Issuu

OPINION: HARD WORK, COOPERATION MAKES US ALL SAFER

THURSDAY

THE

ARRESTS, PAGE 2 Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 See the latest reports from area law enforcement September 21, 2017 Vol. 125, No. 188 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢

SPORTS, PAGE 10 Bryant Horn off to a fine start at Jacksonville State

280 MURDER SUSPECT CHARGED Valley man arrested in bizarre killing of Sylacauga man By MITCH SNEED Editor

A suspect has been arrested and murder charges are pending against a 21-year-old Valley man who authorities believe shot and killed a Sylacauga man Tuesday night as he drove along Highway Harrison 280 near Alexander City. Alexander City Police Chief Jay Turner said Nicholas Seth Harrison, 21, of Valley has been arrested

and an charged with murder, driving under the influence and possession u of o a controlled substance. Turner said sa the murder charge could be upgraded to capital murder and up other charges could be added as o well. w As first reported by The Outlook on o the paper’s social media outlets Tuesday, at 8:57 p.m. police received a call of an accident with Mitch Sneed / The Outlook See SHOOTING • Page 3 ACPD investigators mark evidence at the scene of a shooting on Highway 280.

BRHS ranks in top 15 standout high schools in state

Alex City school board approves new budget

By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

Within the past week, the statistics and ranking company Niche released a set of results on a study it conducted, finding the top 15 standout high schools in Alabama. According to Niche, these schools were rated on not just the traditional measuring sticks of scores on tests like the SAT or ACT and advancement on to college, but also factored in how many students were classified as economically disadvantaged. Once all the data was finalized and the top schools announced, it was revealed Benjamin Russell High School made the list of Alabama’s top standout high schools, coming in at no. 15. “Our first thought is that we’re thrilled to be ranked 15th in the state,” Superintendent Dr. Darrell Cooper said. “We do a good job at the high school, and to be recognized like that, it’s really good.” While Cooper said poverty is often considered one of the biggest hurdles in education for a student to overcome, he also said it was not an impossible hurdle to jump. “Students from impoverished backgrounds can learn just as well students from more affluent backgrounds,” he said. “It may take a little more, but our kids can be successful, whether they’re from poverty or not.” See RANKING • Page 9

By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

RESCUE TRAINING

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Rescuers must pass a swim test at the fire department’s rescue training course as a part of becoming a certified water rescuer.

Fire department rescue team trains for water rescues By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

The Alexander City Fire Department is closer to having all of its rescue team members trained for water rescues, in part thanks to a

surface water rescue class being taught in Alexander City this week. “We have six trained already,” Alexander City Fire Department Captain Jeff Brewer said. “We have eight in class this week.”

The class comes on the heels of a few incidents on the lake. Brewer thinks the fire department’s training is suited for the water as well since members of the fire See RESCUE • Page 3

The Alexander City Board of Education held their second budget hearing for the upcoming fiscal year during Tuesday night’s regularly scheduled meeting. Between the first and second hearings, a few small changes had been made to the budget, including adding a supplemental child nutrition salary schedule and changing the salary schedules for the transportation and maintenance departments. A motion to approve these changes was passed. Other small tweaks to the budget included an increase in the phone contract expenditures and the replacement of security cameras. Despite these changes, the proposed budget for the city school system was what Superintendent Dr. Darrell Cooper and the board members were looking for. “We are in really good shape with this budget,” Cooper said. “There are needs we can identify, but we need to be strategic with our planning and spending.” Due to the system’s funds being at the level they are at, Chief Schools Financial Officer Rhonda Blythe also reported during the budget hearing she had created a corrective action plan for child nutrition. Required by the government, a corrective action plan details how a school See BUDGET • Page 9

Officials say rash of recent break-ins result of crime of opportunity By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

There have seven automobile break-ins in four days in Alexander City. Four of those occurred in one night on Trenton Trail earlier this week. Anything from guns to electronics to sunglasses were taken. The Alexander City Police Department is looking into the thefts. “They were crimes of opportunity,” Police Chief Jay Turner said. “In almost all of these,

Today’s

doors to cars were left unlocked.” Turner explained investigators are looking into the crimes and special patrols are taking place to help catch the culprit but often times the crimes stop for a different reason. “We will make an unrelated arrest,” Turner said. “Then the break-ins will stop.” Turner said there are a few things property owners can do to help. “Lock your doors,” Turner said. “These were from open doors. Write down serial numbers of your valuables. If the property is recovered it makes it easier to return.”

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Local law enforcement officials say most vehicle break-ins are crimes of opportunity and by simply locking doors, most of these thefts can be stopped.

Mitch Sneed photo illustration / The Outlook

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Woman’s co-workers ridicule her extreme aversion to blood

Friday

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DEAR ABBY: I’m a 30-yearold female who has extreme hemophobia. I cannot see blood or hear people talk about anything blood-related. I pass out when my blood is drawn, and I cannot have a finger-prick blood test either. It’s even difficult for me to write this message. I work in an office and I have told my co-workers about my problem and asked them to please avoid the topic when I’m present. They think my request is unreasonable and that I’m just being silly. When someone brings up the subject, I quickly leave the room, sit down out of earshot and put my head between my legs. Then they laugh at me. When I mentioned this problem to my supervisor, he said he doesn’t feel there is anything he can do about it because it’s not a subject that is against company policy or taboo. I’m just looking for some

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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

Advice

compassion and understanding from my co-workers. I don’t want to have to find another job, but I can’t keep running for cover every day, and I don’t want to pass out and injure myself. How can I make them see that this is a real medical problem and I’m not just looking for attention? -- PASSING OUT IN MISSOURI DEAR PASSING OUT: Unless you work in a doctor’s office or a blood bank, I fail to see why the subject of blood would come up on a regular basis. Because your co-workers know how it affects you, I can only assume that they are either extremely thoughtless

DEAR ABBY: I am wondering about the use of the term “fiancee.” Urban Dictionary says it is now considered a “White Trash culture” term for a long-term girlfriend. I’m beginning to hear it used more and more often by people I certainly would not think of as white trash. Is there another way to refer to a significant other

when no wedding is planned or a date set? Do other cultures or languages have a word for this? -- WONDERING ABOUT WORDS DEAR WONDERING: “Fiancee” is a word of French origin that is defined as “a woman engaged to be married.” When couples cohabitate with no plan to marry, the term they often use when referring to their significant other is “partner.” Of course, our culture is more liberal than some others that label those who choose to live this way as “fornicators.” While other cultures may have terms for it, I am unfamiliar with them. 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.

