OPINION: GET TO KNOW CANDIDATES BEFORE CASTING VOTES
FRIDAY
THE WHAT’S UP?
STARTING STRONG
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 February 19, 2016 Vol. 124, No. 36 www.alexcityoutlook.com
See all local events in the calendar, page 7.
BRHS wins season opener. Sports, Page 8.
Group eager to learn more about city manager By MIA OSBORN Staff Writer
Editor’s note: This is the fourth in a five-part series on the citymanager form of government. A petition is now active asking for the people to be allowed to vote on a possible change in Alexander City. The petition can be signed each day at the offices of The Outlook. Mia Osborn / The Outlook
Residents sign the petition calling for a vote on whether a city manager-council form of government is wanted following a meeting with the Young Professionals Wednesday.
On Wednesday, the Lake Martin Young Professionals group gathered in the chapel of First Baptist
Church in downtown Alexander City to hear more details about the recently proposed switch to a council-city manager form of government. The Young Professionals’ own Jacob Meacham welcomed the group of about 20 listeners. Then Kenneth Boone, incoming board chairman of the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce and owner of Tallapoosa Publishers, joined Alexander City Outlook editor Mitch Sneed to explain why they support the change of government
Local chef receives fourth Beard nod
Nursing home hosts Music and Memory Program training By MIA OSBORN Staff Writer
The lives of seniors at one local nursing home are about to get a lot more musical. This week, Adams Nursing Home hosted a three-day training course to introduce volunteers and caregivers to the basics of the Music and Memory program. Music and Memory is designed to give elderly patients with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia access to music they once loved. Donated iPod Shuffles are loaded with music and given to patients, often with remarkable results. “We don’t think about how important music is to our lives. The last part of the brain to quit recognizing things is the one that responds to music,” said Debbie Stalnaker, administrator of Adams. Stalnaker was first contacted by PATH FINDERS – an initiative of Alexander City’s Council for Prosperity See MUSIC • Page 3
Lake Martin
Lake Levels
482.87
Springhouse’s McDaniel nominated for Best Chef of the South for 2016 Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Mandi Durr helps Jytarius Harvey in her classroom Tuesday as Georganna Hamby works on a text document. Durr was leading a session on business documents.
ON THE MARKET
BRHS golf coach means business in classroom By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
Mandi Durr isn’t all about crushing drives and draining putts. She’s also about teaching Benjamin Russell students the basics of business, including classes in entrepreneurship, marketing and business technology applications. “This is just my second year in the classroom,” Durr said. “I spent the first
part of my career after college in business. I was in real estate with Russell Lands for 10 years and in mortgages for three years at Renasant and Aliant banks. I had the opportunity last year to come on board at Benjamin Russell in this capacity and I just felt led to come and share from my experience what business is like in the real world.” Durr was already a part of the Benjamin Russell team as coach of the girls’ golf
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The James Beard Foundation has selected Rob McDaniel, general manager and executive chef of Springhouse, located at Russell Crossroads, among 20 semifinalists for Best Chef of the South for 2016. This is the fourth consecutive year McDaniel has been nominated for the award. He is one of 20 nominees and one of only three from Alabama. “I hope that this is maybe the McDaniel year that I get a nod into the Top 5,” said McDaniel. “But of all the chefs in the South, to be one of 20 is pretty awesome to me. “But I don’t come to work every day to win a James Beard Award. We come to work every day here at Springhouse to do the best we can do to put out the best food possible for our customers. It takes the people in the front of the house and those in the back of the house to make it all work.” The two other chefs that received Beard nominations for Best Chef in the South for 2016 were See CHEF • Page 3
By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
Linda Shaffer, REALTOR® C: 256.794.4641 • W: 256.329.5253 shaffer@lakemartin.net 5295 Highway 280, Alexander City, AL
6
See BRHS • Page 3
By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
Lion’s make donation to Wildcats’ band program
Reported on 2/18/16 @ 4 p.m.
High
and to answer questions about how the new form of government would work. Boone was careful to explain that the addition of a city manager was not meant as an insult to elected officials. “This push to change the government has nothing to do with current folks in office. Our city council does the best they can,” he said. “They love this city and they give a lot to represent the people who elected them. The thought See MANAGER • Page 3
BRHS Band Director Dale Bloodworth shows off a sample of the new band uniform that is about to be purchased.
