OPINION: LET’S NOT HAVE UNOPPOSED SEATS IN LOCAL ELECTION
THE WANT TO GET INVOLVED? See Calendar, page 5..
TUESDAY
OPENING DAY More photos from Alexander City youth baseball, Softball Page 12.
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 April 5, 2016
Vol. 124, No. 68
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City to go after unpaid training funds STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
The Alexander City City Council approved a move that will help them recoup lost training expenses as well as a lease plan that will help the city drop a building that has been a money pit and allow a non-profit theater group to set up shop there. Training a candidate to become a firefighter or an emergency medical technician is a costly proposition, with the cost
running more than $15,000 per candidate, according to Alexander City Fire Department Chief Kem Jones. That’s why Jones asked the city council Monday night to authorize initiating a collection process for three former employees who got training and then left before completing their two-year contractual obligation. “It is expensive in terms of taxpayer funds, but it’s also a tremendous investment of time,” Jones said. “It’s not that
this is anything new, it’s state law. They know coming in that there is a two-year obligation. It’s not that we want anyone to be here who doesn’t want to be here, but when an employee leaves that you have invested that much time and money in, it’s a setback for the department, but for the citizens as well.” Under Alabama State Code, Section 36-21-7 the agency who funded the training can make demand for the reimbursement by the new employer for
training expenses, provided that training is of use in the new position. Under the law, the new employer can be made to be pay the “salary paid during training, transportation costs paid to trainee for travel to and from the training facility, room, board, tuition and overtime paid to other employees who fill in for the trainee during his or her absence.” In the case of the three employees
Meeting on Councill Elementary School reset
Drug bust leads to two arrests
By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
By MITCH SNEED Editor
Two people were arrested after a Friday search warrant found marijuana, meth and a firearm at an Alexander City residence. Acting off information and surveillance of narcotic activity from the residence, combined with intelligence gathered from a vehicle pursuit earlier in the week, the Tallapoosa County Narcotics Task Force executed a search warrant at a residence in the Alexander City area.
Haynes
Robert Hudson / The Outlook
LET’S PLAY BALL!
Alexander City’s youth baseball and softball teams open the new season
See ARREST • Page 3
Horsley
Trial for couple accused of sexual abuse begins in Alex City
More than 500 youth baseball and softball players, fans and parents gathered at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex on Saturday morning for the 2016 Opening Day Ceremony kicking off a new season. Players from as young as 3 years old to 16 will compete this year in Alexander City’s Youth Baseball/ Softball Leagues. For more pictures from Saturday’s festivities see page 12.
By MITCH SNEED Editor
The trials for a man and woman accused of multiple charges relating to the sexual abuse of a 5-year-old girl began Monday in circuit court in Alexander City. Antavis Dewayne Thornton Jr. of Valley and April Nichole Jones of Jacksons Gap are on trial for aggravated See TRIAL • Page 3
Today’s
Weather
HAVE A SAFE AND SOBER PROM NIGHT
72 45 High
See COUNCIL • Page 3
Low
The Tallapoosa County Board of Education will hold a community meeting on Wednesday, April 6, at 4 p.m. at the Board of Education offices, located at 679 E. Columbus St. in Dadeville, to discuss the possible closing of Dadeville’s Councill Middle School, Superintendent Joe Windle said Monday. The meeting was originally scheduled for Thursday, March 24, but was cancelled due to the potential of inclement weather. Windle said the delay may have been a good thing. “I think the delay may have actually been a good thing,” Windle said. “From the input that I’ve received through email and Facebook, the feelings (on whether to close the school) are about 50-50. I think that we’ll get some input and I think it will be good input that we ought to consider. I think the delay has probably helped to take some of the emotionalism out of it where we can get more constructive criticism.” Anyone interested in commenting on the closure is welcome to attend Wednesday’s meeting and, if they choose, publicly voice their opinion. Windle said his analysis of the effects of the closing still lacks the transportation analysis because See SCHOOL • Page 7
Alexander City Schools tax theft toll hits 52 By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
Lake Martin
Lake Levels
490.07 Reported on 4/04/16 @ 5 p.m.
Linda Shaffer, REALTOR® C: 256.794.4641 • W: 256.329.5253 shaffer@lakemartin.net 5295 Highway 280, Alexander City, AL
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Cliff WIlliams / The Outlook
Alexander City Police Officers David Sealey and Brian Ray install a sign on the lawn of Benjamin Russell High School to help promote safe habits for prom. The prom is this weekend. Today an Alabama State Trooper will make a presentation to students about the effects of impaired driving.
With the number of known victims of the Alexander City Scbools tax frauds now at 52, officials at two other Alabama school systems that use a common vendor for their financial computer platform began more closely assessing their situations on Monday. Both Dothan City Schools and Escambia County Schools, which, like Alexander City, use financial computer platforms provided by Innovak International Inc. of Spartanburg, S.C., were on spring break last week while
the number of incidents of tax-related identity theft grew steadily here. Chief financial officers for both the Dothan and Escambia County school systems said Monday they were checking to see what activity may have taken place with their employees during their spring break vacations. “I am actually in the process right now of calling our schools and contacting our prinicipals to see if they have had any employees who have had problems,” said Julie Madden, chief financial officer for Escambia County See TAX • Page 3
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Co-worker’s tempting offer could have disastrous results
Wednesday
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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
Postal
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.
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, Lake Martin Living, Kenneth Boone Photography and a commercial web printing press. © 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Reproduction of any part of any issue requires written publisher permission.
CLARIFICATION Christopher J. Harvey, 33, of Central Ave. in Alexander City was arrested for public intoxication on March 27 and not Christopher T. Harvey of Thomas Road.
