AUBURN TIGER TURNAROUND?
OPINION: A NIGHT TO FORGET, PAGE 4.
THURSDAY
THE
Joe McAdory: Ten most important players for Auburn in 2016 football season, see page 8.
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 December 10, 2015 Vol. 123, No. 246 www.alexcityoutlook.com
Officials warn of donation scheme
Marriage license fees to increase By MITCH SNEED Editor
It’s about to become more expensive to get married in Alabama. Tallapoosa County Probate Court Judge Leon Archer said that his office has been notified that the state will add $30 to the standard fee for marriage licenses beginning Jan. 1. That means that in Tallapoosa County the cost to get a marriage license will go from $41 to $71. The Legislature approved a fee hike last general session. The bill was signed into law in June by Gov. Robert Bentley. The increase will go toward creation of the Domestic Violence Trust Fund, according to Archer, citing a memo from state officials. The additional funds will assist in operating shelters and providing assistance programs for victims of domestic violence, according to literature released by Bentley’s See LICENSE • Page 7
OPEN SOON
Residents report several sketchy door-to-door solicitations By MITCH SNEED Editor
“Scott Blake will sing a couple of patriotic songs and after the ceremony we’ll have a reception in our large dining room. We’ll also offer tours of the expansion.” Marsh is the commissioner of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs. Construction on the expansion began 18 months ago, Fuller said. Sixty-five percent of the funding for the expansion was provided by the federal Veterans
Police have received calls from residents in recent days about people collecting door-to-door for several different groups. In one instance, the solicitor said they were collecting for a local volunteer fire department. Another said they were collecting for needy families at Christmas. Alexander City Police Chief Willie Robinson said that while no arrests were made in the recent incidents. Residents are right to be wary. “The best rule of thumb is to only donate through officials channels and to know exactly who the donation is going to,” Robinson said. There are several great organizations and ways to donate to help charities, like through United Way or your church. I would say that it’s better to go that route than taking a chance on someone knocking at your door.”
See EXPANSION • Page 7
See SCAM • Page 7
Renovations to the Bill Nichols State Veterans will be revealed Friday at a ribbon cutting Friday at the facilCliff Williams / The Outlook ity. Dept. of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Rear Admiral Clyde Marsh will speak.
Massive Bill Nichols expansion to open Friday By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
Officials will cut the ribbon on a $4 million expansion of the Bill Nichols State Veterans Home Dayroom Expansion Project on Friday, Dec. 11, at 9:30 a.m. at the facility. “We’re going to cut the ribbon and our speaker is going to be Commissioner (Rear Admiral Clyde) Marsh,” said Kathryn Fuller, director of Bill Nichols.
Boys and Girls Club’s Chariot Race fundraiser set for Saturday By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
Crews finish up road work Crews put the finishing touches on a paving project on Church Street as reflective marking were put in place Wednesday. Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
Today’s
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71 54 High
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8
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Linda Shaffer, REALTOR® C: 256.794.4641 • W: 256.329.5253 shaffer@lakemartin.net 5295 Highway 280, Alexander City, AL
By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
The Spirit of a Hometown Christmas Parade in Dadeville Sunday will travel into a clean square thanks to the recommendation of the City Council. “I think we need to clean up around the Square before the parade,” Council Member Mickey Tarpley said. “There are leaves everywhere and cups and other debris in the shrubs.” After a small discussion with city department head’s at Tuesday’s Council meeting, it was decided that crews would clean around the square either Thursday or Friday morning before cars park. The parade will start near the Dadeville High School Football Field at 2 p.m. Sunday before heading
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– will be saddled by each team’s rider, and the chariot will be pushed by the rider’s blindfolded partner through a course which will include a number of mystery obstacles which may or may not include an ice hazard, deer, jingle bells or even Grandma, Reynolds said. There’s also a chance for audience participation as artificial snowballs to hurl at the riders will be available for purchase. The teams will run in heats of two at a time and will be timed. See FUNDRAISER • Page 7
Dadeville’s Spirit of Hometown Christmas Parade Sunday
1720 Dadeville Road • Alexander City, AL
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It’s going to be wild. It’s going to be crazy. It’s going to be the Boys and Girl Club of the Lake Martin Area’s first ever Wild & Crazy Reindeer Chariot Race at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12, at the Sportsplex. In an event like few in the Lake Martin area have ever seen, partners will team-navigate reindeer chariots through a course filled with obstacles in an effort to claim the coveted Gleaming Reindeer
Trophy. “Our board president, Shannon Bost, saw a race like this in Jackson, Louisiana, and we felt like it would be something different, a lot of fun and a way for us to raise some funds, too,” said Melissa Reynolds, director of the Boys and Girls Club. “We’re excited about bringing the community a different kind of Christmas activity.” The decorated miniature reindeer – appropriately named Vixen and Comet and made for the Boys and Girls Club by Home Depot
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down Lafayette Street, then on to the Square. Dadeville Mayor Joe Smith will be grand marshall. Following the parade there will be booths with baked goods and Christmas crafts for sale. Council member Randy Foster informed the council that the Lafayette Street A-Trip paving project was still on hold while waiting for an answer from the railroad. Dadeville Fire Chief Keith Wilkerson informed the council that the department had its holiday party last week and awarded fire officer of the year to assistant chief Ralph Emerson and firefighter of the year to William Slay. “We hope that we can keep doing this,” Wilkerson said of the awards. “We gave them a plaque and are keeping a plaque on the wall at the See PARADE • Page 7
256-329-1313 Free Consultations 217 Madison Street, Alexander City, AL “We are a Debt Relief Agency. We help people file Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 under the Bankruptcy Code. Alabama State Bar requires the following in every attorney advertisement, “ No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”
Santa spent plenty of time meeting with children last year at the Spirit of a Hometown Christmas Parade in Dadeville. This year’s parade is set for Sunday downtown. Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
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Page 2
Teen’s serious relationship draws fire from boy’s mom
Friday
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High Partly sunny
Saturday
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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 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
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.
