July 20, 2018 Alex City Outlook by Tallapoosa Publishers

SPORTS, PAGE 10

FRIDAY

THE

Dadeville grad Jennings takes part in SEC Media Day

Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892

July 20, 2018 Vol. 126, No.143 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢

Officials arrest 4 in busts 30 grams of cocaine and more seized in two Thursday incidents STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

‘MINDS AT WORK’

Students experiment at CACC’s annual STEM camp By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

quiet room full of teenagers usually means they are asleep or up to something. Looking around the chemistry lab at Central Alabama Community College Thursday, there was no one dozing off in class and Dr. Jeremy Carr was proud. “Listen,” he said. “It is quiet – that is a good thing.” What Carr was proud of was that the 12- to 16-year-olds taking part in the annual CACC STEM Camp were experimenting. They were trying different ways to get the current up on the batteries they were making from pennies. “I like this,” Carr said. “They are so into it. They will figure it out.” The object was to take pennies, cardboard, tinfoil and a few wires See EXPERIMENT • Page 3

Today’s

Weather

91 72 High

Low

Lake Levels

490.52

Reported on 07/19/18 @ 2 p.m.

LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443

laceyshowell@gmail.com 5295 Highway 280, Alex City, AL

54708 90050

USPS Permit # 013-080

Stovall

Tax-free weekend kicking off today By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Seth Cruz, 13, of Jacksons Gap, above, checks the construction of a penny battery being constructed in the lab of Dr. Jeremy Carr at Central Alabama Community College. Top, campers play around with the construction of their penny battery to see if they can get the current high enough to run a small light bulb.

City school board raises pay for bus drivers of extracurricular activities In an effort to recruit bus drivers to take substitute routes and to recruit current bus drivers to drive for extracurricular activities, the Alexander City Board of Education raised the minimum pay for those activities at Tuesday’s meeting. The board also got results of a financial audit. “We have done the research,” Superintendent Dr. Darrell Cooper said. “I recommend we do an increase.” The raise brings pay up to $14 an hour for drive time and for the time at the event for drivers who are not part of the groups they are driving for. The approved pay also takes care of drivers involved in overnight trips. Those drivers will be paid $14 a hour for actual drive time, given a $125 a day stipend for food and have their room covered by the group making the trip. See PAY • Page 3

Cat f i sh Pon d

Submitted / The Outlook

Benjamin Russell wins financial aid award By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

Earlier this year, Benjamin Russell High School was recognized by the organization Alabama Possible as being one of the top high schools in the state of Alabama for having

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With the first day of school just around the corner, shopping for supplies and clothing to be ready for the big day in early August is hitting full swing. For parents looking to make sure their children are fully prepared, the state of Alabama is once again offering a sales tax holiday for those engaging in such shopping. Locally, Alexander City and Dadeville are also taking part in the tax-free weekend, though Tallapoosa County opted to not participate and will still be collecting its regular sales See TAX • Page 2 BRHS was awarded $1,000 for its efforts to increase FAFSA completion among seniors. Counselor Richard Burton, center, spends time every year encouraging seniors to complete a FAFSA form to be eligible for certain forms of financial aid.

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School supplies, educational software and more eligible

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

Lake Martin

A pair of law enforcement actions Thursday resulted in four arrests in Camp Hill and Dadeville, while drugs, money and a firearm were Floyd seized during the arrests. The Tallapoosa County Narcotics Task Force, Camp Hill Police Department, Alexander City Police Department K-9

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graduating seniors fill out the FAFSA in order to be eligible for financial aid. Recently, Alabama Possible, who oversees the Cash for College Alabama campaign, presented the school with a special award for these efforts. See AWARD • Page 7

Page 2

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Hurt turns to anger as video games consume boyfriend

Saturday

91 71 Low

High

Chance of t-storms

Sunday

90 70 Low

High

Slight chance of t-storms

Staff

Directory Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com Management Steve Baker Publisher, Ext. 218 steve.baker@alexcityoutlook.com Lee Champion Production Manager, Ext. 220 lee.champion@alexcityoutlook.com Audra Spears Art Director, Ext. 219 audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com Angela Mullins Business Manager, Ext. 202 angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com Newsroom Amy Passaretti Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 amy.passaretti@alexcityoutlook.com Lizi Arbogast Sports Editor, Ext. 228 lizi.arbogast@alexcityoutlook.com Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com

Friday, July 20, 2018

The Outlook

Donald Campbell Staff Writer, Ext. 208 donald.campbell@alexcityoutlook.com Santana Wood Staff Writer/Pagination, Ext. 210 santana.wood@alexcityoutlook.com Advertising Sales Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Katie Wesson Retail Sales Manager, Ext. 232 tkatie.wesson@alexcityoutlook.com Jessica Ware Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 jessica.ware@alexcityoutlook.com Carter Singleton Digital Marketing Coordinator, Ext. 203 carter.singleton@alexcityoutlook.com

DEAR ABBY: I am tired of taking a backseat to my boyfriend’s video game addiction. He comes home from work, sits on the couch and gets lost in his video games. It has gotten to the point where he barely speaks to me or even looks up from his game. I know he chats with a lot of people, both male and female, on these games. I suspect he has inappropriate conversations that he feels are harmless because he won’t meet these people in person. Constantly being ignored is hurting my feelings. He never responds to my texts anymore because he’s so busy on his game. I’m starting to feel resentful, lonely and very angry. Please advise me on what to do. -- ANGRY IN OKLAHOMA DEAR ANGRY: Your boyfriend may or may not be a video game addict. If his conversations online are “inappropriate,” he may be playing more than one kind of “game.” If he feels that those conversations are harmless, he is mistaken because what he is doing isn’t healthy for you or

