Issuu

HIT THE ROAD

OPINION: LET’S GET INVOLVED TO STOP THE VANDALISM, PAGE 4.

THURSDAY

THE

Lady Wildcats head to Wetumpka, Page 10.

Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 September 15, 2016

Vol. 124, No. 186

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No water in Goodwater after water main break By MITCH SNEED Editor

The name of the town would suggest that all would be well with the water in the town of Goodwater, but that has not been the case. Many residents have found themselves without water for large portions of three days as officials work

to repair a major break in the line that supplies water for most of the town’s 1,391 residents. According to town officials, a fault in a 12-inch water line located near the spot where U.S Highway 280 crosses Highway 9 began to impact water pressure Monday evening. The fault turned into a major break, forcing officials to cut the

flow at times to work on the line. One issue is that the line is more than 25 feet below the surface and locating the break was difficult. After the break was located, opening up enough area to repair the break properly was a bigger task. Elmore Unbehant, who serves as chairman of the Town of See GOODWATER • Page 3

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Crews work Wednesday to repair a water main break that stopped water flow in Goodwater.

Preliminary hearing today for suspect in April murder

Police make arrest in store burglary By MITCH SNEED Editor

Two separate area convenience stories were the victims of would-be burglars, but Alexander City Police Department officials say that nothing was taken at one store and an arrest has been made in the second incident. Alexander City Police Department Deputy Chief Jay Turner said that in the early morning hours of Tuesday, police were called to the Delta Express convenience store on Hillabee Street on an alarm call. Police found the front door glass broken, but once store management arrived it was found that nothing was taken. At 1:24 a.m. on Wednesday, an alarm alerted police to another similar incident at the Koons Convenience store on Jefferson Street. Police responded along with storeowners and found that the glass in the front door was smashed. “The owner was on the scene quickly and in checking See BURGLARIES • Page 2

By MITCH SNEED Editor

David Granger / The Outlook

Kowaliga front of the house manager Stacey Jones returns the tomahawk to the wooden Indian statue in the lobby of the popular restaurant.

AKowaliga PIECE RESTORED Restaurant statue gets his tomahawk back

But Kowaliga, who stands in the lobby of Kowaliga Restaurant on the banks of Lake Martin, is beaming inside. Kowaliga may not be smiling outwardly. He has his tomahawk back. Unfortunately, the Indian maid he loved so The tomahawk had been missing since Sept. in song – purchased by a wealthy customer and 4 when 19-year-old John Mason Friday, visittaken far away, according to Hank Williams, ing the restaurant on a trip to Lake Martin who made Kowaliga the wooden Indian famous – has not returned. See KOWALIGA • Page 3 By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer

The man suspected of shooting and killing his neighbor as he mowed his lawn on a riding lawn mower on April 20 will appear in today. A preliminary hearing date for accused killer Franklin Price Jr. is set for 1:30 p.m. before Judge Kim Taylor at Price the Alexander City Annex of the Tallapoosa County Courthouse. The preliminary hearing was set June 1 at the request of Franklin’s court-appointed defense attorney Mitchell Gavin. Price lived across Highway 63 from 49-year-old Clyde Wilson, who died after being shot once while cutting his grass on a riding lawnmower Wednesday, April 20, at about 9:30 a.m. See HEARING • Page 3

Lake Martin

Lake Levels Vandalism at Smith Mountain, trails has trail association upset 487.66 STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

Smith Mountain and its historic fire tower are revered by many, but after a rash of vandalism and theft, the members of the Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association are fed up and aren’t going to take it anymore. “For a long time, the Smith Mountain Tower area remained relatively free from problems, but for some reason there has been a lot of mischief this year,” said Jimmy Lanier, founder of Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association. “Recently we have had problems with graffiti painted on the gorgeous rock formations, damage to our kiosks, theft of trail signs and other signs in and around the

tower, people building fires, damage to longleaf pines on the mountain, and far too much litter.” The trail association has taken a number of steps to stop these problems. Electronic surveillance devices have been installed that send signals and pictures wirelessly to a frequently monitored website. Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association also has a Facebook page with hundreds of followers and the potential to reach many more. When a couple recently removed a sign from the Smith Mountain Tower, their picture was posted on Facebook and through hundreds of shares, the post reached over 30,000 people. In less See VANDALISM • Page 3

Fall Back Too

Reported on 9/14/16 @ 6 p.m.

LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443

laceyshowell@gmail.com 5295 Highway 280, Alex City, AL

Today’s

Weather

89 70 High

Low

Submitted / The Outlook

Members of the Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association say there has been a lot of mischief, theft and vandalism this year at Smith Mountain. Investigators are looking for suspects involved with graffiti like the one pictured above.

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Living at home stops college grad from being her true self

Friday

87 70 Low

High

Mostly sunny, 20 percent chance of thunderstorms

Saturday

88 71 Low

High

Partly sunny, 20 percent chance of thunderstorms

Staff

Directory Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com

David Granger Staff Writer, Ext. 210 david.granger@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

Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Emily Gregg Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 emily.gregg@alexcityoutlook.com Donna Jones Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 donna.jones@alexcityoutlook.com Jaylan Reynolds Advertising Sales Intern, Ext. 232 jaylan.reynolds@alexcityoutlook.com

Accounting Angela Mullins Bookkeeping, Ext. 202 angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com Mary Lyman Boone Bookkeeping marylyman.boone@alexcityoutlook.com Newsroom Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Lonna Upton Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 lonna.upton@alexcityoutlook.com Cathy Higgins Sports Editor, Ext. 228 cathy.higgins@alexcityoutlook.com Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com

Composing Audra Spears Composing Department, Ext. 219 audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com Alethia Russell Graphic Artist, Ext. 231 alethia.russell@alexcityoutlook.com Circulation Linda Ewing Asst. Circulation Manager, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com

Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, Lake Martin Living, (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.