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DEAR ABBY: Last week one of my associates asked me out for drinks. I have been working with him for the same length of time that I have been married. I know he’s interested because he has been texting me about unrelated work things and is always flirting. I am very much in love with my husband, but my co-worker is very tempting. I’m worried about hurting my husband, but at the same time I’m excited about what this new man can offer me. Did I mention that he’s the top lawyer of the firm? -- TEMPTED IN SOUTH CAROLINA DEAR TEMPTED: Let’s pretend for a moment that the situation was reversed and this letter came from the husband you “love very much.” How would you feel if he acted on his temptation? When people marry, they promise each other certain things, chief among them fidelity. That “Alpha Dog” may want to have a fling with you may be flatter-
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ing, but it isn’t necessarily a compliment. Take a step back and consider what could happen to your career at that firm and how you would feel if things don’t go the way you’d like. (Example: An attractive woman is hired and you are dropped like a hot potato.) I’m guessing that you are not the first woman this has happened to in that office. DEAR ABBY: My oldest daughter feels we should be available to watch or pick up our grandkids whenever she calls. I suffer from chronic pain and have good days and bad. I never know when I’ll have a bad day. My daughter asks me to
watch or have overnights with her children a month in advance. I don’t know how I will be doing then, but if I cancel because I’m not feeling well, she gets bent out of shape. We have had fights about this, and I need someone else’s advice. I raised my kids and I love my grandkids, but sometimes I don’t feel well enough to baby-sit or have an overnight. Are grandparents obligated to watch their grandkids whenever their parents need them? -- FEELING USED IN OREGON DEAR FEELING USED: If you’re feeling used, then you probably are. Your health concerns surely are no mystery to your daughter. Tell her you are glad to look after the grandchildren if you are up to it. But in case you aren’t, she should have an alternate ready to step in should the need arise, because it MAY. And don’t apologize for it.
ter is being married soon and we are getting ready to mail out the invitations. We have three couples who will not be married when the invitations are mailed, but will be by the wedding. Should we address their invitations using their single names or married names? -- CHARLOTTE IN AKRON, OHIO DEAR CHARLOTTE: Not all women these days change their names to their husband’s. Address the invitations using the names these couples are using now. At the wedding reception, the place cards can reflect any name changes that are necessary. 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.
DEAR ABBY: My daugh-
Obituaries Mrs. Hazel Greenhill Mrs. Hazel Greenhill, 77, of Jackson’s Gap Al. passed away on April 2, 2016 at her residence with her family by her side. A funeral Service will be held 2:00 p.m., Monday April 4 , 2016 at Jackson’s Gap Baptist Church with Rev. Charlie Horton officiating. A private family Internment following in Tallapoosa County Memory Gardens. The family will greet friends from 1:00 p.m. until the time of services at the
Mrs. Shirley Louise Coker 1936 - 2016 Funeral Service for Mrs. Shirley Louise Coker, 80, of Alexander City, will be Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the Radney Funeral Home. Rev. Clyde Coker and Rev. John Harold Denney will officiate. Burial will follow in the Hillview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Monday, April 4, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Mrs. Coker passed away on Saturday, April 2, 2016 at Adams Health and Rehabilitation. She was born on January 28, 1936 in Alexander
Mrs. Mahalia Walker Mrs. Mahalia Walker of Tallahassee, Florida formerly of Kellyton, Alabama died April 2, 2016 and funeral arrangements will be announced later by Wright’s Funeral Home.
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church on Monday. Mrs. Greenhill was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, daughter, and friend. She was a member of Jackson’s Gap Baptist Church and also enjoyed writing, loved flowers, and was a prayer warrior. Mrs. Greenhill is survived by her two sons Rodney (Kathy) McWhorter of Ashland, Al., and Larkin (Darlene) McWhorter of Hortense, Ga.; three daughters Aledra (Ricky) Downs of Alexander City, Al., Dana (Pete) Nelson of Chelsea, Al., and Anese (Ty) Harden of St. Simons Ga.; three
sisters Margaret Ray, Judy F. (Walter) Smith, and Brenda (Eddie) Collett; one brother James Leslie Hamlin; three grandsons, six granddaughters, and ten Great- grandchildren. Mrs. Greenhill is preceded in death by her husband Jack Greenhill; parents Oscar Lee Hamlin and Ervie Mae Hamlin Murphy; one sister Glady Stafford.
City, Alabama to Thomas Sanford Waller and Lonie O’Nellie Waller. She was an active member of the First Congregational Christian Church for many years and served as treasurer. She was an excellent cook and baked Christmas cakes for many around town. She enjoyed trips to Panama City Beach and was an avid reader. She extremely loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is survived by her daughters, Debra Camp (Danny) of Alexander City, and Donna Guy(Bobby) of New Site; son, Terry Lee Coker, Jr. of Alexander City, grandchildren, Evan Camp, Matthew Camp (Alisha), Dalton Guy (Kathryn), Lindsay Guy, Sapphire
Coker, Lillian Coker; great-grandchildren, Kathryn Camp, Rebecca Camp, William Camp, Elizabeth Simmons, and Kyler Guy; brother, Al Waller; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Denson Haynes Scroggins; Second Husband, Terry Lee Coker, Sr.; her parents; brothers, Thomas Waller and Wilford Waller; sisters, Ruby Collins, Pauline Guice, Cora Lee Fomby, and Nellie Gipson. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome. com.
