Nov. 10, 2017 Alex City Outlook

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Judge takes action in Dadeville murder case One suspect headed to grand jury, two request preliminary hearings By MITCH SNEED Editor

The case against the one of the three men charged in a Sept. 28 incident that left one man dead and another badly injured will be heard by a Tallapoosa County Grand Jury, while the other two will likely have preliminary hearings. Judge Kim Taylor bound the cases against Tavorick Black Shaw Sheeley Laquaz “Qua” Black of Dadeville over to the grand jury at a first call hearing Thursday. with murder and attempted murder. He appeared Black, who is currently free on bond, is charged before Taylor without an attorney Thursday.

“You are charged with two felonies and those cases will be bound over to a grand jury,” Taylor told Black. “They will meet within the next six months and they will make a determination is there is enough evidence for the case to go to trial.” Camp Hill’s Dazmon Notorious Shaw and Daquon Sheeley of Jacksons Gap are both charged with murder and did not appear in court Thursday even though hearings were docketed. Shaw, who is represented by Jason Jackson, was not present in court. Jackson has filed several motions in See CASE • Page 3

United Way charity ball set for Nov. 17 Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

The sixth annual Denim and Diamonds Charity Ball will be held at the Lake Martin Event Center at The Rodeo Club in Dadeville Friday, Nov. 17 beginning at 6 p.m. The ball is a joint effort through the Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Lake Martin Area United Way, giving attendees the chance to have some fun and raise funds for the United Way at the same time, whether they arrive in nice dresses and fine jewelry or jeans and cowboy boots. “We have always used it as a fundraiser for the United Way,” Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Administrator Linda Andrews said. “It’s a great way to raise money. We really enjoy doing this.” During the event, guests will have the chance to bid on a number of silent auction items, enjoy a steak dinner and dance the night away to See BALL • Page 3

Doug Jones gave a spirited 22-minute talk to 112 supporters Thursday night in Alexander City.

Jones visits DRIVERS Alex City

BEWARE

File / The Outlook

As Moore faces allegations, Jones tells crowd ‘we’ve got the wind at our back’

Drivers across Tallapoosa County most likely have encountered a scene similar to this one with a deer crossing in their path. Insurance officials say that 1 in 145 Alabama motorists will experience a crash involving a deer.

By DONALD CAMPBELL & MITCH SNEED Staff Writers

‘Tis the season to watch for deer on the road

On a day when The Washington Post reported allegations for four women accusing his opponent of sexual misconduct in the 1980s, Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate Doug Jones told people in Alexander City Thursday to “stay in your lane and concentrate on the kitchen table issues that are important to all Americans and Alabama will have a senator they can be proud of.” Jones, a Birmingham area attorney and former prosecutor, served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and then as the United See JONES • Page 3

chest. If you’re lucky, you avoid the deer, but, according to State Farm Insurance’s 2016 deer collision statistics, one in every 145 drivers in Everyone who drives eventually goes through Alabama didn’t. it. In fact, the Insurance Institute for Highway You’re driving down a peaceful Alabama Safety (IIHS) estimates that 1.5 million drivcountry road and you see the animal leap into ers collide with a deer each year in the United view, its white tail standing high and straight States, causing an annual estimated $1 billion in as it darts toward the highway in a series of vehicle damage. In addition the IIHS says 186 graceful bounds. Your grip tightens on the steerpeople died in collisions with deer in 2015, the ing wheel and your foot instinctively goes to See DEER • Page 7 the brakes. Your heart begins to pound in your By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer

Innovation Center holds Alabama Launchpad info event panies and has grown to encompass four separate competitions each year, where startups in various stages of development vie for up to $250,000 in Representatives from a handful of seed money. local start-up businesses joined Ed “Most of the startups have been Collari and Jacob Meachem of the based in Birmingham, Mobile and Alexander City Chamber of Commerce Huntsville,” Baker said. “The state at the Lake Martin Innovation Center organization decided to try and grow Thursday afternoon for a lunch presenthis throughout the rest of the state tation by Dr. LaKami Baker from the through regional competitions.” Auburn Regional Alabama Launchpad As a result of this initiative, the Competition organization. city of Auburn, the Auburn University “Alabama Launchpad promotes and Research and Technology Foundation rewards high-growth, innovative startup companies,” Baker said. “If we give and the Raymond J. Harbert College of Business at Auburn University joined these businesses the proper resources, together in a partnership to form the they can succeed.” Auburn region of Alabama Launchpad, Alabama Launchpad was begun which is comprised of Chambers, Lee, in 2006 to help get entrepreneurs Macon, Russell and Tallapoosa counthroughout the state much-needed ties. funds to help grow their businessCurrently, there are only two es, hire more workers and add to regional organizations of Alabama Alabama’s economy. Since its incepLaunchpad, the Auburn region and one tion, Alabama Launchpad has become See LAUNCHPAD • Page 3 a go-to resource for these startup comBy DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

Donald Campbell / The Outlook

Dr. LaKami Baker with the Auburn Regional Launchpad Alabama Competition organization gives her presentation to local entrepreneurs and the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce at the Lake Martin Innovation Center Thursday afternoon.

Starting Friday:

Madea Halloween Boo 2– PG-13 Thor: Ragnarok 3D– PG-13 Daddy’s Home 2– PG-13

Lake Martin

Today’s

Lake Levels

Weather

486.49

64 40

Reported on 11/09/17 @ 2 p.m.

High

Low

LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443

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Sister takes friend to task for missing brother’s funeral

Saturday

62 43 Low

High

Mostly sunny with a slight chance of showers at night

Sunday

60 46 Low

High

Mostly sunny with a slight chance of showers

Staff

Directory Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook. com Management Steve Baker Publisher, Ext. 218 steve.baker@alexcityoutlook.com Mitch Sneed Editor, Ext. 213 mitch.sneed@alexcityoutlook.com David Kendrick Circulation Manager, Ext. 204 david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com Lee Champion Production Manager, Ext. 220 lee.champion@alexcityoutlook.com Audra Spears Art Director, Ext. 219 audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com Angela Mullins Business Manager, Ext. 202 angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com Newsroom Amy Passaretti Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 amy.passaretti@alexcityoutlook.com Lizi Arbogast Sports Editor, Ext. 228 lizi.arbogast@alexcityoutlook.com Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212

cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com Donald Campbell Staff Writer, Ext. 208 donald.campbell@alexcityoutlook.com Santana Wood Staff Writer/Pagination, Ext. 210 santana.wood@alexcityoutlook.com Advertising Sales Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Tabby Edwards Retail Sales Manager, Ext. 232 tabby.edwards@alexcityoutlook.com Scott Hardy Digital Marketing Coordinator, Ext. 231 scott.hardy@alexcityoutlook.com Emily Gregg Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 emily.gregg@alexcityoutlook.com Rebecca Carlisle Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 rebecca.carlisle@alexcityoutlook.com Grant Peterson Advertising Sales, Ext. 209 grant.peterson@alexcityoutlook.com Composing Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com Circulation Linda Ewing Office Clerk, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com

Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, Lake Martin Living, (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) Kenneth Boone The Outlook is published five times Photography and a week, Tuesday through Saturday a commercial web mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, printing press. Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011.

