Jan 19, 2016 Alex City Outlook by Tallapoosa Publishers

OPINION: SHOPPER HAS FAITH RESTORED, PAGE 4.

THE

TUESDAY

MORE OF THE DREAM

MLK Day program photos. See page 7.

Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 January 19, 2016

Vol. 124, No. 13

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WILDCATS SPLIT AREA GAME. SPORTS, PAGE 12.

Reality show star charged in murder McDaniel arrested in Sunday shooting death of Norman Crayton By MITCH SNEED Editor

Tallapoosa County Sheriff Jimmy Abbett said his department is investigating an early Sunday morning homicide. Abbett said that Matthew Clate McDaniel, 33, of Dadeville is in custody at the Tallapoosa County Jail on murder charges. McDaniel is suspected of shooting Norman Deon Crayton, 40, of Jacksons Gap to death early Sunday morning. As of Monday, McDaniel remained in cus-

tody. A bond has been set at $250,000. “On Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016 at approximately 4:43 a.m. the department received a call regarding a body being found by hunters in a wooded area off Barron’s Bridge Road located south of Dadeville,” Abbett said in a released statement. “Upon arriving on the scene the body was identified as Norman Deon Crayton, age 40, of Jacksons Gap. The initial investigation revealed the victim has sustained gunshot wounds that caused his death.”

Abbett said the investigation led them to identify McDaniel as a suspect in the shooting death. “Further investigation lead to the arrest of McDaniel,” Abbett said. “McDaniel has been charged with murder and remains in the Tallapoosa County Jail.” Abbett did not elaborate on a possible motive or offer any information on events that may have led to the shooting. Witnesses told the Outlook that the two See SHOOTING • Page 3

Mardi Gras Auction set for Friday at St. James

TCSD Photo

Matthew Clate McDaniel, 33, is charged with murder and is jail with a $250,000 bond.

KEEPING THE DREAM ALIVE IN ALEX CITY 26th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration stresses helping others

STAFF REPORT Outlook Staff

Fluff up your feather boa and polish those plastic beads. St. James Episcopal Church is getting ready to host its inaugural Mardi Gras Auction this Friday, Jan. 22. Don’t be fooled by the name: the event has grown beyond a single auction to become nearly a full day of fun, all to benefit the local Feast of Sharing ministry. “It’s turning out to be a huge event,” said Laurel Goldsmith, a member of the auction planning committee. Along with fellow committee members Susan Mange, Susan Codding, and Heidi Ross, Goldsmith has organized the Mardi Gras auction from the beginning. Together, they have organized dozens of prizes that will be up for grabs during the event. Auction items include artwork from the St. James potter’s guild and their watercolor painting group, as well as small furniture, decor, and other crafts. Some auction items aren’t items See AUCTION • Page 3

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Outlook Staff Writer

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Participants in the 26th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade walk down Jefferson Street Monday morning, while the Pre-K class at Woody Woodpecker Daycare lead the Pledge of Allegiance at the Celebration at Cooper Community Center.

If Monday’s Martin King Day Celebration at the Cooper Community Center is any indication, Alexander City young people are well on their way to making King’s dream come true. 2005 Benjamin Russell graduate Vy Moon encouraged adults to share their God-given talents with the youth just like adults did while he was a child. “I want to give a big shout out to those people who groomed me, made me the person I am today,” Moon said. “They are family, my mom, my dad, my grandmother. They helped me get where I am at today. Train a child in the way they should go and when they grow old they will not depart from it.” Moon now lives in Montgomery, works at a radio station and produces his own Christian Hip Hop music. “I did not get here on my own,” Moon said. “I got here because I gave Him my talents and asked Him to raise me up and will do the same for you.” Moon was not the only person with Alexander City connections to take part in the celebration. Area youth from the Pre-K Class See DREAM • Page 7

A time for healing: Crowd gathers Sunday for Camp Hill vigil

Today’s

Weather

43 30

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

High

Members of the Camp Hill community gathered Sunday to pray–not only for the families of recent tragedies–but for the entire town. “We want to pray for the community,” Camp Hill Council Member Ezell Smith said. We are here to pray for the city, the bereaved, the sick, homeless and those that are lost.” Just over a week ago four Camp Hill residents, James Moss, 47, Eric Moore, 40, Willie Ballard, 44, and 48-year-old Angela Barnett, were killed in an automobile accident near their home at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Street and Holley Avenue. The driver of the vehicle responsible for the accident according to Camp Hill Police Chief Johnny Potts, Cobe Dashawn Bowens is also from Camp Hill. “We are here to pray to seek God’s intervention for help,” Smith said. “We are here to seek God’s help in all matters of the town.” The Town of Camp Hill is struggling with back See VIGIL • Page 3

Low

Lake Martin

Lake Levels

483.36 Reported on 01/17/16 @ 6 p.m.

Linda Shaffer, REALTOR® C: 256.794.4641 • W: 256.329.5253 shaffer@lakemartin.net 5295 Highway 280, Alexander City, AL

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Lilla Thomas of the Camp Hill Public Library leads a song at the prayer vigil in Camp Hill Sunday. The vigil was held for families of recent tragedies and to pray for the town.

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Student who wants to study abroad needs time to mature

Wednesday

49 41 Low

High

40 percent chance of rain

Thursday

59 48 Low

High

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

The Outlook

70 percent chance of rain

Staff

Directory Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com

Mia Osborn Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 mia.osborn@alexcityoutlook.com

Management Kenneth Boone Publisher, Ext. 218 kenneth.boone@alexcityoutlook.com Mitch Sneed Editor, Ext. 213 mitch.sneed@alexcityoutlook.com David Kendrick Circulation Manager, Ext. 204 david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com Lee Champion Production Manager, Ext. 220 lee.champion@alexcityoutlook.com

Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Kim Morse Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 kim.morse@alexcityoutlook.com Emily Guill Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 emily.guill@alexcityoutlook.com Debbie DeWildt Advertising Sales, Ext. 214 debbie.dewildt@alexcityoutlook.com

Accounting Angela Mullins Bookkeeping, Ext. 202 angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com Mary Lyman Boone Bookkeeping marylyman.boone@alexcityoutlook.com Newsroom Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Robert Hudson Sports Editor, Ext. 228 robert.hudson@alexcityoutlook.com Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com David Granger Staff Writer, Ext. 210 david.granger@alexcityoutlook.com

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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HILLABEE TOWERS

DEAR ABBY: Our granddaughter, “Kim,” is a senior in high school. She wants to study in Europe next year to improve her skills in a second language. Neither she nor her parents can afford the $20,000 or more this will cost. She is also “boy crazy.” Another worry is the threat of terrorism and her safety. Kim’s grandmother and I see more negatives than positives in this possibility. Please advise us whether we should voice our opinion and what your opinion is. -- HOLDING BACK FOR NOW DEAR HOLDING: If you had described your granddaughter as emotionally mature and responsible, I would give it my blessing. However, because you didn’t, in my opinion she should continue her schooling closer to home and pursue her interest in language arts when she’s further along in her education and less boy crazy.

DEAR ABBY Advice

DEAR ABBY: My girlfriend has no issue with nudity. She worked herself through her master’s degree in finance as an exotic dancer. She has a phenomenal figure, eats healthy and works out often. Last year we bought a home in a small residential community, complete with a pool. We installed a fence and spent a lot of money on landscaping to give us privacy from our neighbors. We live in Florida and spend a lot of time in our pool, especially on weekends. My girlfriend doesn’t like to wear a swimsuit, and I have no issues with it.