Circulation Linda Ewing Office Clerk, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com

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Information (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) The Outlook is published five times a week, Tuesday through Saturday mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011.

How to Submit Obituaries

DEAR ABBY

and insensitive, or do it intentionally to upset you or make you sick. Raise the subject again with your supervisor. Explain that you don’t want to look for another job and what they’re doing is creating the opposite of a friendly work environment. If he still won’t intervene, consider discussing your problem with a mental health professional who specializes in phobias, because there may be a therapy that can help to lessen or even eliminate your condition.

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

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

Thursday, September 21, 2017

The Outlook

Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, Lake Martin Living, Kenneth Boone Photography and a commercial web printing press. © 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Reproduction of any part of any issue requires written publisher permission.

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Dadeville High School Homecoming Queen to be announced Friday night The Dadeville High School Homecoming Queen nominees are Cimone Presley, left, Quanesha Presley and Khadija Shaw. The queen will be announced at Friday’s football game where the Tigers will host Holtville at 7 p.m.

Police Reports

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

Obituaries Claire Nell Fuller 1924 - 2017 Funeral Service for Claire Nell Fuller, 93, of Alexander City, Alabama, will be Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church. Dr. Skip Lowery and Dr. Steve King will officiate. The body will lie in state for one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in the Alexander City Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday, September 25, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Miss Fuller passed away on Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at Russell Medical Center. She was born on July 19, 1924 in Alexander City, Alabama to John Thomas Fuller and Essie Mae Fuller. She was a member of the Twentieth Century Study Club and was a member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority. She was the organist for the First Baptist Church for many years and was very faithful and active at the church until the very end. Pallbearers will be Danny Champion, Joe Jordan, Rod Jordan, Mike Jordan, Jim McKemie and Marvin Cross. The family request contributions be made to the First Baptist Church memorial fund in lieu of flowers. She was preceded in death by her parents and Brother, John Thomas Fuller, Jr. She was survived by many cousins and friends. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome.com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Alexander City Police Department September 19

• Keith Edward Baucom, 60, of Alexander City was arrested for domestic violence. • Tracy Merrell Strickland, 44, of Opelika was arrested for four counts of bail jumping. • Brandon Jordan Baucom, 22, of Alexander City was arrested for domestic violence. • Domestic violence was reported on Broad Street.

September 18

• Isacc Solis Esparza, 41, of Alexander City was arrested for domestic violence. • Qualandon Cedrick Hayes, 24, of Alexander City was arrested for disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and bail jumping. • Gary Devarta Norris, 25, of Alexander City was arrested for disorderly conduct. • Markecia Renee Richardson, 25, of Alexander City was arrested for disorderly conduct. • Sernee Delshay McNeal Wilson, 28, of Alexander City was arrested for

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harassment. • Four incidents of unlawful breaking and entering were reported on Trenton Trail. • Burglary was reported on Sunny Level Cutoff. • Disorderly conduct and resisting arrest was reported on Scott Road. • Domestic violence was reported on Lee Street. • Fraudulent use of a credit/debit card was reported on Dadeville Road. • Domestic violence was reported on K Street. • Harassment was reported on Carver Street. • Assault was reported on Jones Road.

September 17

• Michael Charles Thompson, 37, of Alexander City was arrested for domestic violence. • Jackie Lee Thomas, 48, of Alexander City was arrested for harassment. • Tony Lee Taylor, 57, of Alexander City was arrested for public intoxication and giving false information to law enforcement. • Ashley Ware, 30, of Alexander City was arrested for domestic violence. • Burglary and theft was reported on U Street. • Unlawful breaking and entering was reported on Warren Street. • Domestic violence was reported on Scott Road. • Public intoxication and giving false information was reported on Highway 280. • Theft was reported on 7th Street. • Theft was reported on Highway 280. • Domestic violence was reported on Cleveland

Street.

September 16

• Jammie Jeleen Tuck, 22, of Alexander City was arrested for criminal mischief. • Khalifa Jafton Boleware, 29, of Alexander City was arrested for theft. • Larinston Jamel Jackson, 26, of Alexander City was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and possession of a pistol by a drunk or addict. • Unlawful breaking and entering was reported in Alexander City. • Domestic violence and criminal mischief was reported at Cornerstone Apartments. • Possession of a controlled substance was reported on K Street. • Domestic violence was reported on Highway 63 South. • Possession of a controlled substance and possession of a pistol by a drunk or addict was reported on Lee Street. • Reckless endangerment and criminal trespass was reported on Sasser Road. • Burglary was reported on Main Street.

September 15

• Michael Danny Phillips, 38, of Alexander City was arrested for domestic violence. • April Hawkins, 38, of Alexander City was arrested for amphetamine possession, shoplifting and illegal possession of prescription drugs. • Timmy C. Williams, 53, of Goodwater was arrested for failure to appear. • Henry Lamar Riley, 71, of Wetumpka was arrested for driving under the influence. • Dogs Running at large was reported on Fairlane Circle. • Reckless endangerment and harassment was reported on Amber Hill Road. • Domestic violence was reported on Old Dark Road. • Unlawful breaking and entering was reported on Airport Boulevard. • Burglary was reported

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on Arrowhead Loop. • Criminal trespass was reported on 12th Avenue. • Possession of a controlled substance and illegal possession of prescription drugs were reported in Alexander City.

Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Office September 19

• Scottie McKinney of County Road 77 in Kellyton was arrested on six outstanding warrants for failure to appear burglary first, two burglary second, theft of property first, theft of property second and theft of property third. • Curtis Easterwood of Woodland Road in Alexander City was arrested on a grand jury indictment for possession of methamphetamine. • Chadrick Cassiano of Third Street in Alexander City was arrested on two grand jury indictments for burglary third and theft of property third.