Annual Kiwanis
Pancake Breakfast Tickets available at door
6
$ 00 All You Can Eat
This Saturday 6:00 - 10:00 a.m. ••• BRHS Cafeteria
For 73 years the Alexander City Lions Club has been manning the concession stands at Benjamin Russell High School football games. For all of those 73 years, the profits from the effort have gone back to Alexander City Schools and Tuesday the club presented its latest installment to the school’s band program. “The total this year is $13,051.94,” Lions Club president Billy Ray Wall said. The money could not come at a better time for the band program as it is about to order new uniforms in the next couple weeks. “Thank you very much for the donation,” BRHS band director Dale Bloodworth said. “It has been a wonderful relationship.” Bloodworth had a uniform sample for the club to see and talked about the next steps in the process. “The total project is going to cost about
$42,000,” Bloodworth said. “We are about two thirds of the way there right now. All of our students have been measured and we should be able to place the order in the coming weeks.” With this donation, the Alexander City Lions Club involvement in the concession stands is coming to an end. “Our club membership is getting a little older,” Wall said. “We are giving it back to the band boosters but we still hope to be involved and hope to maybe take it on fully again someday once we can recruit some younger members.” Bloodworth said the band boosters are up to the task. “I can assure you that the band boosters will do everything they can to honor the history that this club has put into these concession stands and this community,” Bloodworth said. “We are grateful for the support that we have gotten over the years, not only from the Lions but from the community also.”
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Teen daughter’s sex life reveals parental discord
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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
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, (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) Lake Martin Living, The Outlook is published five times Kenneth Boone a week, Tuesday through Saturday Photography and mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, a commercial web printing press. Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011. © 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. ReproPOSTMASTER: Send address duction of any part of any issue requires changes to Post Office Box 999, written publisher permission. Alexander City, AL 35011.
Postal
Information
Gregory N. Marbury
Julia G. Mckenzie
Graveside service for Mr. Gregory N. Marbury Inverness, Florida formerly of Cottage Grove, Alabama will be Friday, February 19, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. Church of Christ Cemetery. Wright’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Funeral service for Mrs. Julia G. Mckenzie of Alexander City, Alabama will be Friday, February 19, 2016 at Miracle Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at New Life Memorial Gardens. Wright’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
DEAR ABBY: My 16-yearold perfect kid came to us, very adult-like, saying it was time for her to go on the pill. We knew she had a boyfriend, but didn’t realize it was this serious. Despite my initial impulse to kill him and stick my daughter in a convent, we discussed it as a family and agreed she would see a gynecologist. She also had a long talk with her mother about sex, and with me a few days later. When I sat down alone with her she was embarrassed, but I don’t care -- I’m her father. Fast forward to last week: She left her iPad in the living room, and while I was using it, up popped explicit pictures of her not only with her boyfriend, but with other guys and girls. Her mother and I talked about how to handle this. I suggested therapy and pulling her from school. My wife disagreed. She accused me of violating our daughter’s personal property and said it’s none of my business! I may be old-fashioned, but
Danny W. Steagall
3BR/2BA Brick home with private backyard. Conveniently located to town. Spacious rooms, tile bathrooms & beautiful hardwoods throughout.
A celebration of life for Mr. Danny W. Steagall, 60, of Jacksons Gap, AL will be held 2 p.m. Saturday Feb. 20, 2016 at the chapel of Alabama Funeral Homes in Dadeville. Family will greet friends from 1 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home on Saturday. Mr. Steagall was born on January 11, 1956 and passed away on Feb.15, 2016 at Russell Medical Center in Alexander City, AL. Mr. Steagall is preceded in death by his wife Debra Steagall, his parents Virgina Hill (mother) & Randall & Martha (stepmother) Steagall and one grandson Zackery Wayne Adam. Danny Wayne Steagall was survived by his two sons Micheal (Tina) Adam, Jamie (Tonya) Adam. His six granddaughters Madeline, Jessica, Josie, Hailey, Destanii, & Addison. His seven siblings Kathy (Joel) Haithcote, Lynn Pulley, Randall (Lannie) Steagall, Bob (Donna) Halliburton, Lindy Martin, Billy (Nelly) Steagall, & Bart Steagall.
Feb. 16
SAMANTHA SPURLIN
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my daughter, whom I love more than life, needs to know this is not OK. She’s still a child despite looking like an adult, and as a child, she needs guidance. Am I wrong? Do you have any resources for me on handling my daughter’s sexual impulses? -CONCERNED DAD IN SANTA CLARA DEAR CONCERNED DAD: To pull your daughter out of school or send her to a psychotherapist would be an overreaction. Her sexual impulses are normal. Although I agree she needs guidance, that guidance should come from you and your wife. As to your “violating your daughter’s personal property,”
• Scotty Perez Marbury of Alexander City was arrested for theft. • Jennifer Elizabeth Smith of Dadeville was arrested for harassing communication. • Cornelius Nakia Johnson of Alexander City was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. • Rodraqus Felando Tyus of Alexander City was arrested for possession of marijuana, giving false identification to law enforcement and illegal possession of prescription drugs. • Montex Lamar Tyson of Alexander City was arrested for possession of marijuana. • Danny Ray Kelley of Alexander City was arrested for public intoxication. • Kecia Marie Davis of Alexander City was arrested for domestic violence. • A report of robbery was filed on Christian Street. • A report of theft was filed on Nolen Drive. • A report of domestic violence was filed on Cornerstone Drive. • A report of theft was filed in the 700 block of Pine Street. • A report of harassment was filed in the 600 block of Oak Street. • A report of domestic violence was filed on Thomas Street. • A report of domestic violence was filed on
Alabama Funeral Homes are handling arrangements. www.alabamafuneralhomes.com
We Care About You
Advice
Alexander City Police Department
256-329-1313 PRICED TO SELL!
