MEMORIAL SERVICE SET
A LOOK AHEAD AT THE DADEVILLE CHRISTMAS TOURNEY. PAGE 12
THURSDAY
THE
The funeral for Officer Kelly Cotney will be held Saturday. See obituary notice, page 2 inside.
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 December 17, 2015 Vol. 123, No. 251 www.alexcityoutlook.com
City begins asphalt substance testing By MITCH SNEED Editor
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
Crews work along Church Street in Alexander City Wednesday, applying a substance designed to extend the life of pavement.
If you noticed trucks and workers on several city streets in recent days spreading what looked like sand – it was not preparation for any impending winter weather. Instead, the work was part of a new program approved by the city council and initiated by the Alexander City Public Works Department to test a substance that can help add life to asphalt roads.
Crews have been working along Church Street, Dadeville Road and Russell Road, areas that will be used as a pilot to see if the products can deliver the extended life that has been realized in other areas. “We are seeing results in other places where it extends the life of a road by a third or more,” said City Engineer and Public Works Director Gerard Brewer. “If we get that kind of result here, it will save a tremendous amount of money. This process costs just pen-
nies on the dollar compared to asphalt.” The process involves the spraying of an agent called Reclamite, which is billed as a preservative seal on the recently paved roads. On older roads where cracking is occurring, a compound called CSR is used, where it works as a resin to seal cracks and prevent further decay. “We are eager to see how it works,” Brewer said. “We feel pretty good about making that investment.
Dadeville PD investigates claims of business fraud By MITCH SNEED Editor
Mia Osborn / The Outlook
Dadeville Police Department investigators are searching for answers and residents have been calling in bundles claiming that a local business has ripped them off. Dadeville Police Chief David Barbour said that in the last week or so the department has 17 complaints alleging that an electronics repair business that was located on Highway 280 had closed without returning the customers’ devices and in some cases money that was left as See FRAUD Page 7
Mary Elizabeth Vardaman tests out a machine at The Coffee Corner in downtown Alexander City. Vardaman said the business will be open soon.
EXCITEMENT BREWING New Coffee Corner downtown preparing for full-fledged opening By MIA OSBORN Staff Writer
The weather may be cooling down but excitement is heating up in downtown Alexander City as people anticipate the opening of Main Street’s new business, The Coffee Corner. The busi-
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Linda Shaffer, REALTOR® C: 256.794.4641 • W: 256.329.5253 shaffer@lakemartin.net 5295 Highway 280, Alexander City, AL
ness, which will be ready for a soft opening later this week, is owned by Alex and Mary Elizabeth Vardaman, who won the spot on Main Street in Alexander City’s first ever Missing Piece Business Competition. The Vardamans’ win in this sum-
mer’s contest secured them the DE General building at 107 Main with waived permit and licensing fees. In addition, the Vardamans received a start-up package valued at $100,000, including an advertising blitz from Lee See COFFEE Page 7
Commissioners start process for possible light at Hwy 34 & 49 By MITCH SNEED Editor
An intersection that has concerned area drivers for decades is again drawing calls for changes to improve safety. The intersection of Alabama Highway 49 and Alabama Highway 34 south of Dadeville is well traveled for people headed to residences as well as to points See INTERSECTION Page 3
Yeti cups are this season’s hard-to-get Christmas gift item By DAVID GRANGER Outlook Staff Writer
Every Christmas brings at least one popular gift that, because of its popularity, becomes almost impossible to find. It’s happened with the Tickle-Me Elmo doll, the Ferbie and with certain gaming consoles. But a cup? This year, the Yeti Rambler Tumblers, the insulated cups that keep cold drinks refreshingly cold and hot drinks almost unbearably hot – both for extended periods of time – have distinguished themselves as among the most difficult Christmas gifts to find. Yeti Ramblers are made from 18/8 stainless steel with double-wall vacuum insulation. The cups are tough and amazingly functional. But, as of Wednesday, the cups
weren’t even available on Yeti’s web site. Howver, the customer was given the option to leave an email address so they could be notified when the Ramblers were available. Russell Do-It Center has been a Yeti authorized dealer for several years. According to Scott Pearson, assistant manager of the Highway 22 store, it hasn’t had any Yeti Ramblers since early November. “We got about 60 then and it took us about a week and a half to sell them all,” Pearson said. “Everybody’s asking about them. They tell me we’ll have them a little bit after the first of the year, but I don’t know. The date keeps changing.” Randy Baker, store manager at Fish Tales on U.S. 280, another authorized Cliff Williams / The Outlook Yeti dealer, says his store hasn’t had the cups in three weeks. While they are silver and not gold, the search for Yeti cups has “They told us when we ordered in been like a hunt for the Holy Grail this holiday season as the See YETI Page 3 items seem to fly off shelves.
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Page 2
Murky circumstances of crime cloud convict’s welcome home
Friday
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DEAR ABBY: After I became an adult and left home, my father remarried a woman with a grown son. “Jack” has been incarcerated for the past several years. I have only vague information about what he did, but I do know it was related to drugs and gang affiliation. His mother insists he was “framed” and refuses to talk about the charges. I haven’t been able to find any public information except that this wasn’t the first time he was arrested. My father has hinted that there is a bigger story there, but he keeps quiet out of respect for his wife’s feelings. Jack will be released soon, and my stepmom is already planning big family events for us to welcome him home. I have a wife and kids now, and I’m not sure I want them around an ex-con. At the same time, I don’t really know what happened, and I
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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
Obituaries Mrs. Frances “Flournoy” Stone
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
Funeral Services for Mrs. Frances “Flournoy” Stone, age 86, of Alexander City, Alabama, will be Friday, December 18, 2015 at 2 p.m. at Bass Funeral Home Chapel. Bro. Vaughn Wood will officiate. Mrs. Stone will lie in state from 12:30 until 2:00 PM prior to the service. Burial will follow in the Hillview Mausoleum. The family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. in the chapel.
