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Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892
February 13-14, 2016 • Vol. 124 • No. 32 • www.alexcityoutlook.com
LOVE STORY
A recount of a long life of love, page 5.
Former Lyman Ward employee facing sex charges Investigation into sexual contact with two male students leads to woman’s arrest By MITCH SNEED Editor
A former employee at Lyman Ward Military Academy in Camp Hill was arrested Thursday on charges stemming from alleged sexual contact with two male cadets at the school last fall. Susan Mary Petty, 33, of Camp Hill was
Petty
or less than two years.� Camp Hill Police Chief Johnny Potts described the allegations against Petty. “She had contact with two students, two different times on the same day on the Lyman Ward Military Academy campus,� Potts said.
arrested Thursday and charged with two counts of violation of the school employee sex act. The law, which was enacted in 2012 as Section 13A-6-81 applies if a school employee engages “in a sex act or deviant sexual intercourse with a student under the age of 19 years.� The crime is a Class B felony, for which a conviction is punishable by “not more than 20 years
Horseshoe Bend gets field trip grant funds
See LYMAN • Page 3
Valentine’s Forensic audit due to wrap up Day next week ready! City checks seeks answers in missing to golf course
By MIA OSBOURN Staff Writer
By MITCH SNEED Editor
Horseshoe Bend National Military Park will soon welcome a flood of local schoolchildren, thanks to a field trip grant from the National Park Foundation (NPF). The NPF is a nonprofit group that supports America’s national parks. The NPF bestowed field trip grants on 186 federal sites in 2016, including national parks and other public lands and waters. These grants support the White House’s Every Kid in a Park program, which aims to get every fourth grade student in the
Alexander City Mayor Charles Shaw said that a forensic audit into checks made out to the city’s Lakewinds Golf Course that were never processed could be complete next week. The issue was raised by resident Wendell Scroggins at a council meeting on Jan. 25, alleging that a number of checks that patrons had written for goods and services at Lakewinds that seemed to have been lost in the process, never clearing the patrons’ bank. Alexander City Parks and Recreation Director Sonny Wilson said at the same meeting that he believes the amount of missing funds could be as much as $120,000. Shaw said the accounting firm of Carr, Riggs and Ingram has been working independently and meeting with
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Brown’s Nursing Home residents Jimmy Burdett and Linda Campbell were crowned Valentine’s Day King and Queen at the facility Friday. Below left, Lavern Shaw of Unique Flowers and Gifts puts a name card on cut flowers prior to delivery. Below right, Susie Kelley of Grace’s Flowers makes a rose arrangement for a Valentine’s Day gift.
See HORSESHOE • Page 2
See AUDIT • Page 3
Louis Dunham and his wife Eyvonne pose for a picture at Peanut Point in 2014. Louis, who began the family business in 1988, passed away on Friday.
Peanut Point’s Dunham loses battle with cancer STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
A man who founded the Lake Martin hotspot Peanut Point has passed away. Family members say that Louis Dunham passed away Friday due to complications following surgery for throat cancer. Dunham started selling boiled peanuts in 1988 at the location located
Today’s
Weather
43 25 High
Low
Lake Martin
482.82 Reported on 2/12/16 @ 6 p.m.
Linda Shaffer, REALTORŽ C: 256.794.4641 • W: 256.329.5253 shaffer@lakemartin.net 5295 Highway 280, Alexander City, AL
6
54708 90050 USPS Permit # 013-080
8
See PEANUT • Page 3
Jazz Fest kicks off its 2016 art contest STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Lake Levels
anywhere without seeing someone he knew.� In a 2014 article in Lake Magazine, Dunham told editor Betsy Iler about how his business came to be. A native of Goodwater, Louis originally started the waterfront peanut business to pass the time when he wasn’t fishing. Already an accomplished
between Our Town and Woods Island on Lake Martin. “He was such a sweet man,� said his niece Tammy Reeves Friday. “He just found out about a week ago that he had throat cancer. They did surgery on Tuesday and my aunt found him Friday morning and he had passed. “He loved people, his family and loved his business. He couldn’t go
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Wanted: inspiring, colorful, music-oriented original artwork to become the face of the 2016 Alexander City Jazz Fest. Winner will put folding money in his (or her) pocket, a T-shirt bearing the winning art on his back and VIP parking passes for both nights on his dashboard. “Each year, a local artist gives the festival a new look. We’re searching for exciting, innovative color art that captures the free-wheeling spirit, terrific music and hot summer nights of the Alex City Jazz Fest,â€? said Kenneth Boone of the Jazz Fest Art Committee. “One thing we’d like the artists to keep in mind is that when this artwork is printed on a T-shirt, it is + 6 / & t better if the design is not a single block of ink. Keep the art airy – let the background include Previous Jazz Fest art contest winners have been featured on posters that promote the event. The 2016 conSee JAZZ • Page 3 test is underway, so don’t miss out on a chance to have your art be seen as this year’s Jazz Fest approaches.
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Page 2
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Teen’s heart aches for young cousin in midst of melodrama
Sunday
51 37 Low
High Sunny
Monday
58 40 Low
High
70 percent chance of rain
Staff
Directory Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com
Mia Osborn Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 mia.osborn@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
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 Debbie DeWildt Advertising Sales, Ext. 214 debbie.dewildt@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
Postal
Information (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) The Outlook is published five times a week, Tuesday through Saturday mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Post Office Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011.
Weekend Edition, February 13-14, 2016
The Outlook
Composing Audra Spears Composing Department, Ext. 219 audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com Alethia Russell Graphic Artist, Ext. 231 alethia.russell@alexcityoutlook.com Circulation Linda Ewing Asst. Circulation Manager, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com
Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, Lake Martin Living, Kenneth Boone Photography and a commercial web printing press. © 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Reproduction of any part of any issue requires written publisher permission.
Obituaries
DEAR ABBY: I am 18 and in my sophomore year of college. A month ago, my family went through some major hardships. It came out that “Uncle Mark” has been cheating on my aunt for years and is moving his mistress to our area. They have two children, a son in elementary school and a daughter, “Dana,” 13. I feel bad for my aunt, but I’m absolutely devastated for Dana. My Uncle Mark has skipped all of her school events in the wake of this mess, and I can’t begin to imagine how disappointed Dana must feel. Uncle Mark is a sociopath. He feels no empathy, manipulates others and has a sadistic streak. Dana was not close to her dad, but since this mess began she’s even less so. Abby, I don’t want my cousin to feel like she’s alone. Since I’m an older teenager, she looks up to me. How can I be supportive, and not intrude in this delicate situation? -- SUPPORTIVE COUSIN IN MAINE
Mr. Gregory N. Marbury of Inverness, Florida formerly of Cottage Grove, Alabama died February 11, 2016 and arrangements will be announced later by Wrights Funeral Home.
4425 Dadeville Road Alexander City, AL
256-329-3327
Call David at 256-234-4281 to subscribe.
Advice
DEAR SUPPORTIVE: You are kind to want to help. Your cousin is probably experiencing a range of emotions because of the turmoil that’s going on around her family. The kindest thing to do would be to spend time with her when your schedule permits and allow her to vent when she needs to, because she will. DEAR ABBY: I am a 10-year-old girl. I’m good at math and very intelligent. I have two questions: When I’m alone in a dark room, I feel like I have to run out of the room. Why? My second question is, what kind of job can you get without
Horseshoe
apprenticeship program or a trade school with a proven high job placement record. DEAR ABBY: My girlfriend and I have been having a huge disagreement lately. Since we can’t seem to settle it, I’m asking for your help. I say that because tomatoes are technically fruits, ketchup is a smoothie. She disagrees because tomatoes are the only fruit in ketchup. Please tell me -- is ketchup a smoothie? And if so, why? -- SPENCER IN ARIZONA DEAR SPENCER: Your question is a first. In my opinion, ketchup is more a puree than a smoothie. “Smoothie” suggests a beverage that’s drinkable, and I don’t think ketchup qualifies. 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.
continued from page 1
country to visit a federal site in 2016. “These generous grants will ensure children across the country have an opportunity to experience the great outdoors in their community while developing a lifelong connection to our nation’s land, water and wildlife,” said U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell. The grants help to pay back the cost of transportation and other field trip expenses, so that even students in schools suffering from budget cuts can experience a national park. Funds from the grant will support the cost of students visiting on March
17-18 as part of the park’s annual commemoration of the Battle of Horseshoe Bend. Horseshoe Bend Superintendent Barbara Tagger said she is delighted about the opportunity this grant presents for children. “We are very much looking forward to welcoming hundreds of students in the nearby community to experience Horseshoe Bend NMP as well as participate in our upcoming educational activities that have been planned for them,” said Tagger. NPF grants have already made it possible for over 400,000 students to visit national public sites.
Police Reports Alexander City Police Department Feb. 8
• Tory Antwuan Anderson of Alexander City was for domestic violence. • Darrin Randolph Deas of Cusseta was arrested for burglary. • Criminal trespass was reported on Highway 280. • Menacing was reported on Dadeville Road.
Feb. 7
Mr. Gregory N. Marbury
DEAR ABBY
going to college? -- SMART SOUTHERN GIRL DEAR SMART SOUTHERN GIRL: Many people of every age -- especially children and the elderly -- have a fear of the dark. That’s why parents use small night lights in their children’s bedrooms and gadgets like The Clapper are popular. Adults may be afraid of tripping or running into furniture. Teens who watch scary movies develop a fear of the dark because they imagine a “monster” is lurking out of sight who might harm them. The solution can be as simple as keeping a night light on or switching a light on as you enter a darkened area. As to what kind of job a person can find without going to college, discuss this with a counselor at your school. College may not be for everyone, but I don’t think it’s likely you’ll get a well-paying job without some advanced education -- if not in a college, then in an
• Megan Renae Lucas of Hartselle was arrested for theft.
