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OPINION, PAGE 4: THINK SAFETY AS YOU TRY TO STAY WARM

TUESDAY

THE

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Electrical malfunction blamed for Vernon escape By MITCH SNEED Editor

Coosa County Sheriff Terry Wilson said Monday that it appears an electrical malfunction may have enabled Shane Anthony Vernon to escape from the Coosa County Jail. Vernon was able to flee the Coosa County Jail in Rockford on Nov. 19 at about 2:30 p.m. From there stole, robbed and ran across three counties

before making his way to Georgia. Initial review of evidence showed that it appeared a door was left unsecured, which allowed Vernon to escape from the Coosa County Jail. In a released statement from Wilson, he said that after a complete investigation, they learned of a malfunction that unlatched the door through which Vernon was able to escape. “The Corrections Officers on duty verified

that the door securing Vernon was secure prior to letting him out to use the phone,” Wilson said in his statement. “Shortly after verifying the door was secure, an electronic malfunction occurred in the door lock control panel. This caused the door to the isolation corridor to become unsecure while Vernon was using the inmate phone. This malfunction was observed to happen at least three times during a six-hour period.” See ESCAPEE • Page 3

Vernon

Residents asked to be aware to avoid package theft By MITCH SNEED Editor

Cyber Monday, the day where shoppers descend on retail sites like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy and Target to get cut-rate prices by shopping from their computer, is in the books. Early estimates by Adobe Analytics show that sales from See THEFT • Page 3

TIGERS COME OUT ON TOP

Dadeville library collecting food for crisis center By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

The Dadeville Public Library kicked off its annual donation campaign Monday, collecting non-perishable food items for the Tallapoosa Christian Crisis Center. Library Director Abbi Mangarelli said the library normally does a stuffed toy drive for the Tri-County Children’s Advocacy Center, but changed it up this year after learning the Advocacy Center is fairly wellstocked on these items. “With the holidays, people need food a lot,” Mangarelli

Fans celebrate at Toomer’s Corner, above, and on the field, right, after the Iron Bowl. The Tigers defeated Alabama 26-14 on Saturday. To see more photos from the Iron Bowl and thoughts from a local columnist and our sports editor, see Sports on Page 10 inside. Cliff Williams / The

See DONATIONS • Page 3

Outlook

Shop Local Saturday set for this weekend in Alexander City By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

The Alexander City Chamber of Commerce will once again be teaming up with businesses throughout town this weekend in offering Shop Local Saturday. Having always been held on the first Saturday in December, the event helps encourage locals to patronize area shops instead of going out of town as the Christmas shopping season goes into full swing. “This is our third year of doing this, I believe,” Chamber of Commerce Director of Marketing and Special Events Kim Dunn said. “The premise is to get people to spend money locally when they can.” Dunn also said this year would be a little different than the previous iterations of Shop Local Saturday, primarily how customers would qualify for the grand prize drawing to follow the event.

Today’s

Weather

67 46 High

“Next Monday, shoppers can come by the Chamber of Commerce offices and bring in their receipts from Saturday,” Dunn said. “For every $50 they spent, they will get one entry for the chance to win $500 in gift cards from Chamber members.” Gift cards can be come from any store that is a member of the Chamber of Commerce that offers them, and which stores these cards come from is up to the winner. The receipts can come from any store in Alexander City, whether it is a big chain store, any of the small shops downtown or even a gas station. “As long as your receipt is dated for Saturday, it’s good,” Dunn said. Shop Local Saturday was created by the Chamber’s retail committee, and everyone involved has expressed how good of an idea they believed this was to get started. “The retail committee liked the See SHOPPING • Page 3

Lake Martin

File / The Outlook

The Chamber is teaming up with local businesses to offer Shop Local Saturday this weekend. Residents are encouraged to do their shopping around Alexander City and for every $50 spent, they will get one entry for the chance to win $500 in gift cards from Chamber members.

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69 50 Low

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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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POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Post Office Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011.

How to Submit Obituaries Obituaries can be submitted to The Outlook from funeral homes by e-mail at obits@ alexcityoutlook.com or by fax at (256) 234-6550. For more information, call (256) 234-4281.

DEAR ABBY: I have been with my boyfriend for two years. When I’m with him, I often find him annoying and think we have nothing in common. But when we are apart, I miss him a lot -- especially when one of us travels for work. When we’re apart and talk on the phone, we have amazing conversations and discuss a future together. But when we’re together, we don’t talk as much, and he never mentions a future together. I’m confused. Is this normal for relationships? I don’t want to stay in a relationship that isn’t going anywhere, and it has been like this since pretty early on. How can I know if I should invest more of my time or if I should end it and move on? -PERPLEXED IN VIRGINIA DEAR PERPLEXED: If neither of you is particularly talkative and there are a lot of distractions when you are together, then it’s normal. When you are apart, it’s possible that you miss

