Issuu

SPORTS, PAGE 8

OPINION: LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT PROTECTED OUR SCHOOL, PAGE 4.

FRIDAY

THE

Horseshoe Bend coach, two players to sit out one game. Six from Lanett out.

Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 September 9, 2016 Vol. 124, No. 182 www.alexcityoutlook.com

CITY FINANCE DIRECTOR CAN RETURN TO POST

City Attorney Larkin Radney tries to get clarification on the employment status of Finance Director Sandra Machen from Mayor Charles Shaw as Machen, center, right, listens to the discussion.

embattled Finance Director Sandra Machen, it was learned rather than being dismissed, Mayor It appears as though the city finance director Charles Shaw had sent her home with pay on will report to work Friday and that she was never Aug. 16. In a hearing that was open at Machen’s request, really dismissed, in the legal sense, at all. Shaw said that her inability to produce accurate After a bizarre exchange in what was supposed to be a due process hearing for Alexander City’s See COUNCIL • Page 7 By MITCH SNEED Editor

Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

Goodwater man arrested in Dadeville shooting of 5

Finances better for county schools

STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

Things are looking up for Tallapoosa County Schools’ finances thanks to an increase of funding in all areas as the Tallapoosa County Board of Education works on its next budget. “This is one of the best budgets I can ever remember,” Tallapoosa County Board of Education Chief Financial Officer Phil Blasingame said. “This is the best that we have had since at least 2008. It should hold next year, most likely with level funding.” Last year at this time, the system was struggling with declining revenue from the state and were not yet collecting the new 1-cent sales tax. Both federal and state funding is increasing, especially for transportation. An increase of $160,000 for transportation from the state means

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

FINAL STRAND Katlin Hill of Phenix City performs at the Strand Sessions Encore Thursday night. The Lake Martin Young Professionals have hosted the event on the first Thursday of each month through the summer. The Young Professionals also hosted a Poker Walk Thursday in downtown to benefit the Lake Martin United Way. The Strand Sessions began in May. Rexton Lee, The Bank Walkers, Dallas Dorsey and B. Snipes have previously taken the stage for Strand Sessions.

See BUDGET • Page 3

Investigators close 488.11 in on Kowaliga tomahawk thief Lake Levels Reported on 9/8/16 @ 4 p.m.

5295 Highway 280, Alex City, AL

Today’s

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By MITCH SNEED Editor

laceyshowell@gmail.com

Investigators with Russell Lands Security say they are closing in on a suspect that they believe took a wooden tomahawk from the fabled wooden Indian statue at Kowaliga Restaurant Sunday evening. Security captured footage of a young man entering the lobby of the restaurant, looking around and then plucking the tomahawk from the hand of the statue and then quickly leaving the restaurant. “We know that he was with a party of 12 college-age people in the restaurant,” said Russell Lands Security Chief Mack Daugherty. “Through the

USPS Permit # 013-080

Now Playing:

Greater – PG Don’t Breathe – R Ben-Hur 3D – PG-13

See TOMAHAWK • Page 3

Submitted / The Outlook

Security footage captures a young man suspected of stealing the tomahawk from the hand of a statue in Kowaliga Restaurant. Investigators say they are closing in on the suspect.

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See ARREST • Page 3

Suspect in attack on elderly man identified

Lake Martin

LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443

Investigators from the Dadeville Police Department on Friday arrested Anthony Maurice Jones, a 24-year-old Goodwater man, on charges of attempted murder in the Aug. 28 shooting of five persons at Dadeville’s American Legion Hall, according to a release from the DPD. Dadeville Police were assisted in the arrest by investigators from the Coosa County Sheriff’s Department, Tallapoosa County Narcotics Taskforce, the U.S. Marshall’s Jones Task Force and investigators from the office of the district attorney for the 5th Judicial Circuit. Jones was arrested without incident on a traffic stop in Goodwater and taken to the Tallapoosa County Jail, where he is awaiting a bond hearing. According to Dadeville Police Chief David Barbour, officers were called to the American Legion Hall on East Columbus Street in Dadeville at 12:29 a.m. the morning of the shooting on a report of shots fired and individuals injured. The hall had been

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Alexander City Police have released the name of a man who they believe attacked and robbed an 85-year-old man that he had asked for help. Neeley Investigators arrested 24-year-old Terrance Montez Neeley on Friday on charges of burglary and strongarm robbery of a residence. Investigators said Friday that the victim had been doing yard work on Thursday at about 4 p.m. at his home on Morningside Drive, when Neeley approached him and asked to use a See ATTACK • Page 3

Page 2

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Teen’s friendship strained after moving five miles away

Saturday

91 71

DEAR ABBY: We used to live in a neighborhood where my 13-year-old daughter’s best friend, “Mandy,” still lives. They would play together and visit often and are well-suited in maturity and personality. Since we moved, Mandy has been to our new home (five miles away) a dozen times. The last several times we have invited her to come over, she has been unable to, which I completely understand. People are busy. But recently, I have received no response at all from her mother. (Mandy was invited to my daughter’s sleepover, and I was not told whether she was coming or not. She didn’t.) My daughter is heartbroken, but I feel I have done all I can do to offer a chance for them to get together. I have emailed, texted, Facebooked and called and left a message. I emailed the mother asking if I had offended her, or if her daughter no longer wanted to be friends anymore. Mandy’s mom indicated there was no offense; they just have been super-busy. (Our daugh-