Mr. Richard Skiff 1947 - 2016
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The Outlook
Funeral Service for Mr. Richard Skiff, 68, of Conyers, will be Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at the Radney Funeral Home. Rev. David Bailey will officiate. Burial will follow in the Kellyton Memorial Garden. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Mr. Skiff passed away on Friday, April 1, 2016. He was born on July 27, 1947 in Alton, Illinois to the late Harry L. Skiff and Dorothy J. Skiff. He was a champion tennis player and played in
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the European open while he was stationed in Spain in the U.S. Air Force. Mr. Skiff was a retired officer from the U.S. Air Force and an avid shooter with the United States Practical Shooting Association, Area 6 and 3 - Gun Nation. He was an avid reader, enjoyed traveling, especially to the beach. Mr. Skiff loved his grandchildren and going to their ballgames. He is survived by his wife, Lynda P. Skiff of Conyers, GA; son, Rod R. (Kimberly) Skiff of LaGrange, GA; stepdaughter, Kimberly B. (Ron) Romport; step-son, Walter W. (Nicole) Boyles; grandsons, Austin M. Skiff and Asher M. Skiff; step-
grandchildren, James Terry, David (Emily) Terry, Brittany Romport, and Taylor Romport; step greatgrandchild, Steven Terry; mother-in-law, Betty Payne; numerous sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews. The family will accept flowers or contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 3918 Montclair Road Ste. 218, Birmingham, AL 35213, or to one’s favorite charity. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome. com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
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Page 3
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The Outlook
Tax
continued from page 1
Schools. “I plan to talk to our software company as well, but, right now, it’s too early for me to tell if we’ve had the same problem (as Alexander City Schools). “We’ve had some employees who have had issues with their taxes, but right now I’m not sure that it’s the same type of problem that the other systems are having.” Madden indicated she should have a better idea of Escambia County’s situation on Tuesday. Mike Manuel, chief financial officer of Dothan City Schools, said early Monday morning that 30-40 employees of the Dothan system had been victims of tax scheme. Those victims include employees of at least 12 of the Dothan system’s 20 schools. He said Dothan City Schools had also been in touch with the Internal Revenue Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation regarding the incidents and had implemented some changes to their computer systems recommended by the Alabama Supercomputer Authority, which provides Internet access and other network services to all of the state’s public K-12 schools. Investigators with the IRS and the FBI are scheduled to be in Alexander City later this month to interview the victims, according to school officials. The IRS investigator will also consult with local police who are working on the case, according to Lt. James Easterwood, commander of the Detective Division in the Alexander City Police Department. Darrell Cooper, superintendent of Alexander City Schools, said the investigators are scheduled to arrive in Alex City on April 11. This week, the investigators will visit the Dothan and Escambia County School systems, according to Rhonda Blythe, the chief financial officer for Alexander City Schools. Easterwood said the involvement of the IRS investigator gives them the best chance to solve the case. “I’ve forwarded my report to him and he’s following up
remedy their situations. Between 2011 and February 2015, the IRS reported that it had blocked approximately $63 billion in fraudulent tax returns.
on the other end,” Easterwood said. “Our best chance of finding the offenders is through (the IRS) as far as if refunds are issued and who they are going to.” Here’s how police say at least one scheme works: Victims receive in the mail from the IRS a form-letter response to a request for tax transcripts. The “red flag” is that attached to the letter is a breakdown of a tax return or returns in the victim’s name that he or she did not file. According to Blythe, there is the opportunity to check a box requesting tax transcripts in certain electronic filing programs. Manuel said that some of the cases the Dothan Schools have uncovered have been employees whose returns were flagged by the IRS because they had been filed – fraudulently – earlier. The cluster of the tax cases came to light last week and the number of cases has grown from 33 to 52 since the Outlook’s first story on the fraudulent tax returns on Wednesday. In addition to the IRS, FBI and Alexander City Police, Cooper said the school board has been in touch with the Alabama Supercomputer Authority, Innovak and the Alabama State Department of Education. The Alabama Supercomputer Authority has assured the school system that it was not hacked, school officials said. Blythe said she had been in touch with both the Alexander City Police Department, which encouraged the affected employees in Alexander City to file individual reports with the department, and with the FBI’s Cyber Crime division. She said all school system employees had been notified of the situation by email and provided information about what to do should they be affected as well as appropriate IRS publication numbers. Cooper said that the school system was working with the individuals affected by the fraudulent returns to allow them time off to take whatever actions were needed to help
Arrest
HILLABEE TOWERS
continued from page 1
Investigators were able to put together the other missing pieces of the puzzle. Methamphetamine and marijuana were seized during the drug bust, along with a firearm. As a result of the find, two people were arrested and taken into custody. Jessica Leah Haynes, 30, of Alexander City was arrested and charged with possession of controlled substance, possession of marijuana 1st degree, certain person forbidden
to possess a firearm and possession of drug paraphernalia. David Joe Horsley, 46, of Alexander City was arrested and charged with possession of controlled substance, possession of marijuana 1st degree, certain person forbidden to possess a firearm and possession of drug paraphernalia. Horsley also had outstanding warrants for failure to appear through Tallapoosa County District Court and failure to pay warrants through Jackson Gap Municipal Court.
Trial
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child abuse, two counts of first-degree sodomy, firstdegree rape and one count of sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12. Thornton and Jones were indicted in January of 2015 Thornton was arrested on Aug 20, 2015, and Jones was arrested on Jan 23, 2015 after an investigation by the New Site Police Department revealed her involvement in the alleged abuse.
Court records indicate that Thornton is represented by attorney David Thomas, while Jones is represented by Charles Gillenwaters. Judge Ray Marin is presiding over the trial. The trial began with jury selection Monday morning and is expected to take at least three days. Testimony is expected to resume this morning at 9 a.m.