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DEAR ABBY Advice

-- and idealize -- each other, which is why those conversations about a future happen. The way to determine whether you should invest more time in this relationship would be to ASK him, and just as plainly as you addressed that question to me. DEAR ABBY: Could you please print this on behalf of delivery people everywhere? Folks: Please make sure your address is visible from the street. I can’t tell you how many times I have had to drive up and down a street trying to figure out which house I’m supposed to deliver to. Sometimes, I can see the number on the

curb. But many times, it’s impossible to spot -- and I deliver during the day. I can only begin to imagine how hard it is for couriers who deliver at night. So do us a favor. Make sure your house number is visible from the street. -- WENDY IN CALIFORNIA DEAR WENDY: I’m glad you wrote. People in your profession are not the only ones who struggle with this problem. I have also heard from fire and emergency personnel complaining about the same issue when the situation wasn’t just inconvenient, but life-threatening. Readers, please take a moment to walk to the curb and see if your street address is visible. Fixing the problem could be as simple as trimming some bushes. DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been arguing over whether food must be covered while it’s being heated in the microwave. I always cover it

because it takes little effort and prevents splatters. He refuses, unless the food is very saucy or greasy. When I ask why he won’t do it, he has no answer. It would be one thing if he routinely cleaned the microwave, but he never does, leaving me to do it. This has caused shouting matches between us. How can we settle this, short of throwing away the microwave? -- UNCOVERED OUT WEST DEAR UNCOVERED: Do not toss out a perfectly good microwave over this issue. Praise your husband when he covers the saucy/greasy foods, and remember to throw a paper towel over his dinner when he “forgets.” Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

Obituaries Yolande “Pookey” Leonard Funeral Arrangements for Mr. Yolande “Pookey” Leonard will be held Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at Flint Hill Baptist Church in Alexander City at 12 noon. Pastor Adonis Thomas officiating. Viewing will began at 11:00 a.m. at Flint Hill Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Macedonia Memorial Gardens in Goodwater. Zion Memorial Funeral Home of Sylacauga directing (256) 245-1454. Alabama’s Premier Funeral Directors.

Mrs. Faye Belyeu Forbus 1939 - 2017 Funeral Service for Mrs. Faye Belyeu Forbus, 78, of Equality, Alabama, will be Thursday, November 30, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Seman Congregational Christian Church. She will lie in state for one hour prior to the service. Eric Brown will officiate. Burial will follow in the Seman Congregational Christian Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 29, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to The Raptor Resource Project, P O Box 16, Decorah, IA, 52101 or online at www.raptorresource.org. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome.com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Mrs. Charlie Evelyn Dark 1927 - 2017 Funeral Service for Mrs. Charlie Evelyn Dark, 90, of Kellyton, Alabama, will be Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the Kellyton United Methodist Church. Rev. Mike Jackson will officiate. Burial will follow in the Kellyton Memory Garden. The family will receive friends on Monday, November 27, 2017 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Tuesday, November 28, 2017 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Ms. Dark passed away on Sunday, November 26, 2017 at Russell Medical. She was born on April 7, 1927 in Central, Alabama to Charlie Winfield Britton and Ethel Stough Britton. She was an active member of the Kellyton United Methodist Church, sang in the choir and often provided special music. She loved the outdoors and working in the yard. Mrs. Dark loved her family dearly and always had a great sense of humor. She is survived by her sons, Robert P. Dark, Jr. (Patricia) of Oxford, Tim Dark (Kathy) of Alexander City, and Chris

Dark (Denise) of Opelika; grandchildren, Buddy Dark, Sean Dark (Denise), Jarrod Dark, Zach Dark (Lauren), Juliana Lynn (Travis), Blake Patterson, and Janet Richey (Chad); great-grandchildren, Kelsey Dark, Erin Dark, Ashley Dark, Charlie Dark, Kadyn Dark, Jack Richey, Robert Richey, Guy Richey, and Sam Dark; brother-in-law, John Neighbors of Alexander City; several nieces and nephews, including Diane Denham and Nancy Holman. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert P. Dark, Sr.; grandchild, Jennifer Dark; her parents; sisters, Addis Stoddard, Lurlene Mask, Edith Holman, and Juanita Neighbors; brothers, Rev. Howell Britton, Claude Britton, and Rev. Stanley “Jet” Britton. The family requests no flowers. Memorial contributions be made to Kellyton United Methodist Church, Church Street and County Road 50 Kellyton, AL 35089 or to the Kellyton Memorial Gardens. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www. radneyfuneralhome.com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Former Chambers County official abuse trial continued By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

135 N. Tallassee Street • Dadeville, AL

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

The Outlook

Former Chambers County Administrator Patrick Simms’ trial for sexual abuse of a child has been continued to April 2018. Court records show his jury trial was to be held this fall term in front of Judge Ray Martin but was continued to April 30, 2018. Allegations were made by a mother of a child under 12 years old that Simms molested a child in a vehicle

while he was driving in Chambers County Feb. 7, 2015. The child told its mother who told investigators of the Chambers County Sheriff’s Department. Simms, who is a resident of Camp Hill, turned himself in Feb. 19, 2015 and is currently out of jail on $100,000 bond. In a press release issued at the time of the arrest, Chambers County Sheriff Sid Lockhart said Simms was named as the suspect in a case involving sexual abuse of a

child less than 12 years old, in an incident that occurred about Feb. 8, 2015. Simms’ attorney at the time, Skip McCoy, released a statement, saying: “Mr. Simms vehemently denies these atrocious charges. This is nothing but a witch-hunt and Mr. Simms is the victim in this case. Once the truth is told we fully expect Mr. Simms to be exonerated from all charges.” Simms was indicted on the charge of sex abuse of a child less

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than 12 years old in Feb. 2016 and Simms entered a plea of not guilty in March of 2016. Simms once was over all aspects of Chambers County government business and at the time of the allegation of abuse was in a similar position in Etowah County. Court records show Simms’ current address in Camp Hill. Simms has retained attorneys Larry Wade Morris, Taylor Alan Pharr and William Lamar Smith.

