OPINION: THE ‘MELTING POT’ USED TO BE A GOOD THING
FRIDAY
THE
HOLIDAY SPIRIT
See the calendar for local Christmas events, Page 5.
CLASSIC IN THE MAKING Pepsi Classic schedule inside, see Page 8.
Alabama ranks among lowest in school funding
TODAY ECLECTIC EVENTS
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 334541-3581.
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 December 11, 2015 Vol. 123, No. 247 www.alexcityoutlook.com
STAFF REPORTS Outlook Staff
Alabama ranks second worst in the country in state K-12 education funding cuts, with state support down 17.3 percent since the start of the Great Recession, according to a report released Thursday by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), a nonpartisan policy research organization based in Washington, D.C. Alexander City Schools Superintendent Dr. Darrell Cooper said the numbers don’t surprise him. “When you look at the amount of funding that has been cut since 2007, it stands to reason that our state would be near the bottom of that category,” Cooper said. “The funding cuts
are in all areas from instruction, to nutrition to transportation. In buses and transportation alone, our costs have risen, while funding has decreased. “Those are rankings that you don’t like to hear when you are near the bottom.” Only Oklahoma has seen deeper per-student state funding cuts since 2008 than Alabama. Overall, Alabama cut its total state and local investment in K-12 schools by 11.3 percent per student between 2008 and 2014, the seventh worst cut in the nation. Cooper said the decreased state and federal funding has forced deep cuts and forced more of the burden on local systems. Tallapoosa County Schools Superintendent Joe Windle lobbied the county commission to
Suspects in recent thefts facing charges
SATURDAY CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK
Saturday from 2 to 9 p.m. enjoy a wide range of holiday activities at the Sportplex. At 2 p.m. the Wild and Crazy Reindeer Chariot Race sponsored by the Boys and Girls Club will be held. At 4 p.m. Christmas music by local groups, Polar Express Train Rides, visits with Santa and his live reindeer, pictures with your favorite “Frozen” characters, S’mores bar sponsored by Lake Martin Home Health and local businesses, hot chocolate and coffee, skating in the park. At 5 p.m. experience a Live Nativity scene, carriage rides in the park. All activities are free except skating and it is $5 per person.
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. Admission is a new, unwrapped toy.
YARD SALE AT RADNEY
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.
enact a 1 percent sales tax for schools earlier this year. He cited funding cuts as the main factor in his system lacking the reserves mandated by the state. This erosion in education support could make it harder for workers to compete for highly skilled jobs in the global economy, said Kimble Forrister, executive director of Arise Citizens’ Policy Project (ACPP). Cutting education also could make it more difficult for communities to attract well-paying jobs and could deprive local businesses of a strong customer base, Forrister said. “If we want a strong future for our state, we need to invest in it now,” Forrister said. “Alabama See SCHOOLS • Page 3
Agencies working together to see if other cases could be lined to pair By MITCH SNEED Editor
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
Stephanie Sims, along with William, 10, Anthony, 9, Michael 8, and 2-year-old twins Savannah and Rebecca were joined by Alexander City Police Officer David Sealey as they shopped for Christmas at Walmart Thursday.
SHOP WITH A COP ACPD brings joy to families this Christmas
By MITCH SNEED Editor
There is nothing like the joy on a child’s face as they receive the perfect toy they had dreamed of for Christmas. Members of the Alexander City Police Department began their annual Shop with a Cop giving campaign on Thursday at Walmart in Alexander City and five young children lit up the aisles with smiles as they picked out their gifts. Stephanie Sims, along with William,
10, Anthony, 9, Michael, 8, and 2-year-old twins Savannah and Rebecca, joined by Alexander City Police Officer David Sealey were the first family to shop this Christmas. The department will help nine families this Christmas season – totaling 21 children in all this year. “My grandmother was a police officer, so I have nothing but respect and admiration for what they do,” Sims said. “This only reinforces that feeling for me. There is no way that I can thank them enough for this. See SHOP • Page 3
The Alexander City Police Department investigators have arrested two people believed to be involved in a number of thefts from residences and vehicles in Alexander City and other parts of Tallapoosa County. Alicia Myers Markel of Eclectic and Brandon Ryan Bazzell of Montgomery were arrested Saturday, Dec. 5 on Point Windy Drive for receiving stolen property, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Investigators are currently working with other agencies and residents to link the items discovered with recent incidents in the area. “The ones that we have them on were all in that Point Windy area,” said Alexander City Police Capt. Tommy Lovett. “Other agencies have been checking with us and it’s possible that there could be additional charges when all is said and done.” Investigators in Jackson’s Gap, Dadeville and the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department have all been working theft from vehicle complaints. The incidents have occurred over a threeweek period and in many cases the items taken have shown up in other jurisdictions, including Montgomery. See SAFETY• Page 3
Today’s
Lake Martin
Levels Local man says ‘being good’ key to long life Lake 481.18 Cunningham celebrates 92 years of life with his family
Weather
74 53 High
Reported on 12/10/15 @ 6 p.m.
