OPINION: SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO BREAK FROM THE NORM. PLAYOFF THURSDAY THE TIME
Local teams begin baseball playoffs.
Sports page 8.
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 April 21, 2016
Vol. 124, No. 80
www.alexcityoutlook.com
MAN CUT DOWN WHILE MOWING GRASS
Bizarre drive-by shooting claims life of local man
By MITCH SNEED Editor
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Law enforcement officials comb the scene of a Wednesday drive-by shooting on Highway 63 that claimed the life of 49-year-old Elbert Clyde Wilson. Officials continue to look for a possible motive and suspect in the case.
A local man was shot and killed as he sat on a riding lawnmower, cutting his grass on his day off. Now Alexander City Police are trying to make sense of the Wednesday morning drive-by shooting on Highway 63 just south of North Central Road that left 49-year-old Elbert Clyde Wilson dead. Wilson died shortly after being shot on his property at See SHOOTING • Page 3
Residents voice opposition to Councill closing
Volunteers still needed for cleanup
Second community meeting provides more answers on plan
By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
Emotions ran high among parents and board members Wednesday at the second public meeting on the potential closing of Dadeville’s Councill Middle School, attended by approximately 50 people who packed the Tallapoosa County Board of Education boardroom in Dadeville. Tallapoosa County Schools Superintendent Joe Windle required those who wished to speak at the meeting to sign in and said he would limit speakers to three minutes. Only one speaker signed up and she was held to her three-minute limit, yet the meeting lasted approximately 90 minutes. Dana Rickman, the sole speaker to sign up, did not attend the first meeting on Councill on April 6 and asked how the population of Dadeville High School would be impacted by the addition of seventh- and eighth-grade students and how that population compared to 7-12 populations at Reeltown and Horseshoe Bend Schools. Windle said Horseshoe Bend has somewhere between 425 and 435 and Reeltown somewhere between 405 and 450. After some collaboration with staff, he said the population at Dadeville High School if Councill closed would be about 545 next year. “Well, I would like to see our middle See COUNCILL • Page 3
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Benjamin Russell student Franklin Staples, above, plays the fiddle in Emily Sasser’s classroom for a biology session. Below, Emily Sasser goes over immune systems as the class sits on hay bales.
BOOTS AND BIOLOGY
Sasser’s Boot-Scootin’ approach brings cell division to life By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
Emily Sasser’s 12th-grade advanced placement biology class at Benjamin Russell is studying cell division. If you had biology, you remember. Meiosis and mitosis? Or maybe not. Unless you need such knowledge later in life, it’s forgetful stuff. But what if you accompany meiosis with “Wagon Wheel,” written by Bob Dylan and made popular by Old Crow Medicine See SASSER • Page 2
See VOLUNTEERS • Page 2
Mitchell helps people get growing again this year By MITCH SNEED Editor
Got a hankering to test out that green thumb you think you have? One local man who has been raising and selling everything from vegetable plants to beautiful hanging baskets says now is the time to get busy and get growing. John Mitchell who sells plants from his greenhouse on 9th Street just off Hillabee behind Grace’s Flowers says the temperatures are perfect and now is the time to plant “just about anything, especially tomatoes, peppers and anything you eat.” “I wasn’t going to do this again this year,” Mitchell said. “I told my wife that I was just going to grow enough for my own garden but then when I got started I thought someone else may want some too, so here we are. You see what I’ve done.
“But we do have some beautiful plants this year. There’s not much chance of frost and the ground is starting to get warm, so now is the time.” Mitchell said that tomatoes are probably the most popular thing he sells and he has multiple varieties. He said regardless of whether you like the big tomatoes or the smaller ones for sauces, there are a few keys to success. “Tomatoes like full sun, so if you plant them stay away from shady areas,” Mitchell said. “If you plant there, you are probably going to end up with all plant and no tomatoes.” Mitchell said the another common mistake involves water. He said making sure they have enough moisture not to burn up and not so much that roots will suffer is something to consider. “People think that water is great and you can’t water them enough,” Mitchell See PLANTS • Page 2
The County Wide Cleanup is this Saturday and Lake Martin Resource Association’s John Thompson is proud of the efforts that have taken place so far. “It’s huge,” Thompson said. “The fact that we have activity going on in all the districts. The fact that each one has an organized event to do some road-side cleaning. It’s huge.” Lt. James Orr is heading up the cleanup-up effort in Alexander City and said he said that the weather appears to be perfect for the event. “Last year we caught a lot of rain, but this year the forecast looks pretty good,” Orr said. “Our event is part of the county-wide Throw Away Day and we welcome any and all volunteers.” Orr said that volunteers should meet at 8 a.m. near Alexander City City Hall. “We will have bags and vests for them and will assign them a place to go unless they have a particular area that they want to
Lake Martin
Lake Levels
490.52 Reported on 4/20/16 @ 6 p.m.
Linda Shaffer, REALTOR® C: 256.794.4641 • W: 256.329.5253 shaffer@lakemartin.net 5295 Highway 280, Alexander City, AL
Today’s
Weather
75 57 High
Low
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
John Mitchell walks among the plants at his Alexander City greenhouse. He said now is the time to put vegetable plants in the ground.