Feb. 6
• Jonathan Kyle Rowe of Alexander City was arrested for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. • Burglary was reported on Highway 63 North. • Domestic violence was reported in the 2200 block of Parkway Court. • Domestic violence was reported on 8th Avenue. • Theft was reported at the Alex City Shopping Center.
Feb. 5
• Criminal mischief was reported on Washington
Street.
Feb. 4
• Domestic violence was reported on Central Avenue. • Criminal trespass was reported at the Alex City Shopping Center • Theft was reported on Highway 280.
Feb. 3
• Terrell Lamar Lykes of Goodwater was arrested for two counts of enticing child solicitation by computer. • Angela Faye Chapman of Alexander City was arrested for theft and criminal trespass.
Feb. 2
* Angela Kay Brasfield of Alexander City was arrested for theft. • Harassment was reported on Jefferson Street. • Harassment was reported on J Street. • Domestic violence was reported in the 600 block of Central Avenue. • Domestic violence was reported on Madison Street.
Feb. 1
• George Allen Nolen of Jackson’s Gap was arrested for theft.
• Ashley Leann Garnett of Alexander City was arrested for domestic violence. • Richard Nathaniel Garnett, Jr. of Alexander City was arrested for domestic violence. • James Austin Tillery of Alexander City was arrested for public intoxication. • Burglary was reported on Woodland Road • Breaking and entering was reported on Milton Drive. • Domestic violence was reported on Spring Hill Road.
Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department Feb. 9
• Joseph Curry of Coley Creek Road in Alexander City was arrested for failure to appear warrant.
Feb. 8
• Nicholas Burns of West Lafayette Street in Dadeville was arrested for probation violation. • Dequetrik Wilson of U Street in Alexander City was arrested for failure to appear child support warrant.
Feb. 7
• Eddie Thomas of Lovelady Road in Tallasseee was arrested for two domestic violence warrants. • A resident of Harbor
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Place in Dadeville filed a report for fraudulent use of a credit card. • Michael Matthews of Creek Circle in Alexander City was arrested for driving under the influence.
Feb. 6
• A resident of Colony Road in New Haven Connecticut filed report for a suspicious person.
Feb. 5
• Eldricus Crayton of Pine Street in Dadeville was arrested for nonsufficient funds check warrant. • Augusta Russell of County Road in Alexander City was arrested for grand jury indictment of theft of property second degree.
Feb. 4
• A resident on Horseshoe Bend Road in Dadeville filed a report for criminal mischief. • A business on Washington Boulevard in Tallassee filed a report for theft.
Feb. 3
• Colby Smith of Habersham Road in Montgomery was arrested on a warrant for failure to appear for bail jumping second degree. • A resident on Warren Circle North in Alexander City filed a report in reference to violation of protection order. • A resident of Horseshoe Bend Road in Dadeville filed a report in reference to theft. • Shena Smith of Hillabee Street in Alexander City was arrested on warrant for violation of protection order. • Henry Williams of J Street in Alexander City was arrested on a grand jury indictment.
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Weekend Edition, February 13-14, 2016
Peanut
continued from page 1
peanut boiler, he’d been selling peanuts from a stand on U.S. Highway 280 at Kellyton on Auburn University football weekends for several years while he worked in security at Russell Mills, retiring 20 years ago. Along with several others, he held an interest in the point property north of New Hope, and in 1988, he became the sole occupant. “I got in here one day and decided to do it just to have something to do,” Louis said. When he started the operation, Dunham cooked the peanuts in a large iron pot over a wood fire. One of his customers made a sign declaring the area “Peanut Point,” and business took off, Louis said. It didn’t take long for one pot to become two, or for Louis to become a celebrity. “I can’t go to Birmingham or Montgomery without
someone recognizing me,” Louis told Lake Magazine in 2014. “I was at an estate auction in Montgomery just a few weeks ago, and this man came up to me and said, ‘Hey, you’re the man from Peanut Point!’” As the impromptu business grew, Louis needed help from the family. His wife Eyvonne and four children pitched in, and the point became the regular family gathering place for weekends at the lake. In recent years, the business had been handled by his son Tim and his wife Brenda, but it wasn’t unusual to see Louis and Eyvonne sitting under the shade of a big pine in a lawn chair on pretty summer day as boaters stopped by for a peanut fix. Funeral arrangements had not been finalized Friday, but Radney Funeral Home is serving the family and will announce arrangements as they become available.
Audit
continued from page 1
key staff to look into the matter. While no official comment on the findings has been released due to the potential of a criminal investigation, Shaw remained confident of the timeline for completion of the process. “We still think it will be this week,” Shaw said. “We may miss that three-week window by a day or two, but we should have it soon. They have been in and gathered information and took it back and have been sorting through it. They have been here twice and met with finance and parks and recreation. They
will get to the bottom of it.” While he did not comment of specifics Thursday, Shaw said previously the city will address the finding of the audit with the “appropriate action.” “If there is any money missing, we will find it,” Shaw said. “We will find out where it went and if possible take steps to recoup it. If there needs to be a criminal investigation, we will address that at the appropriate time. We take this very seriously and we will get to the bottom of it.”
Jazz
continued from page 1
some color-free space – so the T-shirt will be cool and more likely to be worn during summer.” As in the past, this year’s winning design will be printed on highquality, commemorative posters as well as on T-shirts. Last year, in honor of the concert’s 25th anniversary, the Jazz Fest T-shirt broke with tradition: it was a dark blue shirt that had art on both the front and back. This year will be similar, featuring a new Alex City Jazz Fest logo on the front left side of the shirt and the large winning artwork on the back. The color of the T-shirt will be determined by the colors of the winning artwork. Anybody can submit
artwork to the Jazz Fest committee, from amateurs to professional artists and graphic designers of all ages. This year the committee will also seek submissions from public school students – past winners include some artists who were in high school at the time they won. The winning artist will receive a $250 cash award, as well as a T-shirt, a poster, VIP parking passes for both nights, recognition as the official Jazz Fest poster artist and a table near the stage on Friday night. Student winners receive $25 and are qualified for the overall contest. Rules for entry in the art contest:
• Each piece must be original art (never published) in a vertical format no larger than 16 x 20 inches. • The design must include the words “26th Annual Alexander City Jazz Fest” and “June 10-11, 2016.” • Artwork may include up to four colors with no blending or shading. Black is a color. • All entries must include the artist’s name and telephone number. • Fine art and digital art will be accepted. • Digital artwork should be vector format like Illustrator (.eps, or .ai), or Photoshop (.psd), highresolution 300 dpi files, with text (fonts provided) on layers, and a minimum
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The Outlook
of a 65-line screen. • Each artist can submit up to three entries. • All artwork submitted becomes the property of the Alexander City Jazz Fest Committee. All entries must be received by Friday, March 4, at 4 p.m. at the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce office, emailed as a jpg or pdf to info@alexcityjazzfest. com, or mailed to Jazz Fest Poster Contest, P.O. Box 1672, Alexander City, AL 35011. For more information on submitting art, contact Kenneth Boone at 256-234-4281.
Lyman
continued from page 1
Lyman Ward Military Academy President Dr. Roy Berwick said the school cooperated with authorities after learning of the possibility of the activity and an internal investigation. “This stems from an incident where Ms. Petty, who had been in charge of our cadet quartermaster store, is believed to have had sexual relations with two male cadets last November,” Berwick said. “As soon as we got wind of the allegations, we turned it over to our Quartermaster. “When he realized that there was indeed something there, we notified the Camp Hill Police immediately and notified DHR authorities. She was terminated on Nov. 16 and law enforcement handled the investigation. Obviously, this arrest is the result of the findings of that investigation.” Berwick said that the parents of the two cadets were informed in person and offered counseling. He said that one of the students remains a student at Lyman Ward and the other has left on his own accord. Parents of all the school’s students were notified of the allegations and the findings in an emailed communication, Berwick said. Berwick said that Petty had been employed at the school for about a year. Prior to her hiring, she had been cleared for employment by screening of references and a background check, Berwick said.
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BUSINESS LICENSES ARE DUE Business licenses for the City of Alexander City, Alabama are due and payable on or before February 15, 2016. City Hall is open on Presidents’ Day. The license obligation may be paid in person at the City Hall on Court Square in the License Department Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily, or the payment may be mailed. If mailed the postmark must indicate on or before February 15, 2016. All business licenses paid on or after February 16, 2016 will be subject to a 15% late fee. All mailed payments postmarked February 16, 2016 or after will be subject to the same late fee. Harriett Scott, City Clerk
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Opinion Outlook The
Our
Opinion
Outlook series aims to educate on government form change issue “Change is the law of life and those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” — John F. Kennedy Is it time for a change in the way that Alexander City operates? Regardless of how you answer that question, you have to agree the move to a council-city manager form of government would be a big change. While we believe the concept is worth letting the people vote, we understand that change doesn’t come without questions. Since the idea of a vote on the change to a council-city manager type of government began a few weeks back, some people have embraced the idea and others have opposed it. However, the majority of people seem to be sitting back and taking it all in, waiting for something to click that will make that imaginary light bulb over their head begin to shine. The job of a newspaper is to inform its readers on the events and happenings of the community that they call home. The Outlook feels that this issue is so important to the future of Alexander City that we need to help educate and inform our readers on every aspect of this issue. So, beginning with Tuesday’s edition we will feature a different aspect of the proposed new form of government each day. The series will touch on the roles of each position, the economic and budgetary aspect, how it works in other municipalities and why 59 percent of the cities in the country now use this form and look at some cities in our state that have recently made the switch. We also welcome your questions and will have an installment dedicated to answering the questions of our readers. We hope that this series will help you all better understand why The Outlook and 116 residents who have signed a petition believe a vote on the issue is needed. So pick up Tuesday’s paper and learn along with us.
MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213 editor@alexcityoutlook.com
Weekend Edition, February 13-14, 2016
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Cuba: The untaught lesson on the perils of socialism
I
’m just back from Cuba, where I observed that, while they are realizing the futility of central commandand-control government, we are embracing it. Cuba and the U.S. are like ships passing in the night. Desperate for a positive legacy item, Obama set about normalizing relations with Cuba. In that island nation, Obama is more popular than Castro – but so is loading your family members onto a Styrofoam cooler and floating them to Florida. We knew Obama was embracing Cuba when, at a summit last April, he shook Raul Castro’s hand. Republicans were outraged to have to watch the biggest communist dictator in the world shaking hands with Castro. My main takeaway: Cuba is a political and economics lesson not taught well enough to our schoolchildren. With the rise in popularity of Bernie Sanders, who is beating Hillary Clinton in the New Hampshire Democratic primary, it’s clear that Americans do not understand the dire lessons of socialism’s poisonous ideology and the devastation it brings to every country that has fallen prey to its hollow temptations. In a Pew Research Center survey, 43 percent of 18-29-yearolds had a positive reaction to the word “socialism.” U.S. teachers, who generally lean left, romanticize Marxist revolutionaries like Che Guevara and Castro. Kids today wear iconic Che T-shirts, unaware of the 3,000 political murders and economic devastation he caused. My trip was educational, and Cuba remains a story educators should teach kids. Yet they don’t. I asked five twentysomething kids what they knew about Cuba; had they been taught the economic lessons of the devastation wrought by communism? All
RON HART Guest Columnist
said “No.” It is not a story the Left wants to tell, since their narrative promises free stuff for everyone that nobody has to pay for. It’s an easy sell to dopes, but it has never worked and never will. Like Obama, Fidel Castro holds grudges. A Yale professor on our trip was denied his visa at the last minute because he once wrote that Fidel overstated his baseball prowess. Just to summarize, Fidel Castro took over this onceeconomically vibrant island in 1959 and pretended to be selflessly for the people, just like Democrats and those ambulance-chasing lawyers who advertise on buses. It turns out they are just out for themselves. Fidel decided later that socialism/communism was the way to go; that way he’d be in power forever. He seized assets from landowners, corporations and Mafia casino operators. He has lived longer than anyone could have expected for a man who stole a casino from gangster Meyer Lansky. After 55 years of rule and a personal net worth stolen from the Cubans of over $1 billion, he felt like, at 85, he had enough money to get him to the barn. Just imagine how much Castro would be worth if he were not a “share the wealth” communist. Upon retirement, out of habit, the New York Yankees signed him to a five-year deal. Fidel Castro realized he was not going to live forever; he’s not Larry King. So he appointed his brother Raul to rule. Raul is Cuban for “Jeb.” Fidel said that he was retiring
to spend more time repressing his family. As I have found out, when you say you are going to quit work to spend more time with your family, you might want to check with your family first. The timing was right to normalize relations. Obama felt that Castro had become the type of weakened strongman dictator that Sony Pictures could make a comedy about without Castro getting all bent out of shape. After the Pope’s visit, Castro told his countrymen – and women – to have more children because Cuba has the lowest birth rate in Latin America. Nothing gets oppressed citizens in an amorous mood like a command from a nearly 90-year-old communist dictator. Obama then lifted our embargo on certain Cuban goods, including cigars – yet another confirmation that Obama is still smoking. Fifty years of Cuban socialist rule have turned a prosperous country into an impoverished one. Cubans earn $20 a month, but everything is free! It is just that there is none of it. Store shelves are empty; even toilet paper is scarce. All the “evil” businesses were run out of Cuba, and 70 percent of the people work for the government, so there is no one left to tax. Havana airport officials are mostly women in short skirts and fishnet stockings; one can only imagine what it takes to get and hold those jobs under Castro. When I left, I asked them to frisk me to make sure I wasn’t smuggling out baseball players. Ron Hart, a libertarian op-ed humorist and awardwinning author, is a frequent guest on CNN. He can be contacted at Ron@RonaldHart. com or @RonaldHart on Twitter.
Know Your
Officials
Charles Shaw is mayor of Alexander City. His phone number at city hall is 256-329-6730 and his home number is 256234-7395 His address at city hall is 4 Court Square; Alexander City, AL, 35010. His home address is 98 Heritage Drive Alexander City, AL, 35010. Bobby Tapley represents District 1. His phone number is 256-3299671. His address is 1821 LaVista Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Public Safety committee. Sherry Ellison-Simpson represents District 2. Her phone number is 256329-0516. Her address is 2879 Old Dark Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Parks and Recreation committee. Bob Howard represents District 3. His phone number is 256-2342225. His address is 241 8th Street West, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Buildings and Property committee. Billy Ray Wall represents District 4. His phone number is 256-329-8060. His address is 101 Scott Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Public Works committee. James Spann represents District 5. His phone number is 256-329-9758. His address is 314 Auburn Drive, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of Finance committee. Tony Goss represents District 6. His phone number is 256-749-3355. His address is 647 Shady Point, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of Utilities committee.
Today’s
Quote
“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.” – John Muir
Today’s
Scripture “Long ago the Lord said to Israel: ‘I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.’” – Jeremiah 31:3
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Daily Poll Friday’s question: Do you already have plans for Valentine’s Day?
Yes – 13 No – 3
Weekend question: Do you consider yourself knowledgeable in local politics? 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.
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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. Call David at (256) 234-4281, Ext. 204 or e-mail david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com to subscribe.
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What’s your
Opinion?
Sherry Ellison Simpson
Bob Howard
A ‘smile’ and what it does
Dear Editor, S is for the smile that you get back when you give one. M is for the good mood smiling puts you in. I is for the idea you convey when you give a smile. L is for the light that shines when you give a smile.
E is for the enjoyment you receive when you and a stranger exchange smiles. I have read that it takes more muscles to frown than it does to smile. Wouldn’t the world be a nicer place if the frown muscles were relaxed and the smile muscles built up.
Remember, when you give a smile to someone you are giving a part of the love that God puts in your heart. Billy Waites Alexander City
Reader thinks Council should not raise salaries Billy Ray Wall
James Spann
Tony Goss
Dear Editor, I cannot believe that raises for council and mayor are still being considered. Explain what you have achieved to merit doubling your salary. This is the height of arrogance to want to vote for this ridiculous raise, only because you can. Shame on any member who votes for this. We have many pillars of this community who have to fight for raises they deserve such as teachers, firemen, policemen and others. Get over yourself council members. Your salary is comparable or higher than other cities in the state. Apparently using Jim Spann’s thoughts to pay mayor more than the highest paid employee, the mayor’s
salary could be more than $100,000. What are they thinking? Apparently, they are on a power trip. I noticed there was no mention of changing to city manager form of government, only fat pay raises. As I stated in my previous letter, I want details before we change the form of government. What will the city manager be paid to take over day-to-day operations. As president of council, what will the mayor’s pay be to reflect less responsibility, even council members will have less stress and responsibility with a city manager. Council needs to make up their mind do you want city
manager? Even staying with mayor council form of government, no huge raises are warranted or necessary. We are being asked to sign a petition to allow a vote for city manager yet this article has shown that all they care about right now is locking in fat pay raises. I personally will not sign any petition until I get more information. I also applaud tony Goss and Billie Ray Walls for being against this ridiculous pay raise. I hope the other council members also vote a big NO. Annette Lynch Alexander City
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) 234-6550 or e-mailed to editor@alexcityoutlook.com. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send us your thoughts today!