Postal

Information

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

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DEAR ABBY: I am a bisexual female college graduate living at home, and an only child. I have had one sexual encounter with a woman but never a relationship. I have, however, had relationships with men. I came out to my mother when I was a teenager. She didn’t believe me, but did say that she would not mention it to my other parents or family members. (I have two stepparents as both biological parents remarried.) I am considering -- if I find a woman to go on a date with/ be with -- pursuing a lesbian relationship. However, I am not financially independent and won’t be for many years. My problem is I’m afraid to do it while I am living at home. My cousins, friends and ex-boyfriends all know, just not my parents, grandparents, aunts, etc. Do I try for my own happiness and hope for the best, or defer my happiness and only date men? -- SCARED TO BE WHO I AM

Mr. Jimmie Sanford 1938 - 2016 Funeral Service for Mr. Jimmie Sanford, 78, of Alexander City, Alabama, will be Friday, September 16, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Rev. Gary Thomas will officiate. Burial will follow in the Hillview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 15, 2016 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Mr. Sanford passed away on

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family may be doing this in an attempt to “encourage” you to work harder at losing weight. However, if you are more comfortable traveling by car, then that’s what you should be doing. DEAR ABBY: We have a co-worker who has been internet dating. She constantly tells her co-workers how horrible the men are and says the same thing about the dates. How do we tell her that it’s not the men, but her? -- STUMPED IN SANTA MONICA, CALIF. DEAR STUMPED: If you’re smart, you won’t -- unless she asks. 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.

Sanford, Jr., Portia Looser (Brandon), Brittany Sanford, and Eric Sanford; step-grandchildren, Andy Thomas and Samuel Thomas; great-grandchildren, Khloe Looser and Annalyn Looser; and step great-grandchildren, Bransley Looser and Carrisa Looser. He was preceded in death by his son, David Sanford and his parents. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome. com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

continued from page 1

es relating to a separate incident, and they expect to get additional warrants Thursday for the Koons burglary as well. According to court records, Russell entered a guilty plea on a firstdegree robbery charge in October of last year. He received an 80-month sentence, but instead of serving time, the time to serve was suspended and placed on probation for five years, according to records. Convenience store bur-

glaries made headlines in late April and May after several incidents similar to these two were reported. On Tuesday May 10, Lynn’s Quick Stop was targeted by burglars who smashed the front door of the store at about 5 a.m. and took cash. It appeared that a large piece of concrete was used to smash the storefront. A witness said the suspects actually dropped some of the cash they had taken from inside the store

as they attempted to get away. Money was seen in various places all over the parking lot, one witness said. Storeowner Lynn Patterson has offered a $2,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in that burglary. In late April, the JetPep on Highway 280 and the Delta Express on Highway 22 just behind Who’s Diner were also hit in a similar manner.

at 375 Lee St. or local Public Meetings office school at 5 p.m.

hold its regularly scheduled meeting the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room in the courthouse in Rockford. All meetings are open to the public.

meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the community center in Kellyton.

they only found that five cartons of Newport cigarettes were taken,” Turner said. “Fortunately, the store did have surveillance cameras and they were able to get a good clear look at the suspect. “Det. George Long is working the case and he recognized the suspect from past encounters and he was brought in for questioning.” Turner said that 20-yearold Jeremiah Russell arrested on burglary charg-

Alexander City Board of Education meets on the third Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in the board

Alexander City Council meets on the first and third Mondays of each month. Meetings are held in the courtroom at the old city hall at 5:30 p.m.

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Camp Hill Town Council meets the first and third Mondays of each month. Meetings are held in town hall at 6 p.m.

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Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at Russell Medical Center. He was born on April 28, 1938 in Tallapoosa County, Alabama to Marvin Reese Sanford and Ola Virgil Sanford. He loved spending time with his family, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mr. Sanford enjoyed spending time on the lake, and was a fan of Alabama football and the Atlanta Braves. He is survived by his wife, Lela Sanford of Alexander City; son, Danny Sanford (Tennie) of Alexander City; step-daughter, Glenda Thomas (Gary) of Maryville, TN; grandchildren, Daniel

Burglaries

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prefer flying versus driving. I don’t. Because of my size. I can’t fit into an airplane seat and buckle the seat belt without an extender. I’m always worried that I’ll be forced to DEAR ABBY buy an extra seat or won’t Advice be allowed to fly because of my weight, and it is stressful. I have tried for years to lose DEAR SCARED: You are weight, but have gotten only to no longer a teenager; you’re the point where I’m maintaining an adult now. You should be my weight. entitled to have the kind of I fit comfortably in my car. I relationship with which you are most comfortable. If your cous- can get the seat belt buckled, and I don’t have to inconveins know about the fact that nience other passengers. you are bisexual, the chances My family is now trying to are that so do their parents. discourage me from taking However, if coming out now would mean that you would be future trips with them because I won’t fly. They claim it’s out on the street, I’m advising because I’m single and noryou to keep your mouth shut mally travel by myself. I’m in and bide your time until you my mid-30s and have traveled are independent. solo for years. Any suggesDEAR ABBY: My family and tions on how to help them understand my choice? -I are all travelers. Recently, FRUSTRATED SOLO HEAVY some issues have arisen TRAVELER with them about the way they DEAR FRUSTRATED: Your regard my mode of travel. They

Obituaries

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Thursday, September 15, 2016

The Outlook

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Coosa County Board of Education holds called meetings at least once a month. Coosa County Commission meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in the Coosa County Courthouse in Rockford at 9:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday and at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday. Coosa County Industrial Development Board will

Dadeville City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m. in city hall. Daviston City Council meets the third Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Daviston Fire Department. Goldville Town Council meets the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the town hall. Goodwater City Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held upstairs in the courthouse at 6:30 p.m. Jackson’s Gap Town Council meets the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in town hall at 6:30 p.m., all Jackson’s Gap citizens are encouraged to attend. Kellyton Town Council

New Site City Council meets the second and fourth Monday of the month at 5 p.m. in the Conference Room in the Town Hall. Ray Water Authority meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Ray Water Authority Office. All customers are invited to attend. Rockford Town Council meets the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in town hall at 7 p.m. Tallapoosa County Board of Education meets on the second Monday of each month. Meetings are held in the new central office at 679 East Columbus Street, Dadeville, AL 36853. Tallapoosa County Commission meets the second Monday of the month at 9 a.m. in the courthouse in Dadeville, with a pre-meeting also open to the public 30 minutes before each regular session.