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Friday, November 10, 2017

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can be submitted to The How to Obituaries Outlook from funeral homes by at obits@alexcityoutlook.com Submit ore-mail by fax at (256) 234-6550. For more Obituaries information, call (256) 234-4281. SOCIAL SECURITY FAYE EDMONDSON Attorney at Law 135 N. Tallassee Street • Dadeville, AL

825-9559

DEAR ABBY: I missed the funeral of a long-time family friend, “Tom,” because I foolishly relied on one of my relatives to let me know when the service was and she didn’t. I had to go out of town two days after Tom died, but I should have called someone before I left so I could revise my travel plans. I was so sure my family would let me know. Out of embarrassment, I compounded the mistake by not contacting Tom’s sister when I returned two days later and realized I had missed everything. When I finally spoke with her, she was furious with me, for which I don’t blame her. When I tried to explain, she misconstrued everything I tried to say and accused me of “just making excuses.” She went on and on for so long I was shocked by how upset she was. I’m not an important person to Tom’s family even though he was special to me, so I’m not sure why she’s so upset with

DEAR ABBY Advice

me. I don’t know what to do because the more I try to communicate, the more irrational she gets. I’m mourning Tom, who was like an uncle to me, and I want to make it up to his family. He had been sick for a long time, so his death wasn’t a surprise. I see some of his relatives quite often and I don’t know how to approach them when I see them next. Any ideas? -ANGUISHED IN NEW YORK DEAR ANGUISHED: Attendance at funerals is not compulsory. Your reason for missing Tom’s funeral was legitimate. Many people skip funerals because they prefer to remember the deceased as they were instead of in a coffin.

Tom’s sister is grieving for her brother and taking her pain out on you. What she said was out of line and you do not have to apologize further. When you see the other family members, extend your condolences, tell them you were out of town at the time of his funeral and that you are sorry you were unable to be there to support them. Period. DEAR ABBY: My husband of 17 years has been cheating on me and is continuing to cheat. His older sister also cheated on her husband for many years with multiple men, so cheating must run in their DNA. Because of our unhappy marriages, my brother-in-law and I began talking, sharing our pain and regret about marrying the wrong people. Because of our conversations we became friends and soulmates. We both have deep wounds no one else understands. Ultimately, we became physically attracted to

Mrs. Betty Patton Templeton 1928 - 2017 Funeral Service for Betty Patton Templeton, 88, of Alexander City, Alabama, will be Friday, November 10, 2017 at 2:00 pm at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Jason Templeton will officiate. Mrs. Templeton passed away on Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at Carrollton Nursing and Rehab. She was born on December 24, 1928 in Alexander City, Alabama to James W. Patton and Nellie Pearl Coker Patton. She was a charter member of Orr Street Baptist Church. She is survived by her

Nancy Jo Morgan The funeral service for Nancy Jo Morgan, age 56 of Lineville, will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Benefield Funeral Home in Lineville with Bro. James Morgan and Bro. David Holcombe officiating. Burial will follow in the Faith Memorial Cemetery. Mrs. Morgan passed away Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at the UAB Medical Center. She was a native of New Orleans, LA and a former resident of Mobile but had lived most of her life in Clay County. Mrs. Morgan was a homemaker and had worked in the bakery at Walmart for several years. She was a member of Faith Christian Fellowship. Mrs. Morgan is survived by her husband of 40 years, Stephen R. Morgan of Lineville; three daughters: Amy Morgan Hill (James) of Sylacauga, Melissa

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Obituaries grandson, Jason Templeton (Michelle) of Carrollton, GA; four great grandchildren; and brother, Tom Patton (Barbara) of Alexander City. She was preceded in death by her husband, Pete Templeton; sons, Steve and Ron Templeton; grandson, Jared Templeton; one sister and one brother. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Southern Hills Christian Church, 1103 North Hwy 113, Carrollton, GA 30117. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www. radneyfuneralhome.com.

Mrs. Charmagne Dawsey Lee, 79, of Childersburg, AL went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on November 8, 2017 from the Bethany House in Auburn, AL. Mrs. Lee was loved dearly by her husband, Bob, and was a devoted Pastor’s wife while serving churches in Alabama and Mississippi for the last 31 years. She will be remembered for her servant’s heart while caring for people’s needs physically and spiritually. She loved to sing for Jesus. She and Bob served many years in the Gideon International. She will also be remembered for her love to host and cater events, make beautiful floral arrangements, and direct weddings. While she will be deeply missed, the family rejoices to know she is no longer in sorrow or pain, and she is walking again, just on the streets of gold and singing in the heavenly choir. Mrs. Lee is survived by her husband of 62 years Rev. Robert Allen (Bob) Lee; her two sons, Rev. Daniel (Karen) Lee and Rev. Vince (Tina) Lee; her four grand-Angels, Rachel (Mike) Holtzclaw, Ana (Chad) Milam, Heather (Justin) Barrett, and Allen (Lori) Lee; her three great-

James Veasley Mr. James Veasley of Jacksons Gap, Alabama passed away Wednesday, November 8, 2017 Russell Medical. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will announced later by Wright’s Funeral Home. Professional Service provided by Wright’s Funeral Home

Wesley Mitchell Rev. Wesley Mitchell of Kellyton, Alabama passed away Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at his residence. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will announced later by Wright’s Funeral Home.

Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Hunter (David) of Lineville and Amber Piper (Gregory) of Foley; one son, Joshua Morgan (Amy) of Utah; one sister, Norma Chapman of Oxford; two brothers: William Baker and Jimmy Baker Jr., both of Lineville; 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; Jimmy Lee Baker and JoAnn Blanchard Baker; one sister, Wanda Smith and two brothers: Wayne Baker and Johnny Cash Baker. Pallbearers will be Ron Chapman, Wilton Jones, Robert Knight, Danny Baker, J J Jordan, Roger Morgan, Roger Pearson and Thomas Baker. The family will receive friends tonight, Friday, November 10, 2017 at Benefield Funeral Home in Lineville from 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and until service time on Saturday. Send online condolences to benefieldfuneralhome.com.

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.

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each other. Is it wrong that we are falling in love? Both of us want to be legitimately together, but at the same time we are afraid family around us will reject us. -- CHEATING FAMILY DEAR CHEATING FAMILY: Why would the family around you reject you? What has happened is understandable. Surely the family is aware that both your spouses have cheated for years. I would, however, caution that it would be better for you two to avoid acting on your physical attraction until after you have both filed for divorce -- not only to protect each other’s reputations but also because cheating does not run in YOUR DNA.

grandchildren, Charlee, Hudson, and Braxton; her siblings, Gene Dawsey, Jeanelle Rainey, Wayne Carter, and Sylvia (Tony) Wilberding; along with numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents Wilma and W J Carter and Alphonso Dawsey; and son Brent Lee. Funeral service will be Sunday, November 12, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Green’s Creek Baptist Church, Old Richton Road, Petal, MS. Her sons, The Rev. Daniel Lee and Rev. Vince Lee will officiate. The family will receive friends in Alexander City on Friday, November 10, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home and at Moore Funeral Home in Petal, MS on Saturday, November 11, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The family wants to extend a special thanks to the caregivers of Goodwater Healthcare, especially Darlene Parrish and Dr. Sunil Sharma. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www. radneyfuneralhome.com. Radney Funeral Home, Alexander City and Moore Funeral Home, Petal, MS is in charge of the arrangements.

