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Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 February 5, 2016 Vol. 124, No. 26 www.alexcityoutlook.com
See all local events in the calendar, page 5.
BRHS’s Bishop signs scholarship with CACC
Alex City man indicted on multiple child sex charges By MITCH SNEED Editor
A 33-year-old Alexander City man who was arrested in September has been indicted on multiple counts involving sexual misconduct with a teenaged girl. A Tallapoosa Grand Jury returned a
14-count indictment against Xan V. Tran of Alexander City late last month. Tran is charged with five counts of seconddegree rape, two counts of second-degree sexual abuse, two counts of seconddegree sodomy and six counts of possession of cold pornography, according to the indictment.
At the time of his arrest, Alexander City Police Department investigators said while working another case, the electronic images were found on a device owned by the Tran. “While we were working another case, we gained information that these images See INDICTMENT • Page 2
Petition drive for government change gains momentum
Business as usual at probate offices Archer out as Senate hears bill to clear way for him to seek another term
By MITCH SNEED Editor
By MITCH SNEED Editor
It has been business as usual this week at the two offices of the Tallapoosa County Probate Court, despite news of Judge Leon Archer’s admission that he had inappropriate online conversations and sent and received obscene pictures to a 37-year-old woman. Employees at the probate office in Dadeville said that Archer has not been at work this week, but there have been no issues at the office. They said that being the first of the month, traffic has been steady, yet only a few visitors have asked about the situation. When presented screen shots of the material, Archer admitted that he was responsible for sexually explicit conversations via social media See JUDGE• Page 3
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Boats leave Windcreek State Park early Thursday morning as they blast off to compete in the Bassmaster College Southern Regional. Below, University of Alabama’s Caiden Sinclair and Hunter Gibson hold up part of their leading string of fish.
Wind hooks anglers at Bassmasters By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
A lot of the anglers taking part in the Bassmaster College Southern Regional on Lake Martin this week thought they would like to have a late draw to get a little extra time fishing – that is until the wind arrived. “It was tough out there,” Bethel University’s Joseph Huggins said. “The wind started not long after we got out there. We hope to get a bigger bag tomorrow.” And wind was not the only problem some anglers faced. One boat was towed in before even See FISH • Page 3
McKinney honored as Officer of the Year
Red Hill 483.28 cleanup set for Saturday
Lake Levels Reported on 2/04/16 @ 12 p.m.
Today’s
Weather
51 28 High
6
Low
54708 90050 USPS Permit # 013-080
8
By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
PATH and Dirt Road Gourmet will join forces with volunteers in the Red Hill area on Saturday, Feb. 6, to clean roadsides along Highway 229 from Highway 63 to Highway 50. “We’re going to have a group from CRATA (Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association) See CLEANUP • Page 2
What do two members of the Alexander City Council, a doctor, a lawyer, a mechanic, a newspaper publisher and a hairdresser have in common? They are all among the dozens of people who have signed the petition asking for the people to be allowed to vote on the city switching to a councilcity manager form of government. “I have to admit that I never thought this would be something that I would be signing,” Council member Tony Goss said. “But I prayed and prayed about it and I got my answer. Fixing these issues would be easier if we had some help.” In the council-city manager form of government, the city council oversees the general administration, makes policy and sets the budget while a professional city manager carries out day-to-day administrative operations. A mayor is still elected at large and is a voting member of the council, serving as its president. A vote can be held when 10 percent of the number of qualified voters who voted in the last municipal election in the municipality file a petition with the probate judge requesting an election to determine whether the municipality should adopt the council-manager See PETITION • Page 3
Lake Martin
Linda Shaffer, REALTOR® C: 256.794.4641 • W: 256.329.5253 shaffer@lakemartin.net 5295 Highway 280, Alexander City, AL
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
An Alexander CIty resident became the 42nd signature on a petition asking for a vote of the people on a move to a city manager-council type government. CIty residents who are registered voters can come by the Outlook to sign today.
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
Cpl. Rashunsky McKinney is presented The Alexander City Chamber of Commerce’s Officer of the Year Award by Police Chief Willie G. Robinson.
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There’s little about being an Alexander City police officer that Cpl. Rashunsky McKinney doesn’t enjoy. “I guess what I enjoy most is helping the citizens,” McKinney said. “There are a lot of things that people we come in contact with are not aware of, in reference to like the laws and things they can and can’t do. So when I come in contact with people before any events or what have you, I try to help them understand what the laws are. “I’ve really taught myself to put my all into everything that I do. I can’t say there’s anything that I do here that I despise. I try to do my best in everything that I do.” It’s exactly that attitude that resulted in See MCKINNEY • Page 3
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Small displays tell larger tale of late husband’s life
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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
Friday, February 5, 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, (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.
