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SPORTS, PAGE 12. Wildcats dominate Pell City’s Panthers on Senior Day. The Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department is looking into allegations of animal abuse involving a horse near Flournoy Road. Left, this photo was circulating on social media Monday stating that it was near Dadeville.
Sheriff’s Department probes horse abuse case By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
The Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department is looking into allegations of animal abuse involving a horse near Flournoy Road. “We are working on something along those lines,” Tallapoosa County Sheriff Jimmy Abbett said. “I am not at
liberty to say more.” The abuse case was the talk of social media Monday afternoon after photographs of a neglected horse were posted on horse enthusiast Merry Hardy’s Facebook page stating that it was near Dadeville. The postings claim the animal died Monday. “It is not easy to look at,” Hardy said. “That horse had a
long painful death.” Hardy hopes that others can learn from this. It is good for the community to learn from this,” Hardy said. “There are a lot of resources to help people who can no longer care for their animals.” Hardy said that horses require a different diet than other pets. “Lots of water and clean food See ABUSE • Page 3
Council approves bid for paving projects
Couple will serve 30 years in sex abuse case By MITCH SNEED Editor
A man and woman found guilty of the sexual abuse of a 5-year-old girl were sentenced Monday in Alexander City. Judge Ray Martin sentenced Antavis Dewayne Thornton Jr. of Valley and April Nichole Jones of Jacksons Gap to a total of 68 years each on the five convictions, but because of the Jones way the time sentence was structured, the two will likely serve 30 years in prison. A jury took five hours after a fourday trial earlier this month Thornton to convict the couple of aggravated child abuse, two counts of first-degree sodomy, first-degree rape and one count of sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12. See SENTENCE • Page 8
OWENS ANNEX
Great Bethel Baptist Church dedicates annex to Terrell Owens
By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Bishop Lathonia Wright of New Life Worship Center in Roanoke leads a service during the dedication of the Terrell Owens Annex and Rev. Milton Nunn Library at Great Bethel Missionary Baptist Church Sunday.
Alexander City native Terrell Owens gave permission to area students to bring home D’s from school Sunday – just not the D’s on the report card. “Set your goals high, make good grades, preferably all As and Bs,” Terrell said. “But today I am giving you permission to bring home three Ds. See CHURCH • Page 3
Several moves that will impact roadwork, a free summer concert series and the sale of gymnastics equipment were among the items approved by the Alexander City City Council Monday night. The council voted 5-0 to approve a contract with Gary Ingram Grading & Paving that will handle paving projects as part of the Alexander City Road Improvement Project in the amount of $663,384. The projects on the list this year will be: C Street Section 1 (from N Place to E Street), C Street Section 2 (from E Street to B Street), D Street Section 1 (from E Street to dead end), D Street Section 2 (from E street to B Street), F Street (from D Street to C Street), N Place (from D Street to C Street), Clay Street (from Broad Street/Highway 63 to the corner of retail parking lot), County Road (from Highway 280 to the city limits), Dean Road Section 1 (from Highway 280 to end of asphalt), Dean Road Section 2 (from Highway 280 to Dadeville Road), Elkahatchee Road (from Seminole Drive to the city limits), and Glenwood Road (from Highway 280 to County Road). Alexander City Engineer and Public Works Director Gerard Brewer said that crews could start work immediately. “This is all they are waiting on to get started,” Brewer said. “We will text them after the See COUNCIL • Page 2
Today’s
Weather
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By MITCH SNEED Editor
BY DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
See FRAUD • Page 3
By MITCH SNEED Editor
Siblings badly injured in Saturday afternoon crash
85 ACS employees victims in tax scheme The 85 employees of the Alexander City Schools who were victims of a tax-identity scheme that resulted in fraudulent returns filed in their names were among 450500 school employees in Alabama and Mississippi who were victimized by the same person or persons, an Internal Revenue Service investigator told Alexander City Schools officials last week.
Submitted / The Outlook
Special / The Outlook
The Ford Ranger that was carrying a brother and sister sits in a yard after it rolled five times in an accident off Highway 49 Saturday near New Site. Both driver and passenger were flown to UAB for treatment.
A brother and sister who were severely injured in a single vehicle accident near New Site Saturday afternoon remain hospitalized in Birmingham, but both have been moved out of intensive care. New Site Police Department’s Philip Weddle said that a Ford Ranger that preliminary reports indicate was driven by Abigil “Abbey” Salinas, 19, of Dadeville left the roadway on Highway 49 South near Veazey Road. Her brother Samuel Salinas, 21, was a passenger in the vehicle. Weddle said the accident is still under investigation, but they are starting to piece it all together. Both Abbey and Samuel were ejected from the truck as it rolled into a yard See ACCIDENT • Page 3
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Strangers’ parenting advice may deserve consideration
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Directory Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com Management Kenneth Boone Publisher, Ext. 218 kenneth.boone@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 Robert Hudson Sports Editor, Ext. 228 robert.hudson@alexcityoutlook.com Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com
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Information (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) The Outlook is published five times a week, Tuesday through Saturday mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Post Office Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011.
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
The Outlook
David Granger Staff Writer, Ext. 210 david.granger@alexcityoutlook.com Mia Osborn Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 mia.osborn@alexcityoutlook.com Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Kim Morse Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 kim.morse@alexcityoutlook.com Emily Guill Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 emily.guill@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
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DEAR ABBY: What do I say to people who give me unsolicited parenting advice or scold my daughter in public? I would never interfere with another parent or direct a child who isn’t in my care. What gives these people the right to barge into someone else’s life in such a way? I have been chastised for letting my daughter sit on the floor while waiting in a long line, letting her be more than 4 feet away from me in the aisles, and allowing her to speak loudly. She’s 3. I don’t hire a sitter for running errands and I can’t leave her in the car. It’s hard enough wrangling an energetic kid while trying to shop, do banking or send mail without being constantly pestered by strangers. Do you have any thoughts on this? -- MOM IN HILLSBORO, ORE. DEAR MOM: If your child is so disruptive that individuals feel the need to intervene or offer “parenting advice,” then it’s time
DEAR ABBY Advice
you took some of it to heart. If she’s bored while you’re doing errands, bring something along for her to do rather than use her “outside voice” or run wild in the aisles. DEAR ABBY: Prom is less than three weeks away, and I’m still looking for the perfect dress. My mom and I went prom dress shopping one time -- but everything I liked, she didn’t. She told me that if she didn’t like the dress, she was not going to purchase it. I tried to tell her this is my prom and I should like the dress, not her, without sounding mean. She told me I should pick the cheapest dress.