By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
More than likely at some point today, Fish Pond resident Lemuel Cunningham will make a trip to Piggly Wiggly. “He goes to the Piggly Wiggly most every day,” Cunningham’s daughter Mary Mayes said. Only today he is another year older, 92. Cunningham has two daughters, six grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. The Fish Pond community resident served three years in the Army as an ambulance
driver in England, France and Germany during World War II before coming home to work for the City of Alexander. He retired from the city after 30 years of service but that did not stop his work. “He is always working in the garden,” Mayes said. “He won’t let anyone else in that garden. He grows enough for all of us. I think he likes to watch it grow.” “He also likes to cut grass,” Cunningham’s other daughter Flora Graham said. Graham and Mayes think their father is pretty special and love that he is still around for them to love on. See LIFE• Page 3
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
Lemuel Cunningham blows out the candles on his birthday cake Thursday afternoon. Cunningham’s birthday is today and the Fish Pond Community native is 92 years-old.
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Giving in to angry vengeance splits woman’s family apart
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Directory Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com Management Kenneth Boone Publisher, Ext. 218 kenneth.boone@alexcityoutlook.com Mitch Sneed Editor, Ext. 213 mitch.sneed@alexcityoutlook.com David Kendrick Circulation Manager, Ext. 204 david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com Lee Champion Production Manager, Ext. 220 lee.champion@alexcityoutlook.com Accounting Angela Mullins Bookkeeping, Ext. 202 angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com Mary Lyman Boone Bookkeeping marylyman.boone@alexcityoutlook.com Newsroom Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Robert Hudson Sports Editor, Ext. 228 robert.hudson@alexcityoutlook.com Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com
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
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.
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POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Post Office Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011.
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Friday, December 11, 2015
The Outlook
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.”
DEAR ABBY: I made a big mistake three years ago. When I found out my husband was cheating on me, I became vengeful and sought revenge. I ended up sleeping with my sister-in-law’s boyfriend to get back at my husband and at her for some things she did in the past. It took my pain away -- for a bit. Abby, I am not this kind of person. I’m not an evil, conniving tramp. I regret what I did every day, and I feel like garbage. My sister-in-law and I haven’t spoken since I decided to tell her the truth. My husband and I (miraculously) were able to work through our problems, and our relationship is stronger than ever. My sister-in-law and her boyfriend have remained together, and I don’t speak to him anymore either. What can I do to earn forgiveness? Is this even forgivable? How can I mend this family I helped tear apart? -- ONLY HUMAN IN HOUSTON DEAR ONLY HUMAN: You might start by apologizing to your sister-in-law for the pain you
Obituaries Mr. Tommy Ray Campbell 1954-2015 Funeral service for Mr. Tommy Ray Campbell, 61, of Alexander City, will be Saturday, December 12, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Radney Funeral Home. Rev. Josh Sammons, Rev. Tony Harris and Rev. Jeremy Jones will officiate. Burial will follow in the
Edna Sanford Hunter Visitation for Mrs. Edna Hunter, age 91, of Alexander City, will be Saturday December 12, 2015 at Bass Funeral Home from 12 noon until 1:45 p.m. Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. in Hillview Memorial Park, with Rev. Norman Strickland officiating.
DEAR ABBY Advice
caused her. But after that, the decision about whether she can forgive you or wants anything more to do with you will be up to her. DEAR ABBY: My granddaughter, “Becca,” just turned 6. One of her favorite things to do is role-play, which includes the prince (me) kissing her, sometimes at the end of a wedding ceremony. Becca also likes to sit on my lap. My wife thinks I shouldn’t allow her to sit there and that the interaction isn’t appropriate. She says I may be mistaken for some kind of predator. It hurts me and Becca when I tell her we must find some other playtime scenario. I think it’s harmless. Who’s right here? My wife or Hillview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Friday, December 11, 2015 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Mr. Campbell passed away on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at his residence. He was born on November 6, 1954 in Alexander City, Alabama to Marion Doyle Campbell and Margie Oneal Whaley Campbell. He loved life to the fullest, loved his family, grandchildren, his dog Sugar Bear, and his golf cart. Mr.