6
54708 90050 USPS Permit # 013-080
8
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www.alexcityoutlook.com
Baby’s godmother cut off for life after simple hello
Friday
75 57 Low
High
Cloudy, 60 percent chance of rain
Saturday
78 55 Low
High Sunny
Staff
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
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
Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) Lake Martin Living, The Outlook is published five times Kenneth Boone a week, Tuesday through Saturday Photography and mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, a commercial web printing press. Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011. © 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. ReproPOSTMASTER: Send address duction of any part of any issue requires changes to Post Office Box 999, written publisher permission. Alexander City, AL 35011.
Postal
Information
Obituaries Mrs. Mary Thomas Mrs. Mary Thomas of Alexander City, Alabama died April 20, 2016 and arrangements will be announced later by Wrights Funeral Home.
Miss Miriah Elizabeth Turner Funeral service for Miss Miriah Elizabeth Turner 16 of Alexander City, AL; 1 p.m.; Friday, April 22, 2016 at Baskin Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, Dadeville, AL. Burial in church cemetery. Armour’s Memorial Services in charge
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The Outlook
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DEAR ABBY: When my friend became pregnant, her boyfriend didn’t stick around to be in the baby’s life. The three of us had gone to school together, and they started dating years later. When she asked me to be the child’s godmother, I said yes. The baby is 5 months old now. While I was out at a bar recently, I ran into the boyfriend. My friend is now mad at me because I said hello to him. She thinks I should have ignored him, given him a dirty look or had words with him in public, but that’s not me. She’s now saying she never wants to talk to me or see me again. She told me to have a good life! I know she’s bitter, but I feel that was a little extreme. What should I do? -CONFUSED GODMOTHER DEAR CONFUSED: Frankly, I think you should take this vindictive individual at her word until she apologizes. If you do as I suggest, there will be far
DEAR ABBY Advice
less turmoil and drama in your life. DEAR ABBY: My girlfriend and I each own our homes and have about the same mortgage payment. She ends up staying with me most of the time because I live closer to where we both work. I recently found out that she has been Airbnbing her condo a lot of the weekends when she stays with me. I feel taken advantage of even though it doesn’t really affect me whether her place is empty or she’s getting rent. What is the etiquette on such an arrangement? Should I be getting a cut? I feel if I told her
I wanted to stay at her place and rent out mine, she would want some of the money. -WEEKEND ROOMIES DEAR WEEKEND ROOMIES: There is no rule of etiquette governing whether you’re entitled to some of the income she receives from renting out her place while she’s visiting you. Discuss this with your entrepreneurial girlfriend and see how she feels about sharing the wealth. Her reaction will give insight into her character. DEAR ABBY: I am an elementary school teacher, and I have noticed that many of my colleagues come to work when they’re sick. Taking time away from work to recover from an illness seems to be viewed as weakness. We have sick days, but they are proud of the fact that they don’t use them. These coworkers wear their illnesses like badges of honor -as if coming to work sick somehow shows their dedication. I
Volunteers
feel it is inconsiderate to the children and to other staff members who are forced to spend hours with them in enclosed spaces exposed to their germs. I’m not sure how to express my feelings without causing a rift because one of the worst offenders is the principal. Any suggestions? -- SICK & TIRED IN CALIFORNIA DEAR SICK & TIRED: Just this: You are entitled to air your feelings about this with other staff members in the teachers’ lounge. However, if you think your principal might retaliate if you complain about his/her lack of consideration, make a point of keeping your distance when your boss shows any symptoms of something contagious. 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.
continued from page 1
“We are saying no tires,” Thompson said. “Paint has to be dried out, no fluorescent bulbs. Car batteries are restricted. We can accept refrigerators and air conditioners if the compressors are removed. Sofas and mattresses are OK.” The cleanup would not be possible without the help of the Tallapoosa County Commissioners, Thompson said. “Everyone is appreciative of the commissioners for the dumpsters,” Thompson said. The commissioners are providing dumpsters at the following locations throughout the county. • District 1: Downtown Alexander
help clean up,” Orr said. “It’s tell people to dress in clothes to fit the weather and wear comfortable, closed toes shoes. We are hoping for a big group so that we can cover a lot of area.” He said that residents with large amounts of items that they would like to get rid of can take advantage of one of the many dumpster sites that the county is placing around the area. Thompson says county residents are thankful for the efforts. “It looks like it is going to be well received,” Thompson said. “Everyone is appreciative of the chase to dispose of items.” Thompson explained what items they can take in the cleanup.