Am I wrong for not liking the dresses she likes? How can I get through to her that this is not her prom, but my prom? AGGRAVATED IN LOUISIANA DEAR AGGRAVATED: When you start buying your own wardrobe, your taste can be the deciding factor. However, when your mother buys it FOR you, it’s important to remember that her budget needs to be considered and try to be gracious about it. As you will discover when you are older, because a dress is expensive does not guarantee that it’s the prettiest or that it will look great on you. DEAR ABBY: Friday, April 22, is Earth Day. Recycling is so important to our planet’s irreplaceable resources. Can you please remind your readers how long it takes items to break down in a landfill? -- SCOTT IN TEXAS DEAR SCOTT: Items such as glass bottles and jars, plastic
containers, aluminum cans, disposable diapers and plastic foam cups can take from hundreds to thousands of years -- or more -- to decompose. Cigarette butts can take up to 10 years. I encourage interested readers to go online, see the figures and learn what they can do to reduce, reuse or recycle. Earth Day offers a chance for all of us to do something positive for the planet. Many parents use it as an opportunity to bond with their children, and some schools offer credit to students who participate. Helping children understand how the garbage they produce impacts their environment is important, so please, Readers, do what you can. Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
Obituaries Ms. Tracey Funderburk Blankenship 1964 - 2016 Funeral Service for Ms. Tracey Blankenship, 51, of Alexander City, will be Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Rev. Shane Dismuke will officiate. Burial will follow in the Hillview Memorial Park. The family will receive
friends on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Ms. Blankenship passed away on Sunday, April 17, 2016 at UAB. She was born on July 28, 1964 in Alexander City, AL to Willis “Jimmy” Funderburk and Frances Funderburk. Tracey was an avid animal lover. She is survived by her parents; brothers, Tim (Ann) Funderburk and Terry Funderburk, nephews Britt
Funderburk, Nickolas Funderburk and niece Selena Hathcock. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Maude and Britt Funderburk and James and Myrtle Ray. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome. com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Council meetings tonight and they will be in putting up signs tomorrow.” A summer concert series is coming to town. The Lake Martin Young Professionals group got approval for a special events permit with no fee to hold monthly concerts. Tentatively called Strand Sessions – Live Music in the Park, the request indicates plans calling for two hours of live music and plans to hold the events on the first
AT THE RIDGE MARINA
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Thursday of the months of May, June, July and August. The group will provide security and will handle all set up and takedown as well as cleanup. One item that has been contentious in recent meetings continued Monday. The sale of gymnastics equipment that had been used in the city gymnastics program was again on the council agenda. The council had a motion to sell the now unneeded items on govdeals.com, but Alex Vardeman with Top Flight Gymnastics had expressed interest in buying the equipment to keep it in Alexander City. Mayor Charles Shaw agreed with Vardeman. “People say we have a record of not doing enough to help local businesses,” Shaw said. “Here is a local business that wants to buy it and said he’d pay a fair price. I think we should sell it to him. It allows him to expand his business. That’s just my opinion.” When it became apparent that Councilman Bob Howard planned to continue with the internet sale as it has since 2009, Vardeman spoke out from the gallery. “Are you sure you can sell it, because some of it was donated,” Vardeman said. “You need to be
sure. Lawsuits may ensue. ... You have your own agenda, it seems like.” The council voted 5-0 to sell the items through govdeals.com. “I want to explain something on the gymnastics equipment sale,” Howard said. “We’ve been doing it this way since 2009. It’s nothing that is inconsistent.” As part of the deal the city made to bring the auto parts supplier Korens to town, the council passed a resolution that will provide up to 100 parking spaces there. The resolution calls for the city to pay $100,000 to purchase half of a parking lot between the building and Aprinta. The council also voted 5-0 to approve: • Approval of revisions to the city’s voting districts. When the city annexed several island parcels of land into the city late last year, it took in some residential parcels as well. The revisions will make those changes, meaning residents in those areas can vote. • A resolution calling for public hearing on amendments to the zoning code. • A resolution revising job title and grade for Job ID No. 288 in the Sewer Department. It will
take a position that was a sewer superintendent and change it to a sewer inspector and reduces the pay grade by nine grades. • A resolution authorizing the mayor to execute Amendment No. 1 with EEFS Co. for the paving packages 1 & 2. There was additional engineering needed, creating a need for additional funds. • A resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 1 with EEFS Co. for the Bridge Package. There was additional engineering needed, creating a need for additional funds. • A resolution authorizing the mayor to execute a contract with Alabama BASS Nation to sponsor High School Lake Martin Qualifying Tournament in October. • A resolution awarding the bid for the Broad Street Streetscape and parking lot project to Henderson and Coker in the amount of $643,640 • A resolution requisition No. 16-03 for a utility vehicle and a top dresser for LakeWinds Golf Course. The bid was a little more than $34,000 and went to Jerry Pate Turf of Birmingham. • A request from Katrina Blair, walk coordinator for the Autism Society of Alabama to hold a walk on Saturday, April 23, 2016.
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Accident
Fraud
are essential for a horse,” Hardy said. “Without it horses can suffer.” Hardy also encouraged others to call when they see animal neglect and abuse. “If you see it call,”
continued from page 1
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
confidence in our vendor is not shaken. We just have to step up our security.” For now, Blythe said, access to the employee portal portion of the system, through which the school system was providing direct deposit notices and W-2s to its employees, is shut down. She is unsure whether that system is shut down for the duration. The IRS said the scheme consisted of someone from outside the U.S. working with someone in the country. “(The investigator said) it originated out of the country, but they also know that the returns were filed in the U.S.,” Cooper said. “The data was accessed from out of the country, but they sold it to or were working with someone in the states.” Cooper said investigators were unsure of where federal income tax refunds were going and continuing to investigate, but that approximately 12 percent of the fraudulent returns filed with the IRS in the scheme had been processed prior to the IRS becoming aware that taxpayers were being ripped off. Between 2011 and February 2015, the IRS reported that it had blocked approximately $63 billion in fraudulent tax returns. However, in May of last year, the IRS revealed it had suffered its own data breach which resulted in information on approximately 100,000 taxpayers being compromised. That number was raised to approximately 334,000 in August and 724,000 in February of this year.
