Sept. 1, 2017 Alex City Outlook by Tallapoosa Publishers

OPINION: TIME FOR TIDE, TIGERS TO READY GAME FACES

THE

FRIDAY

Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892

LOCAL, PAGE 7 Pemberton retires from Extension System

September 1, 2017 Vol. 125, No. 174 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢

THE PLUG STAYS PUT: By BETSY ILER TPI Magazine Editor

It’s Sept. 1 – the day when Alabama Power Company (APC) usually pulls the plug on summer at Lake Martin and begins the annual 7-foot drawdown. But this year, that’s not going to happen for another six weeks; at 12:01 a.m. today, APC implemented the first fall extension under its new license to operate Martin Dam.

“The fall extension was developed to quantify an above-normal wet summer, and we’ve obviously had that this year. We are pleased to be able to implement the extension,” said APC HydroServices Manager Jim Crew. Between Sept. 1 and Oct. 15, the water level on Lake Martin will remain as close as possible to full pool, Crew said. “How high the reservoir stays will still be a function of inflows into the

FOR SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBERS ERS LAKE inside today!

Alabama Power extends its summer lake levels

basin. If we get inflows that are good, we will generate to pass those inflows downstream but will operate to keep the water level on Lake Martin as high as possible. If inflows decrease dramatically, we will still have to meet minimum downstream requirements. So we don’t have a 45-day guarantee of full pool; what we have is the opportunity for 45 days. That is the key. Before this, we had no opportunity. If we continue to get rain, we will take advantage of

it,” he explained. “When we developed this provision in the relicensing process, that was the intent. That’s what has happened, and now we’re happy to be able to provide the fall extension.” The fall extension is good news to Alexander City Chamber of Commerce CEO Ed Collari. “Labor Day and Auburn football – they are all big for our economy – but having the summer lake levels extended, See EXTENSION • Page 3

Hurricane relief efforts continue Local churches gathering supplies, Governor urges blood donations STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

HOLIDAY SOUNDS:

Jessica Sneed / For The Outlook

Pygmies invade Rodeo Club tonight, big show set for Sunday at The AMP By MITCH SNEED Editor

If your Labor Day weekend celebration needs music to make it complete, you are in luck this weekend. The Velcro Pygmies, James Otto, Ashton Shepherd, Rexton Lee, The Bank Walkers and the Kyle Wilson Band are all set to play across the area this weekend. Sunday’s Labor Day Concert at Lake Martin Amphitheater is a tradition and this year features one of the best lineups in recent memory, but before Monday night comes, one of the best-known

party bands in the nation will be at the Rodeo Club. The Velcro Pygmies will take the stage tonight at 9:30 with their one-ofa-kind, high-energy rock show. Velcro Pygmies’ front man Cameron Flener said they are looking forward to coming to Dadeville. “It’s our first time at the World Famous Rodeo Club,” Flener said. “What could be better, the World Famous Velcro Pygmies at the World Famous Rodeo Club? We are excited to be there. We have a lot of fans in the See MUSIC • Page 3

Special / The Outlook

Top: Velcro Pygmies lead singer Cameron Flener belts out “Sweet Home Alabama” at a recent show. The band will be on stage tonight at The Rodeo Club in Dadeville at 9:30 p.m. for the first time. Above: Country music singer/songwriter James Otto will headline the Russell Lands Labor Day Concert at the Lake Martin Amphitheater Sunday night.

For local residents looking for more ways to give to relief efforts for Hurricane Harvey, a trailer will be parked in the parking lot of Winn Dixie beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday morning. Sponsored by the Tallapoosa Ministerial Association, this trailer will serve as a collection site for supplies they are sending to the Houston area. The items being collected by the church association include: • Bottled water • Cleaning goods, particularly Clorox bleach • Canned goods • Baby supplies The guidelines also stressed that clothes would not be collected at this time. Once the association wraps up their collection efforts, the trailer will be prepared for travel and leave for southeast Texas Tuesday morning. Upon arriving in the Houston area, the supplies collected will be delivered to a church there to be stored and await distribution. At the same time, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey is urging the citizens of Alabama to donate another crucial resource to the relief efforts: blood. In a press release, Ivey said, “Blood collection centers in areas devastated by Harvey are unable to collect enough blood to match the demand and are calling upon donors nationwide. I’m urging Alabamians to continue helping Texans during this dire time of need, by donating blood.” For those in the Montgomery area, the Alabama Hospital Association is sponsoring a blood drive held by LifeSouth Community Blood Centers on Sept. 5 on the sixth floor of the RSA Plaza in Montgomery.

Radney gifted students make art for museum exhibit selected and displayed for the public to see. Local artist Catie Radney was present in the classroom as well, From Aug. 19 through Oct. 29, the providing the students with supplies and Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts is feedback on their progress. hosting a special exhibition, “Frank “This is the first time I’m getting to Stella Prints: A Retrospective.” Stella, do this with my students,” Barrett said. a 79-year old American artist, is known “I have about 50 students both here and for his abstract works and optical at Stephens taking part in this.” illusion pieces. The idea for participating in this In conjunction with this exhibit, the came from the art teacher at Stephens, museum will also display artwork from who regularly worked with her students elementary school students from across on similar projects and events while the state, presenting their hard work teaching at Dadeville. Since she is right alongside the amazing pieces of currently working with her students Stella himself. on designs for the annual Lake Thursday afternoon, students in Martin cleanup event t-shirt with the Laurie Barrett’s gifted classroom at Lake Martin Resource Association, Radney Elementary School were gluing, participating in the Stella exhibit was painting and taping items together, passed on to Barrett. working on 3-D creations to submit Several of the pieces Barrett’s to the museum in the hopes of being See ART • Page 3 By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

Today’s

Weather

Lake Levels

490.69

83 65 High

Lake Martin

Low

Reported on 08/31/17 @ 1 p.m.

LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443 6

54708 90050 USPS Permit # 013-080

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

Starting Friday: Annabelle – R Girls Trip – R Logan Lucky– PG-13

Donald Campbell / The Outlook

Fifth-graders Jack Johnson, front left, Cam Thompson and Jazriene Revalde work on their Frank Stella inspired artwork in Laurie Barrett’s gifted class at Radney Elementary School Thursday afternoon.