September 18

• Tommie Odom of Alexander City was arrested for driving under the influence. • Alejandro Ortega was arrested on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear child support. • A business on County Road 34 in Dadeville filed a report for theft. • A resident of Macedonia Road in Tallassee filed a report or harassment.

September 17

• A resident of Boardwalk Lane in Dadeville, filed a report for theft of property. • A Marcus Maddox of Camp Hill was arrested on two warrants for failure to appear child support and was transported to the county jail.

September 15

• A resident of B Street in Alexander City filed a report for harassment. • A resident of Falling Water Drive in Dadeville, filed a report for criminal trespass and criminal mischief. • A resident of Jacksons Gap Way in Jacksons Gap filed a report for simple assault.

September 14

• A resident of Highway 50 in Dadeville filed a report for criminal trespass.

Thursday, September 21, 2017

Shooting one car on the side of Highway 280, just west of Tallapoosa Ford and across from McDaniel Supply and Storage. On the way to the scene a passerby who stopped to help reported to dispatch that the man inside was unresponsive and appeared to have been shot. Upon arrival officers discovered a man dead inside what appeared to be a light gold four-door 1993 Acura Legend. Alexander City Police Chief Jay Turner said the victim was been identified as 21-year-old Denzel Pope of Sylacauga. The victim’s family was notified late Tuesday night. It was apparent at the scene that the car’s windows in the front and back of the driver’s side appeared to be shattered out. Turner said at the time it was being worked as “a death investigation with an apparent gunshot involved.” A few minutes later a caller reported reckless driving on Highway 280 near Dadeville to the county dispatch center. The call was broadcast and Dadeville Police Department officers spotted a vehicle matching the description in the call. After making a traffic stop, the driver was identified as Harrison. Police also located a handgun, illegal drugs and found evidence to suggest Harrison was intoxicated. He was taken into custody on the traffic and drug charges. Dadeville investigators reached out to Alexander City officials and they identified Harrison as a suspect in the shooting of Pope. The vehicle Harrison was driving also had damage that was appeared to be consistent with the damage found on the car that was drive by Pope. “Right now we can’t get into the motive or a lot of details,” Turner said. “We have been able to determine through the course of our investigation, evidence found and interviews that we have the man responsible for the murder of Denzel Pope. I can’t say enough about the hard work of everyone in our department, the action by the Dadeville Police and their quick thinking and cooperation not only in this case, but being there anytime we have needed assistance. “I don’t want to say too much because this is still an active investigation. In reality, crimes like this you can’t prevent, but if you can work hard and solve them, that shows the dedication of the people you have in your department.” Few details were released Tuesday

Rescue

The Outlook

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evening as officials worked to identify the victim, notify next of kin and gather evidence. Traffic on the westbound lanes of Highway 280 was rerouted while investigators combed the area for evidence. In several locations, evidence markers were placed and areas were marked in orange paint on the pavement. “In a situation like that with a roadway you have to close the road to make sure that you preserve any evidence that is out there,” Turner said. “If you don’t, it could be gone. As a result the investigators were able to locate some evidence that could be crucial to the case.” Units from the Alexander City Police Department, Alabama State Troopers, the Tallapoosa County Coroner’s Office and the Alabama Department of Transportation were all on the scene for several hours following the incident. The road was reopened just before midnight and the scene was completely cleared. Wednesday morning police officials and investigators continued their work on the case. Police personnel met to look over evidence and search for any additional information that could be found on the victim, the incident and exactly what transpired. Investigators were using interviews with family and friends and securing search warrants for phone records to establish a timeline when it became apparent that Harrison was the suspect in the murder. Fifth Judicial Circuit District Attorney Jeremy Duerr said he could not comment on any specifics of this case until it completes the judicial process, but did commend investigators and all the departments involved in making an arrest in short order in the case. “I’d like to commend Alexander City Police Department investigators, George Long, Riley Foshee and Drew Machen, the leadership team and all the people involved in making this arrest,” Duerr said. “For the Dadeville Police Department to make that stop and help put the pieces together, that is outstanding work on their part. That kind of cooperation is something that we in our office appreciate and goes a long way when a case like this goes to trial.” According to court records, Harrisons only other run-ins with the law were traffic tickets back in 2014. He also Mitch Sneed / The Outlook shows a Goodwater residence as a prior A team of law enforcement personnel were on the scene of Tuesday’s shooting working on address. gathering evidence.