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DEAR ABBY: My husband passed away recently and I have some items of his I’m unsure how to tastefully display to honor his memory. They are his Bible, a U.S. flag in a triangular display box (he was a veteran), a set of deer antlers, works he authored, his guitar and family photos. I don’t want to build a shrine, but I don’t want to stick these things in a closet, either. He was passionate about his pursuits, and his passion was contagious. I want to pay tribute to him without making others uncomfortable. I have a small house, so a grouping of the items takes up significant space. The way I have them set up now is kind of shrine-like, and it’s emotionally wrenching both for me and for visiting family. Suggestions, Abby? -- WIDOW IN HOUSTON
DEAR ABBY Advice
DEAR WIDOW: I am sorry for the loss of your husband. Not knowing how many rooms there are in your home, it’s impossible to tell you sight unseen how to display this memorabilia. However, to lessen the emotional impact, it might be better not to group these mementos all in one place. Another option would be to display the items at different times, so not all of them will be viewed at once. DEAR ABBY: There’s a guy I go to a church with. We spent most of the day together with his family. At
Mr. J. C. Tapley 1924-2016 Funeral service for J. C. Tapley, 91, of Alexander City, will be Saturday, February 6, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Sixth Street Baptist Church. Rev. Matt Haines, Rev. Kenneth Neeley and Rev. Clyde Coker will officiate. Mr. Tapley will lie in state for one hour prior to service. Burial will follow in the Hillview Memorial Park with Veterans Honors provided by the Alexander City Veterans Honor Guard. The family will receive friends on Friday, February 5, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Mr. Tapley passed away on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at his residence. He was born on December 12, 1924 in Tallapoosa County to Jeff Tapley and Desser Dye Tapley. He was an active member of Sixth Street Baptist Church. Mr. Tapley enjoyed wood working, taking care of and visiting the sick. He retired from Avondale Mills with over 40 years of service, was a World War II veteran and was awarded the Bronze Star. He is survived by his sons, Gary L. Tapley (Diane), of Alexander City and Jerry Tapley of Philadelphia, PA; step-daughters, LaFaye Neeley (Kenneth), Denise Sumners (Larry), and Llanelle Ward (Terry); step-sons,
Raybon Paul Spraggins, Jr. Raybon Paul Spraggins, Jr., age 67, died of natural causes on February 2, 2016, in Phenix City, Alabama. Paul is survived Spraggins by his sisters, Mary Schryer (Mike), of Dadeville, AL, Gloria Allgood, of Moreauville, LA, Cynthia Hill, of Opelika, AL; and one brother, Travis Spraggins (Sandy) of Waverly, AL. Paul was born on June 29, 1949, at the Lee County Hospital in Opelika, AL. He is preceded in death by his parents, Raybon Paul Spraggins, Sr., and Virginia Lynn Spraggins.
Paul graduated from Opelika High School, then joined the U.S. Marines in 1968. He served honorably until his discharge in September 1972. After his discharge, Paul worked as a health technician for West Point Pepperell Mfg. Co. in Opelika. He later worked as an Occupational Health Therapist at E.L.B. Associates of Chapel Hill, N.C. Visitation will be held at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home in Opelika on Saturday, February 6, at 1 p.m., followed by a Memorial Service at 2 p.m. with Pastor Rick Hagans presiding. A special thanks to cousin, Wanda Spraggins Allen, who helped us so much during Paul’s short illness. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home is directing. www.jeffcoattrant.com
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Benny Meadows (Martha) and Don Meadows (Sandy); grandchildren, Misha Wester (Heath), Melanie Tapley, Ray Neeley (Kim), Jason Neeley (Renae), Tracy Chiles (Chet), Brandon Ward (Marcie), Chantz Meadows, Savannah Meadows, Gabriel Sumners (Brittney), and Camden Sumners; great-grandchildren, Adam Tapley, Brooks and Bryant Wester, Kyle, Ansley, and Raylie Neeley; Thomas, Cole, and Jaycie Neeley, Loren, Landry, and Claire Chiles, Braiden and Brianna Ward, and Blakely Sumners and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Jenny Tapley; second wife, Claire Cotney Meadows Tapley; third wife, Jenelle Rich Thornton Tapley; grandchild, Marty Tapley; father, Jeff Tapley; mother, Desser Dye Tapley; 7 sisters and 3 brothers. Family will accept flowers or donations may be made to the Sixth Street Baptist Church building fund, 2324 6th Street Ext., Alexander City, AL 35010. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Ola and Nay Nay Hoyette and the Alexander City Fire Department. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www. radneyfuneralhome.com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Pearl Holley-Grubbs Funeral service for Mrs. Pearl Holley-Grubbs, 77 of Alexander City, AL; Saturday, February 6, 2016; 3 p.m.; Armour’s Memorial Chapel, Alexander City, AL; burial in Mt. Calvary Church Cemetery, Alexander City, AL. Armour’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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may exist,” Alexander City Police Det. Riley Foshee said in October. “A search found the obscene images that were suspected to be of a minor female under the age of 18.” As the investigation continued, additional charges were found to be warranted, officials said. The indictment alleges that Tran had intercourse with a female victim between the ages of 12 and 16 on multiple occasions and that he had multiple images of the teen in various states of undress on electronic devices he owned. According to court records, the case is on the plea docket for March 2 at 9 a.m. with Judge Ray D. Martin listed as the judge.