Professional Service provided by Wright’s Funeral Home

Simmie D. Wilson Funeral Service for Mr. Simmie D. Wilson will be 1:00 PM Friday, November 10, 2017 at Paradise Full Mission Gospel, Goodwater, Alabama with burial following in Macedonia Memorial Gardens in Goodwater, Alabama. Professional Service provided by Wright’s Funeral Home

Mrs. Virginia Daugherty 1926 - 2017 Funeral Service for Mrs. Virginia Daugherty, 91, of Alexander City, Alabama, will be Saturday, November 11, 2017 at 11:00 am at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Randy Anderson will officiate. Burial will follow in the Hillview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 11, 2017 from 9:30 am to 10:30 am at Radney Funeral Home. Mrs. Daugherty passed away on Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at Russell Medical. She was born on November 1, 1926 in Alexander City, Alabama to James William Patton and Nellie Pearl Patton. She was an active member of Orr Street Baptist Church and taught Sunday School for over 50 years. She was very active in her church life, loved her church family dearly, and led many to a closer walk with the Lord. Mrs. Daugherty was an excellent cook and was known for her red velvet cake and lemon ice box pie. She loved her family and always gave heartily to them. She is survived by her sons, Wayne Daugherty (Belinda) of Jacksons Gap and Rick Daugherty (Linda) of Newnan, GA; grandchildren, Jamie Farmer (Tim), Tiffany Commander (Cason), Emily Kirk (Kendall), Mary Wise (Michael), David Kaye (Tricia), Amy Aadland (Gerry); great-grandchildren, Costa Head (Thomas), Marianna Farmer (Patrick Lynch), Sarah Beth Guidry, Callie Commander, Katie Kirk, Caulden Kirk, Jack Wise, Andy Wise, Evy Aadland, and Aiden Kaye; and brother, Tom Patton (Barbara) of Alexander City. She was preceded in death by her husband, Nelson Daugherty; her parents, J.W. and Pearl Patton; brother, William Floyd Patton; sister, Betty P. Templeton. The family will accept flowers, but prefers that memorial contributions be made to the Orr Street Baptist Church, 939 O Street, Alexander City, AL 35010. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome.com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

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Jones

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States District Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, helping oversee the re-opened investigation of the 1963 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in the late 1990s. Jones, 63, has been married to his wife Louise for 24 years. They have three children Courtney, Carson, and Christopher. He touched on the issues that have faced his family and said he will be a leader they “can talk to about the issues when he takes back Howell Heflin’s seat in the Senate.” Despite his voice cracking from the endless amount of campaign talks he has recently made, Jones still spent plenty of time talking with the assembled crowd about what he wants to do in Washington. “We’ve been criss-crossing this state for the past 40 to 50 days,” Jones said. “We have really worked the state a lot. For the last 30 to 45 days, we’ve probably had three to seven events a day.” Jones described how his rallies have been full of energy and people excited to hear him, people wanting to hear someone who will shoot straight with them. “I want to have dialogues, not monologues. I want to have those kitchen table conversations,” he said. “We are not going to agree on every issue, but I’m going to listen, I’m going to learn, and I’m going to educate.” During his 22-minute talk with the crowd of 112 people, Jones rarely mentioned the allegations recently surfacing against Republican candidate Roy Moore, instead taking the high road and talking more about how he has been working to gain support from virtually every demographic across the state, including businesses, workers and veterans. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve talked to veterans over the last couple, three weeks,” Jones said. “They’ve said, ‘Doug, we’re for you, but please don’t forget the vets.’” Jones also encouraged the audience to take a high road as well, keeping the campaign focused on the issues facing people today, including healthcare, education and the military. “Talk about this race in terms of those kitchen table issues,” he said.

Moore campaign chair Bill Armistead released the following statement on Thursday afternoon: “Judge Roy Moore is winning with a double-digit lead,” Armistead said in a released statement. “So it is no surprise, with just over four weeks remaining, in a race for the U.S. Senate with national implications, that the Democratic Party and the country’s most liberal newspaper would come up with a fabrication of this kind. “This garbage is the very definition of fake news and intentional defamation.” Governor Kay Ivey released a statement regarding the allegations of sexual misconduct against Moore. The statement appears to back off the support she had shown just last week. Mitch Sneed / The Outlook “These allegations are deeply Doug Jones thanks supporters who turned out for Thursday’s rally in Alexander City. disturbing,” Ivey said. “I will hold judgment until we know the facts. The Going more in-depth into his stances, the polls.” people of Alabama deserve to know the Jones said he wanted to expand Medicare Judge Tom Young was one of several truth and will make their own decisions.” and Medicaid, as not only do poorer familiar faces in the crowd. Former Alabama gubernatorial candidate people need it, but a large number of Alexander City City Councilman Bob Tommy Battle released a strongly worded rural hospitals depend on it to continue Howard, District Attorney Jeremy Duerr, statement on the allegations against Moore operating. Camp Hill Mayor Ezell Smith and Attorney being unearthed. “I believe in public education, and it and Municipal Court Judge Randy “The allegations made against Roy doesn’t have to be just K-12,” he said, Haynes were also among the notables in Moore are very serious,” Battle said. “If the adding that federal money for education attendance. allegations are true, then he does not need and things like Pell Grants were an “It was an incredible message that said to be the Republican candidate for Senate.” investment. exactly what most Alabamians need to Democratic Candidate for the Third As he concluded his speech, Jones hear right now,” Young said. “He could District Seat in the U.S. House of exuded an air of confidence and optimism have gotten all caught up in the news of Representatives Jesse Smith greeted the to his audience. today, but instead he said to stay in your crowd before Jones arrived. He couldn’t “I feel we’ve got the wind at our back,” lane and concentrate on the issues. He is resist taking a shot at Moore. Jones said. “If you’re on the right side of exactly right. He concentrated on what “Doug Jones is a good man,” Smith said. history, the right side of justice, the right was important and that shows why he’s “He deserves your support. Let’s all vote side of equality, you can do great things. going to be a great senator when he goes and tell everyone that Alabama belongs to I truly do believe this campaign is on the to Washington to represent the people of people with morals.” right side of history.” Alabama.” As he jumped in his SUV to head to Following the rally at the Bud Porch Because Jones was in town, the Outlook Mobile where he will appear Friday, Jones Center, Jones did acknowledge the reached out to Moore’s campaign to see thanked the people of Alexander City. allegations, but he still stayed on the high if he was planning any visits to Tallapoosa “What a great group of incredible road. County. There was no response on Moore’s people,” Jones said. “I am so appreciative “We can’t worry about that,” Jones campaign appearance schedule as his of their interest and their support. It has said. “We will continue to do what we campaign was busy putting out the fire been that same way no matter where we’ve have been doing all along, concentrate on cause by the allegations. gone or when we’ve been there. Day or what matters to the people of Alabama. In a released statement, Moore called night, weekday or weekend – the people Obviously, those are some very serious the allegations made by women in the of Alabama have been great to us and we allegations and the people of Alabama Washington Post story “completely false hope they all stick with us right up through deserve to know the truth before they go to and a desperate political attack.” Election Day.”

Launchpad based around the Muscle Shoals area. While many of the companies seeking funding through the state organization are still based in the more major cities, having these regional competitions has started paying dividends, as one company currently in the state finals is headquartered in Florence. In the regional competition, startup companies have the chance to be awarded up to $100,000, but there are a number of stipulations Baker listed in order to be considered for the funding. “New, independent ventures, or existing businesses expand-

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ing into a high-volume area are welcome to compete,” she said. “The company must be headquartered and maintained in one of these five counties. Entrepreneurs have to fill out an application, submit a threeminute pitch video and a business plan. There is also a $150 application fee.” Even with all these requirements, Baker said there are many advantages to taking part in the regional competition. “This can help increase your chances of being successful, and you will gain additional feedback on how to improve on your plan from the judges,” she said.

“This gives you the chance to get a third party market assessment, and you might even be able to gain some business connections as a result.” Baker also said there are plenty of resources on the state organization’s website, alabamalaunchpad.com, which can help entrepreneurs entering the contest have a submission which is of good, high quality. To round out the presentation, Collari reminded those in attendance the Chamber of Commerce and the Lake Martin Innovation Center was there to provide further resources in helping them get their startup

companies going. “We have the tools here to help you. That’s our goal is to be able to offer these tools,” he said. “Please lean on us, that’s what we’re here for.” After the meeting, Collari elaborated further on how the center came to take its present shape, helping local entrepreneurs get their companies going. “Ever since we launched this facility, we went to other business incubators around the state,” he said. “We found the common denominator was that they were all located relatively near a four-year institution of higher learning. As such, we try

to partner as much as possible with Auburn. We’re here to be a satellite office for any local entrepreneurs.” For local entrepreneurs who may be interested in taking part in the Auburn Regional Alabama Launchpad competition, the state organization’s website a lot of information about these competitions, as well as links to starting a submission for the regional contest. “The main things we want are for people to know about it and have as many people participating as possible,” Baker said. “We want to see everyone be successful.”