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

www.alexcityoutlook.com

The Outlook

Theft

Page 3

continued from page 1

Monday could reach $6.6 billion, a number that is up 16.5 percent from last year. With the increased popularity of online shopping, local law enforcement officials warn residents of the potential that thieves could target packages left unattended at homes. Last year, Alexander City Police handled three incidents of theft of packages after delivery drivers had left items on the porch of local homes. Alexander City Police Chief Jay Turner said leaving a package unattended is almost an invitation for potential thieves. “Never leave packages unguarded or exposed in the open where they can be seen,” Turner said. “The main thing is to do everything you can to reduce the amount of time a package is sitting unattended. Look for neighbors who could

take delivery or have the post office or delivery company hold them for pick up. We’ve had situations where people actually drive neighborhoods this time of the year looking for packages.” Tallapoosa County Sheriff Jimmy Abbett said awareness is key to not becoming a target. “Virtually every company that does these kinds of deliveries offer some sort of tracking mechanism,” Abbett said. “Use those options to check when packages are coming so you can plan ahead and be there. “Many employers are understanding and will allow deliveries there. That’s another route to go.” Both Abbett and Turner said residents should look out for suspicious activity and take note of tag numbers and descriptions of questionable vehicles seen in your area.

During the holiday season, many residents are doing a lot of their shopping online. This means more packages are being delivered throughout Alexander City and according to officials, leaving a package unattended is almost an invitation for potential thieves. Alexander City Police Chief Jay Turner said to never leave packages unguarded or exposed in the open where they can be seen. Turner suggests taking precautions to avoid any potential theft.

PACKAGE SAFETY TIPS • Have your packages delivered to your office or workplace if possible. • Have your packages delivered to a neighbor who is home. • Request signed confirmation upon delivery. • Track the delivery of packages to plan ahead. • If you are going out of town for an extended period of time contact your post office and have delivery of mail and packages suspended. • Report suspicious activity in your neighborhood to law enforcement.

Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

Donations said. “The crisis center does a lot of good work helping people throughout the entire county and supports Loaves and Fishes here in Dadeville, so we wanted to help support them.” Mangarelli said the library would accept any non-perishable or canned food item for the crisis center, including items the center has noted as being highly needed, like flour, sugar, spices and cooking oils. As of Monday morning, Mangarelli said the library had not received any donations yet, but felt the community would begin showing

continued from page 1

up with items as soon as that afternoon. “We’ll provide whatever we can,” she said. “I feel we’ll have a really good turnout overall.” Unlike the ongoing food drive at the Adelia M. Russell Library in Alexander City, the collection efforts at the Dadeville Public Library would not be a food for fines drive, where patrons can have overdue library book fines forgiven by donating non-perishable items to the library. “This is just a food drive,” Mangarelli said. “We may look at having a food for fines event in April, but we aren’t cer-

tain of this just yet.” The Dadeville Library will be collecting food for the crisis center until Dec. 21, at which point library staff members will be taking all the items collected to the center. Mangarelli said anyone who wanted to donate could drop by the library during normal hours and there would be a box sitting out for items to be dropped off in, or they could hand donations over to a library staff member. “We thought this would help a different group this year, and we’re happy to be able to help the crisis center,” Mangarelli said.

Shopping idea because it encourages people to stay local and shop stores in town,” Dunn said. “The stores have said it helps contribute to them staying busy, so they like it. The customers like it, especially because they have the chance to win these gift cards.” Many a

small thing

continued from page 1

Shop Local Saturday will begin as soon as stores open Saturday morning and will last as long as they remain open for business that day. Dunn said she did not have an exact dollar amount for how much had been spent in Alexander City over

the past few Shop Local Saturdays, but believed the event had been very successful in helping keep money in the local economy. “It’s Christmastime, and the Chamber encourages everyone to shop locally,” Dunn said. “Everybody reaps the benefits from this.”

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Escapee Vernon was recaptured and taken into custody by officers with the DeKalb County (Georgia) Police Department without incident at 10:21 p.m. Tuesday Nov. 21. In DeKalb County, Georgia, Vernon faces four local charges including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of marijuana - less than an ounce, open container, and giving a false name. It was unclear when he would appear in court or have an extradition hearing so he could be returned to Alabama. Felony warrants for unlawful impris-

continued from page 1

onment, kidnapping, armed robbery, theft of a motor vehicle and escape are awaiting Vernon in Alabama. The original charges of burglary and theft are still pending in Coosa County. “There have been malfunctions of this nature in different areas of the jail in the past, which were repaired when discovered,” Wilson said. “This portion of the jail has been taken out of operational use until such repairs can be made.” Wilson said limited staffing also played a role in the escape. “The only two scheduled officers

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working were both actively handling 911 dispatch calls when the escape occurred,” Wilson said. “The faulty control panel, the unsecure attic, and the lack of personnel to run the dispatch center and jail will be addressed to the Coosa County Commission in the near future.” It was the second time Vernon had escaped. On Oct. 29, Vernon forcibly removed his restraints while being booked into the jail. He then ran from the facility on foot. In that incident, Vernon was captured the next day in a wooded area about a mile north of Rockford.

MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213

editor@alexcityoutlook.com

EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Page 4

Our

Opinion

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 334242-7100. Her office is located at the State 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 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 256-392-2006 or by email at tughd81@gmail. com. His office is located at 110 Calhoun Street, Suite 108, Alexander City. 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 334242-t7865. His office is located at 337 East Magnolia Drive, Auburn.

Kay Ivey

Steve Marshall

Mark Tuggle

Tom Whatley

The

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Participation in Trash Walk will help community

Think safety T as you try to stay warm F ires often provide tragic results = as colder temperatures arrive. Why? It’s because we again call on appliances, heaters and furnaces that haven’t been used in a while to help keep us warm. That’s what makes this time of year a very active time for firefighters. So before you fire up the furnace or heater, have them checked out before use. A lot can happen in a year. There are several other ways homeowners can protect themselves from the increased fire danger brought on by the cold. The first and most obvious is to make sure and have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors inside the home. Early warning is the best defense against death and injury, and detectors are the best line of defense. It’s also important to have fire extinguishers ready. Extinguishers need to be up-to-date and homeowners and their families should be familiar with how to use extinguishers ahead of time. Wood stoves and chimneys are a common source of winter fires, and local fire departments warn to make sure stoves and fireplaces are kept clean. The cost of a chimney sweep might seem like an unnecessary expense when household budgets are tight, but it’s a heck of a lot cheaper than having to rebuild. Among other tips offered by the U.S. Fire Safety Administration include never using ovens as supplemental heat sources, not overloading electrical sources with too many cords and avoiding the use of space heaters, especially near water sources. Finally, it’s vital for homeowners to have a plan in place if a fire does break out. Getting out quickly and safely is crucial to limiting damage to property, rather than risking human life. Practice your home safety plan and make sure everyone knows the best way to exit the home if a fire breaks out. Being aware of the increased fire danger that comes with cold temperatures is one of the most important household safety choices people can make this time of year.

Outlook

he “Trash Walks” that were started on an overcast chilly Saturday morning in February 2015 have been very effective in the removal of unsightly litter/trash from some of the busiest highways in the Lake Martin Community. The roads/ areas that were selected for cleaning each month were chosen because of heavy traffic, which equates to more litter, and the important destination spots located along the roadsides. Destination spots such as Wind Creek Park, Dare Park, Smith Mountain Fire Tower, Lake Winds Golf Course, Willow Point, Children’s Harbor and many others have been the focus of volunteer efforts. In total, more than 1,000 man-hours have been contributed by nearly 500 volunteers in this three-year period. This has resulted in the removal of more than 1,000 bags of trash and mounds of automotive

JOHN THOMPSON Guest columnist

tires from these important highways in the Lake Martin Community. Several of these volunteers have participated in all of the cleanups. Here are some of the positive results: • Increase of community involvement in roadside litter maintenance • Build both personal and community pride by promoting and maintaining a litter free environment • Provides opportunity to involve young people in community service activities • Enhance and promote individual health by encouraging participation in a regular walking routine In addition to the immediate benefit of driving our scenic roadways

without viewing the blight of trash, we have seen groups come together with the intent of maintaining their neighborhoods year round. I personally have received numerous calls from individuals who have indicated an intent to add litter removal to their already established walking routine. While these may be small wins, they offer promise for continued progress in battling a never-ending problem. We will continue to have roadside litter. Our challenge is to become more efficient and more comprehensive in its removal. Now that the roadsides have been cut and the trash is very visible, we will schedule our next “walk” which will be Saturday, Dec. 2 at 8:30 a.m. Volunteers will meet at Elkahatchee Bridge on Highway 63 for supplies and assignments.

Today’s

Quote

“For most of history, Anonymous was a woman.” —Virginia Woolf

Today’s

Scripture

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved — and that by God. —Philippians 1:27-28

alexcityoutlook.com

Daily Poll Weekend Question: Have you put up your Christmas decorations?

John Thompson is president of the Lake Martin Resource Association.

No — 69%, 31 votes Yes — 31%, 14 votes

Tuesday Question: Do you do most of your holiday shopping online or in traditional stores? 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.

Sexual abuse happens, even to a child

was sexually assaulted when I was about 12 years old. Several of us boys from elementary school attended the summer 4-H camp. Overall, it was a great time. We had craft classes, volleyball, badminton, good food, dancing at night, and vesper services all surrounded by the quiet Appalachian mountains. One morning a classmate was exclaiming to a couple of us guys that some man had climbed into bed with him. What he was telling us, in a frightened tone, did not sound good to a group of 12-year-old ears. I don’t know if he talked to anybody else, and we went on with the activities of the day. Sometime in the early morning hours of the following night I was awakened with two huge hairy arms around me, and two hands on my genitals. I had been dead asleep. Was I dreaming? Was this a nightmare? Yes, it was a nightmare for certain. Many of us at camp shared bunks with classmates. A friend of mine was probably only a foot away from me in the same bunk. The night was so dead silent. The only sound was this strange man breathing in my ear as he molested me. Becoming fully awake I started making sounds like we sometimes make when we are trying to wake ourselves up from a nightmare. It was somewhat of a humming sound. I hoped I could wake my classmate but it wasn’t working. I was only about 5’5” at the time but that was tall for a sixth-grader. I began pushing backwards as hard