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that the city is seeking reimbursement for, the city has already sent a bill to the city of Childersburg and now with the council’s 5-0 vote, they will turn the matter over the city attorney to seek collection of the funds. Jones estimated that in excess of $40,000 is owed the city under state law. The council also voted 5-0 to approve the declaration of the city’s property that was once the Bama Theater no longer needed for public or municipal use. They also approved the building at 264 Tallapoosa St. to be leased to ACT II for $1 per year, with the community theater group responsible for all utilities, upkeep, maintenance and renovations. The community theater organization is hoping that a facility in downtown Alexander City, using allvolunteer efforts of participants from throughout the community, would provide year-round entertainment that would serve also to draw customers to local restaurants and retail businesses. In other action, the
council: • Approved an ordinance rezoning certain property on Smith Drive from high density residential to residential allowing a mobile home for one parcel located there. • Tabled a resolution declaring gymnastics equipment that was once used for a city program as no longer needed and authorizing the mayor to dispose of using governmentdeals. com. The equipment consists of spring flooring, five balance beams, two sets of uneven bars, three pommel horses, one spring board, one mini trampoline, one tumble track, 12 floor mats and other miscellaneous equipment and office supplies.
• Approved a resolution authorizing the purchasing agent to purchase a diesel pump for use at city shop and amending the 2015/2016 Operating Budget. The bid was awarded to Estes Equipment Company for an amount not to exceed $6,289. • Approved a request from the Alexander City After the Bell Program to help fund a trip to New Orleans for a national competition. The council approved the donation of $1,000 for the trip. Anyone interested in donating can email jenningsstep@aol. com. • A proclamation honoring Daniel Bland and Justavious Robinson, two
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EDITORIAL BOARD Kenneth Boone Mitch Sneed
Outlook Chalk up another example of collegiate wimpiness The
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Page 4
Our
Opinion
Let’s not have unopposed seats in Alexander City
T
his year there are seven seats up for grabs in Alexander City. Elections are scheduled for the mayor’s position as well as all six council seats. Are you interested in what is happening in our city? Do you think you are the kind of person who could do a good job in representing the people in your area? Then why not look at ways you can serve and run for one of these positions. Already this spring we saw several seats like school superintendent in Tallapoosa County and some of the spots on the Tallapoosa County Board of Education be decided because candidates ran unopposed. As we have said in the past, we do not believe democracy is best served by unopposed candidates. We believe challengers force incumbents to justify their term in office and outline their plans for the next term. It also provides voters with an alternative vision and ideas. This editorial is not being published as an indictment of the performance of local politicians. We’d just like to see healthy competition where issues are discussed and the community comes to an informed decision. The good thing here in Alexander City is that there is still plenty of time to decide if running for office is for you. Qualifying in Alexander City begins July 5 at 8 a.m. and will run through July 19 at 5 p.m. Those are the important dates leading up to the Aug. 23 municipal election day. Potential candidates must be a resident of the city for at least 90 days and a registered voter. Candidates for a council position must live in the district where they are seeking the council seat. That means that a candidate would have to live in the district no later than May 25 to be eligible to seek a council seat in that district. Candidates for mayor must submit a $50 qualification fee when they register as a candidate. The qualifying fee for those running for council spots is $25. We encourage civic-minded people who have a servant’s heart to at least give public office a thought. Our country was founded by people who dared to get involved and take a chance.
A
n Emory University degree just went down in value –
again. I’ve never been a fan of any Emory undergrad I’ve met. Emory is an expensive, whiny Northern rich kid’s college. Around its hometown of Atlanta, its graduates are called “Em-roids” because of their entitled attitude, and they just proved why. Emory students and their school president are all in a prissy tizzy because there might be one or more Trump supporters on campus. When someone with chalk wrote “Trump 2016” around campus, the school was all but locked down. Students cried and said they felt “unsafe.” They chanted protests to the president: “You are not listening! Come speak to us; we are in pain.” The president immediately had the admissions office investigate how it was that a Republican was admitted to Emory. Responding to their Em-roid rage, he then sent out a letter expressing that he felt their pain. These princesses were offered grief counseling for the worst trauma of their lives: seeing Trump’s name. The students then went into the campus quad and played hacky sack (with helmets, for safety) because it just felt right. I never trust a college that doesn’t have a football team. Emory President and PC hero, Jim Wagner, is the guy who presided over the intentional lying for 10 years on SAT scores to U.S. News and World Report. Emory reported higher SAT scores admitted and omitted the bottom 10 percent of students’ scores in order to look better on the poll. A friend’s daughter has a liberal arts degree from
RON HART Guest Columnist
Emory, which means she is a receptionist at her dad’s friend’s law firm. The First Amendment has died a slow death on college campuses, strangled over time by their leftwing bureaucracies. If our founders were around life today, they (after visiting the Times Square theater district to catch the musical “Hamilton”) would be appalled at this Emory thing. Campuses were supposed to be places where ideas are debated. Today, they are where opposition speech is labeled “hate” and shut down. Many college campuses cannot stand the idea of free speech unless it is speech they agree with; if they do not like what is said, they seek to silence the speaker. The whole idea of free speech is that people are allowed to say things you do not agree with. This is not the best way to get Donald Trump. If your goal is to stop the man who is winning by saying we are too politically correct and that we have lost sight of the Constitution and are soft, the best way might not be to cry like you have been beaten by the Gestapo when you see “Trump 2016” scrawled around your campus. Kids, you just made his point. These kids are so dumb, they are lucky they are in Georgia and not Texas. In Georgia, someone whose IQ is below 80 cannot be executed. This weak millennial generation grew up receiving participation trophies
and expects us to applaud and positively reinforce what little they do. Jugglers, street mimes and community theater actors need applause – real leaders don’t. I cannot imagine Gens. Patton or Eisenhower putting up with this. I just hope this generation does not have to go to war. We know the Left on college campuses loves Bernie Sanders and hates Trump. At a recent campus rally, a woman took her top off, saying “Vote for Bernie Sanders.” She also made a nasty anti-Trump gesture. Sanders has won the love of narcissistic millennials who are not good at economics. (which means all millennials?). To them, Sanders is a rock star. What is amazing is that he is the first person revered by this generation without posting a single nude selfie on social media. And why do millennials always want to take selfies or video everything they do, even sex? I’m just the opposite. When I am done with sex, I think to myself, “Well, at least no one had to see that.” The Emory kerfuffle came during the same week as the bad optics of President Obama doing the tango in Argentina while ISIS bombed civilians in Belgium and Iraq. We may look weak and feckless as a world power these days, but we are still the world’s undisputed superpower when it comes to televised dance contests. Ron Hart, a libertarian op-ed humorist and award-winning author, is a frequent guest on CNN. He can be contacted at Ron@ RonaldHart.com or @ RonaldHart on Twitter.
