GET OUT: AREA EVENTS FEATURED ON PAGE 5 INSIDE.
TUESDAY
THE
AREA’S BEST Gray selected top offensive player. Page 10
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 December 22, 2015
Vol. 123, No. 254
www.alexcityoutlook.com
REMEMBERING COTNEY Memorial service filled with touching moments, images. Page 4
City council deadlocked in vote on land sale deal By MITCH SNEED Editor
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
Council member Sherry Ellison-Simpson raised questions about some positions and the pay grades on the city’s personnel authorization list and one of three who voted against a land deal to unanswered questions about language in the contract.
Some believed the passage of the city budget would end the talk amongst members of the Alexander City City Council of salary adjustments and personnel authorization lists. There were also some who believed that maybe there would be a new sense of harmony and they would start seeing things the same way again. Wrong on both accounts. It was learned Monday that several items that
were discussed in budget work sessions may not have been included in the personnel authorization list that accompanied the budget, when it was approved by the council two seeks ago. Among those items were some grade changes for some recreation department employees. Council member Sherry Ellison-Simpson raised those concerns. “These are things we all agreed to in the work session and I just want to know if they’re in the budget or not,” Ellison-Simpson said. “If they See COUNCIL • Page 9
Ice skating at at Sportplex a big hit with area residents
Alex City native pens first book Humorous experiences in years as a pharmacist shared
By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
Alexander City attracted people from across the state this past week. No they were not here to visit the lake or to hunt. They came to ice skate. “They came here from Montgomery, Prattville, Auburn and Birmingham,” Alexander City Parks and Recreation Director Sonny Wilson said. “Overall, I think it was good for everyone. It brought out the community and brought others into our community.” The ice skating rink attracted over 1,000 for the week. “Everybody loved it,” Wilson said. “We even had five or six groups to use it for Christmas parties, like the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.” Wilson said the ice skating would not have been possible without the help of two key individuals. “Without the help of Tallapoosa County Commissioner Steve Robinson See ICE • Page 3
Today’s
Weather
70 62 High
Low
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
Above, teens spent a chilly Friday night on the synthetic ice at the Sportplex. The festive lights made for a great holiday outing for the more than 1,000 who came out to take their turn on skates in the week after Christmas in the Park. Left, students from Jacob’s Ladder scheduled an ice skating outing Friday at the Sportplex.
Diane Wilcher’s customer wanted her to believe that tornadoes were drug-selective. He’d come back to fill his wife’s pain medication two weeks early. He’d sought to refill them early before, so he visit wasn’t a complete surprise. It was after a tornado hit the Birmingham area and did significant damage. Wilcher informed the man the she couldn’t fill the prescription for two more weeks. “He said, ‘But the tornado tore up our house.’” Wicher said. “But, amazingly, the tornado didn’t touch his wife’s blood pressure or cholesterol medications, all of which were in the same daily pill organizer. See BOOK • Page 3
Businesses, government offices set holiday hours STAFF REPORTS Outlook Staff
Lake Martin
Lake Levels
480.28 Reported on 12/21/15 @ 6 p.m.
Linda Shaffer, REALTOR® C: 256.794.4641 • W: 256.329.5253 shaffer@lakemartin.net 5295 Highway 280, Alexander City, AL
6
54708 90050
8
USPS Permit # 013-080
With Santa barreling his way from the North Pole on Christmas Eve to deliver his goodies, some services will either close their offices or be open only a portion of the day. According to the city and Tallapoosa County, both city and county offices will be closed all day on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. They will resume normal hours on Monday, Dec. 28. The Alexander City Post Office at 233 Lee St. will be be open on Thursday from 8 a.m. until noon and will close Christmas Day. It will reopen for normal hours ( 8 a.m. until 11 a.m.) on Saturday, Dec. 26. All local banks will close for a portion of the day on Thursday. USAmeriBank, Region’s Bank, Renasant Bank and River Bank & Trust will all close at noon on Thursday. BB&T and Well’s Fargo will both close at 2 p.m. The offices of The Outlook will be closed Friday and will re-open for normal business on Monday, Dec. 28.
CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS! of g a set ection, s dvertisin After a the classißed h the it tires in ry pleased w received ve s I ll a I was c f t o sale. amoun sed with a rs has e h lo s c li d b d an osa Pu vice an Tallapo ustomer ser them e c s u t a e ly r e g deßnit I will the future! -Doug again in
Call Classifieds to today to place your ad!
22556-277-4219
Submitted / The Outlook
All aglow with Christmas Spirit The Spurlin home off Washington Street in the Sleepy Hollow subdivision is decorated in its holiday finest and Haver Spurlin and Hank Hunter pose for a picture. Do you know of a great light display in our area? Snap a picture and email it to us with the address to editor@alexcityoutlook.com
Hardwood Floors Ceramic Tile Carpet & Vinyl
Hair Botox Available exclusively in Rachelle’s Chair This product is formaldehyde free and restores hair to it’s natural healthy state. Eliminates Frizz • Repairs Broken Bonds • Promotes Growth • Smooths Unruly Hair
Locally Owned for Over 45 Years
256-234-6071
DURING THE MONTH OF DECEMBER RECEIVE 25% OFF THIS REVOLUTIONARY SERVICE Gift Certifcates Available • Book Your Appointment Now!
256.234.2007
792 Commerce Drive, Ste 103 • Alexander City, AL 35010 Check out my website for weekly specials! www.rachelleschair.rocks
1945 Hwy 280 • Alexander City
HOLMAN FLOOR COMPANY “WE’RE
THE PROFESSIONALS”
Page 2
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Hospital visitors should practice simple courtesy
Wednesday
73 64 Low
High
Mostly cloudy, 80 percent chance of rain
Thursday
75 64 Low
High
Mostly cloudy, 60 percent chance of rain
Staff
Directory Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com Management Kenneth Boone Publisher, Ext. 218 kenneth.boone@alexcityoutlook.com Mitch Sneed Editor, Ext. 213 mitch.sneed@alexcityoutlook.com David Kendrick Circulation Manager, Ext. 204 david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com Lee Champion Production Manager, Ext. 220 lee.champion@alexcityoutlook.com Accounting Angela Mullins Bookkeeping, Ext. 202 angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com Mary Lyman Boone Bookkeeping marylyman.boone@alexcityoutlook.com Newsroom Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Robert Hudson Sports Editor, Ext. 228 robert.hudson@alexcityoutlook.com Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com
David Granger Staff Writer, Ext. 210 david.granger@alexcityoutlook.com Mia Osborn Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 mia.osborn@alexcityoutlook.com Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Kim Morse Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 kim.morse@alexcityoutlook.com Emily Guill Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 emily.guill@alexcityoutlook.com Composing Audra Spears Composing Department, Ext. 219 audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com Alethia Russell Graphic Artist, Ext. 231 alethia.russell@alexcityoutlook.com Circulation Linda Ewing Asst. Circulation Manager, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com
The Outlook is published five times a week, Tuesday through Saturday mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011.
Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, Lake Martin Living, Kenneth Boone Photography and a commercial web printing press.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Post Office Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011.
© 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Reproduction of any part of any issue requires written publisher permission.
Postal
Information (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110)
FOR SALE
330 HOUSTON ST $84,900 INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY Duplex located near downtown Alex City w/ solid income history. 3 bed/1.5 baths & hardwood floors on each side.
DEAR ABBY: I have been a nurse for 35 years, and over time, I have noticed a decline in simple courtesy from people who visit friends or relatives in the hospital. Several things visitors should keep in mind: 1. If you don’t know what room the patient has been assigned, ASK. Don’t wander in and out of rooms until you find the right one. 2. Be prepared to give the first and last names of the patient when asking for directions. 3. Abide by the visiting hours and the number of persons allowed into a patient’s room at one time. Remember, patients need dedicated time for treatments and procedures. 4. Do not bring small children to the hospital unless they are visiting their parent or sibling. You needlessly place them at risk by exposing them to infections.
Obituaries Arbus Hutchins, Jr.
Funeral service for Mr. Arbus ‘AJ” Hutchins, Jr. of Jackson’s Gap, AL, Wednesday, December 23, 2015 at Shady Grove Baptist Church, Jackson’s Gap, AL. Mr. Hutchins died on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015 at his home. Arrangements by Armour’s Memorial Services.
Odain Leonard
Funeral service for Mr. Odain Leonard of Garfield Heights, Ohio recently of Coosa County, Alabama will be Wednesday. December 23, 2015 at Good Grove Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Good Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Wrights Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
How to Submit Obituaries can be submitted to The Outlook from funeral homes by e-mail at obits@alexcityoutlook.com For more information, call (256) 234-4281.
Funeral service for Mr. Troy L. Russell 73 of Serlenna Road, Alexander City, AL; Tuesday, December 22, 2015 at Armour’s Memorial Chapel, Alexander City, AL.
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.”
has
made
large... ...with the right kind of advertising.
Bill’s Electric ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS
P.O. Box 673 1814 Airpor t Blvd • Alexander Cit y, AL
(256) 234-4555 256.234.4281
5. Make sure any food you bring to the patient is allowed by the physician. 6. Never question the staff for information regarding the patient’s diagnosis or condition. It is against the law for a health care provider to divulge patient information to an unauthorized individual. Ask the patient. 7. Get permission before plugging in your cellphone charger. 8. When taking the elevator, use public elevators. And when the doors open, stand back and allow the occupants to safely step out before enter-
Mr. James William Moncrief 1944-2015 Funeral service for Mr. James William Moncrief, 71, of Alexander City, will be Saturday, December 26, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the God’s House Church. Rev. Roger Green will officiate. Burial will follow in the Old Providence Baptist Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 26, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at God’s House Church. Mr. Moncrief passed away on Saturday, December 19, 2015 at Russell Medical Center. He was born on March 10, 1944 in Tallapoosa County,
DEAR ABBY: My ex-husband, “Charles,” is dying, and we have decided to get remarried before he dies so he won’t Alabama to Frank William Moncrief and Katie Estelle Peters Moncrief. He was a member of God’s House Church. Mr. Moncrief was a self employed brick mason for 50 years. He loved to attend shooting matches and travel around locally on gold hunting adventures. Whenever anyone visited him at home you could always find him watching old westerns. He is survived by his daughters; Quida Moncrief of Farmerville, LA, Tonya Hand of Alexander City, Pavela Sims of Jackson’s Gap, Tammy Morgan (Israel), of Alexander City; sister, LaRue Henderson; grandchildren; James Sheffield, Katilyn Reyes, Ashlyn Haney, Maggie
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. Hand, Danielle Dye, Kristine Dye, Kelsey Dye, Colton Morgan, Johnathan Moncrief, Eric Loyd; ten great-grandchildren; nieces, Kathy Galloway, Susan Tilley, Johnnie Hand and Connie Sherrer. He was preceded in death by his parents; nephew, Bubba Earl Henderson. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Radney Funeral Home to help cover funeral expenses. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome. com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Troy Russell
www.samanthaspurlin.com sam@samanthaspurlin.com
been
Advice
be alone at the end. (And also so I can receive his VA benefits when he’s gone.) Is this morally wrong? I do take care of him, but not all the time because Charles likes living with his uncle and will remain there after we marry. I guess I just have a little guilt trip going on. -- GUILT TRIP IN TEXAS DEAR GUILT TRIP: Charles earned his benefits. I see nothing morally wrong with people providing for someone they care for after their death. Unless Charles was coerced into his generosity, I can’t see why you should feel guilty.
Mr. Walter Brooken Jr., of Centerpoint, Alabama died December 18,2015 and arrangements will be announced later by Wright’s Funeral Home.
OfÄce: 256.329.LAKE (5253) Mobile: 256.786.0650
small thing
DEAR ABBY
ing. -- PATIENT-CENTERED NURSE IN CALIFORNIA DEAR NURSE: If readers take to heart your suggestions in the spirit they were given, everyone will benefit. That visitors would charge into hospital elevators, wander the halls, barge into patients’ rooms, and drag small children into sickrooms is an indication that there has been not only a decline in courtesy but also common sense. Patients are in hospitals because they need intensive treatment and REST. Creating a party atmosphere in which the patient is expected to entertain numerous “guests” is physically and emotionally draining and a danger to the person’s health.
Walker Brooken, Jr.
SAMANTHA SPURLIN
Many a
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
The Outlook
“PROVIIDING QUAALITYY ELEECTRRICALL CONSSTRUUCTIIONN SINCE 196 61”
PROMPT Gu a r a n t e e d
Submitted / The Outlook
SL Alabama donates to Angel Tree Christmas Gift Program Alabama has once again participated in the Angel Tree Christmas Gift Program through Coosa and Tallapoosa County DHR this year. We were given the names of 67 children, 17 in Coosa County and 50 in Tallapoosa County, who were in need of a bit of Christmas cheer. We created cards for each child with his or her name, age, and Christmas wish. We asked our associates to stop by the “Angel Window” in the HR office, select a child’s card, and give the gift of hope this Holiday Season to those in our area who are less fortunate. There were a total of 94 wish-list cards ranging from a Little Red Wagon and dolls to work boots and tablets. Our associates went above and beyond with their purchases and we couldn’t be more proud of the outpouring in generosity of spirit our associates have demonstrated, not only this year, but every year that we have been fortunate enough to give back to families in our area. We worked with the staff of Tallapoosa County DHR: Brenda Floyd, Director, Angie Scott, Child Abuse Investigator, Vickie Pruitt, Elderly Abuse Investigator, Dana Sims, Christmas Elf (our event organizer), and with the staff of Coosa County DHR: Angela Harding, Director, Billie Robinson, Service Supervisor (our event organizer), Deanna Bonagura, Social Worker and Brooke Odom, Social Worker.