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Sharing news of diagnosis difficult for Parkinson’s patient

Saturday

85 64 Low

High Mostly sunny

Sunday

85 64 Low

High

Friday, September 1, 2017

The Outlook

Sunny

Staff

Directory 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

Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com Management Steve Baker Publisher, Ext. 218 steve.baker@alexcityoutlook.com Mitch Sneed Editor, Ext. 213 mitch.sneed@alexcityoutlook.com David Kendrick Circulation Manager, Ext. 204 david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com Lee Champion Production Manager, Ext. 220 lee.champion@alexcityoutlook.com Audra Spears Art Director, Ext. 219 audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com Angela Mullins Business Manager, Ext. 202 angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com

Advertising Sales Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Tabby Edwards Retail Sales Manager, Ext. 232 tabby.edwards@alexcityoutlook.com Emily Gregg Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 emily.gregg@alexcityoutlook.com Scott Hardy Advertising Sales, Ext. 231 scott.hardy@alexcityoutlook.com Rebecca Carlisle Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 rebecca.carlisle@alexcityoutlook.com Composing Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com

Newsroom Amy Passaretti Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 amy.passaretti@alexcityoutlook.com Lizi Arbogast Sports Editor, Ext. 228 lizi.arbogast@alexcityoutlook.com

DEAR ABBY: I’m an active, 60-something wife, mother and grandmother who was recently diagnosed with early stage Parkinson’s disease. From all outward appearances, I appear healthy and I’m living my life as normally as possible, as my neurologist suggested. My symptom manifests as a right-sided (dominant side) hand tremor that I try to hide as much as possible. Covering my hand with a napkin in a restaurant, sliding it under my leg or putting it into my pocket has worked so far to prevent the tremors from being noticed. This is not going to work for long. My immediate family members are aware of my condition, but I haven’t told extended family, friends or acquaintances about my situation. I become very emotional when discussing it and break down and cry. Can you suggest how to broach this subject, and when to tell others about my condition? Your guidance

chances are the information will spread that way, too.

DEAR ABBY Advice

would be very much appreciated. -- HIDING AS MUCH AS I CAN DEAR HIDING: I’m sorry about your difficult diagnosis, but I hope you have done some research and are comforted that there have been advances in the treatment of your illness. We both know that at some point a sharp-eyed friend or relative will notice the tremor and ask about it. That’s why I think it’s important you be proactive about what’s going on. However, if you would prefer to be spared tearful conversations you would rather avoid, ask one of your loved ones to let the others know. Because immediate family members already know,

DEAR ABBY: My family is the definition of dysfunctional. We all honestly could use some therapy after everything we’ve been through. I feel like I’m the only rational person in my family. I am the only one who sought professional help. My sister “Alexa” is a narcissist. I realized it a long time ago. My mother is in denial, and she continues to push me to have a relationship with her. Speaking to Alexa is emotionally draining. Every time she’s mentioned, I get flashbacks about the ways she abused me. Being in the same room with her is uncomfortable. The saving grace is that we live a thousand miles apart, and I’m not forced to interact with her daily. She’s getting married next year and wants me and my children to be in the wedding. I accepted because I felt obligated, but I just can’t do it anymore. I don’t WANT to do it

anymore! After all the years of her abuse and torment, I just want to be free. The problem: I finally put my foot down and told Alexa not to contact me again. Am I being selfish? -SELFISH IN THE EAST DEAR SELFISH: I don’t think so. However, because you accepted that responsibility before telling her not to contact you again, YOU should contact HER and ask if she has changed her plans about you and your children being in her wedding. (You may be pleasantly surprised to find her answer is yes.) However, if she hasn’t, be upfront with her NOW so your sister will have time to replace you in her wedding party. 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 Mrs. Donna Persons Henderson Mrs. Donna Persons Henderson age 55 of Alexander City, Al passed away in Birmingham, Al on August 30, 2017. Funeral services for Mrs. Henderson will be on September 2, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Curtis and Son North Chapel. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. Entombment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. Rev. Wayne

Burns will officiating the service. Survivors are Husband; Greg Henderson of Alexander City. Daughter; Taylor Henderson of Alexander City. Parents; Jimmy and Charlotte Persons of Summerville, Ga. Brothers; Scott Persons of Smyrna, Ga. Sister; Sharon Jordan of Adamsville, Al. Mrs. Henderson was a graduate of Sylacauga High School and was the

class of 1980. She was employed by Alfa Insurance in Alexander City. Online condolences may be offered at www. curtisansonfh.com. Curtis and Son North Chapel will direct the service.

Henderson

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.

Postal

Information

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

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

825-9559 No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

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Cliff Williams / The Outlook

548 Cherokee Road Alexander City, AL 35010 256.234.4281

Wind Creek State Park to be full for Labor Day weekend It may look like plenty of spots are available at Wind Creek State Park Thursday afternoon, but the park is sold out when it comes to camping for the holiday weekend. The online reservation system now allows campers to pin point their stay instead of coming in for a couple weeks to get the spot they want.

Paperless billing from Alabama Power can benefit a teacher Alabama Power also notifies you by email when your payment is confirmed. You can save or print your electronic bills and payment Switching to paperless billing confirmations, if you like. with Alabama Power is easy, 2. Once your paperless billing reduces your snail-mail overload signup is received and processed, and saves resources. Now it can Alabama Power will email you also help a teacher at your local an electronic link. Click to put school. in your favorite teacher’s name Go paperless between now and Oct. 15, and Alabama Power and email address. You can even write a note of encouragement to will provide a $5 gift card to a the teacher. teacher of your choice. Here’s 3. Next, Alabama Power will how it works: email a link to the teacher, where 1. Sign up at www. he or she can choose a $5 gift alabamapower.com/paperless or card from among several wellcall 1-800-245-2244. Paperless known retailers. Teachers can billing provides you convenient, monthly email notifications when use the card to purchase supplies for their classroom, or for any your electronic bill is ready. purpose.

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“With the school year underway, signing up for paperless billing is a simple way to show support for your favorite educator,” said Leigh Davis, Alabama Power’s vice president for Customer Services. For more information about paperless billing and other convenient Alabama Power services, please visit www. alabamapower.com. Or call Customer Service anytime at 1-800-245-2244. Alabama Power, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), provides affordable, reliable electricity to more than 1.4 million customers across the state.

We Care About You and Your Loved Ones!