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. 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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don’t want to start a family rift. What should I do next? -WHAT’S THE SECRET? DEAR WHAT’S: Talk to your father and tell him that unless you know the whole story about what Jack did that you will not be a part of the welcome home party. As a parent, you have a right to know whether your children could be in danger if they are around him and base your decision on it. Not that Jack might ever hurt your children, but should a rival gang member come after him, they might be collateral damage, as we so often read about these days. Better to err on the side of caution.
DEAR ABBY: I was divorced 10 years ago. My children are all over 21. I talk with them once a month, but I contact my ex-wife only when there’s an issue that relates to our kids. My ex now has cancer. When she dies, am I expected to attend the funeral? I would like to go as a show of respect to my kids. However, I don’t know how they would react because they know I have had little contact with their mother for the last decade. The same question goes for my ex-mother-in-law, who is almost 90. I had a good relationship with her until the divorce, at which point she would no longer talk to me. Should I be there since she is the grandmother of my children? -- PLANNING AHEAD DEAR PLANNING: I think your question may be somewhat premature. Your relationship with your ex-wife and her
Mrs. Stone passed away peacefully with her family by her side December 16, 2015. She was born September 20, 1929 in Eclectic, AL to Roy Stowe Flournoy, Sr. and Lela Belle “Stagner” Flournoy. Mrs. Stone loved to fish, garden and travel. Her love for the Lord and her family was shown each day thru prayer, reading her Bible and singing southern gospel songs. She is survived by one son, Durell (Sarah) Stone of Alexander City; Daughters, Delores (Jerry) Ogletree of Alexander City and Delbra (Dale) Barker
of Hackneyville; brother, Roy Stowe (Wilma) Flournoy,Jr. of Altantic Beach, Florida. Grandchildren, Chad (Stephanie) Ogletree, Alyson Ogletree, Jarred (Amber) Ogletree, Barry (Carla) Stone, Jill (Ken) Adams, John (Margaret) Payne, Heather (Richard) Moore and Amanda (Tim) O’Hara. Great grandchildren, Leigh Ann Futral, Jansen Ogletree, Isaiah Moore, Amelia Moore and Austin Adams. She was preceded in death by her husband, Isaiah “Buddy” Stone, her parents and three brothers. Bass Funeral Home and Cremations directing
DEAR ABBY Advice
Brenda Sue Jackson
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.
Information
Thursday, December 17, 2015
The Outlook
SOCIAL SECURITY FAYE EDMONDSON Attorney at Law
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256-825-9559 No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.
Funeral services for Brenda Sue Jackson will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, December 17, 2015 in Bass Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. David Rozelle officiating. Burial will follow in Smyrna Cemetery. Family will receive friends Wednesday, December 16, 2015 from 6 until 8 p.m. at Bass Funeral Home. Ms. Jackson died December 15, 2015
Mr. James E. Hicks Mr. James E. Hicks 77 of Alexander City, AL died on Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at East Alabama Medical Center, Opelika, AL. Final arrangements by Armour’s Memorial Services.
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at Russell Medical Center. She was born in Coosa County to Elmer and Morgree Thomas Jackson on April 18, 1950. She is survived by her brother, Donald Jackson; sister, Libby (Larry) McCollum; neice, Kayla McCollum (Dustin) Osbourn and nephew, Kyle (Sady East) McCollum. She was preceded in death by her Parents. Bass Funeral Home and Cremations Directing
Officer Kelly Annette Cotney 1980-2015 Funeral service for Officer Kelly Annette Cotney, 35, of Alexander City, will be Saturday, December 19, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Randy Anderson and Rev. Wayne Cowhick will officiate. Burial will follow in the Hillview Memorial Park. The family will receive
friends on Friday, December 18, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Officer Cotney passed away on Monday, December 14, 2015 at University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital. She was born on November 14, 1980 in Alexander City, Alabama to Thomas Alvin Cotney and Beckie Dodgen Cotney Hidbrader. She was a member of New Pine
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mother may improve before anyone dies -- and let’s admit it, YOU could be the one to go first. If there is any chance that your presence at her mother’s funeral would upset your exwife, then I vote for skipping it and explaining the reason to your children. As to attending your ex’s funeral when (and IF) the time comes, remember that funerals are to comfort the living. During one of your monthly conversations with your children -- once your ex-wife is determined to be terminal and NOT before -ask what their wishes are and abide by them. 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.