GLENN MOLLETTE Columnist

as I could as I worked to get this guy out of the bed, as my volume increased. He finally gave up and got out of the bed. Unbeknownst to me, he may have gone to someone else’s bed. The next morning I told one of the camp leaders about what had happened. The response I got was, “Yes, on these cold nights, Mr. (John Doe) is known to get into the beds with the boys to get warm.” I didn’t know what to say. I saw the man walking around the camp the rest of the week and he never got close to me again. I wonder how many little boys Mr. John Doe not only molested that week but the entire summer and throughout his lifetime. I suspect the numbers would be startling. Even one is too many. Little children often don’t say anything. Like most, I was afraid to say anymore. I was afraid that I had done something wrong or would be punished, scolded or derided. I was afraid that my parents would never let me go to camp again if I told them or that they might be angry with me for some reason. This is why child abusers get by with so much. The abuser knows that children are easy to victimize. Most people have experienced some kind of crap in

life. We try to deal with it, learn from it and impart our wisdom to others. We try to get over it and emotionally/ spiritually try to heal. Most of the time I never think about that event, but here I am writing about it today. This just goes to show what such events do to us and how they are seared into our minds. Often, they are buried beneath the deepest parts of our brains but then they surface. Protect your children. Warn them about predators. Tell them what is off limits. Other people have no business ever touching them and certainly nowhere close to their private parts. Sadly, many children are abused and traumatized at young ages and often never get over it or get help. Keep the conversations going with your children and grandchildren. Be their parent and talk to them about everything. Don’t sit in judgment or get religious. Just be loving, talk to them about life and listen — a lot. I was clueless as a child to what a pedophile was or that these kind of people existed. About the only thing I knew at that age was I loved life, sports and music. I was clueless about the real depravity of some human beings and that some adults are base enough to do anything, even to a child. Glenn Mollette is a syndicated columnist and author of twelve books. He may be contacted at gmollette@aol. com. To learn more about Mollette and his new book “Uncommon Sense,” visit www.glennmollette.com.

How to

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

What’s your

Opinion?

We’d like to share your thoughts and opinions with the greater Lake Martin community. It’s free and it only takes a few moments of your time. We have two ways to get your opinion in print: letters to the editor and guest columns. The main difference is length. Letters to the editor are up to 250 words, while guest columns can be up to 500 words. Letters and columns may be sent to P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011, faxed to (256) 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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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.

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

The Martial Arts are a variety of sports that allow a person to display the skills of combat and self-defense, while showing respect for the teacher and others and practicing self-discipline and control. The original purpose of martial arts was for warriors to defend and protect their homes and lands. Most martial arts were developed in the Asian Countries of Japan, China, and Korea. Perhaps the most well-known, ancient martial artists were the Samurai of Japan. Today, martial arts have developed into a sport LQ ZKLFK SHRSOH RI DOO 1DWLRQV SDUWLFLSDWH 7KHUH DUH VHYHUDO GLႇHUHQW W\SHV RI PDUtial arts; some are unarmed sports (hand-to-hand), and others are armed. In armed martial arts, the participant uses swords, or wooden dowels, and other equipment against opponents. Protective gear, called sparring equipment, is used to protect the SDUWLFLSDQWV 7KH PDUWLDO DUW RI .HQGR LV VZRUG ¿JKWLQJ GHYHORSHG E\ WKH -DSDQHVH Kyudo, also Japanese, is a type of archery that is considered part of the martial arts. Tae Kwon Do is a Korean martial art that literally means “art of kicking and punching.” It blends a series of these moves together. Judo and Karate are unarmed Japanese martial arts. Kung Fu, which was developed in China, means “skill.” The Chinese developed many Kung Fu moves by watching and imitating the way various animals protect themselves. T’ai Chi ch’uan, abbreviated to T’ai Chi, is another Chinese martial art. Kick boxing originated in Thailand and is a very popular form of exercise today. There are also the arts of Jujitsu and Aikido. Most martial artists today get instruction from a trained teacher at gyms or martial art schools. White uniforms are generally ZRUQ ZLWK D VSHFL¿F FRORUHG EHOW GHQRWLQJ RQH¶V VNLOO OHYHO *HQHUDOO\ D EODFN EHOW LV the highest of levels.

What Are The Martial Arts? Martial Arts Crossword Game

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The Outlook

Martial Arts Word Find

Circle the one that is GLႇHUHQW

Across Clues: 1. Most famous martial artists. 2. Popular Korean martial art. 7. Martial art from Thailand. 9. Where most martial arts originated. 10. Martial art that uses swords. Down Clues: 1. Protective gear used for sport. 3. Means “skills” in Chinese. 4. Today, martial arts are practiced as a what? 5. Highest belt level in martial arts. 6. Karate uniform is called what? 7. Most common martial art. 8. Form of archery in martial arts.

3. Aikido, China, Control, Discipline, Gi, Japan, Jujitsu, Karate, Kendo, Kick Boxing, Judo, J Kung Fu, Kyudo, Martial Arts, Master, Korea, K Self-Defense, Sparring, Tae Kwon Do, Self-D T’ai Chi, Teacher, Thailand

How Many Words Can You Spell From The Word Taekwondo? __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________

Sparring Match Color It!

Crossword Ans: Across- 1)Samurai 2)Tae Kwon Do 7)Kick Boxing 9) Asia 10)Kendo Down- 1)Sparring *HDU .XQJ )X 4)Sport 5)Black *L .DUDWH Kyudo

Odd Pic Ans: #3

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Tuesday, November 28, 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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Pete and Peggy Ott and Avis and Robert Barker celebrate their anniversaries today.