continued from page 1

department are trained to put out fires and as paramedics. To take part in the class, students must pass a swim test. With the help of the Alabama Fire College’s Ricky Roberts, the team from Alexander City and members of fire departments from Auburn, Opelika and Tallassee are learning how to rescue people on smooth water this week. The idea is first to try to encourage victims to save themselves, if unsuccessful then to reach them with either a paddle or rope and if needed launch an inflatable boat. Roberts gave students instructions in the classroom followed with the interactive class at Wind Creek. “Some will need to be in charge,” Roberts told the students about using the rafts as a rescue tool. “Some teach that person needs to be in the front while some teach in the back. If you have five people, I like to put one on Cliff Williams / The Outlook each corner and one in back. You still have plenty of room Above, students taking rafts out while Alabama Fire College Instructor Ricky Roberts, right, gives instructions at Wind Creek State Park Wednesday. Below, for all your rescue stuff and rescuers throw ropes to “victims” at Wind Creek State Park Wednesday. someone else.” The students would take turns from being in charge, to being the victim, to being part of the team. “Let’s get one person on each corner,” Roberts said. “We will shuffle around.” WŽĂƌĐŚ ŝƐ ƉƌŽƵĚ ƚŽ ďĞ Ă ƉĂƌƚŶĞƌ ŝŶ Visitors to Wind Creek State ůĂďĂŵĂ͛Ɛ ƉƌŽŐƌĞƐƐ͘ Park could see the students tĞ ŚĂǀĞ Ă ƚƌĂĚŝƟŽŶ ŽĨ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ŽƚŚĞƌƐ͘ flipping boats on the water, to pulling in ‘victims’ all useful WŽĂƌĐŚ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƐ ŵŽƌĞ ƚŚĂŶ ϭϯ͕ϬϬϬ ũŽďƐ ƚŽ WŽĂƌĐŚ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƐ ŵŽƌĞ ƚŚĂŶ ϭϯ͕ϬϬϬ ũŽďƐ ƚŽ in a water rescue Brewer ůĂďĂŵŝĂŶƐ͕ ƉĂǇƐ ŵŝůůŝŽŶƐ ŝŶ ƐƚĂƚĞ ƚĂǆĞƐ ĞĂĐŚ ǇĞĂƌ͕ ĂŶĚ ůĂďĂŵŝĂŶƐ͕ ƉĂǇƐ ŵŝůůŝŽŶƐ ŝŶ ƐƚĂƚĞ ƚĂǆĞƐ ĞĂĐŚ ǇĞĂƌ͕ ĂŶĚ explained. ŵĂŬĞƐ ĐŚĂƌŝƚĂďůĞ ĐŽŶƚƌŝďƵƟŽŶƐ ƌĞĂĐŚŝŶŐ ŶĞĂƌůǇ ŵĂŬĞƐ ĐŚĂƌŝƚĂďůĞ ĐŽŶƚƌŝďƵƟŽŶƐ ƌĞĂĐŚŝŶŐ ŶĞĂƌůǇ Brewer is hopeful the eight Ψϴ ŵŝůůŝŽŶ ĂŶŶƵĂůůǇ͘ Ψϴ ŵŝůůŝŽŶ ĂŶŶƵĂůůǇ͘ Alexander City firefighters ^ƚƌŽŶŐ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƟĞƐ ĐĂŶ ŚĞůƉ ďƵŝůĚ Ă ďĞƩĞƌ ůŝĨĞ ĨŽƌ Ăůů͘ will complete the swift water portion next year. > D E d/s ^͘ > D E /', KZ^͘ “There are two parts to the WŽĂƌĐŚEĞŝŐŚďŽƌƐ͘ĐŽŵ ƉĐŝͲŶƐŶ͘ŐŽǀ water training,” Brewer said. Ϯϱϭ͘ϯϲϴ͘ϵϭϯϲ “This is the first part of it, then there is swift water. Next spring we will try to go to the Coosa (River) to train in swift water. This will have all of our rescue team trained in water rescue.”

Your Future DĂƩĞƌƐ ƚŽ hƐ͘

MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213

editor@alexcityoutlook.com

EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Page 4

Our

Thursday, September 21, 2017

Flubbing the sex talk or being a good parent Today’sQuote

View

Hard work, cooperation B make us all safer

hen news broke Tuesday evening that a man had been shot in his vehicle as it traveled down Highway 280, most people in our community were shocked and saddened that something like this could happen so close to home. While investigators are not saying exactly what may have led to the highway shooting, it was apparent at the scene and with news today of an arrest in the case that local law enforcement worked tirelessly to get answers in a hurry. To see 12 law enforcement vehicles on the scene with officers combing Highway 280 and processing evidence in the victim’s vehicle, at times getting on hands and knees on the pavement and shoulders of the road to make sure every usable piece of evidence was found showed their dedication. Less than 20 minutes after the first call in that led to the discovery of Denzel Pope’s body inside his car on Highway 280, Dadeville Police Department officers responded to call about a reckless driver. They worked hard to locate the car and made a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by 21-year-old Nicholas Seth Harrison. The quickly found Harrison appeared to be impaired, had illegal substances in the vehicle and also had a weapon. Dadeville officials talked with Alexander City officials and they all worked non-stop to see if there was a link between the man in custody and the murder victim. It became apparent very quickly that Harrison was the man responsible for Pope’s death. This kind of communication and support between agencies isn’t anything new here. We saw it in the search for a missing man on Lake Martin. We saw it again Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning. “I can’t say enough about the hard work of everyone in our department, the action by the Dadeville Police and their quick thinking and cooperation not only in this case, but being there anytime we have needed assistance,” Alexander City Police Chief Jay Turner said. “In reality, crimes like this you can’t prevent, but if you can work hard and solve them, that shows the dedication of the people you have in your department. I can’t thank all the agencies and people involved enough for their help.” We are blessed here in Tallapoosa County to have such dedicated men and women in law enforcement working to keep us safe. The handling of this case was another prime example.

ecause of some of the questions my son had been asking about where babies came from, I knew it was time for him to get the “sex” talk. He was my firstborn, and he was 8 years old. My only problem was I had never given the sex talk and was not exactly sure how it needed to be said to a child. I remember walking into his bedroom. I told him that I thought he was old enough to learn some things about making babies. I used medical terms when I thought it most appropriate. About halfway through my talk, I remember thinking, “I am knocking this out of the park. I might be giving the best presentation on sex that has ever been given to a child.” Dramatically, I finished explaining how a baby finally is born into the world. After a pregnant pause for emphasis, I asked my son what he thought about how we get babies. He said, “Dad, that is the grossest thing I have ever heard. Good Night.” And that was it. My son thought sex was gross. I apparently had botched the sex talk. Being a good parent is one of the most challenging assignments on the planet. Here are a few of the principles of

Don’t let your child believe that the world revolves around them. I believed it was important RAY for them to recognize WATERS others who were less Columnist fortunate and did not have the same opportunities parenting I believe are the they had. I believed it most helpful. was key for them to give Remember you are back to the world in some your child’s parent before selfless service. So, I took you are their friend. Now them to homeless shelters. obviously I love my They cut the grass and kids. When they were cleaned the gutters for the growing up, we had fun. elderly. They grew up with We laughed and wrestled a heart to help those who and played together. But, were in need. Now they I was first their parent. are in their thirties, and There was never a doubt that lifestyle is a part of about who was in charge. how they are raising their Now that they are adults, families. I could not be they are my absolute best more proud. friends. When they were Parenting is an art and children and teenagers, not an exact science. That they needed a dad, not a is for sure. So, how did pal. my son Ray do after my When you blow it, own “gross sex talk”? I guess it, and tell your child you OK. He is the proud father are sorry. I remember of four kids living in times I responded wrongly beautiful Mission Viejo, to a situation involving the California. kids. Maybe I disciplined I think he got over the too fast before I knew gross part of it all. the whole story. Maybe I When my son Ethan was was madder than I should 8, I thought I would try have been. Things like it again. “Ethan, I think that happen. And, when it it is time we have the sex did, I tried to go back to talk.” His response, “OK my sons and say, “I blew dad, what do you want to it. I made a big mistake know.” tonight, and I want you to Thank God for kids. know I am aware of it and I am sorry.” I think those Ray Waters is a minster, moments are essential a motivational speaker for maintaining love and and a columnist for The authenticity in your home. Outlook.