Kenneth Lynn Moody A Memorial Service for Mr. Kenneth Moody will be held Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Bass Funeral Home Chapel, with Dr. Rev. Albert Pike officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to service time on Wednesday. Mr. Moody died on December 8, 2015 at his residence. He was born July 3, 1959 to Virgil and Odell Vaughn Moody. He is survived by: Son, Jason Moody; Daughter, Mandy Moody (Kevin) Barrett; Mother, Odell Moody; Brother, Dwight (Bridget) Moody; Sister, Anita ( Max) Snow and grand daughter Sophia Adalyn Barrett. He was preceded in death by his father, and his brother Byron Moody. Bass Funeral Home and Cremations Directing. Grove Baptist Church. Kelly worked as an Animal Control officer for the City of Alexander City for 8 years. Animals were her passion and she was an advocate for their proper care and treatment. She loved to laugh and make others laugh. Her greatest accomplishment was raising her two sons. She is survived by her sons, Benjamin James Wagoner and Samuel Layne Wagoner of Alexander City; mother, Beckie Dodgen Cotney Hidbrader (Larry) of Newburgh, IN; father, Thomas Alvin Cotney (Nira) of Alexander City; sisters, Renea Cotney Rose (Jason) of Vestavia and Blake Cotney of Evansville, IN; fiance, Cheldon Deason of Buttston ; step-sister, Jennifer Harris of Alexander City; step-brothers, Robin Harris of Birmingham, Rob Hidbrader (Lauren) of Valdosta, GA, Asa Hidbrader (Shelley) of Houston, TX; grandmother, Carolyn Cotney of Ashland; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Ben Dodgen; grandmother, Bea Dodgen; grandfather, Luke Cotney. The family will accept flowers or memorial contributions may be made to the Alabama Animal Control Association c/o Gina Ramer Jones, 300 North Hoyle Ave., Bay Minette, AL 36507. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome. com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
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The Outlook
Intersection
continued from page 1
on Lake Martin. Because the intersection is at the crest of a hill and follows several curves on both highways, it has been the scene of several violent crashes of over the years. Tallapoosa County Probate Court Judge Leon Archer said he has heard from several residents as well as members of Red Ridge United Methodist Church about the possibility of getting a traffic light installed there. Monday he asked the Tallapoosa County Commissioners if they could help. “I know we are dealing with state highways and they require a lot to make it happen, but the visibility there is pretty bad, especially if you are turning on to Highway 34 in either direction.” Commissioners voted unanimously to draft a resolution asking the state to consider a traffic light there. “It can’t hurt to ask,” said Commissioner Steve Robinson. “I know we have asked in the past, but if nothing else they can tell us what we can do and they will know it is important to us.” County Engineer David Moore pointed out that the state requires an annual traffic census as well as accident data before even starting the process.
Yeti October to get what we wanted because there wouldn’t be anymore until the middle of January,” Baker said. “Well, they were true to their word. “If I’d had 100 in the last three weeks, they’d be gone. I’ve gotten three calls about them today and that’s a slow day. I bet you I’ve been averaging 10 calls a day about those cups.” It’s not just local retailers like Russell Do-It and Fish affected by the shortage of Yeti cups. Many of the nation’s larger retailers that carry Yeti products, like Academy Sports and Cabela’s, are out of stock in stores and on their web sites, too. Pearson has his own theory about why so many retailers have been unable to
Page 3
Commissioner Emma Jean Thweatt said that there have been numerous accidents there, including one just a couple of weeks ago that left the driver of one vehicle badly injured. Tallapoosa County Sheriff Jimmy Abbett said the intersection is one that is troublesome to motorists. “It is a bad intersection,” Abbett said. “Volume of traffic aside, the roads leading up to the intersection are such that it is just tough to see what is approaching.” The intersection is home to several retail stores and businesses. Years ago after several attempts, there was some widening done and a caution light installed. Archer pointed out that Dollar General has purchased property there to add what will be the county’s 10th version of the discount retailer. “That will only add to the traffic there,” Archer said. “I drive that road virtually every day and I can just tell you that it is tough to see what’s coming up that hill. They can be on you before you know it. “Maybe they will consider it if it’s brought to their attention enough times.”
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
A caution light is the only safety feature currently at the intersection of highways 34 and 49, but residents hope that the commissioners can help convince the state to add a traffic light.
FOR SALE continued from page 1
get cups for such an extended period of town. “They’re put all their money on marketing and didn’t spend any money on manufacturing,” Pearson said. “Don’t get me wrong, they’ve done a great job with the marketing, but they should have been aware that they might sell a few cups and need to be able to make some more. “Their representative told me that they were in the process of building two new manufacturing plants, but they won’t have them up and running for 3-4 years.” Several calls to Yeti, an Austin, Texasbased company, on Wednesday went unanswered.
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EDITORIAL BOARD Kenneth Boone Mitch Sneed
Page 4
Thursday, December 17, 2015
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Outlook
Our
Opinion
Move to consider Sunday sales the right one
E
xplaining to out-of-town guests every Sunday why they are unable to have a beer with their pizza or pick up a six-pack on the way to the lake is a regular occurrence here in Tallapoosa County. Maybe soon that will become a thing of the past. This week the Tallapoosa County Commissioners voted 5-0 to ask the legislature to approve a local law that will put the matter to a vote of the people. We see that as a step in the right direction. According to officials, the language of the referendum will allow for alcohol to be served until 2 a.m. on Sunday. At that time, sales would stop and not be allowed to begin again until noon on Sunday. Because of the timing of the legislative session, it will likely not be on the ballot until November of next year, at the earliest. The prohibition of the sale or serving of alcohol on Sundays is deep-rooted in Alabama and across the South, as religious concerns fueled the ban and those kind of traditions are often hard to bring to an end. For decades the argument has been made that allowing Sunday sales will be a bad thing for communities and their residents. Opponents often say that drunk driving will surge. The truth is that those claims are not based in fact, according to national statistics. In Douglasville, Georgia, Sunday sales became legal a little more than a year ago. The number of drunk driving arrests actually dropped by 3 percent. Law enforcement officers there said they now don’t see as many people on the roads to other distant areas where alcohol is sold. Lake Martin makes us a tourist destination. Businesses here, particularly restaurants, feel that they are fighting on an uneven playing field when neighboring counties allow Sunday sales. National chains have told local officials that they will not consider locating here without Sunday alcohol sales. We applaud the commissioners for taking this step. It would be nice if the entire county would tackle the issue at the same time. We just wish it could only be voted in before the busy summer tourist season.
