Issuu

BRINGING IT HOME

OPINION: THANKS FOR MAKING THIS A SAFE WEEKEND, PAGE 4.

THURSDAY

THE

Wildcats seek win in first home game. Page 10.

Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 September 8, 2016

Vol. 124, No. 181

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Small black bear sighted in the area

A resident on Hillabee Park Drive spotted a small black bear on her property Wednesday. The bear was not tagged and is not believed to be the bear spotted trekking through the county earlier this summer.

By MITCH SNEED Editor

Submitted / The Outlook

Just when we thought the summer bear watch was over for another year, a local woman spotted a small black bear in a field adjacent to her property on Hillabee Park Drive Wednesday. Hillabee Park Drive resident Kelly Harper spotted what she described as a black bear cub a little taller than knee high shortly

after 8 a.m. Wednesday morning. Harper said at first she couldn’t believe what she was seeing. “I was sitting there on the back deck and when I first saw it I thought it was a dog,” Harper said. “But it stopped there and I realized that it was a small bear. I hurried and took a picture because I knew no one would believe me.” Harper said that just seconds after snapping the picture a black

lab appeared and the bear began running away from her property towards a wooded area adjacent to the field. “It had stopped and was just looking at me, until that dog came from over towards the (Hillabee Baptist) church,” Harper said. “It took off as the dog got closer.” Harper called the Alexander City Police Department for Animal See BEAR • Page 3

Council to decide Machen’s fate today

Strand Session Encore set for tonight By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

Alexander City gets an encore. The Lake Martin Young Professionals have organized a Strand Session Encore – this time featuring the music by soul singer Jojo Hammett and teen singing sensation Katlin Hill. The music is set to begin tonight at 6:30 and run until 8:30 p.m in Strand Park. The community has been accepting of regular music in the park. “Everything we’ve heard has been extremely positive,” John Howell told the Alexander City City Council recently. “Everyone has been very responsible. I think the people have been pleased with the time limit so there were no problems with noise after hours. Plus, they have all been pretty well attended.” In addition to the music, the Young Professionals See STRAND • Page 3

Council must decide whether finance director stays or goes

By MITCH SNEED Editor

Archery Shooters Association and Bow Hunters of Alabama. The championships were held in Oak Mountain State Park and Huntsville, respectively. Sasser said the decision to shoot in the senior division in the BHA competition wasn’t one based solely on age, but more so on its effects. “The only reason I moved up (to the

The fate of Alexander City’s embattled finance director could be decided today as the Alexander City City Council is expected to hold a hearing to review her dismissal in executive session during today’s meeting. Alexander City Mayor Charles Shaw dismissed Finance Director Sandra Machen for the third time on Aug. 16, claiming in the paperwork she was given at the time that “Mrs. Machen has violated 7.3.1 Group One Offenses.” Those offenses are defined in the personnel handbook as “instances of unacceptable conduct by an employee, which are very serious and normally constitute grounds for dismissal upon the first occurrence of such conduct unless mitigating and/or extenuating circumstances render lesser discipline more appropriate.” The documentation also states, “Sandra has been incompetent in her duties as the Finance Director for the City of Alexander. She has failed to produce accurate financial numbers. Money has not been deposited into the correct department accounts. The 2016-2017 Budget cannot be produced due to the discrepancies with the city’s

See ARCHERY • Page 3

See COUNCIL • Page 3

Kenneth Boone / The Outlook

Alexander City’s Kevin Sasser takes aim on the archery range. Sasser is the current state champion in the senior division for both the Archery Shooters Association and Bow Hunters of Alabama.

ON TARGET: By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer

It takes strong arms and hands to be a champion archer. Most of all, it takes a keen eye. Alexander City’s Kevin Sasser has all those traits in spades. That’s why the 55-year-old Sasser is current state champion in the senior division for both the

Local man holds two state archery titles

Holiday weekend on Lake Martin a safe one By MITCH SNEED Editor

What is widely recognized as the last big weekend of the summer season on Lake Martin was a relatively calm one according the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Marine Patrol Division. According to Marine Patrol Division Lt. Mark Fuller said that traffic on the water over the long Labor Day weekend was lighter than expected, particularly on Friday and Saturday. “Traffic was relatively light on Friday and Saturday due to schools being back in session and football season being under way,” Fuller said. “Sunday was moderately busy as was Monday.” Lighter traffic and high visibility

also played a role in reducing the number of incidents encountered by law enforcement of the water. Fuller said there were only four arrests by the unit over the holiday weekend. “There were three BUI arrests made and one person arrested on an outstanding felony drug warrant,” Fuller said. Another positive stat indicated that it was a relatively safe weekend for boaters. “There were no reported accidents on Lake Martin for the entire holiday weekend,” Fuller said. Area marinas reported moderate traffic and boat storage facilities reported that it was a heavy weekend for boat owners to take their crafts out of the water for the winter.

Lake Martin

Lake Levels

488.53 Reported on 9/07/16 @ 7 p.m.

LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443

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

Today’s

Weather

94 67 High

Low

Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

A boat makes its way back to the Wind Creek Marina Monday evening. Officers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Marine Patrol Division reported a relatively uneventful Labor Day weekend on the Lake Martin, with just four arrests recorded with no accidents.

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Wife’s meticulous grooming becomes troubling obsession

Friday

91 69 Low

High Friday

Saturday

92 70 Low

High Sunny

Staff

Directory Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com Management Steve Baker Publisher, Ext. 218 steve.baker@alexcityoutlook.com Mitch Sneed Editor, Ext. 213 mitch.sneed@alexcityoutlook.com David Kendrick Circulation Manager, Ext. 204 david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com Lee Champion Production Manager, Ext. 220 lee.champion@alexcityoutlook.com Accounting Angela Mullins Bookkeeping, Ext. 202 angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com Mary Lyman Boone Bookkeeping marylyman.boone@alexcityoutlook.com Newsroom Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Cathy Higgins Sports Editor, Ext. 228 cathy.higgins@alexcityoutlook.com Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com David Granger Staff Writer, Ext. 210 david.granger@alexcityoutlook.com

Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Emily Gregg Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 emily.gregg@alexcityoutlook.com Donna Jones Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 donna.jones@alexcityoutlook.com Jaylan Reynolds Advertising Sales Intern, Ext. 232 jaylan.reynolds@alexcityoutlook.com Composing Audra Spears Composing Department, Ext. 219 audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com Alethia Russell Graphic Artist, Ext. 231 alethia.russell@alexcityoutlook.com Circulation Linda Ewing Asst. Circulation Manager, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com

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

Postal

Information

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

Thursday, September 8, 2016

The Outlook

DEAR ABBY: My wife has always been well groomed, with an obsessive interest in her fingernails and toenails. Every three or four days, she spends an hour trimming them. Recently, I discovered that she has been keeping the nail trimmings. She actually has three large plastic containers full. When I confronted her, she claimed it soothes her to see her “collection.” Now she has begun openly displaying them inside a glass table lamp. I’m afraid she needs professional help. What do you think I should do? -- NAILING IT DEAR NAILING: Your wife appears to suffer from a form of OCD -- a hoarding disorder. (Are nail clippings the only items she can’t let go of?) Overcoming her compulsion may take professional help and possibly medication. Start by discussing this with your doctor. In the meantime, because her display bothers you, ask her

Obituaries Mr. Edward H. Collett 1945 - 2016 Graveside Service for Mr. Edward H. Collett, 71, of Alexander City, will be Monday, September 12, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the Ashland City Cemetery, Ashland, Alabama. Rev. Donald DeLee will officiate. Mr. Collett passed away on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 at Chapman’s Healthcare Center. He was born on June 25, 1945 in Hamden, Connecticut to Elmer Franklin Collett and Adelaide Collett. Mr. Collett was an electrician, but his passion was dealing with antiques and fixing items to sell at flea markets. He

Mrs. Quincy B. Hill Mrs. Quincy B. Hill 60 of Rockford, AL died on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at her residence. Armour’s Memorial Services in charge. +

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to keep the lamp in a less conspicuous place. DEAR ABBY: My wife and I just bought our first home. It’s in a very nice neighborhood, and the neighbors seem friendly. There’s just one problem. My son, “Abner” -- who will soon be 3 -- goes to bed between 8 and 9 o’clock, and that’s when our neighbor decides it’s time to mow his grass. Getting Abner to sleep becomes difficult because the man mows right outside our son’s window. Initially, I didn’t think it was a big deal because the first time he woke Abner up, my son had gone to bed at an unusually early time for him. But last night

enjoyed mowing the 40 acres of grass when he had the time. He is survived by his wife, Brenda Collett of Alexander City; son, Wade Collett (Dannon); grandson, Evan Lee Collett; granddaughter, Emberly Joe Collett; brother-in-law, James L. Hamlin; sisterin-laws, Judy Faye Smith (George) and Margarett Ray; nieces, Debbie Aardall and Sally Simmering; nephew, Brett Simmering (Mary Ann). He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Harriet Annette Simmering; and sister-in-law, Gladys Stafford. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the cancer society of your choice. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome. com. Radney Funeral Home in Alexander City, Alabama is in charge of the arrangements.

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DEAR ABBY: Recently, my boss told me she had asked me to do something, but I am 100 percent positive that she didn’t. I don’t feel like I can contradict her because I’m afraid it would make me look bad. It has happened only once or

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Mr. William Larry Hanson 1943 - 2016

Association, Tallapoosa County Cattleman’s Association, and VP of Gamble Store World Problem Solvers. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Judy Hanson of New Site; daughters, Cindy Jackson (Carl), Melody Grant (Tim), and Julie Carlisle (Dameon) all of New Site; son, Toby Hanson (Angela) of New Site; grandchildren, Grace Gilbert, Cal Jackson (Kayla), Griff Jackson, Kaytlynn Grant, Thomas Grant, Caly Carlisle, Olivia Hanson; Adopted Grandchild, Zack Kilpatrick and Grandchild, Mercedes Kilpatrick; greatgrandchild, Jackson Gilbert; sisters, Martha Herndon (Darryl) and Amy Perkins (Sam) both of Birmingham; brother, Phillip (Debbie) Hanson of New Site; niece, Chelsea Herndon; nephews, Graham Herndon and Zach Perkins; aunts, Daphene Whatley and Genelle Berry. He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome. com.

Funeral Service for Mr. William Larry Hanson, 72, of New Site, Alabama, will be Friday, September 9, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Rocky Creek Baptist Church. Randy Anderson will officiate. Burial will follow in the Hanson Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 8, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Mr. Hanson passed away on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at Baptist Medical Center South. He was born on December 22, 1943 in Alexander City, Alabama to Ralph Hanson and Sibyl Burnett Hanson. He was a member of New Salem Baptist Church. Mr. Hanson was a master farmer and heavy equipment operator. He worked hard and enjoyed his farm. He prided himself in teaching his family to work and the importance of family. He was elected as a Tallapoosa County Commissioner from District 3 for three terms. He was a member of the Alabama Egg and Poultry

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it happened when Abner went to bed later than his normal bedtime. We have talked to our neighbors a few times in general. But since we’re new to the neighborhood, I don’t want to cause problems. I don’t know the man’s schedule, but would it be out of line to ask him to mow earlier in the evening? -BEDTIME IN ILLINOIS DEAR BEDTIME: Not at all. If you explain the problem, your neighbor may be willing to modify his mowing time. However, if he isn’t, then look into the noise ordinances in your community because there may be rules about mowing after -- or before -- a certain hour.

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Alexander City Board of Education meets on the third Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in the board office at 375 Lee St. or local school at 5 p.m. Alexander City Council meets on the first and third Mondays of each month. Meetings are held in the courtroom at the old city hall at 5:30 p.m.

Camp Hill Town Council meets the first and third Mondays of each month. Meetings are held in town hall at 6 p.m. Community Action Agency of Chambers, Tallapoosa, Coosa will holds its regular board of directors meetings every other month at the Central Office in Dadeville. Coosa County Board of Education holds called meetings at least once a month. Coosa County Commission meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in the Coosa County Courthouse in Rockford at 9:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday and at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday. Coosa County Industrial Development Board will

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hold its regularly scheduled meeting the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room in the courthouse in Rockford. Dadeville City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m. in city hall. Daviston City Council meets the third Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Daviston Fire Department. Goldville Town Council meets the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the town hall. Goodwater City Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held upstairs in the courthouse at 6:30 p.m. Jackson’s Gap Town Council meets the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in town hall at 6:30 p.m. Kellyton Town Council meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the community center in Kellyton. New Site City Council meets the second and fourth Monday of the month at 5 p.m. in the Conference Room in the Town Hall.