Edna passed away Thursday, December 10, 2015 at Russell Medical Center. She was born in Tallapoosa county on January 10, 1924 to Marvin R. Sanford and Ola Virgil Duffy Sanford. She was a member of Town Creek Baptist Church. She is survived by her son, Wayne ( Diane) Hunter; one brother, Jimmie ( Lelia) Sanford;
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me? Is there an age a granddaughter reaches when this kind of interaction becomes taboo? What about giving her a goodbye kiss when she departs? -- BAFFLED GRANDPA IN EL PASO DEAR BAFFLED: Do Becca’s parents agree with your wife? I would be more concerned with whether they consider your playing Prince Charming to be inappropriate. At 6, I see no harm in it. When Becca is 8 or 9, your wife may have a point. Of course, by then she may prefer to be Supergirl rather than a princess, and have other objectives than being a bride. As to kissing your granddaughter hello or goodbye, that’s perfectly appropriate regardless of her age. And when you do, I seriously doubt anyone will mistake you for a predator. DEAR ABBY: I married the woman of my dreams two months ago. I asked my father to be my best man and he accepted, but he didn’t fulfill his duties. There was no bachelor party, no Campbell owned and operated Campbell’s Grocery for 15 years. He was an avid Auburn fan. He is survived by his wife, Elaine Patten Campbell; son, Tommy Shane Campbell; daughter, Crystal Jones (Jeremy), of Deatsville; granddaughters, Abbi Ruth Jones and Lilli Kate Jones; sister, Linda Campbell Ewing of Alexander City; nephews, Braxton Ewing (Brittny) and Samuel Tyler Ewing; nieces, Tina Brown (Don) and Erica
one sister, Billie ( Carl) Jordan all of Alexander City, a son in law, Eddie Arnold. She is also survived by five grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter. Mrs. Hunter was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Albert Hunter; daughters, Judy Arnold and Diane Wesson and grandson, Michael Arnold. She worked at Russell Mills for 20 years. She loved her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchild. Bass Funeral Home directing.
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best man speech, and he and my mother left the reception after only an hour. I was hurt and disappointed. I have avoided talking to him since. Should I tell him how much he hurt me, or just try to forgive and forget? -- LETDOWN GROOM IN MACON, GA. DEAR GROOM: I vote for doing both, if you can. When your father accepted the invitation, he may not have understood that being your best man would involve more than standing beside you at the altar. Why he and your mother would leave the reception early is puzzling, but it may have meant that for some reason they felt uncomfortable there. You need to explore that. 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. Sammons (Josh); greatniece, Emilee Reese Ewing; great-nephew, James Parker Ewing; sister-in-law, Joyce Bence; brother-in-law, Wade Patten (Ginger); and his beloved cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Kristie Lea Caldwell. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www. radneyfuneralhome.com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Hollis Wyckoff
Funeral service for Mr. Hollis “MeMe” Wyckoff of Alexander City, Alabama will be Saturday, December 12, 2015 at Great Bethel Baptist Church at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at New Life Memorial Gardens. Wright’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Charles Russell
Funeral service for Mr. Charles Russell of Dadeville, Alabama will be Saturday, December 12, 2015 at New Poplar Springs Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Lockhart Cemetery. Wrights Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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“We are sharing information to see if there is a connection,� Tallapoosa County Sheriff Jimmy Abbett said. “Right now the charges in Alexander City are the only ones filed, but we are looking at all the cases to see if there may be a link due to the fact that the incidents are very similar.� The National Insurance Crime Bureau estimates that there are nearly 2 million incidents involving theft from vehicles that costs consumers more than $1.5 billion each year in the United States. Officials say that
Life
residents should take extra steps to keep from becoming a victim. Tips to lessen the chances of your vehicle being hit by thieves include locking your doors all the time, keep your vehicle neat and any items of value out of the vehicle or out of sight and stashing any items before you park so that anyone who may be watching won’t know there are valuables inside the vehicle. Parking in well-lit areas, use an alarm if your vehicle is equipped with one and if you can park in a garage, do so.
graphs with candles lit on the cake. “Look at daddy posing,� Mayes said. “He is enjoying this.� Cunningham did say why he has lived such a long . “I have been a good, good boy,� Cunningham said.