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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

Advice

ters email each other several times a week, so I think they still would like to be friends.) Clearly, I can’t force the woman to be more responsive, but how should I handle this? And what should I tell my daughter, who misses her friend so much? -- NOT THAT FAR AWAY DEAR NOT THAT FAR: Not knowing Mandy’s mother, I can’t render an opinion about whether she’s leveling with you about her schedule. She MAY be super-busy, experiencing family or health problems or simply not want to drive her daughter 10 miles for a play date. As I see it, you have no choice other than to let her know Mandy is always welcome. Tell your daughter what her mother told you -- that

Funeral service for Mrs. Atha W. Lindsey 92 of Alexander City, AL; Monday, September 12, 2016; 12 noon; Mt. Godfrey United Methodist Church, Daviston.Newsite, AL. Burial in church cemetery. Armour’s Memorial Services in charge.

Mrs. Quincy B. Hill

Postal

Information

Funeral service for Mrs. Quincy B. Hill 60 of Rockford, AL; Tuesday, September 13, 2016; 2 p.m., 1st Baptist Church, Rockford, AL. Burial in church cemetery. Armour’s Memorial Services in charge.

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.

RECYCLING: The Alexander City Recycling Facility is located at the Public Works Department at 824 Railey Road. All materials should be dropped off behind the green storage shed on the Public Works lot. The facility is always open for unassisted drop off. Assistance with drop off is available between 7:00 am until 3:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Please contact Terry Bishop at 256-409-2020 for more information.

•Home-like Environment • Specialized Dementia Care Unit •Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy Services

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advantage to get more buried into our personal lives. What can I do about this situation? I’m ready to call it quits, but I’m concerned that the two of them will make me out to be a selfish monster for wanting to come first or for leaving. Please help me. -- FED UP IN TEXAS DEAR FED UP: I’ll try. Draw the line and offer your husband the option of seeing a licensed marriage counselor. If he refuses -- and he probably will -- get some counseling without him. While you are there, describe your husband’s continued involvement with his ex and discuss whether being unable to tolerate this “marriage of three” means you are “selfish.” Frankly, I don’t understand how you have tolerated it this long. 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.

carpenter by trade and spent a lot of his time volunteering his services to the local churches. He is survived by his daughter, Connie Michelle Tapley (Tige) of Alexander City; sons, Larry Lynn Mann, Thomas Jeffery Parrott; grandchildren, Ashley Strickland, Thomas Wall, Tori Tapley (Kyle), Taylor Tapley, Bradley Parrott; great-grandchildren, Dillan Strickland, Alexis Strickland, Hayden Strickland, Cruize Greer; brother, Lamar Parrott (Laverne); sisters, Linda Jones (Porter) and Darnell Kennedy. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Gail Newman and his parents. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome.com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

clerk, medical office clerk, AWANA: Wayside Baptist Ongoing Events Church hosts Awana Sundays legal office clerk.

and Your Loved Ones!

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

DEAR ABBY: My husband of seven years has always placed Wife No. 1 (I’m his second) on a pedestal. He often calls her to drive him to doctors’ appointments, take care of his finances -- he even puts some of our bills in her name. He also talks to her about our marital problems and what we do in the bedroom. I feel like second string here. I’m the mother of his children and I have always stood by him. I even made an extra effort to befriend the ex, only to find out she used it to her

Funeral Service for Mr. Thomas Kenneth Parrott, 69, of Alexander City, Alabama, will be Monday, September 12, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Pastor Scott Jordan will officiate. Burial will follow in the Hillview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Monday, September 12, 2016 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Mr. Parrott passed away on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at his residence. He was born on July 23, 1947 in Alexander City, Alabama to William Hershell Parrott and Addieleigh Parrott. Mr. Parrott loved spending time with his family. He was a

We Care About You 256-329-1313

she’s extremely busy, and that you are sorry it has limited the time she gets to spend with her friend. At the same time, make a point of getting your daughter involved in new activities, so she can meet other girls and develop new interests so she’ll have less time to dwell on missing Mandy. P.S. Have you offered to take your daughter to Mandy’s house so her mother won’t have to do all the driving?

Mr. Thomas Kenneth Parrott 1947- 2016

Mrs. Atha W. Lindsey

Circulation Linda Ewing Asst. Circulation Manager, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com

How to Submit Obituaries

DEAR ABBY

Obituaries

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

Friday, September 9, 2016

The Outlook

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Qualifications Must be able to work in a fast paced and deadline oriented environment. Candidates must have excellent oral, written, and communication skills including basic computer skills with Mircosoft, Google Documents and email. Great organization skills and self-motivated. Reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.