DEAR ABBY
I’m glad you saw what was on the tablet and your wife should be as well. The kind of photos you describe can cause big problems for teenaged girls. If her relationship with her boyfriend sours, those pictures can wind up on the Internet to be viewed for all time. Colleges and prospective employers have been known to scour the Internet looking for these kinds of postings when interviewing students and job seekers. What may seem like innocent fun now could cause her big headaches a few years down the line, and your daughter needs to know it. DEAR ABBY: I work the front desk at a small hotel in the middle of nowhere. I love my job. My boss and co-workers are amazing, and we are like a big family. Recently, while I was working the graveyard shift, I was held up at gunpoint and robbed. Going to work still scares me, and I’m anxious the entire time.
Should I seek counseling and stay with this job to see if my anxiety lessens, or find another one where I won’t have to deal with cash? I’m terrified of this happening again, since the thief got away with it. -- JUST DON’T SHOOT DEAR JUST DON’T SHOOT: You should definitely seek counseling because of the trauma you experienced. Some states offer it as part of a victims assistance program, but if yours does not, then you will have to get it privately through your health insurance or your employer’s. After you have had some sessions, you will then be in a better position to decide whether to continue working at that hotel. 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.
Police Briefs
Obituaries
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Friday, February 19, 2016
The Outlook
WHATLEY MONUMENT Company
Better Service A Family Tradition 1049 Hillabee Street Alexander City, AL C.M. “Mike” Whatley, Owner
329-1217
Carolyn Road.
Feb. 15
• Octavius Quizet Curtis of Alexander City was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon and public intoxication. • Ronald Cozart of Alexander City was arrested for domestic violence. • Clarence Thomas Jr. of Alexander City was arrested for criminal trespass. • A report of harassment was filed in the 500 block of Iris Avenue.
Feb. 14
• Malcolm Wade Howard, Jr. of Kellyton was arrested for possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and open container of alcohol in a vehicle. • LaMaris Tremain Russaw of Alexander City was arrested for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. • A report of burglary was filed on Jackson Street. • A report of theft was filed on Highway 280.
violence and criminal mischief was filed in the 2200 block of County Road. • A report of harassing communication was filed on Aliant Parkway.
Feb. 11
• Lawrence Walton Wolny of Equality was arrested for harassment. • A report of theft was filed in the Alexander City area. • A report of harassment was filed on Highway 280. • A report of harassment was filed on Jefferson Street.
Feb. 10
• Willie James Whetstone III of Alexander City was arrested for aggravated assault. • A report of burglary was filed on Turtle Neck Road. • A report of theft was filed on Pamela Drive. • A report of domestic violence was file on Summer Street.
Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department
Feb. 13
* Jason Dewayne White of Alexander City was arrested for attempting to elude and driving under the influence. • Terrance Fitzgerald Johnson, Jr. of Alexander City was arrested for unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. • Anthony Demond Johnson of Alexander City was arrested for possession of marijuana. • Naquan Tybrenn Wyckoff of Alexander City was arrested for unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. • Syreeta Shanta McKenzie of Goodwater was arrested for public intoxication. • Charles DeRell Chandler of Alexander City was arrested for public intoxication and using false information to obstruct justice. • A report of theft was filed in Market Place.
Feb. 12
• A report of domestic
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Feb. 16
• A resident of Patterson Street in Dadeville filed a report for burglary of a residence. • Cameron Foreman of Greenleaf Street in Alexander City was arrested on a grand jury indictment for receiving stolen property first.
Feb. 15
• A resident of Highway 49 South in Tallassee filed a report for assault. • A resident of Mann Road in Notasulga filed a report for assault. • Sutton Johnson of Tallacoosa Trailer Park in Kellyton was arrested on two warrants for failure to pay criminal trespass third.
Feb. 13
• A Lonnie Davis of Hillabee Street in Alexander City was arrested on a failure to pay warrant speeding and was transported to the county jail. • A resident of County Road 34 in Dadeville filed a report for theft. • A Noble Nixon of Jones Road in Alexander City was arrested on a failure to pay alcohol sell without license warrant and was transported to the county jail.