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Thursday, September 15, 2016

Kowaliga with friends, slipped it out of the Indian’s grasp and walked out. “It was a college kid that had probably been enjoying the lake a little that day and thought it would be a great idea to come in and take the tomahawk,” said Stacey Jones, frontof-the-house manager at Kowaliga Restaurant. “You could tell something was up when he first walked in the door. There was a group of them, he pulled on (the tomahawk) and saw that it came out and then he sat down. “Then he came back up here after he ate and pulled it out and looked at it and put it back. And then he went and told his friends, you know, ‘Let’s go,’ and he took it out and they walked out.” Friday was arrested and charged with theft of property based on security footage after a member of the party was located using credit card information. It was the second time, according to Jones, the tomahawk had been stolen. “The first theft was right after we opened three years ago,” said Jones. “Once we got it back that time, I dropped the ball as far as getting it secured in there, but I figured no one was going to take it again.” Asked Wednesday if people were known to remove the tomahawk from Kowaliga’s grasp, Jones replied, “Well, they won’t after today.” The Indian was made famous in the Williams hit, written while the country music legend was staying in Darwin Dobbs’ cabin, according to Dobbs’ son, Fred. The song was written before there was an Indian at the restaurant, Fred Dobbs said. After the song was recorded in 1952, Darwin Dobbs was instrumental in the Indian coming to the restaurant, which opened a year later in

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continued from page 1

1953. Dobbs told Toppy Hodnett, who built the restaurant and was its first owner, that he needed an Indian out front and helped Hodnett locate one at H.G. Hales’ Alex City Pontiac dealership. Hales gave or sold the Indian to Hodnett. “Back then, just about every Pontiac dealer had a life-sized statue of Chief Pontiac,” Fred Dobbs said. “So the first Kowaliga wasn’t really Kowaliga. It was Chief Pontiac.” And, whatever the Indian’s name, he wasn’t wooden, either, but made of plaster of Paris, Dobbs said. Fred Dobbs said that after time in the weather, the original Kowaliga had to be replaced. So another plaster-ofParis Chief Pontiac was located at and obtained from a Sylacauga dealership. When it was destroyed, the restaurant’s owner had Kowaliga made from concrete. It was vandalized and repaired by Frank and Pat Crunk, who lived in Cullman, but often spent time on Lake Martin. The current Kowaliga is actually the first one made of “knotty pine,” as the song says. It was carved by Corey Worden, a chainsaw artist out of Montgomery, who operates a business called Beneath the Bark. Today, Kowaliga, his right hand extended into the air, stands eight feet tall in the lobby of the restaurant, from the sole of his moccasins to the tip of his tallest finger. His left hand clutches his tomahawk, probably a little tighter than it did two weeks ago. “We’re just real glad to have the tomahawk back,” said Jones. “People pose for pictures with that Indian every single solitary day. We’ve had people walk in the door and say ‘We just want to take a picture with the Indian.’ “Of course, that’s fine with us.”

Hearing

continued from page 1

Wilson died shortly after being shot on his property at 3823 Highway 63, just outside the Alexander City limits. Investigators said that Wilson suffered a single gunshot wound that passed through his arm and into his chest with no visible exit wound. He was pronounced dead at Russell Medical Center. Price indicated that he saw a red truck stop in the roadway, heard a gunshot and then saw Wilson

fall from the mower. Investigators cited inconsistent statements and physical evidence obtained during a search warrant of Price’s residence as factors that lead investigators to consider him a person of interest in the crime. On April 22, a search warrant for a wooded area adjoining Price’s residence turned up a .22 caliber rifle that was determined to be the weapon used in Wilson’s

Goodwater Goodwater’s Water Works and Sewer Board, issued a statement explaining the issues and said they hoped to have water service restored as soon as 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. “The Goodwater Water Works has been working a catastrophic water main break at the intersection on US Highway 280 and Alabama Highway 9 since Tuesday morning,” Unbehant said in the released statement “The 12-inch line is the only source of water for the town and at this location is approximately 25 feet underground. It is our plan to be pumping water

by 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. Customers should receive water pressure almost immediately. The water storage tanks will fill into the night. The cause of the break is not known at this time. After the water pressure returns, the town will be under a boil notice for drinking water.” As of 6 p.m. Wednesday, residents said they still did not have water. While the break has been an inconvenience for residents, the city hauled water via the town’s fire department tanker trucks on an emergency basis to those with critical needs.

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than 24 hours, quick work by the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department identified and located the suspects. Charges are pending. The combination of Facebook and electronic monitoring along with the efficiency of the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department also resulted in the identification of two different groups of people spray-painting graffiti on the rock formations of Smith Mountain. “Sadly, there were adults in both groups but since there were also minors involved, we are not releasing their names. There will be consequences, however, which include the culprits paying for the graffiti removal,” said Jerry Bynum, president of the association. Board member Harold Banks added, “Ninety-eight percent of the people who visit Smith Mountain and use our trails respect them and appreciate the private donations and work of the many volunteers that made places of extraordinary natural beauty accessible to the public for free. “But then there is that other two percent that needs a lesson in responsibility and civility. If you vandalize or cause damage to Smith Mountain, the tower, or our trails we will take appropriate legal action. We want to thank the many responsible citizens who enjoy our trails and help us in

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monitoring them and keeping them clean. As posted on our signs, Smith Mountain is closed 30 minutes after sunset. We know people love to observe the sunset from the tower so we allow a little leeway, but nobody has any business there after dark. “Those who enter the tower area late at night could be considered guilty of criminal trespass. The main purpose and objective of our association is to build and maintain hiking trails for free public use. We do not like acting as police but will do whatever it takes to protect special resources that have become major tourist attractions enjoyed by thousands.” Smith Mountain and the historic fire tower are privately owned by the Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association. The Smith Mountain and Cherokee Ridge area trails are on property privately owned by Alabama Power Company that has graciously allowed the Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association to build and maintain footpath-only trails on their property. The Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association extends a special thanks to Sheriff Jimmy Abbett and the officers of the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department for their advice, patrols, and prompt action to stop those who would cause harm to Smith Mountain and our trails.

murder. Judge Taylor had earlier granted a motion for discovery in the case, meaning the prosecution was to produce and share all the evidence gathered by investigators and the state during their work following the death of Wilson. Price remains in the Tallapoosa County Jail with a total bond of $280,000, including $250,000 on the murder charge.