Please email resume to marketing@alexcityoutlook.com

from 4:40 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for ages three to high school. For more information contact George Gardin, student minister, at 864-580-0343. VOLUNTEER: Southern Care Hospice is seeking volunteers. Please call Lizz Gillenwaters at 256-234-1134 or 256-749-3717 for more information. WOMAN MEETING: Every first Sunday, Victory Temple Holiness Church hosts a women’s meeting, at 237 Aster St. in Dadeville. Everyone is invited. The meeting starts at 2 p.m. READY TO WORK: Ready to Work is a FREE jobs skills training program offered at Central Alabama Community College Career Center. Classes meet Monday through Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. until noon. Completion of the program depends on the skill level of the individual. For more information contact Elaine Balint, instructor, at 256-215-4496 (leave message) or ebalint@ cacc.edu. OFFICE CAREERS: The Office Careers Technology program is funded by the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and was created to help dislocated workers learn new employable skills. To qualify for the programs be a dislocated worker (layoff) or a low-income family. Anyone interested in the classes should contact the Alexander City Career Center @ 256215-4494 and ask about the WIA program. Most all dislocated workers automatically qualify for financial assistance. The program is 52 weeks and is open entry/open exit. Students learn at their own pace in a non-traditional classroom setting. Classes begin when students are approved and they may leave when they receive any or all of the certificates offered. Classes are Monday--Thursday, 8:00 a.m.--3:00 p.m. (with a lunch break). All textbooks and class materials are supplied. Certificates available are receptionist, inventory clerk, data entry clerk, administrative assistant, accounting office

WHATLEY MONUMENT Company

Better Service A Family Tradition 1049 Hillabee Street Alexander City, AL C.M. “Mike” Whatley, Owner

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COMPUTER LAB: The new and improved computer lab at Cooper Community Center is now open to the community Monday thru Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. LaBrawnski Salter is the new lab facilitator. You can check email, browse the internet, build a resume, complete a project or homework, research, job search and some social media. CELEBRATE RECOVERY: Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered ministry designed to help hurting people. It is made up of regular folks who are on a journey toward wholeness; seeking recovery from life’s hurts, habits, and hang-ups. We meet every Monday at Vertical Point Church, 860 Airport Drive, Alex City. We begin with dinner at 5:45, followed by large group at 6:15 & small groups at 7:15. Childcare is provided. Everyone is welcome. For more info, call Mike at 256496-4664. BEYOND TRANSFORMATIONS: Meetings every second Saturday. Have you been wanting to give back, work with youth, or be a part of a group that makes a difference? Please email iamtransforms@gmail.com or Call at 334-440-6539. Donations of clothes, food, books, computers, school supplies. A building and donations are needed. AMERICAN LEGION: Post 339 in Cottage Grove is open every Friday night from 8 p.m. until with fried chicken and fish. Music from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. SCV MEETING:The Sons of Confederate Veterans meets every third Tuesday night at 7 p.m. at J.R.’s Sports Bar & Grill. Visitors are welcome. AMATEUR RADIO CLUB: The Lake Martin Amateur Radio Club meets from 6 to 7 p.m. the second Thursday of every month at the Alexander City Airport Terminal Building with dinner and fellowship following at a local area restaurant. Amateur radio license exams are available after the meeting by prior arrangement. The club also meets on the air (Alabama Emergency Net Victor) on the first, third, fourth and fifth Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. on the club sponsored K4YWE repeater at 145.33 mhz with the 146.96 repeater as backup. All interested can attend our meetings or contact Tim Mayfield K4CWL at 256-329-1172 or John Phillips WI4P at 256-212-4063

SOCIAL SECURITY FAYE EDMONDSON Attorney at Law

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

Friday, September 9, 2016

Budget less local money will be needed to transport students. “We have been putting $200,000 to $250,000 a year of local funds into transportation,” Tommy Thweatt said. “That will free up some local funds.” There is also an increase of $570,000 in federal funds. The board is looking at a budget with total revenues of $28,887,081 with $15,486,276 coming from the state, $3,215,641 from the federal government and local revenues of $10,185,164. Those local revenues include the 2 percent sales tax. If the projections are correct on sales tax, the Tallapoosa County Board of Education will have required one month’s reserve operating expense by February. “We are ahead of schedule for that,” Blasingame said. “We are about $450,000 over budget on sales tax for the year.” Tallapoosa County Board of Education Superintendent Joe Windle told the board that plans should be made to go to

Arrest rented to individuals for a birthday, Barbour said. Upon arrival officers identified five people who had been injured in the shooting. One victim was taken by LifeFlight to Baptist South in Montgomery. That man was hospitalized for at least a week, but nothing new is known on his condition. The other four victims received non-lifethreatening injuries, according to Barbour, and have been released from area hospitals. Two were taken to East Alabama Medical Center, one to Lake Martin Community Hospital and a fourth was

Attack phone because he had a flat tire. Police say the victim did all the right things, asking Neeley to wait outside as he went inside to get the phone. But as the resident went into his house to access the telephone, the suspect grabbed the victim and began to choke him until the man lost consciousness. One report indicated that the suspect then took a pillowcase from the bedroom, rummaged through the home and left with several undisclosed items including jewelry. The victim did regain consciousness and called 911. He was taken to Russell Medical Center for treatment, but he was released a short time later.