SOCIAL SECURITY FAYE EDMONDSON Attorney at Law
135 N. Tallassee Street • Dadeville, AL
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.
WHATLEY MONUMENT Company
Better Service A Family Tradition 1049 Hillabee Street Alexander City, AL C.M. “Mike” Whatley, Owner
329-1217
Service at its best...When you need it most!
Our certified team is ready to serve you.
(256) 234.5260 www.amplumbing.net Become a Member of Our Diamond Club...It Pays!
Call 256-234-4281 to subscribe.
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Book
The Outlook
continued from page 1
“I called a meteorologist friend and asked him if tornadoes were drugselective. He thought I was crazy, but said not that he knew.” The case of the drugselective tornado is just one of the number of tru-life anecdotes Wilcher collected during more than 30 years as a pharmacist, mostly for the CVS chain in Birmingham and Trussville.. She has compiled a book of the stories titled “Pills I Have Known,” published by Outskirts Press of Denver, Colorado and available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and, if you’d like the book signed and personalized, from Wilcher herself. “I am blind in one eye and I was forced into retirement,” Wilcher said. “I had all these funny stories and I thought I would just put them into a book. They’re even funny to people who aren’t in a
Ice
medical field.” Wilcher also tells the story in the book of the woman whose dog ate her xanax – how Fido opened the bottle, she’s yet to figure – and of the couple that planned to sue the manufacturer of a birth control medication because it wasn’t working. Turns out he was the one taking the pills. Then there were the names she ran across in her career, folks like Daisy Duck and Purple Crow. The Alexander City native and Benjamin Russell (1973) and Auburn University (1976) graduate says sales of the book are going fine and she believes it would make a great last minute stocking stuffer. “It’s just a little 41-page book, but it contains a lot of memories,” Wilcher said. “I think those who read it will enjoy it and get a good laugh.”
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Page 3
¦ £ ¡ ¤ ဘဘ We make Christmas easy!
Wrapped & Delivered 5 times a week
continued from page 1
and Wayne Coker, we would not have been able to pull this off,” Wilson said. “Simply put, without them we could not have done it.” With the concrete slab
already in place, Wilson hopes that they can pull it off again. “We hope to do it again,” Wilson said. “It all depends on the budget.”
We Care About You and Your Loved Ones!
•Home-like Environment • Specialized Dementia Care Unit •Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy Services
A DAMS HEALTH & REHAB 1555 HILLABEE STREET • (256) 329-0847
1720 Dadeville Road • Alexander City, AL
Call Spencer or Dax Today!
256.234.5331
DOWN PAYMENTS
As Low
500
$
As...........
MONTHLY PAYMENTS As Low
250
$
As........... *Upon Kerley Motors Approval
Now thru Mar. 31, Receive a 10 year parts & compressor warranty on all York residential system replacements & new installations. Also includes a factory 10-year labor warranty. Buy NEW with Williams and you will have no repair cost for the next 10 years. Excluding maintenance and maintenance related problems i.e. stopped up drain, dirty coil, etc.
Williams Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning Inc Mike Coker 3875 Dadeville Road, Alexander City, AL 35010
256-329-8488 • 256-267-5021 mobile
Small Space Advertising Works! 256-234-4281
HILLABEE TOWERS
Great Location • Peaceful Setting Comfortable Living Spacious One Bedroom Apartments Now Available! Rent Based On Income, 62 Years And Older Or Mobility Impaired Refrigerator, Stove, Carpet, Blinds, Heat/Air, Tile With Carpet, Laundry Room Facilities – Electric and Water Included
Call Hillabee Towers Today! (256) 329-0552 1001 Tallapoosa Street Alexander City, AL
1 Year Subscription for just
$
102!
Regular: $136
Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. 548 Cherokee Road Call David Kendrick at 256.234.4281
MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X 213 editor@alexcityoutlook.com
EDITORIAL BOARD Kenneth Boone Mitch Sneed
Outlook The
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Page 4
Our
Opinion
Let us know what you think
W
hat do you think about the progress of cleaning up the former Russell property? What are your views on gun control or about gay marriage? Or our national politicians and how they perform in national debates or on the campaign trail? Do you have somebody you’d like to thank publically? How do you feel about Lake Martin’s seasonally swinging water levels? Do you have thoughts on how Tallapoosa County can attract more new businesses and industry that will provide jobs for our residents? Have you been on the receiving end of a good deed and would like to give credit where credit is due? Do you have a bone to pick with any of the stories in this newspaper? If you have something to say about any of these questions, then the answer is a letter to the editor or a guest column. This newspaper’s editorial page is an open forum for our community and we encourage you to write us and make your opinion known. It’s free. If you need help writing, our editors will be happy to help you craft a letter. Our rules are simple: no cussin’, no libel, no slander. Basically, if you’d say it around the dinner table with your grandmother, it’s probably acceptable as a letter to the editor. So let’s get the conversation started. What’s on your mind? Write us at editor@alexcityoutlook.com or Editor, The Alexander City Outlook, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 25011.