Obituaries Homer Black

A service of memory honoring the life of Mr. Homer Black will be Tuesday, January 19 at 11 a.m. at Kelly Methodist Church Mr. Homer Black (Nick) was born on December 19, 1949. To the Late Mr. Simmie Lee and Mrs. Jessie Mae Black. He joined the Kellyton Chapel Methodist Church at an early. He served in the United States Marine Corp where he was Honorably

Mr. M.J. Strickling 1942-2016 Funeral service for Mr. M.J. Strickling, 73, of Alexander City, will be Tuesday, January 19, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Rev. Jimmy Nelson

Sarah (Susie) Nell Litsey (Lightsey) Bookout 1929-2016 Sarah (Susie) Nell Litsey (Lightsey) Bookout, of Montgomery, Alabama and Bozeman, Montana, passed away on January 16, 2016 after many years with Parkinson’s Disease. She is survived by her husband, Henry Ellis Bookout; her daughter, Marilyn “Sue” (Jim) Hamilton of Bozeman; her granddaughters, Erin (Wyatt) Larson and Katrina Hamilton of Bozeman; her great-grandchildren, Keilan Segi and Carmen Larson; her sister-in-law Maragret Lightsey of Mobile, Alabama, nephews, James (Sharon) Lightsey of Daphne, Alabama and Keith Lightsey of Nashville, Tennessee and nieces, Elizabeth Massingale and Sharon Woods of

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McCoy (John McCoy) of Goodwater Alabama, two Brothers Steven Black of Wetumka Alabama and Octavies Black of Birmingham Alabama, four special Aunts Effie Kelly, Nellie Kelly and Earnestine Kelly of Alexander City Alabama and Shirley of Anniston Alabama, a host of nieces and nephews, two special Uncles Donna and Tony of Anniston Alabama, and a host of family and friends who love him dearly.

will officiate. Burial will follow in the Hackneyville Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday, January 18, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Mr. Strickling passed away on Sunday, January 17, 2016 at Russell Medical Center. He was born on April 21, 1942 in Clay County, Alabama to

Otis Bunyan Strickling and Mary Ann McCain Strickling. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome. com.

Mobile, Alabama. She is preceded in death by her parents, Guy and Katie Era (Price) Litsey of Alexander City, Alabama, her brother, James Marylon Guy Lightsey of Mobile, Alabama and her infant daughter, Janice Ann Bookout. Born in Dadeville, Alabama, on March 17, 1929, she was a farmer’s daughter who became a military wife. She worked as a secretary and administrative assistant at the Economy Gas Company and Aaronoff Construction Company during her early years of marriage before becoming a civil servant who worked at Wiesbaden Air Force Base in Wiesbaden, Germany, as well as Gunter and Maxwell Air Force Bases in Montgomery, Alabama. She was a devoted Christian, active member of Frazier Memorial Church and the Air Force One Chapter of the Eastern Star in Montgomery, Alabama. Sarah and Henry moved to

Bozeman in 2009 where they resided at the Bozeman Lodge. The family wishes to thank the staff at the Bozeman Lodge as well as the special caregivers from Home Instead, especially Lori Bussi, along with the many friends and acquaintances she made while living at the Lodge. Funeral services will be held at White Chapel funeral home in Montgomery, Alabama on Thursday, January 21, at 2:00 pm. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. A memorial will be held at the Bozeman Lodge Chapel on a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you make a donation to a charity of your choice.

Mr. Harold Hunter of Alexander City, Alabama died January 17,2016 and arrangements will be announced later by Wright’s Funeral Home.

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both sides of this. However, you and your girlfriend have done as much as you can to protect her privacy. You can’t be responsible for your neighbor’s husband’s and children’s voyeurism. I don’t think your girlfriend should feel compelled to change her lifestyle because they act like Peeping Toms. I do think it would be healthier for all concerned if your neighbor had a talk with her “boys” regarding their family’s standards when it comes to naturism and respecting the privacy of others.

Discharged. He departed his life on January 9, 2016 to join his recently departed sister Evelyn Amanda Lane of Dallas, Texas. Mr. Homer Black leaves to cherished Black memories his wife Selina Beene, his three sisters Diane (L.B.) Buckner of Alexander City, Alabama, Thelma Black of Knoxville Tennessee, Juanita

Mr. Harold Hunter

Great Location • Peaceful Setting Comfortable Living

At a neighborhood event recently, one of our neighbors politely asked her if she wouldn’t mind covering up when in the pool. She said her kids, and I’m sure her hubby, can see into our yard from their second story. My girlfriend apologized for their inconvenience, but told them she wouldn’t be changing her habits in her home to stop another family from gawking. I see both sides of this. I agree she shouldn’t feel compelled to wear a suit to swim in our own pool (or lounge by it). But I can also see the neighbor’s side. The preteen boys and husband can get an eyeful just about every weekend, and I don’t think a few tan lines are worth a feud with the neighbors. Any suggestions for my dilemma? -- SWIMSUIT ETIQUETTE DEAR S.E.: I, too, can see

Wright’sFuneral Home is in charge of arrangements

Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

White Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Annie B. Tuck Mrs. Annie B. Tuck of Kellyton, Alabama died January 16, 2016 and arrangements will be announced later by Wright’s Funeral Home.

Mr. Billy M. Hutchinson Mr. Billy M. Hutchinson of Alexander City, Alabama died January 16, 2016 and arrangements will be announced later by Wrights Funeral Home.

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Vigil taxes owed to the IRS, a lawsuit against the town over the sewage department, rising utility costs and a town whose residents are living in poverty according to Mayor Danny Evans. One the victims, Angela Barnett, in last week’s tragic accident was a sis-

Shooting men were seen at Col. Tom’s Tavern, a club located at 10207 County Road 34 near Dadeville, Saturday night. Those who were at the club said at one point McDaniel and Crayton were seen playing pool together. “It’s too early in the investigation to get into any of that,” Abbett said. “You have the basics and we’ll leave it at that.” McDaniel, the owner of Lakeside Excavation and Materials, is also known for his appearance on the 2012 History Channel reality show “Bamazon.” The show tracked the trials and tribulations of a group of Americans running

Auction at all, but adventures. “We have a lot of experiences, like golf lessons from the golf pro at Willow Point,” said Goldsmith. Other experience prizes include a wakeboarding package from Russell Marine, meals from SpringHouse and other local restaurants, and a family beach vacation. Goldsmith credits individuals and businesses from the greater Alexander City area for making the event possible. “We’ve had so many people come forward with cash donations, alcohol and food,” she said. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Feast of Sharing ministry, begun by the First United Methodist Church of Alexander City. Feast of Sharing provides two free meals each week to those in need. The ministry started out six years ago, serving a handful of people with food and devotionals on Thursday evenings. Attendance numbers grew rapidly. In the summer of 2015, FUMC partnered with St. James to offer a Tuesday night meal, as well. Feast of

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The Outlook

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continued from page 1

ter to Evans who was at the vigil and offered his thanks. “I just want to thank you for all for all the prayers,” Evans said. “We need them.”

continued from page 1

a gold mining operation in Guyana. On the show, McDaniel was a heavy equipment operator whose bio described him as “a brilliant excavator operator, and a jack-of-all trades, but he’s also a yoga-practicing, nature-lover and a California hippie.” A search of court records shows that McDaniel does have multiple arrests, mostly for traffic related offenses. Records show that McDaniel did enter guilty pleas on a 2007 driving under the influence charge, a 2008 driving with a revoked license infraction and a 2001 attempting to elude police arrest. Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Community residents gathered in Camp Hill to pray for those aﬀected by recent tragedies and to pray for their town. continued from page 1

Sharing now serves roughly 100 people at each meal. Visitors to the Mardi Gras Auction will have several ways to support the Feast of Sharing ministry. In addition to the traditional auction, participants can buy raffle tickets and participate in a silent auction. Participants will be able to buy raffle tickets and bid on silent auction items for the first hour only, so come on time to have the best chance of winning these items. Beer and wine will be available, as well as non-alcoholic drinks, hors d’oeuvres and desserts. Members of the St. James band will provide musical entertainment to set the New Orleans mood. Festive Mardi Gras attire is welcome, but not required. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased now from St. James. To prevent a rush the day of the auction, buying tickets ahead of time is encouraged. For tickets, call 256-234-4752.