The
Today’s
A funny thing happened in Biloxi
I
was having a rough couple of days. It happens from time to time, perhaps more often than I like to admit. One day things will be better. Of that, I am sure. Driving to the Golden Nugget in Biloxi was a chore in itself. I drive all over the place, so four hours in a vehicle is just a hop, skip, and a jump to me. I didn’t even listen to the radio. When I first turned it on, Taylor Swift was playing so I immediately turned it off and never turned it back on again, because I was fearful she would still be there. When I got to Biloxi, I checked into my hotel room and was in the bed before the door closed. It’s where I needed to be. The fact that the bed was complete awesomeness didn’t hurt either. The fact that there were no four-legged creatures on it made it all the more enticing. Make no mistake about it, I love sleeping with my animals, but sometimes I just want to be in a large, clean, comfortable bed without coughing up fur ball every couple of hours. I was giving the closing keynote the next day at an insurance conference, but they invited me to their big shindig, which was starting about an hour after I laid down. I’d seriously considered sleeping
JODY FULLER Guest Columnist
right through it. I didn’t feel like being around people. I just wanted to be alone. Feeling obligated to make an appearance, I did. Everyone was incredibly nice to me, but I told them I probably wouldn’t be there long, because I had things to do, which was true. In fact, I had to write this article, but I also just wanted to be alone so I could wallow in my own self-pity. But a funny thing happened… I wound up staying for hours and hours and not because there was an open bar, because there wasn’t. It was a cash bar, but they did have a pretty great spread of food: pasta and shrimp and boudin, oh my! Also, one of their agents was an acquaintance of mine. She is the niece of Command Sergeant Major Bennie Adkins. We met last year at the White House when Bennie was being awarded the Medal of Honor. I had no idea that I’d see her, so that was a sign of good things to come. There was great entertainment throughout the
evening, but the grand finale featured several musical acts including the very talented Ronnie McDowell. His song “Older Women are Beautiful Lovers” has long been a favorite of mine. I also learned that he served three tours of duty in Vietnam. We had a nice chat later in the evening. Now, I can’t stop singing that song. It turned out to be a great night. It’s important to get out and about when we are feeling down for whatever reason. If we remain alone, be it home or a hotel room, our emotions have the ability to spiral out of control, and we won’t encounter anything that has the ability to spark change. This morning, as I stood in line at the breakfast buffet with what appeared to be the cast of Cocoon, I was still singing “Older Women are Beautiful Lovers,” and one of the blue haired beauties turned around and winked at me. You see, older women, they understand. They know just how to please a man. Jody Fuller is from Opelika, Ala., and is a comic, speaker, writer and soldier with three tours of duty in Iraq. He is also a lifetime stutterer. He can be reached at jody@jodyfuller.com. For more information, please visit www.jodyfuller.com.
John McKelvey represents District 3, which includes Jackson’s Gap, Hackneyville, New Site and Daviston. His phone number is 256-7944405. 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 Emma Jean Creek. Her daytime Thweatt phone number is 825-6914 and her evening phone number is 256825-4207. Her address is 585 Brookwood Circle, Dadeville. George Carleton Jr. represents District 5, which includes southern Camp George Carleton Jr. Hill, Red Ridge, Walnut Hill, Union and Pleasant
Today’s
Scripture “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and staff protect and comfort me. — Psalm 23:4
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Steve Robinson representsDistrict 2, which includes the southern part of Alexander City, the Cedar Creek area,Ourtownand Willow Point. His phone number is 256-654-0047. His address is 1225 Warren Circle, Alexander City.
“Everything becomes a little different the second it is spoken out loud. – Hermann Hesse
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T.C. Coley represents District 1, including half of Coley Creek, the Andrew Jackson subdivision, the southern part of Indian Hill, North Central Avenue, part of Pearson’s T.C. Coley Chapel Road, the Northsidecommunity and portion of Spring Hill community. His phonenumberis256-212-9316.Hisaddress is 2316 North Central Avenue, Kellyton.
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Letters to the Editor
Taking back their power
Dear Editor, I am speaking to the young people that have so much to lose. Pay close attention to the presidential race. Remember these candidates. What can they do for you? What are they willing to do for you? And not just lie to you. Look at your state. There are some serious problems here and the Republican Party isn’t discussing them. They cut $80 billion from your Education Fund. If you are planning to become a teacher, look how they are being treated. They don’t think they are important enough to raise their pay. That is how this party here in Alabama feels about things that you care about. You can’t get them to talk about
children going hungry. It is not important. I have written the governor concerning these problems, along with expanding Medicaid and you see they don’t have your future at heart. Now if you are rich, you have no worry. You are in good hands. But if you are not, then I strongly advise you to do the math. Research what they said before they were elected and what they have done since they were elected. And here election time is again. Young people, make the right decision. Elect the ones that have shown you they represent your values and won’t just tell you anything. Don’t let them plant fear in you because you have the power to change this election and put the power back in the
hands of the people and take it back from the big corporations. Put the power back in your hands so you can decide your future and the things that matter to you. We don’t have to lowrate anyone to talk about the facts. It’s pretty clear in Alabama everything is rated 7. We are behind in everything. We are so low that other people are keeping score. And none of the elected officials in charge are even paying attention. So young people stay focused and get ready to turn out. Let’s make this change. It’s about you and what matters. You always have a voice, so use it. Arlean Wyckoff Alexander City
Great job Lighthouse Dear Editor, We appreciate all that your staff does to make the program a huge success. May God continue to bless and restore the lives of every individual, who enters your doors. Alexander City is fortunate to have a very quality facility like the Lighthouse of Tallapoosa
County, where Mrs. Teri Trammell, executive director, and the entire staff work diligently to help men to mend and restore their lives and break through the bondages of drugs and alcohol. Also, you help those who need GEDs to attain them and many get the opportunity to further their
education by attending colleges. Because of your genuine services, men from other states and areas are allowed to go out and get gainful employment. Blessings Evangelist Teresa Harrell Moten WAY Ministries
Thesubscriptionrateis$136.00per yearinTallapoosaandCoosacounties and $177.99 outside the area. Periodicals paid at Alexander City, AL.Newspapersareavailableat100 news racks in our area at 50 cents for The Outlook and 50 cents for The Record. We would love to deliver a papertoyourdoor.CallDavidat256234-4281, Ext. 204 or e-mail david. kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com.