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first, it felt a little weird, and I was the one who broke the silence while we were at dinner. We went to a dance afterward and he was a gentleman. He helped me into the car, etc. He also taught me how to dance and we had a great time. He walked me to my front door at midnight. When I got to church the following Sunday, I thanked him for coming to the dance with me and told him I had a wonderful time. His family knows I like him a lot. I talked to my mom about it and told her I was going to ask him out. She was fine with it, but when I said something about it to friends, they said it might tarnish our friendship. Should I ask him out or wait for him to do it? I don’t want to look dumb. And what do I say to my
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that’s going to start at Martin Dam,” said John Thompson, president of the Lake Martin Resource Association. “Jimmy Lanier is bringing about seven or eight folks from the trail association to help out. Really, we’re looking at cleaning from Children’s Harbor to Martin Dam.” While volunteers are asked to meet at the Dirt Road Gourmet on 229 by 9 a.m., Thompson said those who arrive early will be treated to sausage, grits and coffee by Dirt Road Gourmet owners Reuben and Jackie Thornton, who will also host a cookout for volunteers following the cleanup. “The Thorntons have really been great hosts for us,” said Thompson. “We appreciate everything they’ve done for the volunteers and their providing a gathering and collection place. “It looks like we’re going to have a good day with good weather. Last year, we had this particular cleanup in conjunction with one downtown and it was one of our most successful. We’re not doing a downtown cleanup Saturday, be we hope that we’ll be just as successful this time.”
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Mitchell to host USDA Tunnel House Workshop Saturday STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Jimmy Mitchell will host a USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Tunnel House Demonstration Technical Workshop on his farm, located at 34 Mitchell Child Care Lane in Kellyton, on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016. The Program will began at 10 a.m. and end around 12noon with lunch. All persons who are interested in vegetable production and
consumption are urged to attend. Annette Spivey, USDA/NRCS will give an overview of the financial and technical assistance that is available through USDA for individuals and groups. Assistance is available for installing conservation practices such as tunnel houses, plastic-culture, organic initiatives, pasture planting, tree planting and much, much, more! They will also present information about program
Judge messenger that included suggestive language, photos, offers of money and propositions for sexual acts with a woman who was a Facebook friend that he had first met in his court more than two years ago. Many of the communications with the woman appear to have been sent during regular office hours. The messages included mention of specific sex acts as well as pictures, including one of a nude man from the waist down that appears to have been taken in a bathroom at the Tallapoosa County Courthouse. Archer and the woman both confirmed that talk never resulted in a face-to-face meeting. Archer took full responsibility for his actions on Friday and apologized for what he called “very poor judgment.” “I should have known better, but I can’t take it back,” Archer said Friday. “All that I can do at this point is ask my wife of 47 years, my children, my church family, friends and the people of Tallapoosa County to forgive me. I am sorry and I apologize.” Ironically, after news of the behavior had surfaced over the weekend, Sen. Tom Whatley (R-Auburn) on Tuesday introduced SB57, a piece of local legislation for Tallapoosa County that would allow Archer to run for another term if passed. Archer, who is now 67, would turn 70 before the next election for the office in 2018. Under current law that means he wouldn’t be eligible to run. The bill reads: “Currently, the Constitution of Alabama of 1901 provides that no person may be elect-
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ed or appointed to a judicial office after reaching the age of 70 years. “This bill would propose a local amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, relating to Tallapoosa County, to provide that a person who is not over the age of 72 when qualifying for election and a person who is not over the age of 72 at the time of appointment may be elected or appointed to the office of Judge of Probate of Tallapoosa County.” Whatley represents Senate District 27, which includes most of Tallapoosa County. Whatley and his staff did not return calls seeking comment on his sponsorship of the bill on Thursday. Archer was first elected on Nov. 6, 2012 to serve a six-year term. Archer previously served as a county commissioner in Shelby County. Archer also had a failed run for the District 4 seat on the Tallapoosa County Commission in 2010. The Tallapoosa County Probate Court Judge is paid $71,378 plus benefits and expenses according to data supplied by the Association of County Commissions of Alabama. According to its website, the probate court “has original jurisdiction in probating of wills and of the administration of estates and trust of departed person(s) by personal representatives. The Court hears cases pertaining to estates and wills, adoptions, guardianships and the mentally ill.” The office also has responsibilities regarding elections, tags and licenses and gathering and preserving all official county documents and records.
eligibility requirements and how to sign up. Victor Khan, Horticulturist/Plant Breeder with Tuskegee University Experiment Station will conduct a handson high tunnel house management technical workshop and seminar. Victor will cover such topics as soil preparation, micro-irrigation installation, row spacing, moisture management, pest management, fertilization techniques, crop
selection, and various other topics. Resource Conservation and Development Council in Heflin, Alabama. Coosa Valley RC&D is a 501c-3 organization which serves an eleven county area in east central Alabama. For more information or special accommodations contact Elijah Moore at 256-343-3596. or Eddie May at 256283-1208. USDA is an equal opportunity employer, provider and lender.