Tomahawk investigation, we know that one of the people in that party paid with a credit card so we are working our way back to get the name of the suspect. We will have to get a court order, but we feel confident we are close to finding out who the person who took the tomahawk is.” It’s not the first time that someone had made off with the tomahawk. Daugherty said that about three years ago the wooden tomahawk was taken. He said after two days of work and the help of Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin, it was found and returned to its rightful place with Kowaliga the Indian that resides inside the lobby of the waterside

www.alexcityoutlook.com

The Outlook

Page 3

FOR SALE continued from page 1

the county commissioners to get a property tax on the ballot as was the agreement when the Tallapoosa County Commission passed the new sales tax a year ago. “We should do it next year and not wait until the third year,” Windle said. “We will work with the commission to see if they want to do it in a special election, the June primaries or the November general election.” Windle also wanted to thank the three county commissioners who voted for the sales tax. Those commissioners were T.C. Coley, Emma Jean Threatt and George Carleton. “We should never forget them,” Windle said. “We should get out and help them as they run for reelection.” Board Chairman Martin Johnson agreed. “We owe a lot to those commissioners,” Johnson said. When the board reaches that reserve, several projects are in the works already – new visitor bleachers at Dadeville High School, new air con-

continued from page 1

treated at Russell Medical Center in Alexander City. Jones has previous criminal charges for speeding, driving without a license, harassment and failure to disperse. The release said the investigation was ongoing. Anyone with any information on this case, please call the Dadeville Police Department at 256-825-6212 or investigations at 256-825-9959. Information can also be emailed to the following email addresses: police@dadevillepd.org, christopher.r.martin.302@ gmail.com, jonathan. floyd.306@gmail.com.

continued from page 1

“A crime like that where a person who is trying to help another is taken advantage of is hard to understand,” said Alexander City Police Department Deputy Chief Jay Turner said. “Investigators did a good job following leads and arresting him.” While there are currently just the two charges filed against Neeley, more charges could be added. Neeley is no stranger to law enforcement. Court records show that Neeley has been arrested five times, with three convictions. Most of the court entries are drugrelated, but there are charges of criminal trespass and giving false information to police charge in his criminal history as well.

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restaurant. Daugherty said that the statue is a fixture at the restaurant where much of the décor is centered around Hank Williams and his ties to the area. It is said that Williams penned his hit Kaw-Liga while staying at a lake cabin that was then owned by Darwin Dobbs. “It means a lot and we are doing everything we can to track down the person responsible for taking it,” Daugherty said. “Not sure what they were thinking, but people should assume that no matter where they are, people are watching and cameras are everywhere.” The tomahawk is valued at $1,250.

ditioning in the kitchen at Horseshoe Bend School and new lights for the football field at Reeltown. Once those projects are completed, Windle said those revenues would be leveraged to generate a bond for larger projects like renovating the gym at Dadeville High School and building a new band room and gym at Reeltown. Money for much needed technology will come from grants. “We can E-rate dollars for technology,” Windle explained. “The government will provide 80 percent if we will put up 20 percent.” Things are also looking up for expenditures as they trail revenue by more than $600,000. The next budget hearing is Monday, Sept. 12 at 4 p.m. with a regularly scheduled meeting to follow at 5 p.m.

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MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213

editor@alexcityoutlook.com

EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed

Outlook The

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Page 4

Opinion

Our View

Area law enforcement appreciated for protecting our schools

n Friday, a child in California decided he would have some online “fun” at the expense of Benjamin Russell High School and one of its students. The child, from California, went to a social media site called iFunny and posted “Benjamin Russell high school will be shot up on 9/6/2016.” The post also mentioned a specific Benjamin Russell student. It was a very unfunny thing to post on that, or any, site. More than a failure at humor, it was a threat and, in this unfortunate day and age, all such threats must be taken seriously. It didn’t take long upon learning of the post for the Alexander City Police Department to leap into action. On Saturday, they were meeting with Benjamin Russell and other Alexander City Schools officials, including Superintendent Darrell Cooper. Quickly, plans were made to beef up security at BRHS on Tuesday morning, the day the post said the incident would take place. ACPD also posted a statement about the threat on its Facebook page. “We are aware of the posting on iFunny,” the statement read. “We are working to identify those involved and/or responsible for the posting. We are treating the post as a credible threat until we can determine otherwise.” Cooper told The Outlook later Saturday afternoon that he had met with police and other school administrators and that security would be increased at BRHS Tuesday morning. “We’re taking this threat very seriously,” Cooper said. “You have to these days.” But by Monday morning, with the help of TCSO’s Lt. Bill Hough, the threat had been traced back to a 12-yearold California boy and deemed not credible. Still, police and staff showed up at the school in greater numbers. There were more absences than usual, but Cooper said, though some were likely due to the threat, the Labor Day holiday was likely also a factor in those absences. Details of how police were able to identify the person responsible were not released, but Alexander City Police said they were assisted by the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Office. All is well that ends well. Especially when, in ending well, we’re shown a great example of how public service officials from different offices can work together in an emergency. We extend our gratitude to the Alexander City Police Department, the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Office and the Alexander City Board of Education for a job well done in allaying the fears of parents and students.