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Sam and Mary Champion Kenneth and Mary Lyman Boone
Page 5
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Faith Christian Academy students recently attended A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. The students had recently performed the musical, A Christmas Carol , by Pam Andrews which was based on Dickens’ novel. Attending were: front left to right, Seth Oliver, Autumn Blanks, Madison Moncrief, Kelly Hernandez, Reid Daughtry, John Patrick Stark, Chapman Marlow, Christopher Phillips, Evan Dunning, John Paul Boles, back left to right, Luke Greer, Kylee Stark, Leslie Pitts, and Dylan Palacios.
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
Brown Nursing and Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Services •Physical Therapy •Occupational Therapy •Speech Therapy 2334 Washington Street Alexander City • 256-329-9061 www.crownemanagement.com
Come Visit Us! Cecily Lee, Administrator Angela Pitts, Director of Nursing
TRADE DAY: Bibb Graves School will be hosting a trade day Dec. 19 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. VOTER PHOTO ID: The Camp Hill Public Library will host a voter photo id event and pre-Kwanzza celebration De. 19 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. You can register to vote, get voter id, apply for an absentee ballot. There will also be poetry reading. It is sponsored by the Alabama New South Coalition.
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
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
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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 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. 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. CHRISTMAS CANTATA: Comer Methodist Church will present it’s Christmas Cantata, Sunday, December 20 at 11 a.m. Everyone is invited to attend.
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 24
CANDLELIGHT SERVICE: Comer Methodist Church will have a Candlelight Communion Service on December 24 at 6 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend.
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. 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.
January 21
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. PUBLIC MEETING: The Tallapoosa County Commission/Emergency Management Agency is scheduling a public meeting on Janyary 21 at 10 a.m. to update its Hazard Mitigation Plan. The meeting will take place at the Tallapoosa County Courthouse, Dadevile in the Extension Auditorium downstairs. the public, private non-profits, municipalities, school board, universities/colleges, utility/ water/sewer boards, fire departments, and elected officials are among those invited and encouraged to attend. participation is required in order to apply for federal hazard mitigation grants in the future.
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 256-234-4752. 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.
Ongoing Events AFFORDABLE CARE
ACT ASSISTANCE: VCCA certified volunteers will provide Affordable Care Act Assistance by appointment – Marketplace Open Enrollment (based on income) assistance will be offered November 2 through December 30 (except during the weeks of 11/23 and 12/21) on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Please call the VCCA office at 256-234-0347 on Mondays or Wednesdays (9 a.m. -2 p.m.) to set up an appointment. WOMAN MEETING: Every first Sunday, Victory Temple Holiness Church hosts a woman’s meeting, at 237 Aster St. in Dadeville. Everyone is invited. The meeting starts at 2 p.m. READY TO WORK: Ready to Work is a FREE jobs skills training program offered at Central Alabama Community College Career Center. Classes meet Monday through Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. until noon. Completion of the program depends on the skill level of the individual. For more information contact Elaine Balint, instructor, at 256-2154496 (leave message) or ebalint@cacc.edu. OFFICE CAREERS: The Office Careers Technology program is funded by the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and was created to help dislocated workers learn new employable skills. To qualify for the programs be a dislocated worker (layoff) or a low income family. Anyone interested in the classes should contact the Alexander City Career Center @ 256-215-4494 and ask about the WIOA program. Most all dislocated workers automatically qualify for financial assistance. The program is 52 weeks and is open entry/open exit. Students learn at their own pace in a non-traditional classroom setting. Classes begin when students are approved and they may leave when they receive any or all of the certificates offered. Classes are Monday--Thursday, 8:00 a.m.--3:00 p.m. (with a lunch break). All textbooks and class materials are supplied. Certificates available are receptionist, inventory clerk, data entry clerk, administrative assistant, accounting office clerk, medical office clerk, legal office clerk. CELEBRATE RECOVERY: Celebrate Recovery is a Christcentered ministry designed to help hurting people. It is made up of regular folks who are on a journey toward wholeness; seeking recovery from life’s hurts, habits, and hang-ups. We meet every Monday at Vertical Point Church, 860 Airport Drive, Alex City. We begin with dinner at 5:45, followed by large group at 6:15 & small groups at 7:15. Childcare is provided. Everyone is welcome. For more info, call Mike at 256-496-4664.