continued from page 1

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Vandalism

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MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213

editor@alexcityoutlook.com

EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed

Our

View

Lets all get involved I and stop vandalism

erhaps it’s the heat. Or maybe it’s a simple case of people having no respect for public property, the property of others or the natural beauty with which this area is blessed. Regardless of the reasons for it, there is no excuse. Vandalism is ugly and wrong. And, lately, we’ve seen more than our share of folks defacing property in and around Tallapoosa County. We’ve had vandals do damage to the Ridge Bridge off Highway 63. We’ve had criminals – because vandalism is a criminal act – defacing areas in and around Smith Mountain and the Smith Mountain Tower. We’ve had those who don’t respect government property defacing our road signs. And it’s time for such actions to stop. We live in an area where tourism is big business. But who wants to spend time in a place where the property is damaged or defaced by a bunch of people with nothing better to do? Instead, we should be taking care of the natural beauty of the Lake Martin area, spend our time, when possible, helping to spruce it up in an attempt to attract more visitors, more who put money in the tax coffers we use to pay for the services from which we all benefit. We are growing more and more tired of vandals who seem to think their actions are harmless or, in some cases, cool. And we are ready to prosecute. So, before you take your hands to property that isn’t yours to damage it, before you pick up that spray paint or rock to throw at a mailbox or a sign, know that, if caught, you will pay for your crime. Know that the lawabiding citizens appreciate things that appear as they are meant to appear. Undamaged things. Natural things. And know that, more and more, we are looking out for those who damage our public property or the natural beauty that surrounds us.

Outlook The

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Page 4

Thursday, September 15, 2016

I'm sorry, what's your name?

’m pretty good when it comes to remembering names. There are times, however, when I fail miserably. Sometimes I rebound, but sometimes I don’t. Recently, I was out to lunch with one of my buddies when we saw another guy approaching us as if we were all best friends. We were both friends with him on Facebook, so we both knew him, but for all the country fried steak in the world, we couldn’t remember his name. I pulled out my phone and jumped on Facebook with the quickness of a cat all cranked up on Mountain Dew. He was getting closer. I remembered that he’d commented on my most recent post. He was almost there. I scrolled down. There he was. I looked up. There he was. “Tommy, what’s up, my man?” like the best friends we were. One of the most common techniques to combat this awkwardness is to introduce the person you are with to the person to be named later. Then, you can just sit back, listen to the introductions, and then jump back in like the cool customer you are. Of course, this only works when you’re with someone who doesn’t know that person. Even then, I’ve been in situations where the nameless one refuses to bite. I think they’re calling my bluff. This happens to all of

JODY FULLER Guest Columnist

us, and the older we get the more often it happens. I once had an awkward moment while signing a book for a guy that I no doubt knew. I just couldn’t remember his name. “Make it out to me,” he requested. My life flashed before my eyes. “No problem. Now how do you spell your name? I can never remember,” I asked. He looked at me with a confused look and answered, “B-O-B.” One of my techniques is to call girls “girl” and guys “buddy.” I’ve spoken at a particular out of state conference for the past four years. I met this really nice gentleman that first year. When I came back the next year, he was the first one I saw as I approached the conference room. “Jody!” he yelled. “Hey, what’s up, buddy?” I replied. “Good to see you. I’m so impressed that you remembered my name,” he said. His name was Buddy. “Buddy, my memory is like a steel trap, buddy,” I said. Now, even if I was blindfolded, I could pick

him out of a lineup of Buddy lookalikes of guys named Buddy. Once I know you, I know you. Sometimes, I use the best technique of all: honesty. I politely ask them to tell me their name. There is, of course, a tactful way to do so. You don’t just ask, “Who are you?” The fact of the matter is that between real life and social media, we are meeting more people than ever before. Back in the day, people knew people from church and work, and that was about it. Their only form of social media was the party line. With social media, we often become friends with people we don’t actually know, so when we finally cross paths, sometimes one doesn’t recognize the other, even though we are always the spitting image of our Facebook profile picture, right? Right… So, if you don’t know someone’s name, ask them. I think most people will appreciate your honesty. Besides, it’s the most polite and courteous thing to do. It’s respectful and shows that you actually care enough to want to know their name. By the way, my name is Jody. Jody Fuller is a comic, speaker, writer and soldier with three tours of duty in Iraq. He is also a lifetime stutterer. He can be reached at jody@jodyfuller.com. For more information, please visit www.jodyfuller.com.

represents District 2. Her phone number is 256329-0516. Her address is 2879 Old Dark Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Parks and Recreation committee.

Bob Howard represents District 3. His phone number is 256-2342225. His address is 241 8th Street West, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Buildings and Property committee.

Bob Howard

Billy Ray Wall represents District 4. His phone number is 256329-8060. His address is 101 Scott Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Public Works committee.

James Spann represents District 5. His phone number is 256-3299758. His address is 314 Auburn Drive, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of Finance committee. Tony Goss represents District 6. His phone number is 256-7493355. His address is 647 Shady Point, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of Utilities committee.

Billy Ray Wall

Tony Goss

alexcityoutlook.com

Daily Poll Wednesday Question: Has Alexander City been forced to pay too much for outside accounting services?

Yes - 62 No – 15

Thursday Question: Are you disappointed that the lottery will not be on the November ballot? 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.

Reader: ‘Thank you to those who helped me’ Dear Editor, On Tuesday, Sept. 6, I wrecked my truck on Highway 22. My truck was on it’s side with my hand pinned up underneath the truck. I tried to pull my hand out but to no avail. I look around, then up, as I heard men’s voices. I saw black and white men looking down at me asking me if I was all right. I was not asked if I were a Christian, or an atheist. I was not asked who I was voting for in November. I wasn’t even asked which football team I pulled for. I was simply asked by a man who God created with different color of skin from mine what I needed. I said that my hand was pinned to the ground underneath the truck. He told the men gathering around the situation. There were so many people who stopped that they got the truck up and I pulled my hand out. They helped me climb out of the cab and get on the ground. I was suppose to pick up my step-daughter after school, and Jordan’s mom offered to pick her up. Another woman was a trainer/first responder who wrapped my hand. Men, women, black, white all helped me. I had friends and co-workers who stopped and checked on me while waiting on the wrecker.