No – 79%, 26 votes Yes – 21%, 7 votes

Thursday Question: Do you own a gun to use for self-defense? 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.

How to

What’s your

Opinion?

Letter to the Editor Buffy Colvin

Parties need to come together for prosperity Dear Editor,

Scott Hardy

Eric Brown

Tommy Spraggins

Tim Funderburk represents District 6. His phone number is 256-825-2993. His address is 1431 River Oaks, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of Utilities committee.

Wednesday Question: Should murder suspects ever be granted youthful offender status regardless of age?

Bobby Tapley

Eric Brown represents

represents District 5. His phone number is 256-234-3609. His address is 1539 College Street, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of Finance committee.

Daily Poll

Jim Nabors

Scott Hardy represents

District 4. His phone number is 256-3972011. His address is 1421 Parrish Drive, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Public Works committee.

alexcityoutlook.com

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.

Buffy Colvin represents

District 3. His phone number is 256-4962450. His address is 549 Sleepy Hollow Drive, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Parks and Recreation committee.

“Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.” —Romans 8:23

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.

Bobby Tapley

District 2. Her phone number is 256-750-0663. Her address is 786 I Street, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Buildings and Property committee.

Scripture

Mission

Officials

represents District 1. His phone number is 256392-0344. His address is 1821 LaVista Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Public Safety committee.

Today’s

Our

Know Your Jim Nabors is mayor of Alexander City. His phone number at city hall is 256-329-6730 and his home number is 256329-1320 His address at city hall is 4 Court Square; Alexander City, AL, 35010. His home address is 1695 Magnolia Street Alexander City, AL, 35010.

“Life has no limitations, except the ones you make.” —Les Brown

Tim Funderburk

Thank you President Trump for challenging the 193 members of the U.N. to do their job. President Trump boldly stated his first priority is to the American people. The U.N. must finally get a backbone and stop these murderous regimes from torturing and killing their citizens. It’s a travesty that these dictator nations belong to the U.N. yet ignore the human rights the U.N. stands for. World citizens only want peace and freedom but dictators stand in their way as the U.N. does nothing to stop these murderous dictators. What hypocrites they are. But of course here in America, left-wing liberal whiners are still attacking our President. Nothing new here. The main reason they hate President Trump is that he beat their chosen one Hillary Clinton. These whiners only want to win. Apparently they have no interest in solving the many problems “We the People” continue to struggle

with: poverty, part-time low paying jobs, heroin epidemic, failing schools, to many gangs and murders in our cities. We have millions of struggling citizens wanting the “American Dream” raising their own young dreamers wanting to be part of a great America. Federal, state and city governments along with citizens need to focus on fixing our problems before it’s too late. This delusional very chaotic, irrational hatred of our President is only wasting precious time on solving problems that we must fix before it’s too late. Hillary and the Democrats are a perfect example. She is on her book “whining” tour blaming Russia, Comey, Trump, sexism, misogyny and on and on. What a joke, so much arrogance. Hillary lost because she is a terrible old-school candidate, nothing new. What happened to Hillary is she lost, partly on ego. Move on, you are an embarrassment to your party, your

country and to women. We the People matter, we pay your salaries and way too many in government failed us and We the People are tired of it and willing to take a chance with hopefully real change. We must demand that Washington on both sides stop ignoring us. Democrat politicians need to stop these stupid Russian investigations, stop wanting impeachment. Stop this hatred and recognize 63 million were willing to give Trump a chance. He won the electoral college count, now do your job and work for us. Maybe if both sides actually speak honestly with each other and with President Trump then and only then will we prosper and grow. We are all in this together, act like it. We all win or we all lose. This country is too precious to allow hate to win. God bless America, our troops, our police, first responders and all who love this country. Annette Lynch Alexander City

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

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Thursday, September 21, 2017

The Outlook

Allison Shockley

Brett Pritchard

Warry Sexton

24-6 80%

23-7 77%

21-9 70%

1. Opelika 2. Ranburne 3. Lanett 4. Dadeville 5. Central Coosa

1. BRHS 6. Auburn 2. Horseshoe Bend 7. Georgia 8. Texas A&M 3. Lanett 9. Oklahoma St. 4. Dadeville 10. Alabama 5. Beulah

6. Auburn 7. Georgia 8. Texas A&M 9. Oklahoma St. 10. Alabama

334-332-6213

256-215-8822

FOOTBALL FEVER

20-10 67% 6. Auburn 7. Miss. St. 8. Texas A&M 9. TCU 10. Alabama

Marsha Mason

19-11 63% 6. Auburn 7. Georgia 8. Texas A&M 9. Oklahoma St. 10. Alabama

1. BRHS 2. Ranburne 3. Lanett 4. Dadeville 5. Beulah

145 Alabama St. Alexander City, AL

256-329-2328

6. Auburn 7. Miss. St. 8. Arkansas 9. Oklahoma St. 10. Alabama

857 Cherokee Road • Alexander City

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

Matthew McClure

1. BRHS 2. Ranburne 3. Lanett 4. Dadeville 5. Beulah

1. BRHS 2. Horseshoe Bend 3. Lanett 4. Dadeville 5. Central Coosa

S & S DISCOUNT TIRE

65 North Central Ave Alexander City, AL

The Russell Estate

1. BRHS 2. Ranburne 3. Lanett 4. Dadeville 5. Beulah

Page 5

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Catch IT!