Case the case and is seeking a preliminary hearing as well. Jackson was not available for comment Thursday. Michelle Perez, who represents Sheeley, said her client is currently serving time in state prison after his probation on previous charges was revoked due to the charge. Perez plans to file a motion seeking a preliminary hearing in the case. That hearing would likely come in January. Thursday’s developments

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were the latest in a case that had Dadeville on edge. John Farrell Adamson died after being shot that night on Jah Street in Dadeville. Gerald Haggerty was critically injured. According to court records, Black is alleged to have committed murder in the commission of another crime, robbery in the first degree. Black was arrested Oct. 4 and was released Oct. 19 on $250,000 bond.

Shaw was arrested Sept. 29 and bonded out Oct. 4 on a $250,000 bond. Shaw’s warrant indicates he allegedly committed murder while trying to distribute a controlled substance. Shaw is alleged to have committed the crime while out on bond on two other drug charges. Court records show that Shaw was arrested in Dec. 2016 for trafficking opium and was out on a $75,000 bond. While out on the trafficking

Ball the music of Lisa and the E-Lusion. “This is huge,” United Way Executive Director Sharon Fuller said. “We really appreciate the partnership with the Dadeville Chamber of Commerce.” Fuller also said the event was the vision of Chamber President Larry Whitfield, without whose hard work and determination the United Way would not be able to reach its fundraising goal every year. “This raises about $3,000 for us each year,” she said.

bond, Shaw was again arrested Aug. 4 for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia and posted a $2,500 bond Aug. 14. The trafficking, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia charges have been bound over to the grand jury. Shaw is due in court on a plea docket on the drug charges Monday. Dadeville Police Chief David Barbour said 911 dispatch received several calls of

shots fired in that area at 12:47 a.m. on Sept. 28. Officers arrived shortly thereafter finding Adamson and 37-year-old Haggerty lying in Jah Street with gunshot wounds. They were transported to Lake Martin Community Hospital where Adamson passed away. Haggerty was treated there and then flown to Columbus, Georgia for continued treatment. Barbour has not released any further details of the incident.

continued from page 1

As of Thursday afternoon, Fuller said there were around 50 items that would be available during the silent auction, including packages from Hodges Vineyards and Winery and Wickles Pickles, as well as golf packages donated from both Russell Lands and StillWaters. Fuller also said how well received the Denim and Diamonds event is among those who attend each year. “Everybody enjoys the night and bidding on silent auction items,” she said. “They know their money is going to help our agencies.”

Tickets to the Denim and Diamonds Charity Ball are $50 and can be purchased at either the Lake Martin Area United Way office in Alexander City or the Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce. Fuller said the deadline to purchase tickets is Tuesday. The event begins at 6 p.m., with dinner being served at 7 p.m., and the music and dancing lasting until between 11 p.m. and midnight. “We don’t really have an issue being able to sell tickets,” Fuller said. “It’s not a hard sell. People really enjoy this event.”

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EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed

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Opinion

Our View

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Know Your

Officials Communication with elected officials is the key to good government. To let your most local representatives know how you feel about state or local matters, contact any of the following. Governor Kay Ivey represents the state of Alabama and its 67 counties. She was sworn into office on April 10, 2017, and can be reached at 334-2427100. Her office is located at the State Kay Ivey Capitol at 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama. Steve Marshall was appointed Alabama’s 50th Attorney General. He was appointed in 2017 and serves as the State’s chief law enforcement officer. He can be reached at 334-242-7300, and his office is located Steve Marshall at 501 Washington Avenue, Montgomery. Mark Tuggle (R) represents the 81st District covering Coosa, Chilton and Tallapoosa counties. He can be reached by phone at 256392-2006 or by email at tughd81@ gmail.com. His office is located at 110 Calhoun Street, Suite 108, Alexander City.

Mark Tuggle

Tom Whatley represents the 27th District covering Lee, Russell and Tallapoosa County. He was elected to the Alabama Senate on Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334-242-t7865. Tom Whatley His office is located at 337 East Magnolia Drive, Auburn.

The

Friday, November 10, 2017

Spiritual cleansing is a necessity

Mental health E options needed here is a desperate need for better and more accessible mental healthcare in our nation, in our state, and yes, even in Tallapoosa County. It is a tragedy in itself that the subject of mental healthcare only arises when a tragedy occurs because mental healthcare, or the lack thereof, is an issue that affects us each and every day. America, “The Land of the Free,” should be leading the way in mental healthcare, but instead we lock citizens up in cages for nonviolent offenses like drug possession, and now, in Alabama, threatening to prosecute folks for voting across party lines in runoff elections. .Many of those who wind up in local jails and in state prisons are dealing with mental issues which helped put them on the wrong side of the law in the first place. Too many times people who need long-term mental healthcare are faced with no options and put on the street where law enforcement and ill-funded social agencies struggle to deal with the issues that accompany the people so desperately needing help. In talking with local law enforcement officials, they can list case after case where individuals with serious mental problems have to be dealt with by officers on an almost daily basis. If people have issues when they are incarcerated, imagine their state when they get out if they get no assistance while they are locked up. For a start, we must elect public officials with empathy and who earnestly attempt to treat others like they would like to be treated – those who genuinely care about the welfare of our society’s most marginalized individuals, including the poor, the downtrodden, and the mentally ill. But it is also a societal problem because society still stigmatizes mental illness to the point where people who desperately need help would rather conceal their illness than seek treatment. And in more extreme cases, this can result in the afflicted taking their own or other’s lives. Courts have already said that the state’s prison system must improve its mental health options for those who are in the state’s prisons or face federal repercussions. How about getting people help before their mental issues lead to criminal charges? That’s a start. Nothing will happen without funding and a carefully thought out plan that politics play no role in formulating. Let’s start there.

Outlook

very man loves his pickup because his truck is an extension of his personality and reflects his priorities. I didn’t realize how much I live in my truck until my son called from South Carolina and asked me to bring him a few things that required this honored vehicle. However, to carry these items meant I had to clean my truck up on the outside and out on the inside. How can a man accumulate so much stuff in one truck’s backseat? I started with all my hunting gear and worked downward and found my crossbow, a folding chair, two pairs of boots, a day bag with essentials and two sets of camos. As I removed these priceless items I realized they had been in there since last year. The socks in the boots gave them away. When I got to the floorboard the discoveries got even better. Here lay the last remains of coffee cups, coke cans and candy wrappers. These relics constituted many a breakfast on the way to the woods and represented enough calories, caffeine and sugar to put a man in a coma. Two large leaf bags later and I had those puppies safely removed. The EPA would have worn a hazardous material suit to tackle my backseat, but I didn’t let a few billion germs bother me,

debris field. It was the first time my floor mats had seen the daylight in several years. To tell you the truth I didn’t even know I had floor mats. DR. GERALD You know we carry a lot of HALLMARK unnecessary garbage around in Columnist our lives. We get so busy living our lives that we don’t even no sir, I’m not a sissy…cough, realize how much trash we are accumulating. We simply toss it cough! behind us and figure if it is out Next I attacked the bed of my truck like a man on a mis- of sight then it’s out of mind. My truck wasn’t designed to sion. After removing the bed be an oversized garbage bin. cover I jumped back in fear The interior was made to look thinking I had been assaulted. good, feel comfortable and Then I realized it was just the antlers of a deer skull caught in accommodate all my needs. I trashed all those qualities by the cover. Actually I was glad being in too big of a hurry, havto find this valuable artifact ing other things on my mind because I couldn’t remember and different priorities. The what I did with that deer last truth is a good soul cleaning at year; I thought I took it to the processor. Boy, that took some the altar is more important than a truck overhaul. After all, we cleaning. Along with the deer skeleton I found my chain saw, are designed for better things than being a spiritual dumpster. a tractor seat and a 2007 seed Now that I have all the stuff catalog. Huh, I even found out of my truck I’ve asked the the sack of seeds I ordered fire department to wash it with that year for my food plots. That explains why those fields their highest pressure hose because I can’t remember what looked so bare in ’07. My next step was to open all color it is under all that mud the doors and let down the tail- and grime. gate. I then took my 200 mph Dr. Gerald Hallmark is a leaf blower and gave that baby retired minister from Alexander a good going over. It looked City currently serving as interlike a Sahara dust storm comim pastor of the First Baptist ing out the other side of the Church of Dadeville. His coltruck and the bed resembled umn appears here each Friday. a small tornado with a large

Today’s

Quote

“A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.” —Elbert Hubbard

Today’s

Scripture “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops...” —Proverbs 3:9

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Friday’s Question: Which do you believe is needed to eliminate senseless tragedies, mental health funding, gun control or neither? 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.