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.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Post Office Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011.
© 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Reproduction of any part of any issue requires written publisher permission.
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The Outlook
DEAR ABBY: I’m 13 and in what I think is a serious relationship with “Josh.” The problem is, his mom thinks I’m “mentally abusing” him. I have never done anything to Josh to make her think that. She and I have had our disagreements and have not spoken for periods of time before, but nothing like this has ever happened. I’m pretty sure I love Josh, and I don’t want to lose him because of what his mom thinks of me. What should I do? -- PUZZLED IN INDIANA DEAR PUZZLED: You didn’t mention how old Josh is and how he feels about all the attention you’re giving him, but I can offer a couple of suggestions. The first is to slow down. Take a step back so Josh can have some breathing room. The second is to try to make a friend rather than an enemy of Josh’s mother, who may be worried about a 13-year-old girl who seems fixated on her son.
Police Reports Alexander City Police Department December 6
• Ivory Thomas Riggsbee Jr. of Dadeville was arrested for theft by fraudulent leasing. • Theft of property was reported on R Street. • Domestic violence was reported on Washington Street. • Criminal mischief was reported in the 800 block of H Street. • Domextic violence was reported in the 7900 block of Elkahatchee Road.
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• Joe Seafus Belyeu of Alexander City was arrested for public intoxication. • Quinborious Terrell Murphy of Alexander City was arrested for domestic violence. • Alicia Myers Markel of Eclectic was arrested for receiving stolen property, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. • Brandon Ryan Bazzell was arrested for receiving stolen property, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. • Carmen Sherae
DEAR ABBY Advice
DEAR ABBY: I remarried when my son, “Kevin,” was 5. He’s now 20. My husband has always tried to be a good dad to him even though Kevin was challenging at times. Kevin is now in the military. Before he left, he adopted a dog, “Leisel,” that’s a year old. Kevin will be deployed overseas for three years and wants us to take her. We have a dog and cat, a big yard and three teenage daughters who want Leisel, but my husband says no. He says it was a mistake to get the dog in the first place, and Kevin needs to learn a lesson and do the hard thing and give her up. I agree it was a mistake, and I don’t really want another dog, but I’m willing to do it for Bowen of Alexander City was arrested on three counts of bail jumping. •Corie Darius Burns of Childersburg was arrested for possession of marijuana. • Domestic violence was reported on North Central Avenue. • Theft was reported in the 800 block of Marshall Street. • Domestic violence was reported in the 3100 block of Elkahatchee Road. • Domestic violence was reported on Cellia Drive. • Domestic violence was reported in the 100 block of Mason Street.
December 4
• Frederick Lamar Rowe of Alexander City was arrested for theft and drug paraphernalia. • Christian Michael Hurt of Alexander City was arrested for burglary. • Orlanda Savaless Walker of Phenix City was arrested for failure to appear. • Douglas Duane Stewart of Alexander City was arrested for public intoxication and carrying brass knuckles. • Breaking and entering and theft was reported on Highway 280. • Theft was reported on Bishop Street. • Theft was reported on 8th Avenue. • Theft was reported on Cherokee Road.
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my son. Lots of parents get “stuck” with their kids’ pets. They roll their eyes and just do it. Who is right? -- WILLING TO DO IT IN WEST VIRGINIA DEAR WILLING: You are. This is no time to teach your son a lesson. With the international situation heating up as it seems to be, there’s no telling where your son could wind up being stationed. Let him go with peace of mind knowing his pet will be well cared for until he returns. DEAR ABBY: You probably wonder why I think this is a problem, but it is for me. I’m a single male, almost 77, who can easily pass for 50 or 55. The problem is friends, acquaintances and some strangers (in their 40s, 50s and 60s) think that because I look so much younger than my age, I should be able to perform the same physical tasks they do, which I can’t. I have the same aches and pains as anyone else my age.
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.
Dadeville police investigates death of 5-month-old boy Staff Report Outlook Staff
The Dadeville Police Department along with Department of Human Resources is currently investigating the death of a 5-month old child who was found unresponsive on Wednesday, Dec. 2. The child was taken to Lake Martin Community Hospital and was pronounced dead at 4:25, according to Dadeville Police Chief David Barbour. Barbour said because of the age of the child, the boy’s body was transported to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for autopsy. “This should not be an indication that there is anything suspicious, but out of caution, we have taken these steps which is standard in infant deaths,” Barbour said. “It wouldn’t be appropriate to say much more at this time.” At this time a report has not been received from Department of Forensic Sciences indicating cause of death.
December 3
• Xavier Obrien Daniel of Alexander City possession of marijuana. • Tavaris Donta Brooks of Alexander City was arrested for discharging a firearm into an unoccupied dwelling. • Breaking and entering was reported on C Street. • Breaking and entering was reported on K Street. • Theft was reported on Highway 280. • Harassment was reported on Highway 280.
December 2
• Domestic violence was reported in the 300 block of Villa Terrance. • Breaking and entering was reported in the Word of Truth parking lot. • Theft was reported on Nolen Drive. • Breaking and entering was reported on Hillabee Street.