217 Madison Street • Alexander City 256-329-1313

Scott Blake

Leslie Wingler

Kevin Keel

18-12 60%

17-13 56%

6. Auburn 7. Georgia 8. Texas A&M 9. Oklahoma St. 10. Alabama

1. BRHS 2. Horseshoe Bend 3. Lanett 4. Holtville 5. Beulah

6. Auburn 7. Miss. St. 8. Arkansas 9. Oklahoma St. 10. Vanderbilt

1. Opelika 2. Horseshoe Bend 3. Lanett 4. Dadeville 5. Beulah

6. Auburn 7. Georgia 8. Arkansas 9. Oklahoma St. 10. Alabama

1551 Hwy. 280 • Alexander City, AL

Kevin Keel

(256) 234-3432

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

The

Outlook CIRCLE YOUR PREDICTIONS 1. BRHS vs. Opelika 2. H. Bend vs. Ranburne 3. Reeltown vs. Lanett 4. Dadeville vs. Holtville 5. Central Coosa vs. Beulah

6. Auburn vs. Missouri 7. Mississippi St. vs. Georgia 8. Texas A&M vs. Arkansas 9. TCU vs. Oklahoma St. 10. Alabama vs. Vanderbilt

Tie Breaker: Total Yds. Rushing – Florida 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 Mike Ray Alex City, AL Entries must be received by 5:00 p.m. Friday

Page 6

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CommunityCalendar Need Insurance? Call me.

256.234.3481

This weekend is September 21, 2017 Today’s Events

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. ARTISTS ASSOCIATION MEETING: The Artists Association of Central Alabama will meet Sept.

Thursday, September 21, 2017

The Outlook

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/.

21 at 11:30 a.m. at the senior center at the Alexander City Sportplex. President June E. Dean will give a brief history and special recognition to Martha McKnight and Dorothy Holdren. Current board members and chairmen will be introduced along with upcoming projects, workshops and calendar events. Membership dues at $35 per year.

Joanne Finley at 334-332-5970 or Pastor Nolan at 256-682-3810. CHURCH REVIVAL: GAP Fellowship Church is hosting revival services Sept. 20 - Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. nightly with Rev. Alvin Williams of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Rev. Adonis Thomas of Flint Hill Baptist Church and Rev. Emerson Ware of Great Bethel.

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY: Haven Memorial United Methodist Church at 354 Christian Street in Alexander City is hosting a women’s Bible study “Battlefield of the Mind” by Joyce Meyer Thursdays Sept. 14, 21, 28 from noon to 1 p.m. Bring your lunch. For more information contact

LaCresha Griffin, Dwayne Martin, Cleon Vernon, Felicia Jackson, Ashley Strickland, Jason Teel, Johnny Spraggins, Barbara Sellers, Abbey Salinas, Bernice Whetstone, Wanda Smith Pulliam, Katherine Walls and Wima Worthy are celebrating their birthdays today.

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This long, perfectly spaced row of what are believed to be known as Jack O’ Lantern Mushrooms popped up almost overnight in the yard of Annette Sims’ Jacksons Gap home. These beauties, according to Wikipedia, are poisonous orange-gilled mushroom that to an untrained eye appears similar to some chanterelles.

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Applications can be picked up at: 101 S. Dubois Street Tallassee, AL 36078 Or contact Brinda Bell (334) 252-0025, Ext. 101

CHEESE BALLS: The UMW of First United Methodist Church are taking orders for their annual cheese ball fundraiser through Sept. 30. Orders can be placed through the church office. Four varieties are being offered from $10 to $12 each. Pick up will be Nov. 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the First United Methodist Fellowship Hall.

Friday, September 22

CLASS REUNION: There will be a class reunion for the Dadeville High School Classes of 1958, 1978 and 1998 Sept. 22 with a pregame homecoming reception at the Dadeville High School Media Center. Former students and spouses will receive tickets to the football game and will be recognized at the pregame activities. Class pictures will be made for $10. HOMECOMING: Dadeville High School is celebrating Homecoming Sept. 22. The is is “Rock the Bulldogs.” Everyone is invited to he homecoming parade. Entry fee is $15 and the entry forms are located in the school office with a deadline to enter of Sept. 20. ROTARY GOLF TOURNAMENT: The Alexander City Rotary Club is hosting a charity golf tournament Friday, Sept. 22 at the LakeWinds Golf Course. Registration begins at 11 a.m., lunch will be available at noon and tournament play starts at 1 p.m. It is two-person scramble tournament. The is cost is $100 for a twoperson team or $50 for an individual player. It will benefit the Alexander City Rotary Club Foundation. Anyone interested in participating contact Dana Rickman at 256-6256392 or email dana@campascca. org. WOMEN’S CONFERENCE: The Weogufka Family Worship Center is hosting its annual Women’s Conference Friday, Sept. 22 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring Tolie Meggs of Out of the Boat Ministries in Tuscaloosa. The Weogufka Family Worship Center is located at 20771 County Road 29/ Coaling Road.

September 22-23

MUSIC WORKSHOP: The Power of Praise and Worship musical workshop with Eugene C. Brown of Baltimore Maryland will be Sept. 22 starting at 6 p.m. and Sept. 23 starting at 9:30 a.m. at Hatchett Springs Baptist Church in Goodwater. Registration is Sept. 22 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and is $20 a person.

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. WOMEN’S CONFERENCE: Sistas for a Cause are hosting their third annual women’s conference, “Broken but Still Blessed,” Sept. 23 at 10 a.m. at Miracle Missionary Baptist Church on I Street in Alexander City. ALABAMA POWER OPEN HOUSE: Alabama Power is hosting a public education open house Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Square in Downtown Dadeville. FAMILY GAME NIGHT: Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends in Millerville will have Family Game Night Bingo from 5:00 until 8:00 Saturday September 23. Five free Bingo cards to the first 10 kids age 10 and under. Game prizes and door prizes. Begin with hot dogs, pizza, chips, and soft drinks.