HILLABEE TOWERS
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Those are desire, dedication and discipline.” Owens spoke by phone from California to those in attendance at the dedication of the Terrell Owens Annex and Reverend Milton Nunn Library addition at Great Bethel Church Sunday. Owens grew up in Great Bethel. “I remember picking him up and bringing him to church,” Great Bethel pastor Rev. Dr. Emerson Ware said. Owens was also grateful for his family and his church family. “I thank my late grandmother Alice Black for exposing me to church,” Owens said. “I cannot express how thankful I am to be from Alexander City and to be a member of Great Bethel Baptist Church from afar.” Sunday’s dedication was attended by two coaches from Owens’ past, Coach Steve Savarese and Willie Carl Martin. Both shared memories of Owens’ dedication and Owens thanked them for helping him along the way. Great Bethel Deacon Jimmy Boleware thought the church would never get the project started that would add more space to the fellowship hall, seven classrooms and the Reverend Milton Nunn Library. “I said we can’t do this,” Boleware said. “God said yes you can. Lord, I don’t have the strength. He said, yes you can. From that time on, I believed in my faith in what God had told me. This project went so smooth. Even the guys that poured the concrete slab said it was the best slab ever.” Owens left everyone with words of encouragement. “If I can make it graduating from Benjamin Russell and coming out of Alexander City and make it, anybody can,” Owens said.
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Hardy said. “Who is going to help those animals if we don’t.” Abbett said the sheriff’s department should have more information Tuesday.
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Public Meetings 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.
got back to Town Hall where the father of the siblings was working as a hot dog vendor at New Site Trade Days, the community rallied around the family as they were being transported by the awaiting helicopters. “The New Site community immediately responded by coming together at the event to pray for the injured victims and their family,” Mims said. “Attendees – adults and children alike – gathered around the family to support them through prayer and monetary donations.” McKelvey said both victims had surgery Monday, but indicated that he had received reports Monday that despite multiple fractures and the ordeal, both were responsive. “That is a good family and they still have a long road ahead on them,” McKelvey said. “There are a lot of people praying for them and supporting them.”
continued from page 1
Superintendent of Alexander City Schools Darrell Cooper said the IRS investigator met with school administrators, a representative sampling of victims at each of Alexander City’s five schools and ended the day with an open meeting at Benjamin Russell with all interested employees of the system. “The IRS agent met with us here,” Cooper said Monday. “He met with me, our CFO, Rhonda Blythe, and Keith Lashley, our director of technology. Then he went around to each of the five schools and talked with three or four of the victims at each school. Finally, we had a meeting for our employees at BRHS and I guess a third of our 325 employees were there for an informational meeting.” Cooper said the IRS investigator told school officials that 14 school systems were affected, three in Alabama (Dothan City Schools and Escambia County Schools in addition to Alexander City) and 11 in Mississippi. He said the investigator said the information was obtained through a breach of the computer system at Innovac, a South Carolina-based vendor of financial platforms for schools. Blythe said, despite the breach, the school system will continue to use the Innovac platform. “We’ve been with them for 20 years,” Blythe said. “And I’ve talked with people at Wallace State and they are not with Innovac and they were breached and I talked with someone at another company and they were breached. This is just something that is happening and, hopefully, vendors will find a way to prevent it. But my
Abuse
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just off the road. “It looks like the truck went off the road on the right side and overcorrected trying to get back on the road,” Weddle said. “It fish-tailed and eventually began to roll. It looks like as many as five times.” New Site Public Safety Director John McKelvey said the call on the accident came in at 12:45 Saturday afternoon. “They both suffered multiple fractures and were in pretty bad shape,” McKelvey said. “The truck had actually rolled over Sam, we believe. We got assistance from Alexander City Fire and Rescue and were able to get them back to town hall where they were airlifted to UAB.” McKelvey praised the response by Alexander City, who were able to offer assistance that the volunteer squad in New Site isn’t certified to perform. Mayor Curtis Mims said that once the young victims
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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 hold its regularly scheduled meeting the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room in the courthouse in Rockford. All meetings are open to the public. 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.
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Our
Opinion Safety comes first in the warm weather season
W
ith warm weather upon us, we all become a bit more carefree. Even in our vehicles, we roll windows down to enjoy the spring breezes that warm us and bring us the sweet smells of the season. Sometimes, we’re so enrapt by the natural beauty around us that we might not take the precautions we should. Saturday in New Site was one of those beautiful spring days. Folks from every part of Tallapoosa County of all ages gathered for their annual Trade Day. One set of siblings whose father was working the Trade Day left for home around midday. For some reason, the brother and sister neglected to wear their safety belts. Their Ford Ranger left the road near Highway 49 and Veazey Road and both were ejected from the vehicle. Brother and sister, on what should have been a beautiful, enjoyable spring day, found themselves in a Lifeflight helicopter bound for UAB Hospital. Their conditions are serious, but it appears the siblings will survive. So many times what seems like an innocent drive – even a drive home from a family event like Trade Day – can turn life-threatening because of a bad decision. So many times the decision not to wear a safety belt has proven one of the worst possible. Warm weather is upon us. Spring has sprung and will lead into summer. Ours is an area that loves its recreation. But the best way to enjoy the activities that accompany the coming months is to be responsible. Wear a safety belt. Don’t drink and drive or ride with anyone who has been drinking. In fact, don’t let them drive. And, whoever’s driving, make sure they’re driving safely and within the posted speed limit. We have rules on our roadways for one big reason – to save lives. Any type of behavior that runs afoul of those rules is, at best, a gamble. And the stakes are the very highest possible. Yes, the weather’s growing warmer. Around these parts, that means it’s time to have some fun. Let’s have fun and be responsible, too. Because everything’s more fun when everyone arrives alive.