McKinney
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McKinney being named Alexander City’s Police Officer of the Year for which he was honored at the recent Alexander City Chamber of Commerce annual meeting. “He’s a family man,” said Alexander City Police Chief Willie G. Robinson, who presented McKinney with his award. “He loves his wife, he loves his kids, he loves his church. He’s a dedicated officer, works hard, puts in a lot of time. Sometimes we have to tell him, ‘Hey, look now, you have to take some time off.’ “He works hard and he’s earned the respect of everyone in the department, particularly those officers he supervises.” McKinney, an Alexander City native, graduated from Benjamin Russell High School in 2001. He worked at Russell Printing for four years prior to joining the Alexander City Police Department on April 1, 2010 and was promoted to corporal early in 2015. Currently he supervises one of the night shifts and serves as one of the department’s field training officers preparing new officers for their duties on the force. McKinney finds night shift work exciting. “As corporal, I’m right there under the sergeant that’s on the shift,” McKinney said. “Right now, if my numbers are correct, we have six officers on the shift. It’s an exciting time to work at night. We have everything happen. But domestic calls are probably the most common.” When Robinson and others on the force can convince McKinney to take some time off, he said he likes to spend time with his family. He and his wife Kameshia attend Seleeta Baptist Church with their two daughters, 12-year-old Dashandria and five-year-old Kamariya. McKinney does find time to watch a
few police-based television shows. “Believe it or not, most shows you look at you kind of dissect everything you see,” McKinney said. “Some of them aren’t all that far-fetched. But you know what’s real and what’s not real.” Asked about his goals for his career with the police department, McKinney remains characteristically humble. “My thing is I try to take it one day at a time,” McKinney said. “But I do want to advance in the department. When I first started I had no dreams of being a corporal. Well, as I got into my career and gained a little knowledge I wanted to be a corporal. Right now, I’m still trying to learn the ins and outs of the corporal position as far as the supervision and everything.” McKinney said the reaction to his honor by his fellow policemen has been nothing but positive – exactly what he would expect from his police department “family.” “I’ve gotten a lot of support and congratulations from a lot of people here,” McKinney said. “I like to think we’re like a family because a lot of the time we’re around each other more than we are our actual families. You have to have that trust and respect for one another. Just like any other family, there are always some things back and forth. But as far as the overall environment, I think we all work well together.” And, when all is said and done, McKinney says he treats his fellow officers the same way he treats those in the community he polices. “I try to treat everybody fair just as I want to be treated fair,” McKinney said.
Petition
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Central Alabama Community College’s Holden McBride and Dalton Jennings bag fish they caught Thursday on Lake Martin.
Fish
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before blasting off. They had left the plug out of their boat and were sinking. “We lost a gear box about a mile after the start,” Kennesaw State University’s Christian Cole said. “We got it repaired and got a partial day in. We hope to do better tomorrow.” The University of West Georgia boat with J.C. Adams and Darius Williams broke down on the water. With Adams still stuck on the water with the boat, Williams transferred their catch to a competitor’s boat. The move allowed Williams to weigh in the big fish of the day at 5 pounds 4 ounces and allowed the duo to finish in 15th place with a four-fish bag of 10 pounds and 14 ounces. The College Southern Regional lead is currently held by the University of Alabama’s Caiden Sinclair and Hunter Gibson who bagged a five-fish limit weighing in at 12 pounds and 14 ounces. Central Alabama Community College’s Michael
Blake and Morgan Fuller are sitting in eighth with 11 pounds 3 ounces and lead the locals. After today, the field of over 220 boats will be cut to 26 for Saturday but don’t put too much stock into the Thursday’s final standings. Over 60 boats are within two pounds of the cut. “It will be a game of ounces (Friday),” Bassmaster’s Hank Weldon said from the stage. “We could easily see this field flip.” Today, the wind should come from the north between 5 and 10 mph down a little from Thursday’s gusts of 18 mph according to the National Weather Service. The day will start at 29 degrees down from Thursday’s 36 degrees. Something that has some looking for something to warm up with like Weldon. “If anybody wants to bring hot chocolate, it would be much appreciated.”