“But joyfoul are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God.” – Psalm 146:5
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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.
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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.
Mark Tuggle
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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.
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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.
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Letters to the Editor
There’s no place I’d rather be than Alexander City
Dear Editor, During the course of the weekend I was asked by a friend why would I choose to live and work in Alex City. I quickly explained that outside of my parents and family I’ve had no greater influence than my hometown. While other opportunities might have been available I wanted to be part of the movement that brought Alex City back to the state we’re accustomed to. There’s no reason for it not to be. A major U.S. roadway, top 100 hospital, an outstanding school system, top notch community college, multisport complex, and last but not least a little piece of
water called Lake Martin. There are communities double our size that would love to have just half of what Alex City provides. Since moving back in 2013, I’ve seen an influx of younger professionals making the decision to come back home. All could easily be somewhere else but have chosen to live here not because they have to but because they want to. Instead of continually using the loss of Russell Corporation as a crutch or excuse it’s time to utilize the abundance of viable resources available to ensure that those that want to call Alex City home have their decision validated.
We’re so close to breaking through and achieving significant progress as a community but it’s going to take us all working together to do so. Whether it be political or personal agendas we must put those aside for the betterment of the city. I’ll tell anyone there’s nothing I love more than Alexander City and I’m proud to say that I’m from here. So why would I choose to live and work in Alex City? Simple. There’s no other place I’d rather be. Scott Hardy Alexander City
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Tuesday, April 5, 2016
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Daniel Bland, left and Tae Robinson, right are congratulated by Mayor Charles Shaw, center, after he read a proclamation honoring the two Benjamin Russell wrestlers for winning Alabama State wrestling championships during the recently completed season. scripts at Adelia M. Russell Library, will be speaking at Wind Creek State April 6
MONTHLY LUNCHEON: The Bibb Graves School is hosting its monthly luncheon April 6 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring a covered dish. COMMUNITY MEETING: The Tallapoosa County Board of Education will host a community meeting to discuss the closing of Councill Middle School April 6, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the board room of the Board of Education.
April 7
256.234.3481 KarenChannell.com
AUDITIONS: Alexander City Theatre II will hold auditions for parts in Joseph Kesselring’s classic dark comedy, Arsenic and Old Lace, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Lake Martin Area United Way building at 21 Main St., Alexander City. Parts for 14 roles - 11 men - some are small parts. Review scripts at Adelia M. Russell Library, Dadeville Public Library and Central Alabama Community College media center. Backstage, makeup, costume, set work help also needed. Email actheatreii@gmail.com.
April 8
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
SEE ME FOR INSURANCE
DINNER THEATER: Enjoy an evening of good food and great entertainment from the students of Adullam House Christian Academy. Students from grades K-12 will compete for the title of “Most Talented� with dance, songs, drama and more. All proceeds go to Adullam House Christian Academy. Talent show starts at 6 p.m. in the AHCA gym. Advance tickets $6.50 or $10 at the door. Kids under 3 free. To purchase tickets contact Rachel Harborth or Ranee Aspy at 334-478-3888. AUDITIONS: Alexander City Theatre II will hold auditions for parts in Joseph Kesselring’s classic dark comedy, Arsenic and Old Lace, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Lake Martin Area United Way building at 21 Main St., Alexander City. Parts for 14 roles - 11 men - some are small parts. Review scripts at Adelia M. Russell Library, Dadeville Public Library and Central Alabama Community College media center. Backstage, makeup, costume, set work help also needed. Email actheatreii@gmail.com.
April 9
Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com
The FANS HEAR You!