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Letters to the Editor

Gun control is not the answer Dear Editor, I was surprised at how docile David Granger was with his editorial on the Sutherland, Texas church shooting. David you are correct the communication system is broken between the military and FBI NCIC. This shooting might have been avoided if this guy had been in the system. Somebody dropped the ball. The shooter, Kelly spent 12 months on active duty. Twelve months of that time was spent in a psychiatric hospital, which he escaped from at one point. Why was this guy let back on the street? Gun control is a no-win issue. Had it not been for a private law abiding citizen taking action

against Kelly there is no telling how many might have died. Gun control will never happen in this country. Gun control is an impossibility due to the sheer number of gun available. Why are there so many guns? Ask David Granger. David the guy you voted twice for president had eight years to enact some type of gun control and did not pass a single piece of legislation or executive order dealing with gun control. Barack Hussein Obama sold more guns than any single person in history. Why you might ask did Obama not pass any type of antigun legislation? Obama was bought and paid for by Wall Street just like Hillary Clinton was. Wall Street is heavily invested in the gun industry. Do you see a trend here? DEMOCRATS

are corrupt. Donna Brazile will effectively destroy the Democratic Party with her tell all book concerning that corruption. Just as I predicted, Islamic terror attacks with vehicles a year or so ago would happen in the U.S. so will church attacks by the same Islamic terrorist. A armed populace is the only way to stop them. Americans are fat and complacent. Many more Americans will die before our Government decides to do the right thing concerning Muslim Islamic terrorism. You had better be prepared. There are three types of people in the world, sheep wolves and sheep dogs. I think y’all know which one I am. Woody Baird De Opresso Liber Alexander City

Publicity for Renew Our Rivers cleanup appreciated Dear Editor, Thank you for your great coverage of the 2017 Annual LMRA Renew Our Rivers Lake Martin cleanup. Again this year, it was a great success thanks to the wonderful participation we get from the volunteers within the community. Your getting the

word out and reporting on the results are a critical part of the effort and a major contributor to a successful outcome. Your photos captured the expressions of the hard working individuals who love Lake Martin and recognize the value of its contribution to the entire community. It is truly a community

team effort that would not be successful without the support of Mitch Sneed, editor of Alexander City Outlook and Betsy Iler, editor Lake Magazine. Sincerely, John Thompson President Lake Martin Resource Association

READER: Fuller’s comments on nurses very fitting Dear Editor, This is a response to Jody Fuller’s Wednesday column in The Outlook. I usually enjoy you columns, but this last column about nurses was particularly cogent. For many years I have had great

admiration for the nurses that I worked with and who dutifully carried out my orders to help my patients. Many days and nights I have been bent over the body of a sick child trying to do what I could to help that child recover from their sickness or injury. The absolute best tool I could ever have had was the corps of

dedicated, underpaid, and often seemingly invisible nurses who were there simply to help me do my job and to help my patients get well. Thank you for bringing your story to life and recognizing these angels on earth. BB Sellers Alexander City

The subscription rate is $136.00 per year in Tallapoosa and Coosa counties and $177.99 outside the area. Periodicals paid at Alexander City, AL. Newspapers are available at 100 news racks in our area at 75 cents for The Outlook and 50 cents for The Record. We would love to deliver a paper to your door. Call David Kendrick at 256-234-4281, Ext. 204 or e-mail david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook. com.

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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) 234-6550 or e-mailed to editor@ alexcityoutlook.com. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send us your thoughts today!

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Friday, November 10, 2017

Friday, November 10, 2017

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Deer latest year for which statistics are available. And according to Brad Price, owner of Price Paint and Body in Wetumpka, Millbrook and Tallassee, November is just the beginning of the time of year when cars collide with deer most frequently. “Specifically, we’ll really see a spike after our first big frost,” Price said. “That kills all the brows, kills all the greenery and the deer have to travel further to fill their bellies. In January and February, during the rut, the mating season, they’re running all over the place.” Price said he does repairs that range from $200 for a simple bumper job to approximately $7,000 should that accident cause the vehicle’s airbags to deploy. “For deer wrecks, $2,500 is probably a good estimate of the average repair,” Price said. “Generally speaking, with deer wrecks the airbags won’t deploy, but if they do, you not only have to replace the airbag, but the seat-belt pretensioner, the airbags’ computer module and any impact sen-

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sor on the vehicle. You’re looking at in the neighborhood of $7,000.” The potential for hitting a deer alone is reason enough to have more than the simple liability coverage required by Alabama law on your vehicle. State Farm’s Karen Channell says that while deer collisions spike in fall and winter, they occur yearround. “We always process a lot of claims of people hitting them in the fall when the deer start moving, especially with deer season opening on Nov. 18,” said Channell, a State Farm insurance agent in Alexander City. “I joke and tell people that we see a very successful hunting season and that more deer are killed by hunters with guns than our customers with cars. “But seriously, we will average 20 deer collisions per month over the next three or four months. That’s how serious the problem is here in our area.” She said that motorists should check their coverage and make sure they have appropriate coverage with adequate deductibles to make sure

that they are properly protected. Experts with the IIHS say there are a few ways to improve your odds of avoiding a crash with a deer. Those include: • Slow down and be wary of deer crossing the roadway especially around dawn and between sunset and midnight, when deer are most active. • Stay aware. Look out for deercrossing signs and wooded areas where deer are likely to travel. And if you regularly travel the same routes, you might find deer consistently grazing in the same fields. Make mental notes of when and where you regularly see them. • Stay alert. If you see a deer near the road, slow down and, at night when traffic permits, use your highbeam headlights to increase visibility. • Brake, but don’t swerve. Swerving to avoid an animal can put you at risk of hitting another vehicle or losing control of your car and confuse the deer as to which way to go. Instead, slow down as quickly and safely as you can. Your odds of surviving an accident are better when

hitting an animal rather than hitting another vehicle. • Assume the deer you see has friends. “Where there’s one, there’s usually more” is often the case since deer travel in groups. So if you see one run across the road, expect more to follow. • Buckle up. A seat belt is your best defense for minimizing your risk in a crash. A past IIHS study found that 60 percent of the people killed in animalvehicle collisions weren’t wearing seat belts. “The best ways to reduce your personal risk in a collision with a deer are common-sense things,” said Russ Rader, senior vice president for communications with the IIHS. “Things like always wearing a seat belt and, if you’re a motorcyclist, always wear a helmet. That’s because your greatest risk is usually from something secondary to the actual collision – losing control of your vehicle and hitting another vehicle or running off the road and overturning or, if you’re on a motorcycle, laying your bike down in the roadway.”

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Friday, November 10, 2017

The Outlook

CommunityCalendar

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/.

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CHURCH SINGING: Eternal Vision will be singing at Bay Pine Baptist Church Friday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m.

Call me.

Today is November 10, 2017

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 today.