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form of government. According to the city’s election records, about 390 valid signatures would be needed for a vote to be called. The governing body of a municipality organized under the council-manager form of government is known as a council and is composed of five members elected for four-year terms. One member shall be the mayor, elected by the voters at large, to preside at council meetings. One member shall be elected at large. The remaining three members are elected from single– member districts.
The mayor presides over council meetings and is recognized as the head of the municipal government for all ceremonial purposes. The petition, which was launched Wednesday, is available for registered voters who are residents of Alexander City to sign at the office of The Outlook from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The petition will also be made available at alternate hours and on weekends. The petition can also be signed by seeing an Outlook staffer at Who’s Diner from 9-10 a.m. Saturday morning.
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Opinion Count and think before you hit send
T
he Internet has incredible power and uses. The web makes a lot of things easier. You can apply for jobs in your in your boxers, get to know someone face-to-face through Skype or keep up with family, friends or your favorite TV or sports personalities through Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. The options are actually limitless. The majority of us use the Internet for general, daily inquiries, information and connections. We own multiple devices that give us instant access to the web from the palm of our hand. The information superhighway allows us to go places we have never gone before with the click of a mouse and do things that we never thought we would be able to do. While that sounds like a great thing, the other side of that sword has a pretty sharp edge as well. It comes with a price. Regardless of how private your Internet use may seem, every keystroke and click leaves a digital footprint that recent headlines here in the Outlook have shown can be seen by others. Instead of using the information highway as a tool to enlighten ourselves and others, some use the web to insert themselves in the drama of others or a take a voyage of voyeurism that can turn ugly quickly. Instead of using the Internet as a means of higher communication, it is often used to send language that we would be ashamed for our children to hear and would never use when faceto-face. Instead of opening the window for opportunity, too often it is used as an open door for predators and deviants looking for unsuspecting targets to exploit. So as you sit at the keyboard, or put your thumb on the send button of your iPhone, count to 10 and think…”Would I want my kids to see this 10 years from now?” If the answer is no, then hit delete instead of send. You will thank yourself later.
Get
Involved 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. 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. 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.
John McKelvey
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. 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.
George Carleton Jr.
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Friday, February 5, 2016
Stop all the complaining
How’s it going?” he asked. “Oh, I can’t complain,” I responded. “It wouldn’t do no good if you did,” he replied. “Won’t nobody listen no way,” I said. That conversation takes place daily in these parts and is so true on so many levels. Unless you complain to the proper people, complaining doesn’t do any good. Even then, they may not listen, and if they do, they may misinterpret what you are trying to convey. I was sitting at a local bar several months ago eating dinner and complaining to the bartender about the pain in my neck—the literal one. I have my own little “Battle of the Bulge” going on between my C5-C6 vertebrae, which causes pain and/or numbness to shoot down my arm and into my fingers. “It sounds like you need a shot,” the bartender said. “No doubt about it!” I said. She then turned around to grab a bottle of tequila. “No, no, not that kind of shot. Like a real shot—with a needle—for the pain,” I explained. I’m not one to complain a great deal, but I am human. I complain when it’s too hot. I complain when it’s too cold. I complain when it rains too much, and I, of course,
JODY FULLER Guest Columnist
complain when it rains too little or not at all. The weatherman can’t do anything about it, and God is listening, but He knows what He’s doing, so really, it’s doing no good to complain. Besides, I complained enough when I was a kid to last a lifetime. We spent most weekends with my grandparents in Elder, who loved to watch Lawrence Welk, so if there was ever anything to complain about, that was it. That show was awful. I try not to complain, but there is one thing I don’t mind complaining about and that is people who complain too much. I’m often blown away at the things I hear people griping about. Just the other day, I read an article about service members stationed in Bahrain who were complaining about the possibility of losing access to Netflix. I was dumbfounded at their discontent, particularly when comparing their situation with men and women who truly dealt with or are dealing with hardships in wars on
foreign soil. While serving in the military, there are many issues that should stoke concern; however, having access to the latest episode of “Orange is the New Black” should not be one of them. During my 34 months in Iraq, we had great food most of the time. When I say great food, I’m talking steak, lobster tail, crab legs, stir fry, and so much more. Sure, there were times we had nothing but MREs, but, for the most part, we were well taken care of with respect to food. One night at dinner, I heard a soldier complaining that his lobster tail was overcooked. He was not just making a comment. He was actually complaining. I wanted to poke him with a crab claw! Stop complaining about everything. Be grateful that God gave you another day to celebrate life, for tomorrow is not promised. And if you’re complaining about the improper grammar that kicked off this column, well, get over it. That’s how we regular folk talk down here. Jody Fuller is a comic, speaker, writer and soldier with three tours of duty in Iraq. He is also a lifetime stutterer. He can be reached at jody@jodyfuller. com. For more information, please visit www.jodyfuller. com.