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MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213

editor@alexcityoutlook.com

EDITORIAL BOARD Kenneth Boone Mitch Sneed

Outlook Piggly Wiggly shopper has faith in humanity restored The

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Page 4

Our

Opinion Help the United Way reach its goal

or some people, setting goals is a way of putting a dream on paper. For the Lake Martin Area United Way, the fundraising goal of $530,000 is much more than that. It is in reality, a budget. The Outlook reported last week that the local United Way is at 96 percent of its 2015-16 annual campaign goal. That means that $522,873 has been raised to date and the group is very close to reaching an amount that will allow it to fund the 26 local agencies that would be unable to operate without the group’s help. So many people in Alexander City have made giving to United Way a part of their annual routine. Through a series of presentations made by the United Way to employees, many businesses have stepped up to offer a variety of ways for employees to give. In many cases, it is as simple as a payroll deduction that you never really miss. For those who haven’t given this year, the United Way has a favor to ask. “We’re not quite to our goal, so we want to ask those who haven’t given or haven’t been asked to give to think about giving,” said Sharon Fuller, executive director of the Lake Martin Area United Way. “By giving to the United Way, they have a chance to touch some 25,000 lives in our community with a single donation. That’s how many people are helped by our United Way and its agencies each year. Every one of our agencies fulfills a need in the community. “We are closer than we’ve ever been before. I have two presentations (to potential partner businesses) left, one in the morning and one Friday morning. I’m just so proud of our community. Somehow, we always make our goal and it’s the generosity of our community that makes that possible.” Fuller is right. Our community has a big, big heart. So help the United Way reach its goal by giving if you can. You never know how much your donation may mean to someone in need. If you’d like to make a donation, you may do so online at unitedwaylakemartin.org (click the “Give” button) or call Lake Martin Area United Way at 256-329-3600.

ears can mean a lot of things. We cry when we are happy, we cry when we are sad or hurt or frightened. We cry when we are surprised. Some even cry when they are thankful. Amanda Chambers said she experienced an emotional roller-coaster ride Saturday that produced tears for all of those reasons after what was supposed to be a routine trip to the grocery store. The single mother of two had driven to Piggly Wiggly in Alexander City to pick up a few groceries and that’s when the crazy train left the station. I was totally out of groceries, so I went to the store to pick up a few things,” Chambers said. “I had been holding on to the last little bit of cash I had, because we needed some things and it was right there in my wallet in the shopping cart. “I was almost done when I looked down and realized that the wallet was gone. All I could do is cry and my heart just fell to my feet.” Chambers said she went to the register to ask if anyone had turned in a wallet. She said she described it and there it was. “I was so excited,” Chambers said. “I was so grateful that someone had found it and turned it in.” As she opened the wallet to

MITCH SNEED Editor

get the money out to pay for the groceries, she realized that something was missing. “I had a $100 bill in there and that was everything I had,” Chambers said. “They turned it in, but the money was gone. I just couldn’t believe it. As happy as I was that someone had found it, it was beside myself. I was frantic. I didn’t know what I was going to do.” She said the fountain started to flow again. Chambers said she felt lost, not knowing how she would find money to get food for her two boys. “I went from being happy, to scared when I thought I had lost the wallet to happy that someone had found it,” Chambers said. “Then I was just stunned and lost when the money was gone. I didn’t know what I was going to do.” On every roller-coaster, there’s usually a high after the low. The same was true for Chambers. She said as she just stood there dumbfounded, her faith in humanity was restored in

the blink of an eye. “Two of the clerks there in the store told me not to worry,” Chambers said. “Before I knew what was happening they had both pitched in and paid for my groceries. Again, all I could do cry. I mean, if it weren’t for them, my kids wouldn’t be eating. They were angels sent from heaven. That’s exactly what they were.” Chambers said the clerks were Lynn Foreman and Tanisha Thomas. While neither of them were on duty Monday, those who work with them say they aren’t surprised. Chambers said that she thinks it was divine intervention. “You hear about so many bad things these days and how people are doing so many bad things,” Chambers said. “Sometimes times God has to break you down just so you can see how great He is and how he is in control. I know this without a doubt restored my faith. It just goes to show you that no matter what, there are good people out there and that good triumphs over evil. “I am so thankful for them and what they did. I just wanted people to know.” Now they do Amanda. Now they do. Sneed is the editor of The Outlook.

Luther Strange was elected Alabama’s 49th Attorney General first elected in 2010, and serves as the State’s chief law enforcement officer. He can be reached at 334242-7300, and his office is located at 501 Washington Avenue, Montgomery. Mark Tuggle (R) represents the 81st District covering Coosa, Chilton and Tallapoosa counties. He can be reached by phone at 256-392-2006 or by email at tughd81@ gmail.com. His office is located at 110 Calhoun Street, Suite 108, Alexander City.

Robert Bentley

Luther Strange

Mark Tuggle

Tom Whatley represents the 27th District covering Lee, Russell and Tallapoosa County. He was elected to the Alabama Senate on Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334-242-t7865. His office is located at 337 East Magnolia Drive, Auburn.

Tom Whatley

Quote

“We must learn to live togethers as brothers or perish together as fools. ” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr

Today’s

Scripture “Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.” –Hebrews 10:36

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Daily Poll Weekend Question: Do you inspect money that is given to you as change to see if it is counterfeit?

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To participate in this daily poll, log on each day to www.alexcityoutlook.com and vote. Find out the vote totals in the next edition of The Outlook and see if your vote swayed the results.

Mission The Outlook strives to report the news honestly, fairly and with integrity, to take a leadership role and act as a positive influence in our community, to promote business, to provide for the welfare of our employees, to strive for excellence in everything we do and above all, to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves.

How to

Officials

Governor Robert Bentley represents the state of Alabama and its 67 counties. He was elected to office on Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334242-7100. His office is located at the State Capitol at 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama.

Today’s

Our

Know Your Communication with elected officials is the key to good government. To let your most local representatives know how you feel about state or local matters, contact any of the following.

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Letters to the Editor

The universal truths of church one-liners Dear Editor, Sometimes churches have a way of coming up with the best marquee one-liners. Here is a sampling of some of the best ones I have seen over the years on signs in front of churches: • Don’t let your worries get the best of you; remember, Moses started out as a basket case. • Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited until you try to sit in their pews • Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisers. • It is easier to preach ten sermons, than it is to live one. • When you get to your wit’s end, you’ll find God lives there. • People are funny; they want the front of the bus, middle of the road, and back of the church. • Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on the front door forever. • Quit griping about your

church; if it were perfect, you couldn’t belong. • If a church wants a better pastor, it only needs to pray for the one it has. • We’re called to be witnesses; not lawyers or judges. • God Himself doesn’t propose to judge a man until he is dead. So why should you? • Some minds are like concrete...Thoroughly mixed up and permanently set. • Peace starts with a smile. • Be ye fishers of men. You catch ‘em – He’ll clean ‘em. • Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous. • Never put a question mark where God put a period. • Don’t wait for six strong men to take you to church. • Forbidden fruits create many jams. • God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called. • God grades on the cross,

not the curve. • While God loves everyone, but probably prefers ‘fruits of the spirit’ over ‘religious nuts!’ • God promises a safe landing-not a calm passage. • He who angers you, controls you! • If God is your Co-pilot, swap seats! • The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us. • The Will of God never takes you to where the Grace of God will not protect you. • We don’t change the message; the message changes us. • You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage him/her. • Peace begins with just a smile and a genuine kind heart James W. Anderson Talladega

Limiting firearms can create liability issues Dear Editor, I would like to address the businesses and institutions that have declared themselves “no firearms” facilities. The Second Amendment permits me to defend myself and those around me with firearms. Our laws now permit private and public facilities to limit my ability to carry a firearm into those facilities. I submit to that limitation

as I am required to do, but this limitation transfers the liability for my safety and the safety of my family and friends to the facility which limits the firearm. I want to put all the retail stores, public facilities, and government facilities on notice that they are clearly liable for the safety of all of us who are disallowed the ability to protect ourselves. Be ready for massive

lawsuits if citizens are injured or killed in your facility. When you post the “No Firearms” sign, you take on a dramatic responsibility to protect me and all citizens who enter your business. I urge you to think carefully when you consider posting this sign. Billy Sellers Alexander City

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.

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We’d like to share your thoughts and opinions with the greater Lake Martin community. It’s free and it only takes a few moments of your time. We have two ways to get your opinion in print: letters to the editor and guest columns. The main difference is length. Letters to the editor are up to 250 words, while guest columns can be up to 500 words. Letters and columns may be sent to P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011, faxed to (256) 2346550 or e-mailed to editor@alexcityoutlook.com. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send us your thoughts today!