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Friday, February 19, 2016
Manager
continued from page 1
is that they would benefit greatly from having a professional city manager to provide them with the communication and information needed to make informed decisions.” The transition to the council-manager format would actually relieve some of the pressure from elected officials, Boone and Sneed said. The position of mayor would become part-time, meaning that the mayor would still be able to run a business and be otherwise engaged in the community. The mayor would preside over the council and also be able to vote on propositions brought forth by the city manager. The crowd seemed receptive to the idea, but there were some doubts expressed about the cost of hiring a city manager. Sneed rebutted that, while hiring a city manager would add another salary to the budget, they would cut down on unnecessary money spent on lawsuits, fines, and other issues that could have been avoided. “The city just paid $400,000 in back raises because yearly evaluations weren’t done on time,” Sneed cited. “A city manager would review every department head working for the city.” Questions about the transition and how the position would be filled were also asked. “It would be a position that would be hired by the council and the mayor,” Boone said. “But it would be a person who has a very specific job description. It would be a person with the appropriate degree and education and ideally someone with experience doing the job of managing a governmental entity.” Other city manager duties would be to keep department heads informed of issues with a “master to-do list,” and to act as a liaison between community members and city government, so requests, complaints, etc. would be
sure to go to the right person. Meacham summed it up: “This way, we can pay someone to prevent messes instead of paying to have them cleaned up.” In order for the option to switch to a council-manager government to appear on a ballot, 10 percent of voters who live within the Alexander City limits must sign the petition, which is located at the office of the Alexander City Outlook. Since about 4,000 people voted in the most recent election, 400 signatures are needed to bring the matter to a vote. As of Wednesday’s meeting with the Young Professionals, there were just under 200. Several more were added at the end of the meeting, as many of those in attendance signed. Blank copies of the petition were taken by volunteers to be circulated around town. Boone suggested the change of government could create a positive change in Alexander City’s economy, which is still recovering from the loss of the Russell Corp. “For a century in this town, one guy had the power to make you rich and happy or ruin your life. We have this culture where everyone keeps their heads down,” Boone said. “We don’t have to do that anymore. We are rebuilding from the ashes of Russell.” Downtown businessman Larry Tuggle was at the meeting and said he is glad to see the push of information to inform people of what a move would mean. “I think it is time to look at all options,” Tuggle said. “By looking at what others are doing and how it works there, informational forums and other informational sessions, I think the more people learn, the better this will sound.”
BRHS
continued from page 1
“Business technology applications is a computer-based course where we focus on learning MicroSoft applications,” Durr said. “We really focus on Word and Excel and we also learn PowerPoint and Outlook. Those are things that an employer would like for their employees to know. So for our students to come out of high school having a certification in one of those areas is crucial especially in today’s world when the number of jobs are limited and if you can excel above the other candidates by having one of those certifications, then it’s in the student’s best interest.” Finally, Durr teaches career prep, which is a mandatory class for all students at Benjamin Russell. “In career prep we look at 16 different career clusters and we focus on life skills, teaching them how to buy a car, how to fill out an application for a lease, how to open a checking account, how to put together a resume, things like that. It’s really Life 101.” Two years into her teaching career, Durr is enjoying her job, but, she admits, still learning. “I’m still learning some of the ways that we can get plugged into the community through things like job-shadowing and mentoring and things like that.” Durr said. “But I do enjoy it. Each day is a new day and gives me an opportunity pour into the lives of these young people, to be a mentor. To show them, teach them it’s not about money all the time. We all need the money, but you need to find something that you enjoy as well.”
team. The Milton, Florida, native earned four letters in golf at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. But a professional career was never anything she desired. “I just knew that would be a different lifestyle than I wanted,” Durr said. “I wanted a more traditional life with a family and all.” There is little more traditional in America than life as a teacher. Durr appears to relish the chance to pass along what she learned in her own life in business – and more – to her students “In entrepreneurship we are teaching the students how to own a business,” Durr said. “If they were to decide to go into business once they graduated from high school or even when they graduated from college, they need to know what the skills are, what the mindset is of becoming an entrepreneur. Anything from developing a product to buying an existing business to developing a business plan or a promotion plan or how to evaluate their financials that are going to be needed. “In the marketing class we are just discussing the different strategies of marketing a business or product. Whether you’re a marketing director or a designer, we look at all the different tools you need – how to create websites, flyers, promotional ads, giveaways and so forth. We look at all the tools and strategies a person might need in a marketing career.” Durr’s business technology applications course allows the students the opportunity to earn certification in certain MicroSoft applications that may prove beneficial in the job market.