Schools
opportunity for us to build relationships that can last a lifetime. “Not only that, but it really does your heart good to see these kids and how excited they get. They are all so appreciative, it really makes you feel good about what we do.� The officers raised their funds through private donations and from a fun fundraiser where the cops contributed themselves. “We took part in No-shave November,� Lt. Orr said. “Chief Robinson allowed us to grow beards in November as long as we contributed to the Shop with a Cop fund.� Orr thank Walmart for their generosity and said that the Benedict family, the O’Neal family, the Gillan family and the Bailey family were all big contributors to the program and helped make the days like Thursday possible. When the shopping was done, the “thank yous� and hugs were plentiful. “That’s what it’s all about,� Orr said.
Application has been made to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for a new communications structure along railroad right of way near Mile Post P 362.30 WE Alexander City, Alexander &LW\ $/ 7KH )&& )RUP ÀOH QXPEHU is A0983494. The structure type is a non-lighted monopole with a total height including antenna of 63 feet to tip. Interested persons may review the application by going to www.fcc.gov/asr/applications and entering the Form 854 File Number. Interested persons may raise environmental FRQFHUQV DERXW WKH SURSRVHG VWUXFWXUH E\ ÀOLQJ D Request for Environmental Review with the FCC. The FCC strongly encourages interested parties to ÀOH RQOLQH DQ\ 5HTXHVWV IRU (QYLURQPHQWDO 5HYLHZ LQVWUXFWLRQV IRU PDNLQJ VXFK ÀOLQJV FDQ EH IRXQG DW www.fcc.gov/asr/environmentalrequest , or by paper copy to FCC Requests for Environmental Review, Attn: Ramon Williams, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554.
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must invest in our schools so our children and grandchildren can receive the education they need to succeed in life and help their families get ahead.� “Even as the recovery boosted revenues this year, Alabama restored only a small fraction of the K-12 funding cut during the downturn. Parents and educators want to strengthen schools by reducing class size, improving teacher quality and expanding early education. But improvements cost money, and funding cuts undermine those efforts. For one example, Alabama still needs to hire additional middle school teachers to ensure students in that age range stay on track to graduate high school,� according to the CBPP report. “As the nation is trying to produce workers with the skills to master new technologies and adapt to the complexities of a global economy, states should be investing more – not less – so our kids get a strong education,� said CBPP state fiscal research director Michael Leachman, a report coauthor. “Reducing investment in schools weakens the economy in the long term, the report said. Quality education is a crucial foundation to help children succeed in college and the workplace. The money they earn later
helps Alabama through stronger tax revenues and consumer spending. Budgets that force school layoffs or cut pay for teachers and staff can reduce purchasing power and slow economic recovery.� In reaction to state education budget cuts and recent raids on the state’s Education Trust Fund, Robert Witt, chancellor of the University of Alabama System, announced earlier this month, the creation of a coalition of K-12, community college and fouryear institution leaders – called Alabama Unites for Education – advocating for the state’s educa-
tion system, including the protection of the education budget from further cuts. “The messages we will be able to deliver through this coalition will be stronger and will be received by a significantly broader group of people than we could possible reach if we operated solo,� Witt said. Alabama Unites for Education includes the leadership of the UA System, the Alabama Community College System, and the Alabama Department of Education as well as the presidents of the UA system’s three campuses and Auburn University.
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PUBLIC NOTICE Application has been made to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for a new communications structure along railroad right of way near Mile Post P 361.10 EE Alexander City, Alexander &LW\ $/ 7KH )&& )RUP ÀOH QXPEHU is A0983493. The structure type is a non-lighted monopole with a total height including antenna of 63 feet to tip. Interested persons may review the application by going to www.fcc.gov/asr/applications and entering the Form 854 File Number. Interested persons may raise environmental FRQFHUQV DERXW WKH SURSRVHG VWUXFWXUH E\ ÀOLQJ D Request for Environmental Review with the FCC. The FCC strongly encourages interested parties to ÀOH RQOLQH DQ\ 5HTXHVWV IRU (QYLURQPHQWDO 5HYLHZ LQVWUXFWLRQV IRU PDNLQJ VXFK ÀOLQJV FDQ EH IRXQG DW www.fcc.gov/asr/environmentalrequest , or by paper copy to FCC Requests for Environmental Review, Attn: Ramon Williams, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554.