December 1
• Jackie Armez McElrath of Alexander City was arrested for simple assault. • Billy Ray Davis of
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Alexander City was arrested for public intoxication. • Kasandra Ann Vardaman of Alexander City was arrested for harrassment. • Tara Elaine Robinson of Alexander City was arrested for reckless endangerment. • Burglary was reported on Laurel Street. • Harassment was reported on Airport Boulevard. • Theft was reported on Highway 280. • Harassment was reported on Jefferson Street.
Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department December 6
• A resident on Karis Drive in Dadeville filed a report for theft.
December 5
• A resident of Harris Road filed a report for domestic violence harassment.
December 4
• Jessica Nummy of Oak Hill Drive in Alexander City was arrested on a warrant for probation violation. • Michael Henderson of Strawberry Lane in Tallassee was arrested on warrant for probation violation. • A resident on the 16000 block of Highway 49 South filed a report for burglary or a residence and theft of property. • A resident on Harris Road in Notasulga filed a report for domestic violence harassment.
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Today is December 10, 2015 Today’s Events
PATH FINDERS MEETING: 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. PHOTOS WITH SANTA: Sarrell Dental Center at 1572 Mill Square in Aleaxander City is sponsoring free Santa photographs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. They will also be collecting toys for the boys and girls at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham. Please feel
Page 3
Submit calendar items: Participate in your Outlook by calling 256-234-4281, faxing them to 256-234-6550, sending your event to calendar@alexcityoutlook.com or logging on to http://www.alexcityoutlook.com/. free to bring an unwrapped toy to put under our tree.
Today’s Anniversary
Anthony and Heather Moe
Today’s Birthdays
Everkena Milliner, Rita Grimes, Alma Smith, Clarence Roberts, Kevin Daniel, Abby Ingle, Lane Abrams, Chris Jackson, and James McInvale
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The Alexander City Chamber of Commerce swore in nine new board members on Tuesday. They are Reginald Clifton, principal of Alexander City Middle School; Stephanie Daughtry of Daughtry Insurance Agency; Randy Dawkins, senior vice president of River Bank & Trust; Ralph Holley of Holley’s Home Furnishings; Sherri Richardson, owner of The Medicine Shoppe; Luke Robinson, sales and marketing manager for Robinson Iron; Steve Robinson, (AmTech) Tallapoosa County commissioner and Alexander City School Board member; Jeff Smith, general manager at Tallapoosa Ford; and Barbara Anne Spears, dean of instruction at Central Alabama Community College.
December 11
ECLECTIC EVENT: Merry Christmas to All: An Eclectic Event starts at 5 p.m. Dec. 11 in downtown Eclectic with the Eclectic Christmas Parade followed by visits with Santa and the town tree-lighting ceremony in front of Town Hall. At 7:30 p.m. the Community Choir will present a live cantata, “Fantasi Noel,� in the High School Auditorium. To round out the evening your are invited to bring your guitar and join the Christmas Jam Session at 9 p.m. with national singer and songwriter Keith Moody in the Warehouse downtown. If you want to participate in the parade or just want to enjoy the event and need information, call Lisa Elliott or Heather Martin at 334-541-3581. RIBBON CUTTING: The Bill Nichols State Veterans Home will host a ribbon cutting for the new dayroom expansion project at the home Friday, Dec. 11 at 9:30 a.m. A reception and tours will follow the ceremony.
December 12
CHRISTMAS BALL: The New Style Baptist Church in Equality is hosting a Christmas Ball Saturday, Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20. Please RSVP by purchasing a ticket by Dec. 1. For more information call Sharon Benton at 256-496-1143 or Pamela Jones at 256-496-2044 or email at newstylebaptistchurch@gmail.com TOY DRIVE: Church and Main will host its second annual Toy Drive on Dec. 12 at Lake Martin Baptist Church. The line-up for the evening will include Zach Channel, 49 North, and Church and Main. We ask everyone to bring a new, unwrapped toy to be given to area children. FRIENDS AND FAMILY DAY: Beacon of Joy Church will host a friends and family day Dec. 12 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. YARD SALE: Radney Drama Club is having a huge yard sale Saturday, Dec. 12 in the Radney school lunchroom from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Come out and get some great deals! Clothes, toys, strollers, costumes, and much more will be for sale.
December 12-13
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CHRISTMAS CANTATA: Sixth Street Baptist Church invites you to come and join us for a “Christmas Night of Worship� on December 12 and 13 as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ through story and song. Come and let your heart be filled again with wonder through some familiar songs of praise as well as some new songs. The worship celebrations
begin each night at 5:30 p.m. You are also invited on Dec 13 to participate in our church Christmas dinner. For more information, call us at 256234-2408 or visit our website at sixthstreetbaptistchurch. com. CHRISTMAS MUSICAL: The adult choir at First Baptist Church of Alexander City will present their adult choir and orchestra Christmas Musical What A Glorious Night Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 13 at 11 a.m.
December 13
CHRISTMAS CANTATA: Liberty United Methodist Church Christmas Cantata is being presented by the Liberty United Methodist Church Choir Sunday, December 13 at 5 p.m. a fellowship meal to follow. The church is located at 1630 Liberty Road, two and half miles north of Hackneyville. CHRISTMAS CANTATA: Flint Hill United Methodist Church is presenting its Christmas Cantata, “You Light the World� Sunday, Dec. 13 at 5 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
December 3 - December 18
FOOD DRIVE: The Camp Hill Library is collecting nonperishable food donations at various stores around Dadeville and Camp Hill. Look for the boxes from 3 Dec through 18 Dec. Donations of meats are welcome closer to the Dec 18th finish. The support of citizens and stores is greatly appreciated by those in need over the holidays.