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Weekend Edition, February 13-14, 2016
Page 5
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The Outlook
On Valentine’s Day: My World War II Veteran, My Hero, My Husband
Roy B. Fordham joined the Navy at 21 soon after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and served the four year duration of WWII. At the end of the four years, he was honorably discharged and had just taken the exam for promotion to second lieutenant. He refused the honor and promotion in order to return to civilian life and be home again after serving four years aboard ships in the European theater and Pacific theater as well. He never regretted the decision – after all, had he not made this decision, he and I probably would never have met and gotten married in 1947. As required by law, Roy was able to return to his old position as an accountant with Armour and Co. (meat processing and distribution company), and made a career with them for 35 years. That later resulted in him being recruited by Charlie Lykes, CEO of Lykes Bros. meat processing company to work for them to lead a facility that was operating at a loss back to profitability and successfully did so over the next five years. After that short stint, he was recruited to be CFO for a private businessman that owned several companies and enjoyed that until he retired at 68 as a private investor. Personal early life background for Roy is interesting, but I will spare you the long version. He was raised during the 1920s and thru the Depression by a single widowed mom (Mrs. J.M. Fordham) in Eldorado, Georgia on a family farm as his dad died at 38 of a ruptured appendix when Roy was five years old. Roy had four siblings (of which one succumbed prior to his birth and another from a brain hemorrhage during child birth in 1938). His two oldest brothers worked
the farm with him until he enlisted in the Navy and the oldest brother, Grady, enlisted in the Army (who subsequently was captured by the Germans and spent over a year in a Stalag as a POW, another interesting story behind this event. His next oldest brother, Robert, was exempt from service in order to run the family farm for his widowed Mom. As most WWII veterans exclaim, he said his four years in the war was not too eventful although he was in areas known to have German U-boats (submarines) torpedo one Allied ship after another and the same situation in the Pacific with the Japanese subs. He related one event where he witnessed a ship in his convoy hit a mine as they entered port in England at the mouth of the Thames River...there were no survivors as they were loaded with high octane fuel. He often thought that by the grace of God, that could have been his ship! Another scary event was when his crew was sent out on deck during heavy seas in the North Atlantic to latch down some loose equipment and was nearly washed overboard, saved only by the fact that as the ship rose after having a wave wash over it, he was thrown against a railing post which prevented him from going over. Ships did not stop for these events...you would simply be classified as lost at sea, particularly given the freezing sea would have allowed survival but for a few minutes before hypothermia set in. However, that didn’t stop him from having fun while in ports of call as most single navy guys did with the excuse they may not survive the next assignment. So, they had several ‘adventures’ that they saw as fun while on shore leave, such as instigating a bar fight for ‘fun’ in New York City with some Army guys, then realizing they were out-numbered. So Roy took a pool cue stick, knocked out the
Coming March 2016
Editors note: For over six decades, Harriet and Roy Fordham were inseparable. According to their son Larry, they were very much in love. “My father has dementia,” Larry said. “We have 24/7 caretakers for them. When she thought one was not doing the job, she would get on them.” Larry also explained that though she was 94, she was independent. “She was still driving the week before Christmas,” Larry said. Larry explained how his mother and father met when his father came back from the war. “Dad went back to work at Armour and Company as an accountant,” Larry said. “Mom was an assistant to the plant manager. Dad had saved his money and had a new car. Not many had new cars then. Dad asked her out and well – the rest is history.” Harriet was diagnosed with Stage IV Uterine Cancer in Sept. “Mom was surprised,” Larry said. “At her age she thought a stroke or heart attack would be the end but not cancer.” Having seen a story about another local WWII veteran in The Outlook, Larry said his mother wanted her husband’s story told and took down this account between Christmas and New Year’s, just a month before Harriet went to be with her maker on Jan. 28 but not before telling her story of her hero, her husband. We felt it was perfect for Valentine’s Day.
lights, grabbed two of his buddies, Span and Hooker, by the back flaps on their uniform, jerked them to the floor and told them perhaps they should crawl out the back door to the alley. Later as they came around the corner of the street where the front entrance of the bar was located, the MP’s had finally arrived as a result of a call by the bar owner, and they were hauling out military guys to the brig. Meanwhile, they found some girls and went to a Broadway show! Another time, he had ‘tied one on’ so to speak (not sure where, possibly Shanghai), but as a result was late back to the ship. His buddies related they laughed and were surprised to find him climbing straight up a rope ladder hanging from the side of the ship in order to sneak back aboard to avoid repercussions for being late! Last, all through the four years of service he boxed, primarily aboard ship, as a form of exercise and entertainment since he had been doing that from an early age. He never got knocked down nor lost a bout, but did say there were a couple where it probably would have been better to go down! Most of his amateur boxing was with friends and a few foes, but he said he gave it up after he broke several of his best friend’s ribs a bout that was really supposed to be a light match. But, the friend came on strong and he sorta “protected” himself evidently feeling bad after the friend ended up in sick bay with the busted ribs. Roy was a good son, a good husband
and provider, and great father to two sons and one daughter. They love him as dearly as I do, and blessed us with six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Thus far, all the great grandchildren are great granddaughters ages 5-9 (although one grandson cheated having all at once, triplets, which are in the middle at 7 years old.) Sadly, Roy developed vascular dementia about 6-7 years ago, and now requires 24/7 care in our home. We are fortunate he can stay at home and that we still enjoy being with each other after 68.5 years of marriage. Although he has dementia, you can tell he still recognizes family and very close friends. He recognizes each caregiver and as the shifts change, he greets each with a smile. He is still much the gentleman. He still has occasions where he calls his children by name. Larry, our oldest lives nearby in Birmingham and sees us often and our son Mickey and our daughter, Bonnie and their respective families live
in South Carolina due to career paths, but they visit as often as they can too. At 94.5 years of age, I have been blessed with good health thus far and get to kiss Roy good night every night. I still drive even though my kids say I probably shouldn’t, and they are probably right. But all good things must end and I guess that may be correct as my doctor recently told me I have stage IV uterine cancer... and unless I’m granted the miracle I have prayed for, I guess we are racing
each other to the finish line. Fortunately for us, we Christians and know our final eternal destiny to be a great reward for us. Sure we will miss our families, but know they will eventually meet us there one day. Meanwhile, Roy and I will enjoy each other’s company here on earth as long as God sees fit for us to do so. It has been a good trip with Roy. I can’t imagine a better one with anyone else! Harriett M. Fordham Jackson’s Gap
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Weekend Edition, February 13-14, 2016
The Outlook
In Community, We Share Tallapoosa County Devotional Page
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hile the church season of Lent is set aside more time for personal prayer or make use of a devotional for personal a familiar annual occurrence in reflection. Another way to keep the season many churches, not everyone is of Lent is to devote more time to acquainted with its historical volunteering or increase giving to and restorative significance. an organization that helps those in As early as the third century, need. the church recognized the Traditionally, many people have importance of a period used these 40 days for fasting, of personal preparation, giving up some kind of food both spiritual and physical or beverage, or refraining from in nature, for the Pascha some activity they enjoy, all as a celebration. Pascha is the Rob Iler discipline of self-denial to be a Latin word for “Passover” St. James and was used for both the Episcopal Church daily reminder that they are the recipients of the greatest gift given Jewish Passover and the to any of us. That gift, of course, Christian celebration of Easter. was given over 2,000 years ago. It was the Eventually, this period of preparation was crucifixion, death and resurrection of our extended to 40 days, representative of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 40 days of temptation endured by Jesus in Through his death, Jesus showed the wilderness following his baptism by all of us the way to eternal life; that by his cousin John. God’s love for all his creation and by his Lent, from the Old English word for everlasting grace, all who believed in him “spring,” extends from Ash Wednesday as their Redeemer would be saved. through Holy Saturday. Some of you This is indeed the “good news,” the might look at your calendars and see that Gospel of Christ, as recorded and given those dates actually include 46 days, and to us by his followers, the Apostles, and you would be correct; however, the six Sundays in that time period are considered handed down through generations by the body of believers that make up the church. “High Holy” days and are not counted as By keeping the disciplines of the a part of the penitential season of Lent, season of Lent, you just might find it bringing the total number of days back to your celebration of Easter even more 40. meaningful. Today, the faithful keep the observance of this season in a variety of ways. Some Iler is the rector of St. James Episcopal add a new discipline to their days, such as Church. the reading and study of scripture; others This devotional and directory made possible by these businesses who encourage all of us to attend worship services!
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Church Directory
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A.M.E. Saint James A.M.E. Goodwater, 256-839-1007 St. John A.M.E. Off Hwy. 280 on Hwy. 9 Socopatoy, (256) 215-3532 ASSEMBLIES OF GOD Cedar Street Church of God 703 E. Boulevard, Alex City Faith Assembly of God 590 Horseshoe Bend Rd., Dadeville 256-825-7741 River of Life Worship Center 407 Hillabee St., Alex City, 256-329-9593
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INDEPENDENT BAPTIST Liberty Baptist 1365 Hillabee St., Alex City 256-329-8830 New Life Baptist County Road 14, Alex City, 256-329-2635 Victory Baptist 280 By-Pass, Alex City West End Baptist Off 280 West, 256-234-2130
For All Your Pet Healthcare Needs Susan A. Martin, MS DVM 2630 Dadeville Rd., Alexander City (256) 329-9900
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Member by Invitation Selected Independent Funeral Homes www.radneyfuneralhome.com
HENDERSON AND COKER, INC. 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
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TEMPLE MEDICAL CLINIC, P.C. YOUR FAMILY CARE CENTER Medicine, Office Surgery, Pediatric and Industrial JAMES P. TEMPLE, M.D. 859 Airport Drive TIMOTHY J. CORBIN, M.D. Alexander City, AL VINCENT LAW, M.D.
Mountain Springs Baptist Off Hwy. 22, Daviston
Pleasant Grove Church of Christ 1819 Bay Pine Rd, Jackson’s Gap
Pleasant Valley Missionary Baptist 835 Valley Rd., Camp Hill 334-257-4442
Mt. Carmel Baptist 3610 Dudleyville Rd., Dadeville
Southview Church of Christ 2325 Dadeville Rd., Alex City 256-329-0212
Ridge Grove Missionary Baptist Alexander City, 256-234-6972
Mt. Zion Baptist Hwy. 63 South, Alex City 256-234-7748
Rocky Mt. Baptist New Site community
New Beginning Baptist 1076 Coley Creek Rd.