As I write this, tomorrow is the 15th anniversary of 9/11. I remember how this country responded on 9/12. It was not about race, or politics, and if you believed in God you turned to him. It is amazing and sad to live in a fallen world. I have seen this country’s response to disasters. I have seen the good in people. Then when things get back to normal, I then see all kind of divisions, whether it be racial, social, economic or whatever. I did not get any names of those who helped me. Going through the wreck, I don’t remember the faces, everything was crazy for me those first minutes after the wreck. But if you read this, and you or someone you know helped a fat guy who wrecked his truck on Highway 22 on Sept. 6, I want to say thank you. The best way I can honor God and what you did for me is to pay it forward, if and when given the opportunity. No matter what color you are, how you vote, what team you pull for, or most important, whether you believe in Jesus Christ or not I will pay forward the kindness show to me. With humble heart Tim Pruitt Alexander City

The flags are flying, the banners waving James Spann

“In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. ” – 1 Corinthians 9:14

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

Letters to the Editor

Sherry Ellison Simpson

Scripture

How to

Bobby Tapley

Sherry Ellison-Simpson

Today’s

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.

Charles Shaw

Bobby Tapley

“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” – Confucius

Mission

Officials

represents District 1. His phone number is 256329-9671. His address is 1821 LaVista Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Public Safety committee.

Quote

Our

Know Your Charles Shaw is mayor of Alexander City. His phone number at city hall is 256-329-6730 and his home number is 256234-7395 His address at city hall is 4 Court Square; Alexander City, AL, 35010. His home address is 98 Heritage Drive Alexander City, AL, 35010.

Today’s

Dear Editor, Goodness, never saw so many, everywhere, oh but, it’s football season. No, I don’t have anything against the sport (or any sport). It just seems so unreal that folks can show their support for the game so much, that I sometimes (my opinion) feel it has become some’s “god.” I truly wonder if there were a devout Christian preacher coming or if the Good

Lord was going to be at any particular place, if we would/ could fly a flag or wave a banner for Him? Many folks don’t even want anything religious stuck on their vehicles, etc. My opinion, always said they ought to have a 20 minute preaching or prayer service before these games. May be amazed at who it might touch. If we don’t take a stand and

fly our flags and wave our banners for Him, while we can, then it may be too late before long. For do feel, “The king is coming soon, may be morning, night or noon. Many will meet their doom.” Pray we are ready to meet Him when He comes. God bless all. Margaret Aldridge Dadeville

What’s your

Opinion?

We’d like to share your thoughts and opinions with the greater Lake Martin community. It’s free and it only takes a few moments of your time. We have two ways to get your opinion in print: letters to the editor and guest columns. The main difference is length. Letters to the editor are up to 250 words, while guest columns can be up to 500 words. Letters and columns may be sent to P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011, faxed to (256) 2346550 or e-mailed to editor@alexcityoutlook.com. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send us your thoughts today!

On the Web

Follow The Outlook on the Internet on our website or on social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Log on to http://www.alexcityoutloook.com. There you will be able to view stories and multimedia posted by The Outlook. You can also click on the Facebook link to join The Outlook’s fan club or click on the Twitter link to start receiving tweets on your phone as we post updates. You can also subscribe to our RSS (Rich Site Summary) feed on the Outlook’s home page. Check it out today.

Thursday, September 15, 2016

The Outlook

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GIVING BACK. HELPING OUT. IT’S WHAT GOOD NEIGHBORS DO. The Poarch Creek Indians suppor t hundreds of organizations that provide crucial services to the citizens of Alabama. Meet the people who advocate for your wellbeing every day. Visit poarchneighbors.com.

A L A B A M A N AT I V E S . ALABAMA NEIGHBORS.

LEFT TO RIGHT STEVE KERMISH, CENTRAL DIVISION MARCH OF DIMES; DORIS CRENSHAW, SOUTHERN YOUTH LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE;

CHIEF JOSEPH DARBY, ALABAMA ASSOCIATION OF FIRE CHIEFS. ANISSA CLAY, MONTGOMERY COMMUNIT Y ACTION COMMITTEE & CDC INC.; GLEN HARGER, UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY OF MOBILE; VANESSA LYNCH, WETUMPK A AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. SHERIFF GROVER SMITH, ESCAMBIA COUNT Y; DR. JASON RICHERSON, USA CHILDREN & WOMEN’S HOSPITAL; JILL BARRY, MONTGOMERY MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS.

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Matthew McClure

Jason Tapley

Leslie Wingler

15-5 75%

14-6 70%

6. E. Carolina 7. Miss State 8. Ohio State 9. Louisville 10. Oregon

1. BRHS 2. Dadeville 3. Reeltown 4. Alabama 5. Auburn

Thursday, September 15, 2016

The Outlook

1. Opelika 2. Dadeville 3. Lanett 4. Alabama 5. Texas A&M

6. So. Carolina 7. LSU 8. Ohio State 9. Florida State 10. Oregon

1. Opelika 2. Dadeville 3. Lanett 4. Alabama 5. Auburn

6. So. Carolina 7. Miss State 8. Ohio State 9. Florida State 10. Nebraska

145 Alabama St. Alexander City, AL

256-329-2328

1551 Hwy. 280 • Alexander City, AL 2133 Cherokee Rd. • Alex City, AL • 888-387-3230

1. Opelika 2. Dadeville 3. Lanett 4. Alabama 5. Texas A&M

Kevin Keel

Scott Hardy

Shane Vick

14-6 70%

1. BRHS 2. Dadeville 3. Lanett 4. Alabama 5. Auburn

6. So. Carolina 7. LSU 8. Ohio State 9. Louisville 10. Oregon

Kevin Keel

6. So. Carolina 7. LSU 8. Ohio State 9. Florida State 10. Oregon

P.O. Box 876 • Alexander City 256-329-3600

786 S. Tallassee St. • Dadeville, AL • 256-825-4849

1. BRHS 2. Dadeville 3. Lanett 4. Alabama 5. Auburn

(256) 234-3432

1. Opelika 2. Dadeville 3. Lanett 4. Alabama 5. Texas A&M

6. E. Carolina 7. LSU 8. Ohio State 9. Florida State 10. Oregon

2133 Cherokee Rd. • Alex City, AL • 888-387-3230

Warry Sexton

Brett Pritchard

Ralph Holley

13-7 65%

11-9 55%

1. BRHS 2. Dadeville 3. Lanett 4. Alabama 5. Auburn

6. So. Carolina 7. LSU 8. Oklahoma 9. Florida State 10. Oregon

6. So. Carolina 7. LSU 8. Ohio State 9. Florida State 10. Nebraska

1. BRHS 2. Dadeville 3. Reeltown 4. Alabama 5. Auburn

6. So. Carolina 7. LSU 8. Ohio State 9. Louisville 10. Nebraska

S & S DISCOUNT TIRE 857 Cherokee Road • Alexander City

Alexander City • 256-234-6346 Web Site www.cacc.edu

256-215-8822

Outlook The

CIRCLE YOUR PREDICTIONS 1. BRHS vs. Opelika 2. Dadeville vs. Holtville 3. Lanett vs. Reeltown 4. Alabama vs. Ole Miss 5. Auburn vs. Texas A&M