DEAR ABBY Advice

the relationship. My advice? Give him an ultimatum: Modify his behavior or else, and if he refuses, end the romance before he damages your self-esteem. Being ignored has been known to do that. Trust me. DEAR ABBY: We are having a struggle in our family, and I’m unsure how to handle it. Three years ago, our adult nephew, “Connor,” underwent hormone therapy, counseling and transgender surgery. She is now our niece “Cathy.” The transformation was successful, and Cathy is happier than we’ve ever seen her. We loved Connor, and nothing has changed in our relationship with Cathy. She has visited us numerous times, and we have reciprocated. The problem is Cathy’s sis-

ter, “Amy.” Amy has disowned Cathy. She says Connor “died to her” when he underwent the gender reassignment. Not only is it heartbreaking for the whole family, but I’m finding it increasingly difficult to maintain a relationship with Amy because of her rigid attitude. She boycotts family reunions and celebrations if Cathy will be present, even though family members have traveled from across the country to attend. Amy is now expecting a baby, and I’m not feeling very celebratory toward her. Please advise. -- VERY SAD AUNT IN WISCONSIN DEAR AUNT: From what you have written, it appears that by distancing herself from Cathy, Amy is isolating herself from the family. I understand that you may not wish to attend her baby shower, but if you don’t, it would be nice to send something for the child. Amy may come around one day, so keep the door open. DEAR ABBY: I am a female and my male friend, “Sam,” is recently engaged to be mar-

ried. I talk to him daily and invite him out to dinner sometimes. Sam’s fiancee, “Felicia,” has expressed to both of us that she’s uncomfortable with our relationship. She asked us to set “boundaries,” but I feel Sam is my friend and friends shouldn’t have boundaries. When I asked him out to dinner against her wishes, she became irate. Do you think I’m disrespecting their relationship? What should I do? -- FOREVER FRIEND IN CHICAGO DEAR FRIEND: It is a mistake not to recognize that Sam’s status has changed. If you value your friendship with him, you must start respecting the fact that he’s now engaged and do as his fiancee has requested -- set some boundaries. If you cannot do that, you can kiss your friendship with Sam goodbye. Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

Composing Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 219 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Shelley McNeal Composing Department, Ext. 219 shelley.mcneal@alexcityoutlook.com Circulation Linda Ewing Office Clerk, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com Erin Burton Office Assistant, Ext. 204 erin.burton@alexcityoutlook.com

Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, Lake Martin Living, (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) Kenneth Boone The Outlook is published five times Photography and a week, Tuesday through Saturday a commercial web mornings, by Tallapoosa Publish- printing press. ers, Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011.

Postal

Information

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Post Office Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011.

Obituaries Bobby J. Searcy January 4, 1934 - July 16, 2018 Funeral services for Mr. Bobby Searcy, 84, of Dadeville, Alabama will be held Saturday July 21, 2018 at Alabama Funeral Homes and Cremation Centers in Camp Hill, Alabama at 2:00 p.m. Pastor Dale Barnett and Reverend Rogers “Bubba” Lewis officiating. Burial will follow in Tallapoosa County Memory Gardens in Camp Hill. Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 21 at the funeral home. Bobby was born January 4, 1934 to the late Kendrick and Pluma Searcy. He also was preceded in death by his brother, Paul (Grace) Searcy. Bobby had a love for birds, fishing, riding around checking on others and especially a good catfish fry. He is survived by his children, Gary (Frances) Searcy, Cheryl (Eddie) Milner and Barbara Searcy; grandchildren, Kristy (Robert) Weighall, Beverly (John) Franks, Josh and Jason Milner, Brandi (Scott) Stell; great- grandchildren, Kaleigh Patterson, Addison, Anslee, and Alex Franks, Logan and Grant Weighall, Julian Stell; siblings, Juanita Schultz and Ted (Geneva) Searcy; and several loving nieces and nephews. Care has been entrusted with Alabama Funeral Homes & Cremation Centers in Camp Hill.

Mr. John Kelly Funeral service for Mr. John Kelly, 78, of Goodwater, AL, 2 p.m., Saturday, July 21, 2018; St. John A.M.E. Church, Goodwater, AL, burial, church cemetery. Final Arrangements Entrusted to Armour’s Memorial Funeral Home.

HOW TO SUBMIT OBITUARIES Obituaries can be submitted to The Outlook from funeral homes by email at obits@ alexcityoutlook.com For more information, call (256) 234-4281.

Celebrating 25 Years!

CACC students prep for school year Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Above, Central Alabama Community College Students go through orientation Thursday before the start of the school year. Right, incoming Central Alabama Community College students sign in for the first CACC ‘Connect’ program of the school year. The program is designed to be an orientation for incoming students to learn about what services and such are available to them.

Tax

continued from page 1

tax. While this means there will still be a small amount of sales tax levied on items purchased in Alexander City and Dadeville, the total tax amount paid during this course of this weekend on exempted items will be a fraction of that normally paid on such necessities. A number of local leaders agreed on the value of taking part in this exemption. “We are happy to be able to offer this,” Alexander City Councilwoman Buffy Colvin said. “This is something good we can do. We want to do what we can to help parents and their children.” Councilman Scott Hardy added, “Any time we have the opportunity to provide

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some relief, we want to take that opportunity. “We want to help out where we can, and we welcome these kinds of opportunities.” Dadeville Mayor Wayne Smith said the decision for Dadeville to take part in the sales tax holiday was easy to make, with the Dadeville City Council unanimously approving the measure at a council meeting earlier this year. “If we can save parents and their children some money, we’re willing to give up that sales tax,” Smith said. “Education is very important to us. This is our opportunity to help our students get started back to school right.” As with tax-free weekends in the past, a range of clothing and school supply items will be exempted from city and state sales tax. According to the Alabama Department of Revenue

website, general articles of clothing costing less than $100, textbooks on an official school list costing between $30 and $50, other books costing less than $30, school supplies costing less than $50 per item and computers and educational software costing less than a total of $750 are tax-free. Items not exempted are certain clothing accessories like belt buckles sold separately from a belt, handbags and watches, furniture, noneducational software, magazines, safety equipment and recreational equipment. Thankfully, parents shopping for school supplies this weekend will not have to worry about the needed supply list changing dramatically from last year to this year. “I looked at last year’s lists and I’ve looked this year’s lists, and they are essentially identical,” Tallapoosa County Director