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Cotney’s life touched many in Alexander City
I
have only called Alexander City home for about a year and a half, but it’s rare that I go anywhere that I don’t run into someone that I know or who knows me. It’s like that in small towns. People know where you live, what you eat for breakfast and who you had lunch with. Perhaps that’s why the death of Alexander City Police Animal Control Officer Kelly Cotney touched so many people. Hundreds of people came out Saturday to pay their final respects to the smiling young woman who was taken far too early in life. Cotney died from injuries suffered in a Dec. 14 car accident on Highway 22. At age 35, the smiling young woman who loved her job, her family and life, was no longer with us here on earth. There were tears shed, but there was also laughter. Kelly Cotney had a way of making you smile by just being around her. Brother Wayne Cowhick from Alexander City Methodist Church and a chaplain for the Alexander City Police Department said that Cotney’s death has had a tremendous impact an all who knew her. He said that her families – her relatives and her city family – are dealing with some tough times. Cowhick said that we should all hold on to our memories and remember the way she lived. “She always had that smile on her face that made you feel warm and welcome,” Cowhick
MITCH SNEED Editor
said. “She was determined to be a good mom and she was a very good mother. She loved those boys.” Randy Anderson was one of Cotney’s teachers in school and had performed her wedding. So when he spoke of Kelly Saturday, it was from the heart. “We don’t understand and we never will understand,” Anderson said. “But we have to trust that God has a plan and that he is here for Kelly, just as he is here with each and every one of us.” The underlying message from both Cowhick and Anderson was the same. Life is short – we are not guaranteed tomorrow. They said we should live each day like it is our last. The second part, be ready. I have covered services for fallen soldiers and funerals for victims of brutal attacks. But there is something about covering the memorial of a young mother that was especially difficult. It’s just tough thinking about young children who won’t be able to build the lifetime of memories like so many people have done with Kelly. Her partner in animal control Ken Vernon shared some stories with me that he will always carry with him, memories that he said will help him get through some very empty days that are
sure to come. “Kelly could always get me to do the craziest things,” said the usually stoic Vernon. “I remember Kelly and I were washing some blood out of the truck. The dog had gotten ran over and we were stressed about it. One of Kelly’s coping mechanisms was making funny videos or taking selfies. As we were washing the blood out of the truck I saw an old boom box. I could see Kelly’s wheels turning in her head. She said “Let’s make a video.’’ “I picked up the muddy radio and placed it on my shoulder. Kelly had her phone playing music and we acted as if we were dancing and made a video. Kelly could do little things like that when we got into bad situations to make the day better. I miss her so much.” I will miss her love for animals that she always shared when I was covering a story, or her voice over the scanner when she was handling one of the hundreds of animal-related calls that come in. The procession was moving as a giant flag atop the Alexander City Fire Department ladder truck greeted the long line of emergency vehicles and Cotney on her final ride. A team of rifles honored Cotney with a 21-gun salute and a bugler played a chilling rendition of “Taps.” But for most, it was the final radio call that hit home. “Calling 3063…. Calling 3063... This is your final call.” Sneed is the editor of The Outlook.
Quote
“I learned the value of hard work by working hard.” – Margaret Mead
Today’s
Scripture “So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.” – 1 Peter 4:19
alexcityoutlook.com
Daily Poll Weekend Question: Is enough being done to clean up the former Russell property?
Yes - 6 No - 51
Tuesday Question: Will you be shopping on Christmas Eve?
To participate in this daily poll, log on each day to www.alexcityoutlook.com and vote. Find out the vote totals in the next edition of The Outlook and see if your vote swayed the results.
Our
Mission The Outlook strives to report the news honestly, fairly and with integrity, to take a leadership role and act as a positive influence in our community, to promote business, to provide for the welfare of our employees, to strive for excellence in everything we do and above all, to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves.
How to
Know Your
Subscribe
Officials
Communication with elected officials is the key to good government. To let your most local representatives know how you feel about state or local matters, contact any of the following. Governor Robert Bentley represents the state of Alabama and its 67 counties. He was elected to office on Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334-242-7100. His office is located at the State Capitol at 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama.
Today’s
Robert Bentley
Lieutenant Governor Kay Ivey represents the state of Alabama and its 67 counties. Kay Ivey She was elected to office on Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334-242-7900. Her office is located at 11 South Union Street, Suite 725, Montgomery.
Luther Strange was elected Alabama’s 49th Attorney General Luther Strange first elected in 2010, and serves as the State’s chief law enforcement officer. He can be reached at 334-242-7300, and his office is located at 501 Washington Avenue, Montgomery. Mark Tuggle (R) represents the 81st District coverMark Tuggle ing Coosa, Chilton and Tallapoosa counties. He can be reached by phone at 256-392-2006 or by email at tughd81@gmail.com. His office is located at 110 Calhoun Street, Suite 108, Alexander City. Tom Whatley represents the 27th District covering Lee, Russell and Tallapoosa County. He was elected to Tom Whatley the Alabama Senate on Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334-242-t7865. His office is located at 337 East Magnolia
School kids suffer most in political tug of war
S
chool kids make a terrible rope in a political tug of war. Yet too many politicians continue to use education dollars as a hammer to wave over the heads of those who run our schools. The latest example is Senator Trip Pittman of Baldwin County, former chair of the Senate Finance & Taxation Education committee. (He will chair the Finance & Taxation General Fund committee next session.) A few weeks ago school systems across the state discovered that when the Education Trust Fund budget was passed this year, someone slipped language in that allowed the new Pike Road system in east Montgomery to get $2.3 million of a $9.6 million allocation referred to as “current units.” This cost 47 other systems $1.2 million. (Pittman’s own Baldwin County system lost $80,946.) A thorough re-tracing of the progress of the appropriations bill shows the language in question surfaced at some point between a conference committee and final passage. As would be expected, administrators in those systems who were shortchanged were not happy and it didn’t take long for the media to get wind of what had happened. Reporter Modupe Idowi with Mobile’s WPMI Channel 15 did a story about this on Nov. 24, 2015. Later that night, Senator Pittman sent an email to John Wilson, Chief Financial Officer of the Baldwin School System that said:
LARRY LEE Guest Columnist
“I increased the funding for current units and then fully funded Pike Road to get a vote to save ETF. If you have a problem with that give me a call. Remember, the Penny can go away. Have a happy Thanksgiving.” While it is true that funding for this particular appropriation went from $3.8 million in 2015 to $9.6 in 2016, it is still way below the 2008 level of $42.2 million. And while systems are getting more this year than last year, they are still being shortchanged because funds were not distributed equitably. For example, Baldwin County got $342,081 in current units funding last year and will get $468,088 this year. But without the special treatment for Pike Road, they would have received $549,034. As to the good senator doing all of this to gain a vote, that’s unclear.. Normally you horse trade on votes when they are tight. However, in this case the appropriations billed passed the senate without a “nay” vote, though perhaps he was referring to something to do with another vote.. But the most damning statement is, “Remember, the Penny can go away.” Senator Pittman is referring to a one cent sales tax
Drive, Auburn.
that generates $35 million annually for Baldwin County schools. This supports 151 teachers, 27 teacher aides, 72 bus drivers, 18 counselors and a number of other personnel. This tax will expire in 2018 unless it is renewed by the local legislative delegation or voted on by the public. As a rule, decisions such as this must be approved unanimously by a legislative delegation. In other words, one objection can kill it. Baldwin is one of the largest systems in Alabama and one of the fastest growing in the country. They gain the equivalent of a new elementary school per year. (500-600 students) They already have more portable classrooms than all but one other state system. Losing $35 million a year would be catastrophic. I showed Senator Pittman’s statement to a number of people. To a person, they called it a threat. Which is exactly what it is. If you don’t stop talking about me I will try to put 151 teachers out of a job and who cares if there are 4-50 students in a classroom? Another attempt by a politician to use school kids as a rope in a political tug of war. And once again, politics comes before kids and schools. Larry Lee led the study Lessons Learned from Rural Schools and is a longtime advocate for public education. larrylee133@gmail.com. Read his blog: larryeducation. com.