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
Sasser
continued from page 1
Hey mama rock me Rock me mama like the wind and the rain Rock me mama like a south-bound train Hey mama rock me
Show or, if your prefer, Darius Rucker? Performed by a live band in the classroom? “My kids are taking a national exam the first week in May,” said Sasser, in her 19th year at Benjamin Russell. “They’re about to graduate. Their brains have checked out. So I have to fun it up, use the whole-brain approach to teaching. I try to involve music, movement, art, fun. Rarely do my kids get to play, so I decided to teach them cell division through a square dance.” So Sasser invited her husband, Todd, an Alexander City firefighter, Allen “Petey” Tidmore, worship minister at Sixth Street Baptist Church, and local musician Rexton “Lefty” Lee, a former student, to come and accompany the student dancers. Sasser explained his wife’s inspiration for the day of dance. “She’s been wanting to do something like this for a long time,” said Todd Sasser, who assumed the nickname “Pancho” for the day. “She woke up one morning and said, ‘I’ve got an idea. We could do a square dance.’ And here we are.” With Sexton singing lead and playing guitar, Sasser on bass and Skidmore on a snare drum, the band sang:
As the band played, the students – most clad in plaid shirts, blue jeans, cowboy hats and boots – replicated, synapsed, huddled to exchange genetic information and split to form four unique cells on a dance floor boundaried by bales of hay. After one round of meiosis, representatives of the class were dispatched to the visitors to the classroom – parents, Mayor Charles Shaw and his executive assistant and others – to explain to them the process they had just seen mimicked in dance. Chase Burton and Franklin Staples explained to a group that, through meiosis (which involves sex cells), DNA replication is followed by two rounds of cell division which produces four cells each with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell. With the lesson demonstrated through dance and explained, it was time to dance again. For the second dance, the students invited the parents in attendance to join them on the dance floor. Some parents picked the dance up better than others, though all seemed eager to give it a whirl. Later, Sasser invited one of her
So rock me mama like a wagon wheel Rock me mama anyway you feel
students, Staples, to join in the musical show. Staples played the fiddle as the three-man band performed “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” The cell-division square dance was the final of many themes Sasser has had this year in her unique approach to teaching AP biology. Among others have been disco, the ‘70s, the ‘80s, camping, hula and tacky – each related to some biological theme. Under the watchful gaze of a lifesized plaster horse that stood like a steed sentry in front of the classroom (a loan from feed store owner Jim Ed Abernathy), Lee, who is a 2006 graduate of Benjamin Russell, said Sasser hasn’t changed in 10 years. “She was my homeroom teacher my sophomore, junior and senior years,” Lee said. “She’ always done stuff that was outside the box. It keeps it interesting for both her and the kids.” “I want to have fun, too,” Sasser said. “I know it’s cliché, but I wake up in the morning and can’t wait to get to school.” As for the impromptu band, there is reason to worry about their future. “We’ve been together now for at least 30 minutes,” Lee said. “We broke up for a little bit there about the seventh minute.” But there was a reunion soon after and, once again, the strains of “Wagon Wheel” accompanied a cell-division boot-scootin’ boogie.
Plants
continued from page 1
said. “But that is probably the most common mistake that people make. They water them too much and the roots just rot before the plant ever makes tomatoes.” Mitchell, 82, speaks from experi-
ence. He first started growing in 1962 and has been helping local folks get the plants they need for generations. He said it’s a lot of work, but he enjoys seeing something flourish that he started from seeds or a cutting in
many cases. “Really there are not a lot of secrets, just good rich soil, hard work and pay attention to the plants,” Mitchell said. “If you do that you will make your own luck.”