6. So. Carolina vs. E. Carolina 7. LSU vs. Miss State 8. Ohio State vs. Oklahoma 9. Florida State vs. Louisville 10. Nebraska vs. Oregon

Tie Breaker: Total Points – BRHS/Opelika Name Address Phone Email

It’s fun and easy! CIRCLE the winners in the games listed by the team you think will win. (One entry per person.) If more than one entry is entered, you will be disqualified. Must be 18 or older to play. Employees of Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. and their family members are not eligible.

Bring or fax your entry to: 548 Cherokee Road Alexander City, AL Fax: 256-234-6550

Win $25

This Week’s Winner Thomas B. Oliver Alexander City Entries must be received by 5:00 p.m. Friday

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Lake & River Fax (205) 669-4217

Reaching more than 22,000 households in Tallapoosa and Elmore counties

The Alexander City Outlook

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Phone (256) 277-4219

classiﬁeds@alexcityoutlook.com public.notices@alexcityoutlook.com classiﬁeds@thewetumpkaherald.com public.notices@thewetumpkaherald.com

The Eclectic Observer

The Tallassee Tribune

The Wetumpka Herald

Thursday, September 15, 2016

The Outlook

CommunityCalendar Season Speaks

September 15, 2016 September 1-30

Express Blowout • Highlight Ombre • Gloss • Color Make-Up • Keratin Adult & Children Hair Cuts Bridal & Bachelorette Packages 792 Commerce Drive Suite 103 Alexander City, AL

256.234.2007 256.749.8804

Small Space Advertising Works.

LIBRARY CARD: The Adelia M. Russell Library and Mamie’s Place are taking part in Library Card Sign Up Month all Sept. Just bring two forms of identification with your address.

September 12-16

CHURCH REVIVAL: House of Prayer Apostolic Church of Promise on North Central Avenue is hosting a Holy Ghost Fire Revival Sept. 12-16 at 7 p.m. nightly. Everyone is welcome.

September 14-16

CHURCH REVIVAL: GAP Fellowship Church at 721 Robinson Court is hosting a revival Sept. 14-16 at 7 p.m.

September 15-18

PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY: The Greater Temple of God Ministries is celebrating its 40th Anniversary Bishop L. W. and Elect Lady Hazel Miles Sept. 15 and Sept 16 at 6:30 p.m. and Sept. 18 at 3 p.m.

September 17

For Consistent Advertising

at Low Rates ...

call the Advertising Department

256.234.4281

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

SEE ME FOR INSURANCE

TRADE DAY: The Bibb Graves Alumni and Friends Association is hosting a trade day from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Booths are $10. YOUTH EXPLOSION: Hatchett Springs Youth Ministry is hosting No Limits Youth Explosion 2016 Saturday, Sept. 17 at 3 p.m. with special guest D Hal. BENEFIT PANCAKE BREAKFAST: New Site Volunteer Fire Department is hosting a pancake breakfast benefit for Tommy Latham Saturday, Sept. 17 from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. at New Site City Hall for $5 a plate. Tommy is the chief of the fire department. He was severely burned July 26th, 2016 working on a truck at the fire department. He was transferred by ambulance to UAB Burn Unit where he stayed overnight, was sent home, and the next day was admitted back into UAB with infection. He is home and healing wonderfully; however, he has been unable to go back to work for over a month now per doctor’s orders. All of the proceeds from the benefit will go to Tommy. Please plan to come out and support this event for Tommy. He has been such a faithful servant to our community. He has sacrificed his own health to try to make all of us safe. He and his family need us to step up now to help out since he has been out of work due to this injury. HOLY GHOST GOOD TIME: Victory Temple Holiness Church in Dadeville is hosting a Holy Ghost Good Time Saturday, Sept. 17 7 p.m. Guest speaker is Pastor Billie Crawford from Childersburg. The pastor is Phylis Sinclair.

September 18

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com

SACRED HARP SINGING: Smyrna Baptist Church in Goodwater is hosting its annual Sacred Harp singing Sunday, Sept. 18 starting at 10 a.m. Bring a covered dish for lunch and more singing in the afternoon. For more information call Jack Nelson at 256-839-5344 or William Futral at 256839-6670.

Submit calendar items: Participate in your Outlook by calling 256-234-4281, faxing them to 256-234-6550, sending your event to calendar@alexcityoutlook.com or logging on to http://www.alexcityoutlook.com/.

Today’s Birthday

Today is Today’s Anniversary

Buddy and Misty Westbrook are celebrating their anniversary.

CHURCH HOMECOMING: The annual homecoming at Shiloh Church will be Sept. 18 at 11 a.m. Shiloh Church is on Coosa County Road 42. Mr. Joel Graham will be playing and singing and Mr. Seth Gowan will speak. Lunch will be spread under the old trees with lots of time to visit. If you are interested in the church and its upkeep, any donations can be sent to Herbert Traylor 40 AL Highway 259, Equality, AL 36026. TRUTH TEAM: The Horseshoe Bend High School TRUTH Team will be at Calvary heights Baptist Church on Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. There will be a fellowship afterwards in the Fellowship Hall. Everyone is welcome. CHOIR DAY: Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Wadley is hosting its annual choir day Sunday, Sept. 18 at 2 p.m. Guest speaker will be Rev. Justin Freeman of Canaan Baptist Church. Everyone is invited.

September 19

HORIZONS UNLIMITED: The Air War College’s Dr. Mark Conversino will speak to Horizons Unlimited Sept. 19 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education Office.

September 20

MEETING: The Artist Association of Central Alabama will meet Sept. 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church.