APPRECIATION: A celebration and appreciation for Dwight Staple former musician for Centerview Baptist Church April 9 at 6 p.m. at the Label Love Ministry in Jackson Gap. Everyone is invited. GOSPEL SINGING: Weogufka Center is hosting The Diplomats Quartet will sing at 7 p.m. and concessions at 5 p.m. Admission is $12. BENEFIT SINGING: Pentecost United Methodist Church in Camp Hill is hosting a benefit signing with the Jordan River Band and the Treadwell’s April 9 at 6 p.m. Hotdog plates including drink and desert will be sold for $5 starting at 4 p.m. Everyone is welcome. HUMMINGBIRD TALK: Fred Bassett, a certified master bird bander
Park at the Campground Pavilion Saturday, April 9 at 2 p.m. Bassett has banded more than 35,000 hummingbirds in more than 1,000 locations. AUDITIONS: Alexander City Theatre II will hold auditions for parts in Joseph Kesselring’s classic dark comedy, Arsenic and Old Lace, from 2. p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lake Martin Area United Way building at 21 Main St., Alexander City. Parts for 14 roles - 11 men - some are small parts. Review scripts at Adelia M. Russell Library, Dadeville Public Library and Central Alabama Community College media center. Backstage, makeup, costume, set work help also needed. Email actheatreii@gmail.com. SUBMERGED: 2016 VBS “Submerged� Backyard Kids Club Training has been rescheduled for April 9, 2016 at 9 am at the Tallapoosa Baptist Association in Jackson’s Gap. You are invited to come and be “Submerged� in God’s Word, and discover that Jesus sees. Jesus knows. Jesus saves. For more information, please contact TBA office at 256-825-4441 or 205-410-1950. BOOK SALE: The Friends of the Dadeville Public Library are hosting a Book Sale on April 9 from 8 a.m - 1 p.m. in the lower level of the library. Hardback books are $1.00, Paperback books are $0.50, and a bag of books is $5.00. Baked good will also be available. YARD SALE: Alex City Parks & Rec and the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department are holding a Community Wide Yard Sale Apri 9 from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sportplex gym. Everyone welcome. Table rentals are $10 per table with those proceeds to be donated to Relay for Life of Tallapoosa County. For more information call (256) 329-6736 ext. 27
April 10
GOSPEL SINGING: Calvary Heights Baptist Church in Alexander City is hosting a gospel singing April 10 at 5 p.m. The Diplomats Quartet will be performing and a love offering will be taken. GOSPEL SIGNING: River Road Baptist Church is hosting The Diplomats Quartet April 10 at 10 a.m. A love offering will be taken. PRETEEN SERVICE: AC Fusion Preteen Workshop Service April 10 5 p.m. at First Baptist FLC. This is a gathering of 3rd-6th graders in Alex City for the purpose of worshipping God through song and the teaching of the Word. Sixth St. Baptist, First United Methodist, and Alex City Methodist are teaming up and inviting all area churches and kids for this second Fusion service. The doors open at 4:30 p.m. AUDITIONS: Alexander City Theatre II will hold auditions for parts in Joseph Kesselring’s classic dark comedy, Arsenic and Old Lace, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lake Martin Area United Way building at 21 Main St., Alexander City. Parts for 14 roles - 11 men - some are small parts. Review
Dadeville Public Library and Central Alabama Community College media center. Backstage, makeup, costume, set work help also needed. Email actheatreii@gmail.com. BENEFIT PROGRAM: Gracefulness Baptist Church of Camp Hill is hosting a benefit program for Howard Pearson Sunday, April 10 at 3 p.m. The Star Wonders will be singing. EVANGELIST SPEAKING: Passion Church will host evangelist Danny Johnston Sunday, April 10 at 6 p.m.
April 14
SWIM TEAM REGISTRATION: The Alex City Torpedoes swim team is holding registration now until April 14. The cost is $25 per child. You may register at the Sportplex gym between the hours of 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The child must be able to swim across the pool unassisted. For more information call (256) 329-6736 ext. 27 PATH FINDERS: The next meeting of PATH FINDERS will be on Thursday, December 10, at noon in the United Way conference room, Main Street, downtown Alexander City. Please join us and help us make strides in 2016 to improve the lives of individuals dealing with dementia in the Lake Martin area.
Call 256-234-4281 or stop by our ofĂšce at 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL
FOOT Specialties
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April 15
RELAY IDOL: Emporium Wine is hosting Relay Idol April 15 at 6 p.m. It can be song or dance, individuals or groups of any age. Six winners will be chosen to advance to the finals on May 6. Costs $20 for an individual and $30 for a group. Fans get in for $2. For more information, contact Janet Austin at 256-392-0963 or Melinda Gilbert at 256-750-1370. LYMAN WARD FUNDRAISER: StillWater’s Neighborhood Council and Stillwaters Golf Club/Copper’s Grill are hosting a fundraiser for the LWMA Golf Team April 15 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. 10 percent of your meal will be donated to help the team. Come out and enjoy a great meal and support a worthy cause.
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892
By e-mailing your event to calendar@alexcityoutlook.com or call 256-234-4281. _____ Send your news items to editor@alexcityoutlook.com
April 16
THREE ON A STRING: The Dadeville First United Methodist Church presents Three on a String, Saturday, April 16 at White Acres in Camp Hill. Dinner of beef filet or chicken will start at 6 p.m. and Three on a Sting will play immediately after. Tickets are $50 per person and $100 a couple. For tickets call 256-825-7408 or 256-825-3985 and all proceeds will go towards local missions and support organizations such as Camp ASCCA and the Girls Ranch. CAR SHOW: The 15th annual Klassic Kruisers Fund Raiser Car Show will be April 16 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. across from the New Site City Hall. There will be multiple giveaways, vendors, swap meet 50s music and door prizes. Proceeds go to local fire departments and needy families. For more information contact Susan
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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
Express Blowout • Highlight Ombre • Gloss • Color Make-Up • Keratin Adult & Children Hair Cuts Bridal & Bachelorette Packages 792 Commerce Drive Suite 103 Alexander City, AL
256.234.2007 256.749.8804
Page 6
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Tuesday, April 5, 2016
The Outlook
Let’s Do Some Gardening!
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Tuesday, April 5, 2016
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The Outlook
Registration dates and times set for Jim Pearson STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Jim Pearson has scheduled dates and times for registration for new students. Kindergarten registration will be held: • Monday, April 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 4 to 6 p.m. • Thursday, April 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Friday, April 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Parent or legal guardian must register students. The following items are requested: 1. Parent/guardian picture ID 2. Student Social Security ard/ Number 3. Student birth certificate
4. Blue immunization record (Registration will not be complete until a current Blue immunization record is on file in the office. If your child is not old enough for immunizations at the time of registration, please complete all of the other requirements and bring the immunization record in when immunizations are up to date.) 5. Proof of Residency – Any one of the following will be sufficient. All documentation needs to be current. • Utility bill • Cable bill • Lease or rental agreement First and second grade registration at Jim Pearson will be held: • Monday, April 25 from 9 a.m.