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256-329-1313 • 217 Madison Street, Alexander City, AL “We are a Debt Relief Agency. We help people ﬁle Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 under the Bankruptcy Code. Alabama State Bar requires the following in every attorney advertisement, “ No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”

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Friday, September 1, 2017

The Outlook

Music

continued from page 1

area from playing so many years at the War Eagle Supper Club in Auburn. We hope to see them all out Friday night.” For those that have never seen the Velcro Pygmies live, expect high-energy, loud rock. “A lot of people want to call us an ‘80s tribute band, but that’s not really us,” Flener said. “ I like to describe the band as Super Hero Rock, where the personalities of the band are larger than life. “That’s exactly what we are – a highenergy, larger-than-life rock band that plays music that everyone will recognize. We can’t wait to bring that to the Rodeo Club.” Tickets are $12 for the show. “We are excited to have them here,” said Rodeo Club’s Marge Shikoski. “They are incredible and put on an great show. We hope to have a big crowd and they plan on playing until at least 1 a.m.” The Rodeo Club will also have football and karaoke Saturday night and the Kyle Wilson Band on Sunday. Tickets for Kyle Wilson are just $7. Four popular acts will take the stage Sunday night at the Lake Martin Amphitheater with the headliner being James Otto. The Nashville singer/ songwriter had the 2015 hit single, “Somewhere Tonight,” but he’s probably best known for his 2008 hit “Just Got Started Lovin’ You.” That single topped the country charts and was the Most Played Country Single of the Year, Taking the stage before Otto will be The Bank Walkers at 6 p.m., followed by local favorite Rexton Lee and Alabama’s

File / The Outlook

The legendary party band, the Pygmies, will be on stage tonight at The Rodeo Club in Dadeville at 9:30 p.m. for the first time. The Pygmies are one of many acts set to perform in the area this weekend.

own Ashton Shepherd, whose country albums include “Where Country Grows,” “Out of My Pocket,” “Sounds So Good” and “This is America.” Gates open at 5 p.m. for the Sept. 3 concert at the Amp. Tickets are $10; kids age 6 and under are admitted free of charge. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, coolers and friends, but please leave dogs at

Art students had already completed were on display in the hallway outside her classroom at Radney, while material and unfinished pieces covered several tables inside the room. Some of these included two diamonds hidden inside a large, wavelike pattern of stripes, wooden Tinkertoy pieces jutting out from a painted canvas, a plate wrapped in different designs of yarn and a multi-colored wooden box. Barrett also took the time to express how thankful she was that Radney had taken the time to come and work with her students on their many colorful and fascinating pieces of art. “We feel lucky to have had a local artist come be with us, bring supplies and give feedback to the students as they work,” she said. What makes taking part in this even more valuable to the students is that it incorporates things they learn from other subjects. “Doing this makes them think in terms of things like patterns and mathematics,” Barrett said. Should work from any of her students be chosen for display at the Stella exhibit in Montgomery, Barrett said she hoped to be able to take her classes on a field trip to the museum. Whether any art from Radney or Stephens is chosen to hang alongside the work of Frank Stella, Barrett said taking part in events like this could become a common occurrence in her classroom. “The kids have told me they have enjoyed this so much, I may end up making this a regular thing,” she said.

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home. “The Labor Day weekend concert at the Amp is always a great way to end the summer concert series at Lake Martin,” said Russell Lands’ Director of Special Events and Social Media Robert Gunn. Order tickets at www. theamponlakemartin.com. For information, contact Gunn at 256-3971019.

continued from page 1

Extension

continued from page 1

that will be a tremendous boost,” Collari said. “The weather here remains warm normally well into October and to have the water levels up will keep more people here visiting deep into the fall. That is very good news.” Local businesses around the lake are poised to adjust service hours accordingly. “If traffic remains steady, we will keep all hours as is. We’ll let our customers show us what hours we need to keep,” said Jennifer Shockley, Singleton Marine’s Administrative Assistant at Blue Creek Marina. “We tend to base winter hours solely on water level and foot traffic, so if both remain steady, the marina will be flexible with its hours.” The conditional fall extension was included in the license issued to Alabama Power Company on Dec. 17, 2015, after more than 600 people showed up at a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission public hearing to support the measure. “You cannot overestimate the impact that had,” Crew said.

Many a

small thing

has been made

large...

...with the right kind of advertising.

•Alexander City Outlook •Dadeville Record •Wetumpka Herald Donald Campbell / The Outlook

Top: Fifth-grader Sean Pennington gives a big smile with his artwork in the gifted classroom at Radney Elementary Thursday afternoon. Right: Sixth-grader Makayla Wingard applies some glue to her art piece. Above: A handful of the in-progress art pieces rest on a table in Laurie Barrett’s gifted classroom.

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548 Cherokee Road Alexander City, AL 35010 256.234.4281

•Eclectic Observer •Tallassee Tribune

256.234.4281

MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213

editor@alexcityoutlook.com

EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed

www.alexcityoutlook.com

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Opinion

Our View

Know Your

Officials Communication with elected officials is the key to good government. To let your most local representatives know how you feel about state or local matters, contact any of the following. Governor Kay Ivey represents the state of Alabama and its 67 counties. She was sworn into office on April 10, 2017, and can be reached at 334-242-7100. Her office is located at the State Capitol at 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama.

Kay Ivey

Luther Strange was elected Alabama’s 49th Attorney General first elected in 2010, and serves as the State’s chief law enforcement officer. He can be reached at 334-242-7300, and Luther Strange 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 256-3922006 or by email at tughd81@gmail.com. Mark Tuggle 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 334Tom Whatley 242-t7865. His office is located at 337 East Magnolia Drive, Auburn.

The

Things you won’t hear in church

Time for Tide, I Tigers to ready game faces

his weekend marks the end of summer, but also the beginning of one of the most-awaited times of the year for many in this state: college football season. It is said that when you move to Alabama from another state you have to pick a side, Auburn or Alabama. Most of us born here are born into a side. We grow up wearing either orange and blue or crimson and white, steadfastly refusing to wear clothes of the rival combination. For many it is a friendly, however serious, rivalry. Others – the infamous tree-killer Harvey Updyke jumps to mind – take it far too seriously. The fact is that both Auburn and Alabama have storied football histories. The Crimson Tide’s football past is sprinkled with names like Don Hutson, Harry Gilmer, Lee Roy Jordan, Joe Namath, recent Heisman winners Mark Ingram and Derrick Henry and, of course, Paul W. “Bear” Bryant. Auburn’s past is home to legendary coaches John Heisman and Ralph “Shug” Jordan, not to mention players like Travis Tidwell, Tucker Frederickson, Pat Sullivan, Terry Beasley, Bo Jackson and Cam Newton. Alabama is currently in the midst of a pigskin heyday that rivals even the days of its legendary coach Bryant. But Auburn fans, ever hopeful, hold on to the possibility that this could be the season the Tigers turn the Tide’s run around. And that’s the beauty of a sparkling new college football season – at the beginning of the season the entire college football world has a chance. Everyone is undefeated and knotted up with records of 0-0. Sure, there are polls based on the opinions of mere mortals that serve as topics for conversation, but, in reality, every season begins with everyone in one huge tie. There is an entire season to be played before anything is decided. And, oh, what fun it promises to be! So whether you’re a fan of the Tide or the Tigers or watch the games from your living room or the 50-yard line, it’s time to ready your game face and get ready for kickoff!