Friday, September 9, 2016

Echoes from the rubble of 9/11

n September 11, 2001, the Twin Towers were attacked and shocked the world. In a matter of a few hours over 3,000 people lost their lives and the rest of us had our lives changed forever. Today this ground is considered sacred by Americans because so many died. The new buildings, fountains and exhibits all speak to people who suffered that tragic event. This Sunday will mark 15 years and all the speeches remembering this horror will look back in respect, but encourage us for the future. Yet, if we listen closely I think there are still echoes coming from the rubble of that horrible day. The Bible writer stated it well, “...and they being dead yet speak.” These voices of the dead are telling us six important things about life. First, they are telling us that making a living is not the same as living. Many dedicated themselves to their work and it was a driving force behind their lives, but now they want us to understand that making a living is only the means to supporting a life. Their lives are gone! Secondly they whisper from the rumble to listen, not to them, but to what others are saying. They know all too well that listening is not the same as hearing. They would love to hear the voices of their

DR. GERALD HALLMARK Guest Columnist

loved ones once again telling them about life, love and the everyday business of living. So, stop and listen to what is going on around you. Thirdly they weep over their lost love. After the planes hit that fateful day there were many calls to loved ones telling them goodbye and that they would love them forever. Oh, how they long to say and hear those words of endearments again. Everyone assumed that there would be another time to speak these words, but their lives changed in an instant. The fourth thing is they speak of their longings. Those desires for bigger, better and brighter things have changed to one more day, one more hour, one more minute. They remind us that things can never take the place of people and our priorities should always be on people. All the rubble of those great gleaming towers is a testimony to this fact. The fifth thing they tearfully call out is a warning about leaving. The vast majority were not prepared to step out into eternity that day. They sob over their lack of planning for their

departure. After all, it was just another work day, they were in good health and death was many years in the future. Today a memorial stands where they thought they would be standing for years to come. Finally, they echo the message of the ages concerning the Lord. He is real and they each stood before Him for an accounting. They want us to know that the Lord is not an academic discussion on religion, but the reality of eternity. Each soul that perished that day encountered the Lord and they want family and friends to be prepared for their own meeting. Heaven is real and God is not mocked by the arguments of men. These whispers from rubble still echo that God is on His throne and all men will be judged. On the anniversary of this staggering event we would do well to learn our lessons about the importance of life. These poor people never knew what was coming, yet they can still teach us, “...to number our days and apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Like them, we never know when we will be a distant echo from the grave. Dr. Gerald Hallmark is a retired minister who lives in Alexander City. His column appears each Friday in the Outlook.

Emma Jean Thweatt represents District 4, which includes Dadeville, Pace’s Point, northern Camp Hill, Buttston, Dudleyville and part of Eagle Creek. Her daytime phone number is 825-6914 and her evening phone number is 825-4207. Her address Emma Jean Thweatt is 585 Brookwood Circle, Dadeville. George Carleton Jr. represents District 5, which includes southern Camp Hill, Red Ridge, Walnut Hill, Union and Pleasant Ridge. His address is 630 Turner Road Road, Dadeville.

George Carleton Jr.

Today’s

Scripture

“ Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?” – Romans 8:35

alexcityoutlook.com

Daily Poll Thursday Question: Do you think seeing a black bear in our area is a big deal?

Yes – 11 No – 34

Friday Question: Do you agree with the AHSAA’s one game suspension of Frankling and two players? 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.

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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.

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.

Officials

John McKelvey

“I believe in living today. Not in in yesterday, nor in tomorrow.” – Loretta Young

T.C. Coley represents District 1, including half of Coley Creek, the Andrew Jackson subdivision, the southern part of Indian Hill, North Central Avenue, part of Pearson’s Chapel Road, the Northside community and portion T.C. Coley of Spring Hill community. His phone number is 212-9316. His address is 2316 North Central Avenue, Kellyton.

John McKelvey represents District 3, \\vwhich includes Jackson’s Gap, Hackneyville, New Site and Daviston. His phone number is 256-794-4405. His address is 1285 Freeman Road, Dadeville.

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Steve Robinson represents District 2, which includes the southern part of Alexander City, the Cedar Creek area, Ourtown and Willow Point. His phone number is 256-654-0047. His Steve Robinson address is 1225 Warren Circle, Alexander City.

Today’s

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Letters to the Editor

Reader responds to open letter from Stroud Dear Editor, Isaiah 34:22 For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our King; He will save us. In regards to Mr. David Stroud’s remarks printed in the Thursday’s Outlook regarding an editorial that I wrote, I say God bless you! I really do not know the solution to getting revenues to help our city, however, my stance is still the same regarding alcohol sales for businesses and restaurants, etc. Perhaps, the citizens of Alexander City could put our heads together and come up with a better plan. Just because another city or area fares well with alcohol sales or anything else does not guarantee that Alexander City will be as successful. We really need to stop copycatting other areas. For one thing, we do not reside there

daily to see their outcome on such actions taken. Yes, Mr. Stroud, I take pride in being a Christian and I love my Lord and Savior. Every chance I get I will speak of Him. This is the beauty of free speech and living in America. Please let me correct your observation concerning me being that you really do not know me well. Perhaps one day I may get to discuss with you my personal beliefs at longer length if you desire. Yes, I am a democrat and how you know, I never told you, however, I will vote and have voted for qualified Republicans when I feel the need to. Why do you feel being a democrat or Christian makes one an advocate of abortion and who told you this nonsense? As democratic as I am Mr. Stroud, I am against abortions and you may put this on my record if you need to set it

straight. By the way, on Wednesday, Aug. 31, my second grandchild Christian Maurice was born and had I believed in abortions as you stated, this precious gift from God would have been snatched from my daughter’s womb and what sadness that would have been for us. So I say to you Mr. Stroud, I don’t drink alcohol, nor judge those who do. My love for the Lord God comes out in everything I try to do and if that offends you, you will have to take that up with God or get over it! Free speech is here to stay, please have a happy blessed day and I am praying continually for you! Blessings Evangelist Teresa Harrell Moten 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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Friday, September 9, 2016

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Scott and Denise Wright are celSeptember 9, 2016 ebrating their anniversary.