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Follow The Outlook on the Internet on our website or on social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Log on to http://www.alexcityoutloook.com. There you will be able to view stories and multimedia posted by The Outlook. You can also click on the Facebook link to join The Outlook’s fan club or click on the Twitter link to start receiving tweets on your phone as we post updates. You can also subscribe to our RSS (Rich Site Summary) feed on the Outlook’s home page. Check it out today.

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

The Outlook

CommunityCalendar Today is

January 19, 2016 ÂŚÂĄ Â&#x153;ÂŚÂ?ÂŁ ÂĄÂ&#x17D; Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x160;Â?Â&#x17D; Â&#x161;ÂŁÂ&#x201C;Â¤Â&#x17D; SERVING LUNCH IN THE CAFĂ&#x2030;

RETIREE MEETING: Tallapoosa County Education Retirees (TCERA) meeting is Tuesday, Jan. 19 at 10 a.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education. The program will be tornado awareness.

Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Events

MEETING: The Artist Association of East Alabama will meet Jan. 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the United Way Conference Room.

Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Anniversaries

There are no anniversaries on todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s calendar.

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File / The Outlook

Steve Flowers will be the speaker for Horizons Unlimited Jan. 25 at the Alexander City Board of Education from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

January 21

WINE TASTING: Emporium Wine will host a wine tasting event from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 128 Calhoun Street, Alexander City. There is no charge for this event. PUBLIC MEETING: The Tallapoosa County Commission/ Emergency Management Agency is scheduling a public meeting on January 21 at 10 a.m. to update its Hazard Mitigation Plan. The meeting will take place at the Tallapoosa County Courthouse, Dadeville in the Extension Auditorium downstairs. The public, private non-profits, municipalities, school board, universities/colleges, utility/water/sewer boards, fire departments, and elected officials are among those invited and encouraged to attend. Participation is required in order to apply for federal hazard mitigation grants in the future.

January 22

MARDI GRAS AUCTION: St. James Episcopal Church will host live and silent auctions at this inaugural event to support the Feast of Sharing ministry, which provides free meals twice a week at First United Methodist Church to some 100 people in need. Auction items will include original art, a Russell Marine wakeboarding package, framed photography by Kenneth Boone, handmade pottery items, a vacation at the beach for the whole family, the Rev. Rob Ilerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s handyman services for a day and more. There will be beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages, hors dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oeuvres, desserts and entertainment. Tickets are $25 per person and can be reserved by calling St. James Episcopal Church at 256-234-4752. For information, contact Heidi Ross at 256-794-7010 or Susan Mange at 601-431-8239. FREE SPEECH AND HEARING SCREENING: The Auburn University NSSLHA and SAA are having a free speech and hearing screening Friday, January 22 from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.. No appointment is necessary. All children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Please note that very young or handicapped individuals may not be able to respond to the speech hearing screening and may require a more formal evaluation at a later appointment date. Services will be provided by the Auburn University Speech and Hearing Clinic Room 1199 Haley Center.

January 23

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BINGO NIGHT: Bibb Graves School in Millerville is hosting family bingo night Jan. 23 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. TRASH WALK: The next PATH Trash Walk is scheduled for Saturday, January 23 at 9:00 AM. We will meet at the fountain in front of Jakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Restaurant to receive supplies and assignments. Come out and join your friends and neighbors for a healthy walk while removing unsightly litter from the roadways of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;most scenicâ&#x20AC;? county in Alabama. For additional information contact John Thompson at jthompson@lmra.info LAKE MARTIN POLAR PLUNGE: Lake Martin Young Professionals hosts its inaugural Polar Plunge, 11 AM, Saturday, January 23 at Kowaliga Restaurant on Lake Martin! Join LMYP as they take the PLUNGE to support the Lake Martin Resource Association and Lake Martin by diving in during the dead of winter. Tickets are $20 to take the plunge and $30 if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re too chicken. Tickets include a LMYP Polar Plunge tee shirt, all-day access to live music, games, food/ drink specials to Kowaliga Restaurant, and a whiskey warm-up tent. Everyone is encouraged to attend. ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION:

Sisters In Christ Gospel Singers Anniversary Celebration, Saturday, Jan. 23 at 6 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 24 at 2:30 p.m. at Sardis M.B. Church, Dadeville, Rev. William Perry Jr., Pastor. Guests include Voices of Faith, Pell City, Shiloh Spirituals, Eclectic, Greg & Joyful Experience, Columbus, GA, Proverbs 31, Talladega, Bishop Thomas Weaver, Roanoke, Gospel Voices, Hollins, Traveling Harrells, Alex City, Sister Alice Lewis, Wadley and many more! Special Guest MC Minister David Butler. All Groups, Choirs & Soloists are our â&#x20AC;&#x153;Special Guestsâ&#x20AC;? and everyone is invited to attend.

January 24

PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY: New Hope Baptist Church in Camp Hill will celebrate its 12th pastorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s anniversary honoring Rev. and Sister Henry Cooper Sunday, Jan. 24 at 11 a.m. Rev. Jimmy Thomas and Mt. Zion East Baptist Church will be our guest minister.

January 25

HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Steve Flowers will be the speaker for Horizons Unlimited Jan. 25 at the Alexander City Board of Education from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

January 26

ANNUAL MEETING: The Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce will host its annual meeting and awards banquet Tuesday, Jan. 26 for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 460 Camp Civitan Road in Dadeville. There will be an awards presentation, installation of 2016 officers, displays by chamber members, drawing for door prizes, dinner and a cash bar. For more information call the chamber at 256-825-4019.

January 30

ART WORKSHOP: The Artist Association of Central Alabama is hosting a Zantangle Art Workshop Jan 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the United Way Conference Room. Cost is $35 for members and $45 for nonmembers, all supplies included. Call Martha McKnight at 256-8256503 or Dottie Holdren at 256-3774918 with questions or to register. PANCAKE BREAKFAST: The Pine Ridge Mission team will have itsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; annual Pancake breakfast on Saturday, Jan. 30 from 7 a.m. - 10 a.m. at the Alexander City Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. The plates are $6 and include 2 big pancakes, sausage, fruit and drink options. The proceeds help fund the teamsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; annual trip to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation including VBS and Community outreach projects.

January 31

BIG DAY: Lake Pointe Baptist Church invites everyone to celebrate a Big Day for the church on Sunday, January 31, 2016, beginning at 10 AM. Lake Pointe is a new church and the new pastor will be introducing the church strategy of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Come! Let Us Build!â&#x20AC;? in the morning worship on January 31st. The worship music will be led by Anthony Counts, former pastor of Mountain View Baptist Church in Wetumpka. Faron Golden, pastor at Lake Pointe, will be sharing the churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan for serving the community and surrounding area through the message from Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Word. Lake Pointe is located at 8352 Highway 50, Dadeville, Alabama 36853, and is just a short drive from Tallassee. Everyone is welcome.

February 1

HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Dr. Mark Conversino will be the speaker for Horizons Unlimited Feb. 1 at the Alexander City Board of Education from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

February 4

BASEBALL/SOFTBALL REGISTRATION: The Alexander City Baseball/Softball Registration will be at Radney Elementary School Thursday, Feb. 4 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.

February 5

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.

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.

February 7

PASTOR ANNIVERSARY: New Harmony Missionary Baptist Church in Camp Hill will celebrate itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 7th Pastorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Anniversary honoring Rev. and Sister Melvin C. Kelley, Jr. Sunday, Feb. 7 at 2 p.m.

February 8

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HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Troy Jones will be the speaker for Horizons Unlimited Feb. 8 at the Alexander City Board of Education from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

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 13

VALENTINEâ&#x20AC;?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.

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Season Speaks

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 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.

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Page 6

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Tuesday, January 19, 2016

The Outlook

PULSE

Our Community, Our Readers, Your Chamber

Chamber now accepting Women of the Year nominations By KIM DUNN Director of Marketing & Special Events

There are some women whose character and inspiration naturally makes those around them want to be better; to achieve more. These women not only take on leadership roles and make things happen; they empower and encourage those around them to do the same. They use their enthusiasm to mentor their family, friends and peers to find their own passions and strengths. They put people in action mode. They help others see something within themselves that they never

realized was there. Tallapoosa and Coosa counties are both overflowing with these dedicated women that continuously go above and beyond to lead their organizations and communities to new heights. Who was the woman that made that difference for you? Was she your school teacher? Was she your Sunday School leader? Was she your first female boss? Now is the time to reward that special, hard working woman who has always amazed you with her ability to always finds time to commit to the community and serve as a mentor to other women.