The subscription rate is $136.00 per year in Tallapoosa and Coosa counties and $177.99 outside the area. Periodicals paid at Alexander City, AL. Newspapers are available at 100 news racks in our area at 50 cents for The Outlook and 50 cents for The Record. We would love to deliver a paper to your door. Call David Kendrick at 256-234-4281, Ext. 204 or e-mail david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook. com.
What’s your
Opinion?
We’d like to share your thoughts and opinions with the greater Lake Martin community. It’s free and it only takes a few moments of your time. We have two ways to get your opinion in print: letters to the editor and guest columns. The main difference is length. Letters to the editor are up to 250 words, while guest columns can be up to 500 words. Letters and columns may be sent to P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011, faxed to (256) 2346550 or e-mailed to editor@alexcityoutlook.com. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send us your thoughts today!
Follow us
On the Web
Follow The Outlook on the Internet on our website or on social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Log on to http://www.alexcityoutloook.com. There you will be able to view stories and multimedia posted by The Outlook. You can also click on the Facebook link to join The Outlook’s fan club or click on the Twitter link to start receiving tweets on your phone as we post updates. You can also subscribe to our RSS (Rich Site Summary) feed on the Outlook’s home page. Check it out today.
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
The Outlook
CommunityCalendar Today is December 22, 2015 SEASONAL ART Now Showing in the Gallery
Today’s Events
There are no events for today’s calendar.
Today’s Anniversaries
Mr. and Mrs. James Homer Patterson and Everett and Gloria Boleware are celebrating an anniversary today.
Page 5
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Submit calendar items:
Participate in your Outlook by calling 256-234-4281, faxing them to 256-234-6550, sending your event to calendar@alexcityoutlook.com or logging on to http://www.alexcityoutlook.com/.
Today’s Birthdays
David Tate, Jim Barrett, Chris Jackson, Jenny Champion, Larry Hanson, James Hutchins, Dylan McDaniel, Elsie “Peanut� Jackson, Cynthia Jones, and Lillian Moss are celebrating birthdays today.
Open on Mondays Through December SERVING LUNCH IN THE CAFÉ Monday - Saturday 11am-1:30pm Wine by the glass available
HOLLEY’S HOME FURNISHINGS
We Dare You To Compare! 1660 Hwy. 22 West Alexander City, AL
www.emporiumwine.net (256) 212-9463 Mon-Fri: 10-5 Sat: 10-2
256.234.4141
***
“£“¤ ÂŚÂĄ Š—–ဖ š ÂŚÂ˜Â“Â?ÂœÂĄ
www.holleyshomefurnishings.com
Small Space Advertising Works.
We will deliver the Lake Region’s News to your door
128 Calhoun Street Historic Downtown Alexander City
Visit us online at:
Daily, Weekly or Monthly
SUBSCRIBE TODAY! Take advantage of our Magazine Subscription Special and get both LAKE Magazine and Lake Martin Living for the low price of . . . $4500
For Consistent Advertising
at Low Rates...
call the Advertising Department
Call 256-234-4281 or stop by our ofĂšce at 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL
256.234.4281 Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
Need Insurance? Call me.
Merita Leonard, left, was last week’s winner in the Great Santa’s Cash Giveaway presented by The Outlook. Leonard was presented a check for $300 by TPI’s Mia Osborn, right, Monday morning. “It sure will help out here at Christmas,� Leonard said.
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
256.234.3481 KarenChannell.com
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
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
How to add a calendar item: Participate in your
Outlook The
Lighting the way for the Alexander City & Lake Martin area
by e-mailing your event to calendar@alexcityoutlook.com or calling 234-4281. Send your news items to editor@alexcityoutlook.com.
The FANS HEAR You!
Small Space Advertising Works! call the
Advertising Dept.
256.234.4281
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, Incorporated. AMERICAN LEGION POST 339, COTTAGE GROVE, AL: Under new management! Music, food, and fun! Annual Christmas celebration beginning at 8:30 p.m.. Dress to impress.
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.
ticipation 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 256234-4752. For information, contact Heidi Ross at 256-794-7010 or Susan Mange at 601-431-8239. 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 January 10 p.m.) to set up an appointment. HAIR AND FASHION SHOW: WOMAN MEETING: Every first Gloria Boleware celebrates 37 years Sunday, Victory Temple Holiness of service with a community hair and Church hosts a woman’s meeting, at fashion show Jan. 10 at 3 p.m. at 237 Aster St. in Dadeville. Everyone is Passion Church on Highway 63. invited. The meeting starts at 2 p.m. It will feature Hair 4 Daze, Dea READY TO WORK: Ready to Love’ Reesie Williams, Adrian Young, Work is a FREE jobs skills training Team Katlin,Sharmaine Stowes, program offered at Central Alabama Nalarence Davis Show Models, Community College Career Center. GoGetters, Ent Marilyn Owens Lebron Classes meet Monday through Spradley and the Grande Finale Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. until noon. Charlene Benton. Completion of the program depends on the skill level of the individual. For January 21 more information contact Elaine Balint, WINE TASTING: Emporium Wine instructor, at 256-215-4496 (leave will host a wine tasting event from 5 message) or ebalint@cacc.edu. p.m. to 7 p.m. at 128 Calhoun Street, OFFICE CAREERS: The Office Alexander City. There is no charge for Careers Technology program is this event. funded by the Workforce Investment PUBLIC MEETING: The Tallapoosa Act (WIA) and was created to help County Commission/Emergency dislocated workers learn new employManagement Agency is scheduling a able skills. public meeting on Janyary 21 at 10 To qualify for the programs be a a.m. to update its Hazard Mitigation dislocated worker (layoff) or a low Plan. The meeting will take place at income family. Anyone interested the Tallapoosa County Courthouse, in the classes should contact the Dadevile in the Extension Auditorium Alexander City Career Center @ 256downstairs. the public, private non215-4494 and ask about the WIOA profits, municipalities, school board, program. Most all dislocated workuniversities/colleges, utility/water/ ers automatically qualify for financial sewer boards, fire departments, and assistance. elected officials are among those The program is 52 weeks and is invited and encouraged to attend. par- 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 Christ-centered 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. BEYOND TRANSFORMATIONS: Meetings every second Saturday. Have you been wanting to give back, work with youth, or be a part of a group that makes a difference? Please email iamtransforms@gmail.com or Call at 334-440-6539. Donations of clothes, food, books, computers, school supplies. A building and donations are needed. AMERICAN LEGION: Post 339 in Cottage Grove is open every Friday night from 8 p.m. until with fried chicken and fish. Music from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. SCV MEETING:The Sons of Confederate Veterans meets every third Tuesday night at 7 p.m. at J.R.’s Sports Bar & Grill. Visitors are welcome. BIBLE STUDY: Come join the Auburn Woman’s Satellite Day Bible Study Fellowship. We’re currently registering ladies interested in studying Revelations. The course, study guides, seminars and lecture notes are free. This is interdenominational and open to all women at Parkway Baptist Church Holliday Hall, 766 East University Drive, Auburn. We meet on Thursdays from 10 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. We will love to have you there. Bible knowledge is not required. Come learn, share, and fellowship. For further information, contact Tricia at 334546-1386. For further information on Bible Study Fellowship go to https:// www.bsfinternational.org. AMATEUR RADIO CLUB: The Lake Martin Amateur Radio Club meets from 6 to 7 p.m. the second Thursday of every month at the Alexander City Airport Terminal Building with dinner and fellowship following at a local area restaurant. Amateur radio license exams are available after the meeting by prior arrangement. The club also meets on the air (Alabama Emergency Net Victor) on the first, third, fourth and fifth Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. on the club sponsored K4YWE repeater at 145.33 mhz with the 146.96 repeater as backup. All interested can attend our meetings or contact Tim Mayfield K4CWL at 256-329-1172 or John Phillips WI4P at 256-212-4063 CAR SHOW: Lake Martin Street Rods and Classic Cars meet every 3rd Saturday at Buck’s Dairy Quick in Alexander City from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Call Danny at (256) 496-0024 for more information.