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Why dirt is good for kids
G
et this: Prisoners spend more time enjoying the outdoors than modern children. That is the finding of a global survey commissioned by the “Dirt Is Good” Child Development Advisory Board in the U.K. According to the survey, about 75 percent of children are spending less than an hour outside on an average day — and 10 percent of children do not play outside at all. I wish they could grow up the way I and millions of other kids did in the ‘70s. Unlike modern kids, we didn’t sit inside air-conditioned homes playing video games and texting our pals. We were out in the hills roaming, exploring and creating all day long. We collected discarded wood at new housing sites and built shacks. We dammed up the creek to go swimming and catch pet minnows and crayfish. One summer, we built a motorized go-cart with scrap items from a junked riding mower, a piece of Formica and a handful of old twoby-fours. Despite having no brakes, it had plenty of power and was one of the great engineering feats in my neighborhood’s history. As soon as the spring weather broke, we were on our bikes trying to rack up mileage on our speedometers. Our mothers allowed us to ride to South Park, as long as we kept within 5 miles of
TOM PURCELL Guest Columnist
home — though we’d ride 20 miles or more until exhaustion finally set in. Jumping our bikes off warped plywood platforms also was a favorite pastime. We took our bikes to the top of Marilynn Drive — a hill so steep it may as well have been a cliff — and pedaled like mad as we turned left on Janet Drive and hit until liftoff. The typical bike jumper was covered with scrapes and bruises. When a kid went down especially hard, a mother in a station wagon would arrive, the moaning kid would be loaded in the back next to his bike and off he’d go to St. Clair Hospital for stitches or a cast. Sure, we got into some occasional mischief, but nothing too bad. I sometimes plucked pears off a tree by Horning Road and whipped them at cars. Every now and then, a car would screech to a stop and an irate man would chase us. We’d duck into a 5-foot-wide creek conduit that sat 15 feet under the neighborhood. You haven’t experienced adrenaline until you’ve run through a pitch-black creek drain while adult footsteps are
splashing right behind you. In any event, it turns out that the action-packed ‘70s childhood I experienced outdoors was very good for me because it unleashed all five senses. “We don’t yet know why it happens, but when all five of a child’s senses come alive, a child is at an optimum state of learning, and creative and cognitive functioning go way up,” said journalist Richard Louv, author of “Last Child in the Woods.” Louv said that the consequences of withdrawing a child from nature are not good. Kids lose their sense of being rooted in the world. They’re more likely to experience stress, hyperactivity, attention-deficit disorder and other modern maladies. Sir Ken Robinson, a leading expert in education, creativity and human development and chairman of the Dirt is Good board, concurs. “Academic research shows that active play is the natural and primary way that children learn,” he said in a board press release. “It is essential to their healthy growth and progress, particularly during periods of rapid brain development.” Hey, spring has arrived. A little dirt could do all of us some good, but especially our kids. Tom Purcell is a syndicated columnist distributed by Caglecartoons.
Luther Strange was elected Alabama’s Robert Bentley 49th Attorney General first elected in 2010, and serves as the State’s chief law enforcement officer. He can be reached at 334242-7300, and his office is located at 501 Washington Avenue, Montgomery. Mark Tuggle (R) represents the 81st District covering Coosa, Chilton and Tallapoosa counties. He can be reached by phone at 256-3922006 or by email at tughd81@gmail. com. His office is located at 110 Calhoun Street, Suite 108, Alexander City.
Luther Strange
Mark Tuggle
Tom Whatley represents the 27th District covering Lee, Russell and Tallapoosa County. He was elected to the Alabama Senate on Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at Tom Whatley 334-242-t7865. His office is located at 337 East Magnolia Drive, Auburn.
Today’s
Scripture “Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires.” – 2 Peter 3:3
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Daily Poll Weekend Question: Would you consider forming a crime watch group to assist local law enforcement in keeping your area safe?
Yes - 25 No - 16
Tuesday Question: Do you buckle up every time you get into your vehicle? 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.
Mission The Outlook strives to report the news honestly, fairly and with integrity, to take a leadership role and act as a positive influence in our community, to promote business, to provide for the welfare of our employees, to strive for excellence in everything we do and above all, to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves.
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Officials Governor Robert Bentley represents the state of Alabama and its 67 counties. He was elected to office on Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334-242-7100. His office is located at the State Capitol at 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama.
Quote
“What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterly.” – Richard Bach
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Today’s
Letters to the Editor
Mayor: the community that prays together stays together Dear Editor, I am so proud to serve the Town of New Site as Mayor. The people of this community are always willing to help those in need. On Saturday, April 16, a tragic event happened during the annual New Site Trade Day and Klassic Kruiser Car Show. Two teens were injured in a car accident shortly after leaving the event. The New Site community immediately responded by coming together at the event to pray
for the injured victims and their family. Attendees – adults and children alike – gathered around the family to support them through prayer and monetary donations. I would also like to thank the Alexander Fire Department EMS for assisting the New Site Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Service and the New Site Police Department with the injured victims. As the victims were airlifted to UAB Hospital by two life flight helicopters – which both landed
at New Site Town Hall – a local resident led the community in prayer for the family. As I stood and watched each person, including adults and children, bow their heads in prayer, I thanked God for this great community and the love and support that they are always willing to give. Please continue to pray for the Salinas family. Mayor Curtis Mims Town of New Site
Reader thinks Trump column was off base Dear Editor, I was shocked and offended to read Kenneth Boone’s editorial, dismissing millions of Trump supporters as followers of a master seducer Donald Trump. Really, Mr. Boone? We don’t need you to belittle us in any way on our choice of Trump, especially after your comparison of Trump to Hitler. Good grief! Will foolish people ever stop calling those they don’t agree with “Hitler”? We all know Hitler was an evil, murderous, heartless dictator. A raving lunatic, as were those who joined him in this unspeakable murderous rage of killing and torturing millions of innocents. Back then and now anyone who allows themselves to get caught up in his fiery delivery of his lunatic rantings became as guilty as
Hitler. Political games are being played by both parties. Dems have over 500 super delegates ready to step in and save someone. Republicans keep singing the same old song on rules and the game. Play by the rules. Oh, wait. Now we are being told that these rules can be changed at the convention to reflect the will of the delegates, not the will of the voters. On one of the Sunday programs, the Republican chairman proudly declared that at the convention the winner of the primary doesn’t matter. If no one reaches the fake magical number of 1,237, then it’s all about electability and the delegates will step in and decide. It’s amazing how they so casually talk about overturning the
will of the voters. This sick game is now being exposed and the establishment and political leaders are not even embarrassed. Whoever gets the most delegates wins the nomination, no more games, no more rules, the voters have spoken. Make it simple and understandable. On CNN, one spokesperson stated, “The rules are the rules, people have to understand that delegates choose the winner, not the voters. The delegates will decide amongst themselves. If you explain this correctly to the American people, then they will understand.” Really? I don’t think so. Annette Lynch Alexander City
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Tuesday, April 19, 2016
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April 19, 2016
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The Outlook
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Today’s Birthdays
Marie Harrelson, David Patterson Jr., Keasha Goodman, Rachel Marie Livingston and Wessie Robinson are celebrating their birthdays today.
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The Dixie Sailing Club is hosting an introduction to sailing event June 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The introduction includes an oral presentation and on-the-water capsize and recovery. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to skipper a sailboat. It is open to children as well as adults.
