECT IN BB&T ROBBERY Bold suspect goes over counter and robs Tallassee bank Monday
By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
Special / The Tribune
Police are seeking the public’s help in finding the man pictured above who robbed BB&T in Tallassee Monday.
Shortly before noon on Monday, Tallassee Police Officers responded to BB&T bank located on Gilmer Avenue due to a reported robbery. Upon arrival it was determined that an unidentified white male entered the business, wearing a dark hooded
sweatshirt, camouflage pants or overalls and dark gloves. The suspect then made gestures to the clerk as he removed his hands from his coat pockets and leaned over the counter. He removed an undisclosed amount of currency from the drawer and fled out on foot.
He was last seen traveling west on Gilmer Avenue in a green possible Toyota Camry or a Lexus sedan. The vehicle appeared to have reddish dirt all over the vehicle. The white male is described as being between 5-6 to 5-8 and of stocky build. At this point the Tallassee Police Department and
the Federal Bureau of Investigations are investigating the events. Numerous surrounding agencies are assisting in the search for the individual and vehicle related to this crime. If you have any information relating to this crime contact the Tallassee Police Department at 334283-6586.
Supporting our wounded warriors
E
very Veterans Day, the nation honors the brave men and women who risk their lives to protect our country and the freedoms we cherish. Social Security honors veterans and active duty members of the military every day by giving them the support they deserve. A vital part of that is adminKYLE’ D. istering the Social Security disability pro- MCKINNEY Alabama gram. Social For those who return Security home with injuries, Social Security is a resource they can turn to for disability benefits. Social Security’s Wounded Warriors website is at www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors. The Wounded Warriors website has answers to many commonly asked questions, and shares other useful information about disability benefits, including how veterans can receive expedited processing of disability claims. Benefits available through Social Security are different from those available from the Department of Veterans Affairs and require a separate application. The expedited process is available to military service members who become disabled while on active military service on or after October 1, 2001, regardless of where the disability occurs. Even active duty military who continue to receive pay while in a hospital or on medical leave should consider applying for disability benefits if they’re unable to work due to a disabling condition. Active duty status and receipt of military pay doesn’t necessarily prevent payment of Social Security disability benefits. Although a person can’t receive Social Security disability benefits while engaging in substantial work for pay or profit, receipt of military payments should never stop someone from applying for disability benefits from Social Security. Learn more by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors. With over 80 years of experience and compassionate service, Social Security is proud to support our veterans and active duty members of the military. Let these heroes know they can count on us when they need to take advantage of their earned benefits, today and tomorrow. Kyle’ D. McKinney is a public affairs specialist with Alabama Social Security.
Corey Arwood / The Outlook
Camp Hill’s new Mayor Ezell Smith was sworn in along with a new council by Municipal Judge Michael Speakman at Monday’s town hall meeting.
Camp Hill mayor and council sworn in By COREY ARWOOD Outlook Staff Writer
A new town council was sworn in Monday at the Camp Hill town council meeting where five council members and a new mayor stood before a packed town hall to take office and then vote on city officials. The council chambers were shoulder-to-shoulder with residents and friends and family of the incoming and incumbent town government officials. Outgoing Mayor Danny Evans spoke and Municipal Judge Michael Speakman swore in the officials. New Mayor Ezell Smith was sworn in first. She raised her right hand and placed her left hand on her “family bible” and recited the oath of office after Speakman. Afterward Speakman congratulated Smith and applause arose from
the room. The same procedure was followed with each council member, four of which are newly elected. Places 1 – 5 are: Linda Caldwell, incumbent Sylvia Spratling, Duane Blackwell, Clarence Dean Bonner and Clifford Wilkerson. Afterward Smith spoke, thanking the council and the community. “I can’t do it by myself,” said Smith. “To our outgoing mayor thank you for all your leadership and I will do my best to continue what we have put in place. And to this council here we are a team and I know if we work together and I know we will work together we can get the lights back on in Camp hill… We can move Camp Hill forward.” After the ceremonies, they moved into an organizational session. They voted on a mayor pro-tem. Place 4 Council Member Clarence Dean Bonner, was voted on with only one abstaining.