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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.

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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

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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

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Today’s Birthdays

Today’s Anniversary

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.

September 11

CHURCH HOMECOMING: Bethel Baptist Church on Youngs Ferry Road is hosting homecoming Sunday, Sept. 11 at 10 a.m.

September 12

BUDGET HEARING: The Alexander City Board of Education will have a public budget hearing Sept. 12 at 7 a.m. in the board office at 375 Lee Street. BUDGET HEARING: The Tallapoosa County Board of Education is holding two public hearings for the 2017 Budget on Sept. 6 and Sept. 12 at 4 p.m. at the Board office at 679 East Columbus Street in Dadeville. HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Storyteller Dolores Hydock will present “It’s the Little Things: Five small objects that played a big role in shaping the Dutch Golden Age,” to Horizons Unlimited Sept. 12 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education Office. BIBLE STUDY: Hillabee Baptist Church is hosting Sunday on Monday Bible Studies for ladies. It begins Monday, Sept. 12 at 6 p.m.

September 12-13

CHURCH REVIVAL: Sandy Creek Baptist Church is hosting a revival Sept. 12 and 113 at 6:30

Council numbers was the reason she was sent home. But he said she was dismissed with pay, not terminated. “So you sent her on administrative paid leave?” City Attorney Larkin Radney said. “The charge you gave her said that she was dismissed. So if I’m not mistaken, an employee can only be on leave for 21 days and that time is already up or about to be.” “I was under the impression that this was a dismissal as in a termination, and I think the council was too,” Radney said. “The mayor did not consult me on this. I received this news just like everyone else did. I thought it was a termination and now the mayor is saying it wasn’t. Under the statute, I don’t think the council needs to act at all.” Council President Jim Spann said he has never seen any documentation from Shaw on the moves concerning Machen and other members of the council said they hadn’t been given any paperwork on this “dismissal” by the mayor. Spann then asked the mayor what they were supposed to do. “The first time you fired her you went down and said you’re fired,” Spann said. “This council has not seen any paperwork on this at all. How do you expect us to make a decision when you do things that way?” The mayor said he wants to have someone who could do the job rather than have to pay accounting firms to do the things that a finance director is supposed to do. “What you are saying is that you want the council to say if she should be terminated or not?” Spann asked. “Mr. Radney, I thought we were here to make a determination on her employment with the city and this was a due process hearing, now I’m hearing that’s not the case. I don’t see this working.” Shaw told the council to write it up and tell him exactly how to do it so he could get rid of Machen. “All of this would have been behind us by now if you all would have hired someone good – somebody who could do the job,” Shaw said. “But you keep bringing her back. What am I supposed to do, keep paying somebody else to do her job?” Radney then stepped in and reaffirmed his previous advice. “As I said, I’m not here to judge on whether someone can do their job or not I’m just here to advise the city on the legalities,” Radney said. “And with the circumstances as they have now been laid out, I don’t see that there is action for the council to take tonight.” The council agreed. Councilman Bob Howard made no mistake about what he doesn’t want to happen next. “Here’s what I don’t want to see happen – is she comes back to work and tomorrow morning you go in and fire her,” Howard said. “I know that’s what you want to do. I think we are at a point that Ms. Machen needs to be working on that tax issue with CRI up there and we need to be working on solving problems than creating problems. “We’ve got new council and we’re going to have a new mayor coming in and let them handle that. I’m not trying to dodge it, but we need to start solving problems. That’s what she should be doing.”

Page 7

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The Outlook

Chris Holley, Catrina Anne Clement, Robert Norwood, Teressa Carpenter, Isiah Cox and Brian Woods are celebrating their birthday.

p.m. Pastor Craig Guy has invited Rev. Phillip Winningham as guest speaker. Gail and Donnie Douglas will provide special music. All are welcome.

September 12-16

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

September 14-16

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

September 15-18

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 September 17 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Only twenty 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 256-8396670. CHURCH HOMECOMING: The annual homecoming at Shiloh Church will be Sept. 18 at 11 a.m. Shiloh Church is on Coosa County Road 42. Mr. Joel Graham will be playing and singing and Mr. Seth Gowan will speak. Lunch will be spread under the old trees with lots of time to visit. If you are interested in the church and its upkeep, any donations can be sent to Herbert Traylor 40 AL Highway 259, Equality, AL 36026. TRUTH TEAM: The Horseshoe Bend High School TRUTH Team will be at Calvary heights Baptist Church on Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. There will be a fellowship afterwards in the Fellowship Hall. Everyone is welcome.