September 22

STORY TELLER: Delores Hydock, actress and storyteller, will present ‘Soldiers in Greasepaint: USO Camp Show Entertainers from World War II’ at Red Ridge Methodist Church (corner of Hwy 49 and 34) Sept. 22 at 11:30 a.m. Friends of the Dadeville Public Library will host this fun presentation by Delores, and she will tell us that it was bigger than Bob Hope! From Utah to the Philippines, from wrestlers and tap dancers to the biggest names in show business, from 16,000 servicemen in a southern France amphitheater to 20 GI’s in jeeps, USO camps were part of an inspiring story of volunteerism, patriotism and service. She shares with us her stories, pictures and video excerpts of some of the 7000 camp performers who brought music and laughs to US servicemen far from home during WW II. Call 256-825-7820 for more information.

September 23

Lavert Vickers, Marlene Jones, Tammy Cassiano, Bradley Musick, Kris Royal, Dr. Robert Bartell, Jack Granger, James Langley, Cynthia Huntley and Brenda Berry are celebrating their birthday. Holdren at 256-377-4918. HUNTER EDUCATION COURSE: The Tallapoosa County Hunter Education Course before the 20162017 hunting season will be held on Saturday, Sept. 24 at the Hackneyville Community Center at 9461 Highway 63 North. The course will start at 7:30 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. Hunting laws and regulations, hunter ethics and responsibility, firearms safety and handling, wildlife management, first aid, and survival will be covered during the morning classroom session. Hands on training for rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, and archery, tree stand safety and a blood trailing exercise will be conducted during the afternoon session. The state of Alabama requires anyone born after August 1, 1977 have the course before buying a hunting license for the first time. Youngsters under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult or in a group with transportation. Hunter education courses are free and meet requirements for purchasing a hunting license anywhere in the U.S. Mexico, Canada and most of Europe. To register for the course go to outdooralabama.com/hunting/education or for more information call Jerry Brown at (256) 839-5154. WOMEN AND MEN CONFERENCE: Peace and Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church is hosting a Women and Men Conference Sept. 24 Registration is $5 and starts at 9 a.m. with the conference starting at 9:30 a.m. Guest speakers are Rev. Anthony Clark and Sister Shahita Todd.

September 25

SINGING AND PREACHING: Kendrick Baptist Church is hosting a singing and preaching with The Dyes at Sept. 25 at 10:30 a.m. There will be a covered dish luncheon to follow. MEN AND WOMEN DAY: Centerview Baptist Church in Camp Hill will celebrate Men and Women Day Sunday, Sept. 25 at 2 p.m. Rev. David Core and Community Baptist Church will be the guest.

September 26

HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Mollie Smith Waters will present “Disobedient Women Angelina Grimke, Virginia Foster Durr and the Pursuit of Equality,” Horizons Unlimited Sept. 26 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education Office.

September 29 - October 15

SPAGHETTI DINNER: The Bibb Graves Alumni and Friends is hosting a spaghetti dinner Sept. 23 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with the Billy Morgan Band. All proceeds go to the restoration of the school.

WETUMPKA DEPOT PLAYERS: Young Frankenstein will be presented by the Wetumpka Depot Players Sept. 29 - Oct. 15. For ticket information call 334-868-1140 or go to wetumpkadepot.com.

September 24

CHURCH HOMECOMING: Comer United Methodist Church will host a homecoming celebration Oct. 2 at 10 a.m. Spoken for Trio will be providing the special music and Rev. Steve Dunton will preach. A covered dish lunch will be served after the service. All visitors and former members are welcome.

WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP: The Artist Association of Central Alabama is hosting a watercolor workshop Sept. 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wine Emporium. The cost is $40 for members and $50 for non-members. The class is limited to 12 prepaid students. The workshop will cover birch trees in a snow scene. You can register at Wine Emporium or by calling Dottie

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October 2

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sports@alexcityoutlook.com

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Thursday, September 15, 2016

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Lady Cats head to Wetumpka By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor

With Benjamin Russell varsity volleyball’s three-set triumph at Smiths Station Tuesday, the Lady Wildcats are 7-7 for the season. The team is looking to maintain that winning momentum as they head to Wetumpka today to face the Lady Indians. Less than a month into the season, the Lady Cats are giving every game their all. “The kids have played hard,” said BRHS head volleyball coach Pam Robinson. “The kids are showing improvement.” Efforts to improve have come under a brutal schedule containing only five home games and 15 away games, three of which are tournaments. “It’s just one of those things, the way it lines up,” Robinson said. “Our shortest trip for a match so far has been 45 minutes to Auburn.” Still, the Lady Cats are smoothing out their game as the season progresses. “Our passing’s not good, we’ve just got to get better,” Robinson said. “But right now we’re serving well.” To bring the team’s passing up to the same level as their serving, the coach has brought out a special tool during practices. “We have a machine, Big Bertha,” Robinson said. The Lady Cats are also adjusting after losing one player who tore her ACL in the very first tournament. “We did some stuff early on with changing our lineup,” Robinson said. That lineup now includes just two seniors, eight juniors, six sophomores and nine freshmen. Among them is standout sophomore Asia McWaters, who was also on varsity as a freshman and has stepped into her own this season, as evidenced in Tuesday’s

File / The Outlook

Benjamin Russell senior Jazmin Miller waits for an opportunity against Elmore County. The Lady Wildcats won 2-1 sets.

performance that included one ace, one block and 26 assists. But even with McWaters’ efforts, Benjamin Russell’s season is a work in progress. “Last week at Pelham we didn’t play very well,” Robinson said of the Lady Cats’ three-set loss. However, Benjamin Russell followed that up with a three-set win over Opelika, which didn’t come easy. “In Opelika they were a hostile crowd,” Robinson said. “But the kids stepped up to the plate and I was very pleased. That was an area win and those are very important.” Today’s matchup with the Lady Indians is just as important. “Wetumpka will be another area match,” Robinson said. “The win-

TUESDAY’S STATS •JaTori Leonard: 9 kills; 1 ace; 1 dig; 4 blocks •Abby Martin: 8 kills; 4 aces; 3 digs; 4 blocks •A’niah Ford: 5 kills; •Hayley Marbury: 2 kills; 1 dig •Jaaliyah Caldwell: 2 kills; 1 dig •Jayme Marbury: 1 kill; 1 ace •Tayla Stowes: 2 aces; •Radney Beauchamp: 4 aces •Asia McWaters: 1 ace; 1 block; 26 assists

ner of area gets to host the area tournament and that’s huge.” Today’s game begins at 5:30 p.m. at Wetumpka High School gym.