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The CBPP is a nonpartisan research and policy institute that pursues federal and state policies designed both to reduce poverty and inequality and to restore fiscal responsibility in equitable and effective ways. It applies its expertise in budget and tax issues and in programs and policies that help low-income people to help inform debates and achieve better policy outcomes.
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“For my children to see police officers in this light will help them form that same appreciation. They are heroes in their job and they are heroes for what they are doing in this program. I feel blessed beyond words.� William picked out skates and Star Wars toys. Anthony found the scooter he had been wishing for, while little Savannah and Rebecca picked out items that would assure that the entire family would have a great Christmas. Sealey said it was great to see them so excited. “It was fun just to see their faces light up,� Sealey said. “It makes it all worthwhile.� Lt. James Orr said that this is the third year that the department has helped area families and he sees it as a great opportunity. “Sometimes the only time that children have an encounter with the police could be at a traumatic time, but this helps us show them that we are here to help,� Orr said. “It is a great
continued from page 1
“It is pretty great to still have dad here,� Mayes said. “He is such an inspiration to us. For 25 years, he took mother to dialysis in Opelika, and then Dadeville.� Cunningham seemed to shrug most of the activity off, till it was time to take photo-
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EDITORIAL BOARD Kenneth Boone Mitch Sneed
Page 4
Outlook Once upon a time a ‘melting pot’ was a good thing
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Opinion
Congratulations to Bill Nichols Veterans Home
T
oday is a great day for Bill Nichols State Veterans Home as the ribbon will be cut on a project that will further enhance the lives of our proud veterans that call the facility home. After nearly 18 months of construction, the $4 million expansion will add much needed space in the dayroom areas of each of the facility’s floors. In reality, the space on each floor increased from 900 square feet to 3,000 square feet, which means that residents can have more interaction and light each day. The project was a cooperative effort with 65 percent of the funding for the expansion provided by the federal Veterans Affairs and 35 percent coming from the state Veterans Affairs. Today’s celebration is a great thing, because officials say that it will mean that the residents there will get even better care in a warm, open environment. That is something our veterans deserve. With that said, we would be kidding ourselves to ignore the long list of difficulties and issues that the VA has faced over the last several years. While headlines have included substandard care and long waits for veterans to see doctors, those kinds of things never included our own Bill Nichols Veterans Home. The level of care given there draws rave reviews from the families of veterans as well as volunteers who frequent the facility. 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. If you have never visited the facility, you should. The work done there is fitting for the people who were willing to give all for their nation and the freedom we all enjoy. Congratulations to Bill Nichols Veterans Home on their new facilities and for the record of outstanding service.
The
I
can recall a bulletin board from when I was in elementary school. It proudly declared the United States a “melting pot.” It featured children of all races sitting around a black pot resting atop a campfire. The children – white, black, brown, red and yellow – all wore big smiles. Now, many in the U.S. are rethinking the whole “melting pot” idea. The diversity of which we were once so proud has, for many, become terrifying. We find ourselves pondering lots of new questions. Is it wise to let immigrants in, particularly from certain countries? How about refugees who seek a better life or to escape a life of horrors? Should it matter where they come from or the color of their skin? Most importantly, should their religion matter? You all know the recent news. Paris was attacked by radical Muslims tied to ISIS. Then our own country felt the brunt of Muslim fundamentalists’ hatred for the west with the attack in San Bernardino. The attacks have caused an array of reactions. Some say the “melting pot” identity is a huge part of what makes this country great. They will not be shaken. After all, our country was built by immigrants. And we’ve shown – and benefited from – a certain degree of understanding when it comes to the beliefs of immigrants. Did you know some of the same men who designed rockets for the Nazis were instrumental in the success of the U.S. space program? Others among us are becoming far less welcoming
DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
of immigrants and certain refugees. After all, immigrants compete for our jobs and who knows what ideas about the west refugees hold. Then there’s the sensible middle. Let’s remain a country that is welcoming to immigrants and refugees, they say, but let’s require that immigrants abide by our laws or else. Can we put the genie back in the bottle and expel all that are already here illegally and their progeny? Therein lies the tough question, the King Solomon question. Do we allow the children – Americans by birth – to stay and expel their illegal parents? Or are there other more compassionate options we can explore? As for refugees, the sensible center says admit them, but with limits and subject to certain stringent requirements and checks. We cannot welcome into our country those who would destroy us, but neither can we turn our backs on those in true need of refuge. At least, that is not the America I know and want to be able to continue to believe in. Each year, we welcome people from other countries here to study. Some of these students are among the most intelligent people in the world and they realize that the United States’ colleges and universities offer the best educations in the world. If they’re doctors, they want to learn in our hospitals. If