Now for the rest of the story on Obama
A
fter reading Mr. Gillenwaters’ editorial on Jan. 28 in the Outlook, I decided there was a Paul Harvey moment here. Mr. Gillenwaters is correct with his numbers but you need the rest of the story to completely understand those numbers and placing blame and credit where it is due. First off very rarely does any action taken by a president cause an immediate reaction, especially when we talk about the economy. But anytime a Democrat has been in the white house for any length of time our economy always takes a turn for the worse. Sticking with this thought Bill Clinton rode into the White House on a very strong economy built by Republican Ronald Reagan. In Clinton’s last four years, there was a Republican majority congress who helped maintain our economy doing what a congress is supposed to do, unlike the current congress. In typical Democrat fashion, Bill started the economy on a downward slope initiated by his equal housing laws which ended with the Obama bail out of the banking industry. Also in Clinton’s last four years he was more interested in committing adultery in the White House and then lying about it than performing his sworn duty. George W. Bush inherited a dying economy and a national security crisis because Bill Clinton did not have the intestinal fortitude to pull the trigger on Osama Bin Laden when he had the chance. Despite all of that, they never let a good crisis go to waste, so the Democratic Party blamed it all on Bush. In contrast, during the last four years of the Bush administration the congress had a Democratic majority and did everything in their power to make Bush look
WOODY BAIRD De Opresso Liber
bad at the expense of the American people. The low gas prices, Bush gets the blame for that. Damn sure wasn’t Obama who has done nothing but try to destroy the energy industry for the last seven years. This year was the first time in seven years our government has passed a budget because of Obama. I place the blame for no budget in seven years on both parties. Bush gets the credit and blame for stabilizing Iraq at the expense of several thousand wasted American lives. Joe Biden gets credit for returning Iraq to a civil war state and giving ISIS the opportunity to grow due to his inability to form a SOFA agreement with the Iraq government in 2011. Obama will go down in history as the worst president our country ever had. Obama’s legacy, Obamacare, will crash and burn next year when the employer mandate kicks in. Just in time for the newly elected Republican president to take the blame. Obamacare’s original cost was $30 million and is currently at $6 billion and counting. Obamacare is currently eight million participants short of coming close to breaking even. Take a look at history and show me one civilization or culture based on liberal principals that lasted over a man’s lifetime or contributed anything constructive to society. Never happened. Christian conservative principals built the greatest country and culture that ever existed on this planet. That is about to be lost. There is actually an admitted Socialist running for president. Sanders has a great plan to
level the playing field for everyone with absolutely no outline or facts on how to accomplish his plan. The Democrat, Socialist, Progressive party are more diabolical slave masters than any plantation owner of the nineteenth century. Keeping the minorities dumbed down, destroying any self-esteem and initiative so they remain enslaved to an entitlement check. I am asked on a regular basis which candidate I support for president. My answer none of them. We don’t need any more Clintons, Bushs or incompetent newcomers who never had a real job. I also don’t support any incumbent who is running for reelection. Shelby, Sessions and Rogers all STINK. Rogers was in Alex City a week ago. Twenty people came to listen to him. One attendee described Rogers as milk toast. Fitting for the 52nd out of the 435 LEAST influential representatives in congress. What I would ask Mike Rogers is in the last 13 years what have you done for Alex City and the lake community to encourage me to reelect you? Now you know the rest of the story. Be an informed voter in the coming election and not just the national election. Stability and prosperity start with local government. Anyone familiar with our current city government would agree our city government is akin to a soup sandwich. An extreme house cleaning is in order to right our city, county and state governments. Far too long our community has suffered from incompetent leadership. Thank you for your time. Woody Baird is an Alexander City businessman, a frequent letter writer and occasional guest columnist.
Today’s
Quote
“Start every day off with a smile and get it over with.” – W.C. Fields
Today’s
Scripture “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” – 2 Corinthians 1:4
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Friday, February 5, 2016
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Today is
February 5, 2016 Today’s Events
BASEBALL/SOFTBALL REGISTRATION: The Alexander City Baseball/Softball Registration will be at Radney Elementary School Friday, Feb. 5 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Cost is $75. Late registration will be Monday, Feb. 8 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Sportplex Baseball Tower at a cost of $100. SOCCER REGISTRATION: Alexander City Youth Soccer will host registration Feb. 5 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m at the Sportplex Gym.
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Alexander City softball and baseball registration will be held Feb. 6 from 8 a.m. to noon at Radney Elementary School on Saturday. Dadeville Dixie Youth registration for softball, t-ball, and softball will be held Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Dadeville Recreation Center.