Outlook

have loved being a pastor these past 55 years because I got to hear some of the most creative material in the world. I’m not talking about theological concepts, inspired poetry or uplifting hymns, but about observations given by the average church member. After all, church folks have comments on everything from the services to the Savior and feel they must be shared. With this in mind, I would like to propose a list of ten things that I doubt you will ever hear a church member say. So here they are for better or worse. 1. I can’t wait until next year when it’s announced in the morning service that I promoted into the senior adult ladies Sunday school class. I love making my church a better place to reach people and grow. 2. Preacher, would you mind preaching more on stewardship? I just love a good sermon on tithing and giving. Oh, and here is my offering from when I was on vacation. 3. Please let me stay in the nursery during the morning worship hour because I want a young mother to hear the gospel. 4. The temperature in the auditorium was just right, everyone was comfortable and the sound and lighting were perfect. 5. Instead of having our monthly Sunday school class

for it. Well, I’m not so sure I am going to hear any of these things stated with conviction, but they do raise some DR. GERALD interesting subjects, don’t HALLMARK they? We can get caught up Columnist in traditions, suspicions and ambitions and forget what the church is really all about. You fellowship supper, let’s meet and go visiting lost people and know it really is a choice to be either positive or negative prospects. concerning our relationship to 6. I want to thank the Lord the Kingdom. Why don’t you for allowing me the privilege of giving to the Building Fund start listening very closely to what you and others say when and other special offerings to it comes to the church? It further the Kingdom of God. might just surprise you on how It feels good to invest in the it comes across. Kingdom’s work for future Maybe I ought to add one generations. more thing to this list before 7. Pastor, don’t worry I close. I don’t think we are about the church’s building going to hear anyone say, “The and grounds. That’s our responsibility as the men of the reason I don’t attend Sunday school and worship is because church to keep them up. 8. Why don’t we drop these I am selfish, lazy and too monthly business meetings and prideful. I had rather complain start trusting one another to do and blame others than admit it is me that is out of fellowship God’s business as Christian brothers and sisters, and instead with God.” No sir, I don’t think that will study God’s Word. 9. In this year’s budget let’s make the list, do you? So, let’s thank the Lord He all publish our salaries next uses us in spite of our righteous to the pastor’s so everyone reasoning concerning His will know what we make in church, and remember the Lord comparison. That way we can be sure we are being fair to him will be waiting in His church to see you this Sunday. and his family. It only seems right that we are treated equal. Dr. Gerald Hallmark is a 10. Actually, I listen to retired minister who lives in canned music over the radio and on my iPod all the time. So Alexander City. His column if someone can use it to glorify appears in The Outlook each Friday. God in the service, I say go

Friday, September 1, 2017

Today’s

Quote

“Eighty percent of success is showing up.” —Woody Allen

Today’s

Scripture “Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways, for the LORD detests a perverse man but takes the upright into his confidence.” —Proverbs 3:31-32

alexcityoutlook.com

Daily Poll Thursday Question: Are you planning to donate to any Hurricane Harvey relief efforts?

Yes – 59%, 13 votes No – 41%, 9 votes

Friday’s Question: In tonight’s local rivalry football game, are you pulling for Dadeville or Reeltown? To participate in this daily poll, log on each day to www. alexcityoutlook.com and vote. Find out the vote totals in the next edition of The Outlook and see if your vote swayed the results.

Our

Mission

The Outlook strives to report the news honestly, fairly and with integrity, to take a leadership role and act as a positive influence in our community, to promote business, to provide for the welfare of our employees, to strive for excellence in everything we do and above all, to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves.

How to

Trump the future Democrat?

resident Trump keeps making me look good. Last week we repeated the sound advice we’ve frequently given him but which he regularly refuses to take – know when to shut up and listen to your staff. This week he sabotaged himself yet again. He totally wasted about 95 percent of the generally favorable media coverage and bipartisan huzzahs he got for his Afghanistan policy speech on Monday night. He could have basked in the Afghan afterglow all week long and hit a few hundred balls on the practice range. But instead by Tuesday night he was in Phoenix and up to his old dumb tricks, bashing Arizona’s Republican senators John McCain and Jeff Flake, rehashing what he said about Charlottesville and throwing old and new spitballs at the fake media. It’s hopeless. He just can’t stop himself. He can’t let anything go. He can’t quit campaigning for the job he’s already won. And he can’t keep from bashing the Republicans in Congress he so desperately needs. It seems he’s doing everything he can to get his base to vote Republicans out of power in 2018. He wants to get rid of Flake. He certainly doesn’t like McCain. He’s rough on Republican Congressional leaders Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan –

have a Democrat-controlled Congress in 2018 and then we Republicans are going to be asking him not to sign legislation to help us, but to help us by MICHAEL vetoing it. REAGAN Meanwhile, if the president Columnist stumbles any farther down this even though 70 pieces of legroad to Republican Party ruin islation, some with bipartisan we might see him change his support and some especially party affiliation. pleasing to conservatives, have He has no ideology, no party become law in the last seven principles to uphold. What’s it months. matter to him if he converts to a Like the media he hates, registered Democrat? It’s what President Trump says virtually he was most of his life anyway. nothing about those many legYou never know with Trump. islative accomplishments and But even if he switched parties almost nothing positive about in 2020, it probably wouldn’t the Republicans who got them matter much. passed. The same forgotten Flyover But if he really wants to fix Country people that put Hillary the tax system, get immigration out to pasture and Donald into reform or replace Obamacare the White House would storm some day, he’s going to need his huge rallies, cheer their those Senate Republicans he’s NASCAR hats off and later pull been picking on. the Democrat lever for Trump The best way to get them to with delight. be a part of his team is not to He’d easily win the hold a personal pro-Trump rally Democrat nomination because and use them as punching bags they have no one to run against and punch lines. him. The Hate Trump media Maybe the president is just couldn’t stop him. trying to be a nice guy and And he’d easily get reelected doesn’t want to pick on the president in 2020 as a Democrat leaderless, rudderless, just-say- because he’d have spent four no-to-Trump Democrats when years destroying the Republican they’re so hapless, pathetic and Party. confused. Maybe he has a long-term Michael Reagan’s column is secret plan to blow up the two- distributed exclusively by Cagle party system, or prove that Cartoons newspaper syndicate. Republicans and Democrats in Visit his websites at www.reaWashington are so much alike gan.com and www.michaelereaideologically that it doesn’t mat- gan.com. Send comments to ter what party you join. Reagan@caglecartoons.com. But if he keeps it up much Follow @reaganworld on longer, President Trump will Twitter.