Music
continued from page 1
through Health – about making Adams into a Music and Memory certified site. She was excited by the program’s benefits for patients, such as increased awareness, clearer speech and less agitation. Stalnaker said about 20 students showed up for the training, including local volunteers, nursing staff and students in need of community service hours. “Most dementia programs don’t care for those with late stage dementia, but 40 percent of cases are late stage, explained Music and Memory Program Administrator Alex Sniderman. Sniderman used a conference call to address students in training programs across 21 states and several provinces in Canada all at once. “There’s a perception that these late stage people can’t be reached, that they can’t experience pleasure,” he said. This attitude often leads to neglect and overmedication of patients with late stage dementia. Recently, care-
Chef
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givers have been able to use music as a bridge to connect with patients who have been trapped inside their own minds. Over 2400 facilities like Adams have seen positive results from the Music and Memory training. Although every Adams employee could not attend the training at the same time, Stalnaker said a few key caregivers are enrolled. These leaders will, in turn, teach the rest of the staff the techniques they learned. “We will have everyone on board, starting with the memory care unit,” Stalnaker said. Stalnaker and other Adams administrators are hopeful about the positive impact the program will have on patients, but they need the community to help make their efforts successful. “We definitely need more iPods, especially iPod Shuffles or iTunes gift cards,” said Stalnaker. Donations may be dropped off at Adams Nursing Home or the Alexander City Board of Education.
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Volunteers take notes during a training session for the Music and Memory program at Adams Nursing Home on Thursday.
The program also needs more volunteers. “As we start this process, we’d love volunteers to sit with patients
and put iPods on them,” said Stalnaker.
continued from page 1
David Bancroft of Acre in Auburn and Bill Briand of Fisher’s Upstairs in Orange Beach. In addition, Dolester Miles of Birmingham’s Highlands Bar & Grill received a nomination for Outstanding Pastry Chef and Highlands Bar & Grill was also nominated for Outstanding Restaurant. McDaniel said Bancroft and Briand were “close personal friends.” “I’m super excited for the state,” said McDaniel, a Haleyville native and a 2002 graduate of Auburn University. “In the past, we’ve only had one or two nominations from Alabama and Florida and Louisiana are pretty saturated. We got three this time and I’m super stoked about that and excited to share a nomination with David and Bill.” The Beard Foundation will announce the final nominees for all award categories March 15. The winners will be announced and honored at the James Beard Awards Gala on May 2 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Selected from an extensive number of online entries, the prestigious group of semifinalists in 10 regions represents America’s best culinary talent. Established in 1990, the James Beard Awards recognize culinary professionals for excellence and achievement in their fields and further the Foundation’s mission to celebrate, nurture and honor America’s diverse culinary heritage through programs that educate and inspire.
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
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256.825.9830
Time to Get Your Own Place? Find your answer in the Outlook Classifieds – in print and online!
Call Classifieds – 256.277.4219
(On Right Past the River Bridge)
FOR RENT
1 BEDROOM AP tomorrow. Afford T. Move in able Call Norma 555-6 monthly rent. 300.
MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213
editor@alexcityoutlook.com
EDITORIAL BOARD Kenneth Boone Mitch Sneed
Outlook The
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Our
Opinion
Get to know the candidates before casting your vote
H
ow do you decide who will get your vote when you go to the polls? A recent Gallop poll said that 64 percent of voters said that party affiliation is the No. 1 fact considered by voters. Obviously, people align themselves with political parties that lean towards their own personal beliefs. That’s why the March 1 primary election is so important. The people who will represent their parties in upcoming elections will be decided and, in many cases, they will be unopposed in the fall. We ask that you as a voter arm yourself with information to make a wise decision. As President Thomas Jefferson once said, “The cornerstone of democracy rests on the foundation of an educated electorate.” We agree. The most basic improvement that can be made to modern American democracy is the development of an educated voting population. Being informed and then exercising the right to vote is an important way to help preserve our precious democratic system. With that in mind, we would ask voters to spend the coming days before the March 1 primary to spend time reading about the candidates. Get to know what they believe by meeting them when possible. Particularly in local races, there are sufficient opportunities to see candidates face to face. This newspaper will feature previews on the races in upcoming editions as a way to help voters form an opinion. We urge voters to do their homework. Our area and our state are facing issues that will shape our future. It is important that we find people who have our best interest at heart to serve us in elected office. Don’t let cute commercials, sound bytes or the letter beside a candidate’s name be the deciding factor for you. Knowledge is much more reliable.