they’re researchers, they want to learn in our labs. If you’ve been in a hospital lately, you’ve likely seen them. They’re the ones with the strange names and the “funny” accents. They are the best and brightest from around the world come to the land that offers the best education, the best opportunity and the most freedom. We welcomed the Nazi rocket engineers to help build our space program. Today’s immigrant – and perhaps even refugee – may be the one that cures cancer, Alzheimer’s or some other life-shattering illness. Confession: I’m struggling with the times we’re going through and the questions that result, too. I long for the days when teachers could comfortably decorate their bulletin boards to teach kids about the “melting pot” concept and not have a second thought. I wonder what these days portend for the future of my grandchildren. I am just like you. But I hope, as we search for the answers to difficult questions about those who seek to enter our country, we are mindful that we are a country built by immigrants. Even today, to begin to turn them away would result in a serious brain drain in medicine, engineering, research and other areas. I hope, as we search for answers, we realize that, for the most part, our exposure to other cultures makes us stronger and more understanding. We need understanding now more than ever. Granger is a staff writer for The Outlook.
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Scripture “Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 6:1
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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, Robert Bentley Alabama.
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 334Tom Whatley 242-7865. His office is located at 337 East Magnolia Drive, Auburn.
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Friday, November 11, 2015
Opinion?
Letter to the Editor
Be safe while you worship this Christmas Dear Editor, I am an avid supporter of our city police and county sheriff officers. I think they do a terrific job in protecting our citizens. Many of these officers in both departments are my friends. I believe we must support them in every way possible. With many crimes, however, when seconds count, law enforcement officers will arrive in minutes. It is the responsibility of all citizens to do what they can to protect themselves. Crime happens suddenly and often unexpectedly. Especially during this Christmas season, many businesses and homes are easy targets for crime. I urge our citizens to learn how to protect themselves until law enforcement officers can arrive. Good locks, alarm systems, neighborhood watch groups, and increased awareness of unusual or suspicious activ-
ity are important for home and business owners. Be careful of travel in high crime areas. If possible, shop with a group or companions rather than alone, especially in areas of high crime. Do not put purses in shopping carts--keep them on your body. Be alert in large store parking lots. Be suspicious of strangers offering to be too helpful. Lock your car when you leave it and if you need to sit in your car while waiting in public parking lots. Be smart and avoid risky situations. Looking out for your neighbor, your family, and your friends is crucial. Help them to be safe with the information you know. Don’t give out information to phone callers or emailers who you did not contact or whom you do not know are legitimate. Don’t agree to buy anything which you did not intend to
buy. If you did not initiate the encounter, you probably don’t need what they are selling. As a senior citizen, I am acutely aware of of my vulnerability to crime. We generally tend to be physically more weak and our senses are less acute. Good planning and common sense can overcome much of our weakness. Remember, there is increased safety in numbers- – that is, numbers of people you know. Buy and learn to use a gun. Take advantage of the gun laws in our state. Be courageous and brave. Stand up for yourself, and survive long enough for law enforcement officers to give your the help they are trained to give. Be safe while you worship this Christmas. Billy Sellers Alexander City
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Friday, December 11, 2015
CommunityCalendar Today is December 11, 2015 SEASONAL ART Now Showing in the Gallery Open on Mondays Through December SERVING LUNCH IN THE CAFÉ Monday - Saturday 11am-1:30pm Wine by the glass available
Today’s Events
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
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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 334541-3581. RIBBON CUTTING: The Bill Nichols State Veterans Home will host a ribbon cutting for the new
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dayroom expansion project at the home Friday, Dec. 11 at 9:30 a.m. A reception and tours will follow the ceremony.
Today’s Birthdays
Sue Thornton, Doris Loyd, Jerry Berman, Charles Dunham, Matt Vernon, Austin Trapp, Ryan Musick, Jerry Berman, Wylie Mason, Rita Robinson, and Shonekqua Hutchins are celebrating birthdays today.