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Thursday, April 21, 2016
The Outlook
Shooting
Page 3
www.alexcityoutlook.com
continued from page 1
3823 Highway 63, just outside the Alexander City limits. How the shooting occurred is what has officials baffled. Witnesses say that a man in a red Ford Ranger pickup truck stopped in the road and fired a single shot from the vehicle towards Wilson who was cutting his grass on a riding lawnmower. Wilson fell from the mower and the truck sped off in the direction of Sunny Level Cutoff, according to witnesses. “I was sitting on my front porch drinking coffee and I saw a red, older Ford Ranger pickup stop right there in the road and shoot that man,” neighbor Franklin Price said. “I heard the pop, just one time. The man fell back and the lawnmower cut off and I said ‘what the hell.’ I couldn’t believe what I saw.” Alexander City Police Department units and investigators responded quickly along with Alexander City Fire and Rescue. They found the victim being helped by a woman was been driving by and saw the man fall from the mower. “I was turning on to 63 off North Central and I always look back twice because of that curve,” Rhonda Williamson said. “I saw the man on the mower and I always look because my husband cuts grass so I’m careful of rocks flying at you. That’s when I saw his arm fly back and him fall backwards. My first thought was that he was having a heart attack or had gotten into yellow jackets or something. I never thought about him being shot.” Williamson said she stopped and called 911 and started trying to help as dispatchers walked her through what to do. “He wasn’t responding to me and all he was doing was gurgling,” Williamson said. “They told me to roll
him over and I couldn’t hardly get him all the way over. But that’s when I saw the blood and it was just coming out in chunks. She told me to apply pressure and that help was coming. I did all that I knew to do. I still can’t believe it.” Investigators said that Wilson suffered a single gunshot would that had passed through his arm and into his chest, with no visible exit wound. He was pronounced dead at Russell Medical Center. Deputies from the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department were also in the area quickly, and along with officers from Alexander City units, scoured the area looking for any sign of the vehicle. “We have expanded the search area and are looking at every available possibility,” Alexander City Deputy Police Chief Jay Turner said. “They are going door to door in an area all around the residence trying to see if there is anything additional that people may have seen or heard. “We have the description of the vehicle and that’s the only real concrete thing we have right now. We have looked at all the possibilities and none of the normal motives seem to apply. Right now, it certainly looks like it was for no reason.” Officials said the victim is originally from Clay County and had only recently purchased the property where a large doublewide is located. Chief Willie Robinson said every available officer and investigator are working to develop any new information in the case. “Something like this really bothers you,” Robinson said. “That’s why we’ve all been out there looking for anything that may help.” Investigators remain guarded with details as they looked for a possible motive, a suspect and the vehicle
Councill
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
An ambulance prepares to take Elbert Clyde Wilson from the scene where he was shot in an apparent drive-by shooting Wednesday morning. Investigators are still searching for answers in the apparent random shooting.
that witnesses identified. “Things that are that random just don’t happen and that’s why they are so hard to understand and wrap your mind around,” said Turner, who had actually gone to school with the victim. “That’s why we are looking at every possible angle until something turns up.”
continued from page 1
school stay open,” Rickman said. “The staff under Mrs. (Pam) Langford is on a path of improvements. There are a lot of successes. The teachers are excellent. “I know there have been a lot of people going elsewhere, but I’m very impressed with the staff at Councill. I’ve seen teachers there help those that need help and even give help to those that are excelling. It’s just been an excellent experience for our family and I’ve talked with others who feel that way as well.” Windle explained that the idea of a 7th-8th grade academy at the high school was something he continued to explore. He said Langford had taken a trip to a school with such an academy recently and Hand had observed one in Headland last year. “If the desire of the board turns out to be to close Councill, I think the right thing to do is to value the opinion that those children are at a difficult age (and go with an academy),” Windle said. “If it were to happen, that seems the best way to address the concerns about security and safety.” As far as the need for a camera system in the high school, Windle said such a system would be installed for the coming academic year with or without Councill’s closure.
“That is the number one item on our capital improvement plan for the coming year,” he said. Later, Windle showed an itemization of savings the board would realize through the closing of Councill, totaling approximately $133,000 per year in recurring expenses, such as utilities. According to the school system’s chief financial officer, Phil Blasingame, there was also an average of more than $18,000 each year over the last three years spent on one-time emergency expenses, such as replacement or repair of air conditioning units, freezers, etc. In addition, with the planned installation of technology infrastructure throughout the Tallapoosa County schools in the coming year, $38,000 would be spent on that installation at Councill. Emily Bullard, a parent, then asked the board if closing Councill was a done deal, evoking passionate responses from board members Michael Carter, Randy Anderson and Matilda Woodyard-Hamilton. “Is there anybody (on the board) that wants to keep (Councill) open, that has actually looked for some reason to keep it open?” Bullard asked. “Because y’all have got all this stuff planned out, it doesn’t matter what we say or what we do. Does anybody (on the board) actually want to keep
the school open?” “We’re not in the business of closing anything,” Carter said. “We don’t want to close anything. We would love to open a big, grand university-type campus for all the schools. But when you have a budget, you have so much money. Whether it’s wasted from past administrations or current administrations or whatever, you have to work within whatever parameters you have set for you. “They’re not ones that are just dreamed up. We have them and the public can look at them anytime. … I’m a businessman. I think there’s fat on any budget, but I have the luxury of being able to cut stuff without asking anybody or worrying about rules. We can’t. Our hands are tied. My kids graduated from Dadeville and I graduated from Dadeville. I don’t want to do anything to hurt this school system.” The Tallapoosa County School system must set aside one month’s operating expenses in reserve prior to the expiration of the additional 1 cent sales tax the Tallapoosa County Commission approved by a 3-2 vote last May.