February 6
BASEBALL/SOFTBALL REGISTRATION: The Alexander City Baseball/Softball Registration will be at Radney Elementary School Saturday, Feb. 6 from 8 a.m. to noon. Cost is $75. Late registration will be Monday, Feb. 8 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Sportplex Baseball Tower at a cost of $100. DADEVILLE KIWANIS PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Sat. Feb. 6 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. the Dadeville Kiwanis Club is having a pancake breakfast for $6. Tickets are available all over town. BASEBALL SOFTBALL TBALL REGISTRATION: Dadeville Dixie Youth will have registration for baseball, softball and t-ball Feb. 6 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 BASH: A Youth Valentine’s Day Bash for ages 5-18 will be held Saturday, February 6, 2016 from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Cooper Rec. Center. Buy your tickets in advance for $5.00 or at the door for $7.00. Refreshments included with the ticket price. Special Guest DJ and Photographer. Sponsored by the Parents of Regeneration Dance Team. Advanced tickets can be purchased by calling Elizabeth Harris at 256-7502025.
February 7
PASTOR ANNIVERSARY: New Harmony Missionary Baptist Church in Camp Hill will celebrate it’s 7th Pastor’s Anniversary honoring Rev. and Sister Melvin C. Kelley, Jr. Sunday, Feb. 7 at 2 p.m.
February 8
HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Troy Jones will be the speaker for Horizons Unlimited Feb. 8 at the First United Methodist Church Arbor from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. BASEBALL SOFTBALL TBALL REGISTRATION: Dadeville Dixie Youth will have registration for baseball, softball and t-ball Feb. 8 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. 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.
February 9
BASEBALL SOFTBALL TBALL REGISTRATION: Dadeville Dixie Youth will have registration for baseball, softball and t-ball Feb. 9 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. 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.
February 10
IMPOSITION OF ASHES: Alexander City First United Methodist Church and Flint Hill United Methodist Church will have drive thru imposition of ashes at the old Mandolin Cafe on Cherokee Road Feb. 10 from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE: Red Ridge United Methodist Church will observe Ash Wednesday on Wednesday February 10. Re. Messer will be at the church 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
February 11
BASEBALL SOFTBALL TBALL REGISTRATION: Dadeville Dixie Youth will have registration for baseball, softball and t-ball Feb. 11 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. 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. PATH FINDERS: The next meeting of PATH FINDERS will be on Feb. 11 at noon in the United Way conference room, Main Street, downtown Alexander City. Please join us and help us make strides in 2016 to improve the lives of individuals dealing with dementia in the Lake Martin area.
February 11 - February 27
WETUMPKA DEPOT PLAYERS: Steel Magnolias will be presented by the Wetumpka Depot Players Feb. 11- Feb. 27. For ticket information call 334-868-1140 or go to wetumpkadepot.com.
February 12
SOCCER REGISTRATION: Alexander City Youth Soccer will host registration Feb. 12 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m at the Sportplex Gym.
February 13
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 registration 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 it’s annual Valentine’s Banquet on Saturday, February 13, at 6:00 p.m. in the church gymnasium. Special entertainment for the evening 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.
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. 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 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 Grave School will hosts a trade day Feb. 20 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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.
Call 256-234-4281 or stop by our ofĂšce at 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL
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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.
• • • • •
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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.
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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.
Harold Cochran 256.234.2700
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.
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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 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.
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Page 8
Friday, February 5, 2016
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Lady Wildcat Bishop signs with CACC
Robert Hudson / Outlook File Photo
Submitted / The Outlook
Benjamin Russell senior shortstop Loren Bishop, center, signs a scholarship to Central Alabama Community College on Wednesday afternoon at BRHS. By ROBERT HUDSON Sports Editor
A Benjamin Russell softball player will continue her playing career close to home next season. Lady Wildcat senior shortstop Loren Bishop signed a softball scholarship to Central Alabama Community College on Wednesday. Bishop said she is happy to continue playing the game she loves at the next level. “It means a lot to me. I’m glad I get to continue my career in softball,” Bishop said. “It’s what I really love to do, and now I get an opportunity to go two more years.” Benjamin Russell Coach Jessica Johnson said Bishop is a great example to the younger players of how hard work in the classroom and on the field can pay off. “I love being able to see them play at the next level, and especially with her being able to stay close to home, so that’s exciting,” Johnson said. “It’s
exciting for our program and for the younger girls to be able to see what hard work does, and to see how hard you have to work to go on to the next level. Loren’s the perfect example of that.” CACC softball Coach Greg Shivers said Bishop’s athleticism and versatility will make her a valuable addition to the Lady Trojans. “We love her athleticism. We’re losing our No. 1 and No. 2 hitters in our lineup and we can see her in one of those two roles,” Shivers said. “We just loved her athleticism and speed and overall ability. I think she’ll be a great asset for us.” Bishop said she is ready to contribute wherever she can once she heads to CACC. “I can play just about any position, so any position that’s open I’m going to try my hardest and do my best to showcase my abilities,” Bishop said. Johnson added that Bishop is one of the key players for the Lady Wildcats and will be counted on in her senior
season coming up. “She is definitely one of the major contributors to our team offensively and defensively. She’s our shortstop, so of course she’s one of our leaders on the field,” Johnson said. “She’s our leadoff batter, so she’s also our leader in the batters box, too. She’s willing to put in all of the work necessary and go beyond the expectations we have set for her. She’s just a great kid.” Bishop said she is thankful for her time at Benjamin Russell and everyone who has helped prepare her for the next level. “It’s prepared me a lot and it’s taught me a lot,” Bishop said. “My experience has been great. Before I got to high school, I didn’t really know what I was doing. Then when I got here Coach Johnson stepped in and taught me the basics and everything I know today. I’d like to thank my parents, my coaches, my family and my friends.”