Today is November 28, 2017

Call me.

Today’s Birthdays

Richard Marsallys, James Jackson, Robyn Smith, Jared McDaniel, Ed Moore, Mary Powell and Branden Heard are celebrating their birthdays today.

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25 Years and still going, Selling quality kitchen & bath cabinetry at reasonable prices. Ben & Peggy Smith, Owners

Submitted / Special to The Outlook

Democratic candidate for Governor Walt Maddox was in Waverly Monday evening for a fundraiser. Maddox has been the Tuscaloosa mayor since 2005. He announced his candidacy last summer. Among other Democratic challengers are former Alabama Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb.

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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. CHRISTMAS CONCERT: The Central Alabama Community College Concert and Community Band will host a Christmas Concert Thursday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. at the Betty Carol Graham Cener. There will be a meet and greet from 6:15 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. SWEET POTATO PIE: Alex City Arts presents the female music group Sweet Potato Pie. They will be performing at the Benjamin Russell auditorium Thursday, Nov. 30. The group’s show, “A Home Grown Christmas,” will feature heartfelt renditions of many iconic Christmas songs. The concert begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15, while students and children get in free.

Sunday, December 3

SUNDAY DINNER: Duncan Brown Nursing Memorial United Methodist Church and Rehabilitation is hosting Sunday dinner Sunday,

Rehabilitation Services •Physical Therapy •Occupational Therapy •Speech Therapy 2334 Washington Street Alexander City • 256-329-9061 www.crownemanagement.com

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Dec. 3 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. CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: Mt. Zion East Missionary Baptist Church is celebrating its 152nd Church Anniversary Sunday, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. The guest minister will be Rev. Jessie Mays of Marrietta Baptist Church. Pastor of Mt. Zion East Missionary Baptist Church is Rev. Jimmy Thomas. INAUGURATION CEREMONY: Word Bible Church is hosting an inauguration ceremony Dec. 3 at 4 p.m. The event is located at 1050 N. Central in Alexander City. All are welcome.

Wednesday, December 6

MONTHLY LUNCHEON: Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends in Millerville will have their Monthly Luncheon on Wednesday, Dec. 6 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Please bring a covered dish and a small donation.

December 6-10

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

PASTORAL APPRECIATION: House of Prayer Apostolic Church of Promise is celebrating the 24th Annual Pastoral Appreciation for Overseer Emma and Deacon Earnest Hoyle Dec. 6 and 8 and 7 p.m. and Climax Sunday is Dec. 10 at 3 p.m. The church is at 634 North Central Avenue in Alexander City.

Thursday, December 7

CHRISTMAS MUSICAL: Faith Chrisitian Academy presents its 12th Annual Christmas musical, Christmas at Bethlehem Gulch Darrell Brooks, Owner Thursday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. in the Faith Temple sancturary. The musical Cutting •Edging will present the FCA Cance Troupe, the second grade handbell choir, a Weed Eating •Mulch lasso performance and an 84-voice Weed Control children’s choir.

Lawn Care

Saturday, December 9

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CHRISTMAS BALL: New Style Baptist Church is hosting Christmas Ball 2017, a semi-formal event, Saturday, Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. at The Hangout 6207 Hwy 63 South in Alexander City. Rev. Richard E Taylor is Pastor. Tickets are $10.00 in

advance, $15.00 at the door. Please contact Tonya Thomas at 256-7860399, Pam Jones at 256-496-2044, Shirley Jennings at 256-496-4067, or Shelia Thomas at 256-872-1053 for tickets. HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: Horseshoe Bend National Military Park is hosting a holiday open house from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitors can see luminaries along the pathways and battlefield. BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: Dadeville First United Methodist Church is hosting breakfast with Santa Saturday, Dec. 9 from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee are $5 and the breakfast a photograph with Santa and Mrs. Claus is $10 Mrs. Butterworth will be there too. Proceeds benefit the church’s Honduras Medical Mission trip.

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 256 825-4019. CHRISTMAS MUSICAL: Faith Temple Church will present the timeless story of His coming in a Christmas musical, “Christmas in His Presence, “ on Sunday, Dec. 10 at 10:30 a.m. in the Faith Temple sanctuary. The musical features soloists Valerie Baty, Julie Haynes, Susan Mann and Frank Carpenter. The public is cordially invited.

Thursday, December 14

CHRISTMAS CONCERT: The Capitol Sounds Concert Band will be in concert Thursday, Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the St. James United Methodist Church at 9045 Vaughn Road in Montgomery. Admission is free.

Sunday, December 17

CHRISTMAS CANTATA: Red Ridge United Methodist Church is presenting its Christmas cantata “How Should a King Come” by Randy Vader and Rose Aspinall Dec. 17 at 9:30 a.m. under the direction of Dr. Kim Walls with a full orchestra.

Sunday, January 21

HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEETING: The Tallapoosee Historical Society will meet at the Historical Museum on the square in Dadeville on Sunday, January 21, 2018 at 2 p.m. Dr. Charles Mitchell will be the speaker. He will present “A Pictorial History of Alabama Agriculture.” While working at Auburn, Dr. Mitchell accumulated lots of old photographs related to Alabama agriculture. Several years ago, he began organizing them and realized that these old pictures could actually tell the chronological story of Alabama’s agriculture from the Creek Indians to modern production. He will share these photographs with the Tallapoosee Historical Society Please make plans to attend. The meeting is open to the public,

there is no admission fee and free refreshments will be served.