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Thursday, September 8, 2016

Council

continued from page 1

finances.” Attorney Bob Echols, who represents Machen, said they have been notified of the hearing and plan to show a pattern of his client being forced to work in a hostile work environment. “We have documentation that shows the mayor has repeatedly dismissed Mrs. Machen and then when she was returned to work, he denied her the tools she needed to do her job,” Echols said. “It’s clearly a situation where he has retaliated time and time again and blamed her for things that are out of her control. It beats anything that I have ever seen.” Machen was previously dismissed on Sept. 18, 2015 and again on July 22, but on each occasion she was reinstated when the city council was deadlocked at 3-3. Since she was returned to her position on Aug. 2, Machen had reported to council that her computer access had been limited, that she didn’t have access to some aspects of the financial software used by the city, that she didn’t have keys to city hall and for a time had her phone calls forwarded elsewhere.

Shaw has previously denied those claims, but Echols provided emails that document the recurring issues. Another executive session is also on the agenda. This one is listed as time to discuss pending litigation and the council will reconvene to take action on the item. The meeting is set for 5:30 p.m. in the upstairs courtroom in the Alexander City Public Safety building. The council will also consider: • A resolution calling for a public hearing for seven properties to be declare a public nuisance. • A resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a contract with Focused Construction for demolition management and inspection services. • A resolution authorizing the mayor execute change order No. 4 with Ingram Paving on the North Parallel Taxiway Project. • A resolution request to accept Carlisle Road as a city street. • A resolution authorizing the mayor to execute a grant agreement with ADEM in the amount of $4,855.45 for the purchase of new equipment and materials recycling.

Bear Control to respond. Animal Control and an officer both responded to the residence. After talking with Harper, they walked the field and the edge of the woods looking for any signs of the bear still lingering in the area. “I wouldn’t have worried about it, but I got to thinking, that if baby is here Momma can’t be too far away,” Harper said. “My heart was just beating out of my chest. I know there’s a fence there and all, but you just don’t expect to see something like that.” Earlier this summer, a bear created a stir after making a trek across Coosa, Tallapoosa and Chambers counties and into Lee County before being tagged in Opelika in late June.

continued from page 1

Shortly after the bear was tagged and released, there were sightings near Tuskegee and reports of a bear being hit by a vehicle as it crossed Interstate 85. The bear managed to make its way off into the woods beside the expressway. The bear then surfaced in the Union community on July 12. Alabama Conservation Officer Sgt. Michael East said that bear was last seen headed the direction it came, with the last local sighting coming in Pitchford Hollow. This bear had no tags and appeared to be much smaller than the one that was spotted earlier this summer.

Strand have organized a Poker Walk before the ‘Session’ to benefit the Lake Martin Area United Way. “I am pleased that Young Professionals are stepping up to the plate again to help the community,” United Way’s Scott Hardy said. “They are proving to be a vital group in the area.” The Poker Walk starts at the United Way office on Main Street with stops at Alabama Street Makers Market, Cloud

Page 3

www.alexcityoutlook.com

The Outlook

continued from page 1

Nine, Coffee Corner, Jake’s on Broad, J.R’s and Little Black Dress. Cost is $15 a hand and the best hand wins $200. There is also a prize for the worst hand. Strand Sessions began in May and were held on the first Thursday in June, July and August as well. The crowds have ranged between 300 and 500 people and acts including Rexton Lee, The Bank Walkers, Dallas Dorsey and B. Snipes have taken the Strand Park stage this summer.

• A resolution requested from Property Maintenance Department to replace a mower rather than repairing it which would require an amendment to the capital budget. • A resolution authorizing the mayor to accept an Assistance to Firefighters Grant, amending the 2015/2016 Capital Budget. • A resolution bid 16-08 annual bid for chemical Sugar Creek Treatment Plant and Adams Water Treatment. • A request from Russell Medical Center to hold TuTu 2.2 Fun Run on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. • A request from BRHS for a parade permit for Homecoming Parade Sept. 30, 2016 • A request from the Oktoberfest Committee to hold a 5K fun run on Oct. 8 for the 36th Annual Oktoberfest • A request from the Oktoberfest Committee to waive the business license for vendors participating in Oktoberfest.

Archery senior division) was my eyes are starting to get bad now so I have to use a lens in my peep site,” Sasser said. Sasser, who was edged out by Mark Proctor of Holly Pond as BHA shooter of the year because he failed to shoot at one of the targets, said usually about 30 shooters begin the competition, but the number of participating shooters in the state is growing smaller. “When you first shoot, there are usually 30 or so in my class,” Sasser said. “A time goes on , they’re not in the running for shooter of the year. They dwindle out. “This year, there were 15-17 shooters in the (BHA) state championship. Participation fluctuates. It will go up and down, but this was a low year.” Sasser said he shot in his first competition when he was 17 in 1978. He said he did hunt deer with a bow, but didn’t bag his first until the mid 1980s, after he was involved in archery tournaments. He said that the shooting sport is beginning to see some rules changes that those who have been in the tournament game for a while are not necessarily happy with. One is the use of range-finders, which help archers judge

continued from page 1

the yardage to a target, in competition. He says the results of the use of the range-finders may be counter-productive to their intent - to make more lessexperienced shooters competitive. “When you’ve got a good archer that shoots all the time, range-finders help make us better,” said Sasser. “The idea is to make more people competitive, but it doesn’t do that. It may make them better, but it makes better archers that much better, too. “We don’t have anything against the younger, more Inexperienced archers. We try to work with them and help them shoot better. We actually sometimes feel like we overburden them trying to give them pointers.” Sasser, who works security for Russell Lands, says he has a 31-year-old daughter who also shoots competitively. His 11-year-old grandson, he says, is the family deerslayer, having bagged three at his young age. Other children, stepchildren and grandchildren haven’t shown that much interest. But he has a plan that just might change that. “I plan to give them all a bow for Christmas,” Sasser said.

STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF TALLAPOOSA PROBATE COURT

PUBLIC NOTICE REGARDING UPCOMING GENERAL ELECTION NOVEMBER 8, 2016 Pursuant to §21-4-23(b) of the Code of Alabama (1975), notice is hereby given of the following with regard to Tallapoosa County, Alabama: 1. Instructions, printed in large type, conspicuously displayed at each voter registration site and polling place, suf¿cient to provide hearing impaired and seriously visually impaired individuals with adequate information as to how and where they may register and vote. 2. Each polling place shall have an AutoMARK Voter Assist Terminal for use by individuals with disabilities who would otherwise be prevented from voting because of their inability to mark a paper ballot. 3. Absentee ballots are available to any individual with a disability or elderly individual who, because of disability or age, is unable to go to their assigned polling place to vote on election day. The deadline for requesting and submitting an absentee ballot is the same as it is for other persons seeking to vote by absentee ballot. 4. Each individual, including individuals with a disability or elderly individuals, may select a person of his or her choice to accompany such individual into the polling place to assist with the marking and casting of a ballot, provided the person providing assistance is not the voting individual’s employer, agent of the voting individual’s employer, or an of¿cer or agent of the voting individual’s labor union. 5. The General Election shall be held on November 8, 2016. Thomas F. Young, Jr. Judge of Probate

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Page 4

Our

Some like it hot but not me

View

Thanks for making it a safe holiday weekend

ar too often the news following a holiday weekend is dominated by tragedy. Headlines often include reports of death on area highways as well as on the water after people lost their lives at a time that is supposed to be reserved for celebration. It appears that this year’s long Labor Day holiday period, which ended on Sept. 5, was one that will be remembered as a safe one in our area. There were no traffic fatalities and no deaths on the water reported here in Tallapoosa County over the holiday weekend, officials say. At a time when pre-holiday predictions are made and traffic on area roads and local waterways are at an all-time high, this year’s clean slate deserves recognition. There are several factors that contribute to such a safe weekend. Saturday football may have led to reduced traffic on the lake, while some local officials say an increased law enforcement presence on area roadways was another factor. Certainly another key was people used common sense when getting behind the wheel of their vehicle or watercraft. A check with local law enforcement officials shows that there were only five arrests for driving under the influence in the county. On the water, ALEA’s Marine Unit said there were just four arrests and no accidents on Lake Martin on what is widely recognized as one of the busiest weekends of the summer. Media reports and public service announcements are constants before the holiday period, reminding folks that seatbelt use and not texting while driving while on the roads and slowing down and wearing flotation devices on the water can help save lives. The reason behind those great numbers isn’t as important as the results. Congratulations Tallapoosa County for making it a safe holiday weekend.

Thursday, September 8, 2016

t got so hot in Iraq that I promised myself that once I got home I’d never complain about the weather again. Yeah, that didn’t last very long. It’s human nature to complain. We just can’t help ourselves. When it’s hot, we want it to be cold. When it’s cold, we want it to be hot. I’d settle for year round “football weather.” I hate being hot. It used to not be a problem. I grew up in a house with no air conditioning. We had box fans. I was conditioned to live without cold air. I was basically Les Stroud, Survivorman. In the late nineties, I lived in a house that didn’t have central heat and air. It was an old shotgun house with window units on each of the far ends of the home. A couple of the rooms didn’t have doors, so I had to put sheets over the doorways to trap in the cold air. If the A/C was not on, it got so hot that my friends would feel the door to check for a backdraft before coming in. It was toasty, and for the most part, I was okay with it. When I’m outside, I don’t mind being warm and am usually quite comfortable. I have a hard time distinguishing between 65 and 75 degrees, but can easily feel the difference in 70 and 72 inside my house. A while back, some of my friends

JODY FULLER Guest Columnist

jokingly called me “old” for being comfortable at 70 degrees. They keep their thermostat much lower than that. My home is comfortable, but old people do keep their homes warm, and that’s just fine with me. It’s how they were raised. Furthermore, it’s their home and their bills, so my hat is off to them, but sometimes when “viztin,” I want to take off my shirt and pants, too, while they’re wearing a flannel shirt and blue jeans. Holy Hestia, Goddess of Fire, some like it hot. I was in a home recently where the thermostat read 86 degrees. That temperature outdoors is nice. That temperature indoors is worse than waterboarding. My friend Adrian was recently in a home with similar conditions and made a great observation. Oftentimes, it’ll be a thousand degrees, and they’ll have the ceiling fan running, but it’s running at the lowest speed possible. It’s as if it’s not actually on. It’s like the wind is moving it. You can actually see all five individ-

ual blades rotating, whereas mine runs fast enough to power a ski boat. It looks and sounds like it’s about to fall out of the ceiling. On the rare occasion you do visit one who is actually running the A/C, make sure you close all doors immediately and keep them closed. They can be on the other side of the house in a narcoleptic coma, yet if the door is momentarily left ever so slightly cracked, the Force awakens them. “Who left that door open? Somebody close that door!” they yell. Some people bring candy and crosswords when they visit. I’ve started bringing plastic and caulk. I remember going to my mawmaw’s house in the boonies of Tallapoosa County when I was a kid. She had a candy dish filled with hard candy and every time I’d go to pick out a piece, I’d wind up picking up the whole thing, because they were all melted and stuck together, and that’s a memory I wouldn’t change for the all the air conditioning in the world. Jody Fuller is a comic, speaker, writer and soldier with three tours of duty in Iraq. He is also a lifetime stutterer. He can be reached at jody@jodyfuller.com. For more information, please visit www.jodyfuller.com.

represents District 1. His phone number is 256329-9671. His address is 1821 LaVista Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Public Safety committee. represents District 2. Her phone number is 256329-0516. Her address is 2879 Old Dark Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Parks and Recreation committee.

Sherry Ellison Simpson

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

Bob Howard

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

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

Billy Ray Wall

James Spann

Tony Goss

Scripture

“Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom. ” – Ecclesiastes 9:10

alexcityoutlook.com

Daily Poll Wednesday Question: Do you have enough information to make a decision in the municipal runoff elections?