The Alexander City Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the Tallapoosa County Woman of the Year and Coosa County Woman of the Year. Nominations are being accepted through Feb.12, 2016. Nomination forms can be downloaded at www.alexandercitychamber. com or picked up at the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce office. Nominations will only be accepted on these forms. Nominees must be current residents of the county for which they are being nominated. All nominees will be recognized and the recipient will be named at the Alexander City Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education Chancellor Dr. Mark Heinrich will be the featured speaker at the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting. At a time when Central Alabama Community College is at the center of a multi-school merger, his message should be enlightening.

File / The Outlook

Chamber to host its 105th Annual Meeting By ANN RYE Chamber President and CEO

The traditional recap of past year’s performance and induction of volunteer leadership for the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce will take place at the organization’s 105th Annual Meeting to be held on Jan. 28 at the Betty Carol Graham Center. A reservation is required to attend and can be made by calling the chamber at 256-234-3461. The entire community is invited and encouraged to participate. Guest should arrive prior to the 11:30 a.m. starting time for the program for the opportunity to network with one another. The keynote speaker, Mark Heinrich, appointed chancellor of the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education / Alabama Community College System, will be introduced by River Bank and Trust which is this year’s presenting sponsor. Heinrich has served the Alabama Community College System as chancellor since 2012. He holds a doctorate in counseling from the University of Alabama and earned B.S. and M.A. degrees in psychology from Tennessee Tech University. Dr. Heinrich’s higher education career spans more than 30 years and is inclusive of leadership roles

in academic, student service, and technical/vocational areas. During that time, he served as instructor, department chair, division dean, dean of instruction, academic vice president, associate provost, provost, and most recently as president of Shelton State Community College. Professing his belief in a strong college and community relationship, Dr. Heinrich sees the Alabama Community College System as an important partner in the state’s workforce needs. He looks forward to working with the newly formed Board of Trustees made up of a committed group of business leaders throughout the state. Additionally, the chamber will share its Annual Progress Report in relation to Our Future Is Now initiatives which include new business recruitment efforts, support of the existing business community, accomplishments associated with workforce and education goals, and our progress in public policy and political advocacy. Business Person of the Year and Community Spirit Award will be recognized by the chamber along with recognitions from the Alexander City Fire Department and Police Department for their outstanding employee selection and the Alexander City Schools Teacher of the Year. Please make your reservation by Jan. 22.

Chamber of Commerce’s Third Annual Lead Forward Women’s Conference and Business Expo on Friday, March 11, 2016. Lead Forward will be held at the Betty Carol Graham Technology Center at Central Alabama Community College. The luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. The awards will be given during this time. Tickets to the luncheon are $20 per person. All nominees are encouraged to attend and be joined by her family and friends. The business expo will be open from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and is free to the public.

Leadership Lake Martin a difference maker the Lake Martin area. Led by some of the greatest leaders in our community, each year’s class members are Have you ever asked taken “behind the scenes” of yourself: What does it take our local government, city to become a leader? How can I help improve and grow municipalities, and other facets of our area to learn what this town I live in? Can I make a difference in my own makes this place “tick.” Each community? Ok, well if you year, the are like me then maybe not, new class but it’s something all of us members should ask ourselves. are brought These are some of the together to questions I’ve been forced engage in to ask myself since becomteam building a member of this year’s ing and Leadership Lake Martin leadership Dark (LLM) class. If you aren’t familiar with LLM you really activities at a retreat should be. LLM is a tenoutside of Sylacauga. The month leadership training program designed to inform, program starts with eager, but leery participants who inspire, and empower comSee LLM • Page 7 munity leadership throughout By WILL DARK Dark Insurance Agency

Lake Martin Young Professionals “Freezing for a reason” By JACOB MEACHAM VP Business Development

Have you ever wondered what Lake Martin feels like in the middle of January? I’m sure many have been brave enough to dip a toe off in the chilly waters, but the Lake Martin Young Professionals have something else in mind, a full blown plunge. On Saturday, January 23 at Kowaliga Restaurant, LMYP

will host its inaugural Polar Plunge in support of the Lake Martin Resource Association. The idea came about last fall when group members were discussing fun events that could be planned for 2016. From there, all that See POLAR • Page 7

2015 IN REVIEW:A look back at an incredible year for the Alexander City Chamber “wins” had to happen to set our community in motion. Progress …what everyone wants for A lofty goal of recruittheir community and exactly what the ing 15 new businesses to Alexander City Chamber of Commerce Alexander City over the passionately strives to deliver. It is why we five-year plan has seen exist identified by our mission statement: progress. We’ve recruited “To promote business and commerce for three in 2015 and we are Rye the Alexander City-Tallapoosa County actively at the table, havregion through our volunteer and commuing secured a site and nity leadership in economic, political and memorandum of understanding between a social development” national retail developer and The City of The chamber, over a period of three Alexander City. This retail development years, has intentionally evolved into an holds a great deal of importance in realizing organization that is holding itself accountredevelopment of some of our blighted able as a leading entity responsible for pro- areas and in providing this community with viding solutions to overcome our obstacles. the shopping experience they are asking for. In 2014, many of you know that we Anchored with a national grocery retailer, were successful in bringing the community this investment in our city will open doors together. Through close to 100 in-person for others to follow and the development surveys spanning all segments of our will provide needed commercial space population including business, education, meeting the specifications for franchises religious, minority, and government leaders, that currently desire to do business in we derived a strategic plan for our program Alexander City. of work through 2019. By setting expected The chamber has been successful in actions and measurable outcomes, the getting to this point by promoting the chamber gained $1.2 million of community vast opportunity for business in our area. investment to accomplish this work. Although on paper we look like a comI’m proud to share with you the return munity of 15,000, we know that because on that investment for 2015. Lake Martin is one of our most influential I also acknowledge that without the resources, the top two percent of income commitment of those who supported our earners in the Southeast frequent our campaign, Our Future Is Now, we would shorelines. These vested tourists support only have a wish list. However, because our economy and represent an opportunity we are a community of committed and for our existing business community. The passionate leaders who give not only of chamber is promoting that potential through their time but also of their resources, the social media and attended the Southeast chamber is carving out a new landscape of Conference for International Council of opportunity for all. Shopping Centers in 2015. Our first initiative, to recruit new comIn early 2015, we contracted with a retail mercial and retail business, is underway. consulting firm who represents Alexander Within the initiative many pro-business By ANN RYE Chamber President and CEO

City on a national level. This firm compiled data that is pertinent in conveying the opportunities in our trade area and provoking a call for investment in our city. A formal report was presented to the business community, our public servants, and those interested in gaining insight as to the retail gaps and opportunities available within our retail trade area. This trade area information can be found on our newly developed website; another accomplishment for 2015. Additionally, we added a new staff member to the chamber. Jacob Meacham joined our team in July, 2015, as Vice President of Business Development. He serves to support opportunities for our existing business community. As well, he leads our mission to become a unified voice for business in political advocacy. Through his work, we now have a “business friendly package” – a list of contacts and steps for anyone seeking to start a business in Alexander City – so that people know we desire to partner with and aid in their success. We’re leading the way in changing the mindset of our youth to consider their future in a way that creates a job rather than takes a job. The first Young Entrepreneur Academy, otherwise known as YEA!, started in October, 2015 and has 11 students. This spring we will host our first Investor Panel which will provide the student businesses with capital. Through this program, we’ve connected our business community to our young people through mentor commitments and investor panel seats. The Education and Workforce Committee, lead by Dr. Darrell Cooper, has all educational partners around the same table to promote and prepare our students K-14 with the necessary skills to be successful in a global market. By identify-

ing our best and brightest students and by expanding the Gateway to Education Scholarship we are connecting our youth to a future in our region. In 2015 we hosted our first Best and Brightest reception, connecting CACC students to the business community, and went from 17 Gateway scholars to 31 this fall. Additionally, the Young Professionals group reorganized under the chamber umbrella through the efforts of Jacob Meacham as their executive director. This group has made a measurable impact raising money for various non-profit organizations while electing their first board of directors and officers. The establishment of this group will aid in attracting young talent to our area and increase community participation from this demographic. Closely related, we expanded Leadership Lake Martin from 15 students to 26 class members as a direct response to the need to grow leadership. And, I don’t think anyone is unaware of the successful Shop Local campaign which has provided educational awareness of the importance to shop local while branding the term through social media, a shop local t-shirt challenge, and establishment of monthly Shop Local First Tuesdays. At the chamber, we’re not talking about yesterday anymore. We’re focused on tomorrow! We know what we do today determines our future. It is in the seeds we plant and the work realized on a daily basis that we will see a bright future. I invite you to be a part of something positive. Alexander City, our future is now! A detailed Annual Report will be available on Jan. 28 at our Annual Meeting and upon request throughout the year.