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of Student Services Casey Davis said. “Each school and grade level puts together their own supply list. The teachers get together in teams and grade-level meetings to determine what supplies they need.” In the city school system, Director of Secondary Education Dr. Beverly Price said there were a few changes to the school supply list, but none of these changes were major additions that greatly differed from lists over the past few years. Both Davis and Price said officials in the central office for both systems do not really make any call on what should or should not be included. At the same time, Davis said the county principals do make some suggestions in this regard and Price said the central office encourages teachers to place items on the lists that have a purpose and will be used in the classroom. “This keeps from adding an undue burden on the parents,” Price said. When the tax-free weekend kicks off at 12:01 a.m. today, school supplies and new clothes will be flying off the shelves. While there will still be a small portion of tax levied on these items, having no city or state sales tax applied to the purchase will help stretch each dollar that much further while still being able to obtain all the necessary items to be ready for the first day back in early August.

Friday, July 20, 2018

Page 3

www.alexcityoutlook.com

The Outlook

Experiment

continued from page 1

to get a light bulb to brighten the corner of the room. While the teenagers disliked the manual labor of sanding the copper from one side of many pennies for the project, they were enjoying figuring out how to make it all work. “It is great to see their minds at work,” Carr said as wires, alligator clips, pennies and chemical solutions were crossing in mad scientist fashion. The “mad” science experiment was only part of the week at STEM camp. The campers got to use robots, learn about welding and nursing and even visit an automotive plant in Lincoln this week. “We wanted to let them see the technology and trades we offer here such as welding, machine shop, robotics, chemistry, science and nursing,” CACC’s Amy Giddens said. “We took them on a tour of Honda in Lincoln yesterday (Wednesday). They were able to see how things come together like robotics and welding when they saw the robots set this down and do that. It tied it all together.” This is the eighth year CACC has offered the STEM camp and it does it with help. “It has been great this year,” CACC Welding Instructor DJ James said. “The National Guard took care of our food. Local businesses gave donations to help make things happen too. We are operating off the funds they have donated.” Local businesses that helped include Robinson Iron, Madix, Conn, Russell Medical, Amerifab and Machine, M&N Alloy and AAUW. This year, the camp made stops at the Childersburg campus last week and in Alexander City this week. The idea is to use projects to put math, science, technology and engineering together. “We are exposing them to all this,” James said. “They are learning too, like the science behind welding and math in the machine shop.” The campers are leaving with new friends, a few projects they made and plenty of memories. “Some of the cool projects they did this time is they took the laser cutter and cut out parts,” James said. “They then put those together to make a catapult. On the CNC machine they made coasters and engraved those. They even got to dissect some. They dissected a rat.”

Top, Phillip Deloach, 12, of Jacksons Gap listens as CACC Automation Instructor goes over relays in the lab Thursday at the Central Alabama Community College STEM camp. Above right, Abbie James, 12, of Alexander City operates a FANUC robot to position a bolt as Emi Brady, 12, of Pike Road looks on at the STEM camp Thursday. Above left, Brady checks the voltage of a penny battery she constructed in the lab. Left, students get some hands-on learning in robotics. Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Pay “This is for substitutes, full-time drivers and coaches if they are not coaching,” Cooper said. “If the driver is a coach or sponsor of the group involved, they are not covered by this policy.” The idea of the newly approved policy is to attract bus drivers to do the job. “What we are having to do is taking personnel out of the shop and put them on the road,” Cooper said. “Hopefully this will attract some drivers, especially in the spring of the year.” Some board members asked if the system had enough drivers. Cooper responded currently all routes had drivers and they had one substitute driver, but that they never stop looking for bus drivers. “We are always recruiting drivers,” Cooper said. “Full-time drivers get the same benefits as teachers and staff.” Cooper also said it is common for substitute drivers to be promoted to full-time drivers as positions become available. Local accountant Diane Naler reported no major issues with an audit of the system’s finances. “There were no findings in the federal programs,” Naler said.

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“There were no significant findings in the other programs. There were no audit adjustments.” Naler looked at Title I and Special Education for the federal programs and looked at 25 activities in the general fund. Those activities are selected on a rotating basis. “Surprisingly, the same thing keeps coming up,” Naler said. “People are holding onto money.” Naler said some in the system are holding money from two to 79 days before turning it in. “The deposits should be made daily,” Naler said. “It is for everyone’s protection.” This issue has been noticed in previous audits and finance director Rhonda Blythe has dealt with it. “Ms. Blythe has developed a booklet to help with this,” Cooper said. “She also is planning on going to faculty meetings to address the issue.” Naler’s other findings included three instances where expenses were paid without an invoice or it couldn’t be provided and

a couple of certificates of Aug. 21 at 5 p.m. at the deposit’s interest was not booked. The board approved personnel moves that included athletic supplements, a new teacher at Jim Pearson Elementary School, a secretary at Stephens Elementary School and an in school suspension paraprofessional at Stephens. Also included were extensions of contracts for three teachers at Benjamin Russell, two Stephens Elementary School bus drivers and a Jump Start person. The board also approved minutes from the June 26 meeting and the June financial reports. Cooper reminded the board the convocation for teachers will be Aug. 1 at 8:30 a.m. at the BRHS auditorium with biscuits before at the BRHS cafeteria. He also stated there will most likely be a special called meeting before the first day of school to take care of last minute personnel issues. The next regular meeting of the Alexander City Board of Education is