Clifford Wilkerson said he opposed and proposed Linda Caldwell. Speakman was voted to resume his position as municipal judge, with no opposition. Chief of Camp Hill Police Department Johnny Potts was voted to remain police chief. Town Clerk Lakesha Harris was voted on to remain in office, with one opposing vote from Bonner. All were in favor of David Berry remaining the town’s fire chief. Afterward Bonner and Berry spoke about the burn bans in affect due to drought conditions, and asked resident to refrain from burning debris as well as anything as small as throwing out cigarette butts. Smith closed the meeting with a message, “I have a open door policy,” and then she spoke about what she called a them … We want to unify this community unify this town and if we all come together and work together we can do a lot.”
Burn ban extended to entire state
By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley approved State Forester Gary Cole’s formal statewide declaration of drought emergency conditions, placing a no-burn order over the entire state, effective at 3 p.m. Monday. “Although 46 counties in North Alabama were already under the no-burn order, it was necessary to add the remaining 21 counties in the southern part of the state because of alarming wildfire activity and continued lack of rainfall,” Bentley said. “The expansion of this no-burn order is critical to keeping our citizens safe from the threat of wildfires and reducing the chance of avoidable fires.” Since Oct. 1, a total of 1,421 wildfires have occurred in Alabama destroying approximately 15,409 acres of land. Last year during this same time frame, there were only 232 wildfires burning 1,846 acres across the state. On Monday, Alabama
Forestry Commission wildland firefighters continued to battle a wildfire that started on Friday in Walker County, which has now escalated into a 1,300-plus-acre blaze and is still growing. Over the weekend, other large wildfires burned in Baldwin, Coosa, and Wilcox counties affecting several property owners. Since Nov. 1, wildfires consuming more than 100 acres had occurred in Walker, Baldwin, Jefferson, Wilcox and Blount counties. The Blount County wildfire, like the one in Walker County (of which the Blount County fire could be an extension, Cole said), posed a threat to homes. Cole said that he was not aware of any homes being lost to the fires. Elmore County remained relatively unscathed by the fires with just seven in the last 30 days burning just under three acres each, on average. In total, the River Region has reported 28 wildfires in the last month that have consumed 222.25 acres.
According to Cole, the No Burn Order is a result of the prolonged drought that most of the state is experiencing this year, as well as the increasing number of fires that have occurred recently and reduced availability of suppression resources. “With these extremely dry conditions, any fire can quickly spread out of control,” Cole said. “Over the past few weeks we’ve seen an increase not only in the number of wildfires that have occurred, but also the size. “Several of these fires have been large, not only resulting in damage to our forests but also directly threatening residential areas. If not for the efforts of Forestry Commission firefighters and assistance from volunteer fire departments we would have lost homes.” Cole said he decided to move forward to propose the statewide no burn order after receiving calls urging him to do so from fire professionals, including fire chiefs, and politicians from across the state, particularly south Alabama where there
was no no-burn order. “Normally what we do is we look at the number of fires and the acreage burning and decide whether we (the Alabama Forestry Commission and its woodland firefighters) can handle them,” Cole said. “If we decide that we can’t that’s a trigger. But this time I was getting a lot of calls from fire chiefs from Baldwin and Mobile counties, other fire professionals and some politicians, too, who had constituents calling them and wanting a ban. I actually wanted to do it a little sooner, but I wasn’t able to get with the governor over the weekend.” Cole said that some light rain was falling in south Alabama Tuesday morning bringing minimal relief to the wildfire situation. The National Weather Service’s extended forecast for the Wetumpka area does offer a slight possibility of relief, mentioning a 20 percent chance of showers both Sunday night and Monday.
Under the Drought Emergency ‘No Burn’ Order, Section 9-13-141 of the Code of Alabama states that it is illegal for any person to set fire to any forest, grass, woods, wildlands or marshes; to build a campfire or bonfire; or to burn trash or other material that may cause a forest, grass or woods fire. Specifically, the regulation prohibits any prescribed burns, any campfire or bonfire, any trash or debris fires, or any other open burning. If convicted, the penalty for violating the No Burn order is up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $500.00. The no-burn order will remain in effect until rescinded by the State Forester when conditions change to sufficiently reduce the occurrence and frequency of wildfires. To report persons burning in violation of this law, contact your local law enforcement. For more information on the current wildfire situation in the state, visit Alabama Forestry Commission’s website at www. forestry.alabama.gov.