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Page 7

www.alexcityoutlook.com

The Outlook

Dream

continued from page 1

at Woody Woodpecker Daycare lead the Pledge of Allegiance, Alexander City Middle School seventh grader Jaion Kelly served as master of ceremonies and Chase and Burton and Kalinda Berry spoke for the S.W.A.G. (Students With A Goal) program. “We are gathered here today to celebrate a man who dedicated his life to something that was bigger than him,” Burton said. “It would take a lifetime to thank him. He lead a movement that was for more than just himself. He did it for us so that we can stand where we are at today.” Rev. Chadley Richardson of Montgomery was the headline speaker and he challenged the audience to follow in King’s steps of taking care of your neighbor. “What has happened to the beloved relationship of our people?” Richardson asked. “We have lost our relationships. Our ancestors did not have much and did not mind sharing it with others. We have become so greedy and we don’t want to share anything.” Richardson says that has lead to problems everywhere. “We don’t want to give anybody anything,” Richardson said. “It is me myself and I. As long as I am taken care of, as long as my family is taken care of, it is all good. But as soon as your luck runs out and you look for help and none is there, you get an attitude. We have to fix that.” In addition to the celebration, many in attendance took to the streets for a parade that included several generations with floats, banners, cars and a band and

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

BRHS graduate and Christian Hip Hop artist Vy Moon performs a song at the 26th Annual Martin Luther King Celebration at Cooper Community Center. The celebration featured speaker Rev. Chadley Richardson of Montgomery. Bottom, the brothers of the Sigma Delta chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. march in the parade procession. Bottom right, Keynote speaker Rev. Chadley delivers his speech.

brothers from Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. helped people register to vote. Moon went on to talk about how Dr. King was successful. “The reason why the movement that Dr. King lead was successful was that he applied the principles of Jesus Christ,” Moon said. “Who can say they love their enemy. That is what Jesus preached and what Dr. King applied. It ain’t easy.”

Polar

continued from page 6

needed to be decided on was a reason for hosting the event. You see, it’s pretty hard to convince people that jumping into the lake in the middle of winter is a good idea, but it’s a little easier when you can come up with a good cause to support, and that’s exactly what LMRA is. If you’re not familiar with the work that LMRA does, you can check them out online at www.lmra.info, but they play a significant role in helping keep Lake Martin clean, safe and accessible year round. They keep the lake clean by coordinating the annual Renew our Rivers cleanup, a two-day event in the fall that this year saw 290 volunteers lend a hand in removing more than six tons of trash from the shoreline and adjacent roadsides. Your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you, SIX TONS! LMRA is also responsible for the

installation and maintenance of the 440-plus buoys that ensure safe navigation around the lake and mark dangerous spots that boaters need to be aware of. In terms of increasing accessibility, LMRA has successfully advocated to federal agencies for the winter levels of Lake Martin being raised. Not only does this increase recreational opportunities on Lake Martin, but it also can help raise property values. So as you can see, our reason for freezin’ is a good one! Whether you’re a lakefront resident, frequent visitor for boating or fishing, or a local business owner, Lake Martin is woven into the fabric of many lives here locally, and LMRA does work that is critical to the future and preservation of our area’s top attraction. As for the LMYP Polar Plunge, it’s going to be a great event that will

LLM are wondering to themselves, “What have I gotten myself into?” They convene to go through the rigors of these obstacles and team building events and often start out not knowing each other at all. There, these new participants learn to work together through fun and exciting activities that inspire creative thinking and help us all learn to step up and become better leaders. By the end of the retreat, class members that didn’t know each other very well have become a close knit team. Meeting once a month, our group gets together to learn about some aspect of our community that we might not have known about in our normal day to day lives such as the Criminal Justice Department, or City Government, etc. Throughout the 10 months, each group is simultaneously creating a project that will hopefully someday, improve life in our area or impact lives positively for citizens in our community.

be fun for the entire family. After everyone takes the plunge and dries off, we’ll have four hours of live music and fun and games outside of Kowaliga Restaurant along the beautiful shores of Lake Martin. Kowaliga will be open and serving food and drinks. The plunge will take place at noon and the rest of the fun will follow. The price of admission is $10 (plunge if you’d like), $20 (plunge plus a tee shirt), and $30 (no plunge plus a tee shirt). Children 12 and under get in free, and all proceeds are in support of LMRA. Tickets can be purchased at lakemartinyp.com/ polarplunge. Stay up to date with event news by connecting with the Lake Martin Young Professionals on Facebook. We hope to see you out there taking the plunge with us!

of ways we can each improve and grow, while also helping to make new friends in a fun setting. Going on our fifth month of this year’s class, I (along with the rest of our group) am starting to see in great detail how our community can improve.

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256.825.9830 Now thru Mar. 31, Receive a 10 year parts & compressor warranty on all York residential system replacements & new installations. Also includes a factory 10-year labor warranty. Buy NEW with Williams and you will have no repair cost for the next 10 years. Excluding maintenance and maintenance related problems i.e. stopped up drain, dirty coil, etc.

Williams Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning Inc Mike Coker 3875 Dadeville Road, Alexander City, AL 35010

256-329-8488 • 256-267-5021 mobile

217 Madison Street, Alexander City, AL “We are a Debt Relief Agency. We help people ﬁle Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 under the Bankruptcy Code. Alabama State Bar requires the following in every attorney advertisement, “ No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”

AG Golden olden Opportunity O i g Is Knock Knocking Open the Classifieds today and get a better price on the things you want!

continued from page 6

Personally speaking, I have never given much thought about being a leader in this community. Sure, I care about our community, but it’s not a topic most of us think of very often. Fortunately, this program was built to do just that; inspire this town’s citizens to think

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Page 8

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

The Outlook

Kids

Page

Lake Martin Mini Mall

Town & Country Cleaners

7995 Kowaliga Road • 2 Miles S. of Kowaliga Bridge on Hwy. 63 EZd^ FZkmbg Lhno^gbkl Areas Largest Selection of & Accessories

And Shoe Repair

1222 Cherokee Road 212-9600

Wed. - Fri. 10-5•Sat. 9-4•Sun. 1-5 334.857.3900•www.LakeMartinMiniMall.com We Believe in Quality Products!

HOURS: Monday-Friday 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m. - Noon FULL-SERVICE SALON

Specialized in Color • Precision Cuts Perms • Styling • Nails “We Offer the Best Because You Deserve the Best”

Shear Concepts 708 Commerce Drive Alexander City, AL

(256) 234-4311

IVER

BANK & TRUST S E RV I C E

U N S

D E E P

256-329-0500 www.riverbankandtrust.com

AAA GENERAL CONTRACTORS, INC. 1880 Radio Road•Alexander City, AL

1-800-856-8960 or 256-329-9843

“Where Service & Understanding is not a Slogan, but a Reality”

Commercial and Residential Builders

131 Mason Street • Alexander City (256) 234-6327

STEFUL GIFT IDEA . A TA

Xpress Yourself

Zaxby’s® gift cards are perfect for the chicken lovers in your life. Available in any amount from $5 to $100, So next time you are at Zaxby’s, ask about our gift cards.