Friday, February 19, 2016
We could all learn from Carolina campaign combat
T
he great state of South Carolina has a new motto. It goes something like this. “South Carolina: Where all political hell breaks loose.” The shenanigans date back almost 150 years to a time during Reconstruction when, after a contested gubernatorial election, South Carolina actually sat two state legislatures and two governors – one of each for each of the two parties, Republican and Democratic. Only when President Rutherford B. Hayes withdrew federal troops from the capital city of Columbia and the rest of the South did Republican David Henry Chamberlain cede the governor’s chair to Democrat Wade Hampton III and the Democratic legislature take over. But that’s all ancient craziness. Believe me, there’s been plenty craziness since, even 21st century dirty tricks. In 2000, George W. Bush, who would go on to win the Republican nomination and defeat his Democratic opponent Al Gore by a few Floridian chads, won caucuses in Alaska and Iowa before losing the first primary of the year in New Hampshire to John McCain by a whopping 18 percentage points. The race headed to South Carolina before moving on to Arizona and Michigan, where McCain held significant margins. In other words, Bush needed to thwart McCain’s momentum before the Arizona senator and beloved war veteran became unstoppable. Soon, primary voters were receiving recorded phone calls in South Carolina asking whether
DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
they would be “more likely or less likely to vote for John McCain for president if (they) knew he had fathered an illegitimate black child?” (Of course, McCain never fathered any illegitimate child of any color. The child the sleazy calls referred to is Bridget, who John and Cindy McCain adopted as a three-month-old in 1991 from a Bangladeshi orphanage run by Mother Teresa.) There are other instances of Palmetto State political pranks, perhaps most infamous the tactics used by the late Republican strategist Lee Atwater against Democrat Tom Turnipseed in his challenge for Floyd Spence’s South Carolina congressional seat. Atwater made sure voters were reminded of Turnipseed’s treatment for depression as a teenager and of his involvement with the NAACP. Turnipseed lost. To Atwater’s credit, he wrote to ask Turnipseed’s forgiveness after being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. The past is prelude, they say, and if we don’t study our history we are doomed to repeat it. Sometimes even historical study doesn’t help. The candidates, particularly those competing in Saturday’s Republican primary, are at it again in South Carolina. As recently as Wednesday, the Donald Trump campaign went where few campaigns have
ever gone, sending a ceaseand-desist letter to the Ted Cruz campaign threatening a lawsuit if Cruz didn’t quit running commercials attacking Trump for his past (supportive) positions on abortion. Earlier this week, Trump chided Jeb Bush for turning to his brother and his “mommy” to support him and stump in South Carolina – actually a wise move by Bush considering his family’s political success in the state. Also on Wednesday, the Marco Rubio campaign took on the Cruz campaign, alleging Cruz has been using underhanded tactics to influence voters in South Carolina – specifically push polls and a Facebook post that falsely suggested popular South Carolina Congressman Trey Gowdy had retracted his endorsement for Rubio and thrown his support behind Cruz. This is the stuff that happens in the race for leader of our nation? Shouldn’t we demand better and, if we don’t get it, refuse to support those willing to engage in such underhandedness? Color me sick of the threats and the lies and the shouting that some think equals strength. Personal attacks tell us, the voters, nothing about the way a candidate will lead our nation. And if the candidates can’t stop attacking their opponents long enough to articulate their plans, seems to me they’ve missed the chance to make their case. Perhaps it just took the hell of South Carolina to help us all realize that. Granger is a staff writer for The Outlook.
“Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land of the Lord your God is giving to you.” – Exodus 20:12
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Steve Robinson represents District 2, which includes the southern part of Alexander City, the Cedar Creek area, Steve Robinson Ourtown and Willow Point. His phone number is 256-654-0047. His address is 1225 Warren Circle, Alexander City.
George Carleton Jr. represents District 5, which includes southern Camp Hill, Red Ridge, Walnut Hill, Union and Pleasant Ridge. His address is 630 Turner Road Road, Dadeville.
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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. 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.
T.C. Coley represents District 1, including half of Coley Creek, the Andrew Jackson subdivision, the southern part of Indian Hill, North Central Avenue, part of Pearson’s T.C. Coley Chapel Road, the Northside community and portion of Spring Hill community. His phone number is 212-9316. His address is 2316 North Central Avenue, Kellyton.
Emma Jean Thweatt represents District 4, which includes Dadeville, Pace’s Point, northern Camp Hill, Buttston, Dudleyville and part of Eagle Creek. Her daytime phone number is 825-6914 and her evening phone Emma Jean Thweatt number is 825-4207. Her address is 585 Brookwood Circle, Dadeville.
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John McKelvey represents District 3, which includes Jackson’s Gap, Hackneyville, New Site and Daviston. His phone number is 256-825-8403. His address is 1285 Freeman Road, Dadeville.
Today’s
This letter is to send regards of appreciation to Mr. Dick Bronson and Mr. David French
concerning your editorials. I say to both of you, keep up the good work and continue to write.
Teresa Harrell Moten Alexander City
Reader thanks good samaritan for helping her Dear Editor, Today I have had the goodness of the American people renewed! I am an 84-year-old widow handicapped somewhat with arthritis. If I fall I cannot getup alone. Today I took garbage sacks out to put in the can and I put one in successfully. The second threw me to the ground along
with the garbage can. I was attempting to crawl to my porch when a car went by. In a few seconds, he came back into my yard. Bobby Smith whom I did not know but he lives on my street picked me up, put me on my feet and accompanied me to my door. I have no idea how long I would have been there until someone came and noticed.