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Thursday, December 17, 2015
The Outlook
Shop Local • Eat Local • Spend Local • WIN Local By shopping & doing business locally, you are supporting the businesses who support your schools, community & home! 120 Tallapoosa Street • Alexander City, AL 35010 • 256.234.3461 www.alexandercitychamber.com
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Week #1: $200 • Week #2: $300 Week #3: $400 • Week #4: $500 To enter, drop off one entry form per person, per participating business each week. That means you can have up to14 entries every week to increase your odds. Entry forms must be original newsprint and you can only submit one form at each business. (Entries must match the form corresponding to each week’s drawing and will be noted accordingly.) 256.329.9611 2 5
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2006 Cherokee Road, Alexander City www.rack.myvideostore.com
Winners will be notified weekly. Best of luck to our readers, and while you’re out submitting entries each week, shop around your hometown businesses. Christmas is right around the corner and what better way to shop for family than with your neighbors. Approximately 45% of money spent at home stays at home to support local schools, community improvements and economic growth. Local dollars make local sense! The Fine Print: *only one winner per household *TPI employees and immediate family are not eligible to win. *must be 18 years of age or older and a legal resident of the United States *no reproduced or copied entries will be accepted. Only original newsprint entries eligible. *all taxes are sole responsibility of winner *TPI reserves the right to disqualify any person from participation who compromises or gives the appearance of compromising the contest. *winners must claim prize at the Tallapoosa Publishers office on Cherokee Road by 4:00 pm within two days of being notified. *winners must present photo ID to claim prize
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Keeping you safe on the road this holiday season! •ALEXANDER CITY, AL• 857 CHEROKEE ROAD (256) 215-8822
•DADEVILLE, AL• 224 E. SOUTH STREET (256) 825-8195
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Coffee
continued from page 1
Marketing and Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., design services by Jamie Willis Dark Interiors and a free membership to the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce. The Coffee Corner will be the Vardamans’ second business. They are currently the owners and operators of Top Flight Gymnastics in Alexander City. The couple signed the lease for The Coffee Corner in September. They have spent the last months renovating the Main Street building with a casual modern flair. The Coffee Corner opened for a sneak peek during the Alexander City Christmas parade on Dec. 7, serving complimentary coffee to people who gathered to watch the festivities. “We had quite a few people come in,” said Mary Elizabeth Vardaman. “They got a little taste of what we’ll be doing.” That taste has left people thirsty for more. Fortunately, the Coffee Corner will have long hours so everyone will have time to satisfy their curiosity. The Coffee Corner will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. most business days and will stay open a little later on weekends. Vardaman hopes this schedule will expose them to many different customers throughout the day. “We’re open early, but we’re also giving people something to do on afternoons and weekends,” she said. In the mornings, the Vardamans’ call-in coffee service will help those who don’t have time to wait in line for their morning caffeine. The service will allow customers to call ahead with their order so that when they arrive, they only have to park and their drinks will be brought out to them. For people who want more than just coffee for breakfast, the Coffee Corner will offer a vari-
Fraud
The Outlook
ety of pastries, muffins and scones. During lunch and dinner hours, the Coffee Corner’s menu will expand to include soups, sandwiches, salads, pizza, and draft beer. Businesses up and down Main Street are excited to welcome the Vardamans. “There are so many wonderful things to say about Mary Elizabeth and Alex,” said Stephanie Smith, owner of Little Black Dress and MainStreet Economic Development Committee Chair. “The Missing Piece Contest had a lot of fabulous applicants, but they really stood out.” Smith believes the Coffee Corner and other new businesses are the key to bringing more commercial traffic to Alexander City’s downtown. “The more businesses we have, the more of a draw downtown will be and the more people will go out of their way to visit us,” she explained. MainStreet Executive Director Richard Wagoner agrees. “We know this addition to downtown will have positive impact that will reach new customers,” he said. Wagoner went on to add that the Coffee Corner’s early opening hours will attract parents who drive through downtown on their way to drop children off at area schools. Life is about to get even busier for the Vardamans, but Stephanie Smith feels they are well equipped to handle the responsibility of running two businesses. “Alex and Mary Elizabeth are both so young and energetic, and their enthusiasm is catching,” said Smith. “It’s great to have fresh new faces on Main Street.” For more information on the Coffee Corner’s opening and hours, visit their Facebook page.
continued from page 1
deposit. “We have had 17 complaints as of Wednesday around lunch, but there will likely be more,” Barbour said. “The business repaired cell phones, tables, computers and iPads. They would drop them off to be repaired and in some cases they would pay a deposit. But recently the business locked the doors without notice. “In some case the devices were gone and in others they were left behind, apparently. But we are hearing that it all happened without a word of warning.” Barbour said that the incidents are under investigation and further action is pending. “We are working to get to the bottom of it,” Barbour said. “We will release more information as it is available.”
Many a small thing
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Thursday, December 17, 2015
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Lake & River Phone (256) 277-4219 Fax (205) 669-4217 The Alexander City Outlook
Reaching more than 22,000 households in Tallapoosa and Elmore counties The Dadeville Record
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Page 11
Judge orders Harrison’s name off GOP ballot Late paper work will likely force Superintendent to file as independent candidate in Elmore County
By KEVIN TAYLOR Staff Writer
It was a simple mistake of not having all the appropriate paperwork necessary turned into the Elmore County Probate Judge’s office which led to a judge’s ruling Wednesday afternoon to have current Elmore County Schools Superintendent Dr. Andre Harrison’s name removed from the Republican Primary ballot. So as of now the only name on the March 1 GOP ballot for Superintendent of Education will be Richard Dennis. ““It’s disappointing that a Chilton County judge (Reynolds) gave an Autauga County resident (Dennis) a free pass in the Elmore County Republican Primary. It’s a slap in the face to voters,” said Harrison in a statement Wednesday afternoon. Harrison said he will not “waste taxpayer resources and appeal.” “I will now run as a conservative Independent and submit the required signatures by March 1 to be on the ballot in the November general election,” he said. An argument was made Wednesday morning by attorney Keith Howard that Harrison should not be allowed on the ballot since he admitted to not filing the certificate of administration and supervision, which had to be signed by the state superintendent, by the Nov. 6 deadline. “We would be in
this situation whether Richard Dennis was in the election or not,” Howard said. “Unfortunately he did not file all the papers he had to file, and (Elmore County Probate) Judge (John) Enslen had to bring this action for (Reynolds) to rule. He didn’t have any option.