School nothing was done last week during Tallapoosa County Schools’ spring break, but the analysis is very nearly complete. Windle said when he met with the teachers and staff at Councill in late February, their chief concern was whether or not they would continue to have a job with the school system. “I told them that the answer to that question was yes,” Windle said. “I assured them that this was not a staff reduction.” Councill Middle School is located at 254 Leach St. in Dadeville. The school, originally built in 1954, was named after Dr. William Hooper Councill, a former slave and a contemporary of Booker T. Washington when Washington was president of Tuskegee and Councill was the first president of Huntsville Normal School, now Alabama A&M University Councill School serves grades 6 through 8. It was closed in 1970 and, between then and 1980, served many purposes, including housing a sewing plant. The main building reopened in 1980 as the kindergarten annex for Dadeville Elementary. In the summer of 2005, the facility was remodeled to serve as a middle school. Windle said the main reason for potentially closing Councill was the loss of students in the Dadeville area. “That’s the primary reason we’re looking at it,” Windle said. “There’s been a rumor out there that we were going to close Councill for some time, but, as I told the faculty and staff over there when I met with them, I’d never really even considered it until now. … Eventually, you have to ask yourself if you can afford to keep a school open with just a little over 250 students. “We have most of the data pulled together. We’ve done a space analysis to see if we have enough space to make the move. We’ve completed the financial analysis to look at the savings we would realize.”
to 1 p.m. and from 4 to 6 p.m. • Tuesday, April 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Parent or legal guardian must register students. Parent/guardian will need to bring ID and complete paperwork at Jim Pearson. Proof of residency will only be required when students enter a new school (Jim Pearson – K, Stephens -3rd Grade, Radney – 5th Grade, ACMS – 7th Grade, and BRHS – 9th Grade). All other grades will be subject to random drawings done at the Alexander City Board of Education on a monthly basis. If a student’s name is drawn, parent/guardian will be required to provide proof of residency.
continued from page 1
Windle said the financial analysis considered recurring costs at the school (such as insurance and utilities), the costs of feeding the students and certain other costs like occasional replacement of air conditioning units and water lines. The cost of installation of wireless technology at Councill was also a consideration. “The feeding cost is significant,” Windle said. “With the labor and the cost of the food that you incur, it’s hard to be profitable feeding such a small number of children.” Windle said his analysis of the savings and other benefits of the move is almost complete. “All that’s left to do is a transportation analysis. I’m sure that will show us that there will be savings there as well. We’ve got 15 or 16 buses that have to make the drive out to Councill each day. It’s not far, but fuel adds up and there’s some idling time. I’m sure there will be savings, but we need to look and see how much. I just don’t know, but we’ll pull it all together.” Councill Middle School is home to 256 sixth-, seventh-, and eighthgraders. Windle said if the decision was made to close the school, the sixth-graders would be moved to the elementary school and the seventhand eighth-graders would be moved to the high school. “Another big benefit of this would be that, if we did close Councill and move these students, all of our students would be basically consolidated on one campus,” said Windle. “That would make it easier in the future, if we saw an increase in students, to add classrooms or build a new middle school in the same area.” Windle said that once the transportation analysis is completed and any input from the public that results from Wednesday’s meeting considered, he will make a recommendation on the future of Councill to the full Tallapoosa County Board of Education.
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ROBERT HUDSON SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228
sports@alexcityoutlook.com
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
www.alexcityoutlook.com
A NEW SEASON ON THE DIAMOND Alexander City youth baseball, softball open 2016 season
Robert Hudson / The Outlook
Above left, Brandon Hicks fouls off a pitch during Opening Day games at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex on Saturday. Above right, Landon Morris delivers a pitch on Opening Day. By ROBERT HUDSON Sports Editor
Baseball and softball season are officially underway for Alexander City’s little all-stars. Opening Day festivities for Alexander City’s youth baseball and softball teams were held on Saturday morning at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex. Parents and friends of more than 500 youth athletes gathered at the Sportplex as teams from ages 3 years old to 16 years old were introduced. Alexander Smith, president of the Alex City Youth Baseball-Softball Board, said the turnout for Saturday’s ceremony and games was tremendous and made for one of the largest Opening Days in recent memory. “It went well. We had a great turnout and it was larger than most. We had a lot of people,” Smith said with a laugh. “I think the weekend went great. We did have to battle the rain on Friday night, but we were able to get everybody’s games in on Friday night, which was a big accomplishment.” Games this season will be each weekday, except for Wednesdays. Smith said the Youth Baseball-Softball Board is thankful for the support received this Opening Day. “We want to really thank the community for coming out with such a large crowd to support the baseball and softball programs. It was awesome,” Smith said. “We also appreciate all of our sponsors and all of our field sponsors: Russell Do-It Center, First United Methodist Church, Daughtry Insurance and Admix Telcom.”
Robert Hudson / The Outlook
Ryan Ruffin of the Space Invaders flips the ball to third base during Opening Day games at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex on Saturday.
Cougars fall 3-0 in area opener against Panthers By ROBERT HUDSON Sports Editor
Robert Hudson / The Outlook
Central-Coosa’s Zach Dew makes contact during Saturday afternoon’s area game against Prattville Christian Academy.