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Opinion

EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker

Page 4

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Our

View

Paper seeking C political writers

he Outlook is looking to add a wide variety of political viewpoints to our opinion page. Are you someone who lives in the community and has some strong opinions about the way local, state or national government is being run? What do you think about the candidates heading to the November general election? Who do you think should be Governor of Alabama? Do you want Alabama voters to stick with Gov. Kay Ivey, or should Walt Maddox be the one in the governor’s seat? Which candidate do you feel is most qualified and why? Are you up to date with all of the political happenings in Washington and could be an informative source for readers? What do you think should be done about immigration in the United States? Do you have thoughts on how Tallapoosa County can attract more new businesses and industry that will provide jobs for our residents or how to expand the ones that are already here? We want to know exactly what you think and we want you to share it with our readers. We want educated, opinionated columnists who can speak their mind and know what they are talking about. Is that you? It doesn’t matter if you’re a Republican, Democrat, Independent or if anyone agrees with you. It doesn’t matter how old you are, what color you are or what your beliefs are. We just want someone who is willing to share their educated opinion with our readers. We want to add a variety of new columnists to this editorial page and we need your help. You can commit to writing a column for us on a weekly basis, or maybe you’re better suited to just send in a guest column every once in a while. We have two ways to get your opinion in print: letters to the editor and columns. The main difference is length. Letters to the editor are up to 250 words, while guest columns can be up to 500 words. Letters and columns may be sent to P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011, faxed to 256-234-6550 or emailed to editor@ alexcityoutlook.com. Please include your name, address and phone number. So let’s get the conversation started. What’s on your mind?

Know Your

Officials

Communication with elected officials is the key to good government. To let your most local representatives know how you feel about state or local matters, contact any of the following. Governor Kay Ivey represents the state of Alabama and its 67 counties. She was sworn into office on April 10, 2017, and can be reached at 334242-7100. Her office is located at the State Capitol at 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama. Steve Marshall was appointed Alabama’s 50th Attorney General. He was appointed in 2017 and serves as the State’s chief law enforcement officer. He can be reached at 334-242-7300, and his office is located at 501 Washington Avenue, Montgomery. Mark Tuggle (R) represents the 81st District covering Coosa, Chilton and Tallapoosa counties. He can be reached by phone at 256392-2006 or by email at tughd81@gmail.com. His office is located at 110 Calhoun Street, Suite 108, Alexander City. Tom Whatley represents the 27th District covering Lee, Russell and Tallapoosa County. He was elected to the Alabama Senate on Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334-242-7865. His office is located at 337 East Magnolia Drive, Auburn. Clyde Chambliss Jr. represents Senate District 30, which includes portions of Elmore, Autauga, Chilton, Coosa and Tallapoosa counties. He can be reached at 334-343-7883 or at clyde. chambliss@alsenate.gov

Kay Ivey

Steve Marshall

Mark Tuggle

Tom Whatley

Clyde Chambliss

Outlook

Friday, July 20, 2018

The

Melting down over ICE

alls to abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement began as whispers, but today are a lion’s-roar demand, at least among illegal immigration advocates and their congressional allies. Early on, the loudest end-ICE voices were the usual suspects, with California Senators Dianne Feinstein and her junior colleague, Kamala Harris, leading the pack. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who labeled ICE “ugly and wrong,” soon joined the fray. Last month, Feinstein introduced a bill that would essentially ban arresting any prospective illegal alien who is within 100 miles of the border. Then, on cue, the House dropped its own anti-ICE legislation. How seriously Americans should take the bravado was in question until leading 2020 Democratic presidential candidate and sitting New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand also jumped on the abolish-ICE bandwagon, and called the agency a “deportation force.” Once highly visible presidential hopefuls start saber rattling, the hour to take the abolish ICE movement seriously is at hand. What’s unclear is how much thought the anti-ICE faction has put into their position. First, if “abolish ICE” is a rally cry for mid-term and 2020 elections, it’s a bad strategy. The idea is unpopular among mainstream voters. And second, eliminating ICE would mean ending the internal enforcement process that allows for the removal of thousands of criminals who break U.S. laws once they

well as the affirmative benefits that accompany legal status. JOE Some of the more prudent GUZZARDI in the abolish-ICE camp are hedging their bets as they Columnist realize how extreme their position is. Their slightly more toned-down version, which cross the U.S. northern and may or may not be sincere, southern borders, or otherwise tries to make the point that ICE illegally enter the country. wouldn’t be eliminated but that Moreover, shutting down ICE a more forgiving agency would would encourage more illegal replace the current version. immigration, and among other But absent from immigration foibles, would expose working advocates’ modified talking and unemployed Americans points is any mention of to more foreign-born job removal except for convicted competition. alien felons. Non-enforcement The chasm between the proponents claim that enforcement and the open humanitarian concerns borders crowds has never motivate them. But, as is been wider. Earlier in her often the case, little concern Senate career, Feinstein was is shown toward the many middle of the road. Between victims of non-enforcement, 1996 and 2013, Feinstein the average, vulnerable citizens consistently voted to end the and illegal immigrants who visa lottery, and she also voted the emboldened aliens would for an amendment to complete target. 700 miles of border fencing. While the specifics regarding Today, Feinstein is an abolish the end-ICE campaign are ICE heroine, but may not be not being offered and the extreme enough to win her movement is, at this embryonic re-election bid against State stage, still a one-liner, a few Sen. Kevin de Leon who common goals have surfaced, recently hosted an “abolish ICE all of them nation-busters. cream social.” The fundamental rough Anti-ICE advocates’ two outline is any foreign national most pressing problems are who alleges he’s exposed to they offer no specific proposal gang threats, for example, for the agency’s replacement. or she’s a domestic violence More problematic for the victim, would be granted abolitionists is shutting down asylum, given a lifetime work ICE, assuming it were to permit, eventual citizenship and happen, doesn’t take existing voting privileges. Vacationers immigration laws off the books. would be able to overstay their visas without penalty, take U.S. Joe Guzzardi is a jobs and remain indefinitely. Progressives for Immigration Finally, longstanding illegal Reform analyst who has written immigrants would be given about immigration for more quasi-automatic amnesty and than 30 years. Contact him at lawful permanent residency, as jguzzardi@pfirdc.org.