fication packet The law mandatand found the ed what he had certificate, to do. which is required “Andre is a by law, not to be good person and included. don’t have any Harrison then ill will, but we presented the are happy that certificate on the judge ruled Harrison Dec. 11, and the way he did.” Enslen filed for Enslen surveyed Harrison’s quali- an emergency declara-
tory judgment from the circuit court. Al Agricola, who represents Harrison, said it was not the jurisdiction of the circuit court to rule and that Enslen should have made the decision. He also argued that other probate judges in the state have also received paperwork
from candidates beyond the due date and those candidates were placed on the ballot. But that is in violation of Section 16-9-4 of the Code of Alabama, as pointed to by Reynolds in his order to have Harrison’s name removed from the ballot.
Think Local • Stay Local
Tallapoosa County WHEN YOU VISIT AN INDEPENDENT LOCAL BUSINESS YOU... • Strengthen your local economy. • Support community groups. • Keep our community unique. • Create more good jobs. • Get better service. • Invest in your community. • Buy what you need. Don’t buy the hype. • Put your taxes to good use. • Encourage local prosperity.
ROBERT HUDSON SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228 sports@alexcityoutlook.com
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Page 12
‘TIS THE SEASON Dadeville set to host annual Christmas Tournament By Robert Hudson Outlook Sports Editor
The Dadeville Tigers are set to host another round of hoops for the holidays. The Dadeville Tigers Christmas Tournament will tip off on Friday at 4 p.m. at the DHS Gymnasium. The two-day tournament starts Friday with Tallassee vs. Lanett B-Team boys at 4 p.m., followed by Dadeville vs. Notasulga B-Team, then Lanett vs. Tallassee varsity boys, ending with Notasulga vs. Dadeville varsity. On Saturday, the tournament will resume at 3 p.m. with the B-Team consolation game, followed by the B-Team championship game, followed by the varsity boys consolation game and then conclude with the varsity boys championship game. Rodney Taylor, head coach of Dadeville (3-5), said the tournament gives the Tigers a good opportunity to test themselves against other squads while also raising funds for the DHS hoops program. “For us varsity-team wise, it’s a good chance to play some basketball against good varsity competition. Sometimes it’s better to play than practice because you actually get to see what you work on against that real, live varsity talent,” Taylor said. “As far as our program goes, it’s been kind of a fundraiser in a way. The money from the concessions and tickets from the tournament help us run our program. It’s something that we’ve done for a number of years now that’s really helped fund our basketball program.” Despite their current three-game losing streak, Taylor said the Tigers have shown improvement since starting the season. “I definitely think we’ve improved since the first Friday night. This past Monday night, we went over to Childersburg with only seven because the big kid I’ve got in Trey Johnson is not eligible, but hopefully will play this weekend, and Margarius Buchanan had a stomach virus,” Taylor said. “We did some good things in that game, but ended up losing by 30. But we did some positive things. Then last night against Auburn, we lost 50-27. We’re a small team and these teams are bigger than us, but once again I saw some good things we’re doing offensively and defensively and I saw improvement.” Taylor added that the purpose of the tough schedule is to hopefully prepare the Tigers to make a run when area play begins next month. “Our schedule is as hard as it’s ever been and this is the smallest team I’ve ever had at Dadeville. So, our goal is to take all of these tough games we’re playing, especially against the bigger teams, and prepare ourselves for the area run in January,” Taylor said. “Right now, I like the things we’re doing on the floor and I’m seeing some kids contribute and fall into their roles. If we can continue that, then come February maybe we’ll be a playoff contender.”
W
ASWA Rankings GIRLS BASKETBALL CLASS 7A 1. Hazel Green (13-0) 2. Jeff Davis (8-2) 3. Thompson (10-1) 4. Sparkman (8-3) 5. Buckhorn (13-3) 6. McGill-Toolen (11-2) 7. Hoover (8-4) 8. Lee-Montgomery (9-1) 9. Gadsden City (7-4) 10. Hewitt-Trussville (9-3) Others nominated: Central-PC (5-3), Enterprise (9-2), Fairhope (6-3), Theodore (10-4).
CLASS 6A 1. Homewood (11-2) 2. Blount (12-2) 3. Lee-Huntsville (12-3) 4. LeFlore (10-0) 5. Austin (8-2) 6. Shades Valley (7-1) 7. Huffman (11-3) 8. Athens (14-2) 9. Selma (11-1) 10. Scottsboro (10-2) Others nominated: Arab (8-4), Baldwin County (8-3), Briarwood Christian (9-1), Clay-Chalkville (6-3), Southside-Gadsden (8-1), Valley (5-1), Walker (8-3).
CLASS 5A 1. Wenonah (13-0) 2. Faith Academy (9-2) 3. Charles Henderson (12-1) 4. Central-Tuscaloosa (14-3) 5. Lawrence County (8-3) 6. Madison County (8-2) 7. Brewbaker Tech (7-4) 8. Ramsay (7-4) 9. Carver-Birmingham (14-5) 10. Eufaula (7-2) Others nominated: Fairview (10-3), Sumter Central (10-3), Talladega (10-3).
CLASS 4A 1. Deshler (8-1) 2. Locust Fork (10-0) 3. Sipsey Valley (11-2) 4. UMS-Wright (11-4) 5. Jacksonville (7-2) 6. Clarke County (10-2) 7. Priceville (9-4) 8. BTW Magnet (8-2) 9. Hokes Bluff (8-3) 10. St. James (7-3) Others nominated: Cordova (3-3), Crossville (7-5), Danville (7-8), J.B. Pennington (10-2), Straughn (6-2), Westminster Christian (3-3).