Seleeta Baptist Booker St., Alex City 256-329-2685 Shady Grove Baptist Jackson’s Gap Community
CHURCH OF GOD Alex City No. 2 A.C.O.P. Church of God Local Street, Alex City Bread of Life A.C.O.P. Church of God Hwy. 280, Kellyton
New Concord Baptist Off hwy. 49, Dadeville, 256-825-5390
Cedar Street Church of God 711 Martin Luther King Blvd. Alex City
New Elkahatchee Baptist Elkahatchee Rd., Alex City 256-329-9942
The Great Bethel Missionary 520 Christian St., Alex City 256-234-5513
New Hope Baptist Lake Martin, off Hwy. 63 256-329-2510
Dadeville Church of God 425 Horseshoe Bend Rd. (Hwy. 49 N.) Dadeville 256-825-8820
Unity Baptist Robinson Rd., Alex City
New Life Baptist Jackson’s Gap, 256-825-6190 / 256-329-2635
Marshall Street Church of God 428 Marshall Street, Alex City 256-234-3180
New Pine Grove Baptist Off Hwy. 22, Perryville
New Faith Tabernacle A.C.O.P. Church of God “J” Street
Zion Hill Missionary Baptist 583 S. Broadnax St., Dadeville BAPTIST – SOUTHERN Bay Pine Baptist 1480 Bay Pine Rd. Jackson’s Gap, 256-825-4433
New Providence Baptist Pearson Chapel Rd., Alex City
New Harvest Ministries Church of God Hwy 280 & Coosa 28 256-329-2331
BAPTIST – MISSIONARY Bethlehem Baptist New Site
Bethany Baptist Church Bethany Road
New Rocky Mount Baptist 670 Peckerwood Rd., Jackson’s Gap 256-794-3846
Cross Key Baptist Hackneyville, 256-329-9716
Bethel Baptist Smith Mt. Rd., Jackson’s Gap 256-825-5070
New Salem Road New Site Rd., New Site, 256-234-2932
Darian Missionary Baptist Church Pearson Chapel Rd., Alex City 256-329-3865
Beulah Baptist Smith Mt. Rd., Jackson’s Gap 256-825-9882
Old Providence Baptist Off Hwy. 63 N., near Hackneyville
The Church of God 13th Ave. N., Alex City 256-329-1696
Elam Baptist Robertson Rd. Alex City
Calvary Baptist 819 Main St., Dadeville, 256-825-5989
Old Union Baptist 1106 Davis Circle 256-596-1873
Washington Street A.C.O.P. Church of God Washington Street
Orr Street Baptist 1000 “O” Street (Hwy. 63N) Alex City, 256-234-3171
CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY Church of God of Prophecy 303 Poplar Rd., Alex City, 256-234-6941
Early Rose Baptist 201 E Street, Alexander City Flint Hill Baptist Hwy. 280, Dadeville
Calvary Heights Baptist Elkahatchee, Rd., Alex City 256-234-7224
Friendship Baptist Our Town Community, 256-329-5243
Camp Hill Baptist Downtown Camp Hill, 256-896-2811
Hollins Springs Baptist Hwy. 280, Goodwater
Comer Memorial 941 E. Church St., Alex City 256-234-2236
Jackson’s Gap Baptist Church 21 East Church St. 256-825-6814
Daviston Baptist Daviston, 395-4327
Liberty Church 1034 Liberty Church Rd. Willow Point Alex City Macedonia Baptist Macedonia Circle, Goodwater 256-839-5793 Marietta Baptist Goodwater Miracle Missionary Baptist 1687 “I” Street 256-215-9788, 256-215-9787 Mt. Calvary Baptist 329 King St., Alex City, 256-234-5631 Mt. Olive Baptist Hwy. 280 & Jct. 49, Goodwater Mt. Sinai Baptist Fish Pond Rd., Coosa County 256-329-2337 Mt. Zion Baptist Hwy. 22, New Site Mt. Zion East StillWaters Dr., 256-825-4991 Mt. Zion West Our Town Community, 256-234-7748 New Elam Baptist Hwy. 9, Burtonville, 256-234-2037
IVER & TRUST
Pleasant Home Baptist Clay County
New Bethel Baptist Rock St., Dadeville, 256-825-7726 Peace & Goodwill Baptist Cottage Grove Community Alexander City, 256-377-4634 Pine Grove Baptist Eagle Creek Rd., Dadeville
Eagle Creek Baptist Hwy. 49, Dadeville, 256-825-6048 Fellowship Baptist Buttston Community Fellowship Primitive Baptist Church on Claybrook Drive, Alex City 256-839-5339 First Baptist Court Square, Alex City 256-234-6351
Perryville Baptist Perryville, 256-234-3588
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 1515 Worthy Road, Alex City (Corner of Worthy Place and Dadeville Road)
Pine Grove Baptist Camp Hill Ray Baptist Rockford Hwy., Alex City, 256-234-7609 River Road Baptist 148 Dean Rd., Alex City, 256-234-6971 Rocky Creek Baptist Samford Rd., Cowpens Community Rocky Mount Baptist Hwy. 22 E., Alex City, 256-329-2327 Rock Springs Baptist Jackson’s Gap, 256-839-6263 Russell Farm Baptist Hwy. 63 beyond Our Town
Pentecostal Church of God 163 Franklin Street, Alex City 256-215-4055
First United Methodist 310 Green St., Alex City 256-234-6322
Flint Hill U.M., Alex City 256-234-5047
Haven United Methodist 410 Christian St., Alex City 256-329-8394 Hillabee Campground UMC 120 CC Road, Alex City Sunday School 10am Sunday Service 11am Kellyton U.M., Kellyton, 256-329-1681
New Site U.M. New Site, 256-234-7834 Pearson Chapel U.M. Pearson Chapel Rd., Alex City Red Ridge United Methodist 8091 County Road 34, Dadeville 256-825-9820 Sunnylevel United Methodist 3202 Hwy. 63N, Alex City 256-234-6877 Trinity United Methodist 280 By-pass, Alex City, 256-234-2455 Union United Methodist 4428 Hwy. 50, Dadeville 256-825-2241 METHODIST – INDEPENDENT Daviston Independent Methodist Daviston, 395-4207 PENTECOSTAL Pentecostals of Dadeville 115 West Columbus Street Dadeville, 256-596-3411
EPISCOPAL Saint James Episcopal Church 121 South Central Ave., Alex City 256-234-4752
First Presbyterian Okefuske, Dadeville, 256-825-4081 Robinson Memorial Presbyterian Robinson Rd., Alex City UNITED PENTECOSTAL Alex City Apostolic 3708 Robinson Rd., Alexander City, 256-329-1573 INDEPENDENT Faith Temple Franklin Street, Alex City, 256-234-6421
FULL GOSPEL Dadeville Foursquare Gospel Church Old 280 By-pass
Sixth Street Baptist Sixth St., Alex City, 256-234-2408
Fellowship Revival Center Mission 316 6th Ave., Alex City 256-329-1510 weekends
Sunny Level Baptist Church Sunny Acres Subdivision Sewell Street
Kellyton Revival Center Co. Road 87 South Kellyton
Hillabee Baptist Hillabee Rd., Alex City 256-234-6798
Town Creek Baptist Camp Ground Rd., Alex City
Liberty Life Christian Center 321 “S” Street, Alex City
Horseshoe Bend Baptist Hwy. 280, Dadeville
Wayside Baptist 21 Wayside Circle, Alex City 256-234-5564
Passion Church 3340 Hwy. 63 N., Alex City 256-409-9590
Zion Hill Baptist Hwy. 79, near Horseshoe Bend
The Family Worship Center 365 Scott Road, Alex City
CATHOLIC St. John the Apostle 454 N. Central Ave., Alex City 256-234-3631
METHODIST – UNITED Alexander City Methodist 11th Ave. N., Alex City 256-329-1284
CHURCH OF CHRIST Alex City Church of Christ 945 Tallapoosa St., Alex City 256-234-6494
Bradford Methodist Hwy. 9, Goodwater
New Bethel Fellowship Church 5474 Rock Springs Road Jackson’s Gap 256-825-3367
Comer Memorial U.M. 427 East Church St., 256-329-3467
The Baha’I Faith 740 Newell Street, Camp Hill 256-896-4007
Duncan Memorial U.M. 3997 Hillabee Rd., Alex City 256-234-6708
The Word Bible Church 161 Main St., Alex City, 256-215-5646
Good News Baptist Church 10493 Hwy. 280, Jackson’s Gap 256-825-2555 Hackneyville Baptist Hwy. 63 N., Hackneyville
Jackson’s Gap Baptist Jackson’s Gap, 256-825-4951 Kellyton Baptist Kellyton, 256-329-1512 Kendrick Baptist Church Nixburg Lake Martin Baptist Hwy 34, Dadeville 256-825-7434 Lake Pointe Baptist 8352 Hwy. 50W, Dadeville Lebanon Baptist Mt. Carmel Rd., Dadeville, 256-234-7541
Dadeville Church of Christ East LaFayette St., Dadeville Meadows St. Church of Christ 306 Meadows St., Alex City
2196 Notasulga Rd • Tallassee, AL www.rrconstructionandroofing.com
Mt. Godfrey New Site
Sandy Creek Baptist Alex City
First Baptist Tallassee St., Dadeville, 256-825-6232
Family Owned & Operated • Licensed Contractor
Liberty United Methodist Liberty Rd., Hackneyville
PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian 371 Jefferson St., Alex City 256-329-0524
House of Restoration Holiness 519 Slaughter Ave., Camp Hill, 256-749-2373, 256-896-2904
256.329.7400
Goodwater U.M. Main St., Goodwater, 256-839-6661
CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE Dadeville Church of the Nazarene Corner Hwy. 280 and 49, 256-825-8191
HOLINESS Alex City Emmanuel Holiness Hillabee St., Alex City
BANKING ON VALUES
First United Methodist Dadeville, 256-825-4404
Family Worship Center 1676 Sewell Street 256-839-6895 First Congregational Christian 11th Ave. South, Alex City
256-215-3998
1264 C HEROKEE R OAD • A LEXANDER C ITY
AAA GENERAL CONTRACTORS, INC. 1880 Radio Road•Alexander City, AL
1-800-856-8960 or 256-329-9843 Commercial and Residential Builders
GAP Fellowship Ministries P.O. Box 1571, Alex City God’s House 9334 Hwy 63N, Alex City Roger Green Sun. Service: 11:00 & 6:00 Wed. Bible Study: 6:30 Jehovah-Jireh Ministries 252 Tallapoosa St., Alex City 256-215-4211 Leap of Faith Outreach Ministry 886 Terrance Drive, 256-234-7119
– FINANCING AVAILABLE – Sales • Service • Installation P.O. Box 103, Alex City, AL (256) 329-8488
G. Daniel Brown ATTORNEY AT LAW 926 Cherokee Road Alexander City, AL
256-329-1552
SHERRY WILLIS
256-750-3566 Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated
Weekend Edition, February 13-14, 2016
CommunityCalendar This weekend is February 13-14, 2016 SERVING LUNCH IN THE CAFÉ Tuesday - Saturday 11am-1:30pm