September 19

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

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Howard said she should be given full access to all systems and the building so that she can do her job and asked that the “finger pointing stop.” Machen said following the meeting she will planned to be at work Friday. “I guess I will be there until he tells me to go home again,” Machen said. “All I want to do is what the council hired me to do.” Machen’s attorney Bob Echols just shook his head when asked about the night’s events. “I have never seen anything like it,” Echols said. “I will have to give the mayor credit for being creative, but I have no idea what he was thinking. I guess we will see what’s next. It’s just a shame. It doesn’t have to be like this.” 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. The council also voted 6-0 to approve: • A resolution calling for a public hearing for seven properties to be declare a public nuisance. The properties are at 522 South Rd., 341 Circle Drive, 1112 Springhill Road, 69 Lafayette Street, 601 Laurel Street, 668 Laurel Street and 644 11th Ave. North • A resolution authorizing the mayor to execute a contract with Focused Construction for demolition management and inspection services. This will help the city be able to continue its work to demolish dilapidated structures. • A resolution authorizing the mayor to execute change order No. 4 with Ingram Paving on the North Parallel Taxiway Project. The change will mean about $3,000 in savings on the project. • 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. • A resolution requested from Property Maintenance Department to replace a mower rather than repair it which would require an amendment to the capital budget. The 52 –inch mover will cost the city $8,489. • A resolution authorizing the mayor to accept an Assistance to Firefighters Grant, amending the 2015/2016 Capital Budget. The grant will help the city get a new brush truck. The grant is for $148,000 and the city will have a match up a little more than $13,000. • 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 Tuesday, Oct. 4, 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.

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Page 8

SPORTS CALENDAR Saturday, Sept. 10 • Benjamin Russell High Varsity Girls Cross Country at Opelika-X Cross Country Invitational, 8 a.m. at Opelika Sportsplex. •Dadeville Youth Football at Tallassee, freshman 9 a.m., sophomore 10 a.m., junior 11 a.m., senior noon •Reeltown Youth Football home game against Eclectic, 9 a.m., sophomore 10 a.m., junior 11 a.m., senior noon •Horseshoe Bend Youth Football home game against Tuskegee, freshman 9 a.m., sophomore 10 a.m., junior 11 a.m., senior noon

Monday, Sept. 12 •Benjamin Russell ninth grade volleyball trimatch at John Carroll Catholic, joined by Homewood at 5 p.m. •BRHS ninth grade boys football at Chelsea High, 5:30 p.m. •Dadeville High JV Football at Tallasee High, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 13 •BRHS JV/V Volleyball at Smith Station High, 4:30 p.m. •Dadeville High Varsity Volleyball home game against Beauregard High, 4:30 p.m. •Reeltown High JV Boys Football home game against LaFayette, 5:30 p.m. •Central Coosa JV/Varsity Volleyball home game against Fayettville, 4 p.m. •Central Coosa JV/Junior High Boys Football at Winterboro, 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 14 •Dadeville High Varsity Volleyball home game against Horseshoe Bend, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 15 •Alexander City Youth Wrestling registration at Benjamin Russell High School girls gym starts, 5:30-6:30 p.m. MondayThursday •BRHS Varsity Volleyball at Wetumpka, 5:30 p.m. • Lyman Ward Varsity Football home game against Tuscaloosa Christian, 7 p.m. •Central Coosa JV/Varsity Volleyball home game against Beulah High, 4:30 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 16 •BRHS Varsity Football at Opelika, 7 p.m. •Central Coosa Varsity Football home game against Beulah, 7 p.m. •Dadeville Varsity Football at Holtville, 7 p.m. •Horseshoe Bend Varsity Football home game against Ranburne, 7 p.m. •Reeltown Varsity Football at Lanett, 7 p.m.

HELP US REPORT THE SCORES Now that fall sports are under way. Let folks know how your favorite team fared so we can post it in Sports. Whether it’s youth league, adult league, middle school or high school, share the results of your team’s games with us. Just shoot an email with the final scores to Sports Editor Cathy Higgins at cathy. higgins@alexcityoutlook. com or call and leave a voicemail at 256-2344281, ext. 228. To ensure publication in the next day’s paper, we need to have that information by noon the day after the game.

Friday, September 9, 2016

www.alexcityoutlook.com

GAME NIGHT SUSPENSION Franklin, 2 players to sit out from tonight’s HB game By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor

When the Horseshoe Bend football team hits the road for its rivalry game against Reeltown tonight, the Generals will do so minus a few members. Horseshoe Bend High Principal James Aulner confirmed Thursday afternoon that Generals head football coach Jason Franklin and two unidentified members of the team have been suspended from participating in tonight’s game. The move is in compliance with recommendations the Alabama High School Athletic Association handed down in response to tensions that erupted between Horseshoe Bend and Lanett coaching staff and

File / The Outlook

HB football coach Jason Franklin

players immediately after last week’s football game. “We’re doing everything in compliance with recom-

mendations given by the Alabama High School Athletic Association,” Aulner said. “We will serve out our punishment.” In addition to the game suspension, the AHSAA is fining Horseshoe Bend an undetermined amount, which could ultimately be reduced. “We have people coming in to do some training,” Aulner said. Franklin said that because he will only be absent from one game, no one has been designated to replace him on the field. “We haven’t named an interim coach,” he said. Instead, the remaining coaching staff will handle their duties tonight as normal. “It’s going to be a team

effort,” Franklin said. That includes the efforts of offensive coordinator Chad Keeson and defensive coordinator Jason Johnson. “If any executive decisions need to be made, coach Johnson will make them,” Franklin said. For Lanett’s involvement in last week’s incident, head coach Clifford Story and five players have been suspended from tonight’s game against Vincent High. “We understand consequences are necessary though,” said Lanett City Schools Superintendent Phillip Johnson. “Our program does not have issues like this normally so we have used the situation as a learning tool for our students and staff members.”