December 17
CHAMPAGNE TASTING: Emporium Wine will host a champagne tasting from 5 P.m. to 7 P.m. at 128 Calhoun Street, Alexander City. No charge for this event.
December 18
CHRISTMAS DINNER: Victory Temple Holiness Church will hold a Christmas Dinner December 18 at 6 p.m. at the Dadeville Housing Resident Service Building in Dadeville. Everyone is welcome. STUFFED WITH LOVE: The Dadeville Public Library is collecting new stuffed animals for the Stuffed With Love campaign to be donated to the Tri-County Children’s Advocacy Center. Now through December 18, bring a new stuffed animal to the library circulation desk to help support this amazing agency and show these kids good people are still out there.
December 19
TRADE DAY: Bibb Graves School will be hosting a trade
day Dec. 19 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
December 19-20
CHRISTMAS DRAMA: The Family Worship Center at 1676 Swell St. is hosting a Christmas Drama, “A Breath Away,� Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. and Dec. 20 at 10 a.m.
December 20
BEAUTY PAGEANT: Miss Winter Wonderland Beauty Pageant will be December 20, 2015. Registration is now in progress - Early Bird Registration - $30 (Until Nov. 20), Standard Registration - $45 (Nov. 21 - Nov. 30), Late Registration - $10.00 Additional Fee (After Nov. 30). Cash prizes will be awarded to supreme winners in each category. Each contestant that enters will receive a participant’s trophy. For registration packet, please email to misswinterwonderlandpageant@gmail.com or call 256-749-6204. CHRISTMAS CANTATA: Calvary Baptist Church will be presenting the adult cantata “Christ Was Born For This..A Christmas Blessing.� There will be no Sunday School. There will be a fellowship meal following the cantata. Dennis Floyd is the minister of music. Rev. Reggie Gable is the pastor. Everyone is encouraged to bring a friend to hear this wonderful message in song about the greatest gift of all, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
December 20
CHRISTMAS CANTATA: Hillabee Baptist Church will present its Christmas Cantata Dec. 20 at 6 p.m. The free event is under the direction of Mrs. Bea Pate. Rev. Josh Sammons is pastor. Everyone is invited.
December 21
CHRISTMAS AT MAMIE’S: Mamie’s Place Children’s Library is hosting Christmas at Mamie’s Dec. 21 at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. There will be Christmas movies and hot chocolate. For more information call 256234-4644.
December 25
CHRISTMAS MEAL: Comer Methodist Church is hosting a Christmas Dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The public is invited to have a hot meal and enjoy fellowship. Tickets can be picked up at the Nutrition Center and the Salvation Army. You do not have to have a ticket to have a meal. Call 256-234-7831 for more info.
December 26
COMMUNITY FORUM: Churches, schools, organizations, clubs, youth and adults are invited to a com-
munity forum on Emergency Preparedness, Get ready, stay ready, what to do when there is a disaster and Serious Advice for Effective Encounters Saturday, Dec. 16 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. They will also be teaching young people how to respond when approached by law enforcement. It is sponsored by the Central Alabama Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Incorpated.
December 27
NOTE BURNING CEREMONY: Peace and Goodwill M.B.C. will have a note burning ceremony for the Community Life Center Dec. 27 at 2 p.m. at 188 County Road 30 in Kellyton. Guest will be Rev. Dr. Emerson Ware, Jr. of Great Bethel Baptist Church. Rev. Robert Williams is pastor of Peace and Goodwill.
January 10
HAIR AND FASHION SHOW: Gloria Boleware celebrates 37 years of service with a community hair and fashion show Jan. 10 at 3 p.m. at Passion Church on Highway 63. It will feature Hair 4 Daze, Dea Love’ Reesie Williams, Adrian Young, Team Katlin,Sharmaine Stowes, Nalarence Davis Show Models, GoGetters, Ent Marilyn Owens Lebron Spradley and the Grande Finale Charlene Benton.
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January 14
WINE TASTING: Emporium Wine will host a wine tasting event from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 128 Calhoun Street, Alexander City. There is no charge for this event.
January 22
MARDI GRAS AUCTION: St. James Episcopal Church will host live and silent auctions at this inaugural event to support the Feast of Sharing ministry, which provides free meals twice a week at First United Methodist Church to some 100 people in need. Auction items will include original art, a Russell Marine wakeboarding package, framed photography by Kenneth Boone, handmade pottery items, a vacation at the beach for the whole family, the Rev. Rob Iler’s handyman services for a day and more. There will be beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages, hors d’oeuvres, desserts and entertainment. Tickets are $25 per person and can be reserved by calling St. James Episcopal Church at 256-2344752. For information, contact Heidi Ross at 256-794-7010 or Susan Mange at 601-4318239.