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128 Calhoun Street Historic Downtown Alexander City
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Today’s Events
VALENTINE’S DAY SEMINAR: There will be a seminar Feb. 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Arbor to celebrate marriage. The night will include dinner, door prizes and the Date Night Challenge. The video by comedians Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley will allow couples to learn how to recognize why marriage is valuable, to invest in their marriage and join a community that is for their marriage. There is no cost. If you are interested, call Megan Sanders at 256-827-9127 or Angelia Windsor at 256-827-9226. SOCCER REGISTRATION: Alexander City Youth Soccer will host registra-
tion Feb. 13 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Sportplex Gym. BASEBALL SOFTBALL TBALL REGISTRATION: Dadevile Dixie Youth will have registration for baseball, softball and t-ball Feb. 13 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Dadeville Recreation Center. 7-12 year old baseball and softball is $60 and 3-6 year old T-ball is $45. Payment and a copy of the child’s birth certificate must be presented at registration. VALENTINE’S BANQUET: Sixth Street Baptist Church is having its annual Valentine’s Banquet on Saturday, February 13, at 6:00 p.m. in the church gymnasium. Special entertainment for the eve-
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ning will be comedy by Mutzie, a clean Christian comedian from the New Orleans area. Cost for dinner is $10 per person and includes your choice of steak, chicken breast, or hamburger steak along with sides, salad, and dessert. Space is limited and all registrations must be received by Sunday, February 7. To register, please call the church office at 256-234-2408 or email Ginger Young at gyoung@sixthstreetbaptistchurch.com.
Sunday’s Anniversaries
Allen and Teresa Narr, Gwen and Jim Qualizza, Jerry and Diane Blake, Adrain and Toni Browning, Jeremy and Emily Yates, Alethea and Isaac Newell, Tony and Karen Channell, Anthony and Monecia Birmingham and Olin and Margaret Schalk
Monday’s Anniversary Donald and Anita Kelley
Today’s Birthdays
Diane Stowes, Gail Worthy, Retha Anderson, Randy Moe Jr., Diane Lyons, Jaida Russell, Justin Russell
Sunday’s Birthdays
Margie Mallory, Danny Voss, Charlie Hayes III, Kaden Smith, Ann Ficquette, Nataline Cunigan, Ophelia Eason, Ben Smith, Judy Smith, Ola Mae Allen, Kaleb Allan Christian, Tynene Pearson, Gray McKelvey, Kaylan Partridge, Zora Matthews, Margaret Schalk, Gloria Tuck
Monday’s Birthdays
Shelia Ford, Kendrall Patterson, Amy Katherine Ingle, Dana Dykes, Landen Morris, Janice Tapley, Jackson Mobley
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SOS: Survivor’s of Suicide support group for those who have lost a friend or loved one to suicide will meet Monday, February 15, from 6-8 p.m at Lake Martin Family Therapy (393 Green Street, Alexander City). For more information or directions please call 256-329-3002.
February 16
MEETING: The Artist Association of East Alabama will meet Feb. 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the United Way Conference Room.
February 18
FREEDMEN’S BUREAU PROJECT: The Adelia M. Russell Memorial Library will be hosting a project on the Freedmen’s Bureau Project Feb. 18 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Call or stop by the library for more information and to register. Learn how to index rare Freedmen’s Bureau records from 1865-1868. These records, which include the names of millions of freed slaves, will be available to the public for the first time when the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture opens this fall in Washington DC. The records will be online and free for everyone to learn about their family histories.
February 19-20
MINGLING OF SOULS: A simulcast will be shown at the First Baptist Church Chapel called The Mingling of Souls Simulcast with Matt and Laren Chandler. It will be from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Feb. 19 and Feb. 20 from 9 a.m. to noon. The cost is $10 per couple and focuses on building healthy relationships in marriage. Contact Bill Stinson at bill @fbc-ac.org for more information.
February 20
PANCAKE BREAKFAST: The Alexander City Kiwanis Club is hosting its annual pancake breakfast Feb. 20 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the BRHS Lunchroom. The breakfast is all you can eat and there will be Conecuh Sausage. Tickets are $6 each. TRADE DAY: The Bibb Graves School will hosts a trade day Feb. 20 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. PANCAKE BREAKFAST: There will be a pancake breakfast at the New Site Town Hall Feb. 20 from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. with proceeds going to the New Site Volunteer Fire and Ambulance.
February 21
ANNUAL FRIENDS AND FAMILY DAY: Great Bethel Missionary Baptist Church is hosting its annual friends and family day Sunday, Feb. 21 at 10:30 a.m. Special guest and church is Rev. Wayne Cowhick, pastor of Alexander City Methodist Church.
February 22
HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Julie Williams will be the speaker for Horizons Unlimited Feb. 22 at the Alexander City Board of Education from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
February 27
FAMILY BINGO NIGHT: The Bibb Graves School is hosting a family bingo night Feb. 27 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. POLAR PLUNGE: Wind Creek State Park will host its Polar Bear Leap for Leap Year Feb. 27 at 2 p.m. Participates should meet at the beach. Park entrance fees apply to non-campers. For more information call 256-3290845. PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Faith Christian Academy will host a pancake breakfast on Saturday, February 27 from 6:00 a.m. til 11:00 a.m. in the Faith Temple Gym on the corner of Franklin and Gorgas Streets. The proceeds will benefit the FCA Robotics Team who will go to New Orleans for Competition. All you can eat (in house) or take out is available. Price is $6. Plates include Pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee. Tickets are available from FCA students or at the door.
February 29
HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Jerry Armor will be the speaker for Horizons Unlimited Feb. 29 at the Alexander City Board of Education from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
March 5
BOSTON BUTT SALE: There is a Boston Butt sale to benefit Carley Blankenship and family with pick up March 5 at Alex City Methodist Church from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $30 each and can be purchased by calling or texting Kristi at 256-596-2171 or Celia at 256-496-2745 and at JR’s Sports Bar and Grill or see Ashley Barker at City Hall. Cash or check only. RUMMAGE SALE: The Pine Ridge Mission team of the Alexander City Methodist Church will hold its annual Rummage Sale on Saturday March
5 6 a.m.- 10 a.m. in the church fellowship hall. We will have furniture, household items, clothes, toys and much more. The proceeds will benefit our annual mission trip to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation this summer.
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March 7
HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Susan Webb will be the speaker for Horizons Unlimited March 7 at the Alexander City Board of Education from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
March 12
CLASS MEETING: The Laurel High School Class of 1969 is meeting Sat. March 12 at 10 a.m. at Cooper Recreation Center.
March 15
MEETING: The Artist Association of East Alabama will meet March 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the United Way Conference Room.
March 18-20
WIZARD OF OZ: The Dadeville High School Drama program is presenting the Wizard of Oz March 18 at 7 p.m., March 19 at 7 p.m. and March 20 at 2 p.m. at the Dadeville High School Auditorium.
March 19
EGG HUNT: Wind Creek State Park will host an Easter Egg Hunt March 19 at 10 a.m. in the North Picnic area. There will be prize eggs. For ages under 2, 2 to 4 5 to 8 and 9 to 12. For more information call 256-3290845.
April 16
THREE ON A STRING: The Dadeville First United Methodist Church presents Three on a String, Saturday, April 16 at White Acres in Camp Hill. Dinner of beef filet or chicken will start at 6 p.m. and Three on a Sting will play immediately after. Tickets are $50 per person and $100 a couple. For tickets call 256-825-7408 or 256-825-3985 and all proceeds will go towards local missions and support organizations such as Camp ASCCA and the Girls Ranch.
April 19
MEETING: The Artist Association of East Alabama will meet April 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the United Way Conference Room.