BILL WHATLEY

BROKER, CRS, GRI, ABR, SRES

OfÀce: 256-234-5163 • 800-471-LAKE

SHERIFF WE NEED YOUR HELP!! JIMMY ABBETT

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First Realty_468 Church Street, Alexander City

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ZAXBY’S 4497 Hwy. 280 •Alexander City, AL (256) 234-2181 Hours: Fri. & Sat. 10:30-11:00

WEDOWEE MARINE

MARINE

2334 Washington St. Alexander City, AL 35010 Phone: (256) 329-9061 www.crownemanagement.com

1649 Highway 22 West • Alexander City, AL 256-215-5323 We’re Just a Heart Beat Away

3701 Dadeville Road, Alexander City ( 256 ) 234-6366 Rehab• Long-Term Care• Assisted Living

Sun. - Thurs. 10:30-9:00

Currently available only at Zaxby’s store locations. Zaxby’s gift cards can be used at all Zaxby’s store locations.

DOWEE WE

Brown Nursing Home

Bass

Funeral Home and Cremations

21130 Hwy. 431 Wedowee, AL

New & Used Boats • Yamaha Waverunners Yamaha Golf Carts • Full-Service Marina & Service Center • Wet Slips & Dry Storage

256.357.2045

800.780.2045

Embroidery • Screen Printing • Signs 1218 Cherokee Road – Alexander City, AL

(256) 234-7355 www.xpressyourself.net

Ivy Creek Medical Equipment 256.825.0667

Adam’s Health & Rehab We Care About You And Your Loved Ones!

YOUR LAKE MARTIN CHEVY DEALER Full Service Tire Center • Free Estimates Parts, Service & Body Shop 17488 Hwy. 280, Dadeville, AL 256-825-4201 www.mckelveychevrolet.com

SOCIAL SECURITY of Anniston, AL 4004 US Hwy. 431

256-280-8000

www.claytonhomesanniston.com

FAYE EDMONDSON Attorney at Law 135 N. Tallassee Street • Dadeville, AL

8:00-4:00 Mon.-Fri • By Appt.(Except Emergencies) 256-234-4295 • After Hours 256-329-7100

Temple Medical Clinic, P.C. YOUR FAMIY CARE CENTER Medicine, Ofﬁce Surgery, Pediatric, & Industrial James P. Temple, M.D. • Timothy J. Cordin, M.D. Vincent Law, M.D.

859 Airport Drive • Alexander City, AL

Fun Carts of Opelika

618 Lee Rd. Opelika, AL 334.745.0560 • www.funcarts.net JIM HADAWAY, OWNER

Open Monday-Friday 8AM__ -6 PM Saturday 8AM-12PM (256) 215-8014

1144 Airport Drive •Alexander City

825-9559 No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

(256) 329-0847

256-825-2100

1555 Hillabee Street Alexander City

10973 County Road 34, Dadeville www.kelleyshvac.com • AL License #99129

DRIVERS NEEDED

1725 Highway 22 West Alexander City

3000 SIGN-ON BONUS $

J&M TANK LINES, INC. jmtankjobs.com or call Jeff Sandlin @ 256-245-3933

(256) 215-3730 Alexander City, AL

Auburn, AL

256-234-5052 334-501-2426 www.advancedheatingandac.com

HENDERSON AND COKER, INC. Mother Goose

Child Development Center Se habla español 645 Scott Road • Alexander City

256.234.3780 www.mothergoosecdc.com

– FINANCING AVAILABLE – Sales • Service • Installation P.O. Box 103, Alex City, AL (256) 329-8488

“We’re Here When You Need Us” Eat At . . .

GENERAL CONTRACTORS

Our goal is very simple: “Complete the job in a timely manner with a customer who would ask us to do his next project.” 256.329.9001 www.hendersonandcoker.com

6684 HWY. 49 SOUTH • DADEVILLE, AL (256) 825-4827 “We Touch the Lives of the People You Love”

GET APPROVED IN A FLASH! 2 Convenient Locations Alexander City, AL

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Camp Hill, AL

256-896-2188

AUTO • COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL

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355 11th Avenue North • Alexander City, AL

DADEVILLE HEALTHCARE CENTER Kim Russell, Administrator 385 E. LaFayette St., Dadeville 256.825.9244

ClassiÄeds

Lake & River Phone (256) 277-4219 Fax (205) 669-4217 The Alexander City Outlook

Reaching more than 22,000 households in Tallapoosa and Elmore counties The Dadeville Record

classiﬁeds@alexcityoutlook.com public.notices@alexcityoutlook.com classiﬁeds@thewetumpkaherald.com public.notices@thewetumpkaherald.com

The Eclectic Observer

The Tallassee Tribune

The Wetumpka Herald

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

www.alexcityoutlook.com

The Outlook

Page 11

Realizing Our Future Together Through 2019 “At the Chamber, we’re not talking about what we use to be, we are focused on what we can be.”

- Ann Rye

President & CEO

OUR FUTURE IS NOW A&M Plumbing Adelia Russell Charitable Foundation Alabama Power Alexander City Board of Education Alexander City Housing Authority AmTech Ballard Construction, Inc. Bice Motors Bill’s Electric Bill Nichols State Veterans Home Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation Carrie Phillips & Jack Woodard Central Alabama Community College Chapman Healthcare and Rehab City of Alexander City Cloud Nine Dark Insurance Dianne Naler, CPA Dr. William Harrell, Jr., DMD Durbin Chiropractic Clinic Edward Jones Grace’s Flowers Harold Cochran State Farm Insurance Hill Petroleum, Inc. John Russell Thomas Foundation L & D Properties Lake Broadcasting Larkin Radney Lee Marketing Group Karen Channell State Farm Insurance

Mason Law Firm Morris, Haynes, Wheeles & Knowles Nationwide Insurance - The Daughtry Agency Pediatric Associates Plain & Fancy Cleaners PriCare Radney Funeral Home Radney, Radney & Jackson Regions Bank River Bank & Trust Robinson Iron, Inc. Russell Lands On Lake Martin Russell Medical Center Satterﬁeld, Inc. Service Printing & Ofﬁce Supply SIGMA SL Alabama Speake Real Estate State Representative Mark Tuggle Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Tallapoosa County Commissioner Steve Robinson Tallapoosa County Commissioner T.C. Coley Tallapoosa Ford The Medicine Shoppe The Shoppes of Queen’s Attic United Rentals USAmeriBank Wellborn Forest Products Wrights Funeral Home

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BECOMING AN INVESTOR AND PARTICIPATE IN AN ANNUAL STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION

Join Us!

FEBRUARY 4TH • 8:00AM For Breakfast @ Russell Medical Center Community Room RSVP to 256-234-3461 (required)

- OUR FUTURE IS NOW - A community effort toward economic development - A ﬁve and a half year map to ensure return on investment - A voice for progress for Alexander City and Tallapoosa County

Please consider joining us and be a part of Our Future! “ONE VISION, ONE VOICE - REALIZING OUR COMMUNITY FUTURE TOGETHER”

ROBERT HUDSON SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228

sports@alexcityoutlook.com

Page 12

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

www.alexcityoutlook.com

I will cherish MUCH-NEEDED VICTORY this Tide title Wildcats come back for key area win over Valley for a while By Robert Hudson Outlook Sports Editor

The Benjamin Russell Wildcats overcame a fourth-quarter deficit to capture a key area victory on Friday at home. The Wildcats (7-14, 2-3 in Class 6A-Area 5) defeated the Valley Rams 62-56 in Friday’s area clash. Jeff Hines, head coach of the Wildcats, said the press defense wore down the Rams in a pivotal fourth quarter. “I think our press was very effective in that we may not have gotten steals every trip down the floor, but it’s very wear and tear on the opponent and it makes them work hard to get the ball down the floor,” Hines said. “We had some long counts there at times that I thought were probably close to ten seconds. Again, I cannot stress enough how important it was for our guys to see that even when they don’t shoot the ball well, if they will defend and rebound we can still win ball games.” Valley opened the fourth with a jumpshot from Tymon Howard to extend their lead to 41-35. Hines said the Wildcats slacked up on defense as Howard made some key shots down the stretch for the Rams. “I thought we quit playing defense there for a little while. When I say quit playing, I mean we kind of let our guard down,” Hines said. “No. 3 (Howard) got loose for them a few times and knocked some shots down. But what makes me proud of this team is that even though we didn’t shoot the ball very well, and I told them after the game, they didn’t let our offensive game dictate what our defensive game was going to be. I’ve had teams around here – and this team in particular has done it a few times this year – that when they didn’t shoot it very well they also didn’t defend very well.” The Wildcats used pressure to great effect, forcing turnovers and adding a pair of transition baskets from Latavius Kelley and Jaden Tuck that cut the Rams’ lead to 41-39 with 6:16 left to play. Valley’s Trenton Stringer hit two free throws on the 1-and-1, but Benjamin Russell’s Quen Reese scored on a layup that put the score at 43-41 with 5:57 left. Valley countered again with a bucket from Keshawn Hicks, but BRHS got back-to-back buckets from Tuck and Timmy Lawson that tied the game at 45-45 midway through the fourth. Valley took the lead back with a Mervin Ingram bucket, but BRHS promptly responded. Tae Johnson scored in the paint and Reese hit two free throws after a technical foul to put the Wildcats up at 49-47 with 3:30 left.