FOOT Specialties
Dr. Douglas Stewart Alexander City, AL
256-215-5596 American Board of Podiatric Surgery CertiÂżed Diabetic Shoes Hospital Surgeries Total Nail Care Hammertoes, Bunions, Corns and Calluses Sports Injuries
Lake Martin Mini Mall Areas Largest Selection of
5% SALES TAX
FR SET-U EE P DELIV AND ON EGERY GS
EZd^ FZkmbg Lhno^gbkl
Locally Built Composite Furniture We Believe in Quality Products! Wed. - Fri. 10-5•Sat. 9-4•Sun. 1-5 7995 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024
334.857.3900
www.LakeMartinMiniMall.com
Need your business to
STAND OUT from the crowd?
Call us, we can help!
256.234.4281
• • • • •
Alexander City Outlook Dadeville Record Wetumpka Herald Eclectic Observer Tallassee Tribune
Season Speaks Express Blowout • Highlight Ombre • Gloss • Color Make-Up • Keratin Adult & Children Hair Cuts Bridal & Bachelorette Packages 792 Commerce Drive Suite 103 Alexander City, AL
256.234.2007 256.749.8804
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Page 6
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
The Outlook
Kids
Page
Lake Martin Mini Mall
Town & Country Cleaners
7995 Kowaliga Road • 2 Miles S. of Kowaliga Bridge on Hwy. 63 EZd^ FZkmbg Lhno^gbkl Areas Largest Selection of & Accessories
And Shoe Repair
1222 Cherokee Road 212-9600
Wed. - Fri. 10-5•Sat. 9-4•Sun. 1-5 334.857.3900•www.LakeMartinMiniMall.com We Believe in Quality Products!
HOURS: Monday-Friday 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m. - Noon
IVER
BANK & TRUST S E RV I C E
U N S
D E E P
256-329-0500 www.riverbankandtrust.com
OfÀce: 256-234-5163 • 800-471-LAKE FirstRealty@lakemartin.net • www.LakeMartinHomes.net
First Realty_468 Church Street, Alexander City
256-357-9242 14391 US Hwy. 431 • Wedowee
1-800-856-8960 or 256-329-9843
“Where Service & Understanding is not a Slogan, but a Reality”
Commercial and Residential Builders
131 Mason Street • Alexander City (256) 234-6327
STEFUL GIFT IDEA . A TA
Mistletoe Manor
Zaxby’s® gift cards are perfect for the chicken lovers in your life. Available in any amount from $5 to $100, So next time you are at Zaxby’s, ask about our gift cards.
ZAXBY’S 4497 Hwy. 280 •Alexander City, AL (256) 234-2181 Hours: Fri. & Sat. 10:30-11:00
DOWEE WE
WEDOWEE MARINE
MARINE
2334 Washington St. Alexander City, AL 35010 Phone: (256) 329-9061 www.crownemanagement.com
1649 Highway 22 West • Alexander City, AL 256-215-5323 We’re Just a Heart Beat Away
Sun. - Thurs. 10:30-9:00
Currently available only at Zaxby’s store locations. Zaxby’s gift cards can be used at all Zaxby’s store locations.
Brown Nursing Home 3701 Dadeville Road, Alexander City ( 256 ) 234-6366 Rehab• Long-Term Care• Assisted Living
Funeral Home and Cremations
1880 Radio Road•Alexander City, AL
BILL WHATLEY
BROKER, CRS, GRI, ABR, SRES
Bass
AAA GENERAL CONTRACTORS, INC.
21130 Hwy. 431 Wedowee, AL
New & Used Boats • Yamaha Waverunners Yamaha Golf Carts • Full-Service Marina & Service Center • Wet Slips & Dry Storage
256.357.2045
800.780.2045
Bed & Breakfast
497 Hillabee Street • Alexander City
(256) 329-3717
Ivy Creek Medical Equipment 256.825.0667
Adam’s Health & Rehab We Care About You And Your Loved Ones!
YOUR LAKE MARTIN CHEVY DEALER Full Service Tire Center • Free Estimates Parts, Service & Body Shop 17488 Hwy. 280, Dadeville, AL 256-825-4201 www.mckelveychevrolet.com
SOCIAL SECURITY of Anniston, AL 4004 US Hwy. 431
256-280-8000
www.claytonhomesanniston.com
FAYE EDMONDSON Attorney at Law 135 N. Tallassee Street • Dadeville, AL
8:00-4:00 Mon.-Fri • By Appt.(Except Emergencies) 256-234-4295 • After Hours 256-329-7100
Temple Medical Clinic, P.C. YOUR FAMIY CARE CENTER Medicine, Office Surgery, Pediatric, & Industrial James P. Temple, M.D. • Timothy J. Cordin, M.D. Vincent Law, M.D.
859 Airport Drive • Alexander City, AL
Fun Carts of Opelika
618 Lee Rd. Opelika, AL 334.745.0560 • www.funcarts.net JIM HADAWAY, OWNER
Open Monday-Friday 8AM__ -6 PM Saturday 8AM-12PM (256) 215-8014
1144 Airport Drive •Alexander City
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.
(256) 329-0847
256-825-2100
1555 Hillabee Street Alexander City
10973 County Road 34, Dadeville www.kelleyshvac.com • AL License #99129
DRIVERS NEEDED 3000 SIGN-ON BONUS $
J&M TANK LINES, INC.