ROCKFORD – The Central-Coosa Cougars had no answer for Prattville Christian pitcher Matthew Kicker, as they fell 3-0 on Saturday afternoon at home. Kicker threw 14 strikeouts in a complete game against the Cougars (6-9, 0-1 in Class 3A-Area 5) in Central’s area opener. Despite the shutout, the Cougars’ defense made the Panthers work for their runs, and Coosa Coach Dave Stover said if the offense can turn it around, his team can still capture the area title. “My guys, I thought they played well defensively – very good defensively. This team is going to get it done defensively, we’ve just got to get the sticks going,” Stover said. “We’ve got to get that offense going. Once we get that, we’ll get through this. Monday, we’ve just got to come like we did today ready to play. We’ve just got to wake up the bats. If we wake up the bats, we can beat anybody, that’s how I feel right now. But this was a good team we played, though.” PCA took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first and added to it in the top of the fourth when a grounder by Case Coker brought in Conor Cairo from third and made it 2-0. PCA’s final run came in the top of the fifth inning when Tyler Bell scored from third on a passed ball. Coosa’s Jonah Schmidt struck out two batters in five innings, while Cougars reliever Ethyn Whaley struck out one. Coosa’s Zach Dew had two hits, while Payton Natali had a single.
Page 11
I WANT to believe in Bo Scarborough
F
a n s love a back up. The LUKE next guy is ROBINSON A LWAY S Sports going to be Columnist better than the current guy (in fans’ minds). Despite being wrong time after time, people just love to praise the unseen player over the proven, starting commodity. Usually, though, second-stringers are myths based on specious reasoning. They are like UFOs, Yetis or cashed checks at the public golf course: no one can prove they exist. (Calm down.... Someone had to say it). My first memory of this phenomenon was with Alabama quarterback Jay Barker in the early 1990s. You’d hear Tide fans say, “Barker is good, but he will be fighting to keep his spot under center because Brian Burgdorf is the truth!”A more recent example was Jeremy Johnson’s being hyped as the guy who’d make Auburn fans forget Nick Marshall. Uhhhhh… no. Now, occasionally, the new player may outshine the old one. Incredibly, this has happened a lot in Alabama’s backfield. First it was Glen Coffee (who is still underrated), then Mark Ingram (the first Heisman winner for UA), next was Trent Richardson (the highest draft pick of the lot), then Eddie Lacy (the best pro) and finally last year Derrick Henry (who owns more trophies than Lila’s Engraving). Arguably each of those players listed was better than his predecessor. Surely that streak ends in 2016, right? There’s no way ‘Bama has a back in the same class as those cats…… Right????......RIGHT?!? Exit: Derrick Henry; Enter: Bo Scarborough. OK, I am not betting on Scarborough’s being a Heisman winner, finalist or even contender. Heck, he may not even be the starter if fellow sophomore Damien Harris has anything to say about it. There just isn’t enough evidence that Scarborough deserves that hype of a true award-winner yet. Yes, he pulverized several Michigan State defenders in mop up duty in the College Football Playoff, but so did everyone else for the Tide. However, the kid has been a practice legend for a while now. He then proceeded to rattle off more than 130 yards on only nine carries in Alabama’s scrimmage Saturday. One simply doesn’t run for that many yards on those few carries against the Tide without being uber-talented. Scarborough is also built like Tarzan’s personal trainer. He is an intimidating specimen to be sure. He could kick sand in Charles Atlas’ face. Arnold Schwarzenegger once tried to tackle Scarborough and reportedly exclaimed, “I am NOT going to be back!” Bo Scarborough broke up the Superman-Batman fight. All that having been said, Scarborough still has not played the role of starter since high school. There will be a lot of weight on those really, really, really, really broad shoulders. Is it crazy to mention Scarborough when discussing the Heisman race? Long answer “yes” with an “if;” short answer “no” with a “but.” YES, it is crazy IF you only look at his past stats. Scarborough was the FOURTH leading rusher for the Tide last year! He had 104 yards TOTAL in 2015. Derrick Henry would top that in a quarter sometimes. NO, it’s not crazy to consider him a potential trophy-hoister based on the production ‘Bama generally gets from its running backs these days. BUT, all of the players I mentioned earlier had more experience than Scarborough which should not be discounted. Scarborough has all of the ingredients of being great, but no one has seen him rise in the SEC oven yet. So while I am hopeful that Alabama will have a monster in the backfield this fall, I am still going to treat Scarborough like that famous blurry Bigfoot film: I am not sure I trust it yet. I am going to be all “X-Files” for now; I WANT to believe…. I just can’t buy in until I see it on game day. Robinson is a sports columnist for The Outlook and is president of the Lake Martin Area Bama Club.
Page 12
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Tuesday, April 5, 2016
The Outlook
A DAY AT THE BALLPARK Sights from Opening Day at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex
Robert Hudson / The Outlook
Johnny Nolen throws out the first pitch at Saturday’s Opening Day
Robert Hudson / The Outlook
Above left, Eric Young, left, recites the Lord’s Prayer during Opening Day festivities while Corley Holt of Alex City Parks and Recreation looks on. Above right, members of the Orioles youth baseball team march off the field at the conclusion of Saturday’s events.
Robert Hudson / The Outlook
Above left, Tristian Evans helps fix the Opening Day sign on a windy Saturday morning at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex. Above right, players hold their hats over their hearts for the Pledge of Allegiance during Saturday’s Opening Day festivities.
Robert Hudson / The Outlook
At top, Ella Rose Baker fouls off a pitch during games on Saturday. At bottom, members of the Giants march off the field.
Robert Hudson / The Outlook
At top, youth softball games began on Saturday. At bottom, Cutler Holt recites the Pledge of Allegiance while Corley Holt looks on.
Robert Hudson / The Outlook
At top, youth softball players sing during Opening Day. At bottom, JA Smith makes contact during a game on Saturday.