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Weekend Edition, February 13-14, 2016
Stop the senseless ‘murder’ of crape myrtles by abusive pruning A
s a horticulturist, one thing that really gripes me each winter is seeing crape myrtles all across the area being pruned wrong – butchered back and abused. Why, why, why? Many tall beautiful crape myrtles are being reduced to nothing but ugly stubs. This improper pruning technique has been coined “Crape Murder,” as once described by Southern Living magazine, and involves severely pruning back crape myrtles from tree form to shrub form. Whacking back crape myrtles off at about four feet high to leave only the three to five main trunks is an ugly and foolish habit. It is NOT a recommended horticulture practice. Please stop doing it and quit paying “landscape professionals” to do it. You are getting swindled. Crape myrtles do not always need to be pruned each year. If they do and if done properly, minimum pruning is needed each year. Listen to these facts on how to correctly prune crape myrtles: Crape myrtles are small trees, not shrubs as some might want to believe and can range from 18 inches to 30 feet tall. Crape myrtles are one of the most popular landscape plants because of their colorful summer blooms and their thin, paper-like bark that peels away to reveal smooth cinnamon brown trunks. However, a crape myrtle’s landscape value can be dramatically decreased when its branches are severely disfigured. Pruning Effects: Extensive pruning or cutting crape myrtles back each year only causes them to vigorously grow back what was removed. The only pruning that should be done each year is to remove suckers and to maintain its attractive shape by removing deadwood and seed pods. Early training will help eliminate any extensive pruning later on. Crape myrtles tend to grow numerous suckers from their base due to “crape murdering.” And heavy pruning in
SHANE HARRIS
Tallapoosa County Extension
the winter will not help or force crape myrtles to bloom more. The only way to stimulate more summer flowering and promote a smaller second flush of blooms is to tip-prune, called deadheading, the old blossoms at the ends of the branches as they fade in late summer. A crape myrtle that is not blooming well may be getting too much shade and should be moved to another area to get more direct sunlight. Moving it into more sunlight will also help control powdery mildew. Pruning Process: If you think a crape myrtle needs to be pruned, do it only during the middle to late winter once the leaves have fallen and the tree is completely dormant. As a rule of thumb to pruning crape myrtles: don’t cut to see over it; cut to see through it. Remember that crape myrtles are trees and are supposed to get tall. However, by shaping the tree, removing the lower limbs, and having only three to five main trunks, the crape myrtle will have a more attractive and formal appearance. Before beginning pruning, imagine the final size and form you want your crape myrtle to have. Begin pruning by starting at the base of the plant and cutting away all suckers that may have developed. Then move up the tree and remove all small spindly twigs from the main trunks. Removing these small twigs will allow the smooth showy bark to be seen and more air circulation among the trunks, which helps prevent diseases. If the tree is young and hasn’t been pruned before, select no more than three to five of the straighter, thicker stems to become the tree’s main trunks. The selected trunks need to be evenly spaced, not touching or rubbing each other, and should fan outward in a vase shape. If some limbs are
Submitted / The Outlook
This crape myrtle has not been pruned. Many people try to reshape crape myrtles but should move them and select a smaller variety if it is too big. Below, are crape myrtles that have been pruned incorrectly.
too large for loppers or pruning shears, a pruning saw will be required. Next, move on up the trunk and remove any large branches below 3 feet high. The general idea of pruning crape myrtles is to cut limbs back to the crotch or lateral branch at the branch collar, the raised or swollen area at the base of the branch where it joins the trunk. It forms a protective barrier against disease and insects and promotes healing of the wound that results from pruning. There are really no rules for pruning the branches of crape myrtles above three feet. At this point, only take out branches that are necessary. The crape myrtle may not need any limbs removed or any additional pruning. It is now more a personal opinion on how much or how little to prune. Less is better but any branches closer than 6 to 8 inches or numerous small twigs might need to be pruned. Just remember that shearing, topping, or just cutting branches into will
only promote vigorous, long branches when new growth begins. Pruning to the crotch or lateral branch will prevent that. Lastly, prune out the brown seed heads on the tips of the branches that formed after the crape myrtle flowered. This again helps give the crape myrtle a cleaner, formal look. Renewal pruning or cutting a plant back to the ground is sometimes a good idea. If a crape myrtle has been severely damaged, unhealthy, or pruned badly, renewal pruning will allow the plant to start all over. A crape myrtle that has been renewal pruned will rapidly grow back in about two to three years. Once the crape myrtle
has grown back, the plant can then be trained and properly pruned to look even better. In cases when a crape myrtle is too close to the house, due to being planted in the wrong place, constantly pruning it back is pointless. Cut it down to the ground and apply a herbicide, containing glyphosate or 2-4-d to the stump to kill it. Problem solved. Pruning Crape myrtles Workshop: On Saturday, Feb. 20, Tallapoosa County Extension will host a “Pruning Crape myrtles Workshop” in Jacksons Gap, Alabama. This workshop will feature pruning back several well established and lanky crape myrtles to correct
a planting space error, reshape the plants, and encourage new growth. I will actually show you how to “murder” some crape myrtles for the right reasons. If you are interested in attending, contact us at 256-825-1050 or view the promotional flyer. Crape myrtle varieties come in all shapes, colors, and sizes. Pruning large ones into small ones doesn’t make sense. If you want a small, manageable crape myrtle that looks like a shrub, buy a smaller variety. Whacking off and scarring up large crape myrtles each year serves no purpose. Shane Harris is a Tallapoosa County Extension Agent.
Weekend Edition, February 13-14, 2016
Page 11
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The Outlook
Tallassee Council votes to make opposition to 30-foot Confederate flag known important to economic growth. “We don’t have to allow (public comment),” said Rygiel. In a specially called “We believe it is best for 10-minute city council the economic growth of meeting, with no public our city to present our comment, members city in the proper and of the Tallassee City best way for all people.” Council voted to show On Friday, a copy their “disapproval” of of the resolution plans to place a 30-foot was provided and Confederate flag in included in part: “while the heart of downtown acknowledging the rights Tallassee by a local of all to the freedoms chapter of the Sons of of speech, expression Confederate Veterans. and association, the While the vote was City Council believes more symbolic than a that the display of the ban or an ordinance Confederate battle flag change, it allowed the in Tallassee will foster public to know how the resentment, upset and illmembers of the council will among its residents felt about plans for the and harm the City of flag. Tallassee in its efforts Of the 10-minute to recruit businesses meeting, only about two and industry as well minutes were devoted as provide others an to the decision and the opportunity to ridicule topic as a whole. our community.” There was a oneThe full test of the minute briefing offered resolution can be seen at up by City Attorney the end of this report. John Smith who gave Tallassee had been a brief overview of the thrust into the media resolution prior to the recently by another SCV vote. related Confederate flag Smith said he had controversy, which was been in contact with later learned to have a different council connection to an alleged members since Monday. white supremacist hateHe said that he got their group. input, then gave them his The local SCV had opinion and drafted the made a donation to a resolution. group whose aim was No official comment, to raise a Confederate or stance of any kind flag in downtown was offered, and the Montgomery blocks council immediately from historically adjourned after the black Alabama State session after the 6-0 University off of I-85. approval vote on the Amid this though the resolution voicing local SCV chapter also opposition to the had its own plans to erection of a flag pole install a 30-foot flag at where the Confederate its new base overlooking flag would be flown. Bill the Tallapoosa River, Godwin, of Ward 6, was just off of the Fitzpatrick absent from the session. bridge in downtown Following the Tallassee. meeting, Councilman At the council meeting Rob Rygiel said how a diverse audience Tallassee is perceived is By COREY ARWOOD and CARMEN RODGERS TPI Staff Writers
filled the pews of the chambers, and more citizens trickled in throughout the short procession and stood against the wall to watch. About five Tallassee Police Department officers were present at the special session and more people filed and stood against the wall to witness the hurried proceedings. Several SCV members were present on the front rows wearing Confederate flag memorabilia and after the meeting could be seen handing out pamphlets and approaching council members. It seemed clear that some public comment had been expected by at least some of the audience, and a few members from the audience said they had anticipated a time to speak about the issue and present their side. Sons of Confederate Veteran member Marion Patrick said what is placed on private property shouldn’t concern city leaders. “This is private property, it doesn’t have anything to do with the city,” Patrick said. “We have nothing to do with the LOS,” Patrick said. “That is a separate organization in Wetumpka, but this is Tallassee. There’s no communication. We don’t support them and they don’t support us.” Patrick said he was at the meeting to support the raising of the Confederate battle flag. “When you mess with our monuments, yes, we get involved. We didn’t fight for slavery. It was about money, like
every war. Some of my best friends are black people.” When asked about the flag being offensive to some Patrick had some strong feelings. “I’m offended that they are offended by my ancestors. I had five granddads that fought for the South. All of them ended up being sharecroppers, if that ain’t a slave, I don’t know what is,” Patrick said. The full text of the resolution reads: WHEREAS, it is the desire of the City Council of the City of Tallassee, Alabama to foster a climate of tolerance, inclusion and diversity and reduce the potential for conflict; WHEREAS, the City Council is aware of efforts to erect a Confederate battle flag to be flown in downtown Tallassee on a permanent basis;
WHEREAS, however good intentioned and a purported recognition of history and heritage those efforts may be, the Confederate battle flag has become, for many, a divisive and offensive symbol of injustice and intolerance; and WHEREAS, while acknowledging the rights of all to the freedoms of speech, expression and association, the City Council believes that the display of the Confederate battle flag in Tallassee will foster resentment, upset and illwill among its residents and harm the City of Tallassee in its efforts to recruit businesses and industry as well as provide others an opportunity to ridicule our community. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Tallassee, Alabama that the display of the Confederate battle
flag is not in the best interest of the City of Tallassee and the City Council disapproves of such an action. Done this the 11th day of February, 2016.