Cougars riding winning streak down the stretch By ROBERT HUDSON Sports Editor
The Central-Coosa Cougars are looking to turn their threegame win streak into a playoff berth heading into next week. The Cougars are currently 15-9 on the season, coming off a 50-49 win last week over Class 3A No. 10 Montgomery Academy and a 63-52 victory over Class 2A No. 6 LaFayette. Coosa also defeated Winterboro 60-58 on the road Wednesday night. “We’re really heading in the right direction and I hope we’re peaking at the right time. We’re doing a really good job right now of playing aggressive and playing hard,” said Central-Coosa Coach Shane Smith. “We beat two ranked opponents last week. One was the defending 2A state champion in LaFayette, and we beat Montgomery Academy that’s also ranked in 3A.” One of the big assets during the winning streak, Smith said, has been depth on the bench and multiple contributors in each game. “Really, the entire team is playing well. I really don’t want to single any one particular player out because every game there have been two or
three different guys who have stepped up,” Smith said. “I’ve got about seven or eight guys that are playing well on any given night. In the past week, we’ve had four different guys score over 20 points, and I think there’s not many teams in the state that have that going for them right now.” Coosa will head into next Thursday’s Class 3A-Area 5 tournament at Montgomery Academy as the No. 3 seed and open the tournament against No. 2 seed Prattville Christian. “We’re seeded as No. 3 in our area and we’re going to open up with Prattville Christian. We lost to them twice this year in two close games,” Smith said. “Montgomery Academy won the area, so they’re going to host. We were able to beat them this year. We’ve got three really good teams in our area.” And throughout the past couple of weeks, Smith said the focus has been winning against PCA, as a victory would clinch a spot in the sub-regional playoffs. “We have been playing the past two weeks preparing for Prattville Christian Academy. Everybody we’ve played, we’ve tried to make it feel and look like playing
Robert Hudson / Outlook File Photo
Central-Coosa’s Tyus Maxwell goes up for a layup during a game earlier this season.
Prattville Christian,” Smith we can advance.” The Cougars travel to said. “That’s the team we’ve got to beat. We’re hoping that Benajmin Russell tonight at third time is the charm so that 7 p.m.
Central-Coosa’s Shania Tuck goes up for a shot during a game this season.
Coosa to take No. 8 ranking into area tourney By ROBERT HUDSON Sports Editor
The Central High School of Coosa County Lady Cougars have reached new heights in the home stretch of the 2015-2016 season, and they’re hoping to carry that momentum into the playoffs. The Lady Cougars currently sit at No. 8 in Class 3A of the Alabama Sports Writers Association polls. With a record of 17-5, Coosa is currently the No. 2 seed in Class 3A-Area 5 heading into next week’s area tournament at Montgomery Academy. Lady Cougars Coach Syreeta McKinney said Coosa is hoping to advance to the area tournament final on next Friday. “Right now, we’re head-to-head with Montgomery Academy and that’s going to be tough for us, but I know we can do it,” McKinney said. “We’ll open the area on Tuesday, Feb. 10, against Prattville Christian Academy, and I’m very confident about that game, but I know anything can happen at this point. My prediction right now is that if we stick together, have clear minds and stay focused, we can pull the tournament off.” McKinney said Coosa is at full strength moving into the tournament and she is hoping it stays that way. “We’re going strong. We’ve had some tough games and our toughest competition right now is Montgomery Academy,” McKinney said. “We lost against Sylacauga, also. But right now trying to keep our players healthy is our key. We’ve been playing with some key players out in some games, but that’s a part of basketball. Everyone is healthy again right now, so I’m looking for us to perform at a high level again.” And with a top 10 ranking for the first time in a while, she said the big key has been building confidence and believing that they belong among the state’s elite. “Believe that you can get there. We’ve got to get that mentality. Being ranked a team, that hasn’t happened in about 10 years,” McKinney said. “So, we’re working on believing that we can get there and we can compete. That’s the message I’ve been trying to give to my girls. Having a good work ethic and understanding that we have to work has been key for us this year. We have to work because all of the teams left are going to be just as good if not better than we are. “It’s crunch time right now.” Coosa will travel to Benjamin Russell tonight at 5:30 p.m.