Today’s

Quote

Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but wish we didn’t. —Erica Jong

Today’s

Scripture

“[The Lord says] ‘Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.’” —Isaiah 41:

alexcityoutlook.com

Daily Poll Thursday’s question: Will you take advantage of the school supply tax free weekend?

Yes — 80%, 4 votes No — 20%, 1 vote

Friday’s question: Have you ever had to call 9-1-1 in an emergency? To participate in this daily poll, log on each day to www. alexcityoutlook.com and vote. Find out the vote totals in the next edition of The Outlook and see if your vote swayed the results.

Our

Mission

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

How to

God cares for all of his creatures

’ve about decided this being close to nature thing has gotten out of hand. Everywhere I look at my house, there is some contraption for a critter. There are birdhouses, bird feeders and even a cotton-pickin’ bird bath, plus butterfly bushes and houses. It makes a fellow wonder how these creatures ever survived before I came along. Let me give you a couple of examples of what I am talking about. There are two large bushes in my flowerbed designated by some nurseryman as butterfly bushes. They supposedly attract these flying bugs and therefore, the bush costs more than a normal one. To top it off, if you have a butterfly bush then it stands to reason you need a butterfly house. What in the world does a bug need with a house? Those nasty things started life off as glorified worms now they have these little cutely painted condos with slits cut in them for doors. Give me a break! On the other hand, I have put every bird in my end of the county on welfare. I don’t think those lazy rascals even know how to find food anymore. Instead of eating all those butterflies and caterpillars they just sit out on the deck talking with one another waiting for me to feed them. A couple of them have gotten

could cut a hole in the bottom of the butterfly house and they GERALD could move in with them. HALLMARK God told Job it was Him that fed the animals of the Columnist world and Jesus reiterated that with the illustration of the sparrows. I may feed a couple as fat as chickens and I’m not of critters, but only God can sure now they can even fly. It feed a world of them. That fact alone ought to be enough to looks like Alfred Hitchcock’s movie “The Birds” when I try humble a person in the presence of the Almighty. to fill the feeder. God cares for us even However, the biggest more than He does His creamoochers are the squirrels. tures. Afterall, it was for our These guys are plotters and redemption He sent His son. planners and thwart every attempt I undertake at running He loves and cares for us, yet them off. They sit leisurely in He knows when even one of His sparrows falls to the a tree close to the house and ground. So remember, the God chat up a storm while I erect of creation is also the God of barriers to keep them away. No sooner do I get these squir- caring, and He cares for you. I think I have solved all my rel-proof partitions in place critter problems. The minute than they give them a quick inspection, find a solution and I turned my snake loose on the deck the squirrels ran off, bypass them. I ought to just invite them into the house for the birds waddled off (they’re too fat to fly) and then, bless supper every night. Since my wife loves to feed his heart, he took up residence in the butterfly’s condo. Of these critters, and I can’t run course, my wife said if I didn’t them off anyway, maybe I get rid of the snake there is ought to give up fighting and expand my outreach to nature. going to be another critter missing. She must be talking There is a pair of opossums that raid the garbage can pretty about the opossum, don’t you regularly. I could leave the lid think? off and save them the trouble Dr. Gerald Hallmark is of working so hard. Also, there a retired minister living in is that family of chipmunks Alexander City. His column that has dug more tunnels appears each Friday in The under my driveway than a Outlook. Walker County coalminer. I

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 75 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 email david.kendrick@ alexcityoutlook.com.

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Opinion?

We’d like to share your thoughts and opinions with the greater Lake Martin community. It’s free and it only takes a few moments of your time. We have two ways to get your opinion in print: letters to the editor and guest columns. The main difference is length. Letters to the editor are up to 250 words, while guest columns can be up to 500 words. Letters and columns may be sent to P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011, faxed to (256) 234-6550 or emailed to editor@alexcityoutlook. com. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send us your thoughts today!

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Friday, July 20, 2018

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Friday, July 20, 2018

The Outlook

Award At Alabama Possible’s annual awards program on June 21, Benjamin Russell Counselor Richard Burton was awarded a $1,000 check on behalf of the school. This award recognized the 71 percent of the BRHS Class of 2018 that filled out a FAFSA application, giving Benjamin Russell the highest application completion rate of any high school in Alabama. At the state level, Alabama’s FAFSA completion rate increase of 4.8 percent was not only one of the biggest increases of any state, but was also more than twice the 1.9 percent national average of growth. “It is so important to recognize the achievements of hard-working educators building a collegegoing culture,” Alabama Possible Executive Director Kristina Scott said. “Alabama’s high schools rose to the challenge this year as evident by Alabama’s achievements at the national level for one of the largest increases in FAFSA completion in the country. We are so proud of their efforts.” “It just makes me feel proud of our seniors for giving us the opportunity to win this award,” Burton said. “This absolutely reinforces that what we’re doing here is the right thing to be doing.” With Alabama Possible and the

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Cash for College Alabama campaign heavily pushing for students to complete a FAFSA application, Burton said this tied in with what he preaches to each upcoming group of seniors. He believes having students complete a FAFSA application, no matter what path these graduating seniors may choose for the future, is beneficial to everyone involved. “Seeing this gives me a good sense of optimism for the future of our students,” Burton said. “They are taking advantage of these opportunities and disseminating the information they gather on to others.” Burton was not the only school official to share a positive outlook and sense of optimism regarding both this award and participation from upcoming senior classes. “This falls right in with what we do here, getting our students college or career ready,” BRHS Principal Dr. Anthony Wilkinson said. “Anything we can do that could help our students, we’ll try it.” “We are trying to do everything we can to prepare our students for the future,” Alexander City School Superintendent Dr. Darrell Cooper said. “This speaks well for our student body as well as the faculty and staff we have at Benjamin Russell.” Cooper and Wilkinson

agreed being able to put Google Chromebooks in the hands of every student at the high school has been a great benefit to this end. With them, students have the chance to research colleges and degree programs that may interest them, as well as scholarships and financial aid opportunities available to attend these institutions. “We want our students to have a dream, and we want to let them dream, but we have to help them plan how to achieve their dream,” Wilkinson said. “I truly believe exposing the ninth- and 10th graders at a young age with things like Reality Check, Dreams Become Reality, PBLs (Project-Based Learning events) and student-led conferences is beneficial to them.” “This is just another affirmation that we are trying to do the right thing,” Cooper added. Moving forward and preparing for his conversations with the Class of 2019, Burton said he will not be changing much up of the talk he gives, but this award gives him additional ammunition to work with. “I will be using this as a talking point,” Burton said. “The conversation won’t be changing much, but I will definitely be adding this to the talk. It’s a big deal.”