April 21-22
PASTORAL APPRECIATION: Faith Temple A.C.O.P. is honoring pastor Annie P. Caldwell with a pastoral apprecition April 21 and 22 at 7 p.m. at the House of Prayer A.C.O.P.
April 21-23
APPRECIATION SERVICE AND REVIVAL: Victory Temple Holiness Church in Dadeville is hosting Appreciation Service and Revival with Pastor Phylis Sinclair April 21-23 at 7 p.m.
April 22
256.234.3481 KarenChannell.com
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
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PATH GARDEN TEACHING DAY: Join Prosperity Again Through Health and the 4th graders from Stephens Elementary as we prepare Alexander City’s community garden for spring. Ashley Hoppers will lead a program designed to teach the kids about fresh produce as volunteers ready the garden for the next round of crops. The work day will begin at 1:00 at the community garden on Green Street, behind First United methodist Church. Anyone can attend and help. Volunteers should bring their own gloves and trowel. For more information, contact Ella MacFiggen at ellafish62@gmail.com.
April 23
FAMILY BINGO NIGHT: The Bibb Graves School is hosting a family bingo night April 23 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. TOUR OF HOMES: The Tallapoosa County Museum and Historical Society is sponsoring a Spring Tour of Homes in StillWaters at Lake Martin. The tour starts at the StillWaters Clubhouse where maps will be provided, refreshments served and wrist bands provided. Each wrist band registers ticket holders for the door prize drawings. Homes may be toured between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets are available in advance for $15 at The Beauty Shop, Mix it Up Lake Martin, Pearsons, Plantation House and Lake Martin MedSpa. Tickets will also be available on the day of the tour for $20. AUTISM WALK: The Autism Society of Alabama is holding its annual walk on April 23 at Alexander City Middle School. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the walk will begin at 9 a.m. You can preregister by contacting Katrina Blair at 256-794-2815.
April 23-24
Harold Cochran 256.234.2700
CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: The Family Worship Center is celebrating its 4th anniversary April 23 and 24 with a Saturday movie and bon fire at 4:30 p.m. with hotdogs, chips and drinks. The Sunday Homecoming will be at 10 a.m. with Heartfelt Ministries. The pastor of Family Worship Center is Tony Harris.
April 24
haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com
The FANS HEAR You!
PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY: Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church is celebrating the third pastoral anniversary of Rev. and Sis. Melvin C. Kelly, Jr. Sunday, April 24 at 2 p.m. CHURCH HOMECOMING: Mt. Hebron East Baptist Church in Eclectic will celebrate its 120th Anniverary with homecoming nn Sunday, April 24. Services will begin at 10:30 a.m. (omitting Sunday School). Special singers
will be “Holy Destiny� of Prattville. Following services, dinner will be served at noon in the church fellowship building. We invite everyone to come and celebrate with us and stay for lunch at noon. CHURCH HOMECOMING: Daviston Baptist Church will be having Homecoming April 24. Forgiven Heart will be singing at 10 a.m. and Rev. Shane Dye will bring the 11 a.m. message. Lunch will follow in the church fellowship hall. Everyone is welcome. PASTOR ANNIVERSARY: New Cannan Baptist Church in Camp Hill is hosting it 36th Anniversary for Sis. Alice Lewis April 24 at 2 p.m.
April 29
HEALTH FAIR: Lake Martin Community Hospital, a division of Ivy Creek Healthcare, is hosting a Health & Wellness Fair on April 29th, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm at the Stillwaters Welcome Centre (2129 Moonbrook Drive) in Dadeville, Al. Physicians and nurses will be on site administering basic health & wellness checks, as well as a fly-in by Life Saver helicopter. For more information, please call 334-6184616. QUAIL FRY: The Lake Martin Area United Way is hosting a quail fry and low country boil April 29 at 6 p.m. at LD Benton’s Barn on Elkahatchee Road. Cost is $50 per couple or $30 per individual. For more information or to purchase tickets contact the United Way office at 17 Main Street or at 256329-3600.
April 30
DRUG TAKEBACK: Local law enforcement will be on site at Walgreens Pharmacy in Alexander City from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 30 to allow anyone to dispose of unwanted or expired over the counter and prescription medications. No questions will be asked. CEMETERY PRESERVATION WORKSHOP: The Alabama Cemetery Preservation Alliance is hosting its annual cemetery preservation workshop at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Friendship United Methodist Church Cemetery April 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Contact Scott Martin at bevel67@ aol.com for additional information. CAR WASH: The Pine Ridge Mission Team is having a car wash April 30 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Arby’s. The proceeds will help with VBS and community outreach projects this summer on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. SHELIA’S WARRIORS: The Central Alabama Club of the NANBPWC, Inc. in a one mile walk for Sarcoidosis honoring the memory of Sheila SheltonBurks April 30 from 9 a.m. to noon. Registration is $10 and t-shirts are $12$15. All proceeds from this gathering will aid in finding a cure for this deadly disease. For additional information contact Shirley A. Shelton, CAC President 1114 Parrish Street Alexander City, AL 35011. MULE DAY: The Weogufka Center will host Mule Day Saturday, April 30. Vendors are welcome. Breakfast will be available from 6:30 a.m. until 10 a.m.
Concessions will be available from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Parking is $2 per car. There will be plowing demonstrations, buggy rides and entertainment will be available all day. For more information contact Margaret Thornton at 256-2342186 or Kattie Hocutt at 256-329-3638.
May 3
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION: Central Elementary School will have registration for kindergarten May 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. at the Central Elementary School. Registration forms are available at www.ces.coosaschools.k12.al.us Bringing completed forms will make the registration process go much more quickly.
May 5
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION: Central Elementary School will have registration for kindergarten May 5 from 3:15 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Central Elementary School. Registration forms are available at www.ces.coosaschools.k12.al.us Bringing completed forms will make the registration process go much more quickly.
May 7
HATCHETT CREEK ROUNDUP: Hatchett Creek Presbyterian Church will host the 20th Annual Hatchett Creek Roundup May 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Speakers will be George C. Smith, Sr. MD, George C. Smith, Jr. MD. and Ashley Lane, MD on Healthcare in Clay County Past Present and Future. FISH FRY: The Hackneyville Volunteer Fire Department is hosting its annual fish fry May 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost is $10 a plate.