Yes - 16 No – 9

Thursday Question: Do you think bear sightings in our area are a big deal? 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

Let’s keep supporting Alabama’s state parks

Sherry Ellison-Simpson

Today’s

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

Charles Shaw

Bobby Tapley

“We do not remember days, we remember moments.” – Cesare Pavese

Mission

Officials

Bobby Tapley

Quote

Our

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

Today’s

abor Day weekend in Alabama marks two major events for citizens of our state: the unofficial end of summer and the official start of college football season. As the leaves eventually begin to change and fall temperatures start to prevail, many Alabamians will spend their Saturdays over the next few months focused on their favorite team and tracking their fantasy leagues. Alabamians’ love for parks extends much further than the Saturdays spent at the ballpark. Parks of all kinds are important to our communities; national and state parks provide dozens of options for people to go unwind. As you prepare for your Labor Day adventure and officially kick off fall, I encourage you to get outside and experience some of the amazing opportunities in Alabama’s State Parks as well as the thousands of attractions that can be found in city, county, and National Parks. Last week the National Park Service (NPS) celebrated 100 years of service and stewardship. Alabama’s State Parks are celebrating their 77th year of service. These incredible public lands are much more than simply protected lands; they are outlets for cultural, historical and environmental

GREG LEIN Guest Columnist

education. Parks also give citizens countless opportunities for recreation and help provide an exceptional quality of life with scores of recreational options. The Alabama State Parks system protects more than 47,000 acres of land across the state and offers dozens of recreational options. Within Alabama’s State Parks you’ll find hundreds of miles of trails, golf courses, mountain top views, serene beachfront, luxury resorts, ziplines, archery courses and museums that tell the story of Native Alabamians and early pioneers. These parks are as diverse and distinct as the guests that visit them each year. Parks provide opportunities for people of all backgrounds. Regardless of socioeconomic background, education, and physical ability, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the parks. Our leaders had the choice generations ago of whether to keep these lands available to citizens. They

made the right decision to keep our parks available to future generations. We hope all these amazing public lands will still be available to all Americans in the next century. The citizens of Alabama are faced with a decision this November about whether they want their State Parks preserved for future generations. A “yes” vote on Amendment 2 on the November 8 ballot is a vote to help ensure our incredible State Parks will remain available and thriving for future generations. The proposed Constitutional Amendment would protect the State Park system’s money, keeping it within the parks and preventing it from being taken and used elsewhere. Since almost all of the money in the State Parks’ budget comes from Parks’ users, it is only right for those funds to remain in the Parks. Let’s continue to celebrate our “Parks Heritage” during this centennial year and let us come together to ensure the future of our State Parks by voting “Yes” on Amendment 2 - and encourage all your friends and neighbors to do likewise. Greg Lein is the director of Alabama’s State Parks.

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

What’s your

Opinion?

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

On the Web

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

Thursday, September 8, 2016

The Outlook

CommunityCalendar Season Speaks

Today is

Submit calendar items:

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

Today’s Events

Today’s Birthdays

Dannie Dean Jones, Darrell Pike, Rev. Mark Rogers, Sean Luc Rape, September 8, 2016 Bobby Parrott and Trevor Grubbs are celebrating their birthday

Page 5

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PATH FINDERS: The next meeting of PATH FINDERS will be on Sept. 8, at noon in Dr. Durbin’s office in Alexander City. Please join us and help us make strides in 2016 to improve the lives of individuals dealing with dementia in the Lake Martin area.

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

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

How to add a calendar item: Participate in your

Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892

By e-mailing your event to calendar@alexcityoutlook.com or call 256-234-4281. _____ Send your news items to editor@alexcityoutlook.com

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The Tallapoosa County Extension Service and River Kids are hosting a float trip on the Tallapoosa River from Horseshoe Bend to Jay Bird Creek Sept. 17 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Only 20 spots are available. Children must be at least 12 years of age and participated in Kayak Kamp. For more information or to register contact the Tallapoosa County Extension Office at 256-826-1050. Registration deadline is Sept. 9.

September 1-30

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

September 8-11

CHURCH REVIVAL: There is a camp meeting revival crusade that will be under a tent at the Camp Hill baseball field Sept. 8 thru Sept. 11 with services starting at 7 p.m. each night. Brother Ted J. Caldwell will be evangelizing.

September 9-10

WOMEN’S CONFERENCE: The Just Believe Women’s Conference will be at Passion Church Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. and Sept. 10 at 10:30 a.m. Presenting Friday will be Shanesia Burden, April Ross and Sandra Whitehill and Saturday will be Stella Henderson. Refreshments will be served Friday and lunch will be served Saturday. All churces are welcome.

September 10

LAUREL HIGH CLASS OF 1969: The Laurel High School Class of 1969 will have a meeting on Sat. Sept. 10 at 10 a.m. The meeting will be held at the Cooper Recreation Center. PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Comer United Methodist Church is hosting a pancake breakfast Sept. 10 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. for $6 a plate. Plates consist of pancakes, bacon and/or sausage. Dine in is all you can eat and to go plates are available. BACK TO SCHOOL CELEBRATION: Lake Pointe Baptist Church at 8352 Highway 50 Dadeville is hosting a back to school and back to church celebration Sept. 10 from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Court is hosting a revival Sept. 14-16 at 7 p.m.

September 15-18

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

September 17

RIVER KIDS: The Tallapoosa County Extension Service and River Kids are hosting a float trip on the Tallapoosa River from Horseshoe Bend to Jay Bird Creek Sept. 17 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Only 20 spots are available. Children must be at least 12 years of age and participated in Kayak Kamp. For more information or to register contact the Tallapoosa County Extension Office at 256-826-1050. Registration deadline is Sept. 9. TRADE DAY: The Bibb Graves Aluni and Friends Association is hosting a trade day from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Booths are $10.