I can not thank him enough for taking his time to help me and I am certain that some way this deed will return to him. He can be sure that God’s word applies “When you have done it to the least of these you have done it unto me.” God Bless! Angelyn Edwards Alexander City
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Thursday, February 19, 2016
The Outlook
CommunityCalendar SEE ME FOR Today is INSURANCE February 19, 2016 Today’s Events
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.
Today’s Anniversaries
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Today’s Birthdays
Richard Whetstone, Lillie Hardy, Kelly Champion, Joe Hand, Daniel Robinson, Morgan Miller, Christy Long, James Hilyer and Lakeshia Laney are celebrating their birthdays today.
There are no anniversaries on the calendar for today.
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Recently, Alexander City Middle School students Richie Silver and Sam Morris participated in a Auburn University Middle School Program. The ACMS students were chosen to be in honor band.
February 19-20
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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 @fbcac.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. SPIRITUAL GROWTH SUNDAY: Trinity United Methodist Church is hosting spiritual growth Sunday, Feb. 21 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Guest speaker will be Melinda Blair, author of Treasures of the Heart. Dinner will be served and donations for dinner will be appreciated. AWANA: Wayside Baptist Church hosts Awana to reach kids for Christ through fun games, music, dancing, and Scripture-rich experiences that lead them to know, love and serve Him every Sunday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
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. MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION MEETING: The Alexander City Ministerial Association will meet Feb. 22
at 6:30 p.m. at Gap Fellowship Church next to Big B. Attention will be given to programs which are spnsored by the association each year and about any special city wide Christian event which could be conducted this year. Time is also used for fellowship, sharing of news, and intercessory prayer. All Christian ministers are invited. For more information, contact Bill Middlebrooks at 256-234-3371.
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.
February 27
March 6
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. PRO WRESTLING: The Weogufka Center at 145 Memorial Loop is hosing Saturday Nitro Live Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 and kids 5 and under are free. For advanced tickets call 256-223-2021 or 205-5855449 or order via credit card at www.10dollarrasslin.com.
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
PASTOR ANNIVERSARY: Corinth Baptist Church in Kellyton will honor the 24th anniversary of Pastor of Jimmy and Sister Patricia Brooks Sunday, March 6 at 11 a.m. Guest Minister will be Pastor Billy Simmons of Freewill Worship Center.
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.
Call 256-234-4281 or stop by our ofĂšce at 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL
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March 12
CLASS MEETING: The Laurel High School Class of 1969 is meeting Sat. March 12 at 10 a.m. at Cooper Recreation Center. PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Comer United Methodist Church is hosting a pancake breakfast March 12 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Plates include pancakes, bacon and or sausage for $6. It is all you can eat dine only with to go plates available.
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.
256.234.3481 KarenChannell.com
March 17
WINE TASTING: Emporium Wines in Alexander City welcomes Rush Wines features wines from Cannonball Wine Company of Healdsburg, California from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, call 256-212-9463.
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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.
256.234.4281
• • • • •
Alexander City Outlook Dadeville Record Wetumpka Herald Eclectic Observer Tallassee Tribune
ROBERT HUDSON SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228
sports@alexcityoutlook.com
Page 8
Friday, February 19, 2016
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Wildcats defeat Park Crossing in 2016 season opener By ROBERT HUDSON Sports Editor
Robert Hudson / The Outlook
Benjamin Russell’s Corley Woods delivers a pitch during Wednesday afternoon’s season-opening win over Park Crossing at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex.
The Benjamin Russell Wildcats opened the 2016 season on a high note Wednesday afternoon. The Wildcats defeated Park Crossing 7-4 on Wednesday at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex. Richy Brooks, head coach of Benjamin Russell, said the Wildcats saw some positives and some areas that need work coming out of game one of the 2016 baseball season. “It’s always good to win the first one. We know we have a lot of things we were going to have to work on whether we won it or we lost it,” Brooks said. “But we had some good things happen. We had a six-run inning and the team that has the biggest inning of the game usually wins it. It was the first of what we hope is a lot of wins this year. I thought our pitching was good and we had some timely hitting. Timmy (Lawson) had a big hit in that inning and Sean (Rape) had a pinch hit, first time he’s hit in two years.” Benjamin Russell trailed 2-1 after three innings before scoring six runs in the bottom of the fifth. Timmy Lawson had two hits and a RBI for Benjamin Russell, while Bradley Stewart had a couple of RBI for the Wildcats. Corley Woods pitched four innings and struck out three batters for BRHS. Darius Jackson threw four strikouts in two innings of work for the Wildcats.