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MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213
editor@alexcityoutlook.com
EDITORIAL BOARD Kenneth Boone Mitch Sneed
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Page 4
Our
Opinion
Shock over drive-by shooting understandable
W
hen the Outlook first broke news of what appears to be a random, fatal driveby shooting Wednesday, the entire community was shocked. “Things like that just don’t happen here,” one poster on social media wrote. Shock doesn’t even begin to describe the horror of this attack. Imagine having a day off and thinking that you will finally be able to get caught up on some yard work on what was a beautiful Wednesday morning. You get the mower started, take out the Weedeater and get busy. The only care in the world should be if you had enough gas in the mower or that you had something cold to drink when you were done. But while you are looking down watching for rocks and limbs, you are killed in cold blood for reasons that no one seems to know at this point. By all accounts, Clyde Wilson was a standup guy. Owned his own big rig and was a truck driver. Those who knew him can’t say enough good things about the man who was killed. “I’ve talked to Clyde at least once a week for the past three years,” said Thomas Bardwell, a fellow trucker who knew him well. “He was a great guy and did not deserve this. I hope they catch whoever did this before they can do it again.” Catching the person responsible is the No. 1 priority right now. Until then, there are just so many questions, a devastated family and a community suddenly a little more worried than they have ever been before. What kind of person wakes up one day and thinks that they will go by a man’s home, stop their truck and gun him down? I wish there was an answer that we could provide, but we are at a loss. We thank the people who witnessed the act and stepped up to help police and those who came to Wilson’s aid. People who do these kinds of things will talk and someone out there knows something. Let’s all do our part and help the police find this person and bring them to justice.
“I
Outlook The
Thursday, April 21, 2016
Taking a break from the norm
just don’t care nothing about online banking. They can kiss my foot!” said a very agitated Husky Kirkwood. “I’ll just put my money a tin can.” I had lunch Friday in Chambers County at The Boxcar in the bustling community of Sturkie. The fried catfish and hushpuppies were really good, but the conversation was even better. Husky, a 93 year old WWII veteran and local legend is a hoot. Throw in another WWII veteran, and legend in his own right, 90 year old Earl Sumners, 62 year old David Littleton, and myself, and we had a good time. I don’t eat out much anymore. In fact, I just don’t get out amongst people a whole lot these days unless I have to be for a show. I’m just in a weird place right now where I like to be alone or with my dog and cat. The Boxcar seemed like a safe place, though. It was nice to take a break from what has become my new norm. I keep busy. I’m writing my book. For years, people asked me when I was going to write it, so I finally started on it in January. I didn’t realize how much Forrest Gump and I had in common until then. The biggest difference is that he went to the University of Alabama, while I went
JODY FULLER Guest Columnist
to Auburn University… at Montgomery. He liked to run, too. I’m not running unless I’m getting chased by a pack of wolves. Even then, I might just lay down. Why be tired and get eaten up? My garden is coming along quite well, too. I have a few things already planted, and my seedlings are getting bigger each day and are just about ready to be planted. This is my first garden, so I’m very excited. I cook most nights and can’t wait to see the herbs, fruits and vegetables that came from my very own garden on my kitchen table, although I don’t have a kitchen table. If the rabbits try to infringe upon my progress, I’ll be enjoying fried rabbit and hushpuppies this summer instead. Much of each day is spent behind my computer, so I try to go for a drive out in the country when I can. Abby stays at home. If you’ve ever taken your cat for a drive, then you most likely know why she stays at home. Ruby, on the other hand, loves to ride. Being out there on the backroads is therapeutic for me. Well, it
is until some jerk comes flying up behind me and gets on my tail. That’s when I wish I had magical powers. After lunch, we went back out to Husky’s house. His family calls it Roamer’s Roost. I’d been out there many times but had only been on the tour once. Neither Earl nor David had been on the tour. We saw everything from a fishing pond to farming equipment to a fire engine to a ’57 Ford Fairlane. His place is basically an open air version of the Museum of East Alabama. We were quite the crew, though. I have trouble talking. Earl has trouble seeing. David has trouble hearing, and Husky has trouble walking. So we could speak no evil, hear no evil, or see no evil. We just had a good time. We didn’t walk, either. We rode in one of Husky’s all-terrain vehicles. It was nice just riding around out there on that land in the open air with three solid gentlemen without having to worry about my laptop or magical powers. Jody Fuller is a comic, speaker, writer and soldier with three tours of duty in Iraq. He is also a lifetime stutterer. He can be reached at jody@jodyfuller.com. For more information, please visit www.jodyfuller.com.
John McKelvey represents District 3, which includes Jackson’s Gap, Hackneyville, New Site and Daviston. His phone number is 256-825-8403. His address is 1285 Freeman Road, New Site.