September 18

SACRED HARP SINGING: Smyrna Baptist Church in Goodwater is hosting its annual Sacred Harp singing Saturday, Sept. 18 starting at 10 a.m. Bring a covered dish for lunch and more singing in the afternoon. For more information call Jack Nelson at 256-839-5344 or William Futral at 256839-6670. CHURCH HOMECOMING: The annual homecoming at Shiloh Church will be Sept. 18 at 11 a.m. Shiloh Church is on Coosa County Road 42. Mr. Joel Graham will be playing and singing and Mr. Seth Gowan will speak. Lunch will be spread under the old trees with lots of time to visit. September 11 If you are interested in the church CHURCH HOMECOMING: Bethel and its upkeep, any donations can be Baptist Church on Youngs Ferry Road sent to Herbert Traylor 40 AL Highway is hosting homecoming Sunday, Sept. 259, Equality, AL 36026. 11 at 10 a.m. TRUTH TEAM: The Horseshoe Bend High School TRUTH Team will September 12 be at Calvary heights Baptist Church BUDGET HEARING: The Alexander on Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. There will be a City Board of Education will have a fellowship afterwards in the Fellowship public budget hearing Sept. 12 at 7 Hall. Everyone is welcome. a.m. in the board office at 375 Lee Street. September 19 BUDGET HEARING: The HORIZONS UNLIMITED: The Air Tallapoosa County Board of Education War College’s Dr. Mark Conversino is holding two public hearings for the will speak to Horizons Unlimited Sept. 2017 Budget on Sept. 6 and Sept. 12 19 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the at 4 p.m. at the Board office at 679 Alexander City Board of Education East Columbus Street in Dadeville. Office. HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Storyteller Dolores Hydock will present “It’s the September 20 Little Things: Five small objects that MEETING: The Artist Association played a big role in shaping the Dutch of Central Alabama will meet Sept. 20 Golden Age,” to Horizons Unlimited from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Sept. 12 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at First Baptist Church. the Alexander City Board of Education Office. BIBLE STUDY: Hillabee Baptist September 22 Church is hosting Sunday on Monday STORY TELLER: Delores Hydock, Bible Studies for ladies. It begins actress and storyteller, will present Monday, Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. ‘Soldiers in Greasepaint: USO Camp Show Entertainers from World War II’ at Red Ridge Methodist Church (corner September 12-13 of Hwy 49 and 34) Sept. 22 at 11:30 CHURCH REVIVAL: Sandy Creek a.m. Friends of the Dadeville Public Baptist Church is hosting a revival Library will host this fun presentation Sept. 12 and 113 at 6:30 p.m. Pastor by Delores, and she will tell us that Craig Guy has invited Rev. Phillip it was bigger than Bob Hope! From Winningham as guest speaker. Gail Utah to the Philippines, from wrestlers and Donnie Douglas will provide speand tap dancers to the biggest names cial music. All are welcome. in show business, from 16,000 servicemen in a southern France amphitheSeptember 12-16 ater to 20 GI’s in jeeps, USO camps CHURCH REVIVAL: House of Prayer Apostolic Church of Promise on were part of an inspiring story of volNorth Central Avenue is hosting a Holy unteerism, patriotism and service. She shares with us her stories, pictures and Ghost Fire Revival Sept. 12-16 at 7 video excerpts of some of the 7000 p.m. nightly. Everyone is welcome. camp performers who brought music and laughs to US servicemen far from September 14-16 home during WW II. Call 256-825-7820 CHURCH REVIVAL: GAP for more information. Fellowship Church at 721 Robinson

September 23

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

September 24

WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP: The Artist Association of Central Alabama is hosting a watercolor workshop Sept. 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wine Emporium. The cost is $40 for members and $50 for non-members. The class is limited to 12 prepaid students. The workshop will cover birch trees in a snow scene. You can register at Wine Emporium or by calling Dottie Holdren at 256-377-4918. HUNTER EDUCATION COURSE: The Tallapoosa County Hunter Education Course before the 20162017 hunting season will be held on Saturday, Sept. 24 at the Hackneyville Community Center at 9461 Highway 63 North. The course will start at 7:30 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. Hunting laws and regulations, hunter ethics and responsibility, firearms safety and handling, wildlife management, first aid, and survival will be covered during the morning classroom session. Hands on training for rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, and archery, tree stand safety and a blood trailing exercise will be conducted during the afternoon session. The state of Alabama requires anyone born after August 1, 1977 have the course before buying a hunting license for the first time. Youngsters under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult or in a group with transportation. Hunter education courses are free and meet requirements for purchasing a hunting license anywhere in the U.S. Mexico, Canada and most of Europe. To register for the course go to outdooralabama.com/hunting/education or for more information call Jerry Brown at (256) 839-5154. WOMEN AND MEN CONFERENCE: Peace and Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church is hosting a Women and Men Conference Sept. 24 Registration is $5 and starts at 9 a.m. with the conference starting at 9:30 a.m. Guest speakers are Rev. Anthony Clark and Sister Shahita Todd.

September 26

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

September 29 - October 15

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

October 3

HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Dr. I.William Ferniany will present “History of the University of Alabama Birmingham Health System and It’s Future,” to Horizons Unlimited Oct. 3 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education Office.

Call 256-234-4281 or stop by our ofÚce at 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL

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October 8

OKTOBERFEST: The Alexander City Parks and Recreation Department’s 36th Annual Oktoberfest is Oct. 8 There will be entertainment, food, Kidfest, vendors, custom car and truck show and a run/walk.