Service is hosting its Fall Gardening Extravaganza Friday, Sept. 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Betty Carol Graham Technology Center at Central Alabama Community College. Speaking will be Chris VanCleave, Sara L. Van Beck, Felder Rushing and Carol Reese. Cost is $25 and you can register by call the extension service at 256825-1050.

Saturday, September 30

FAMILY REUNION: The Germany family reunion is Saturday, Sept. 30 at 11 a.m. at the Daviston Community Center. All members of the Germany family are invited. Please bring a covered dish.

Monday, September 25

September 28-29

HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Sarah Bliss Wright will present “Ida Quilt Project” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Oct. 2 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education Building at 375 Lee Street Alexander City.

Sunday, September 24

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. CLOTHING SALE: Russell Medical Auxiliary will host a clothing sale featuring Britches and Bows on Sept. 28-29. The sale will be in the Russell Medical Community Room beginning at 7 a.m. Women’s clothing, sizes small – 3x along with boys’ and girls’ clothing will be available. Proceeds will benefit projects and services of the Russell Medical Volunteer Auxiliary.

Friday, September 29

GARDENING EXTRAVAGANZA: The Tallapoosa County Extension

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700

Sunday, October 1

CHURCH HOMECOMING: New Elkahatchee Baptist Church is hosting homecoming services Oct. 1 at 10:30 a.m. with Diane Sherrell. SUNDAY DINNER: Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church is hosting Sunday dinner Sunday, Oct. 1 at 5 p.m. The free dinner will be served in the clubhouse building next to the church at 3997 Hillabee Road in Alexander City. The pastor of Duncan Memorial is Rev. Wayne Hicks. All are invited to this free, causal dinner. FAMILY AND FRIENDS DAY: Friendship Missionary Baptist Church will be hosting its annual family and friends day Oct. 1 at 2 p.m. The guest speaker will be Rev. Jimmy Thomas, pastor of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Dadeville. Rev. Roosevelt Gregory is pastor.

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. CHURCH HOMECOMING: The Socaptoy Church Homecoming will be Sunday, Sept. 24 at 11 a.m. with guest speaker Brother Pete McElrath. There will be a business to follow and dinner on the grounds at noon.

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Monday, October 2

Tuesday, October 3

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT: The 34th Annual National Night Out “Light Up the Night against Crime” will be Oct. 3 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Alexander City Sportplex. This will showcase various public safety and emergency response agencies that operate in the Alexander City and surrounding areas including state, county, EMA, businesses church groups. All events are free and there will be hotdogs and drinks while supplies last.

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Thursday, September 21, 2017

The Outlook

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Page 7

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The Outlook

Thursday, September 21, 2017

Ranking Benjamin Russell Principal Dr. Anthony Wilkinson believed this ranking validated the hard work the school’s faculty, staff and students put in every day. “Our students work hard, and we’re just really proud of them,” Wilkinson said. Wilkinson listed some of the strategies he feels has been highly beneficial to achieving the level of success the students at Benjamin Russell have attained, including setting high expectations for everyone, instilling a sense of leadership and ownership of their education into the students and using real-world examples as part of the teaching material. “If you can make it relevant to a student’s world, they will take interest,” he said. Another point Wilkinson felt was a positive for the school is how students at the high school do not use their socioeconomic status as an excuse in

The Outlook continued from page 1

their daily academic work, as well as how teachers do not accept it as an excuse either. Wilkinson and Cooper were happy to see Benjamin Russell ranked where it was among state high schools, but both said there was still room for improvement at the high school. “The graduation rate is the highest it’s ever been. The scholarship offer amounts are at record levels. ACT scores continue to go up. There are a lot of good things happening at Benjamin Russell,” Cooper said. “It makes you feel good, but there is room for improvement.” “We still have challenges to face. We’re going to keep working on strategies to address concerns and keep getting better,” Wilkinson said. “We are going to continue our poverty training. We want to have parents and community leaders continue to come in to the school, see what we’re doing on a daily basis and see more of what they can do to help.”

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Budget board will utilize these surplus funds. “We’re looking at upgrades throughout the system, like new cafeteria furniture and equipment,” Blythe said following the meeting. Blythe also mentioned how she was not entirely happy with the food service company the board approved a contract with over the summer, even though she felt a recent meeting with the company’s president had gone well. Following the discussion, a motion was made to approve the proposed budget, and the motion passed unanimously. “Thank you for all your work. There’s a lot that goes in to all of this,” Cooper told Blythe. “I feel really good about this budget.” The following items were also brought before the board Tuesday night: • Minutes from the Aug. 15 meeting were approved. • Blythe presented the monthly financial report, stating the system’s cash flow was in very good shape and all school accounts had been reconciled. With less than 1 percent difference between what was budgeted for both revenue and expenditures and where they cur-

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continued from page 1

rently sit, “We’re going to come in right about where we were budgeted to be,” Blythe said. • The board approved hiring Ricky Culp to the maintenance staff and Roxanne Kelly as a secretary at Stephens Elementary School. The retirement of Maintenance Supervisor Bob Nolen was also accepted, while maintenance worker Mark Simmons was approved to be promoted to become the new maintenance supervisor. Eleven miscellaneous contracts, 37 supplemental contracts and two volunteer contracts were also approved. • The board approved field trip requests for career technical students from the middle school and high school to attend the Joint Leadership Development Conference in Birmingham, the FFA and Ag classes at the high school to attend the Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, Georgia and several members of the Benjamin Russell FFA to attend the FFA National Convention in Indianapolis. The next meeting of the Alexander City Board of Education will be Tuesday, Oct. 24, beginning at 5 p.m. at the Board of Education Building.