CLASS 3A 1. Madison Academy (9-2) 2. Lauderdale County (8-2) 3. Pisgah (9-0) 4. Sand Rock (8-0) 5. Central-Coosa (11-1) 6. Colbert County (3-2) 7. Holly Pond (10-4) 8. Montgomery Academy (4-1) 9. Abbeville (10-2) 10. Pleasant Valley (8-2) Others nominated: Barbour County (4-4), Hillcrest-Evergreen (3-1), Lexington (9-3), Westbrook Christian (7-2), West Morgan (8-6).
CLASS 2A
Robert Hudson / The Outlook
Dadeville’s Isaiah Hicks attacks the rim during a game earlier this season against Benjamin Russell.
Alabama owes Arkansas a ‘thank you’ hat if Arkansas running back Alex Collins doesn’t grab Hunter Henry’s 61-foot backward Hail Mary-lateral at Ole Miss on Nov. 8? What if Collins doesn’t run 31 yards for the first down on fourth down-and-25, setting up the game-winning score? What if Arkansas didn’t stun the Rebels 53-52 in overtime in the best bounce pass in the history of Razorback athletics? Sorry, Nolan Richardson. Simple – Ole Miss would have won, 52-45, and represented the Western Division in the Southeastern Conference Championship Game. Think about that scenario for a second. College football’s crack playoff committee would have faced its ultimate conundrum. This group put a premium on their selections winning conference championships. Clemson won the ACC. Michigan State won the Big 10. Oklahoma rose from the dead after losing to woeful Texas and won the Big 12. Alabama won the SEC. But if Arkansas doesn’t pull
Thursday, December 17, 2015
JOE MCADORY Sports Columnist
off its miracle play, Ole Miss or Florida wins the SEC – not Alabama. What then? Alabama wouldn’t have even won its division, per Ole Miss’ turnover-induced victory at BryantDenny in September. Could a committee that emphasized conference championships allow a team that didn’t win its division into Larry Culpepper’s playoffs? Probably not. That’s how close Alabama came to missing out on its national championship run. At this point, anything less than the playoffs is unacceptable. Instead, the Tide would have met Big 12 runnerup Oklahoma State in the Sugar Bowl. Someone in Tide country send Hunter Henry, the Razorbacks’ tight end, a thankyou card for his heads-up play. If he doesn’t aimlessly throw
the ball over his head, he would have fallen well short of the first down and the game would have been over. Someone in Tuscaloosa say an extra prayer for Alex Collins. If he doesn’t have the presence of mind to pick up the ball and run for his life, Ole Miss – which won the next week at Mississippi State – would’ve played in the Georgia Dome. But luck is a big part of this great game. It doesn’t matter if you are better than everybody else, you’re going to have that day where you need a little help from above. I believe Alabama is the best team in college football. I believed that last season too, and made sure an Ohio State fan knew how little chance the Buckeyes and their freshman quarterback had against Alabama’s great defense. I was wrong then and can be wrong now. But from what I’ve seen, football is still won in the trenches and Alabama plays better Big Boy Football than anyone else. The Playoff Committee
knows this. That’s why Arkansas’ miracle play gave this group a free pass on the making toughest decision it would have faced in its brief history. But as awesome as it was to watch the play succeed (goofy plays are fun), I wish Henry’s backward Dave Casper imitation would’ve fallen into the arms of a Rebel linebacker instead. The off-field drama and debate over who should make the playoffs and who shouldn’t would have been fantastic television or water cooler fodder. Do you leave the best team out of the playoffs because it didn’t win its division? If so, who do you put in? Not one-loss Ohio State – it didn’t win its division either. Two-loss Pac-12 champ Stanford? Yuck. The Ole Miss-Florida winner? Maybe. It’s a decision the committee didn’t have to make. For that, they are grateful. Joe McAdory is former Sports Editor at the Opelika-Auburn News and is Communications Editor at Auburn University’s Raymond J. Harbert College of Business.
1. Red Bay (9-1) 2. Samson (12-0) 3. Falkville (8-4) 4. Geneva County (12-2) 5. Tanner (7-3) 6. Cold Springs (9-5) 7. Holy Spirit (6-2) 8. Calhoun (10-2) 9. Ariton (9-1) 10. Lanett (2-2) Others nominated: Collinsville (4-4), Mars Hill (6-4), Mobile Christian (5-5), Phil Campbell (8-4), Section (5-4).
CLASS 1A 1. Keith (11-1) 2. Loachapoka (10-2) 3. Woodville (7-5) 4. Decatur Heritage (9-2) 5. Skyline (7-4) 6. Spring Garden (4-2) 7. Winterboro (9-2) 8. Pleasant Home (3-2) 9. Berry (5-1) 10. Cedar Bluff (3-1) Others nominated: Brantley (3-3), Georgiana (3-2), Hackleburg (6-2), Isabella (7-2), R.A. Hubbard (4-3), Jefferson Christian (3-4).
AISA 1. Springwood (12-0) 2. Lee-Scott (10-1) 3. Glenwood (8-4) 4. Tuscaloosa Academy (10-0) 5. Macon-East (6-2) 6. Lakeside (6-4) 7. Pike Liberal Arts (5-3) 8. Coosa Valley (5-2) 9. Lowndes Academy (6-1) 10. Sparta Academy (9-3) Others nominated: Abbeville Christian (7-2), Autauga Academy (4-3), Edgewood Academy (5-2), Fort Dale Academy (3-3), Northside Methodist (5-5).