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

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Pemberton retires from Extension System By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

A familiar face is no longer part of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System in Coosa and Tallapoosa counties as Jennie Sue Pemberton retired Thursday after serving as an agent assistant for the last 17 years. Pemberton was honored with a reception by her co-workers who are proud of Pemberton’s service and a little jealous too. “We are very proud of you,” Extension Agent Shane Harris said. “We are very envious of you. You did a wonderful job.” Pemberton explained the people made the job great. “I could not have worked for better people,” Pemberton said. “You are my family. I really appreciated everything you have done for me and your friendship through the years.” In her role, Pemberton visited schools in Coosa and Tallapoosa counties helping with the nutrition education programs primarily the Body Quest program with third-graders. “I have enjoyed working with kids, teaching school,” Pemberton said. “It was enjoyable.” Harris picked on Pemberton saying the retirement would give her more time to do something “cutting up vegetables.” “That I won’t miss,” Pemberton said. Pemberton came to the extension service after teaching in Kellyton, running her own business and working in New York City for Russell. With retirement, Harris is hoping Pemberton will still help out. “What kind of volunteer stuff can she sign up for?” Harris asked. “If I could come and be with just these people, I would,” Pemberton replied. Pemberton already has plans for her days of no work.

Submitted / The Outlook

“I enjoy gardening, I will do a lot of that. I would like to travel a little bit. And I will enjoy my days on Lake Martin.” — Sue Pemberton Extension Sytem retiree “I want to rest first of all,” Pemberton said. “I am tired.” Once she rests up Pemberton is ready for the next tasks at hand. “I enjoy gardening,” Pemberton said. “I will do a lot of that. I would like to travel a little bit. And I will enjoy my days on Lake Martin.”

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Top left: Sue Pemberton poses for a photograph while making ice cream at one of her programs. Top right: Sue Mason helps Jennie Sue Pemberton cut her retirement cake Thursday morning. Above: Tallapoosa County Extension Service agent Shane Harris and Jennie Sue Pemberton pose for a photograph at Pemberton’s retirement ceremony.

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Today’s Anniversaries

Burlen and Florence Greathouse are celebrating their anniversary today.

Donald Campbell / The Outlook

The Benjamin Russell Navy JROTC Color Guard team practices drilling Thursday afternoon. Left to right, Raquan Stone, Kalysa Passmore, Suenila Moon, Kaylee Munsey and Keyanna Stitten.

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PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY: The Mt. Zion East Baptist Church on Stillwaters Drive is celebrating the 14th pastoral anniversary of Rev. Sis. Jimmy Thomas Sunday, Sept. 3 at 2 p.m. Guest minister will be Rev. J.C. Fryer of Pine Hill Baptist Church in Phenix City. Everyone is invited. ANNUAL HOMECOMING EVENT: Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church will be hosting their Annual Homecoming Event Sunday, Sept. 3 at 10:30 a.m. There will be no evening services on this day. Mountain Community Amazing Grace Minister will provide the music and lunch will be served following morning services. Everyone is welcome to join for this special occasion of worship, music and fellowship. Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church is located in Mountain Community in Clay County. PASTORAL APPRECIATION: St. John A.M.E. Church in Socapatoy is hosting the 22nd Pastoral Appreciation of Rev. and Sister James R. McCoy Sunday, Sept. 3 at 2:30 p.m. Guest speaker will be Minster Kelvin Woods of St. Mary Baptist Church in Lincoln.

Tuesday, September 5

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Come Visit Us! Cecily Lee, Administrator Angela Pitts, Director of Nursing

DIVORCE CARE: Marijean Hadley is hosting a women’s divorce care workshop starting Sept. 5 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The 13-week study is designed for women who are dealing with divorce or separation. It will be a Biblical approach to deal with many issues such as pain, loneliness, depression, anger, the effects on children and much more. The meeting place is campsite C72 at Wind Creek State Park and is not associated with park events. The only cost is associated with the workshop is a $15 workbook. For more information contact Hadley at marijean.hadley@ gmail.com or 224-657-4809. USHER MEETING: The Early Rose District is holding an usher meeting Sept. 5 at 5 p.m. at the Early Rose District Center.

Wednesday, September 6

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GRIEFSHARE: The Trinity Campus of First United Methodist Church, next door to Russell Medical is hosting GriefShare. GriefShare is a grief recovery support group to find help and healing for the hurt of losing a love one. The 13 week curriculum uses videos and workbooks led by experts in the field of recovery. Meetings are set for Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27, Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25, Nov. 1, 8, 15 and 29 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. To register or for more information call 256-234-2455, MONTHLY LUNCHEON: Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends in Millerville is hosting its monthly luncheon Wednesday, Sept. 6 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring a covered dish and a small donation.

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DIVORCE SUPPORT GROUP: The Trinity Campus of First United Methodist Church is hosting a divorce support group Sept. 7 from 5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. to focus on helping separated and divorced individuals get through the difficulties of a broken marriage. The group will meet every Thursday through Oct. 19. PTSD SUPPORT GROUP: The Trinity Campus of the First United Methodist Church is hosting a post traumatic stress support group starting Sept. 7 and every Thursday through Oct. 19 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The group is for anyone who needs support in dealing with post traumatic stress.

September 7-28

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Saturday, September 9

PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Comer Methodist Men’s Club is hosting a pancake breakfast Sept. 9 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Eat in or carry out for $6 a plate. FLEA MARKET: The Town of Camp Hill is offering a free flea market day to all vendors that would like to come and sell at the new flea market in Camp Hill at the old airport. There will be no charge to vendors for a spot for the month of September. Vendors please call James Woody at 256-749-8270 to register for a spot and information. Free parking to all consumers and vendors. The market will be open on the second Saturday of each month from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sunday, September 10

CHURCH HOMECOMING: New Style Baptist Church is celebrating its 121st Homecoming Service Sunday, Sept. 10 at 2:30 p.m. The church is located at 294 Coosa County Road 20 in Equality. There will be fellowship and dinner after the service. Guest minister will be Pastor Cameron Thomas of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Cropwell. Pastor Richard Ellis Taylor is minister. YOUTH EXPLOSION: Hatchett Springs Baptist Church is hosting its annual youth explosion, Saturday, Sept. 10 at 3 p.m. Guest speaker and performer is D Hal. Special guests are the Greater New Hope Youth Choir, Daughters of Destiny and more. All surrounding youth are invited. CHURCH HOMECOMING: Bethel Baptist Church in Jacksons Gap is hosting homecoming services Sunday, Sept. 10 at 10 a.m. The Dyes will be singing at 11 a.m. and the message will be delivered by Rev. John Dye Jr. There will be a covered dish lunch and more singing afterwards. The church is on Young’s Ferry Road in Jacksons Gap.