John McKelvey
Emma Jean Thweatt represents District 4, which includes Dadeville, Pace’s Point, northern Camp Hill, Buttston, Emma Jean Dudleyville and part Thweatt of Eagle Creek. Her daytime phone number is 825-6914 and her evening phone number is 825-4207. Her address is 585 Brookwood Circle, Dadeville.
George Carleton Jr. represents District 5, which includes southern Camp Hill, Red Ridge, Walnut Hill, Union
George Carleton Jr.
“Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.” – Peter Drucker
Today’s
Scripture “To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” – Philippians 4:20
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Daily Poll Wednesday Question: Do you buckle your seatbelt every time you operate your vehicle?
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Thursday Question: Did you ever think you would see a drive by shooting death in Alexander City? 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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Involved
Steve Robinson represents District 2, which includes the southern part of Alexander City, the Cedar Creek area, Steve Robinson Ourtown and Willow Point. His phone number is 256-654-0047. His address is 1225 Warren Circle, Alexander City.
Quote
Our
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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 T.C. Coley Chapel Road, the Northside community and portion of Spring Hill community. His phone number is 212-9316. His address is 2316 North Central Avenue, Kellyton.
Today’s
What’s your
Reining in the Internal Revenue Service
O
n the heels of Tax Day 2016, the House of Representatives brought several bills to the Floor this week dealing with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). With such a complicated tax code, most folks across East Alabama dread midApril. The IRS hasn’t helped its credibility in recent years by choosing to target citizens based on their political beliefs while wasting money on conventions and bonuses. This week’s legislation represents just a few of the common-sense improvements we can make to the IRS. H.R. 4903 permanently bars the IRS from using any of its budget to target U.S. citizens for exercising their constitutional rights. It is very revealing about the motives of the Obama Administration that Congress would have to pass such a bill. The IRS Oversight While Eliminating Spending (OWES) Act, H.R. 4885,
MIKE ROGERS U.S. Representative
eliminates fee driven slush funds in the IRS’ budget and makes them subject to Congressional oversight. This change will stop the IRS from using fees on taxpayers to avoid restrictions on their budget. To deal with rogue employees of the IRS were two bills including H.R. 1206, the No Hires for the Delinquent IRS Act and H.R. 3724, the Ensuring Integrity in the IRS Workforce Act. The first piece of legislation prohibits the IRS from hiring new employees until the Treasury Department certifies that no IRS worker has serious tax delinquencies. The second bill prohibits the IRS from rehiring former employees who had been
terminated from the IRS for misconduct. The IRS should hold its workers to the same standards it expects from taxpayers. Anyone who has had the misfortune of having to contact the IRS knows firsthand that customer service is not their forte. H.R. 4890, the Ban IRS Bonuses Until Customer Service Strategy is Developed Act, does just what the title says. The bill prohibits bonuses be paid to any IRS employees until the agency develops a comprehensive customer service strategy. I supported all of these bills because Americans deserve better than the bloated bureaucracy the IRS has become and I will continue to support legislation that forces the agency to do a better job. I want to hear from you on this or any issue. Rep. Mike Rogers is a Republican who represents the Third Congressional District of Alabama.
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WAREHOUSEMAN/DELIVERY PERSON Accepting applications for warehouseman/delivery person position at Dadeville Russell Building Supply. Full-time position with benefits. Must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving history. Applications accepted Monday - Friday. YOU MAY APPLY IN PERSON AT:
Russell Building Supply, 350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL Online applications can be submitted at: www.russelllands.ninjagig.com Serious Inquiries Only • EOE
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Thursday, April 21, 2016
The Outlook
CommunityCalendar Need Insurance? Call me.
Today is April 21, 2016 Today’s Events
WINE TASTING: Emporium Wine is hosting a wine tasting April 21 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Bridget Green from United-Johnson brothers will share summer whites. SENIOR ADULT REVIVAL: Wayside Baptist Church is hosting the Second Annual Senior Adult Revival April 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is sponsored by the Tallapoosa Baptist Association. Preaching will be Dale Huff with a complimentary lunch. There will be
an afternoon of singing. Please call 256-825-4441 if you plan to attend. BOOK SIGNING: The Adelia M. Russell Memorial Library is hosting a book signing and poetry reading for author Runas C. Powers III and his book, “Verses of Pain and Love� April 21 at 2 p.m. CHILD DEVELOPMENT SCREENINGS: Alexander City Schools is hosting child development screenings at the Sportplex Gym Thursday, April 21 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. for children between the ages of 4 months and 5 years. Children will get to experience interactive stations while you observe and complete a questionnaire. You can pre-register by calling 256-329-2700
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Participate in your Outlook by calling 256-234-4281, faxing them to 256-234-6550, sending your event to calendar@alexcityoutlook.com or logging on to http://www.alexcityoutlook.com/. or you can register the day of the event. Dinner will be provided to those families who participate and there will be exhibitors of local services on site. There will be chances to learn about local daycares and register for Pre-K.