May 12 - May 28
WETUMPKA DEPOT PLAYERS: I Hate Hamlet will be presented by the Wetumpka Depot Players May 12 May 28. For ticket information call 334868-1140 or go to wetumpkadepot.com.
Call 256-234-4281 or stop by our ofĂšce at 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL
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May 14
CLASS REUNION: Union Academy, Dadeville, AL, Senior Class of 1974 is hosting a School Reunion BBQ on Saturday, May 14, 2 p.m. until at University Station RV Park, Hwy 14, Auburn. All students, faculty, their families, and anyone associated with Union Academy are invited. Contact Eddie Hughes, 334-257-3826, email hughesautoparts@centurytel.net; Priscilla Hammonds, 334-283-2233, email steven505@centurytel.net; Carolyn Hood, 334-319-3434, email auburnhood@aol. com; or Genice Fuqua, 256-508-1768, email gfuquaret@gmail.com for more information. Assistance will be provided for those with mobility problems. CLAY SHOOT: The Alexander City Kiwanis Club is having its Annual Five Stand Clay Shoot at Five Star Plantation May 14. A Dinner and Calcutta will be held Friday night May 13. Proceeds go to support The Alexander City Schools. For more information contact Matt Haines at 256-794-3074 or at mhaines@sixthstreetbaptistchurch.com
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PATH and Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership are organizing a county wide clean up for the
weekend of April 23. Tallapoosa County Commissioners are providing dumpsters at the following locations throughout the county. • District 1: Downtown Alexander City, next to fire department • District 2: Double Bridge area on Highway 63 (1 mile south of Elkahatchee Creek Bridge) • District 3: Two locations Hackneyville Volunteer Fire Department and County
shop in New Site • District 4: Three locations including across from Siggars Grocery on Gibson Road, Camp Hill Town Hall and County Shop in Dadeville • District 5: Four locations including Red Ridge Methodist (Highway 34), Wall Street Nutrition Center (Tallassee), Reeltown Volunteer Fire Department and Union Volunteer Fire Department
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Page 6
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Tuesday, April 19, 2016
The Outlook
&(/(%5$7,1* 285 ($57+ Earth Day is Friday, April 22. It is a day when people all over the Globe recognize the importance of the Earth, its resources, and the need to practice recycling and conservation. Recycling is the reuse of old materials, like paper. Conservation is when you use less of something, such as water. These practices reduce the amount of waste on Earth and help to keep the environment clean and healthy for future generations. Earth Day was created in 1970 by Senator Gaylord Nelson. He also helped to establish the government agency called the Environmental Protection Agency (or EPA for short). Nelson saw a need for people to stop polluting the Earth. On Earth Day, some communities host cleanups. Others give free education on how to “Go Green” which means to have habits that help the Earth. Another important thing to learn is how to understand your carbon footprint. Carbon footprint is a term used to describe how much damage one person does to the Earth in their lifetime. This includes how much water you use (or waste), how much solid trash you throw away, how much air pollution your car creates, and whether or not you choose to recycle to reduce your footprint. No matter what day of the year, always remember to be kind to the Earth and all those who share it with you!
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Education is the key to helping future generations understand how to care for the Earth. Put a check by the pictures that show good things and cross out the bad ones.
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Across Clues: 2. Try to reduce your Carbon ____. 5. A day to celebrate the Earth. 7. Phrase that means to protect the Earth. Down Clues: 1. Using less of something in order to save it. 3. Waste and toxins that harm the Earth. 4. Reusing something old. 6. Man who created Earth Day. 8. Stands for Environmental Protection Agency.
($57+ '$< &5266:25'
RECYCLE
Carbon FP:1) good 2)bad 3) good 4)bad 5) bad 6)good
Crossword Ans: Across: 2)footprint 5)Earth Day 7) Go Green Down:1)conservation 3)pollution 4) recycle 6)Nelson 8)EPA
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Tuesday, April 19, 2016
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Sentence Martin’s order included 14 years on each sodomy count, 10 years on the sexual abuse of a child count, 20 years for the rape charge and 10 years for the aggravated child abuse charge. The time given on each sodomy charge will run concurrent with the 20 years for rape. When that time is complete, they will begin serving 10 years for sexual abuse and aggravated child abuse. Before the sentence was handed down, both Thornton and Jones apologized for what the victim and the family now caring for the girl were put through. Jones thanked the family for caring so much for her daughter. “I do want to thank you all for taking such good care of her,” Jones said. “I do know that I will never have to worry about her being taken care of. I appreciate what you have done.” Thornton apologized to the court. “I apologize for
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they will be in jail for an extensive period of time. I hope this will help put the family at ease. But still, that little girl has a life sentence. This is something she will have to deal with forever.” New Site Public Safety Director John McKelvey praised the work by Philip Weddle and all those involved in the case, which was first handled by the New Site Police Department. “This type of case is hard to investigate for a lot of reasons, but they are even harder to understand,” McKelvey said. “In this case, every agency involved worked to make sure that all the pieces fit together and the jury could understand. Philip did a great job investigating, the counselors at the advocacy center and the prosecution, Jeremy and Amy, they made sure that justice was served.” It was an emotional trial, filled with graphic accounts of what had happened to the girl. Testimony of counselors revealed that the victim outlined the abuse and who was involved. Testimony indicated that the victim pointed out on anatomical diagrams where she was touched and used anatomically correct dolls to show what was done to her.