Monday, September 11

HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Dolores Hydock will present “The RedHeaded Woman meets Mr. Death and Southern Comfort in a Cast-iron skillet” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Sept. 11 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education Building at 375 Lee Street Alexander City. Membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple per semester. Registration for the fall quarter begins at 1 p.m. Sept. 11.

September 11-13

Thursday, September 7

is hosting a women’s Bible study “Battlefield of the Mind” by Joyce Meyer Thursdays Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28 from noon to 1 p.m. Bring your lunch. For more information contact Joanne Finley at 334-332-5970 or Pastor Nolan at 256-682-3810.

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY: Haven United Methodist Church at 354 Christian Street in Alexander City

EMPOWERMENT SERVICES: New Style Baptist Church will be hosting Christian education empowerment services Sept. 11-13 at 7 p.m. nightly. Guest speaker will be Pastor Carlos Wilson of Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Additional guests include Malcom Cooper and the Soulful Voices of Birmingham and Nicholas Jemison.

September 11- September 13

CHURCH REVIVAL: Bethel Baptist Church in Jacksons Gap is hosting revival services Sept. 11 through Sept. 13 at 6:30 p.m. with Rev. John Dye Jr. The church is located on Young’s Ferry Road.

Tuesday, September 12

COMMUNITY BAND: The CACC Community Band Inaugural Rehearsal will be Tuesday, Sept. 12 from 6:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. in the Fine Arts

Auditorium. For more information contact Conductor Ivory Brock at 256-2154326 or email at ibrock@cacc.edu. You can also sign up at the CACC website under fine arts.

Saturday, September 16

BLOOD DRIVE: Kingz United is hosting a blood drive Saturday, Sept. 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 332 East South Street in Dadeville. PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Bibb Graves School in Millerville will have a pancake breakfast Saturday, Sept. 16, serving from 7 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. EatHelping Children Learn and Grow in or carry out. Plate includes all you The Learning Tree, Inc. is can eat pancakes, sausage, orange juice, and coffee. Cost is $6. All profit Accepting Applications for is used for renovation of the old High Weekend Shifts in Direct Care. School section of the Community Applications can be Center. Trade Day will be from 7 a.m. picked up at: - 2 p.m. Hot dogs, chips, candy bars, 101 S. Dubois Street and soft drinks will be available at Tallassee, AL 36078 lunch time. Or contact Brinda Bell (334) 252-0025, Ext. 101

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September 17-20

Email: bbell@learning-tree.org CHURCH REVIVAL: Old Providence Baptist Church in Hackneyville is hosting revival services Sept. 17-20. The Sunday service will be at 6 p.m. with Monday through Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. The guest speaker will be Rev. Tim Harris from Comer Memorial Baptist Church. Rev. Don Polston is the pastor.

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Sunday, September 17

SACRED HARP SINGING: Smyrna Primitive Baptist Church is hosting its annual Sacred Harp Singing Sunday, Sept. 17 at 10 a.m. The church is located at 2582 Coosa County Road 83 just east of Goodwater. Bring a covered dish for lunch and there will be more singing in the afternoon. For more information call Jack Nelson at 256-839-5344 or William Futral at 256-839-6670.

Monday, September 18

HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Dr. Paul Harris will present “The Berlin Airlift and Operation Kinderlift” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Sept. 18 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education Building at 375 Lee Street Alexander City.

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Thursday, September 21

DEMOCRATIC PARTY MEETING: The Tallapoosa County Democratic Party will host a meeting Sept. 21 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. to learn more about the Dec. 12 special election to fill the Senate seat formerly held by Jeff Sessions. The meeting will be held at the Charles Porch Center. For more information call Carol Gowan at 256-794-7432.

Saturday, September 23

STARGAZING: The Auburn Astronomical Society will set up telescopes to look at the night sky Sept. 23 at 6 p.m. on Hospice Point near the silo at Wind Creek State Park.

Sunday, September 24

CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: Wayside Baptist will celebrate 70 years of ministry on Sunday, Sept. 24 at 10:30 a.m. Special music will be provided by Eric and Whitney Miller and also the gospel trio Justified. The speaker will be Gerry Tapley. Everyone is invited to join with us for the service and a covered dish lunch afterward.

Monday, September 25

HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Terry Robbins will present Merle Haggard, The People’s Poet” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Sept. 25 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education Building at 375 Lee Street Alexander City.

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Friday, September 1, 2017

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Game of the Week JOE MCADORY Columnist

College football is no stranger to hurricanes F

irst and foremost, my thoughts are with the tens of thousands of people impacted by Hurricane Harvey, which brought flooding of biblical proportions to east Texas. Hopefully, the waters will quickly recede and damage will not approach levels feared. Property is destroyed and lives are changed forever. That said, where sporting events are played in the wake of disaster is meaningless by comparison. This becomes an issue in the sports world and venues are shifted to allow this multi-million-dollar industry we call college football to carry on to the delight of television networks and fans who yearn for something to cheer about during difficult times. If there is a college football program that knows a thing or two about switching venues that are impacted by natural disasters, it’s the LSU Tigers. Not only was Tiger Stadium used by the NFL’s New Orleans Saints after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf coast and the Superdome in 2005, but the Bayou Bengals’ scheduled game at South Carolina in 2015 was moved to Baton Rouge, La., as massive flooding ravaged central South Carolina. Last season, Hurricane Matthew battered Florida’s east coast just days before LSU was set to face the Florida Gators in Gainesville. With emergency personnel scattered and beachside homes tattered, the game was postponed until officials could figure out what to do. Again, the game was moved to Baton Rouge and played later in the season. Interestingly, Florida won. Which brings us to the case of Harvey, LSU and Brigham Young, who were scheduled to meet Saturday at Houston’s NRG Stadium. Instead, the game will be played in New Orleans. Let’s face it, half of football season is played during hurricane season. Take the 1988 Alabama at Texas A&M game, for example. Scheduled for Sept. 17, the threat of powerful Hurricane Gilbert forced the postponement of the Aggies’ home-opener until Dec. 1. Who wants to sit in the bleachers during a Category 5? Regardless, College Station, Texas, was spared the storm’s wrath, but the Tide ultimately crushed the Aggies, 30-10, in what was dubbed the “Hurricane Bowl.” The only hurricane-related Auburn game I can recall (surely I’m forgetting something), came in 1995 when Opal blew through the Loveliest Village and most of south-central Alabama. Auburn was scheduled to host Mississippi State that Thursday night in a game televised by ESPN. Instead, we were treated to power outages and hundreds of fallen trees. At least the Braves’ playoff game could be heard on my car’s radio. Anyway, officials moved the football game to Saturday and Auburn whipped the outmanned Bulldogs, 48-20. • Georgia Southern at Auburn: The last time the Golden Eagles visited Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn actually had a golden eagle mascot, Tiger, Pat Dye was Auburn’s coach, and the dudes from Statesboro, Georgia, jumped out to a 17-0 lead. The Tigers rebounded to win, 32-17. But beware: Georgia Southern upset Florida three years ago and nearly beat Georgia in 2015. This program can be sneaky dangerous. Auburn 44, Georgia Southern 20. • Florida State vs. Alabama (Atlanta): What a nice way to kick off football at the Falcons’ new stadium! Hang a star above whoever scheduled this gem between national championship contenders. I’m interested in seeing how Alabama’s young defense handles what is expected to be a potent FSU offense. We know Jalen Hurts and Co. will put up the points. Alabama 30, FSU 22. • Way too early Playoff Four (subject to change): Alabama, Ohio State, Florida State and … Stanford. Yep. I said Stanford. Already shaking my own head. Joe McAdory is Communications Editor at Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business.