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sports@alexcityoutlook.com
Page 12
Weekend Edition, February 13-14, 2016
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LEADING BY EXAMPLE
Super Bowl loss a teaching moment Benjamin Russell’s Alexander selected to AHSAA Student Leadership Group for Cam Newton
By ROBERT HUDSON Sports Editor
When tasked with identifying a player who exemplifies the qualities of a great leader, Benjamin Russell football Coach Danny Horn does so without hesitation. That player is junior offensive lineman Jordan Alexander. Nominated by his coaches, Alexander was selected to the Alabama High School Athletic Association Student Leadership Group Class of 2016. Horn said he knew without a second thought that Alexander was a worthy candidate for the AHSAA Student Leadership Group. “He is one of the hardest working players we have, if not the hardest working player we have. He never complains and he does what he’s supposed to do,” Horn said. “He’s a great example of what a leader is. He leads by example and is just a super kid. He’s been a joy to coach and he’s really a coach’s dream because he loves to work and he’s always going to prepare himself.” The Student Leadership Group is comprised of two student-athletes from each of the eight AHSAA districts. More than 150 applicants were nominated by coaches and administrators. Last year was the inaugu-
ral class with 16 student-athletes (eight boys and eight girls) selected. Alexander said it is a great honor and he is excited to be selected to the group. “It feels pretty good. I was kind of excited when I first found out about it because I wasn’t really expecting to win it,” Alexander said. “It’s going to be a really valuable experience. I’m pretty sure they’re going to teach me a lot of things that will be good to know and make me a better leader and get a good experience out of it.” Those students selected will participate in a two-day conference on April 4-5 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Montgomery. Students will learn more about the AHSAA, speak with executive director Steve Savarese, have group sessions with leadership clinician Jack Williams, CEO of the IDEALS leadership program, and will visit educational venues in Montgomery. Horn said it is Alexander’s leadership by example that makes him the ideal studentathlete. “He’s always been committed to be the best that he can be, and that’s what we’re supposed to do is commit ourselves to be our best,” Horn said. “He’s really the first person that came to my mind because he really exemplifies all of the quali-
JOE MCADORY Sports Columnist
F
Robert Hudson / The Outlook
Benjamin Russell junior Jordan Alexander was selected to the AHSAA Student Leadership Class of 2016.
ties it takes to be a leader. He’s very coachable, he’s got a great attitude, a great work ethic and he sets a great example for players to follow.” Alexander said it’s an honor to know that his coaches thought highly enough to nominate him. “I’m glad that they think of me that way. When I was in class one day, Coach Rob (Pam Robinson) came to
me and told me about it,” Alexander said. “I filled out the application and learned last week that I made it. I just thank my coaches, my family and my teammates.” And his motivation, Alexander said, is to always try and get better each day. “I just try to keep getting better and take a step forward each day,” Alexander said. “You never want to go backwards.”
Cougars advance to area final, Wildcats eliminated By ROBERT HUDSON Sports Editor
High school basketball area tournaments continued on Thursday as one local team kept its season alive. Central-Coosa’s David McKinney hit a 3-pointer as time expired to lift the Cougars to a 49-48 win over Prattville Christian Academy on Thursday night at Montgomery Academy. The win sends the Cougars (17-9) to the Class 3A-Area 5 title game on Saturday at 2 p.m. against the hosts Montgomery Academy Eagles. Central-Coosa Coach Shane Smith said it was a huge win for the Cougars and their first over PCA in two years. “It was a wild and crazy one. We played them pretty close the whole game. We were actually down by two points with about eight seconds left, they were shooting a free throw, missed it and we got the rebound,” Smith said. “Tyus Maxwell got it and drove down the floor with about three seconds left and we couldn’t get to the basket, so he kicked it out to David McKinney and David hit a three as time expired. “That was a huge win for us and the first time we’d beaten them in two years. It was a great, great win for us.” Cedarius Askew had 12 points, McKinney had 10 points and Anfernee Richardson had nine points. The victory is the Cougars’ fifth straight down the stretch. It’s a streak that started with a win over then Class 3A No. 10 Montgomery Academy. Smith said it is going to be a tough challenge for the Cougars to beat the Eagles on their home floor, but the Cougars are up to the challenge. Win or lose, Coosa will advance to the sub-regional playoff after the area tournament concludes. “In this five-game winning streak, Montgomery Academy was the first team we beat to start this streak two and a half weeks ago, so we have the confidence that we can play with them and beat them,” Smith said. “But on their home court it’s going to be pretty tough. We’ve got a shot and even if we lose we’re guaranteed another game. We’d match up with either Hale County or American Christian Academy depending on if we win or lose. I think this gives us the most wins Coosa has had since 2008. We’re definitely playing our best basketball here at the end of the year.” In Class 6A-Area 5, the Benjamin Russell Wildcats boys saw their season end on Thursday night against Opelika at Russell County High School, as they lost 80-56.
File Photo / The Outlook
Central-Coosa’s David McKinney, left, posts up during a game earlier this season. McKinney hit the game-winning shot in Thursday’s area tournament win over Prattville Christian.
Jeff Hines, head coach of the Wildcats (9-18), said the Wildcats’ season was marked by inconsistent play. “If I had to sum it up in one word, I would say ‘inconsistent.’ We were not a very consistent basketball team,” Hines said. “We did have four seniors and everyone else was juniors and sophomores, but we played 27 ball games. Early on, we struggled and started 0-7, and I can understand that, but as we got games under our belt, there was no excuse. We just did not perform at a consistent level like we should have. “And with that being said, that is on me. And I’ve got to do a better job of making sure these guys are consistently playing their best basketball every night.” Hines said that inconsistency was present in Thursday night’s loss. “When I say inconsistent, you can look back at Thursday night. With six minutes
and 30 seconds left in the ballgame, we’re down 53-46 and we’re right there at it,” Hines said. “It had gone back and forth all game. We had led early in the first half, we were down three at the half, we led early in the third and then they came back. They closed the game out on a 27-10 run. That goes back to that inconsistency. We had some turnovers and missed some shots.” Tyre Gray had 12 points, Timmy Lawson had eight points and William Grant had eight points for the Wildcats against Opelika. In Class 4A-Area 5, the Dadeville boys lost 68-48 to the Elmore County Panthers on Thursday at Lanier High School in Montgomery, finishing their season with a 6-18 record. The Dadeville girls also ended their season on Thursday night in Montgomery with a narrow 48-41 loss to the hosts Booker T. Washington Magnet Lady Yellow Jackets, finishing the year 1-15.
olks sure do like to throw stones at Cam Newton, don’t they? His flamboyancy invites critics. Add an NFL MVP award to exuberance and it’s a recipe for detractors. People love to see the high and mighty fall from grace every now and then. It happened to Tiger Woods. It happened to Alex Rodriquez. It even happened to local hero Terrell Owens. Haters shouldn’t celebrate that much. Newton wasn’t arrested, caught taking performance enhancing drugs, or banished from the league. He lost a football game Sunday night. Granted, it was the biggest football game in the world. Granted, he was the subject of three turnovers. And granted, he acted like a petulant child during the postgame interview with the press. He should man-up and offer a genuine apology. People dig humility. Something like … “I can’t believe I acted the way I did. As a role model, I should take defeat like a man and break down what went wrong for us, just like I should go into detail about our successes. “Von Miller … That guy is a beast. So is Demarcus Ware. Speaking of Demarcus, just how on earth did my alma mater, Auburn, not grab him out of Auburn High School? This game showed us that no matter how great of a team we were this season, there are always a few things we can do to get better and become more productive. Questions?” Reporter: “Cam, what things are you referring to?” Newton: “I shouldn’t call out folks. Everyone was out there busting their butts. You saw the game. Judge for yourself. I didn’t help things, either.” Reporter: “Your thoughts on the called incompletion in the first quarter that was reviewed and upheld? Replays showed it might have been a catch.” Newton: “I thought it was a catch, but I also thought Dez Bryant scored at Green Bay last year. If they call it a catch, we have a first down at the 39. Instead, we’re stuffed into a passing situation back at the 14. And you know what happened next.” Reporter: “Why didn’t you jump on your fumble late in the fourth quarter? Newton: “I didn’t think I had a real chance at it, plus like I said before, I didn’t want to risk injury. Next question.” Reporter: “If you didn’t want to risk injury, why do you play football?” Newton: “I love football. I risk my body every day out there. That was a situation where I didn’t think I had a real shot at it unless it squirted back out, and I was right there if that happened.” Reporter: “What did you say to Peyton Manning after the game?” Newton: “I asked him to share his HGH. But seriously, I told him it was an honor to share the field with him and wished him all the best, whether it’s his last rodeo or not. At least I didn’t have to tell the world I was going to drink a bunch of Budweiser after the game. Peyton’s gon-na drink some Bud.” Reporter: “What would you tell children who watched your postgame interview?” Newton: “Let’s see… Ok, you’re all going to face adversity sometimes and we’re going to be questioned by teachers, parents, or whomever. In my case – you guys. When the heat comes, stand up and take it. Don’t sulk. Show that you are willing to take responsibility for your actions, or in my case, a job performance.” Newton has some growing up to do. Consider Sunday night a teaching moment. Joe McAdory is Communications Editor at the Auburn University Raymond J. Harbert College of Business and is the former Sports Editor at the Opelika-Auburn News.