Lyman Ward Military Academy est. 1898 “Our passion is changing young men’s lives”
jmtankjobs.com or call Jeff Sandlin @ 256-245-3933
1-800-798-9151 www.lwma.org
HENDERSON AND COKER, INC. Mother Goose
Child Development Center Se habla español 645 Scott Road • Alexander City
256.234.3780 www.mothergoosecdc.com
– FINANCING AVAILABLE – Sales • Service • Installation P.O. Box 103, Alex City, AL (256) 329-8488
Eat At . . .
GENERAL CONTRACTORS
Our goal is very simple: “Complete the job in a timely manner with a customer who would ask us to do his next project.” 256.329.9001 www.hendersonandcoker.com
6684 HWY. 49 SOUTH • DADEVILLE, AL (256) 825-4827 “We Touch the Lives of the People You Love”
AUTO • COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL
256-234-5464
355 11th Avenue North • Alexander City, AL
DADEVILLE HEALTHCARE CENTER Kim Russell, Administrator 385 E. LaFayette St., Dadeville 256.825.9244
ClassiÄeds
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
classifieds@alexcityoutlook.com public.notices@alexcityoutlook.com classifieds@thewetumpkaherald.com public.notices@thewetumpkaherald.com
The Eclectic Observer
The Tallassee Tribune
The Wetumpka Herald
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Council just wanted to see if they have been applied.” Apparently the longevity increases were applied, but the step changes weren’t because the final sheet was not ready when the council voted on the budget. After talk about having a work session to get it straight, Council President Jim Spann tried to end it. “I’m about sick of hearing about this,” Spann said. “The effort has been about as sincere as we can be to get this right. But every time we get close we seem to run right back off in a ditch again. This doesn’t speak well for any of us. Not the council, not the mayor, not the finance director or human resources. “It needs to stop. We have some important decisions to be made in this city. There comes a time when we have to understand that we have department heads who we pay to run their department and we have to get out of their way and let them do their job. That is the way it’s supposed to be. We as a council should not be micromanaging.” The main item on the agenda was a proposed sale of property, but that hit a snag. The council was deadlocked 3-3 on a vote that would have sold a 16-acre tract of land at the corner of Dadeville and Comer roads for $400,000 to build housing units for senior adults. Council member Bobby Tapley expressed concern about contract language about the city not being given a right of first refusal and that the buyer had the potential to lock up the property until 2017 and walk away without paying sufficient penalties. “I’m not against the sale, but those are just some things that I would like to see addressed,” Tapley said. “I was on joint emails with Sandra, (Machen, finance director), Larkin (Radney, city attorney) and Randy (Thomas, community development director) and I wasn’t able to get the question as to if that language could be changed answered. That’s why I didn’t vote for it.” The city purchased about 96.55
The Outlook
continued from page 1
acres of potential industrial property off Comer Road late last year. The property is across from former Avondale Mills property and adjacent to Byers Fields. The city purchased the land from Enitachopco Falls LLC. in September 2014 for $537,500. The land has frontage on Comer and Dadeville roads and already has access to all city utilities. The price was a good one for the city, as the cost amounted to $4,795 per acre. The developer, the Bennett Group, LLC. had offered $400,000 for the 16-acre parcel, a cost of $25,000 per acre. Spencer Kerley of Kerley Motor Company also addressed the council. He had approached the city about buying some of that land, speaking to Thomas about it. He said he was upset when he heard about this potential sale, especially after his initial interest wasn’t addressed. “I approached Randy Thomas about how we would go about purchasing the property,” Kerley said. “He told us to talk to my council members. I did. But we heard nothing. “We have been in business for 75 years. We have supported the community, the schools – every one of them. When I heard this it unnerved me, it angered me. “ Kerley said he originally wanted to purchase 10 acres, but he’d settle for one acre. He said his business just needs “the space to grow.” Council members asked Kerley to get with Thomas again and see what could be worked out, because it appeared that the developer may not need as much land as the contract called for. Then the 3-3 vote seemed to leave that in question. The council also accepted a donation of $250 from the soccer committee to help purchase an ice machine at the soccer complex. The presentation was made by Josh Tucker. The council thanked Tucker and the association. The council also approved a small change on the cost associated with the parallel taxiway at the airport. The move will cost the city about $185.
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Page 9
Tallapoosa among counties eligible for emergency USDA loans growing season. While most farmers in Tallapoosa County report that it was a good year for corn, soybeans and cotton, early Gov. Robert Bentley announced late season rains delayed the planting last week that farmers in Tallapoosa of some crops, therefore having an County and 24 other Alabama counties adverse impact on the per acre yield. are eligible for emergency loans. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Thomas The U.S. Department of Agriculture Vilsack designated 13 counties as approved the counties Secretarial primary natural disaster areas with 12 Natural Disaster Designation, accord- contiguous counties. ing to a release issued by Bentley’s The counties include: Baldwin, office. The move will allow farmers to Barbour, Butler, Bullock, Chambers, be considered for aid from the USDA- Coffee, Conecuh, Covington, Farm Service Agency. Crenshaw, Dale, Elmore, Escambia, Heavy rain, wind and flooding Geneva, Henry, Houston, Lee, in 2015 led to the designation. The Lowndes, Macon, Monroe, inclement weather caused severe dam- Montgomery, Pike, Randolph, Russell, age to many crops during this year’s Tallapoosa and Wilcox. STAFF REPORTS Outlook Staff
NEEDED IMMEDIATELY MARKETING - ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVE Includes: Advertising sales for Lake Magazine, Lake Martin Living, Alexander City Outlook, Dadeville Record, Wetumpka Herald, Eclectic Observer, Tallassee Tribune, Elmore County Living, digital and other special publications. Qualiҕcations: Sales & customer service experience, computer skills, positive attitude and self-motivation.