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Board sets second meeting on potential Councill Middle School closure
continued from page 1
what they have all been through,” Thornton said. “I promise to try to do something good with my life.” The girl’s foster father Jonathan David Gaither read from a statement on the girl’s behalf before the sentence was handed down. “We want these two to never have the opportunity to hurt a child again,” Gaither said. “She should have been running, laughing and playing, but she couldn’t do that. …I hope that you sill see fit to make the sentence be the absolute maximum that the law allows. …She will suffer the effects of the rape, sexual abuse and sodomy that she has endured for the rest of her life.” The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jeremy Duerr and Assistant District Attorney Amy Newsome. Duerr said that he hopes this can allow the victim and her new family to continue the healing process. “Obviously this sends a message – 30 years. It could have been more, but the judge made sure that they won’t be free to see her graduate from high school. “They will be put away for 30 years and I appreciate the way the judge structured the sentences so
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
The Outlook
The Tallapoosa County Board of Education will hold a second meeting on the potential closure of Dadeville’s Councill Middle School Wednesday evening at 4 p.m. in the boardroom at the Board of Education building, located at 679 E. Columbus St. in Dadeville. “We’ll mainly hear from the public,” said Tallapoosa County Superintendent Joe Windle. “We’ll have a little bit more to say about space and camera systems and a few other things.” Windle said the format will change to require those who want to speak to sign up. Each speaker will be limited to three minutes. “We want as many people as possible to have a chance to speak, so we’re going to ask them to sign up to speak and limit how long they can speak,” Windle said. “We just want to hear from as many people as possible before we make our decision.” Approximately 45 people attended the first meeting, held April 6. Windle said he didn’t know what to expect Wednesday night. “I was surprised by the turnout at the first meeting,” Windle said. “Of course, there were a +
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lot of people there who didn’t speak. I know we had a lot of teachers there. Still, the crowd surprised me. I don’t know what to expect Wednesday, but we’ll hopefully get some good input.” Most came to the first meeting to learn more about the plan. But a few were vocal in their opposition. “You should separate kids of that age from the high school students,” said former principal Wayne Chase. “It just makes sense. If closing middle schools is such a good idea then maybe we should go to Auburn City Schools or Opelika or Roanoke or Sylacauga and see why they aren’t closing theirs, too. They aren’t closing theirs because it’s not a good idea. “To be a good school system you have to have three things. You have to have quality education, discipline and leadership. Those are the three things. If you don’t have those things, you are going to lose students. That’s what we should be looking at.” Some, like parent Amanda Williams, raised safety concerns. “I know they will be picked on,” Williams said. “I went there. I know. They will get hit
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on sexually. They will get there with those hormones raging and things are going to happen. They will face peer pressure from an older group and it’s something that, no matter how hard you try, it can’t be stopped.” Windle agreed with some of the concerns raised, saying they would have to be considered very carefully. He said the middle schoolers would be in designated areas and he was giving thought to an Academy within the school, complete with a separate principal. He said his number one priority for capital improvement at the school was a camera monitoring system for the 2016-17 school year. “Safety is a big concern,” Windle said. “I do understand that. It is something we have to address. … I want what’s best, but we also have to recommend what is best that this board can afford.” Board member Randy Anderson reminded attendees that the vote of the county commission for the additional 1 cent sales tax was split, saying that was why the board had to be careful with every penny. “When they passed that, people said they are just going to sit back and spend our money and they aren’t going to do anything,” Anderson said. “We have to show them we are going to do all we can to be good stewards of their money. We take this very seriously. This board is going to sit back and listen before it makes a decision. I can promise you that.”
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New Site Trade Day brings out crowd, local fun Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
A large crowd turned out for the annual New Site Trade Day Saturday. Jordan Stallworth of Alexander City works on etching a logo on a mirror at Trade Day. Jimmy and Elle Strickland marvel at the red Pontiac Silver Streak on display at the Klassic Kruisers Car Show in New Site Saturday.
Be Seen by your customers Probation denied in animal abuse case She entered a guilty plea and was sentenced to 84 months, but Monday A woman accused she asked for probation. of multiple counts of Assistant District animal cruelty was denied Attorney Jeremy Duerr probation Monday, said the extent of the meaning the 84-month cruelty in the case was sentence will stand for troubling and asked for now. probation to be denied. Linda Browning Judge Ray Martin Stewart, 52, of said he would consider Andrew Jackson some type of alternative Road was arrested in sentence, but not without July after Alexander stiff regulation. City Animal Control "I cannot grant officers completed an probation in this case," investigation on a call Martin said. "I will that took place on June consider an alternative 16. sentence, but the That arrest resulted in condition including the 18 charges including four ban on ever owning any counts of second-degree animals would have to be cruelty to animals, one a part of that." count of misdemeanor Duerr said the ban cruelty to animals, six means that Stewart can counts of failure to never own an animal or immunize an animal and live with anyone who one count of tampering does, “not even a gold with public utilities. fish,” he said. By MITCH SNEED Editor
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Alex City woman to serve 65 months for felony DUI further consideration. But right now I still believe she is a danger to herself A woman convicted of and the community.” her third felony driving Holley was arrested under the influence for DUI on April 10, charge will have to 2015 and indicted on complete in-patient rehab the charges on Aug. 19, before any thought of 2015. probation is given by the Martin had stern words court. for Holley. Shirley Jean Holley, “Until you decide to 49, was convicted of change what you have felony DUI and sentenced done as far as drinking to 65 months in prison. and driving, I cannot trust Monday she asked you to be on probation,” the court for treatment Martin said. “But I will and consideration of give you the opportunity probation. to get help and then I “There will be no will entertain a request to probation in this case,” reconsider at that time. Judge Ray Martin said. Until then, I simply can’t “I will order that she be allow probation.” enrolled in an in-patient Holley was also rehab program and the ordered to pay a fine of Crime Bill Program. $2,100 and $100 to the After she completes Alabama Head Injury rehab then I will entertain Foundation Fund. By MITCH SNEED Editor
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LUKE ROBINSON Sports Columnist
A quick look back at the Tide’s A-Day H
ere’s the beauty of my article last week on questions I had about Alabama preSpring game: I can revisit those exact questions this week (which the laziness in me truly appreciates). n Will a quarterback impress with an ORDINARY throw? – The answer here “no.” While there were some OK passes, I wasn’t necessarily impressed with any of the four candidates’ arms. However it is no time for panic. None of the quarterbacks really had a chance to get into a groove and they were all going against a really stout defense. That said, it would have been nice to see one of the four take the lead. n Will fans be comfortable with Cooper Bateman’s potentially winning the QB job? – Bateman is probably still the odds on favorite to win the gig, but he didn’t do a lot to alleviate the fans’ fears. It wasn’t a horrible performance (especially when considering he had so little time to throw), but he did throw the game’s lone interception on the final drive. Because he is the upperclassman he will probably receive the benefit of the doubt, but the two younger players (Blake Barnett and Jalen Hurts) outshone Bateman Saturday and will make for interesting arguments throughout the summer. n Is Alabama’s defense faster? – I don’t need a stopwatch to easily answer this question with a resounding “yes.” Rashaan Evans and Tim Williams specifically. Those guys lead a defense that had more sacks than your grandmother’s pantry. Once again the quarterback quandary seems less important when you have a defense that can keep opponents moving backwards consistently. n Will Bo Scarbrough get more than 15 carries? – In hindsight, this was a dumb question. The number of carries wasn’t an issue; it was what he did with them. In this case, Scarbrough didn’t do much to wow the crowd. After becoming a practice legend in the two previous (untelevised) scrimmages this spring, Scarbrough was relatively pedestrian against the first-team defense. The good news is his apparent backup – Damien Harris – took home A-Day MVP honors in rushing for 114 yards on only 11 carries. n How will the crowd be? – More than 76,000 people showed up, which eclipses the number from the last two seasons. Still a far cry from the days of 92,000-plus a few years ago, but definitely not a bad showing. n Will Adam Griffith miss a FG? – Ummmm….Yikes. Griffith went 0-4 to start the game, which led to a smattering of boos. He later made a chip-shot, but the damage to the fans’ confidence in him was done. At this point, it is fair to say Griffith is one of the most predictably unpredictable players I can remember to play any position. Regardless, he is still Alabama’s best option at kicker. At least he makes every kick a must-watch event I guess. n Which newcomer will impress? – How about some local flavor from Dadeville’s own Anfernee Jennings? Six tackles and three sacks? Pretty solid day, I would say. Jennings can play standing up or with his hand in the dirt and he appears to create mismatches no matter where he starts. Rumors had been flying since Jennings arrived that the offensive and defensive coaches both loved him for their respective sides of the ball. After Saturday’s performance, though, Jennings appears destined for defense – and stardom. Robinson is a sports columnist for The Outlook and is president of the Lake Martin Area Bama Club.