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Bust Unit and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms executed a search warrant Thursday at a residence on Holley Avenue in Camp Hill. During the search, investigators recovered approximately 30 grams of cocaine, three grams of marijuana, ecstasy and synthetic marijuana. Officials also seized a Ruger 9mm pistol and $1,314 in cash and arrested two individuals at the location. Carstavious Stovall, 27, of Camp Hill was arrested on three counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana first degree, certain persons forbidden to possess a firearm, trafficking in cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Avious Floyd, 32, of Camp Hill was also arrested on three counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana first degree, certain persons forbidden to possess a

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firearm, trafficking in cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Later Thursday, investigators conducting a probation compliance follow-up at a residence on Sunset Drive in Dadeville and discovered drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine at the location. Both individuals at the residence were taken into custody without incident. Phillip Evans, 43, of Dadeville was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Mykaylin Piotrowski, 22, of Dadeville was also arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. As of Thursday evening, all four were being held at the Tallapoosa County Jail. Evans and Piotrowski were each held on $6,000 bond, while Stovall and Floyd were being held on $6,500 cash bonds each.

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CommunityCalendar Need Insurance? Call me.

Today is July 20, 2018 Today’s Events

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Kellyton Chapel United Methodist

Friday, July 20, 2018

The Outlook

Church is hosting vacation Bible school July 20 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and July 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The church is located at 50 County Road 87, Kellyton. Rev. Michael Strong is pastor of Kellyton Chapel United Methodist Church.

Submit calendar items:

Participate in your Outlook by calling 256-234-4281, faxing them to 256-234-6550, sending your event to calendar@alexcityoutlook.com or logging on to http://www.alexcityoutlook.com/.

Today’s Birthdays

Dawn Lett, Margaret Buzbee, Jackson Powell and Sharon Spears are celebrating their birthdays today.

Today’s Anniversaries

Rickie and Patsy Johnson celebrate their anniversary today.

THE MEADOWS ASSISTED LIVING

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The Clean Community Partnership encourages members of the community to get involved in an Alexander City cleanup event Saturday morning. To participate, meet in the Broad Street Plaza at 8:30 a.m. for supplies and assignments. Contact Jacob Meacham at jacob.meacham@alexandercitychamber.com for more information.

Saturday, July 21

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The Learning Tree Helping Children Learn and Grow

The Learning Tree, Inc. is Accepting Applications for Housekeeper. Applications can be picked up at: 101 S. Dubois Street Tallassee, AL 36078 Or contact Shatia Carr (334) 252-0025, Ext. 101 Email: Scarr@learning-tree.org

CITY CLEANUP: Please join members of the community, in association with Clean Community Partnership, to help clean up the streets of Alexander City on July 21. Meet in Broad Street Plaza at 8:30 a.m. for supplies and assignments. Contact Jacob Meacham at jacob.meacham@alexandercitychamber.com for more information. COMMUNITY HEALTH DAY: Beacon of Joy Seventh Day Adventist Church is hosting a community health day Saturday, July 21 from noon to 3:30 p.m. There will be free health screenings, gospel entertainment, Back 2 School supplies and science, arts and crafts activities with healthy snacks as long as supplies last. Beacon of Joy is located at 369 Scott Road. For more information call 256-786-9711. TRADE DAY: Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends Monthly Trade Day in Millerville on Highway 9 between Ashland and Goodwater will be held on July 21 from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. Refreshments are also available. CONFLICT RESOLUTION WORKSHOP: Seleeta Baptist Church is hosting a conflict resolution workshop Saturday, July 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The workshop will cover identify your anger warning signs, develop healthy ways to manage difficult feelings and learn how to respond to situations that may or may not be out of your control. The workshop is for everyone of all ages and presenters include licensed counselors and law enforcement. For those planning to attend, please call Min. Reginald Harkins or LaCheryl Harkins at 334-991-2050. Lunch will be served.

Sunday, July 22

VBS CLOSING CEREMONY: Duncan United Methodist Church is hosting a VBS closing ceremony at 5 p.m. with a program presented by the children of activities, games and music they enjoyed during the recent VBS program. Rev. Wayne Hicks is pastor.

Monday, July 23

MEETING: The Lake Martin Area Industrial Development Authority will hold its quarterly meeting on Monday, July 23 at 10 a.m. in the Board Room of the Betty Carol Graham Technology center on the Alexander City campus of Central Alabama Community College. For agenda details, please contact Denise Walls at dwalls@lakemartineda.com. MINISTERIAL MEETING: The July meeting of the Alexander City Area Ministerial Association will be Monday, July 23 at 6:30 p.m. at Westend Church.

July 23-26

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ASTHMA CAMP: The Auburn University School of Nursing is holding the first Asthma Camp Eagle (ACE) in partnership with the Morris family and Children’s Harbor from July 23-26 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lake Martin. The camp is for children 7-12 years old. Most of the campers will be from Tallapoosa County. The camp is free and parents of possible campers are asked to contact Linda Gibson-Young at gibsolm@ auburn.edu. or call at 334-844-5601.