Lyman Ward hosts Tuscaloosa Christian By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor

Lyman Ward is still in search of its first victory as the Fighting Rangers host their second home game tonight. Lyman Ward will matchup with Tuscaloosa Christian, a team that’s 1-2 overall,1-1 in the region and defending state champion for eight-man football. “They’ve got a real good quarterback and a real good tailback,” said Fighting Rangers head coach Keith Elliott. “We’re going to have to focus on stopping them.” The Fighting Rangers head into

their third week of play on the heels of last week’s 48-32 loss against Hope Christian for a season record of 0-3. In hopes of rallying for a home win tonight, Lyman Ward will have to improve its defense. “Obviously that’s a weak spot for us,” Elliott said. The coach spent this week addressing some of last week’s mistakes on the field in preparation for tonight’s game. “We had way too many penalties,” Elliott said. The Fighting Rangers will also look to maintaining possession and

BRHS @ Opelika Dadeville @ Holtville

Auburn has a chance to mark a milestone Saturday

Cathy Higgins

Cliff Williams

Mitch Sneed

moving the ball down the field. “We’ve got to win the turnover battle,” Elliott said. That battle will be fought minus at least two players who have been out this week with minor injuries. “But that just gives us the opportunity to play other kids,” Elliott said. Despite Lyman Ward’s winless record so far this season, the coach is proud of what he has seen. “As long as we’re improving, I believe we can turn the tables on this season,” Elliott said. Kick off is at 7 p.m. tonight at Ranger Stadium.

Scott Hardy

Luke Robinson

exas A&M boasts an impressive 297-45-12 record at Kyle Field. Auburn boasts an even more impressive 307-81-7 at Jordan-Hare Stadium. But since the Aggies joined the SEC in 2012 and the schools began annual home-and-home series, the home team is winless in four tries. Auburn has an opportunity to be the first host to win in this series Saturday night when the 2-0 Aggies visit Jordan-Hare Stadium. Let’s examine this four-year home field disadvantage: 2012: Few believed the Tigers had a chance against the suddenly redJOE hot Aggies, with a MCADORY new quarterback Sports Columnist everyone called Johnny Football. Few people also believed the Tigers could trail 42-7 at the half of a football game. But they did. Fans filed out of the stadium before the band had a chance to perform. Alabama one-upped the Aggies a month later, leading Auburn 42-0 at the half. This Auburn football team had already quit, so the outcome against Texas A&M was never in question. But when the Aggies hung 63 points on the scoreboard by night’s end, it was pretty obvious that massive changes were coming. 2013: Sure, a revamped Auburn program came into College Station with just one loss (LSU) and wins over Mississippi State and Ole Miss, but I didn’t give the Tigers a chance to hang with Johnny Manziel and Mike Evans. I was half right. Manziel went nuts statistically. But Auburn’s new-found read-option (does that still exist?) had the Aggie defense on its knees. This was a statement win for Auburn in arguably the best game of the season that didn’t involve a miracle catch or Kick Six. 2014: Texas A&M was a 21-point underdog and had one of the conference’s worst defenses, along with Auburn. But sheesh, this was the same Aggie team that was blown out of the state, 59-0, by Alabama just a few weeks earlier and I just knew Nick Marshall was about to have his way with the Aggie D again. Instead, some freshman named Kyle Allen threw for 277 yards and four touchdowns in his first SEC road start as the Aggies raced to a 35-17 halftime lead. Auburn’s legendary butt-fumble in the final moments sealed their doom in a 41-38 upset. 2015: This is probably the least memorable of the four. The complete whipping of the 2012 game was shocking. The craziness of the next two was simply awesome college football. But an average Auburn team played textbook, simple football and upset the listless Aggies, 26-10. Quick kicks Wrong direction: No coach in the history of Auburn football has ever lost six consecutive SEC games at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Gene Chizik lost five when the Tigers fell four times in 2012 (LSU, Arkansas, Texas A&M and Georgia) and the season-finale in 2011 to Alabama. Tommy Tuberville lost four in 1999 (Ole Miss, Miss. State, Florida and Alabama). Despite a woeful 1998 season, Terry Bowden lost two (LSU and Tennessee), quit, and his replacement, Bill Oliver lost two more (Arkansas and Georgia). Doug Barfield? The lost just two consecutive SEC home games in 1980 (Tennessee and Georgia). Beginning with Texas A&M’s victory at Auburn in 2014, the Tigers have now lost five consecutive home SEC games (Miss. State, Ole Miss, Georgia and Alabama in 2015). Right direction: Auburn rushed for a Gus Malzahn era-low 87 yards, including just one yard at halftime, in the Sept. 3 season-opening loss to Clemson. By mashing Arkansas State on Saturday for 462 yards on the ground, the Tigers suddenly led the SEC in rushing yards per game with 274.5. For what it’s worth, Alabama is seventh. Joe McAdory is the communications editor at the Auburn University Raymond J. Harbert College of Business and is the former sports editor at the OpelikaAuburn News.

Doug Patterson

Randy Lee

David Granger

Brett Pritchard

Last Week: 8-2 Overall: 15-5

Last Week: 6-4 Overall: 14-6

Last Week: 7-3 Overall: 13-7

Last Week: 6-4 Overall: 12-8

BRHS

Opelika

BRHS

Dadeville

H. Bend

Ranburne

H. Bend

Ranburne

Lanett

Reeltown

Lanett

C. Coosa

Beulah

C. Coosa

Texas A&M @ Auburn

Alabama

Ole Miss

Miss St. @ LSU

Texas A&M

Auburn

Florida State @ Louisville

LSU

Fla. St.

FSU

Louisville

Fla. St.

FSU

Louisville

Florida State

Ohio St.

Ranburne @ Horseshoe Bend Reeltown @ Lanett Beulah @ Central Coosa Alabama @ Ole Miss

Ohio St. @ Oklahoma

Last Week: 8-2 Overall: 16-4

Last Week: 9-1 Overall:16-4

Last Week: 7-3 Overall: 15-5

Last Week: 8-2 Overall: 15-5

Opelika

Dadeville

Dadevile

H. Bend

Oklahoma Ohio St. Ohio St. Ohio St. Ohio St. Oklahoma Editor’s note: The gold crown indicates those with the best record so far in the season.