Today’s Anniversaries
Ronnie and Amanda Fuller and Mary and Louis Buzbee are celebrating anniversaries today.
Today’s Birthdays
Rachel Flournoy, A’ndre Leonard, Will Bowen and Jackson Clark are celebrating birthdays today.
256.234.3481
Dr. Douglas Stewart
American Board of Podiatric Surgery CertiÂżed
2334 Washington Street Alexander City • 256-329-9061 www.crownemanagement.com
Diabetic Shoes Hospital Surgeries Total Nail Care Hammertoes, Bunions, Corns and Calluses Sports Injuries
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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 at, 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.
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
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 256-7942815.
April 23-24
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
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 25
MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION MEETING: The next meeting of The Alexander City Area Ministerial Association will be Monday, April 25 at 6:30 p.m. at Mount Calvary Baptist Church. Plans for the National Day of Prayer and for the BRHS baccalaureate service will be considered. Decisions will be made about revi-
sions to the constitution. There will be a time for sharing news and concerns and for intercessory prayer. All Christian ministers are invited. For additional information, contact Bill Middlebrooks, secretary at 256-2343371.
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Harold Cochran 256.234.2700
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 334-618-4616. 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 256-329-3600.
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.
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Thursday, April 21, 2016
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THE POSTSEASON ARRIVES Benjamin Russell ready for playoff opener at Northview By ROBERT HUDSON Sports Editor
Robert Hudson / Outlook File Photo
Benjamin Russell’s Connor Brooks delivers a pitch during a game this season at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex. BRHS will travel to Dothan to face Northview in round one of the Class 6A State Playoffs.
Benjamin Russell is getting ready for what it hopes is a deep run into the postseason. The Wildcats (21-8) will travel to Northview (Dothan) (29-8) for a doubleheader starting at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, with game three scheduled for noon on Saturday, if necessary. Richy Brooks, head coach of Benjamin Russell, said the Wildcats are playing well at this point in the season, as they are currently on a nine-game win streak. “I’m pleased with the way we’re playing. We’ve played well lately, and since the Lake Martin Classic, we’ve done what we’ve set out to do, which is get hot and play well,” Brooks said. “Hopefully, we’ll go down there Friday and play our best baseball because that’s what you have to do this time of year.” With the postseason, Brooks said the most important factors in moving on will be executing on offense, pitching and playing good defense. “We’re going to need to run bases well and we’re going to have to execute,” Brooks said. “I think we’re going to be just fine if we execute. Our pitchers are going to have to get after them and throw strikes, we’re going to have to play well in the field defensively, and go from there. You’re probably not just going to blow someone out at this time in the playoffs, especially if it’s a decent team like we’re playing, but you have to take advantage of your opportunities when you get them.” But one message Brooks said the coaches have emphasized in particular is to not make mental errors. “We have to be fundamentally sound and do things well with the fundamentals. We’ve told them, don’t make mistakes that cause you to get beat because you didn’t pay attention. Don’t make mental mistakes,” Brooks said. “Physical mistakes are going to happen sometimes, but we just don’t want to make the ones that we can control.” And with at least two opportunities to prove themselves on the field, Brooks said he is looking forward to Friday’s matchups. “Several years ago it used to be that you only played one game. So coaches are happy (with the series). Baseball is a series sport,” Brooks said. “I’m happy with playing twoout-of-three. We talked with the guys yesterday about how it’s a three-game series and not a one-game series. Win or lose that first game, there’s another game to play no matter what. So, mentally, you better be ready to play at least twice.”
Generals drop Wadley, prepare for playoffs By ROBERT HUDSON Sports Editor
NEW SITE – The Horseshoe Bend Generals closed the regular season with a victory and now hope to take that winning momentum into the postseason. The Generals (10-16) defeated the rival Wadley Bulldogs 10-0 on Tuesday at home in their regular-season finale. Jason Johnson, head coach of Horseshoe Bend, said the Generals got their offense going midway through Tuesday’s victory. “We finally woke up about the third inning and started swinging the bats a little bit. We’ve got to get going before Friday because we’ve got two big playoff games,” Johnson said. “We haven’t been swinging it well the past couple of weeks, so we need to get that going and it’s something we’ll work on Wednesday and Thursday in practice.” Horseshoe Bend got on the board in the bottom of the first when Chandler Lewis scored on a double by Clayton Lewis to make it 1-0. The Generals added to their total in the bottom of the fourth, starting with a single by Cade Worthy that allowed Grant Taylor to score and make it 2-0. Griffin Jackson scored on a bases-loaded walk, and Bradley Mann tripled to left to bring in Caleb Yarbrough, Chandler Lewis and Worthy to make it a 6-0 game in the bottom of the fourth. Clayton Lewis hit a triple to left that scored Mann, and Taylor hit a deep ball that was dropped, allowing Clayton Lewis to score and put the game at 8-0 in the bottom of the fourth. Horseshoe Bend’s final two runs were scored in the bottom of the fifth, with Bailey scoring from first on a double to center by Worthy, and Worthy scoring on a grounder by Chandler Lewis. Mann got the start on the mound for Horseshoe Bend, striking out four batters
Robert Hudson / The Outlook
Horseshoe Bend’s Jace Rodriquez (11) makes contact with a pitch during Tuesday’s game against Wadley in New Site.