ClassiÄeds
Lake & River Fax (205) 669-4217
Reaching more than 22,000 households in Tallapoosa and Elmore counties
The Alexander City Outlook
The Dadeville Record
Phone (256) 277-4219
classifieds@alexcityoutlook.com public.notices@alexcityoutlook.com classifieds@thewetumpkaherald.com public.notices@thewetumpkaherald.com
The Eclectic Observer
The Tallassee Tribune
The Wetumpka Herald
Thursday, November 10, 2016
The Outlook
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Page 11
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
Local artist Charles Forbus of Sign Source works on restoring the Chero-Cola sign on the side of a building along Main Street in Alexander City Wednesday. Below, you can see the state of the sign before work began and some historic images from a time when the ginger-ale type drink that had its roots in Columbus, Georgia was a hot item in stores.
MURAL MAKEOVER
Forgotten drink company sign on side of historic building in Alex City is getting a fresh look By MITCH SNEED Editor No matter where you look around Alexander City, you are likely to be surrounded by history. While some of the old standards have fallen by the wayside and faced with time, every now and then efforts are made to preserve vivid images from the past. MainStreet Alex City recently approved funding for a mural restoration and enhancement in the downtown area. This week you may have noticed Charles Forbus of Sign Source hard at work on the project that is on a wall that faces Alexander City Hall in an alley just off Main Street. “I’m a one-man crew on this one,” Forbus said as he worked Wednesday. “It’s one of the fun things about my job. “Somebody asked me do I mind doing it,” Forbus said. “Mind? I love it. I’d rather be doing this any day than being stuck inside an office. It’s been fun bringing this thing back to life.” According to Wikipedia and Angelfire.com, Chero-Cola got its start in 1905 in Columbus, Georgia. The Hatcher Grocery Co, a family wholesale grocery business, purchased bottled drinks from a local bottler and resold them to its customers. A young graduate pharmacist, Claud A. Hatcher began by creating his own soft drinks in the basement of his grocery business. Originally called the Union Bottling Works, the first line of beverages was named Royal Crown, a ginger ale and the first cola was called Chero-Cola. The company Chero-Cola was licensed in 1912 for the purpose of “manufacturing a line of syrups and concentrates to be sold to franchised bottlers under trademarks owned by Chero-Cola Co.” If the sign that is being refurbished is accurate, the drinks cost five cents a bottle when it was put on the wall of what was then Ross Barton Wholesale and Retail in downtown Alexander City, according to MainStreet Alexander City Director Richard Wagoner. “He does an incredible job on these,” Wagoner said. “History will get away from you if you don’t find it in time. Luckily with this one it’s getting new life for a whole new generation to enjoy.” Wagoner said he was unsure of when the sign was put up originally, but said he would guess “the 1930s or 40s according to what I’ve been told.” Forbus said he isn’t sure when he will be done, but hopes to have it done by this weekend’s Holiday Open House downtown on Sunday.
CATHY HIGGINS SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228
sports@alexcityoutlook.com
Page 12
Thursday, November 10, 2016
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Auburn’s Jack Simms helped shape the mind of a young sports writer
“O
Cathy Higgins / The Outlook
Horseshoe Bend senior Kynsley Rae Blasingame (seated, center) signs her commitment papers to Troy University Wednesday. Seated on either side of her are her parents Sherri Blasingame and Phil Blasingame. They are joined by (standing, from left) Horseshoe Bend High Principal Jimmy Aulner, assistant softball David Caldwell and head softball coach Bernie Robidart.