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MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X 213 editor@alexcityoutlook.com
EDITORIAL BOARD Kenneth Boone Mitch Sneed
Page 4
Thursday, December 10, 2015
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Outlook
Our
Opinion
Plenty of area holiday events
W
ith just more than a fortnight left before Christmas, the Tallapoosa County-area calendar is becoming more and more packed with things to do with the family. Tonight the Benjamin Russell Band’s percussion ensemble and freshman, concert and symphonic bands will perform its annual Christmas concert beginning at 7 p.m. in the BRHS auditorium. Saturday, Alexander City will celebrate Christmas in the Park, which will feature train rides, the Polar Express for children, carriage rides, Christmas music by local groups, a S’mores bar, a Christmas tree lot, a live nativity scene and ice skating. A showing of “Frozen” on the big screen will cap the evening’s activities. Prior to Christmas in the Park, which begins at 4 p.m., the Lake Martin Area Boys and Girls Club will have its firstever Wild & Crazy Reindeer Chariot Race – which promises to be a real Yule hoot! – and a simultaneous silent auction of several Christmas wreaths. In Dadeville on Saturday, Lake Martin Baptist Church will host a Christian concert featuring Jacksons Gap’s Church & Main, Dadeville’s Forty-Nine North and Alexander City’s Zack Channel to help provide Christmas for those who might not otherwise enjoy it. Admission to the concert is a new, unwrapped toy valued at $10 to $20. Cash donations are also accepted to help provide gifts for older children. Dadeville’s Second Annual Christmas in Downtown Dadeville takes place on Sunday at 2 p.m. The parade will start near Dadeville High’s Tiger Stadium at 3 p.m. Sunday before heading down Lafayette Street, then on to the Square. Dadeville Mayor Joe Smith will be grand marshal. In addition to the parade, spectators can enjoy a variety of concessions and browse the wares of vendors to help complete their Christmas shopping. These few activities are just a taste of the things to do in the area during this Christmas season. We are fortunate to live in a community that provides such regular, wholesome activities to its citizens. The Outlook wants to encourage each of you to get out and take part in one or more of these activities. We also want to thanks all of those in our community who work so tirelessly to make these kinds of events possible.
The
Taking freedoms will not win the war on terror
W
hen terrorist shooters killed 14 innocent people and injured 21 more in San Bernardino, CA, Obama’s first instinct, as always, was political. He blames, but never steps up and leads. Found in their garage were various bombs, detonators, more than 1,000 rounds of ammo, and guns. The Muslim couple had recently been to Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Obama’s folks are still trying to find their motive. Then Obama blamed guns, which is like blaming forks for the obesity epidemic. This administration could not run a church bake sale. It spent $2.1 billion on an unworkable ObamaCare website, but somehow it wants to convince you that one more technical gun law on the books would have kept this from happening. Keep in mind, these folks can’t even keep terrorists on the no-fly list from legally buying guns. And the G-hottie terrorist wife got into our country by giving a false address on her visa. The Obama administration’s idea is to make it harder for law-abiding citizens to get guns. The liberal premise? Yes, murderous terrorists who kill 14 people – including a woman who threw a baby shower for them – will always fill out the right government paperwork for their guns. Murder yes, but monkey with government forms? Who would do such a thing? Gun myths from the left: (1) It’s an article of faith that we can get rid of 310 million legal guns in America, but we cannot deport 12 million illegals. They say gun violence is “skyrocketing” yet, according to Pew Research, it is down about 50 percent since 1993. (2) Gun control works.
Get
Involved
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 256-212-9316. His address is 2316 North Central Avenue, Kellyton. Steve Robinson represents District 2, which includes the southern part of Alexander City, the Cedar Creek area, Ourtown and Willow Point. His phone number is 256-654-0047. His address is 1225 Warren Circle, Alexander City. John McKelvey represents District 3, which includes Jackson’s Gap, Hackneyville, New Site and Daviston. His phone number is 256-794-4405. His address is 1285 Freeman Road, Dadeville.
Steve Robinson
John McKelvey
Emma Jean Thweatt represents District 4, which includes Dadeville, Pace’s Point, northern Camp Hill, Buttston, Dudleyville and part of Eagle Creek. Her daytime phone number is 825-6914 and her evening phone number is 256-825-4207. Her address is 585 Emma Jean Brookwood Circle, Thweatt Dadeville. George Carleton Jr. represents District 5, which includes southern Camp Hill, Red Ridge, Walnut Hill, Union and Pleasant Ridge. His phone number listed on the county website is 256825-4268. His address is 630 George Carleton Jr. Turner Road Road, Dadeville.
“Y
RON HART Guest Columnist
Cities like Chicago and Baltimore, where gun controls are strongest, have the worst gun violence. Most of the violent acts, from Fort Hood, Sandy Hook, the Washington Navy Yard, San Bernardino, to the recruiting station in Chattanooga, happened on gun-free government property. I can assure you no shooter would get very far in the bars I frequent. Every fifth guy has a carry permit. In the south, male hairdressers pack heat. (3) Guns harm their owners more than they help. It’s a lie. In 2013 there were 505 accidental gun deaths in America, but surveys clearly show that each year somewhere between 100,000 to 2 million Americans use a gun for self-defense, chasing off a robber or rapist. Having a gun provides immeasurable peace of mind for those of us not protected by the Secret Service, as Obama and Loretta Lynch are, or by the private, gun-toting security of Hollywood celebs or corporate security of the front desk of the NY Times. If you are in a dangerous trailer park or ghetto, a gun provides comfort. According to John Stossel, reviews of 29 states that loosened their gun carry laws found that 18 had less crime and 10 stayed the same. Gun crimes increased in only one. The left acknowledged in a NY Times op-ed, “Even gun control advocates acknowledge a larger truth: the law that barred the sale of assault weapons from 1994 till 2004 made little differ-
ence.” Most of the responsibility for the growth in mass shootings lies with Obama’s buddies. Via its violent movies and video games, Hollywood desensitizes young men to killing. Then, the media spew stories about mass killers, allowing them a platform to advance their “cause” and to become famous. To this witches’ brew is added the PC culture cultivated by the left. A neighbor admitted she saw the San Bernardino Muslim terrorist couple preparing for their attack. But for fear of being called racist, she didn’t report it. In general, Obama has struck about the right tone in fighting these Middle East wars against radical Islam. Not getting more of our soldiers’ legs blown off when we have no grasp of the complexities of these conflicts is the right decision. Not sacrificing our freedoms and values over an occasional attack is correct too. Trump is wrong with his populist rhetoric; his next book might be Mein Trumpf. But on Second Amendment limitations, Obama is way wrong. Stay away from our guns, but keep up the drone attacks overseas. It seems every month we hear of us killing the number two guy of ISIS or al Qaeda. On the surface it sounds great, until you realize Joe Biden is our number two guy. Hillary said we need a new approach and her “woman’s touch” to deal with terrorists. Maybe she’s right; we’ve tried everything except the silent treatment. A libertarian op-ed humorist and awardwinning author, Hart’s a frequent guest on CNN. He can be contacted at Ron@ RonaldHart.com or @ RonaldHart on Twitter.