Wildcats finally take the field By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

Weight lighting, summer workouts, 7-on-7s and scrimmages are all about to culminate in the moment Benjamin Russell football fans have been waiting for. The Wildcats finally take the field at Charles E. Bailey Sportplex tonight against budding rival Central Clay County. Between the history and connections of this game — BRHS coach Danny Horn spent most of his career at Clay County — and the sheer importance of winning Week 1, a lot is on the line for the Wildcats on Friday night. “It’s really important because it’s the first game and you always want to win the first game, regardless of who you play,” Horn said. “I have a lot of friends there, and they’re going to be friends after and before the game, but during it, we’ll be friends but competing against each other. “All that’s not really the point here though. It’s the first game, and it’s an important game to come out and get a win.” Benjamin Russell did have an opportunity to scrimmage last week, putting on a good performance against Stanhope Elmore in a 28-12 victory, but there’s always room for improvement. “The special teams, I wasn’t real pleased with that, so we’ve been working extremely hard on that. On the defensive side, we

CENTRAL CLAY VS. BENJAMIN RUSSELL Game date: Central Clay County Volunteers at Benjamin Russell Wildcats ... Friday, 7 p.m. ... Non-region game Media coverage: Follow @liziarbogast on Twitter for live updates ... Listen live on FM 97.5 Teams: The Volunteers won their season opener, 21-20 ... Benjamin Russell played a jamboree last week, defeating Stanhope Elmore, 28-12. Series: BRHS leads the series, 2-1, but lost last year. Outlook prediction: Wildcats by 3. weren’t really reading our keys like we should and weren’t really playing the technique like we should. Offensively, we missed some blocks and a couple times, we had people running the wrong play, so there’s a lot of things we’ve been working on this week to try to correct.” The first game isn’t going to be an easy one for the Wildcats, who will have their hands full with the Volunteers. Central Clay boasts two extremely strong skill players in running back Camerun Peoples and quarterback Ben Street. The Vols squeaked out a 21-20 victory in Week Zero against Munford, during which Peoples had all three touchdowns. “He’s the real deal, and their quarterback is too,” Horn said. “They are both three-year starters, and this is the third year in a row we’ve played them. They’re both really good, so we’re just going to have to tackle better. It’s hard for one person to bring them down, so we’re

File / The Outlook

Benjamin Russell will be looking to put up a strong defensive front against Clay Central’s talented skill players.

going to have to get a lot of people around the football.” Offensively, Davede Herron carried most of the load during the Wildcats’ scrimmage last week, and Horn expects that to continue. Benjamin Russell fans will also want to keep an eye on Keke Harvey, who didn’t play last week but will see time this week. The Wildcats also may throw in some more passes this week, especially in hopes of keeping Central Clay on its toes.

“We need to be able to throw the ball more,” Horn said. “I was wanting to throw it a little bit more but the situation just didn’t turn out that way. We’re going to get to the point where we’ll have to throw the ball, and we can. We’re just going to have to call it and execute it.” With this being the official season opener and the first game of any kind Benjamin Russell has played at home since last season, it should be a good crowd on both sides of the Sportplex.

Horseshoe Bend looks to begin season on high note HORSESHOE BEND VS. DONOHO

Teams: Central Coosa began its season with a 51-6 loss at the hands of Catholic Montgomery, while this will be the Wolves’ season opener. Game notes: Obviously, Central Coosa struggled to get the ball moving, especially during the first half of its season opener against the Knights. The score got out of hand early, as the Cougars trailed 23-0 after the first quarter, but they gave up just 28 points for the rest of the game. Offensively, Central Coosa was led by Donta Daniel, who will likely be the workhorse from here on out for the Cougars. Although Fayetteville is a smaller school in Class 2A, it boasts better numbers than Coosa and is looking to bounce back after a 3-7 season last year. Just 20 miles separate the two schools, so it should be a good rivalry game. Series: Fayetteville leads the series, 2-1, including a 34-7 victory last year. Outlook prediction: Wolves by 10.

Game date: Horseshoe Bend Generals at Donoho Falcons ... Friday, 7 p.m. ... Non-region game. Teams: Neither team has officially started the season, but Horseshoe Bend began last week with a jamboree and defeated B.B. Comer, 28-0. Game notes: With new Horseshoe Bend coach Josh Averett at the helm, this season opener should be a good chance to see what the Generals are made of. Horseshoe Bend returns a slew of seniors, including the top quarterback-running back duo of Cade Worthy and Trace Meadows, respectively. Complementing Meadows will be Joe Railey in the backfield, and teams should be wary of the General defense after it posted a shutout a week ago. Donoho, on the other hand, was 2-8 last season and won just one region game in Class 2A Region 4. Unlike Horseshoe Bend, the Falcons have just three seniors listed on their roster. Series: The Generals lead the series, 1-0, dominating last year’s game to DADEVILLE VS. REELTOWN the tune of 55-13. Game date: Dadeville Tigers at Reeltown Rebels ... Friday, 7 p.m. ... NonOutlook prediction: Generals by 17. region game. Game notes: This game was previewed heavily in Wednesday’s CENTRAL COOSA VS. FAYETTEVILLE Outlook, but the game was postponed from Thursday to today due to inclement weather. Game date: Central Coosa Cougars at Fayetteville Wolves ... Friday, 7 p.m. ... Non-region game. Outlook prediction: Tigers by 7.

Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook

Join sports editor Lizi Arbogast and digital marketing coordinator Scott Hardy every Friday night live on the Alexander City Outlook Facebook page from 6 to 6:30 p.m. at the Game of the Week. Arbogast and Hardy will be breaking down the biggest games of the week, including predictions, players to watch and keys to success. Contact the pair on Twitter or Facebook, and they’ll be answering some fan questions as well. During the week, Arbogast and Hardy will supplement the Facebook Live show with a preview show, Inside the Lines sponsored by Radney and Langley Funeral homes, Dark Insurance Agency and Alex City Marine.

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Friday, September 1, 2017

The Outlook

VOLLEYBALL SEASON IS BACK Questions remain as BRHS, Coosa begin Passing, which is always one of the keys for a successful volleyball team, especially one with a relatively new Although football has been the talk setter, should be strong suit for the of town for the past several weeks, Wildcats. Stowes, Marbury, Davis and there’s another sport hitting the floor Ford are the top passers for BRHS. tonight. Benjamin Russell and Central “They all move really well,” Coosa started their volleyball seasons Robinson said. Thursday, while Dadeville, Reeltown But serve receive still needs work, and Horseshoe Bend all begin next which is typical for a high school week. volleyball team. For Benjamin Russell, the Class 6A “Typically our weakest point is Area 6 defending champs, there’s a serve receive because kids like to lot of questions that still remain after hit,” Robinson said. “Serve receive the graduation of a few key players is typically a weakness and with that, plus the loss of Abby Martin, who did you’re just giving up points.” not return to the team. But Wildcat Throughout the summer, Robinson coach Pam Robinson is looking on the has seen her Wildcats show positive side. improvement, and with such varsity “I like to tell my kids that we inexperience, she’s expecting that to literally have zero people on the court continue. that play club volleyball,” Robinson “With the movement in volleyball, said. “The top teams usually have at you gotta be so quick,” Robinson said. least half of their squad that play, so in “You gotta go up and come down and the beginning of the season, when you get off the net so fast, so it’s all just play one of those top teams, they’re quickness. It doesn’t necessarily mean usually about as good as they’re going you’re fast like a fast runner, but you to get. Meanwhile, we usually get gotta be quick — quick hands, quick significantly better throughout the reflexes and good agility. That’s one season.” of the things we excel in, not when Robinson’s returning starters are the set is perfect, but what we can do A’Niah Ford, an outside hitter, Hayley when the set is not perfect.” Marbury, who will play on the right Benjamin Russell opened the season side, and defensive specialists Tayla at Carver Thursday then will turn Stowes and Jayme Marbury. right around to play in the Briarwood Ford is expected to be the top Serve Off on Saturday. At Briarwood, hitter for the team, and she’ll be the Wildcats will face Homewood, complemented by Shay Johnson, Lawrence County and McAdory in who has returned to the team after pool play. taking two years off. Although Ford Also hitting the road on Thursday and Johnson don’t boast much height was Central Coosa, which travels to — they are 5-foot-5 and 5-foot-6, Childersburg for its first game of the respectively — they do have some season. athleticism and can both jump. The Cougars, who also won the area Adding some height to the front a year ago, return quite a few players row will be Jakorria Glenn, standing but also have some youngsters filling at 6-0. in the spots. “She has good power for hitting Shay Shuttles returns at middle, and good height for a high school while outside hitters Aliona McKenzie, volleyball team,” Robinson said. “A Keana While and Destiney Williams lot of high schools get more attacks were all starters a year ago. out of the outside, so Jakorria could Coosa’s top setter will be be potentially a right side and put that Kara Dunham, a freshman, while block up.” sophomore Dadanya Milliner may also Filling out the middle hitting spots take some setting duties. Freshman will likely be Brooklyn Edwards Katie Windsor will also see some and Breanne Smith, who are both time at middle, while Alisa Rawls and sophomores. Marbury or Te’Asia Arianna Harrel will join the returners Gross will also see some time outside. on the outside. Taking up the starting setting duties “Our middle seems good for us right will be Baylee Adkins, a 5-3 junior, now, and the outside hitters are also who will run the 5-1 offense. pretty decent,” Central Coosa coach “She’ll get in there and mix it up,” Doris Gamble said. “We’re just going Robinson said. “She’ll even get up to see how things go with a freshman on the net and try her best to block. setter because we are pretty young.” She’s very athletic and brings a lot of Gambel said she saw some good quickness and grit to it.” things from Dunham throughout the Also seeing some setting duties will summer but will be interested to find be Makenzie Davis. By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

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Top: Benjamin Russell player Haylee Hunter makes a pass during a play date earlier this summer. Above: Central Coosa’s Aliona McKenzie goes up for a hit against Horseshoe Bend during a play date earlier this summer. McKenzie is expected to be a key player for Central Coosa this season.

out how she progresses during the season. With the season beginning, Gamble is still looking for some improvements, especially in the areas of communication and transition, but the goals remain high for the Cougars. “We’re taking things one game at a

time, but we want to do as well as we did last year and take it even further,” Gamble said. “We won our area last year and won at least a game at the super regional, so we want to do that well and exceed that.” Rawls and Williams will serve as Coosa’s team captains.

LOCAL SPORTS CALENDAR Thursday, Aug. 31 High school football

Dadeville at Reeltown, 7 p.m.

Middle school football

Auburn at Alex City, 5 p.m. High school volleyball Benjamin Russell at Carver/ Lee, 4:30 p.m. Central Coosa at Childersburg, TBA

Friday, Sept. 1 High school football

Central Clay County at

Benjamin Russell, 7 p.m. Horseshoe Bend at Donoho, 7 p.m. Central Coosa at Fayetteville, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 2 College football

Georgia Southern vs. Auburn, 6:30 p.m. Florida State at Alabama, 7 p.m.

High school volleyball

Benjamin Russell at Briarwood Serve Off, TBA

High school cross country

Horseshoe Bend in Yellow Jackets’ Invitational at Oxford, TBA

Tuesday, Sept. 5 High school volleyball

Lanier, Briarwood tri-meet at Benjamin Russell, 4:30 p.m. Reeltown at Dadeville, 4:30 p.m. Wadley at Horseshoe Bend, 4 p.m. Central Coosa at Winterboro, 4:30 p.m.

Correction: In Wednesday’s Outlook, Horseshoe Bend’s Parker Branch was named to the Outlook Weekly Stars. The photo that ran with the story was actually Logan Branch, rather than Parker. The Outlook regrets this error.

Weekend Football Forecast

Lizi Arbogast Mitch Sneed Cliff Williams Scott Hardy Tippy Hunter Luke Robinson Sports Editor

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Benjamin Russell Horseshoe Bend Fayetteville

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Dadeville @ Reeltown Central Clay @ BRHS HS Bend @ Donoho Coosa @ Fayetteville