Submit calendar items:

Today’s Events

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25 Years and still going, Selling quality kitchen & bath cabinetry at reasonable prices. Ben & Peggy Smith, Owners Thur & Fri 9-4 | Sat 9-1 256-675-0176 1222 Hwy 280, Kellyton, AL

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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

Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

After a total renovation that took a little more than a month, the McDonald’s location in Dadeville has reopened for business. The new-look restaurant features a new theme and color scheme inside and the exterior has a brighter look as well.

Saturday, November 11

FLEA MARKET: The Town of Camp Hill Flea Market is holding its second Saturday flea market Nov. 11 at the old airport from 30 minutes after daybreak to 2 p.m. Vendors please contact James Woody for space at 256-7498270 for $10. VETERANS DAY PROGRAM: The Goodwater Disabled Veterans Organization is holding Veterans Day program honoring all Veterans Saturday, Nov. 11 at 10 a.m. at the Alabama National Guard Armory in Goodwater. COMMUNITY REUNION: The Daviston School and Community Reunion is Nov. 11 starting at 10 a.m. with lunch at noon at the Daviston Community Center. The grand opening of the Daviston Museum will be after the reunion. PANCAKE BREAKFAST: The Comer Methodist Men’s Club is hosting a pancake breakfast Nov. 11 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. It is eat in or carry out for $6 a plate. FALL FESTIVAL: Camp Hill Residential Advisory Board will hold its Fall Festival Saturday, Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Henderson Street. Horse rides, hayrides, cake walks, candied apples, voter registration, blood pressure checks, a massive yard sale and music from D.J. T-Ham are planned. For more information call 256750-0517.

Thursday, November 16

Need your business to

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• Alexander City Outlook • Dadeville Record • Wetumpka Herald • Eclectic Observer • Tallassee Tribune

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY: Haven Memorial United Methodist Church is hosting the Women’s Bible Study “War Room” Nov. 16 and 30 from noon to 1 p.m. Bring your lunch.

November 15-18

PASTORAL APPRECIATION: The Liberty Life Christian Center invites you to a pastoral appreciation for the Chief Apostle and National Mother of the New Covenant Ministries of the World, Inc. Praise and worship will be 7 p.m. nightly Wednesday through Saturday. All donations and gifts will be presented at the close of the Founder’s Day Program on the 18th. Dinner will be served in the dining area.

Friday, November 17

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Lawn Care Darrell Brooks, Owner Cutting •Edging Weed Eating •Mulch Weed Control

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MUSIC WORKSHOP: Richard Taylor Music and New Style Baptist Church will host a Community Harvest Music Workshop. The workshop will be held at 294 Coosa County Road 20, Equality, AL 36026. The workshop is designed for singers, choral directors, musicians, and anyone interested in singing. The workshop will be held at New Style Baptist Church on Friday, Nov. 17 and Saturday, Nov. 18 at 6 pm. The event is opened to the public. Registration for the two-day event is $10. For more information contact richardetaylormusic@gmail. com or newstylebaptistchurch@gmail. com. HOLIDAY MARKET: The Alexander City Methodist Church is hosting a Holiday Market on November 17th from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the church located at 1020 11th Ave. North in Alexander

City. The event is to help people find Christmas gifts locally and to help local crafters and vendors get exposure. There is a small fee for vendor space and that money is all donated to the Relay for Life Foundation.

Saturday, November 18

HOLIDAY BAZAAR: St. James Episcopal Church at 347 S. Central Ave., Alexander City, will host the annual holiday bazaar from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18, in the parish hall. Each year, the pottery and art guilds at St. James out-do themselves with beautiful creations for this event, which funds community outreach programs and ministries throughout the year. In addition, church members lend their individual talents to crafting items for your gift lists, and they produce bountiful supplies of casseroles, cakes, pies, breads and treats for your holiday tables. Arrive early for the best selection!

Sunday, November 19

THANKSGIVING DINNER: Kingz United and Men of Honor will be holding a Community Thanksgiving Dinner at the Dadeville Community Center on East Columbus Street Sunday, Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. POTLUCK DINNER: To honor the spirit of sharing and fellowship, join Pastor Richard Ellis Taylor and New Style Baptist Church for our Thanksgiving Community Harvest Potluck. Giving thanks, good food, and great fellowship on Nov. 19, 2017 from 4:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. at New Style Baptist Church, 294 Coosa County Road 20, Equality, AL 36026. Following the dinner at 6 p.m. Richard Taylor Music and New Style Baptist Church will provide an evening of praise and thanksgiving through song in its Command Performance Concert featuring soloist, group ensembles, and choir. All are welcome. CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: New Adka Missionary Baptist Church is celebrating their 145th Anniversary Sunday, Nov. 19 at 2 p.m. Guest minister will be Rev. R.L. Carter of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Valley. Pastor of New Adka is Edward Milner. PASTORAL APPRECIATION: GAP Fellowship Church will be celebrating the 18th appreciation service of Pastor Lewis and Marilyn Benson on Sunday, November 19th. There will be an 11 a.m. service with Rev. Bud Nolan and Pastor Haven of United Methodist Church and a 2:30 p.m. afternoon service with Rev. McArthur Moss of Reeltown Baptist Church. Guest M.C. will be Sylvester McPherson “The Communicator.” Everyone is invited to this event at 721 Robinson Court in Alexander City.

Sunday, November 26

HARVEST RALLY: The World Bible Church at 161 Main Street is hosting a Harvest Rally Sunday, Nov. 26 at 3 p.m. The pastor is Apostle Wayne and First Lady Minster Brenda Davis. CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: New

Popular Spring Baptist Church in Dadeville, Alabama will celebrate its 135th Church Anniversary on November 26, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. Rev. Richard D. Jacobs is the Pastor. Guest Minister is Rev. Melvin Kelley, Jr, Pastor of New Harmony & Mt. Olive Baptist Churches. Everyone is invited. The church is located at 165 Pine Avenue in Camp Hill. For more information, contact Lisa Rowe at at lrowe40@ yahoo.com.

Thursday, November 30

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY: Haven Memorial United Methodist Church is hosting the Women’s Bible Study “War Room” Nov. 30 from noon to 1 p.m. Bring your lunch.

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

SEE ME FOR INSURANCE

Sunday, December 2

SUNDAY DINNER: Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church is hosting Sunday dinner Sunday, Dec. 2 at 5 p.m. The free dinner will be served in the clubhouse building next to the church at 3997 Hillabee Road in Alexander City. The pastor of Duncan Memorial is Rev. Wayne Hicks. All are invited to this free, casual dinner.

Sunday, December 10

CHRISTMAS PARADE: The Friends of Dadeville in concert with the Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce are co-sponsoring the 4th Annual “Spirit of a Hometown Christmas” Parade scheduled for Dec. 10 in Dadeville. This annual event features a wide variety of floats and parade participants, Arts and Crafts Booths, a Children’s Venue, Food Booths and more importantly, Santa Claus. If you would like to participate in the parade or need additional information, please contact the Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce at 256 8254019.

Ongoing Events

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: Red Ridge United Methodist Church in Dadeville hosts an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting every Sunday at 6 p.m. DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS: The Bill Nichols Chapter 13 meets every third Monday at 5:30 p.m. at the Charles T. “Bud” Porch Center in Alexander City. Chapter Service Officers are available every second and fourth Wednesday from noon to 5 p.m. for claims assistance. RECYCLING: The Alexander City Recycling Facility is located at the Public Works Department at 824 Railey Road. All materials should be dropped off behind the green storage shed on the Public Works lot. The facility is always open for unassisted drop off. Assistance with drop off is available between 7:00 am until 3:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Please call 256409-2020 for more information. CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP: Every second and fourth Sunday at 5 p.m. the Trinity campus of First United Methodist Church will be a caregiver support group. Call 256-786-1685 for more information.