ON THE BIG STAGE
How should fans measure the state of Auburn basketball? Cougars set for Montgomery showdown with Midfield
H
ow should fans measure the state of the Auburn men’s basketball program 60 games into the Bruce Pearl era? Disappointment? Hope? Some of both? Pearl was sort of a home run hire for the Tigers. He guided Milwaukee and Tennessee to seven consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, reaching the Elite Eight or Sweet Sixteen four times. A resume like that was a shot in the arm for a program who hasn’t made the JOE big dance since the MCADORY Bush Administration. Sports Auburn basketball had Columnist not been relevant for years and Pearl’s hiring suddenly gave the Tigers momentum moving forward. Auburn needed a winner like Pearl. But Pearl needed Auburn just as much. The desperate Tigers were willing to take a chance on the man whose troubles with the NCAA were well-documented and had been out of coaching for two seasons. Auburn hired him on March 18, 2014, giving him a 6-year deal for $2.2 million per year. The likeable, passionate, hard-working Pearl fit in perfectly at Auburn. People instantly loved his persona and loved what he was about to bring to beautiful Auburn Arena, a multi-million-dollar basketball facility that hasn’t seen a good team since it opened in 2010. So … how has this worked out? Pearl remains very likeable, passionate and hard-working. That is undeniable and should be appreciated. However, the record shows just 25 wins in 60 games. In SEC play, Pearl’s Tigers are 11-24, including a marvelous three-game win streak at the SEC Tournament last March, and a much-needed win at Arkansas last night. His predecessor, Tony Barbee, was a combined 23-49 in his final two seasons on the Plains. So, yes, there are baby steps forward in the win column. But many fans wanted more than baby steps. They saw Pearl’s record coming in and assumed he’d have the Tigers playing beyond the SEC Tournament by now. Considering what Pearl inherited, those dreams were much easier assumed than realized. Since starting SEC play this season with three wins in six games – that’s pretty good for Auburn standards in recent years – the Tigers have completely fallen apart. There will be no NCAA Tournament. There will be no NIT. The leading scorer, Kareem Canty, left the program last week and declared himself eligible for the NBA Draft. That’s a head-scratcher. T.J. Dunans, who can score from inside and outside, hurt his knee in December and has been a spectator ever since. Daniel Purifoy, who looks like the best basketball player on the floor in pre-game warmups and probably is, hasn’t been ruled eligible to play all season by the NCAA. Tahj Shamsid-Deen, arguably the most seasoned guard on the team, has been riddled with injuries (again), and hasn’t played most of the year. It’s tough to win when your key players are either hurt, bail in the middle of the season, or are perfectly healthy and forced to watch due to NCAA regulations. You really can’t fault Pearl for this. If this trend continues for four years, then maybe you can. Though the record hasn’t brought overwhelming success, Pearl has certainly brought excitement back to the program. Season tickets aren’t easy to come by anymore. People believe something really good is about to happen here, and they got a taste of it with back-to-back home victories over Kentucky and Alabama. Granted, Kentucky isn’t a superpower, but it’s still Kentucky, and fans stormed the court in wild celebration, ala Kick Six. Auburn basketball needed that shot in the arm. For now, Auburn basketball continues to suffer growing pains. But Pearl’s next two seasons will be better than his first two. 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.
By ROBERT HUDSON Sports Editor
The Central-Coosa Cougars are set to continue their quest for a state championship today. The Cougars (19-9) will take on Midfield today at 4:30 p.m. at Alabama State University’s Dunn-Oliver Acadome in the Class 3A Central Regional semifinals. Coosa Coach Shane Smith said Midfield is a physical opponent and the Cougars will have to be sound all around to walk away with the victory. “We’ve seen some film and we’ve seen all of their stats for the year and everything. They’re a very good team,” Smith said. “They’re a very big, physical team and they remind us a lot of Benjamin Russell. They’ve got big, strong kids. They play very well, they’ve got a good system that they run and they’re very good at it. I think that they’re beatable, but we’re going to have to play very well and shoot the ball very well to have a chance.” As the Cougars get ready to step on the big stage, Smith said nothing has changed about the narrative in the Central locker room. “It’s kind of the same message we’ve been giving for the past three games: We’re not finished,” Smith said. “The kids believe in it, the kids have stayed humble, they really believe that we have a shot to win, and they believe that if we can get past Midfield, we’ve got a shot to win the whole thing. I truly believe that also.” The biggest asset in this postseason, Smith said, has been the unity among the Cougars as they continue to chase a title. “Our motto all year was ‘together,’ and I didn’t realize how well that was going to come into being. This is the closest team I’ve ever coached as a head coach,” Smith said. “The kids love each other, they hang out with each other and they’re really close. I think that has helped us down the stretch when going got tough. They’ve stayed together and they’ve been able to pull out a lot of wins.”
Robert Hudson / The Outlook
Central-Coosa’s Tyus Maxwell (14) goes up for a shot during Tuesday’s game against American Christian Academy.