WILDCATS DOMINATE PANTHERS Benjamin Russell takes 8-2 win over Pell City on Senior Day
Kenneth Boone / The Outlook
Above left, Benjamin Russell’s Grant Hudson (14) had seven goals in Saturday’s 8-2 win over Pell City. Above right, Benjamin Russell’s Eduardo Naranjo (9) flies over Pell City’s Logan Tucker during Saturday’s game at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex. By ROBERT HUDSON Sports Editor
Senior Grant Hudson scored seven goals in Benjamin Russell’s 8-2 section win at home over Pell City on Senior Day Saturday. Austin Teel, head coach of the Class 6A No. 7 Wildcats (16-5-1, 3-0 in Class 6A-Section 6), said Saturday’s win gives Benjamin Russell a shot at another undefeated season in section play. “With this win it puts us in the driver’s seat in our section. We’re 3-0 in section play and we’ve got another section game against Oxford coming up on Saturday to finish section play,” Teel said. “If we win that and take care of business it will be a four-year run of being undefeated in section play. That’d be an awesome accomplishment for our soccer program.” The Wildcats kicked off the scoring in
Saturday’s game, as Hudson scored on a pass from fellow senior Matt Smith five minutes into the game to make it 1-0. But Pell City tied the game at 1-1 less than a minute later with a goal from Logan Tucker. However, it was Hudson again who put the Wildcats in front, 2-1, finishing off a free kick from senior Phillip Speake with a header three minutes later. With 28 minutes left in the first half, Hudson completed his hat trick, scoring on a deflected save by the Pell City goalkeeper and making the score 3-1. Pell City responded with 24 minutes left in the half, as Sergio Alvarez scored on a penalty kick to make it a 3-2 game. But the Wildcats added one more goal before the halftime break, with Hudson heading in a throw-in from Cole Grogan with 22 minutes left, making it 4-2. The second half was all Wildcats, as
Hudson scored on a pass from Smith three minutes into the first half and Speake scored five minutes later to make it 6-2. Benjamin Russell’s final two goals were scored by Hudson, with Grogan assisting on one to close out the win. Benjamin Russell honored seniors Davis Pemberton, Hunter Hay, Matt Smith, Thomas Lovett, Jackson Graham, Phillip Speake, Franklin Staples, Dylan Tapley, Chase Burton, Grant Hudson, and Noah Boone prior to Saturday’s win. “Today was all about our seniors. Grant (Hudson) showed out and that was great, but it was a very team-oriented win,” Teel said. “It was 11 guys working together to get this win for our seniors on Senior Day and that’s what I was really proud about.” Benjamin Russell will return to the field on Tuesday at Class 7A No. 2 Enterprise starting at 7 p.m.
Lady Wildcats fall to Pell City in penalty shootout By ROBERT HUDSON Sports Editor
For the second time this season regulation was not enough time to separate the Benjamin Russell Lady Wildcats and Pell City Lady Panthers. But this time it was the Lady Panthers who came out with a 1-0 (3-2) win, as the game was decided in a penalty shootout on Saturday at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex. After a scoreless 80 minutes and two scoreless five-minute extra time periods the teams went to penalty kicks. Benjamin Russell’s Jayde Trapp saved the first attempt by Pell City’s Morgan Roberts, but Pell City also stopped Karina Naranjo’s first attempt for Benjamin Russell. Pell City’s Sarah Whitten scored on the Lady Panthers’ second attempt, but Ruth Anne Ballard’s attempt for Benjamin Russell was saved by Pell City’s Courtney Jordan. Jordan Fomby scored on Pell City’s next attempt, but Benjamin Russell’s Sydney Pemberton also scored for Benjamin Russell, putting it at 2-1. Pell City’s next attempt was scored by Abigail Traylor, while Benjamin Russell’s Daly Wagoner scored on the next shot to make it 3-2. Trapp saved Pell City’s next attempt by Whitney McKee, but with BRHS needing to score its next shot to stay alive, Jordan saved the attempt by Benjamin Russell’s Sara Beth Wendling to hand the Lady Wildcats their first section loss of the season. Benjamin Russell Coach Bill Lutz said the Lady Wildcats (10-7-1, 4-1 in Class 6A-Section 6) gave it their all in Saturday’s loss. “As coaches, you can only ask for what we just had: a chance to win in the end,” Lutz said. “Pell City came out
Robert Hudson / The Outlook
Pell City’s Carey Monistere (19) tries to hold off Benjamin Russell’s Gabi Watson during Saturday’s game at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex.
on top, but I’m so proud of our girls. They showed a lot of resilience playing through injuries and stepping up. I’m proud of them.” BRHS Coach Lee Wagoner said it’s always a tough match against Pell City, but he was proud of the Lady Wildcats’ effort. “Pell City is always a tough match, whether we’re here, at their place or in the playoffs,” Wagoner said. “We left
it all out on the field and can’t ask for anything better.” Prior to Saturday’s game, Benjamin Russell honored seniors Ruth Anne Ballard, Brittany McVey, Karina Naranjo, Kaylynda Berry, Sydney Pemberton, Breanna Moseley and Charlie Lutz. Benjamin Russell will take the field again on Tuesday at Central-Phenix City at 5:30 p.m.