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com

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LIZI ARBOGAST SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228 lizi.arbogast@alexcityoutlook.com

Friday, November 10, 2017

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Page 9

SECOND SEASON 20 years later, 1997 team will be honored

By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

T

here’s a lot of similarities you can draw from this year’s Benjamin Russell football team to the 1997 Wildcat squad, which was the only team in BRHS history to advance to the Class 6A state championship. For one, both squads had to fight and claw for the majority of their victories. They also both finished second in their region standings — back then, the state was divided into

areas, but the Wildcats were the No. 2 seed. Both also defeated rival Opelika in one-score victories. So it seems fitting that before the current Wildcats take the field for their firstround playoff game tonight at Charles E. Bailey Sportplex, the 1997 Benjamin Russell Wildcats will be honored. “This team before the playoffs was saying how they wanted to paint the wall (as the region champions), but they didn’t win it,” said Jerome Gamble, one of the players from See 1997 • Page 10

BRHS to be put to the test vs. Saraland By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

Benjamin Russell’s football team lost the last two games of the regular season, while Saraland won its last outing. The Wildcats finished second in Class 6A Region 5, and the Spartans were third out of Region 1. Last time the teams met — the only times the team met — the Wildcats put Saraland to shame, 41-10. But none of that matters now. Tonight, Benjamin Russell hosts the Spartans in the first round of the Class 6A state playoffs, and regular season records don’t count; history doesn’t factor in. Only what happens between those white lines starting at 7 p.m. matters now. “You can’t let one game or one play affect what the next play or next game is going to be,” Benjamin Russell coach Danny Horn said. “We understand this is the playoffs. Everyone is starting 0-0, that’s their record.

Kenneth Boone / The Outlook

Benjamin Russell’s Landon Cotney, far left, attempts to escape the Opelika defense earlier this season. The Wildcats may need to throw the ball around a bit See BRHS • Page 10 more tonight against Saraland.

Above is a 1997 edition of The Outlook previewing the 1997 Class 6A state championship against Tuscaloosa County.

Jordan Whitlow shines as Reeltown’s fullback By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Reeltown’s Trey O’Neal tries to break the tackle of Vincent’s Zavien Kelley earlier this season.

Rebels hit the road to Falkville for opener By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

For the first time in history, Reeltown and Falkville will meet on the gridiron and the stakes couldn’t be higher. As the No. 3 seed out of Region 5, Reeltown (6-4) travels to face the Blue Devils (7-3) in the first round of the Class 2A state playoffs on Friday night. And although Falkville boasts a better record and the higher seed, the Rebels are going into this game on a three-game win streak and are surrounded by an air of confidence. “I’m always confident; you have to be,” Reeltown coach Matt Johnson said. “The season, on paper, laid out exactly like it did last year, but I feel like we’re better than we were this time last year. If our kids come out and respond well this first week and if we make improvements from last week to this week then it’s going to be exciting.” There’s a couple worrisome things about Falkville, though. The first is its size. Johnson estimated the Blue Devils to be averaging more than 275 pounds See REELTOWN • Page 10

REELTOWN VS. FALKVILLE Game data: Reeltown Rebels at Falkville Blue Devils … Class 2A firstround game … Friday, 7 p.m. Teams: Reeltown (6-4) won four of its last five and is the No. 3 seed out of Region 5 … The Blue Devils (7-3) are on a six-game win streak, earning Region 7’s No. 2 seed. Series: The teams have never met. Implications: The winner will face either Westbrook Christian or Sulligent in the second round. Outlook prediction: Rebels by 10.

Everyone knows about Reeltown’s running backs. Cameron Faison, Tre Tre Hughley and even Keke Hughley prior to an injury have gotten a lot of ink throughout the season. But the person a lot of fans don’t know about is who’s doing the blocking for that stud running back threat. Fullback Jordan Whitlow deserves just as much credit for the Rebels’ groundgame threat. “He’s just so unselfish,” Reeltown coach Matt Johnson said. “You know those guys up front, they have to be unselfish. They’re offensive linemen, and they know they’re going to grind and they’re not going to get the football. They’re blocking for these guys that’re gonna get their names in the paper. “Then you have Jordan, or any fullback who you’re putting in the backfield and all he is is a glorified lineman. He’s blocking for those backs, and most of the times he’s blocking some of the best players at linebacker who are athletes.” Whitlow stands at just 5-foot-8 and 215 pounds, but he’s not afraid to use his body as a weapon. “Sometimes you just need people to make big blocks, and I’m that type of guy,” Whitlow said. “I’ll sacrifice my body for my running back. As long as we get the win, I’m good. I don’t have to touch the football for real.” Earlier in the season,

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Reeltown’s Jordan Whitlow (21) tries to break the tackle of Ranburne’s Landon Woodard earlier this season. Although Whitlow mostly serves as the Rebels’ fullback, he’s also ran the ball well this year.

Johnson called Whitlow one of the best fullbacks he’s ever coached, and not a lot of teams in the area utilize a true fullback. Because of the way the game has spread out and the need to have more skill players on the field, a fullback isn’t always seen as a necessity to high school football teams. But Reeltown isn’t one of those teams. “I’ll always utilize a fullback and a tight end if I can,” Johnson said. “A tight end makes the defense balance out, and a fullback is a lead blocker. When you

have a back like Cam, he’s elusive with a lot of speed but he weighs 150 pounds, so he’s going to need someone to take those blows off of him, and that’s what your fullback does.” More than just the need for a fullback or a tight end, Johnson said they’re a rare breed. “They’re rare kids,” he explained. “You don’t see many 5-foot-8, 220 guys that can run, and you don’t see a 6-foot-2, 220 guy that can block and run routes at the same time. It’s just rare, See WHITLOW • Page 10

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The Outlook

1997

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the 1997 team and an organizer of tonight’s event. “They got to talking about some of the past teams that didn’t get to paint the wall and maybe went unnoticed in school history. We were one of those teams, so they wanted to do something to honor that team. We don’t have anything on the wall, but we were the only team at that time to make the state championship.” Prior to tonight’s game, an estimated 30 to 50 former players will reunite for a dinner and tailgate at the Sportplex, then they will take the field to be honored during the pregame ceremonies ahead of the game against Saraland. “It actually means a lot because that year, we had a new coach, a new offense, and a lot of people didn’t even expect us to make the playoffs,” Gamble said. “The local newspaper had written us off and said we would place third behind Opelika

and Central Phenix City, so it means a lot because no other team has ever done that. “I think we set the bar because after that in 2000-2001, they eventually went to the (Class 5A) state championship game and even won. By them seeing us, it gave them encouragement that if we could do it, they could do it too.” Not only will the team be honored, it’ll be a good chance for former players to gather with teammates they haven’t seen in years. “A lot of people are coming down that we haven’t seen since high school or our 10-year reunion,” said former free safety Craig Lee. “One of my good friends who lives in South Carolina and is in the Navy, he’s making a special trip to come down to it.” And there’s certain to be a lot of football talk around the tailgate because even though the season was 20 years ago,

there’s still a lot of fresh memories. “I would say the biggest game would’ve probably been against Vestavia in the fourth round of the playoffs,” Lee recalled like it was yesterday. “We were winning in the first quarter, 27-0 and they ended up coming back. We went to triple overtime before we finally won, 45-42. Every one of our playoff games were really close and down to the end. “The first game against Murphy, we won by less than 7, then in the second round against Prattville, we were winning that game pretty good then we just kinda died a little bit but we won, 18-14. In the third round against Jeff Davis, it was in Montgomery and we barely won that one. They were all nail-biters.” Another thing Lee remembers clearly is the atmosphere that surrounded the Wildcats’ semifinal matchup against Vestavia.

“When we played Vestavia, there were so many people there, the hillside with the flag was packed full,” Lee said. “There were probably about 10,000 people there. Football has always been big in Alex City, for our community and the school. I’ll go to that game (tonight) and see 20 or 30 people that do not miss the games and have not missed them in years.” And honoring a team like the 1997 one will hopefully be even more motivation for Benjamin Russell to make a strong playoff push. “Even that year, going into the playoffs, it was similar to this year’s team,” Gamble said. “We lost the game before we went into the playoffs and I remember coach (Phil) Lazenby after that game we lost, he said, ‘It’s over with. In playoffs, you’re 0-0.’ We had a different mindset and anything can happen in the playoffs.”