BASE, COMMISSION & MONTHLY BONUS + EXCELLENT BENEFITS TO APPLY, BRING RESUMÉ TO: TALLAPOOSA PUBLISHERS, INC. 548 CHEROKEE ROAD ALEXANDER CITY, AL OR EMAIL: MARKETING@ALEXCITYOUTLOOK.COM
ROBERT HUDSON SP ORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X 228 sports@alexcityoutlook.com
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Page 10
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
ALL-OUTLOOK: OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Benjamin Russell’s Gray provided touchdowns, leadership By Robert Hudson Outlook Sports Editor
To call Benjamin Russell quarterback Tyre Gray a human highlight reel would be a bit of an understatement. In 2015, Gray’s multiple escapes made him something closer to a magician, often turning broken plays into touchdowns that made observers wonder “how did he do that?” For the insane numbers he posted this season and his role in leading the Wildcats to 12-2 record and fourthround finish, Gray is The Outlook Offensive Player of the Year. Over the course of this season, Gray rushed for 1,848 yards on 160 carries, averaging 11.6 yards per carry, 132 yards rushing per game and scored 31 touchdowns on the ground alone. Gray also went 59-of-96 passing for 617 yards with 6 touchdowns and four interceptions. Gray knows he put up big numbers, but credited his teammates for his performance this season. “They’re incredible, but I couldn’t have done any of that without my teammates, the offensive line and the receivers with the stalk blocking and all of that stuff,” Gray said. But regardless of how many touchdowns he scored as an individual, Gray said the thing he will remember most about the 2015 season is how the bond the Wildcats shared grew stronger as they made a deep run into the postseason. “What I’ll remember most about this season is how we came together as a team. We got closer and closer in the playoffs and our bond got stronger as a team,” Gray said. “That really helped our play on the field a lot, too.” Whether it was on designed read options or scrambles in the backfield to avoid pressure, Gray had a knack for making something out of nothing. He said the mantra he followed all year was to keep the play alive and make a play. “I just try to make my reads and,
if nothing is there, there’s always something in my head that tells me ‘make a play,’” Gray said. “Don’t look past the play, just try to make a play. That’s what I try to do is keep the play alive.” One of the most memorable scoring runs on the season came in the third round against Bessemer City at home. On a called pass
playoff game. “It was just a lot of hard work throughout the season and the offseason,” Gray said. “Once we got to the playoffs, every w e e k we were picked to
lose, so that was just extra motivation for us during practice. We practiced hard and we had a chip on our shoulder every game. That’s how we came out and played.” Throughout the year, Gray said his biggest improvement was being more of a vocal leader and polishing his passing skills. “I feel like I got better as a leader more than anything. I was a little more vocal this year and led by example this year more than I did last year,” Gray said. “I got better as a passer, too. I know we didn’t throw the ball that much, but when we did, I tried to put the ball where it had to be.” And each day, he said, as a senior he looked to set a positive example for the younger Wildcats who follow him. “It was huge because leadership is such a big tool. You can have 1,000 great athletes, but with no leadership the team will be no good,” Gray said. “Coach (Danny) Horn talked to us every week as seniors about how we should start leading the team better and doing better things so the younger players can watch us and do what we do.” Kenneth Boone / Outlook File Photo
Benjamin Russell senior quarterback Tyre Gray rushed for 1,848 yards on 160 carries, averaging 11.6 yards per carry, 132 yards rushing per game and scored 31 touchdowns on the ground alone in the 2015 high school football season. Gray also went 59-of-96 passing for 617 yards with 6 touchdowns and four interceptions. Gray was an instrumental leader and key player in helping the Wildcats to 12-2 record and fourthround finish.
play on third down, Gray dropped back, but, with nothing there, he dodged an opposing rusher coming from his blind side, darted toward the away sideline, split between a pair of Bessemer City defenders and raced 47 yards up the away sideline for the score. “My favorite run from this year was definitely that Bessemer City run,” Gray said. “But my favorite one ever was definitely my junior year against Stanhope in the playoffs. The score was tied 21-21 and we had a pass play called on thirdand-goal in overtime. There was nothing there, so I split the gap and ran to the corner of the endzone. Out of both years as a starter, that was definitely my favorite one.” The success from this season, Gray said, all started this past summer, and the Wildcats got extra motivation from being picked as the underdog in each
Ranking the SEC’s bowl games: Warning some not worth the time
T
his Christmas season, I am going to give you all that you have been asking for since ……never: I am going to rank the SEC bowl games. You’re welcome. 1. Goodyear Cotton Bowl: Alabama v. Michigan State… Forget the fact that these two played in the 2010 Citrus Bowl and it was a ‘Bama beat down of the outmanned Spartans; Michigan State has grown up. This game is like Superman versus Bizarro Superman (For the non-nerd, Bizarro is kind of an antiSuperman but just as strong and fast and he looks weird with a backwards “S” and …. Look…. it’s complicated… .I’m sorry I brought it up). It’s also very fitting these two play in the cow-laden confines of Texas as there will be a lot of beef on the field. 2. Outback Bowl:
and Red Raiders will be scoring like the game is sponsored by Ashley Madison. 4. Allstate Sugar Bowl: Oklahoma State v. Ole LUKE Miss… Two teams that had ROBINSON caviar dreams about 5-6 Sports weeks ago will have to settle Columnist for some very nice gumbo. The best part about this bowl Northwestern v. Tennessee… game is that PERHAPS these Tennessee has been on a roll two will come together and since it’s shaky start to 2015. realize if they played a reguPlaying the weakest teams in lar season home and home it would be very cool and help the weakest division of the SEC to end the season aided them in the long run. I will give the Rebs credit, though, in such rolling, but it is still technically a roll. Meanwhile, as they play Florida State in Orlando to start 2016. Northwestern, despite a few 5. Tax Slayer Bowl: Penn ugly losses, has the potential to defeat a big boy team (see: State v. UGA… This game is literally the opposite of Stanford). the LSU/ Texas Tech match 3. Advocare V100 Texas up. Let’s put it this way: Bowl: Texas Tech v. LSU… There’s no need to worry Do you like rushing yards? about the scoreboard lights Then you’ll love Leonard going out in this one. In fact, Fournette here. Do you like you may not even need to passing yards? Well, you’ll adore Texas Tech. The Tigers turn the scoreboard on at all.
But, I do enjoy the thought of having my “taxes slain” , sooooo…… 6. Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl: Michigan v. Florida…. I am only going to watch to see which coach says the craziest thing in the post game press conference. 7. Belk Bowl: NC State v. Miss State… I am no MSU fan, but I wish QB Dak Prescott had gotten a better going away bowl for his senior campaign. 8. Birmingham Bowl: Memphis v. Auburn…. Good news! Birmingham has Uber now so most fans don’t even have to park at Legion Field. Bad news: Everything else about this game. Memphis has a strong QB (and AU’s secondary is…well… you know), the game is at 11:00 a.m. and a loss gives Malzahn a losing record for the season. Yikes. If Auburn wins, though, it will give cre-
dence to my theory that AU wins the 2016 national championship (yes, I am serious… I have seen this movie before people). 9. Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl: Louisville v. Texas A&M…. In theory- based on preseason projections- this game sounds great….. Only in theory though because on the field they aren’t really all that good. In fact, Texas A&M is such a dumpster fire that Bravo wants to do a reality series on it. 10. Autozone Liberty Bowl: Kansas State v. Arkansas… Can I just go to an Autozone instead? I don’t even know anything about cars or nothing. It just sounds more fun than this game. Robinson is a sports a columnist for The Outlook and is president of the Lake Martin Area Bama Club.