A night to forget
ou win some. You lose some. And sometimes, it doesn’t even pay to get out of bed,” one of my old bosses at Kroger often said. After my show Thursday night in Milton, Florida, I just wanted to crawl back into bed. In a recent column, I mentioned that I sometimes have bad shows, and that was evident in Milton. Remember the Darling family on The Andy Griffith Show? Well, that was my crowd. The Darlings didn’t laugh. They had no sense of humor, while I was up there bouncing up and down like Ernest T. Bass. The event took place in a fancy, high dollar barn. Being an Auburn guy, I felt right at home in a barn. I’ve done multiple shows in barns throughout the southeast. In fact, I did one last month in Decatur that ended in a standing ovation. I had a show last year not too far from Milton with pretty much the same type of people, but it went incredibly well. I had high hopes for this event, but then again, I have high hopes for everything I do. It’s not my fault if they don’t know how to laugh. I’ve heard comedians say that it’s not the crowd’s fault when they don’t laugh. Well, my manager also used to say “the cus-
JODY FULLER Guest Columnist
tomer is always right.” I think we all know that that is not always true. I always like to find the silver lining in everything. For example, prime rib was served for dinner and was most likely the most incredible piece of meat on the planet. It was perfection, and it was huge. Additionally, I only had to do 20 minutes. As a stuttering guy, that was only about 10 minutes’ worth of material, although it seemed like two hours. I generally go 45 minutes to an hour without breaking a sweat. I was sweating after the first joke. Perhaps it was the meat sweats. I usually hang out after shows and talk to people. I really do love meeting people and have made friends all over the country by doing so, but I could not get out of there fast enough. Fortunately, they paid me upon arrival, so I said good night and good bye and never looked back. I couldn’t. I didn’t have time to. I had to drive four and a half hours to Jackson, Miss. I didn’t quite make it to Jackson. I wound up spending the night in
Hattiesburg. The good folks at the Motel 6 left the light on for me, and I slept like a champ for four whole hours. I did not want to get out of that bed, but I had another event to get to that morning. Unfortunately, they didn’t leave a hair dryer out for me, so I had to go to the next gig with bad hair. The show in Milton will not go down in the record books as a highlight in my career, but I won’t let it get me down. There was simply no energy in the room. General Patton said, “If a man gives his best, what else is there?” Well, I gave my best as I always do. My old manager at Kroger was wrong. It always pays to get out of bed. For better or for worse, each day is a learning experience, and I got a full education, not to mention a belly full of meat, in Milton. I won’t be going back there again. Lesson learned. The show in Jackson was for the FBI and it could not have gone any better. 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.
Today’s
Quote
“I believe in living in today. Not in yesterday, nor in tomorrow. ” – Loretta Young
Today’s
Scripture “Good comes to those who lend money generously and conduct their business fairly. — Psalm 112:5
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Daily Poll Wednesday Question: Does the lack of cold weather hinder you getting into the ‘Christmas Spirit?’
No – 28 Yes – 15 Today’s Question: Will your family participate in any of the area holiday events? To participate in this daily poll, log on each day to www.alexcity outlook.com and vote. Find out the vote totals in the next edition of The Outlook and see if your vote swayed the results.
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Thursday, December 10, 2015
License press office. “The increase goes entirely into that fund and it wasn’t something that we are doing just here in our county,” Archer said. “We charge just $11 and for years $30 of the $41 went to the state. With this in place, we will keep our fee at $11 and the state will get $60. “Some of the weddings get pretty expensive, so I guess that $30 isn’t a lot in comparison, especially if it is used for that cause. But we just wanted to make people aware now before they got hit with it in January.” The marriage license fee increase is just the latest in a series of postbudget increases that consumers are being asked to pay. The fees for drivers licenses, license plates and state park use were also raised over the last 12 months. There is one fee that was supposed to be raised, that Bentley announced Wednesday he will not enact. Bentley released a statement saying there will be no additional fee for Alabamians who choose the “God Bless America” license plate. “Approximately 1.1 million Alabamians have chosen to proudly display their patriotism with the God Bless America license plate,”
Expansion Affairs and 35 percent was provided by the state Veterans Affairs. Fuller said the expansion more than tripled the space on each floor, increased it from 900 square feet to 3,000 square feet. “We went from one multi-purpose room on each floor to separate dining, living and activity areas on each floor,” Fuller said. The expansion also included new nurses’ charting and resident nutrition stations on each floor, Fuller said. Two new gas fireplaces, a new outdoor dining area and two fenced-in courtyards with porches were also added on the first floor of the facility as well as additional parking at the facility.