in two innings. Jace Rodriquez struck out three batters in one inning of relief pitching. “Defensively, we played really well and pitched real well. We wanted to get a few guys in on the mound to get a few innings in,” Johnson said. “The pitchers threw strikes and that’s all you can ask of them.” Horseshoe Bend will take the field again on the road at Holy Spirit Catholic (Tuscaloosa) in a Class 2A State Playoff opener on Friday with games starting at 4:30 p.m., and a third game on Saturday at 2 p.m., if necessary.
Johnson said the Generals must play sound defense in order to move forward in the postseason. “We’ve just got to shore up defensively. I’ve got to find nine guys who want to play defensively,” Johnson said. “We’ve been very streaky offensively, which you can live with if you’re still playing good defense, but we’ve struggled defensively for the most part this year. I’ve got to find nine guys in the field who can make those routine plays. Playoff-wise, that’s how you advance is by making outs when they give them to you. That’s our biggest focus right now.”
JOE MCADORY Sports Columnist
Talk of Auburn leaving SEC West is ridiculous
T
alk of Auburn football “bolting” from the SEC West is absurd. Rumors swirled last week that Auburn will engage in discussions with SEC brass about jumping from one division to another after veteran ESPN journalist Chris Low hypothetically asked Tigers’ coach Gus Malzahn about the possibility. It’s not like Malzahn brought it up and has been outwardly lobbying for the change, though playing Kentucky and Vanderbilt each season has its merit. Low asked, Malzahn answered that discussions “could” happen one day, and the world lost its mind. Fans love to assume things when they aren’t true. They also love to twist rumors into a smear campaign. Auburn, nor any other school, can jump from one division to another anytime soon. Why? The SEC schedules are etched in stone through the year 2025, meaning changes could only begin in 2026. For the mathematically challenged, that’s 10 years. A lot can happen in 10 years. For those who believe Auburn wants to bolt to the weaker SEC East, who’s to say that will be the case in 2026, when we’re all using iPhone 16s? There was a time not long ago when Florida and Tennessee were perennial heavyweights and serious threats for national championships. Those Steve Spurrier vs. Phil Fulmer shootouts were awesome. Georgia wasn’t bad, either. Should Tennessee and Florida return to super heavyweight status, would Auburn want to flee the West to face that scenario? There was a time not long ago (pre-Nick Saban) when Alabama was not a threat to win the national championship, nor the conference. LSU and Auburn often battled for the West championship, while the Mississippi schools and Arkansas were middle-of-the-pack, at best. Who’s to say Alabama will own the conference in 2026? Saban should be long gone by then, though hypothetical new coach Dabo Swinney should carry the torch. Who’s to say Ole Miss and Mississippi State will remain contenders? Another thing, why would Malzahn discuss conference alignment for the distant future? There is no telling where he, or any other coach, will be in 2026. If Malzahn is Auburn’s coach in 2026, then he will have remained in that capacity for 13 years – the longest-tenured coach on the Plains since Shug Jordan. These days, odds are not in any coach’s favor to stay anywhere for 13 or more years. Say the change does happen, and Auburn moves to the East and Missouri heads West. Does this mean Auburn is running from the Tide? Please. Auburn needs to play Alabama. Alabama needs to play Auburn. The Iron Bowl is too big for either school to walk away from. Should Auburn move East, it would obviously pick up Georgia – its non-division traditional rival – as an annual division foe. Alabama should be the easy choice for Auburn’s non-division traditional rival, and could play the Tigers twice in one season should both schools win division crowns. But where does this leave Alabama vs. Tennessee, and what about Missouri’s new non-division rival? Regarding the Third Saturday in October, that must be preserved – which could lead to further realignment and complications. As for Missouri’s non-division rival … I don’t care. Low opened the perfect can of speculative worms when he threw out the realignment question. Come to think of it, maybe the best move the conference can make is to not make a move at all. Joe McAdory is Communications Editor at Auburn University’s Raymond J. Harbert College of Business and is former Sports Editor at the Opelika-Auburn News.