256.234.3481 KarenChannell.com

Page 6

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Thursday, September 8, 2016

The Outlook

Matthew McClure

Leslie Wingler

Kevin Keel

8-2 80%

7-3 70%

1. BRHS 2. Leeds 3. Reeltown 4. Central Coosa 5. Auburn

6. So. Carolina 7. Vanderbilt 8. Arkansas 9. Virginia Tech 10. Pittsburgh

6. Miss State 7. Vanderbilt 8. TCU 9. Tennessee 10. Penn State

1. Chelsea 2. Dadeville 3. Reeltown 4. Central Coosa 5. Auburn

6. Miss State 7. Vanderbilt 8. Arkansas 9. Tennessee 10. Pittsburgh

145 Alabama St. Alexander City, AL

256-329-2328

1551 Hwy. 280 • Alexander City, AL

Kevin Keel

(256) 234-3432

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

Scott Hardy

Shane Vick

Jason Tapley

7-3 70%

6-4 60%

1. BRHS 2. Leeds 3. Reeltown 4. Central Coosa 5. Auburn

1. BRHS 2. Leeds 3. Reeltown 4. Prattville Ch. 5. Auburn

6. So. Carolina 7. Vanderbilt 8. Arkansas 9. Tennessee 10. Penn State

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

6. So. Carolina 7. Vanderbilt 8. TCU 9. Tennessee 10. Penn State

1. BRHS 2. Leeds 3. Reeltown 4. Prattville Ch. 5. Auburn

6. Miss State 7. Vanderbilt 8. TCU 9. Tennessee 10. Pittsburgh

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

Warry Sexton

Brett Pritchard

Ralph Holley

6-4 60%

5-5 50%

1. BRHS 2. Dadeville 3. Horseshoe Bend 4. Prattville Ch. 5. Auburn

1. BRHS 2. Leeds 3. Horseshoe Bend 4. Central Coosa 5. Auburn

6. Miss State 7. Vanderbilt 8. TCU 9. Tennessee 10. Pittsburgh

6. So. Carolina 7. Vanderbilt 8. TCU 9. Tennessee 10. Penn State

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

6. Miss State 7. Vanderbilt 8. TCU 9. Tennessee 10. Pittsburgh

S & S DISCOUNT TIRE 857 Cherokee Road • Alexander City

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

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The

Outlook CIRCLE YOUR PREDICTIONS 6. So. Carolina vs. Miss. St. 1. BRHS vs. Chelsea 7. Vanderbilt vs. Middle Tenn. 2. Dadeville vs. Leeds 3. Horseshoe Bend vs. Reeltown 8. Arkansas vs. TCU 4. Central Coosa vs. Prattville Ch. 9. Tennessee vs. Virginia Tech 5. Auburn vs. Arkansas St. 10. Penn St. vs. Pittsburgh Tie Breaker: Rushing Yards – Auburn 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 Linda Speakes Alexander City Entries must be received by 5:00 p.m. Friday

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

The Alexander City Outlook

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The Eclectic Observer

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Thursday, September 8, 2016

The Outlook

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Page 9

Alex City native goes from clutch shooter to credit union top performer STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

PenFed Fort Hood Branch Manager Gregory Ransaw to accept Department of the Army Distinguished Credit Union Service Award. Most who follow professional basketball recognize the blue and gold No.30 jersey worn by firstever; two-time back-toback Most Valuable Player of the National Basketball Association Stephen Curry. But who can recall the red and white number 30 basketball jersey—the only jersey ever retired by Alexander City, Alabama’s Benjamin Russell High School? Here’s a hint— the last player to wear this jersey still holds the school’s long-standing record for most points (63) scored in a single game.

Clutch Shooter on the Court

One final clue—this go-to guy in the clutch, and son of the great state of Alabama, remains the all-time leading scorer at his college alma mater—Iowa’s Grand View University in Des Moines. Few among us of a certain generation can forget Alexander City’s legendary point guard and mid-range sharpshooter Gregory Kim

Ransaw. Following a distinguished military career that took him around the world and to the rank of sergeant major, the highest enlisted grade in the U. S. Army, Ransaw retired from active service and joined PenFed Credit Union, one of the largest credit unions in the nation.

Credit Union Superstar

While he’s no longer setting records on the court, Ransaw is charting a new course as the branch manager of the credit union’s Fort Hood, Texas location. In just over a year, he’s managed to rack up one of the credit union industry’s most prestigious awards. Ransaw led his team at Fort Hood to capture the title of Army Credit Union of the Year by winning the 2015 Department of the Army Distinguished Credit Union Service Award. Nominations were submitted from credit unions on Army installations across the country and overseas. The annual honor recognizes the one on-post credit union branch that has provided the most exceptional financial service and support to its community. Ransaw will travel to Boston to accept the award on behalf of PenFed’s 2,000 employees when it is presented dur-

ing the Defense Credit Union Council’s Annual Conference Aug. 14-17. PenFed President and CEO James Schenck said, “Our success at Fort Hood reflects PenFed’s overall strategy: Provide a best-in-class member experience; become a destination employer; focus on the national defense community and all who support them; and serve as a community leader. This highly competitive award from the U.S. Army is a very tangible indicator that PenFed Branch Manager Greg Ransaw and his dedicated team are taking great care of our members and serving as leaders in the Fort Hood community.” Ransaw teamed with his Senior Branch Manager Deb York—whom he has nicknamed Coach—and the PenFed Fort Hood staff to bring home the award. He considers the award to be the result of a team effort. “Teamwork makes the dream work, and all things are possible to those who believe,” said Ransaw.

About PenFed’s Fort Hood Branch

PenFed’s Fort Hood Branch is located on the largest active-duty armored post in the U.S. More than 74,000

soldiers, family members, and defense contractors live and/or work on Fort Hood. Fort Hood is the Army’s premier installation for the training and deployment of heavy forces. PenFed’s centrally located branch on the main post serves the III Mobile Armored Corps, 1st Cavalry Division, 1st Army, Division West Headquarters, 13th Sustainment Command,

subordinate supporting units, and other U.S. Army Forces Command units.

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SPORTS EXTRA Central Alabama’s Most Comprehensive High School Football Coverage

Don’t Miss It!!! 13 Schools in the Lake & River Region

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CATHY HIGGINS SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228

sports@alexcityoutlook.com

Page 10

Thursday, September 8, 2016

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Blame Clemson’s loss to Auburn on the August heat