Ongoing Events

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY: Meetings are held every Thursday night at Comer Memorial Baptist Church at 341 East Church Street from 6–7 p.m. Call 256-329-8631 after 6 p.m. for more information. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: First United Methodist Church in Dadeville will host Alcoholics Anonymous Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30–7:30 p.m. The church is located on the corner of Broadnax and Lafayette streets. For more information call 256-496-4384. FREE WOMEN’S AEROBIC CLASS: A free women’s aerobics class will be held every Tuesday and Thursday at Cooper Rec Center from 6–7 p.m. For more information call 256-329-6799. FLEA MARKET: Habitat for Humanity ReStore will hold a Flea Market every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 3831 Pepperell Parkway in Opelika. PARENTS AS TEACHERS PROGRAM: The Parents as Teachers Program at the Circle of Care Center for Families is accepting donations for baby items such as clothing, toys, Pampers and other necessities. They will also accept used items in good condition. For more information contact Shareka Benson at (256) 7944838 or sharekabenson@gmail.com. TALLAPOOSA CHRISTIAN CRISIS CENTER: The Alex City Ministerial Association is asking churches and residents to donate box fans, linens, cookware and dishes to the Tallapoosa Christian Crisis Center. Monetary donations are accepted. Checks should be made out to TCC with “box fans” in the memo box. Donations can be dropped off Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to noon. For more information call (256) 329-3327. FLINT HILL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: Flint Hill United Methodist serves free hot dogs, chips and a drink to the public at the Tallapoosa Christian Crisis Center from 9 a.m. to noon every third Thursday of the month. For more information call 256234-5042. MUSIC AT EQUALITY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER: The Equality Performing Arts Center hosts music and other events on the second and fourth Friday nights of each month at 6:30 p.m. on Alabama Highway 9 in Equality. Country/ Western, bluegrass, Southern gospel and instrumental music featured. For more information, contact Wayne Glenn at 334-541-3302. HOUSE OF RESTORATION PENTACOSTAL, INC.: Pastor Doris Patterson, 519 Slaughter Road in Camp Hill. Prayer is Monday at noon every week. Wednesday Bible Study at noon and Sunday School at 10 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. For more information, contact 256-749-7666. LABELS FOR EDUCATION: Jim Pearson’s P.E. Department is collecting Campbell’s soup labels and other products – visit labelsforeducation. com for a full list. Send labels and caps c/o Patricia Brooks, 3491 Coley Creek Road, Alexander City. BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION: Help support Alexander City Middle School by collecting box tops. Send them to ACMS or send them by students. VOLUNTEER: Southern Care Hospice is seeking volunteers. Please call Lizz Gillenwaters at 256-234-1134 or 256-749-3717 for more information.

The Learning Tree Helping Children Learn and Grow

The Learning Tree, Inc. is Accepting Applications for Weekend Shifts in Direct Care. Applications can be picked up at: 101 S. Dubois Street Tallassee, AL 36078 Or contact Brinda Bell (334) 252-0025, Ext. 101 Email: bbell@learning-tree.org

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Tuesday, November 28, 2017

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

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Hoops begin at BRHS

LUKE ROBINSON Columnist

Auburn plays spoiler once again

ell, to the victor go the spoils. And Auburn has certainly spoiled a lot of dreams this year. Before I go on, I should just say congratulations to the Tigers. They were certainly a better team Saturday in the Iron Bowl. A special shout-out should also go to the Auburn crowd as well. There is no doubt in my mind the environment in Jordan Hare Stadium played a huge part in that game. The home-field advantage allowed Auburn to swag-surf over the Tide. From the Alabama perspective, I am left to wonder exactly what happened during the previous week of preparation. The game plan seemed disjointed at best. Frankly I am not sure I’ve seen an Alabama coach Nick Saban team look so disorganized since 2007. Certainly Auburn deserves credit for some of the offense’s discombobulating moments, but there were also self-inflicted wounds which are atypical of a ’Bama team. The bottom line is despite all that was at stake for both teams, only one team came out hungry. Damien Harris gets only six carries? Who in the world thinks that’s a good idea? Back-to-back botched snaps? I’ve never even seen that happen anywhere much less to Alabama with an experienced quarterback. Regardless, Alabama no longer holds its fate in its hands obviously. And ’Bama is left to wait and hope good fortune comes its way. Even if the Tide is fortunate enough to make the four-team playoff, I am not sure the problems that were exposed Saturday will allow Alabama to win the championship. ’Bama looked more like a fixer-upper than a ready to move-in home. On the bright side, maybe a loss like this can be cleansing for Alabama. I think Auburn’s hard times earlier this season have certainly molded the Tigers into a more formidable opponent for the stretch run. Sometimes you have to back up to get a running start and the Tide sure was in ebb flow Saturday. In other words, maybe Alabama needed to be (AU)burned before getting a good tan from the shine of a championship trophy. Hey, I know I am grasping at straws looking for a silver lining. Give me a break though; after Saturday, straw-grasping is all I have. Luke Robinson is a regular columnist and contributor to Lake Martin Living and BMetro.