Blasingame signs with Troy By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor
After Horseshoe Bend senior softball pitcher Kynsley Rae Blasingame commited to Troy University back in the summer, she made it official Wednesday morning in a signing ceremony at Horseshoe Bend High. In addition to the Lady Trojans, Blasingame received offers from North Georgia and Jacksonville State University. But choosing Troy is a decision the Beta Club member is satisfied with. “It’s really rewarding,” she said. “I waited on this day forever. It just shows that all my hard work came true.” That hard work started well over a decade ago when Blasingame began playing T-ball. As time went on, her love of softball only grew — as did her commitment to the sport. “I began playing travel ball when I was 8 years old,” Blasingame recalled. That same year while at UAB softball camp, Blasingame declared her intent to focus on pitching. Two years later she gave up league ball altogether in order to pitch in travel ball in the Birminghammetro area. And it’s only evolved from there. “The last three years we’ve played out of Atlanta and Chattanooga,” said her father, Phil Blasingame. That’s not to mention her spring seasons of playing with the Lady Generals, where she earned AllState honors. According to her father, each experience has helped Blasingame achieve her longtime goal of pitching Division I softball. But it hasn’t come without sacrifice.
“You have to practice five days a week,” Phil Blasingame said. “It’s every evening, every weekend. She’s worked hard and sacrificed a lot of things. She wouldn’t go to birthday parties at times and she wasn’t able to do things with friends at times. But she wanted to pitch Division I softball.” Blasingame moves in at Troy at the first of August 2017. In the meantime, she’s focusing on her senior year at Horseshoe Bend. “School is stressful,” she said. “We have a lot going on, a lot of assignments. But I’m excited for school-ball season. It’s definitely bittersweet that it’s my last one.” Blasingame plans to make her mark with the Lady Generals team in her final season, as well. “I hope we make it to state again,” she said. “We made it last year and I hope we do it again this year.” Horseshoe Bend head softball coach Bernie Robidart plans to cherish his last season of coaching Blasingame. “She’s been a joy to coach,” Robidart said. “She’s easy to coach. She’s a leader. In practices she helps us as much as we help the girls. She’s one of those onthe-field coaches, always willing to help people and make them better. I think she’s always had that attitude.” While Blasingame’s focus is pitching, Robidart said she’s an equally good hitter. “She led the team in hitting both the last two years,” he said. “A lot of times that gets overlooked. There are a lot of players in the state that can hit pretty good pitching, but there are very few that can hit really good pitching. That’s the thing she can do and that sets her apart.”
Lady Generals assistant softball coach David Caldwell said Blasingame brings talent to all angles of the game, which is a rarity. “You don’t often run into people who are good fielders, good hitters and good at their position,” he said. “She is.” That’s evidenced in Blasingame’s record last year with Horseshoe Bend. On average she only gave up 1.45 runs per game and had two wins for the season. Plus, in the 222.1 innings she pitched, Blasingame had 289 strike-outs. She also had a .300 batting average for the year. Out of the 120 times at bat, Blasingame had four home runs and a 24 RBI. Caldwell finds it inspiring for a student from a school of Horseshoe Bend’s size can get such an opportunity as to attend Troy and play with the Lady Trojans. “It’s good to know that somebody from a school like this can go to a school like that based on talent,” he said. “She’s got some talent.” Once at Troy, Blasingame plans to major in either political science or economics. “I hope to go to law school,” she said. Blasingame also looks forward to living out her Division I softball dream by playing with the Lady Trojans. “Troy has a lot of success every year and they definitely compete at the top of their conference as one of the top three schools in the Sunbelt Conference,” she said. “I know a lot of the girls that come in the same year that I do are very talented, so I’m excited to see what it will be like.”