BRHS And there’s only going to be one team in each class that’s going to be 5-0 when the season is over.” If the Wildcats want it to be them, it’s going to have to start tonight. Saraland boasts Stanfordcommitted quarterback Jack West, who’s been a starter for the Spartans since 2015 when the teams met in the first round before. “He was good back then, and obviously, he’s gotten better as he’s gotten older,” Horn said. “You would think with somebody like that, they would throw the ball every play, but they try to establish the run then throw some play-action passes in there too.” Horn estimated Saraland is about 60 percent run and 40 percent pass, but he said the Spartans definitely have bigplay potential. West’s favorite targets are Jakyrus Williams and David Taylor, and Saraland also has a bruising running back in the form of Karie White, who measures in at 5-foot-10 and 220 pounds. Although Benjamin Russell’s secondary defense has been a bit of an Achilles’ heel, especially in the latter part of the season, Horn said that’s actually been a place of improvement. “If there’s one thing on the defensive side that we have gotten better in, it’s the sec-

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ondary,” Horn said. “(Kobi Crabb) is getting better; he’s still learning because this is the first year that he’s really played defense. We have a couple like that that’ve really gotten better over the course of the year. I think Jimmiel Harrison and DJ Hunter at corner, they’ve both improved in the secondary.” Another area where Benjamin Russell will look for improvement this week is its offense. The Wildcats aren’t exactly known for their offensive firepower. They’re averaging just 22 points per game, compared to Saraland’s 29.4 ppg average. “The biggest problem is we have to nickel and dime our way down the field,” Horn said. “We don’t have that big play potential. We’re just going to have to be a little bit more explosive, and we have to sustain drives. It’s good and bad when you sustain drives because a lot of bad things can happen, but we need to eat up some minutes and keep the defense off the field so much.” Benjamin Russell is changing some things up and will look to spread the field out a little bit more this week. The status of top running back Davede Herron is unknown. Horn said Herron will play, but he’s not sure how efficient he’ll be this week after reinjuring his ankle last week against Beauregard.

SARALAND VS. BENJAMIN RUSSELL Game date: Saraland Spartans at Benjamin Russell Wildcats … Class 6A first-round game … Friday, 7 p.m. Teams: Saraland (7-3) won its regular season finale, 35-12, against B.C. Rain and is the No. 3 seed from Region 1 … BRHS Media coverage: Follow @liziarbogast on Twitter ... Check out Inside the Lines Live on our Facebook page from 6 to 6:30 p.m. Series: Benjamin Russell won the teams’ only meet, 42-10 in 2015. Implications: The winner meets either Stanhope Elmore or Hillcrest Tuscaloosa. Outlook prediction: Wildcats by 3. “He’s going to have to learn to play with a little pain, but if anybody can do it, he can,” Horn said. “He’s pretty tough. If he can’t go, we’ll stick someone else in there and keep going. Keedon (Young) has looked really good in practice. He’s not big; he’s probably the smallest back we’ve got, but he’s shifty. We’re going to see what he can do a little bit more.” Benjamin Russell can’t take too long to figure out the magic recipe, though, because it’s all on the line in every game from here on out. “It’s a different atmosphere and a different environment in the playoffs,” Horn said. “It’s time to turn the volume up a little bit, and we’ve got to go. Kenneth Boone / The Outlook There’s no tomorrow if you lose, so you’ve got to lay every- BRHS’s Kobi Crabb (19) defends a pass against Clay Central earlier this season. The Wildcat secondary will be put to the test tonight against Saraland. thing out.”

Reeltown

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across both its offensive and defensive lines. Not only are they big, their offensive linemen are also technically sound. “I think our speed and explosiveness will be an advantage for us in some aspects,” Johnson said, “but as far as getting pressure on the passer and them just getting a hat on a hat and getting in the way could pose a problem. If we get into a situation where our guys are trying to fly around and do their own thing, then they’re so fundamentally sound in what they do, they could hurt you.” Another worry Falkville brings to the table is its passing ability. While Region 5 boasts a lot of run-heavy teams, the Blue Devils’ Region 7 like to spread it out a bit more. Falkville is led by quarterback Aaron Dove with a top wide receiver threat in Noah Holmes. Fred Walls also poses a threat on the outside. “This is a little bit different than Cliff Williams / The Outlook what we’ve seen,” Johnson said. Reeltown’s Eric Shaw catches a pass earlier this season. The Rebels may “I feel like for us to be successful need to utilize more of their passing during the first round against Falkville. defensively, we’re going to have

Whitlow not saying one way is better than the other, but it’s something that we’ve always used.” With Whitlow being just a junior, it’s certain that he’ll return as a force for the Rebels. In one of Reeltown’s only two region losses against LaFayette, Whitlow was suffering with an injury and he was sorely missed. But he returned with a vengeance. “I only missed one game, but it made me really want to play a little bit better,” Whitlow said. What makes Whitlow such an essential piece of

to pressure the quarterback. Not necessarily sacks, but we need to put him in situations to not go through his progression and make him make some bad decisions, whether that’s holding the ball, taking a sack or throwing a pick. We’re going to have to cover well.” Reeltown’s Iverson Hooks, who has been a big interception threat, should return Friday after missing the final game of the regular season due to injury. Johnson was also impressed with cornerback Ardarious Woods and will be looking for him to have a strong performance. Eric Shaw and Tre Tre Hughley both had interceptions last week against Loachapoka. Defensively, Falkville runs out of a 3-4 front, but it also gives opponents multiple looks. “They have a four-man front sometimes, and they bring inside and outside pressure,” Johnson said. “Coverage wise, the majority of the time they’re in a two-high look as far as safeties. You could easily say they’re multiple on

defense.” While Reeltown’s bread and butter is its Wishbone package, the Rebels have been looking to spread the ball out more recently. Against Loachapoka, quarterback Logan Hunt once again threw the ball quite efficiently, finishing 5-for-8, but still had only 73 passing yards. “Our game plan was not to stay in the two-tight Wishbone the whole game, but that’s what we had to revert to,” Johnson said. “You just won’t be able to do it to everybody. You face a Lanett or a LaFayette or somebody that’s gonna put 11 people in the box and can rack you up in man coverage on the edge, you can’t just get in there and pound it for 48 minutes and expect to be healthy and good on the other side of the ball too. We know going forward that’s our identity, but we’ve got to do some other things too.” Luckily, Reeltown’s identity has been quite successful. The Rebels finished with 203 rushing yards last week and had four players run for more than 40 yards apiece.

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Reeltown’s team is also just his pure work ethic and his get-after-it attitude on every play. “The way he approaches the game and practices, he’s not a rah-rah guy, he’s not very vocal but he leads by example and he’s had to overcome a lot of adversity in his own self,” Johnson said. “He’s real relentless and he brings it every play. You rarely, if ever, see Jordan sneak up on the line of scrimmage and just get out of somebody’s way. If you’re playing inside linebacker and you see 21 coming at you, you better be bringing it because

he’s bringing it.” What’s more, Whitlow isn’t too shabby when he does have the ball. Against Loachapoka in the regular season finale, Whitlow racked up 43 yards on eight carries and could’ve had more if not for the Rebels taking a knee to end the game. “If we need to get yards and I’m that person, I’m OK with it either way,” Whitlow said. “If it’s third and short and I go in there to get the run, then it’s the same thing if I have to have block for my running back. I do what I need to do. If I’m that guy that Coach needs to call on me, I’ll be there.”

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Reeltown’s Jordan Whitlow (21) and Trey O’Neal (12) combine to stop Ranburne’s Aaron Benefiled earlier this season.

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