BRHS boys kick off basketball season vs. Talladega By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

It’s the dawn of a new season at Benjamin Russell as the Wildcats take to the basketball court tonight at Talledega. Working under new head coach Lewis Daniel, the boys basketball team has high hopes of repeating as area champions this year. But it’s going to be a tall task with only two true returning starters in Jaden Tuck and Alex Doss, both of whom play forward. Rounding out the starting lineup will likely be guards Quinn Burroughs and DJ Hunter and point guard Davede Herron. “Right now, the kids we’ve got from football are coming in and looking pretty good,” Daniel said. “We’re hoping to get Nick McGhee (a guard) going some, and we’ll need productivity from Alex Doss and Jaden Tuck. Davede has potential, too. With the style of offense we’re running, he’ll get a lot of looks and the basket. Collectively, we’re looking for everyone to get those easy shots.” Daniel is implementing an offensive style that’ll cater toward high-percentage shots. He said the strategy right now is to improve the inside game and work on getting rebound, layups and midrange jumpers. “We struggled with that last year, so that’s been our focal point is to get better in the paint,” Daniel said. “We’ll run a motion type of offense with some cuts and backdoors, but basically we’re going to be real smothering defensively.” Benjamin Russell will mostly run a man defense with the ability to play zone, depending on its opponent. “We’ll press when we can and as often as we can,” Daniel said. Some other top players include Jakobe Gamble (C/F), Zae Stowes (G), Cam Morris (C/F), Kobi Crabb (F/G), Richard Heard (G) and Desmond Bishop (G). Daniel is hoping by midseason his three sophomores, Stowes, Morris and Bishop, will be extremely productive. “I think the three sophomores that we pulled up have potential to have a good season,” Daniel said. “If they get in and buy into our program and continue to work hard, I think they can make an impact on this year’s

File / The Outlook

Hope Westbrook is expected to be a big contributor for Benjamin Russell’s girls basketball team when she returns after recovering from an injury.

team.” On the girls side, the Wildcats actually already officially kicked off the season in a last-minute tournament this weekend in Huntsville. BRHS went 1-1, falling to a team from Missouri and defeating Chelsea. “Before we played, I was kinda unsure what to expect,” Benjamin Russell girls coach Latreisha Moon said. “But we played a team out of a Missouri, and we missed 11 free throws and had 13 turnovers and only lost by 16 points, so it could’ve been a different game. At practice, we don’t always look that good, but I can’t really judge it off practice.” Benjamin Russell’s starting lineup will likely include Shay Johnson (G), Jaaliyah Caldwell (C), Brooklyn

Edwards (F), Breanna Smith (G) and Aaliyah Thomas (PG). The only two seniors who have a lot of returning experience are Johnson and A’Niah Ford, who will play forward/guard. “I don’t have a lot of height, but Niah can jump pretty good,” Moon said. “I put Niah in the post sometimes, but we just have to put our body on somebody so we can try to rebound.” During the Huntsville tournament, Moon said she was especially impressed by the play of sophomore Edwards, and she also mentioned Maya Graham as a player to look out for coming off the bench. Hope Westbrook is also expected to have a strong season, but she injured her knee during the tournament and won’t return until Dec. 4.

Iron Bowl gives bucket list several ticks This weekend, I got to check several things off my bucket list. The first being, of course, witnessing the Greatest College Football Rivalry. People always touted Auburn and Alabama’s Iron Bowl as the best college football rivalry in the nation, but it’s hard to believe that until you actually get a chance to see it. It’s truly a spectacle. One of the things that amazed me most about the Iron Bowl is the sheer amount of people who attended the game, regardless of if they were planning to actually go into Jordan-Hare Stadium. Although I arrived nearly three hours early in Auburn, I had to walk almost two miles to the stadium, which actually was OK for several reasons. First, it was a beautiful college football day. The sun was shining, the breeze was light and the temperature was perfect for a stroll through Auburn. Secondly, it gave me a chance to see all the Iron Bowl tailgaters. I’ve spent a lot of time covering Penn State football, and while I still think the Nittany Lion faithful have perfected the art of tailgating, there’s something special about the way Auburn does it — haphazardly, a little unorganized and, of course, always fun. People parked basically on the road and just tailgated out of the back of their vehicles, but that didn’t

LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

stop them from enjoying the moment. But more important than the bucket list tick of the actual Iron Bowl, it’s always been a dream of mine to be on site when fans rushed the field. When Jarrett Stidham scored a 16-yard touchdown to go ahead by two scores and the Tigers stuffed Alabama on fourth down three minutes later, I tweeted “Is Auburn about to win this football game?!” What I thought was pretty unlikely — no offense, Auburn fans, I just can’t ever put my money against Alabama — started to seem like it was going to happen. I made my way down to the field at Jordan-Hare, but then I got worried the dream of fans storming the field would remain unchecked. Announcements came over the loudspeaker, “Remain in your seats at the end of the game. Do not go onto the field of play.” A line of security and stadium personnel formed around the stands. But Auburn fans didn’t let me down. When the final clock wound down to 0:00, the

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Above: Fans rush the field after Auburn wins the Iron Bowl on Saturday. Below: Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts and Auburn quarterback Jarrett Stidham share a handshake after Saturday’s Iron Bowl.

Tiger faithful ripped through bushes, jumped over walls and stormed the field in pure elation. Friends jumped onto each other, cheerleaders danced and sang, even a few tears were shed. Players wrapped arms around fans, coaches pumped their fists, water boys jumped for joy. It was euphoria. Auburn fan or not, that’s an experience I’ll never forget. Lizi Arbogast is the sports editor of The Outlook.