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Scam continued from page 1
Bentley said in a released statement. “At a time when our country is facing so many unprecedented issues, these tags are a reminder of the blessings God has bestowed on our state and nation. After some concerns were raised that the God Bless America tag would cost 50 dollars in January, we reexamined the legislation that passed in the 2015 Regular Session and found it was not clear on whether the additional fees would apply to this tag. Based on those findings, I have ordered that no fee will be charged by the Department of Revenue for the God Bless America tag. Alabamians who want this license plate will be able to choose it at no additional cost as it has previously been offered.” The God Bless America tag falls into a special category of distinctive license plates for which there is no current additional fee associated with the purchase of the tag, according to the release. Legislation passed in the 2015 regular session increased the issuance fee for distinctive license plates but did not specify whether the additional fee should apply to the God Bless America tag.
He said that the Salvation Army Kettle and things that are well-established are a much safer bet than the kinds of door-todoor solicitation that some residents have reported. Safety is another concern. “If there is any doubt, you should be cautious,” Robinson said. “If you’re not expecting anybody you’re under no obligation to open your door. Alexander City has a lot of good people and is safe for the most part, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.” Just over a week ago, Camp Hill Police saw an example of that kind of scam. Someone claiming to be a nurse with Medicaid or Home Health knocked on the doors of several residences, according to Camp Hill Police Chief Johnny Potts. Once the person was inside one home, a purse was stolen.
Parade The council also: • Heard from city attorney Robin Reynolds that there was still no response from the attorney general’s office so that the council could proceed with transferring the Community Action building to the agency. • Heard from Foster that he still had not heard if the county had heard from the state
Fundraiser continued from page 1
Bill Nichols, which opened in 1989 and has served as home to hundreds of Alabama veterans, is one of four such facilities in the state. The others are Floyd E. “Tut” Fann in Hunstville, William F. Green in Bay Minette and Colonel Robert L. Howard in Pell City. Fann and Green opened in 1995 and Howard in 2012. Nichols offers its residents 24-hour nursing coverage, a physician on call around the clock, on-site physical, occupational and speech therapy and available pharmacy services. Nichols, which is home to 150 veterans, is located at 1784 Elkahatchee Road south of U.S. 280.
The team with the fastest time will take home the prestigious, custom-made Gleaming Reindeer. Assistant District Attorney Jeremy Durr and Scott Hardy, community impact & marketing director for the Lake Martin Area United Way, will serve as the race’s o-fish-als. Businesses participating in the race include Amy Clark Realty, Downtown Body Shop, Lee Marketing Group, C.T. Electric, Tallapoosa Ford, Kowaliga Country 97.5, AmTech, Dr. James Poole, ReMax, Nationwide Insurance Agency, River Bank & Trust, Central Alabama Community College, Dadeville Chamber of Commerce, Dark Insurance Agency and Holman Flooring. Each of the entered teams paid an entry fee and donated a decorated Christmas wreath. While the races are taking place,
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continued from page 1
Potts said if your aren’t expecting a visitor, don’t take the chance. The elderly are particular high-risk targets, Robinson said. The American Association of Retired Persons lists six common door-to-door scams that people should beware of. Magazine subscription sales, meat sales, “free” energy audits, outdoor home maintenance, voter surveys and registration and medical wellness checks appear to be the most common, according to AARP. Legitimate door-to-door vendors, including those collecting for charities, will usually have “leave-behind” materials for your review. With a phone call or Internet search, you can judge whether the outfit’s legitimate. Don’t give at the time of the visit, check the group out and only then give if you so choose.
continued from page 1
about plans for a Department of Human Resources building so that the city could proceed with easements to the property. • Approved minutes from the last meeting. • Approved recreation center rentals. • Approved to pay the bills.
continued from page 1
the wreaths will be auctioned off in a silent auction with all proceeds going to the Boys and Girls Club. Reynolds thanked the Boys and Girls Club’s resource development team for the hard work they have put in to make this event a success. They are Stephanie Daughtry, Sonny Wilson, Melissa Poe, Abby Guy, Reynolds and Bost. “This time of year can get pretty heavy for a lot of people,” said Reynolds. “We all need to take some time to have a laugh and cut loose. “We hope that everyone will come out and support the kids in our community by watching a zany race, full of laughter, fun, humiliation and with a ridiculously unusual result at the end. It’s going to be a fun day at the park, one that your family will not want to miss.”