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Alabama Farmers Federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan, left, presents the Federation Award for Excellence to Tallapoosa County President Neal Kelly. The award was presented Dec. 7 during the Federation’s 94th annual meeting in Montgomery. It recognizes counties excelling in five sections of the Federation: organization, agricultural programs, governmental aairs, and the county’s Women’s Leadership and Young Farmers committees.
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 256496-1143 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
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 256-2342408 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.
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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 community 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 miss-
winterwonderlandpageant@ gmail.com or call 256-7496204. 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 contata. 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 256-234-4644.
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 community 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.
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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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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. 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. FREE SPEECH AND HEARING SCREENING: The Auburn University NSSLHA and SAA are having a free speech and hearing screening Friday, January 22 from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.. No appointment is necessary. All children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Please note that very young or handicapped individuals may not be able to respond to the speech hearing screening and may require a more formal evaluation at a later appointment date. Services will be provided by the Auburn University Speech and Hearing Clinic Room 1199 Haley Center.
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ROBERT HUDSON SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228 sports@alexcityoutlook.com
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Friday, December 11, 2015
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A CLASSIC IN THE MAKING DADEVILLE’S RAVEN TUCK HORSESHOE BEND’S ANTWAN HARDNETT BENJAMIN RUSSELL’S SHAY JOHNSON
Basketball Rankings ASWA BOYS RANKINGS CLASS 7A
1. Spain Park (6-3) 2. McGill-Toolen (11-1) 3. Gadsden City (8-2) 4. Mountain Brook (8-1) 5. Lee-Montgomery (4-1) 6. Auburn (8-0) 7. Murphy (7-3) 8. Thompson (6-3) 9. Central-Phenix City (5-1) 10. Grissom (7-3) Others nominated: Enterprise (5-1), Prattville (2-1), Theodore (7-1).
CLASS 6A
1. Carver-Montgomery (5-1) 2. Lee-Huntsville (7-3) 3. Bessemer City (8-1) 4. Homewood (9-1) 5. Blount (8-4) 6. Pelham (6-3) 7. LeFlore (5-2) 8. Austin (4-1) 9. Albertville (6-3) 10. Northview (8-0) Others nominated: Briarwood (6-3), Dothan (4-0), Gardendale (6-1).
CLASS 5A
1. J.O. Johnson (7-1) 2. Sumter Central (14-1) 3. Faith Academy (9-1) 4. Columbia (7-2) 5. Brewbaker Tech (6-2) 6. Central-Tuscaloosa (7-2) 7. Dora (7-1) 8. Sidney Lanier (7-2) 9. Mortimer Jordan (4-1) 10. Hayden (5-2) Others nominated: Corner (5-2).
DADEVILLE’S QUANDARIUS MOSS
CLASS 4A
1. Westminster Christian (8-1) 2. Cordova (1-0) 3. Bibb County (5-2) 4. Montevallo (8-1) 5. Cherokee County (3-0) 6. North Jackson (6-2) 7. Deshler (4-1) 8. Monroe County (7-2) 9. St. James (5-1) 10. Locust Fork (5-2) Others nominated: Priceville (5-5), Southside-Selma (4-2), West Limestone (5-4).
CLASS 3A Staff Report The Outlook
The annual tradition of December high school basketball begins today in day one of the 2015 Pepsi Classic at Horseshoe Bend School in New Site. The Pepsi Classic Tournament will
begin this afternoon with Benjamin Russell vs. Dadeville girls at 4 p.m., followed by Benjamin Russell vs. Dadeville boys at 5:30 p.m., then Coosa vs. Horseshoe Bend girls at 7 p.m., and Coosa vs. Horseshoe Bend boys at 8:30 p.m. The tournament will continue on
Saturday with the girls’ consolation game at 3 p.m., followed by the boys’ consolation game at 4:30 p.m., then the girls’ championship at 6 p.m., and then the boys’ championship at 7:30 p.m. For scores from today’s action, see the weekend edition of The Outlook.