GAME NIGHT PREVIEW

Dadeville seeks redemption, Rebels to face rivals HB By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor

With last week’s homecoming game loss to Munford, the Dadeville Tigers go into their third home game of the season with a 2016 record of 1-2 overall and 0-1 for the region. Dadeville’s 35-24 loss in their first region game of 2016 really came down to the second half. “We made too many mistakes,” Dadeville head football coach Richard White said immediately after the game. Dadeville’s most stark mistakes showed when rain began coming down heavily on Tiger Stadium in the fourth quarter and the Tigers failed to adapt to a wet playing field like Munford did. “We can’t handle wet footballs,” White said. “We can’t overcome diversity when we needed to. That’s the bottom line.” This week’s forecast calls for Dadeville facing an undefeated Leeds at home for its second region game of the season. According to White, the Tigers need to address their mistakes on the field before devising a game plan against the Green Wave, which is ranked No. 3 for in Class 4A by the Alabama Sports Writers Association. “We’ve got to overcome all this mess we got (Friday night),” White said. Kickoff is 7 p.m. Friday at Tiger Stadium.

Reeltown readies for rival game against Horseshoe Bend

Last week Reeltown hit more than one milestone with its 42-6 win over Woodland. It was the Rebels’ first win of the season, bringing their record to 1-2 overall and 1-0 for the region for 2016. It was also the team’s inaugural victory under head football coach Matt Johnson. With last week’s win under their belt, the Rebels head back home for Friday’s rivalry game against Horseshoe Bend. Following last week’s win over Woodland, Johnson took a minute to enjoy the win. But it didn’t take him long to start to focus on this week’s matchup with the Generals. “I know they struggled some the last couple of years, but they are a pretty good football team,” he said. “They do a good job running the football and we will have to have the same kind of effort from our defense if we hope to stop them.” Last week the Rebels’ defense held Woodland to minus-2 yards of total offense and allowed just one score late in the game. Horseshoe Bend fell to Lanett last week in a game that was marred by an altercation following the loss that brought the Generals to a season record of 1-1 overall and 0-1 for the region. Thursday HBHS Principal James Aulner said Horseshoe Bend head football coach Jason Franklin and two unidentified player will be suspended from tonight’s play. Johnson said the Rebels need to get back to work and concentrate on getting better and fixing some of the nagging issues that plagued them, even in last week’s win over Woodland. Reducing penalties and holding on to the football will be a focus for the Rebels this week. “There are still some things we have to clean up,” Johnson said. “But to get a win on the road after the last two weeks, we will take it and go right back to work to get better.” But the Generals are just as eager to win

Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

Reeltown quarterback Jamon Matthews, left, turns the corner for a long first-quarter run of the Rebels win at Woodland last Friday night. Above, Mitchell Flurry bulls his way ahead for 20-yard pickup for the Rebels. The Rebels moved to 1-2 on the season with the win over the Woodland Bobcats.

tonight. Horseshoe Bend comes into the game 1-1 overall and 0-1 for the region. Although head coach Jason Franklin is suspended from the game, he knows the stakes are high for this region game. “It’s a big rivalry game and we’re going to have to go down there and execute very well,” he said. “We’ve got to do this the right way and execute both offensively and defensively.” Kickoff is 7 p.m. at Nix-Webster-O’Neal Stadium.

Lyman Ward still searches for first win at Hope Christian

Lyman Ward heads to Hope Christian for its first away game of the season tonight. The Fighting Rangers do so on the heels of a 40-20 season-opening loss against Freedom last week. Despite the defeat, head coach Keith Elliott is glad he walked away from the night with all of his players still intact. “We did come out of last week with no injuries,” he said. Elliott also feels good about what he’s seen from the Rangers so far this week. “We’ve had a pretty good week of practice,” the coach said. “I’ve been pleased with our effort.” However, Elliott does look for his defensive line to get more aggressive as they ready to face Hope Christian tonight. “Their record is 2-1,” he said. “They’re fundamentally sound. From a defensive standpoint, they’ll run out of an I-formation. We’ll have to focus on their quarterback and their I-back. And we’re going to have to fight real hard to win a turnover battle.” One thing Elliott is confident in is the Rangers’ offensive line. “Offensively, we’re ahead of our

defense,” he said. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at Eagle Stadium in Pelham.

Cougars come roaring back after weeklong break

Central Coosa heads into tonight’s away game 1-1 overall. They face Prattville Christian, which comes into the battle with a record of 1-1 overall and 0-1 for the region. The Cougars head into the game after having a week off from play, which has helped get the Cougars on track for a second win. “We’ve practiced but having a couple of weeks allowed us to heal some injuries and rest up,” Central Coosa head coach Barry Simmons said. That rest has readied the Cougars for the important task of taking on the Panthers tonight. “It’s our first region game,” Simmons said. To ensure victory over Prattville Christian, the Cougars will need to contain their opponents’ quarterback. “They have a shifty quarterback,” Simmons said. Central Coosa will need to work to contain the Panthers’ offense. “Defensively, it’s all about effort,” Simmons said. The Cougars will also need to make sure their efforts on the offensive line are solid. “We have to run the ball and win the turnover battle,” Simmons said. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at Panther Stadium. Also tonight, Benjamin Russell hosts Chelsea. Kickoff is 7 p.m. at Charles E. Bailey Sportplex. Outlook Editor Mitch Sneed contributed to this report.