mit needless words.” That’s Rule 17 in Strunk and White’s The Elements of Style, the defacto textbook for many young journalism students. Vigorous writing is concise. A sentence should contain no unnecessary words... the lesson reads. Why force your audience to read a 100-word sentence when your point could be made in 50? I never considered the concept until the day I met Jack Simms. It was May of 1989 and the Auburn journalism professor sat me down in his Haley Center office to discuss my possible enrollment into the program. Wow — what an introduction into JOE Auburn journalMCADORY ism. We spent Sports Columnist an incredible hour talking not only about the journalism department, but often-misspelled words, misused words and this new-to-me concept called “omit needless words.” When I covered a high school football game for a nearby paper that fall, I wouldn’t have to embarrass myself by writing, “Opelika running back Kenny Flowers ran for three touchdowns and 123 yards on the night to lead the Bulldogs past Russell County 20-0 in Friday’s season-opener.” On the night? Really? Who writes this crap? Instead, “Kenny Flowers rushed for 123 yards and three touchdowns to lead Opelika past Russell County, 20-0, in Friday’s season-opener.” He also brought up the word only. When used incorrectly, it can really change the grammatical meaning of a sentence. “Benjamin Russell guard Thomas Jones only scored one point against Central-Coosa on Tuesday.” He only scored one point Tuesday? That’s all he did? He didn’t go to class, tie his shoes, eat lunch, etc.? Apparently, all he did Tuesday was score one point. Jack reminded me that when used correctly, the sentence has a new — correct — meaning. “Benjamin Russell guard Thomas Jones scored only one point against CentralCoosa on Tuesday.” My moving the word “only” before the subject it emphasizes instead of after the subject’s identity, then we have correct grammar. Then there were fun redundancies like “hot water heater” (just say water heater) and “Easter Sunday” (just say Easter because we know it’s on a Sunday), that made the conversation and my first lesson from Jack even more enjoyable. Surviving his class was a chore but taught me many lessons I learned today. I am blessed to have been one of the people who had the opportunity to not only have Jack as a professor, but to call him a friend in the newspaper industry. Simms, a former U.S. Marine who fought in the battle of Iwo Jima, was among five veterans honored at halftime of last Saturday’s Vanderbilt-Auburn game. Wearing a bright red blazer, Jack was easy to spot. He was introduced and wearily raised his right hand to the thousands who cheered wildly. He held the arm up for a few seconds and smiled. It was almost as if he was saying goodbye. Jack Simms died Tuesday morning. He might have made a living by omitting needless words, but his vigorous life touched all of those who knew him. Joe McAdory is the communications editor at Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business and is the former sports editor at the OpelikaAuburn News.
Editor’s note: The gold crown indicates those with the best record so far in the season.
Alabama vs Miss. State S. Carolina @ Florida Kentucky @ Tennessee Auburn @ Georgia Vanderbilt @ Missouri LSU @ Arkansas Ole Miss @ Texas A&M Baylor @ Oklahoma USC @ Washington Pittsburgh @ Clemson
BRHS @ Oxford
Cliff Williams
Cathy Higgins
Last Week: Last Week: 7-3 7-3 Overall: 78-21 Overall: 74-25
Brett Pritchard
Mitch Sneed
Doug Patterson
Luke Robinson
David Granger
Last Week: 8-2 Overall: 74-25
Last Week: 8-2 Overall: 74-25
Last Week: 7-3 Overall: 69-30
Last Week: Last Week: Last Week: Last Week: 8-2 6-4 6-4 6-4 Overall: 67-32 Overall: 65-34 Overall: 65-34 Overall: 64-35
Randy Lee
Scott Hardy
Alabama
Alabama
Alabama
Alabama
Alabama
Alabama
Alabama
Alabama
Alabama
Florida
Florida
Florida
Florida
S. Carolina
Florida
Florida
S. Carolina
S. Carolina
Tennessee
Tennesse
Tennessee
Tennessee
Kentucky
Kentucky
Tennessee
Tennessee
Tennessee
Auburn
Auburn
Auburn
Auburn
Auburn
Auburn
Auburn
Auburn
Auburn
Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt
Missouri
Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt
Missouri
Missouri
LSU
Arkansas
Arkansas
Arkansas
Arkansas
LSU
Arkansas
Arkansas
Arkansas
Texas A&M
Texas A&M
Texas A&M
Texas A&M
Texas A&M
Texas A&M
Texas A&M
Texas A&M
Texas A&M
Oklahoma
Oklahoma
Oklahoma
Oklahoma
Oklahoma
Oklahoma
Oklahoma
Baylor
Baylor
Washington
Wasjomgtpm
Washington
Washington
Washington
Washington
Washington
Washington
Washington
Clemson
Clemson
Clemson
Clemson
Clemson
Clemson
Clemson
Clemson
Clemson