LIZI ARBOGAST SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228

lizi.arbogast@alexcityoutlook.com

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Thursday, September 21, 2017

www.alexcityoutlook.com

SEC no longer America’s best league

f the SEC is touted as the toughest football conference in America, it’s sure doing a great job of disguising itself as otherwise. Through three weeks, SEC teams are a combined 4-7 vs. schools from other Power 5 conferences. There was a time when this proud conference boasted powerhouse programs Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, Texas A&M, etc., where schools were often either in the national championship conversation at some point of a season, or challenged other schools that were. Today, we have a super power program in Alabama, followed by a large gap, then maybe two or three wannabee super power programs. Georgia is a quintessential wannabee program. The Bulldogs won at South Bend, Ind., so surely the boys from Athens, Ga., are among the nation’s elite. Right? Only if the Bulldogs run the table. I would favor Georgia in each of its remaining regular season games, but if the Bulldogs wet the bed once they’ll be on the outside looking in again. After a 37-7 shellacking of LSU, folks are jumping on the Mississippi State bandwagon. Don’t get me wrong, the Bulldogs from Starkville look downright nasty and could make some serious noise in the league this year. But this was a 7-6 team a year ago. Win at Georgia this Saturday and follow that with a win at Auburn, then they have my complete attention. Auburn and LSU were supposed to be Alabama’s big threats in the SEC West. Frankly, I have no idea what Auburn is trying to do offensively, and I have no idea what’s wrong with LSU except it probably should have never fired a coach (Les Miles) that went 114-34 there. Kevin Sumlin probably won’t have a job in College Station in three months, so don’t expect the Aggies to make much noise. Yeah, they might pull off an upset or two, which might qualify them for the Music City Bowl. Arkansas remains a middling program capable of beating good teams and losing to bad ones. Then there’s Ole Miss. That program’s about to be cast into the NCAA toilet.

JOE MCADORY Columnist

It’s delightfully humorous both Vanderbilt and Kentucky are 3-0, while their former tormentors, Florida and Tennessee, should struggle to reach the postseason, or at least a bowl game of respectability. Florida has the athletes and a defense, but is one Hail Mary from being 0-2. The Vols have underachieved since Tennessee fired Phil Fulmer 10 years ago. Back to Vanderbilt and Kentucky being 3-0 … don’t get carried away. They remain Vanderbilt and Kentucky. South Carolina appears to be making headway, but the Gamecocks are just another improving team that is nowhere in the stratosphere of being elite any time soon as Saturday’s home loss to Kentucky showed. And then there’s Missouri, which lost 35-3 on Saturday to Purdue, not exactly a heavyweight. As bad as Missouri is, they have a chance on Saturday to earn back an ounce of respect when Auburn visits. So there you go, a once all-powerful football conference with one legitimate national powerhouse and maybe two others with potential to join the party. But there is talent down here in the South. That said, it will rise again. Auburn at Missouri: The home team shouldn’t offer a defensive test for Auburn’s disjointed attack. Then again, Mercer wasn’t supposed to either. Could Auburn actually lose this game? Absolutely, but I like Auburn’s chances. The date with Mississippi State looms. Auburn 30, Missouri 21. Alabama at Vanderbilt: The only way Vandy pulls off the upset is if the Commodores protect the football and plays solid defense, keeping it a lowscoring game. Something tells me this is an angry Alabama team. Alabama 34, Vanderbilt 10. Joe McAdory is Communications Editor at Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business.

Matt Reynolds / JSU Athletics

Bryant Horn (14) is off to a fine start as quarterback at Jacksonville State.

COLLEGE SPOTLIGHT Bryant Horn off to fine start at JSU came onto the Southern Miss scene last season when he had seven tackles in 10 games from his defensive tackle position. But this year, Crayton is starting his senior year well. In the Golden Eagles’ first game of the season against Kentucky, Crayton racked up five tackles, had 1.5 tackles for a loss and forced a fumble. “He played one heck of a football game,” Southern Miss coach Jay Hopson told WDAM. com at the time. “Rod Crayton, he was our defensive player of the game. Rod, I thought, played tremendous up front, he really did. I thought our front played well. I thought Rod certainly had the best game. Just impressive to watch him play, he played real physical football.” Now through three games, Crayton has recorded 11 tackles, including 3.5 for a total loss of 9 yards.

By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

After a strong spring and preseason, Benjamin Russell graduate Bryant Horn is living up to expectations as Jacksonville State University’s starting quarterback. The Gamecocks are currently 1-1 and are coming off a bye week. Horn has established himself as a dual-threat quarterback. He has a 64.7 completion percentage, going 23-for-34 with two touchdown passes. He has totaled 255 passing yards and is averaging 127.5 per game. Horn is also Jacksonville State’s secondleading rusher, having gained 91 yards on 25 attempts. JSU hosts Liberty this weekend.

Holt having strong senior season

Luke Holt, a Horseshoe Bend graduate, is currently in his senior year at Ouachita Baptist University, a Division II program in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, and he has emerged as one of the team’s top linebackers. Currently second on the team in tackles, Holt has totaled 23 tackles, including 16 solo. He has one tackle through a loss through three

Tyre Gray makes contribution

File / The Outlook

After appearing in all 11 games Murray State’s Tyre Gray, a for Murray State last season, Tyre Benjamin Russell graduate, has been Gray, a 2016 Benjamin Russell a contributor for the Eagles so far this graduate, is off to fine start this season. year. Through three games, Gray games this season. has four catches totaling 29 Rod Crayton making yards. His longest reception was Dadeville proud 21 yards, and he’s also scored a Dadeville graduate Rod Crayton touchdown.

Horseshoe Bend splits tri-meet Against the Panthers, Maggie Wood, Caly Carlisle and Cheyanna Howard all had two kills. Carlisle also led the defense Horseshoe Bend kept its record with six digs, and Howard at an even 3-3 after splitting a tri- followed right behind with five. meet on Tuesday night. The Billingsley game was a The Generals lost to a hard-fought victory. The Generals tough Elmore County squad, won the opening set, 25-20, 25-17, 25-13, but immediately before falling by the same score rebounded with a three-set in Set 2. Horseshoe Bend eked victory over Billingsley. out a 15-10 win in the deciding

STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

third set. Wood knocked down six kills to go along with an ace and a block. Carlisle had a fantastic defensive performance with 10 digs, and she also added three kills. Howard finished with four kills, two digs and an ace. Karsen Kinman totaled 17 assists on the day, including 12 against Billingsley.

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Lizi Arbogast Mitch Sneed Cliff Williams Scott Hardy Tippy Hunter Luke Robinson Andy Graham Brett Pritchard Randy Lee Sports Editor

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