LUKE ROBINSON Sports Columnist

Robert Hudson / The Outlook

Benjamin Russell’s Alexander Doss (20) releases a shot during Friday night’s game against Valley in Alexander City.

Howard hit a 3-pointer to put Valley back up at 50-49, but Tuck went to the charity stripe to hit two free throws that put the Wildcats back up at 51-50 with 2:42 left. Lawson and Howard traded baskets that put the game at 53-52 in favor of BRHS with two minutes left. But Valley was hit by two crucial errors as the Rams were called for an intentional foul and a double technical foul that sent BRHS to the line for six straight free throws. While Kelley missed the two free throws for the intentional foul, Reese hit the other four to put the Wildcat lead at 57-52 with 1:36 left, as Valley never recovered. “This win is really big. I told the guys we have to take this one game at a time and we have to defend our home court. This makes us 2-3 in the area, and if we can defend our home court one more time that will put us at .500

in the area,” Hines said. “That’s splitting with every team and means no one has swept us, so no one would have an advantage over us head-to-head.” Hines added that the Wildcats’ perimeter play was solid again, with guards Lawson, Tyre Gray and Reese scoring 12, 11 and 10 points respectively in the win. But Hines also praised the play of his big men Johnson and Tuck. “I want to commend our perimeter play again, but right now under the rim Tae Johnson is playing his best basketball. He had eight points and 10 rebounds,” Hines said. “He’s got to continue that, and I think Jaden Tuck gave us some really good play as well.” Howard led Valley with 12 points, all of which came in the second half. Benjamin Russell will take the floor again tonight on the road at Auburn High School with the girls’ game starting at 5:30 p.m. and the boys game starting at 7 p.m.

Lady Wildcats drop area contest to Lady Rams By Robert Hudson Outlook Sports Editor

Robert Hudson / The Outlook

Benjamin Russell’s Chynna Allen, left, is fouled by Valley’s Asia Murphy while attempting a shot during Friday’s game.

The Benjamin Russell Lady Wildcats had a couple of offensive runs late in Friday’s area matchup against the Valley Lady Rams, but it was too little, too late. The Lady Wildcats (8-11, 1-4 in Class 6A-Area 5) fell 56-43 on Friday at home to the Lady Rams. BRHS Coach Latreisha Moon said the Lady Wildcats had too many turnovers at key moments in Friday night’s loss. “We picked our intensity back up in the fourth quarter. In the first and second quarter we had high intensity, but in the third quarter we came out flat,” Moon said. “I think in the fourth quarter we kind of picked it back up a little bit, but it was too late. I think the main thing that hurt us though were the turnovers. We had a stretch of six possessions where we alternated between turning it over and then not turning it over.” Benjamin Russell trailed 42-30 entering the fourth quarter, but Chynna Allen and Hope Westbrooks scored on back-to-back possessions to open the period and cut the deficit to 42-34. But the Lady Rams answered with an 8-0 run, half of which was fueled by Kenjadae Dunn, making it 50-34 with 5:13 left to play. However, Benjamin Russell responded with a run of its own. Westbrooks scored on a fast-break layup off a Valley turnover, added a running shot, and hit a 3-pointer during a two-minute stretch. Benjamin Russell’s Jaaliyah Caldwell scored under the basket to cap the Lady Wildcat run and make it a 50-43 game with 1:55 left. But Valley controlled the game the rest of the way, scoring the final six points and sitting on the clock for the victory. Raven Houston led Valley with 16 points, while Takayla Bussey and Dunn each had 12 points for the Lady Rams. Westbrooks led all scorers with 24 points and Caldwell added eight points for the Lady Wildcats.

thought for a while about a theme which captured this season’s Alabama team. Was it dominating? Intimidating? Inspirational? I suppose a little of all those three would work in places along the line, but I was looking for more of a broader theme. Then it hit me like Reggie Ragland: For Alabama in 2015, the theme was “redemption.” Redemption all over, in, around and throughout the team. Redemption for quarterback Jacob Coker. The player who many morons (like myself) wrote off more than 18 months ago. The man who takes a potential “roughing the passer” penalty and turns it into “roughing BY the passer” as he plows over shocked defenders who underestimated his size and strength. Redemption for Derrick Henry. This would-be linebacker ran over, around and past would-be tacklers and the Alabama record book and into Heisman history. Redemption for Kenyon Drake. The fleetfooted utility back spent more time in the doghouse than a Georgia mascot his first two years and more time in the hospital than a comatose candy striper his last two. After being most known for fumbling a kickoff against Ole Miss earlier this season, how fitting that on his last touch of the ball as an Alabama player Drake takes a kickoff back 95 yards for a score? Now instead of recovering from an injury, Drake is on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Redemption for DJ Pettway. A few years ago he was jettisoned from the team. In 2015 Pettway used his second chance to become a starter for the most ferocious front seven in Alabama history. Redemption for OJ Howard. Before last Monday night, Howard’s entire career was defined in one word: “shoulda”. Howard shoulda gotten more touches. Howard shoulda caught that one. Howard shoulda been an All American. The odds of OJ’s winning the Offensive MVP before the game were so small that lottery winners scoffed at the notion. Then, against Clemson, Howard turned “shoulda” into reality. On that one night in Arizona, Howard’s potential arose like a Phoenix; a Phoenix that can outrun defensive backs. Redemption for Lane Kiffin. For a supposed program-destroying, entitled playboy, Kiffin sure has taken a couple of has-beens and turned them into all-timers. The next time you tell someone, “I can’t stand Lane Kiffin,” be sure to add, “….. but man can he coach offense or what?” Redemption for Adam Griffith. Once the Kick-Six villain, Griffith is now the kicker of the most famous on-sides kick that has ever been kicked by a kicker in kick-dom. Redemption for Nick Saban. “He’s only a great recruiter, not a great coach” (bzzzzt). “He isn’t willing to change with the offensive times” (arnnnnnt). “There are no exciting surprises in his arsenal; Alabama is boring” (Bwhahahaha). Dare I say the one decision to unleash an onsides kick at the most unsuspecting of times turned a nation’s opinion around when it comes to Saban? Quite possibly. Redemption for the whole Alabama team. Oh, it’s just a one-man show with Derrick Henry? Last Monday he did have over a buckfifty and three touchdowns, but he wasn’t even close to being the MVP. Defense carried this Tide bunch? Well, against Clemson the D needed help from every other department. The national championship game was a team effort if there ever was one. Alabama took on a schedule that featured three top ten teams, seven top 25 opponents and with three others that received votes and the Tide went 14-1. ‘Bama beat its main rivals in LSU, Tennessee and Auburn as well as the SEC East Champ, the Big Ten Champ and the ACC Champ. The Tide won the SEC and National Championships. Individual players won or were finalists for just about every meaningful award possible. Yet still there were naysayers up until the last seconds ticked off the clock in Glendale. Sometimes even me. Since 2008, Alabama has won 98 of its 110 games played. Some of those wins I have taken for granted. Upon reflection, 2015 was arguably the most remarkable season I have ever witnessed as a fan. I think I will cherish this one for a while. Robinson is a sports columnist for The Outlook and is president of the Lake Martin Area Bama Club.