ROBERT HUDSON SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228 sports@alexcityoutlook.com
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Page 8
Thursday, December 10, 2015
DOWN BUT NOT OUT
Ten key players for AU in 2016 football season Wildcats swept by Briarwood, look to bounce back in Pepsi Classic JOE MCADORY Sports Columnist
I
f Auburn is going to re-establish itself as an SEC contender deep into next season, it needs noticeable playmakers on both sides of the roster. Duh, right? But who must step up? Who will fill these needs and become the contributors Gus Malzahn and his staff can depend on when the game is on the line? Below are the Tigers’ 10-most important players as we look toward 2016: John Franklin III: What was the biggest position of concern this season? Quarterback. Franklin, a JUCO transfer, is lightning fast and in the mold of Nick Marshall. Auburn didn’t recruit Franklin to hold a clipboard and watch Jeremy Johnson or Sean White, so expect him to play. If he’s anything close to Marshall, the Tigers’ offense will see a quick makeover. Carl Lawson: Auburn’s defense was much improved in the last month of the regular season because this defensive end was on the field after missing most of September and October with an undisclosed injury. Lawson, if he isn’t held, can be a major disruptive force. Bear in mind, however, he is eligible for the NFL Draft. Jovon Robinson: As good as Peyton Barber was in the first half of the season, Robinson was better in November. When Robinson had the ball, good things happened, as his 513 yards rushing can attest. Give him a full season and see what happens. Carlton Davis: He was probably Auburn’s best freshman cornerback since Carlos Rogers in 2001. Forced into duty early, Davis looked the part of a veteran by midseason and an all-star later on. Davis, who led the team with three interceptions and made 45 tackles, should be the anchor in what could be a much improved secondary in 2016. Alex Kozan: Many pointed toward Auburn’s offensive line as a weakness. Quarterbacks had little time to throw and the rushing game wasn’t nearly as productive (191.8 yards per game) as in 2013 (328.3) and 2014 (255.5). Kozan, who bounced back this fall after missing all of 2014, is one of the better linemen in the conference and leads a unit that should return at least three starters. Daniel Carlson: This kicker is practically automatic. The Lou Groza Award finalist made 22 of 26 field goals – including four from beyond 50 yards. His leg is a weapon, putting Auburn in scoring position once it reaches the opponents’ 40. Montravius Adams: The Tigers were thin all season along the defensive front and Adams, a tackle, should return for his senior season. His leadership and presence is sorely needed again in 2016. He is eligible for the NFL Draft though. Tre Williams: The Tigers are losing linebackers Cassanova McKinzy, Kris Frost and Justin Garrett. Williams, who is already seasoned, looked to be as talented as those seniors, but he is the only linebacker on the roster with extensive playing time. Tony Stephens: He’s a playmaker waiting to happen. But in three seasons, the junior from Orlando has just 18 receptions and two touchdowns. Auburn loses Ricardo Louis and Melvin Ray at wide receiver, so it’s Stephens’ turn, right? Peyton Barber: It’s hard to keep Barber, who started at running back for much of the season, off the list. After all, he’s closing on 1,000 yards and has 13 touchdowns. Regardless of whom starts, the running game will be central to this team’s success going forward and Barber, like Robinson, figures to see plenty of carries. Joe McAdory is the former Sports Editor at the Opelika-Auburn News and is Communications Editor at the Auburn University Raymond J. Harbert College of Business.
Robert Hudson / The Outlook
Benjamin Russell’s Tayla Stowes, left, is stripped by Briarwood’s Shelly Proctor during Tuesday night’s game in Alexander City. Benjamin Russell will take the floor again Friday at Horseshoe Bend in the Pepsi Classic.
By Robert Hudson Outlook Sports Editor
The Benjamin Russell Lady Wildcats fell 56-30 at home on Tuesday to the Briarwood Christian Lions. Briarwood took a 30-16 lead into halftime, but the Lady Wildcats (5-3) cut into the lead, opening the second half with a shot under the basket by Chynna Allen that made it 30-18. But Briarwood countered with a layup from Shelly Proctor to make it 32-18. Benjamin Russell’s Hope Westbrook answered with a bucket in the paint, but Briarwood answered by going on a 14-0 run before going into the fourth quarter with a 46-22 lead. Molly McKenzie led Briarwood with 16 points, while Sophie Taylor added 10 points for the Lions. Benjamin Russell was led by Westbrook’s 10 points. Allen added 8 points for the Lady Wildcats. Benjamin Russell Coach Latreisha Moon said the energy simply was not there in Tuesday’s loss. “We just didn’t play with intensity tonight. It was like we were slow on defense and we didn’t move our feet,” Moon said. “We were just out of it and I don’t understand why. I just told them what we’ve got to work on and we’ve got to start with tomorrow’s practice. We have to work on how not to let people just cut in front of you. If we would have stayed in 2-3 the score would have been 100 because we couldn’t defend them shooting and we couldn’t defend their passing.” The Lady Wildcats will take the court again on Friday against Dadeville at Horseshoe Bend at 4 p.m. in the Pepsi Classic.
Lions 53, Wildcats 37
The Benjamin Russell Wildcats dropped their home game against the Briarwood Christian Lions, 53-37. Briarwood ended the first quarter with a 19-9 lead before going into halftime leading 36-22. The loss dropped Benjamin Russell to 1-8 on the season. Benjamin Russell was led by Tyre Gray with 13 points, while Quen Reese added 10 points on the night for the Wildcats. Briarwood’s Jeffrey Travis had 17 points to lead the Lions, while Thomas Collier added 12 points. Benjamin Russell Coach Jeff Hines
Robert Hudson / The Outlook
Benjamin Russell’s Latravious Kelley (1) goes up for a shot as Briarwood’s Thomas Collier defends during Tuesday night’s game.
said the Wildcats were outplayed and out coached in Tuesday’s loss. “I thought they schooled us in the game of basketball coaching-wise, playing-wise and every facet of the game,” Hines said. “We have to go back to work trying to get better and fixing our mistakes. At some point in time we’ve got to understand that there’s certain ways that this game is played and we’ve got to play within the system and get better at rebounding, defending and shooting the basketball. Right now, we’re just a pretty bad product.” Benjamin Russell will take the
floor again Friday at 5:30 p.m. against Dadeville in the Pepsi Classic at Horseshoe Bend. Hines said they are entering the Classic looking to improve and find some consistency. “We’re trying to improve game after game after game. We’re not treating it as a tournament, we’re treating it as one game at a time,” Hines said. “Hopefully, we can get better in all facets of the game and see if we are improving. The biggest thing right now is we have no consistency whatsoever in any part of the game. We just have to treat it one game at a time.”