Looking back on my college football predictions
W
ell, the college football regular season is over. And at this point – a very slow, dull Thursday afternoon in early December – the only thing we do not know is who won the Heisman Trophy on Saturday. So, allow me to take this time to look back on some of my college football predictions I made back in June and July. Now, while most predictions I would prefer to be swept under the rug and forgotten, I think it’s sometimes fun to look back and see just how wrong those predictions were. Georgia will win the SEC: Uggghhh. This prediction went up in flames as soon as Alabama stepped off the bus in Athens on Oct. 3. The less said about this one, the better. LSU wins a crowded SEC West: Welp, 0-2. This looked like a safe pick up until the Tigers stepped on the field in Tuscaloosa on Nov. 7. Hmmmm, noticing a trend here? Maybe I should stop betting against Nick Saban. Both Mississippi schools take a huge step backwards:
ROBERT HUDSON Sports Editor
Well, not a huge step, but backwards they went, sort of. Mississippi State certainly wasn’t the team it was last year, and Ole Miss…. probably the most schizophrenic team in America. They took another huge leap forward by beating Alabama in Tuscaloosa and then had three head-scratching losses: at Florida (not that bad a loss, actually), at Memphis (aren’t SEC teams supposed to crush mid-majors?), and at home to Arkansas (the 4thand-25 that changed the course of three teams’ seasons). But, at the same time, the Rebels are going to a New Year’s Six Bowl for the second straight season. We’ll call this one a yes and no. Jeremy Johnson wins SEC Offensive Player of the Year: Nope. Tennessee fails to live up
to the hype: Yep. The SEC returns to the National Title Game: OK, so this is the other thing we don’t know along with this year’s Heisman winner. But so far, so good. Now, on to the national predictions. Two teams from the same conference will not make the College Football Playoff: Called it. For better or worse, the CFP Committee has placed a premium on conference champions, and that doesn’t look like it’s going to change until the playoff, inevitably, expands. The PAC-12, not the ACC, will be shut out of this year’s playoff: Yup. If not for Stanford sleepwalking through its season opener at Northwestern, the Cardinal probably would have ended up pushing the Big 12 champ out into the cold for the second-straight season. Instead, Stanford, which frankly looks like one of the best four teams in the country right now, is on the outside looking in along with the PAC-12. Sometimes, a deep conference hurts you, unless your conference has an over-inflated reputation….
DeShaun Watson will be this year’s Heisman darkhorse candidate: And another one. Though, Christian McCaffrey is probably the bigger darkhorse. I still don’t think many people had Watson on their radar entering the season. J.T. Barrett will win the Ohio State quarterback job: Well, he did eventually, but no, Cardale Jones won the job to open the season, so this one was wrong. However, I think by season’s end Barrett showed he was the guy. TCU will win the national championship: Ughhh. OK, so maybe if the Horned Frogs remembered how to play defense this would have been a sound pick. Instead, this probably ranks up there with “Georgia will win the SEC” as the worst pick I made this summer. Ah well, maybe next year. So, 5-6 with one maybe still floating out there? Not bad. At least I had a good enough record to make a bowl game this season. Hudson is sports editor of The Outlook.
1. Madison Academy (6-2) 2. Holly Pond (10-1) 3. Hale County (7-2) 4. Westbrook Christian (8-0) 5. Winfield (5-0) 6. West Morgan (6-2) 7. Sheffield (6-1) 8. Hillcrest-Evergreen (2-0) 9. Prattville Christian (8-1) 10. Plainview (6-1) Others nominated: Colbert County (1-2), Montgomery Academy (2-2), New Hope (5-0), Sand Rock (3-3).
CLASS 2A
1. LaFayette (3-1) 2. Cold Springs (7-2) 3. Tanner (4-1) 4. Vincent (6-2) 5. Section (6-1) 6. Lanett (6-2) 7. Elba (1-0) 8. Collinsville. 9. Samson (5-3) 10. Cleveland (3-3) Others nominated: CentralHayneville (2-1), New Brockton (4-4).
CLASS 1A
1. Sacred Heart (NA) 2. Keith (7-2) 3. Georgiana (4-0) 4. Skyline (5-1) 5. Decatur Heritage (4-1) 6. Fruitdale (9-1) 7. Spring Garden (2-1) 8. Phillips-Bear Creek (4-1) 9. Loachapoka (2-1) 10. St. Bernard (8-1) Others nominated: Paint Rock Valley (8-2), South Lamar (6-1).
AISA
1. Glenwood (7-1) 2. Lee-Scott (7-3) 3. Tuscaloosa Academy (6-1) 4. Edgewood (2-0) 5. Lakeside (7-1) 6. East Memorial (9-4) 7. Sparta (7-3) 8. Hooper (5-3) 9. Morgan Academy (3-2) 10. Coosa Valley (4-1) Others nominated: Marengo Academy (4-2)