Friday, July 27

• • • • •

Alexander City Outlook Dadeville Record Wetumpka Herald Eclectic Observer Tallassee Tribune

CONCERT: Peggy Shores will be performing Friday, July 27 at 7 p.m. at the Equality Performing Arts Center (EPAC). Shores plays piano pieces from several genres including: oldies,

southern gospel, movie and show tunes, and sacred arrangements. Joining Shores for the second half of the show is Gary Taunton. EPAC is on Highway 9 in Equality and doors open at 6:30 p.m. No admission is charges but donations are welcomed. Bring your favorite appetizer. For more information contact Wayne Glenn at 334-320-6326.

Saturday, July 28

FAMILY REUNION: The MahanYates-Jarvis Family Reunion will be July 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Rocky Creek Fellowship Hall. Bring covered dishes and enjoy the fellowship and food. FISH FRY: The Weogufka Center is hosting a fish fry July 28 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the lunchroom. Tickets are $10 at the door and the plate includes fish, fries, cole slaw, baked beans, hush puppies and tea or water. Tommy Brown will be in concert in the amphitheater at 7 p.m. and tickets are $5. Donations to the Weogufka Center are tax deductible. GAME NIGHT: Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends in Millerville will have Family Game Night Bingo from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Saturday, July 28. Begin with hot dogs, pizza, chips, and soft drinks.

Sunday, July 29

OPEN HOUSE: Living Word Eclectic is hosting an open house July 29 at 3 p.m. Everyone is invited to come and learn about the church, facility and programs offered. The message will be delivered by Rev. Stan Davidson. The church is located at 1826 Kowaliga Road. Call 334-399-1486 for more information. FIFTH SUNDAY SINGING: Hillabee Baptist Church is hosting a fifth Sunday singing July 29 at 6 p.m. The special music will be a Sacred Harp with a special guest choir.

Thursday, August 2

AUBURN CLUB: Auburn Basketball Coach Bruce Pearl will be at the annual meeting of the Lake Martin Auburn Club at Willow Point Country Club, Thursday, August 2 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. It is $40 a person. Sponsorships are available at $500 and includes four tickets and a special meet and greet with Coach Pearl. Food and beverages will be provided and a cash bar will be available. To sign up just go to www. lakemartinauburclub.com and pay online.

August 3-4

CONFERENCE: The Mt. Vernon Theatre in Tallassee is hosting the LIFT Ministries Women’s Conference “Restoration” August 3-4. Tajuan McCarty will be the special guest speaker and there will be worship, fellowship and communing together in the name of Jesus. Tickets are currently available at liftministriesal.com/shop for $50 each and include seats for the two-day event, a T-shirt, notebook, movie, night of worship, light breakfast, refreshments and a catered lunch. Friday, doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the event beginning at 6 p.m. and movie following at 8 p.m. Saturday, doors open at 9 a.m. with coffee and donuts provided, the event will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a worship rally to follow. Vendors may also purchase a ticket online for $70, which includes a general admission ticket as well as the vendor fee. Vendors may have tables set up for both days until the end of the night of worship. For more information, contact

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com

LiftMinistriesal@gmail.com

Saturday, August 4

BACK TO SCHOOL EXPO: GAP Fellowship Church is coordinating the 18th Annual Back to School Expo Saturday, August 4 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Betty Carol Graham Technology Center. There will be free school supplies, free backpacks, pizza and drinks. All students K-12 are welcome. Teachers will receive a free resource gift. KIDS WORKSHOP: Home Depot in Alexander City is hosting a kid’s workshop Saturday, August 4 from 9 a.m. to noon. Children who participate will receive supplies. Hot dogs, chips and drinks will be provided.

Sunday, August 5

CHURCH SINGING: Old Providence Baptist Church in Hackneyville is hosting an all day singing starting at 10:30 a.m. with guest singers Kingsland Quartet from Arab. CHURCH HOMECOMING: Friendship Missionary Baptist Church is hosting homecoming Sunday, August 5 at 2 p.m. Guest speaker will be Rev. Stanford Benson, pastor of First Baptist Church Rockford. Rev. Roosevelt Gregory is pastor of Friendship Missionary. PASTORAL APPRECIATION: Elam #2 Missionary Baptist Church in Kellyton is holding the 23rd pastoral appreciation service honoring Rev. and Sister Autry Powell Jr. August 5 at 11 a.m. Guest pastor is Rev. Eddie L. Hunter of Miracle Missionary Baptist Church.

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Monday, August 6

SEXUAL TRAFFICKING SEMINAR: United Methodist Women of Red Ridge United Methodist Church are sponsoring a seminar on sexual trafficking on Monday, August 6 at noon in the church sanctuary. Maryhelen Kirkpatrick will speak about the organization,The Wellhouse, which exists to honor God by rescuing and providing opportunities for restoration to female victims of human trafficking who have been sexually exploited. Red Ridge is located at 8091 County Road 34, corner of 49 & 34, Dadeville, 256-825-9820redridgeumc. org. Vicky Cater is pastor. The public is invited.

August 6 - 8

CHURCH REVIVAL: Friendship Missionary Baptist Church is hosting revival services August 6 -8 at 7 p.m. The guest speaker is Rev. James Whetstone of Leander Baptist Church in Daviston. Rev. Roosevelt Gregory is pastor of Friendship Missionary.

Tuesday, August 7

USHER MEETING: The Early Rose District Usher meeting will be Tuesday, August 7 at 5 p.m. at the Early Rose District Center.

Saturday, August 11

GOSPEL SINGING: The Mt. Vernon Theatre in Tallassee is hosting a Gospel Homecoming at 7 p.m.

August 20-22

CHURCH REVIVAL: New Adka Missionary Baptist Church is hosting its annual revival services August 20-22 at 7 p.m. nightly. The guest minister is Rev. Anthony Shealey of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Loachapoka. The pastor of New Adka Missionary Baptist is Edward Milner.