icker, bicker, bicker. Dozens filing the Jordan-Hare Stadium exits Saturday night had little positive to say, even if Auburn gave No. 2 Clemson a scare. Instead of realizing the home team played arguably its best defensive game since the Bush Administration, many focused on Auburn’s painful-to-watch quarterback roulette. I get the frustration. What thousands witnessed (including myself from the upper deck) on offense was hard to fathom and incomprehensible. It’s undoubtedly why Auburn lost and has been the topic of conversation since Sean White’s second Hail JOE Mary attempt fell MCADORY incomplete. Sports Columnist Silver linings are hard to accept because they are associated with defeat. Sometimes silver linings are hard to find. But not this time. This silver lining was smack you in the eyeballs blinding. I have not seen an Auburn defense like that since the mid-2000s, when Tommy Tuberville was head coach, and the spread was a bad word on the Plains. This defense flew to the football. They hit – hard. When the ball was on the ground, they pounced on it. When ballcarriers rushed up the middle, they were gang-greeted and firmly assisted to the grass. There was no aimless shouldertackling. Players were wrapped up and brought to the ground. Textbook defense. Nothing soft about it. Clemson might have “gained” 399 total yards, but that’s more than 100 fewer yards than its 2015 average when it reached the national championship game. Clemson had 550 yards and scored 40 points against the best defense in the universe last January. This was the same offense that featured quarterback Deshaun Watson and running back Wayne Gallman. Those guys are legit. Throw in future NFL receiver and Jerry Rice impersonator Mike Williams – who missed 2015 with an injury – and this offense is going to hurt people this season. Auburn did all it could with Williams. That dude had 174 yards by himself – nearly half of the team’s yardage total. Simply put, Auburn made Clemson earn what it got. Clemson either turned the ball over on downs or punted the first three times it had possession. In recent years, I was amazed when Auburn’s opponent punted at all. Does this mean Auburn’s defense is “back?” Not necessarily. But it has a chance. Signs Saturday point to great improvement, but if the Tiger offense continues to sputter – whether it rotates 10 quarterbacks or uses just one – then this defense, like any defense, will break down. And if Auburn’s offense doesn’t sputter, then Kevin Steele’s hiring as coordinator will prove to be a major upgrade to who Auburn had before.

Quick kicks

Power 5 struggles: Don’t shoot the messenger, but Auburn has won just three of its past 11 games against Power 5 (major conferences) schools. Two of those wins came against schools from the Bluegrass State – Kentucky and Louisville. Familiar faces: Auburn faces Arkansas State Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium and the Red Wolves aren’t exactly bringing strangers to town. Former Auburn High quarterback Cameron Echols-Luper is a receiver and kick returner. Former Auburn High defensive end Griffin Riggs plays for the Wolves. So does former Auburn High cornerback Blaise Taylor. Perhaps you’ve heard of defensive lineman Dee Liner. The former five-star committed to Auburn, then flipped to Alabama before being dismissed from the program. You might also remember Trooper Taylor. Auburn’s former wide receivers coach now mentors cornerbacks at Arkansas State. I do not know if he still waves towels. Way too early playoff projection: 1. Alabama; 2. Florida State; 3. Ohio State; 4. Houston Joe McAdory is Communications Editor at the Auburn University Raymond J. Harbert College of Business and is the former Sports Editor at the Opelika-Auburn News.

Doug Patterson

Chelsea @ BRHS

Luke Robinson

C Coosa @ Prattville Ch.

Last Week: 7-3

Last Week: 8-2

BRHS

Leeds @ Dadeville H. Bend @ Reeltown W. Ky. @ Alabama Arkansas St. @ Auburn S. Carolina @ Miss. St.

File / The Outlook

The Wildcats’ Necolby Maxwell helped lead Benjamin Russell to its first win on the season rushing for 132 yards and four touchdowns in Pelham Friday night.

Wildcats seek win at 1st home game By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor

Benjamin Russell High is heading into its first home game of the season with its first win of the season under its belt. The Wildcats defeated Pelham on the road last week 42-21. This victory brings them to 1-1 overall and 1-0 for the region this season. “It’s always good to get that first win,” said Benjamin Russell head football coach Danny Horn. “We’re going to have to get out there and work hard to get No. 2.” The coach is looking forward to the fight for that second win on Benjamin Russell’s home field. “Any time you play at home you expect to win,” Horn said. “Every team that plays at home, there’s an advantage of playing at home. And everybody likes to play at home because you don’t have to get on the road and travel.” That advantage includes playing in comfortable, familiar surroundings. “We’re going to have a good crowd as we always do when we play at home,” Horn said. “They support us, which they have always done in the past.” However, Horn points out that

“We’ve had a problem stopping them really the last two year,” he said. “From an offensive standpoint they’re really, really good. They can run and pass and they’ve got good, skilled people.” Horn said Chelsea has improved its defensive line this season, increasing its stopping power. “Their defense is a lot better than it has been in the past,” he said. Horn said the Wildcats will have to bring their best to Friday night’s matchup in order to win over Chelsea one more time. “It’s going to take a superior effort on our part,” he said. “We’re going to have to play better than we did last week to win.” Horn said even with Benjamin Russell’s win last week, they still made a lot of mistakes that need to be addressed before Friday night. “We had way, way too many penalties and we’re still not running the right plays sometimes,” he said. The Wildcats are addressing those issues with the basics. “We’ve just got to practice doing the right things,” Horn said. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. Friday at Charles E. Bailey Sportplex.

Randy Lee

David Granger

Scott Hardy

Cliff Williams

Last Week: 6-4

Last Week: 7-3

BRHS

Central Coosa

Mitch Sneed

Brett Pritchard

Last Week: 8-2

BRHS

Cathy Higgins

the challenge remains the same, whether at home or on the road. “The field’s still 120 yards long counting the endzones and 53 yards wide, and we’re still going to have to play and play well to win,” he said. That’s especially true as this week Benjamin Russell hosts Chelsea, a team that is coming into the matchup 3-0. Nonetheless, Horn is confident in the Wildcats history with them. “We’ve played well against them the last couple of years,” he said. “Some games you just play better and we played well against them.” But this year Benjamin Russell is playing with a younger and less experienced team. And Chelsea is starting with 18 seniors — 10 on offense and eight on defense. “That tells you right there that this team’s been together for a long time.,” Horn said. “You don’t see that quite often.” Horn is not underestimating what Chelsea will bring to the field Friday night. “They’re 3-0 for a reason,” the coach said. “They’ve got a really, really good football team.” Last year Benjamin Russell defeated Chelsea 42-24. In 2014 the Wildcats won 42-13. However, Horn said it didn’t come easy even then.

Central Coosa

Leeds

Dadeville

Leeds

Reeltown

H. Bend

Reeltown

H. Bend

Reeltown

H. Bend

Alabama

Auburn

Miss. St.

S. Carolina

Miss. St.

Tenn.

Va. Tech

Tenn.

Virginia Tech

Tenn.

Va. Tech

Tenn. vs. Va. Tech

Florida

Ky. @ Florida

TCU

Arkansas

TCU

Arkansas @ TCU Editor’s note: The gold crown indicates those with the best record so far in the season.