How to add a calendar item: Participate in your

Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892

By e-mailing your event to calendar@alexcityoutlook.com or call 256-234-4281. _____ Send your news items to editor@alexcityoutlook.com

Friday, July 20, 2018

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The Outlook

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Sports Outlook The

DAYS UNTIL FOOTBALL Friday, July 20, 2018

JENNINGS TAKES PART IN MEDIA DAY

Photos courtesy of UA Athletics Alabama head coach Nick Saban, above, along with student-athletes Damien Harris, Anfernee Jennings, top left, and Ross Pierschbacher traveled to Atlanta on Wednesday to take part in the 2018 Southeastern Conference Football Kickoff Media Days. The Crimson Tide spent three-plus hours being interviewed by local, regional and national media including representatives from the major sports entities such as CBS, ESPN and the SEC Network. Jennings, a Dadeville High School graduate, was recently named to the 2018 Bednarik Award Watch List. Jennings transitioned into a starting role as a sophomore a season ago and developed into a powerful threat off the edge for the Tide defense. He finished the season with 41 tackles, six tackles for loss and a sack. The Dadeville grad also broke up two passes and registered four quarterback hurries in 2017.

From Cheaha to Meaher, state park diversity abound “Georgia’s trail gets a lot, but Alabama’s doesn’t. It could be a big tourism booster for Alabama. From a shaded retreat on “My goal is to raise the John’s Bay in the Mobileawareness of the Alabama Tensaw Delta to the boardwalk section of the trail. People don’t atop the highest mountain in the know that it also is a connector state, the Alabama State Parks from Key West (Fla.) all the System offers an incredible way to Maine.” diversity of nature’s wonders to On a hot summer day, a explore. bonus of being at Cheaha is the Just north of the point where weather. the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and “It’s about 10 degrees cooler Mobile Bay converge, Meaher on the mountain,” Thornton State Park offers a respite said. “Sometimes it’s more from the hustle and bustle that than that, depending on the can be seen in the distance wind. When I got here last May on the Bayway crowded with (2017), I was freezing to death. frustrated travelers. We can sit in the restaurant and Tall pine trees blanket the see the weather around us. If I 1,300-acre park that borders the see a storm coming and we’ve Delta’s biologically rich John’s got people in the pool, I can go Bay to the south and Ducker get them out. The good thing is, Bay to the east. most of the time, the bad stuff According to Anna goes around us.” David Rainer / Alabama Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources Bryant, Meaher’s new park Another attraction for superintendent, visitors head to Cheaha State Park’s Callie Thornton takes in the vista at Bald Rock. Cheaha visitors is the solitude the park with their travel trailers of the mountain, which is in tow, attracted to the shade on Thornton now gets to share blisters and how to deal with and, possibly more important, 2,407 feet above sea level, the the water’s edge. them and how to protect your what’s not. her love of hiking with an highest in the state. A variety A native of Auburn, Bryant feet. A lot of it is simple stuff “I’ve been able to get my abundance of park visitors and of accommodations await, from came to love the area while that I want to pass on to make backpack down to 27 pounds fellow hikers. cabins and chalets to improved teaching environmental the person’s trip a lot better the and primitive camping. for a seven-day trip,” she said. “What attracted me to education for two conservation Cheaha was the mountain next time around.” “If people will bring me their “A lot of people come organizations and jumped at the and the Pinhoti Trail,” said At one time, Cheaha was the to Cheaha to disconnect,” backpack, I will go through Meaher job about a year ago. southern terminus of Thornton’s Thornton said. “If you want it and divide and conquer, as Thornton, the former Town “I enjoy being in the beloved Pinhoti Trail. That I say. I advise them on what Clerk in Rockford, Alabama. to get away from it all, if you outdoors,” Bryant said. “I love terminus has since been moved want to get away from your kind of gear they need as far “I wanted to be able to teach the water. I didn’t grow up near others how to backpack, the about 60 miles south to Flagg as shoes and clothing. A lot of telephone, your Wi-Fi, this is the beach. But the water and Mountain. The Pinhoti Trail people think they need to take importance of being outdoors where you come. Once you flora and fauna here at Meaher and inspiring others to love the multiple days of clothes. If you covers about 170 miles in come around the curves on is a very therapeutic place for Alabama and 166 miles in pick the right gear, you might outdoors. (Hwy.) 281, you lose your me. That is a bonus of this job need an extra pair of socks, but Georgia before it connects with connections. I just got a call “I’ve been backpacking for for me.” the Appalachian Trail. Hikers you don’t need anything else. about 12 years now, doing from a man who said he was Callie Thornton, the assistant anything and everything can also gain access to the “I had a friend with me on ready to get away from work. park superintendent at Cheaha Eastern Continental Trail that one trip who had 60 pounds in adventurous. I’ve done more People disconnect and they go State Park, finds her therapy transits the entire eastern U.S. her backpack. She was really than 1,000 miles backpacking, hiking, swimming and enjoy the in the mountains, and Cheaha, Thornton, also president suffering. While we were on so now I teach backpacking restaurant. They come to hike. completely surrounded by of the Alabama Pinhoti Trail courses. And a lot of people are the trip I went through her They come to see the wildlife, the Talladega National Forest Association, hopes to bring bag. When we got to the next scared of camping. My goal is the deer and turkeys. We have in northeast Alabama, is the more exposure to Alabama’s to teach people to not be afraid station, I told her to take this a lot of birdwatchers who come perfect location for her. Pinhoti segment. and that out and put it in the of being in the outdoors.” to the park. We have gemAlready a dedicated “We don’t get a lot of hiker box or mail it home. I’ve Thornton’s instructions mining for the kids and a lot of backpacker before she took publicity on the Alabama include camp cooking, first aid, learned through experience interpretive nature programs for the job at Cheaha a year ago, Pinhoti Trail,” she said. what’s needed in your backpack about a lot of things, like the whole family.” By DAVID RAINER Alabama Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources