THE SPORTS, PAGE 12
TUESDAY
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892
Robinson steps down as BRHS volleyball coach
June 5, 2018 Vol. 126, No. 111 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢
LOCAL, PAGE 11 Library holds summer reading kickoff
BRHS student drowns at Lake Wedowee A group of family and friends gather at a candlelight vigil Sunday to honor BRHS student Devin Kalil Billups, who drowned at Lake Wedowee Saturday. Billups, 17, was a three-year track athlete and was also returning to the football team for his senior year.
Candlelight vigil held for 17-year-old student-athlete Devin Kalil Billups By MITCH SNEED and LIZI ARBOGAST Staff Writers
A 17-year-old Alexander City male lost his life Saturday after going under water in Lake Wedowee while swimming with friends. Randolph County Coroner Terry Sparks confirmed Monday that Devin Kalil Billups, 17, of
Alexander City went missing in the water around 2 p.m. while swimming in an area of the lake near the old Highway 48 Bridge off Randolph County Road 90. Sparks said the body of the Benjamin Russell High School student was recovered at about 4:30 p.m. after multiple firstresponders arrived and joined in See DROWNING • Page 3
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
FLOWN AWAY Daring helicopter rescue gets help for ATV crash victim
Council honors city workers, votes on fireworks show By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer Troopers with ALEA’s Aviation Unit perform a long line rescue near Hillabee Creek at Highway 22 Monday morning after two men were injured when an ATV they were riding in flipped and rolled down a hill into a deep ravine. First responders from the Alexander City Fire Department, the Alexander City Police Department, Tallapoosa County EMA, the Alabama State Department of Conservation, New Site Police Department, the Alex City Rescue Squad and LifeSaver joined ALEA’s Aviation Unit in the rescue mission.
By MITCH SNEED Editor
T
wo men were injured, one critically, when an ATV they were riding in while working in a remote area off Highway 22 flipped and rolled down a hill into a deep ravine Monday morning. To get the men medical attention, firstresponders used four-wheel drive vehicles, ATVs, a long-line rescue featuring the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Aviation Unit and a LifeSaver Air Ambulance. The two men were contractors who make sure that the above ground orange marker poles are in good condition along the gas pipeline. The driver, who suffered some bruises and some knots on his head, said they had placed one marker near the bottom of the hill and were starting up the other side of the 200foot ravine when the grade caused the ATV to roll over before coming to rest at the bottom of the hill. The passenger was the most severely injured. See RESCUE • Page 10
The Alexander City City Council honored city workers and voted to make the Celebrate Freedom fireworks bigger this year at Monday’s meeting. Shelby Richardson and his staff at the Waste Water Treatment facility were recognized for the their efforts in saving the City of Alexander City money by reducing energy usage. Their efforts have seen energy usage reduced by 60 percent at the plant resulting in a savings See COUNCIL • Page 9
Polls open today for primary election STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
— Reese McAlister
Today voters will head to the polls to make a decision on who they want to represent their party in November’s General Election. Voters will be casting their ballot to decide who they want to be Alabama’s next governor, lt. governor and attorney general, state representative, and also who will hold the offices in Tallapoosa County for probate court judge and county commissioners. Polls open at 7 a.m. and voting will continue until 7 p.m. Though polling places remain largely the same, there are just two small changes in polling places for area residents. Beginning with this election, Eagle Creek Voting House has changed to the Eagle Creek Baptist Church at 7680 Horseshoe Bend Road in Dadeville. Also those who previously voted at Mt. Lovely Baptist Church will now vote at the Tallapoosa County Career Tech Center at 251 MLK Street in Camp Hill.
ACFD chief
See VOTE • Page 9
“Those folks from ALEA are incredible ... They are so good at what they do and they showed that for sure on this one.” Today’s
Weather
86 63 High
Low
Lake Martin
Lake Levels
490.50
Reported on 06/04/18 @ 2 p.m.
pĕÆeĔĖs
Kent Hovind
Creation Science Evangelism
June 10TH • 5 PM Alexander City Methodist Church LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443 6 54708 90050 8 USPS Permit # 013-080
laceyshowell@gmail.com 5295 Highway 280, Alex City, AL
Since founding the ministry of Creation Science Evangelism in 1989, Kent Hovind has debated over 100 evolutionists and atheists worldwide. His mission is to tell the world about the salvation in Jesus Christ and to use all scientiÄc evidence to strengthen your faith in God’s Word.
1020 11th Avenue North, Alexander City | 256-329-1284
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Wednesday
Choice made before difficult birth continues to haunt mom
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Staff
Directory Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com Management Steve Baker Publisher, Ext. 218 steve.baker@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 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 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 Scott Hardy Digital Marketing Coordinator, Ext. 231 scott.hardy@alexcityoutlook.com Jessica Ware Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 jessica.ware@alexcityoutlook.com Composing Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 219 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 219 hallie.holloway@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.
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Information
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Post Office Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011.
Tuesday, June 5, 2018
The Outlook
© 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Reproduction of any part of any issue requires written publisher permission.
Obituaries Ms. Joycelyn Strong Harrison Ms. Joycelyn Strong Harrison age 63 formerly of Goodwater, AL died at her residence in Upatoi, GA on Friday, June 1, 2018. Funeral arrangements are pending. Final Arrangements are Entrusted to Armour’s Memorial Funeral Home.
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DEAR ABBY: Twelve years ago, I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. It was a difficult pregnancy and delivery due to a medical condition my daughter was diagnosed with in the womb. The doctors let my husband and me know there could be problems during the delivery. We needed to make a decision. If things went wrong, we had to choose between my life and our daughter’s life. I told my husband to pick her. I can’t stop thinking about how quickly my husband agreed to that decision! At the time, I was OK with his immediate reaction and loved him more for caring about our child. My kid is the light of my life, and jealousy plays no role in my emotions. I would want him to choose her again, but I don’t understand why his swift agreement haunts me still. It makes me question our relationship and how much I really matter to him. -- HAUNTED IN TEXAS DEAR HAUNTED: You may be viewing what happened from the wrong perspective.
DEAR ABBY Advice
From where I sit, you TOLD your husband what you wanted his choice to be, and because he loves you, he immediately agreed. I’m willing to bet that you are his world. I know few men who would wish to parent a child alone. You made the choice for your husband, and you are wrong to be secondguessing him after the fact. DEAR ABBY: My wife doesn’t think it’s rude to talk -- or “whisper,” as she calls it -- during movies. I don’t want to see movies with her because of this. She says I don’t understand because I am not a woman. I tell her being a woman has nothing to do with it. Talking during movies is just plain rude. We can go for dessert after a movie and discuss
it. I’m not sure if you have any words of wisdom for her because she’s too busy talking to listen to me. -- SILENT IN OHIO DEAR SILENT: You and I are not the only ones who feel that when people talk and whisper in a theater, it’s rude. Often when I go to films, a short message is posted on the screen before it begins requesting that the audience turn off their electronic devices and refrain from talking while it’s running. Because your wife refuses to keep quiet, have her see movies with a female friend who doesn’t mind the distraction -- if she can find one. And as for you, if there’s a movie you want to see, either go alone or with a buddy. P.S. Please warn your wife that she is asking to be yelled at, cursed at or worse if she persists. DEAR ABBY: I have been divorced for seven years from my 28-year-old daughter’s father. She doesn’t understand
why I date and keeps asking me why I can’t just stay single. She said if I do find a boyfriend, she’ll refuse to meet him. She insists that if a man is in my life, he does not have to be in hers. This makes holidays and special events hard. What should I say to her? -- GETTING OPPOSITION IN AUSTIN, TEXAS DEAR GETTING: You and your daughter are both adults. Tell her that you want to date and have companionship for the same reasons she does. Then point out that she does not have the right to dictate how you should live the rest of your life, and if she chooses not to meet someone who brings her mother happiness, it will be her loss and not yours. 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.
SCHEDULE OF SUN FESTIVAL EVENTS Tuesday, June 5 Pie in the Sky Treasure Hunt Morning riddle will be read at 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. on the Front Porch at FM 97.5. When solved the riddle will lead you to a Sun Festival medallion worth $200. 10 a.m. to noon KidsFest Healthy Living Lake Martin Innovation Center 3 p.m. Show Me the Movie Playhouse Cinema 5:30 p.m. Glow in the Dark Golf Tournament Lake Winds Golf Course
Wednesday, June 6 Pie in the Sky Treasure Hunt Morning riddle will be read at 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. on the Front Porch at FM 97.5. When solved the riddle will lead you to a Sun Festival medallion worth $200. 9 a.m. Lake Martin United Way IREAD Stephens Elementary School 1 p.m. Bingo
256-234-4281
When solved the riddle will lead you to a Sun Festival medallion worth $200. 9 a.m. KidsFest Wet ‘n Wild Thursday, June 7 Alexander City Pool Pie in the Sky Treasure 10 a.m. Hunt Pie Baking Contest Morning riddle will be read Lake Martin Innovation at 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. on the Center Front Porch at FM 97.5. 10:30 a.m. When solved the riddle will Celebrate America’s lead you to a Sun Festival Heroes medallion worth $200. Bill Nichols State Veterans 9 a.m. Home KidsFest in the Sun 6 p.m. Airport Pavilion Alexander City Jazz 1 p.m. Festival KidsFest Luck of the Strand Park Draw New Devils, Jon Cleary 6 Broad Street and Hollis Brown 2:30 p.m. Saturday, June 9 KidsFest Build Your Own Pie in the Sky Treasure Sundae Hunt Carlisle’s Morning riddle will be read 5:30 p.m. at 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. on the Cornhole Tournament Front Porch at FM 97.5. Coffee Corner Alley When solved the riddle will 6 p.m. lead you to a Sun Festival Strand Sessions medallion worth $200. Strand Park 6 p.m. Friday, June 8 Alexander City Jazz Pie in the Sky Treasure Festival Hunt The Amp Morning riddle will be read Yonrico Scott, Roman at 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. on the Street and Taylor Hicks Front Porch at FM 97.5. The Mill Two Eighty 6 p.m. Faith Night The Mill Two Eighty
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Tuesday, June 5, 2018
The Outlook
Drowning the search. Billups was pronounced dead at the scene. Billups was swimming a good distance away from the shore when he either tired or cramped up before going under the water and didn’t resurface. Others who were at the lake with Billups rushed to the area where he was last seen, but were unable to get to him. “We don’t know for sure if he fatigued or possibly experienced cramps or something along those lines,� Sparks said. “But it’s my understanding that he went under while swimming and didn’t resurface.� Emergency personnel responded to the remote area quickly and began a search that led to the discover of Billups’ body a short time later. Sparks said Billups was not sent to the state medical examiner for an autopsy due to the consistent information that was received from witnesses and others who were at the scene. The cause of death is being listed as drowning. The Billups family has asked for privacy during this time of extreme mourning, but some who knew Devin well recalled him as a leader with an incredible work ethic. “I do know he was really a quiet leader,� BRHS football coach Kevin Smith said. “People didn’t always talk about him being a leader, but if you say something to a group of kids, you can always tell who the leader is by who the other kids look at, and Devin was that kind of guy. I’m sure it really is affecting our guys and it’s affecting us as coaches.� Billups was a threeyear competitor for the
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Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
A group of family and friends gather at a candlelight vigil Sunday night to honor BRHS student Devin Kalil Billups, who drowned at Lake Wedowee Saturday. Billups, 17, was a three-year track athlete and was also returning to the football team for his senior year.
Benjamin Russell track team, participating in the 100 and 200 dashes and the 4x100 relay. After taking his junior year off, Billups was also returning to the football team for his senior season and made heads turn during spring practice. “He practiced hard and he had a good attitude with everything,� said Martae Wyckoff, BRHS track and field coach and position coach for the football team. “He had a very good spring and probably was penciled in to be a starting defensive back. Coach Smith had high expectations for him. He was a very good
student, very athletic and very coachable.� Smith and Wyckoff are now faced with how to help Billups’ teammates through the tragedy. Several Wildcats have tweeted about feeling like they lost a family member. “I’m trying to sit back and think about what to tell the kids when we get back together,� Smith said. “What can we learn from this? There was no typical teenage stuff you hear about. They were just in a lake swimming, which hundreds of kids do every day. I guess the message is look around and appreciate the people around you because you
just don’t know.� Sunday night about 40 family members, friends and residents who live near the site of the drowning met near the water for an emotional candlelight vigil. “We all wanted to do something to let the family and his loved ones know that they are in our thoughts and prayers,� Miranda Wreyford of the Mount Grove Community said. “It’s hard to imagine someone so young, who was there just enjoying a summer day, losing his life in a split second. I know we can’t imagine the pain they are feeling, but wanted them to know
we support them and lift them up in prayer in this tragic time.� The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office was the lead agency in the search and rescue with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Marine Police assisting.
Several other groups also responded to help in the process. Clay and Randolph County 911 handled the initial call. Clay County Rescue Squad responded to assist Randolph County Rescue Squad to assist with the search and recovery.
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Opinion
MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213 editor@alexcityoutlook.com
EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed
Page 4
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View
Rescue shows training, equipment, cooperation all essential tools for area first responders
W
e are thankful to have so many agencies that work well together and use every tool at their disposal when emergencies make it essential to get a job done quickly to help preserve lives. Monday morning, we saw a perfect example of that cooperation at work. First responders from the Alexander City Fire Department, the Alexander City Police Department, Tallapoosa County EMA, ALEA’s Aviation Unit, the Alabama State Department of Conservation, New Site Police Department, the Alex City Rescue Squad and LifeSaver came together Monday morning to rescue two individuals injured in an ATV accident near Hillabee Creek and Highway 22 The units came together to get those injured from the ravine they were in using tools that some illinformed residents may consider toys. The Alexander City Fire Department used its emergency equipped all-terrain vehicle to take needed supplies and personnel into the remote scene and remove one of the victims. Some have questioned the need for all the extra equipment our first-responders have accumulated, but those several of those extras served their intended purpose Monday. It is something they have trained for over and over. Each of the agencies knows the capabilities and expertise that other agencies possess and through joint training, they know who to call on in each situation. ALEA’s aviation unit used one of the state’s helicopters to remove another victim from the site via a long-line rescue. It’s something many of the first responders in Tallapoosa County have trained for or been a part of in just the last year. While this emergency was on land, the Alexander City Fire Department is also equipped for most any emergency from hazardous materials to water rescues. Those “toys” are in fact life-saving tools that serve a very useful purpose. We all have heard of stories from across the world and nation where agencies don’t work well together or do not know the capabilities of others. It goes to show we live in a great place where no one department tries to do everything and can work with others to get the job done.
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.
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 256-392-2006 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 334242-t7865. His office is located at 337 East Magnolia Drive, Auburn.
Kay Ivey
Steve Marshall
Mark Tuggle
Tom Whatley
D
onald Trump has become quite the worldwide diplomat. We needed one. There was no place in the world the U.S. was better off after the Obama, Hillary Clinton and John Kerry era. In fact, Secretary of State John Kerry (who applied James Taylor diplomacy) was so sadly inept that he could not break up a ketchup fight at a Heinz family picnic if he had to. Enter Donald J. Trump, who brought nations to the bargaining table that were previously running all over us. Last week he even brought home Josh Holt, an American kept in solitary confinement in Venezuela for two years. Trump surprised him at the airport when he landed. Josh saw Trump and thought, “Cool, President Hillary Clinton sent that guy from The Apprentice to welcome me.” Surprising many, Trump even put a woman in charge of the CIA. The thought was, we have tried every form of punishment from “black sites” to waterboarding to break our enemies. Now, with a woman in charge, we can try the silent treatment. The next Holy Grail for our unlikely world diplomat is North Korea. It is run by 34-year-old ruthless dictator intern/trainee turned “Dear Leader” Kim Jung-Un. Kim was thrown into power by his father right before he died. Kim Jung-il must have seen ruthlessness early in the young Kim, passing over his two older brothers Kim JungTito and Kim Jung-Jermain to succeed him. (Sorry for longtime readers; that joke never gets old.) Trump calculates that this young leader, with a bad haircut on par with his own, is a man
Tuesday, June 5, 2018
The
The off and ‘Un’ of North Korea
Our
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.
Outlook
RON HART Columnist he can do business with. Kim is a billionaire who enjoys cognac and the NBA, snorts cocaine off the rear-ends of his young harem of women, and pops Cialis like mints. Trump reasons: Is there a 34-year-old in the world who has more to lose by dying in a nuclear holocaust than this Kim? For millennials in America, the existential threat of a nuclear war falls on “like, like, really, literally, like” deaf ears. If the mushroom cloud comes, this poorly educated and self-absorbed generation would run outdoors for the first time in months and try to take a selfie with the cloud in the background. We know North Korea has nukes on missiles that can reach California and Washington State and that, at some point in the future, they will have some that can reach some of our good states, the ones with SEC football teams. We must act before then. These talks were almost derailed because of comments from Ambassador John Bolton. The hawkish Bolton, whose mustache is loaned out on weekends to Civil War re-enactors, is playing bad cop to Trump’s crazy cop. As a libertarian, the view I have stated for years now is just to let these isolated military dopes alone. They pin medals on their chests for feats worth less than a Cub Scout merit badge and have technology from a 1980s Radio Shack. Let them keep monkeying around
with nuclear weapons in their countries the size of Maine while we sit back and just let Darwinism take its course. What is bringing North Korea to the table is not nukes. It is, as it always is, economics, and the fact that communism always ends up starving its citizens. Socialism and communism, like Democrat politics in America, only work for those in charge of them. And Trump’s new “frenemy,” Chinese leader Xi Jinping, does not want regime change, which would cause tens of millions of North Korean refugees to stream into China. Remember the first law of illegal immigration: America is the only jerk country that wants to control whom we let in — never other countries. The reality is, Kim Jung-Un is scared of Trump. Since Trump took office, North Korean dry cleaners have made customers pay in advance. If Trump’s shrewd peace plan works, it will kill the left. Nancy Pelosi would rather have all-out nuclear war than see Trump get a Nobel Peace Prize by making the world safer. And the media reacts predictably. Fox News is encouraging his accomplishments in talking to communist North Korea. MSNBC and CNN are covering it as the latest twist in Trump colluding with Russia. Should Trump meet with North Korea, it is the mainstream media’s sincere hope that Kim Jung-Un is cooperating with Robert Mueller and is wearing a wire. Ron Hart is a libertarian syndicated op-ed humorist, award-winning author and TV/ radio commentator can be reached at Ron@RonaldHart.com or visit www.RonaldHart.com
Today’s
Quote
“We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” —Epictetus
Today’s
Scripture
“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.” —1 Chronicles 29:11
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Letter to the Editor
We should all be aware of lake contaminants Dear Editor, Yesterday I was reading news from al.com and saw an article that caught my eye. It was titled “Alabama fish consumption advisories 2018: Complete list of species on do not eat list.” I do not exactly remember the year the Lake Watch group was formed. Mr. Dick Bronson recruited local residents, fishermen and water enthusiasts and they set out to help clean up specific areas of concern on Lake Martin. Their major point of focus was where Sugar Creek emptied into Elkahatchee Creek. Sugar Creek, Stink Creek to some, and KoolAid Creek (due to the dye colors in the water) to others, had been the outlet for dyes, chemicals and sewage from the mills and city for decades. It was left unattended for so many years there would be fish kills that left the hollow where Sugar Creek emptied into the lake, backwater as we called it, and on into Elkahatchee Creek. We are not talking about a few fish here and there. My family homeplace, where I live now, is several hundred yards from that point of entry into the lake. I can remember as a child, that on hot summer days the stench of dead and rotting fish would swirl up through the hollows of the hills and into our house which was the last house on Dean Road before the pavement ended about 50 yards away. From the end of the pavement, there was one dirt road
that split on further down into what became Raintree to the left and another boat landing to the right...to Sugar Creek. We would hop in the truck or car and ride down to see just how big the kill was. There were times that if the layer of dead fish was to solidify, we would have been able to walk the some 50 to 60 yards across to the other side of the slough. The dead fish were backed up all the way to the effluence of Sugar Creek directly into Elkahatchee Creek. And yet, people would launch their boats, and some even camped and fished there. It was also a great nighttime hangout for many teens to get away and “chill” such as it was back then. That boat landing was closed off by the property owner about five years ago so there is now no access to that landing. In saying all this, I get to the point of what Lake Watch accomplished over time in its battles. My father, Woodfin Martin, was an avid fisherman, and no one knew the Elkahatchee area better than him. Mr. Bronson enlisted his help and the help of early Raintree residents and other lake residents to begin a monitoring system. ADEM and the EPA were brought in and a cleanup began. The response the first year was so great that an award was given several years, in my father’s name, to other outstanding activists who were members of Lake Watch. And over the years Lake Watch has continued to monitor points around the lake. Tremendous
strides were made and the water flow from Sugar Creek is now clear. Even the dye stains have faded away from the large boulders around the slough. When I saw the headline on limited fish consumption around the state, I was immediately drawn to it. I had to know what the record was on Lake Martin, a place I had lived, swam, fished, walked the shores in the winter, and still consider to be the most perfect gem of our state. As I read through the article, I grew anxious to get to the Tallapoosa River. I was heartbroken to see that the largemouth bass, specifically from the Elkahatchee basin were contaminated with enough mercury content to warrant a do not consume warning. That warning tells me that we have not been given sufficient notice about the largemouth bass, and surely all the others, the small mouth bass, the stripers, the crappie, bream and catfish being contaminated. I cannot grasp the notion that this once a year article is considered an adequate warning to the lake lovers and homeowners that swim and play in the still contaminated waters of Sugar Creek. Would it be possible for you to gain permission to reprint the article or the portions about the Tallapoosa and Coosa Rivers? Or possibly create your own coverage? M. Dean Martin 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 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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Tuesday, June 5, 2018
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The Outlook
All About The Sea!
Sea Animals Word Find
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Co Connect Con onn nne ne ect Th The he Dots D ots ot ts To o Find Fin Fi ind Th ind The he e Se Sea ea Ani An Animal ni imal ma al
Narwhal Match Ans: #4
Anemone, Barnacle, Coral, Crab, Crocodile, Dolphin, Eel, Fish, -HOO\ÂżVK .ULOO /DPSUH\ /REVWHU 0XVVHO 2FWRSXV 2WWHU 3ODQNWRQ 6HDO 6KDUN 6KULPS 6QDLO 6SRQJH 6TXLG 6WDUÂżVK 6WLQJUD\ 7XUWOH 8UFKLQ :DOUXV :KDOH
Ocean Floor Maze
Which Narwhal Shadow Matches?
1
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CommunityCalendar Need Insurance? Call me.
Tuesday, June 5, 2018
The Outlook
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 is June 5, 2018 Today’s Events
CANCER SUPPORT GROUP: The monthly community cancer support group meeting will be at 6 p.m. at the Trinity Campus of First United Methodist Church next to Russell Medical. For more information contact
Andrea Peacock at 256-749-1134 or andreapeacock60@gmail.com
celebrating their birthdays today.
Today’s Anniversaries
Today’s Birthdays
Craig Couch, June Rhodes, Walter Boyles Jr. Shirley Hack, Trey Hicks and Cody Brooks are
Diane and Robert Forbus, Jon and Alice Owens and Garon and Toni Nelson celebrate their anniversaries today.
THE MEADOWS ASSISTED LIVING
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Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
Sabrina Lamb was the first winner in the Sun Festival Pie in the Sky Treasure Hunt. Lamb said she didn’t start searching until about 8 a.m. and the clue led her to Huddle House where the medallion was found under a newspaper box. Lamb picked up a $200 check for her find.
Today - June 6
REVIVAL SERVICES: Comer Baptist Church is hosting revival services tonight through June 6 at 6:30 p.m. with Evangelist Rev. Wayne Henderson.
Today - June 7
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: First Baptist Church of Alexander City is hosting Vacation Bible School daily through June 7 from 8 a.m. to noon. “Game On: Gearing Up for Life’s Big Game” is open for ages completing Pre K-4 through sixth grade. Register at www.fbc-ac.org/gameon.
Today - June 8
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: New Beginning Baptist Church on Coley Creek Road is hosting Vacation Bible School nightly from 5 to 8 p.m. through June 8. The theme is “Game On” and is for ages three through youth. Meals will be served every night and transportation is available. Please call 256-7500068 for more information.
Today - June 6
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: New Adka and Pleasant Valley Missionary Baptist churches are hosting Vacation Bible School from 5 to 7:30 p.m. nightly through June 6 at the New Adka Missionary Baptist Church. SPIRITUAL: The Word Bible Church presents three nights of spiritual re-visitation and resurgence June 5-6 at 7 p.m. nightly. Tuesday’s speaker is Overseer Calvin Daniel of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church and Wednesday’s speaker is Bishop Demetrius Griffin of Hatchett Springs Baptist Church.
Today - June 8
The Learning Tree Helping Children Learn and Grow
The Learning Tree, Inc. is Accepting Applications for 2nd, 3rd, and Weekend Shifts for Direct Care. 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
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: West End Church is hosting “Game On and Gear Up for Life’s Big Game” Vacation Bible School nightly from 5 to 8 p.m. through June 8. Supper will be served at 5 and VBS will begin at 6 p.m. Registration is now open and van pickup is available. To register see a member of West End or call the church office at 256-234-2130 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Today - June 7
CHURCH REVIVAL: New Harmony Baptist Church in Camp Hill is hosting revival services June 5-7 at 7 p.m. nightly. The guest speakers will be Rev. Jerry Dowdell of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. Morris Lewis of St. Luke CME Church and Rev. Robert Cadenhead of Macdeonia Baptist Church. The pastor of New Harmony Baptist Church is Rev. Melvin Kelley Jr.
Wednesday, June 6
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SPEAKER: Alex City Methodist Church is hosting creationist Kent Hovind at 5 p.m. MONTHLY LUNCHEON: Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends in Millerville will have its monthly luncheon from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Please bring a covered dish and a small donation.
Friday, June 8
CONCERT: Award-winning pianist, arranger, music composer Christopher Cooley will perform in a free-will offering concert at Lake Pointe Baptist Church, located at 8352 AL Highway 50 in Walnut Hill, just east of AL 49, south of Dadeville.
The concert is a fund-raiser to support the Lei Bledsoe/Joe Ponder Fund of neighboring Sardis UM Church. The Bledsoe/Ponder Fund provides financial support and acts of kindness to people in the community in times of hardship. Donations will be accepted. Admission is free. Cooley, who now lives in New York, has played a variety of instruments and with various vocal soloists at Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Center, as well as in Italy, Germany, Austria and a half-dozen other countries. Lake Pointe Baptist Church is donating the use of its sanctuary and baby-grand piano in anticipation of a crowd too large for the smaller capacity of neighboring Sardis United Methodist Church. A reception with refreshments and light snacks will precede the performance.
June 8 - June 9
CONFERENCE: Darian Baptist Church on Pearson Chapel Road is hosting the “Spirt of Unity Conference 2018” June 8 at 7 p.m. and June 9 at 9 a.m. Guest speaker will be Rev. Wally Cooley of Faith Outreach Ministry in Anniston. For more information contact Overseer Larry Shealey at 334-707-8349.
Saturday, June 9
PRODUCTION: The Mt. Vernon Theatre in Tallassee is hosting musical artist Andy Griggs in concert at 8 p.m. Tickets are $12 and are available at mtvernontheatre.net BRIDGE BUILDERS FOOTBALL CAMP: The annual Bridge Builders Football Camp will be June 9 and 23. Registration starts at 7 a.m. and the $10 fee includes lunch. Current and former Auburn University athletes are set to help including Tre’ Williams, Malik Miller and K.J. Britt. Pre-registration will be at JR’s Mondays starting May 21. For more information contact Hudson R. Hinton at 256-750-1140. CLASS MEETING: The Laurel High School Class of 1969 will meet at the Cooper Recreation Center at 10 a.m. YARD AND BAKE SALE: Calvary Baptist Church in Dadeville is hosting an indoor yard sale and bake sale from 7 a.m. to noon. There will be clothes, home decor, kitchen supplies and more. There will also be homemade stationery and inspirational paintings. YARD SALE: The Tallapoosa County Crisis Center is hosting its Second Quarter Yard Sale from 7 a.m. to noon at the crisis center.
June 9 - 14
CAMP: Mt. Vernon Theatre in Tallassee is hosting a theatre camp for kids June 9-14.
Sunday, June 10
FISH FRY: Duncan United Methodist Church is hosting a fish fry at 5 p.m. Rev. Wayne Hicks is the pastor.
June 10 - 14
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Wayside Baptist Church is hosting “Game On” Vacation Bible School June 11-14 from 5:20 to 8:15 p.m. with a kickoff party June 10 at 6 p.m. The Kickoff Party will have s’mores, games, fun, music and more. You can register at this event for VBS. VBS will have music, art, Bible study, recreation and lots of surprises. A free T-shirt is included. For more
information call 256-749-1102. Pickup will be available upon request.
June 11-16
RABIES WEEK: Many vet clinics in the area are offering $10 Rabies vaccinations during the week. In addition Dr. John Caldwell will take his Rabies vaccination services on the road June 16. He will be at the Daviston Fire Department from 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. June 16 and from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. at Hall Propane in New Site. The $10 fee only covers the rabies vaccination.
Tuesday, June 12
DELORES HYDOCK: Friends of the Dadeville Public Library are sponsoring a moment in history, “It’s the Little Things: Five small objects that shaped the world of the Dutch Golden Age” with storyteller Delores Hydock at 12:30 p.m. at Red Ridge United Methodist Church located at the intersection of County Road 34 and Alabama Highway 49 just south of Dadeville.
Friday, June 15
CONCERT: Mean Mary will be in concert at 7:30 p.m. at the Sundilla Concert Series at the Auburn United Universalist Fellowship Hall. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door.
Saturday, June 16
CHURCH SINGING: The First Presbyterian Church Choir is presenting its Annual Concert at 5 p.m. in the sanctuary at 371 Jefferson Street. This year’s program is entitled “The Elders Sing the Oldies,” featuring music from the ‘40s, ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s. The guest artists will be former Alexander City residents, Brink and Brinkley Norton from Charleston, South Carolina. Admission is free.
Thursday, June 21
SENIORX: Deborah Jones, SeniorRx coordinator will be available from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce to see if seniors are eligible for assistance with diabetic supplies, liquid supplements or medications. DAY OF ACTION: The Lake Martin Area United Way Day of Action is from 8 a.m. to noon. The projects this year are at Benjamin Russell High School, Dadeville Elementary School and on Main Street. Interested volunteers can download a registration form from the Lake Martin Area United Way website or contact Courtney Layfield at uw211@ unitedwaylakemartin.org or at 256329-3600.
Saturday, June 23
SAVE OUR YOUTH TOUR: The 2018 Save Our Youth Tour featuring special guest Amari Asad will be from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Cooper Recreational Center located at 625 MLK Jr. Blvd. in Alexander City. The theme is “teach, educate and motivate.” Admission is $20 and advance tickets are available. Vendor spaces are also available for $25. All ages are welcome to attend. For more information, call 256-4964099. BENEFIT PROGRAM: New Canaan Missionary Baptist Church in Camp Hill is hosting a benefit program for Vikki and Porshia Doss at 5 p.m. It is hosted by the Star Wonders and pastor of New Canaan is Rev. Justin Freeman.
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Tuesday, June 5, 2018
Tuesday, June 5, 2018
Council
The Outlook
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Vote
continued from page 1
of $8,900 a month and were also recognized by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management Operator Certification Program Chief Jim Grassiano at a recent meeting. “That really is an outstanding honor,” Council President Tommy Spraggins said. “He certainly deserves the recognition.” Richardson quietly stood to be recognized and gave others the credit. “I will tell them (staff) tomorrow about how grateful you are,” Richardson said. “It is all them, not me.” The savings come from a process started in July 2015 of cycling pumps on and off at the facilities. In 2017 the savings were between $6,000 and $7,000 a month and have gotten better in 2018. “This was an energy management program,” City Human Resource Director Kathy Railey said. “He actually had the highest savings in kilowatts and money in the state.” Pastor Rick Levell came to the council seeking approval of a special event permit for this year’s event and $2,500 more in funding to make the fireworks bigger. “We are trying to take it to a new level,” Levell said. “It has been about the same for 10 years. :As the crowds get bigger, we are trying to grow too.” The City of Alexander City now provides $7,500 in funding for the July 3 event for fireworks. Members of the council were happy to provide the extra funding but would like for the funding request to come at budget time. Instead, the council had to amend the city’s budget with an unanimous vote. “We are happy to do it,” Council Member Eric Brown said. “But we will take some heat for doing it this
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Voters are reminded that they must have valid identification to vote. All voters must present photo identification at the polling booth in order to vote in Alabama, such as a valid: • Alabama driver’s license or non-driver ID card; • Alabama photo voter ID; • A state issued ID (can be from any state); • U.S. passport; • Student/employee ID card issued by a public or private university; • Government ID card; • U.S. military ID card; or • Tribal ID card.
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
The City of Alexander City Council and residents attending Monday night’s meeting applauded the efforts of Shelby Richardson and his staff for the savings they have realized at the city’s waste water treatment plants.
way.” The council also voted to approve the special event request which includes closing a road, allowing vendors to forgo the permit, the use of golf carts and using part of the city’s equipment to provide electricity to the stage. Spraggins \also asked for another work session to “further discuss and talk about the increase in the lodging tax and tourism bureau.” The work session was set for June 14 at 5 p.m. The council approved a resolution allowing the mayor to lease the maintenance hangar at the airport to Spentone Aviation, LLC, a hangar that has not been used for maintenance in a long time but has been used as a hangar. “We have not had anybody in the maintenance hangar in several
months,” Development Director Al Jones said. “They contacted us. “There is no reason to let it sit empty.” All of the council members expressed the condolences in the death of Devin Kalil Billups. “Prayers for the Billups family,” Council Member Bobby Tapley said. “Prayers for the Billups family, friends and co-workers,” Council Member Buffy Colvin said. “Lets keep our youth lifted up in prayer. Prayer helps.” The City of Alexander City Council also: • approved the minutes from the May 24 meeting. • heard from city clerk Amanda Thomas about meetings and progress with a new city website. The next meeting of the council is Monday, June 18 at 5 p.m.
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Tuesday, June 5, 2018
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Troopers with ALEA’s Aviation Unit perform a long line rescue near Hillabee Creek at Highway 22 Monday morning after two men were injured when an ATV they were riding in flipped and rolled down a hill into a deep ravine. First responders from the Alexander City Fire Department, the Alexander City Police Department, Tallapoosa County EMA, the Alabama State Department of Conservation, New Site Police Department, the Alex City Rescue Squad and LifeSaver joined ALEA’s Aviation Unit in the rescue mission.
Rescue Alexander City Fire Department Chief Reese McAlister said the injured passenger had multiple injuries, including possible fractures in his back. He was heavily sedated before being flown from the scene to the LifeSaver Air Ambulance. That helicopter took
continued from page 1
him to UAB for further medical attention. The driver was taken by ambulance to Russell Medical to be checked out after riding from the scene on the Alexander City Fire Department ATV. The site of the crash was a little more than two miles
from the highway by air not far from Hillabee Creek. By the logging roads, it was about three miles into the woods over some terrain that was pretty rough in spots. “We’ve had calls in some pretty strange places, but that may be the toughest one to get to that I have ever seen,” McAlister said. “There were pretty good roads in there, but when you got to where the victims were, it was almost straight down. We knew that getting him out of there through conventional means would have been tough and we didn’t know if we could do it without causing him more pain or hurting ourselves. “Those folks from ALEA are incredible. They were able to get close, get the basket down and got him out to LifeSaver much safer than we ever could have. They are so good at what they do and they showed that for sure on this one.” First responders from the Alexander City Fire Department, the Alexander City Police Department, Tallapoosa County EMA, ALEA’s Aviation Unit, the Alabama State Department of Conservation, New Site Police Department, the Alex City Rescue Squad and LifeSaver all came together in the rescue mission. Due to privacy laws, further information on the conditions of those involved in the crash was not released.
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The Outlook
Library holds exciting summer reading kickoff By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
Children from around Alexander City gathered at the Sportplex gym Monday morning for the “Libraries Rock” 2018 Summer Reading kickoff event, hosted by the Adelia M. Russell Library and Mamie’s Place Children’s Library. For two hours Monday morning, the children were entertained by a variety of musical and athletic performances, all of whom took the time to make sure these children remembered to have fun and spend their summer reading plenty of exciting books. “This morning was a great success,” Library Director Amy Huff said. “I think it all went really well.” The morning began when Dr. Doug Roberts, who was emceeing the event, read the children one of his favorite books, “The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins,” one of the earliest books written by Dr. Seuss. Cubbins removes his hat for King Derwin of Didd, but finds another hat pops up in its place, with the strangeness continuing as a new hat appears every time a hat is removed. Adding to the story, Roberts did individual voices for each character, making it come that much more alive. Following Dr. Roberts’ story, the intensity ramped up when Aubie and Big Al appeared, much to the excitement of the young audience. The two college mascots led the children in the “YMCA” while also having somewhat of a dance-off against each other. Along with dancing and entertaining the children with their antics, Aubie and Big Al handed out a number of books to the children, including titles in the “Horrible Harry,” “Magic Tree House” and “Junie B. Jones” series, along with many other classic children’s books spanning many different subjects. These books, according to Huff, came from a private donor. Fitting within the musical theme of this year’s program, members of the Levin Musical Talent Showcase performed several numbers on the violin. Ranging from sadder sounding songs to happy pieces, music made for dancing and even one number that was made to evoke the imagery of riding on a train, the sound of over a dozen violins working together to make music provided for an interesting interlude sandwiched between the highoctane intensity of the college mascots and the final act of the day. “When we are preparing these programs, we try to incorporate local talent as much as we can,” Huff said. Rounding out the thrilling morning, Gutsy the Flying Fox and his friend Gusty entertained the children with dancing and amazing athletic feats. Gusty took the floor first, doing various dances with some of the audience members and competing in a limbo contest. As his final act, Gusty even danced on his head to the song “What Does the Fox Say?” Once Gusty’s portion of the show was complete, Gutsy opened up his act with various spinning leaps off of a trampoline. He then leaped over a pair of children from the audience and even slamdunked a basketball after jumping on a trampoline and flying over four audience members lined up in a row. Along with their performances, Gusty and Gutsy both reminded the children the importance of reading. Besides being a source of entertainment, the foxes and their assistant mentioned how rewarding reading can be and how it can be good exercise for one’s brain. As the morning’s excitement concluded, Huff reminded the audience there would be more events taking place at Mamie’s Place in the afternoon, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce as part of Sun Festival. During this program, more than 300 children and their parents were enthralled by the magic tricks of Gary Ledbetter before taking part in other games and activities. “We are really excited, and we are looking forward to a great summer,” Huff said.
Donald Campbell / The Outlook
Top, Dr. Doug Roberts reads the Dr. Seuss book ‘The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins’ to the children Monday morning. Middle, Aubie and Big Al show off their dancing skills during the summer reading program kickoff event. Above, Ledbetter shows the audience the red kerchief he pulled out of an audience member’s sleeves after one of his “assistants” made the cloth appear there at the magic show at the library Monday afternoon.
Dadeville Kiwanis learns about Camp Seale Harris By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
Camp Seale Harris Assistant Director Amanda Jordan provided the Dadeville Kiwanis Club with a fairly in-depth look at what the camp offers participants during Thursday afternoon’s weekly meeting. “It’s always awesome to get to go out and share information about the camp,” Jordan said. Having been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 7, Jordan said it was important learning to be independent, being able to give herself shots and check her own blood sugar. After learning about Camp Seale Harris and the experiences it offers children with diabetes from her doctor, Jordan has been a part of the camp ever since. “I was a camper for several years, and then I became a counselor-intraining,” she said. “After being a counselor for four years, I was named the counselor-in-training director, and I’m also the assistant camp director.” During the weeklong sessions Camp Seale Harris offers to attendees, the goal is to make sure campers have fun and make new friendships with children just like them, while also providing them with an important educational experience. “Our mission is to educate, encourage and empower children with diabetes and their families to live well,” Jordan said. “We show our campers many ways to handle their diabetes.” Jordan had a short video to show the Kiwanians, where campers and
Donald Campbell / The Outlook
Amanda Jordan, the assistant director for Camp Seale Harris, speaks Thursday to the Dadeville Kiwanis Club, talking about everything the camp offers attendees, all of whom have been diagnosed as diabetic.
staff talked about some of the things they enjoy most, including the various activities and events which allow them, in some sense, to forget their medical condition and be more “normal” during
the course of the camp session. At the same time, Jordan said the campers gather at the amphitheater every afternoon to celebrate some of the achievements the children may
make while at camp, such as learning how to check their own blood sugar and taking care of themselves in that regard, which helps encourage them to become that much more independent for the future. Locally, Camp Seale Harris offers an overnight camp at Camp ASCCA. The organization also has an overnight facility near Mobile and, for those who may not be as comfortable staying overnight, there are day camp opportunities scheduled throughout the state, as well as one location in Pensacola, Florida, giving children in Alabama and northwest Florida who have been diagnosed with diabetes the chance to have fun and be around others with similar health conditions. While attending one of these camps can be expensive, Jordan said campers can receive scholarships in order to help defray the cost. “Nobody is turned away from attending camp because of financial reasons,” she said. Following her presentation, several Kiwanians had questions about diabetes and Camp Seale Harris for Jordan. As the meeting drew to a close, Jordan expressed how much she enjoyed being a part of the Camp Seale Harris family and how it has had an impact on her. “Attending camp really changed my life,” she said. “The counselors encouraged us to be independent, while allowing us to have fun. “Some of my best friends are many of the campers I have met. We may not see each other regularly, but they still mean a whole lot to me.”
LIZI ARBOGAST SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228 lizi.arbogast@alexcityoutlook.com
Sports Outlook
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Tuesday, June 5, 2018
LUKE ROBINSON Columnist
LeBron handled J.R. Smith better than Jordan would’ve
I
have always loved Michael Jordan. Loved him. Even though I tried to like Bird, Magic, Dominique, Shaq and Kobe just as much, I have always I known in my heart Jordan was better than all of them. A lot better. Michael Jordan has been the Alpha and the Omega of basketball. Not to mention the Delta, the Beta, the Phi, the Omicron and the Epsilon. That’s why the LeBron James versus Michael Jordan debate was a nolo contendere for me. It was Jordan in a Fleetwood Macstyle landslide. Let me also say I know these ‘best-ever’ arguments are subjective. They shouldn’t be so controversial. That said, Jordan was still the best. Last Friday night, though, I changed my mind. Despite what happens in the rest of the 2018 series between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors, LeBron James is taking over the mantle as the best player I have ever seen. It wasn’t his gutsy and powerful 51-point outburst that swayed me. It wasn’t his unselfishness to get the ball to another player for more open potential game-winning shot with four seconds left. It isn’t his “createdin-a-Greek-God’s-laboratory” body or Justice League speed. It isn’t his uncanny, intimate knowledge of basketball in general that would impress even James Naismith. All of those accomplishments and truths are factored in with his litany of other accolades, records and highlights of course. However, it was something else that changed my stance on the LeBron vs. Jordan debate: The way James handled himself after another teammate committed maybe the most memorable blunder in NBA Finals history. When George Hill of the Cavs (an 80 percent free throw shooter) missed his second free throw which would have given Cleveland the lead with four seconds left, it had to make LeBron a little peeved, right? But guys miss free throws in crucial moments; it’s forgivable. Then when James’ other teammate, JR Smith, grabbed the rebound from the aforementioned miss and sprinted out beyond the free throw lane, it had to be a tad unsettling for LeBron. But maybe he wanted to create a little space away from a much taller defender and get off a last second shot? After all, four seconds can be a deceptively long time in the NBA. Finally, though, when it was blatantly obvious Smith didn’t know the score (he thought the Cavs were ahead one) and he essentially simply dribbled out the clock forgoing even a desperation heave at the basket for the win, LeBron had probably had all he could stand. As sports fans, I think we all could have totally understood if LeBron James had walked over to JR Smith, picked Smith up over his head and carried him until he found an open manhole to throw him in (a la Darth Vader with the Emperor). LeBron James had just hiked all of his teammates on his back so long that his nickname was no longer “The Chosen One.” It was now “The Sherpa.” With even another NBA All Star in place of James for this one game, Cleveland loses by 30. Yet, somehow, someway, toting the other Cavs like a fleshy bookbag, LeBron James had Cleveland in a position to steal game one of an NBA Finals series no one thinks it can win. Now, imagine this same scenario and substitute Jordan for James. Imagine His Airness going off for 51 points, eight boards and eight assists. Imagine Jordan’s dropping a dime to a teammate creating a trip to the free throw line to effectively win the game. Imagine another teammate’s rebounding the miss then not even allowing for an opportunity to win the game because he was unaware of the score. I think it is very fair to assume Michael Jordan — in a fit of competitive rage — would have invented some original, creative way to torture JR Smith right there on the court. Maybe he would have walloped Smith with human nunchucks made from Tree Rollins’ extremities or choked him by forcing Spud Webb head-first down his throat or given him with a one-way ticket to North Korea with Dennis Rodman. I don’t know. What I do know is Jordan could not have possibly handled the situation with as much grace as James did. No one could have. And that’s what has finally made me see. LeBron James is the best ever.
Luke Robinson is a regular columnist and contributor to Lake Martin Living and BMetro.
END OF A REGIME Robinson steps down as BRHS volleyball coach
By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor
For the last 25 years, Pam Robinson has dedicated herself to Benjamin Russell’s volleyball program. She’s put in countless hours, played in innumerous games and built a reputation for herself and the Wildcats. But now, that regime is coming to an end, as Robinson has stepped down as the head girls volleyball coach, turning things over to assistant Magan Ford. “I’ve been coaching for a long time and I just felt like it was time for someone with more energy, and this gives me time to concentrate on being AD,” said Robinson, who has also been the BRHS athletic director for six years. Because of her job as AD, Robinson will still roam the sidelines of volleyball matches, and handing over her coaching duties will also also allow her to have a presence at more BRHS sports than she has in the past. It’ll also give her time to spend with her grandson. “It’s time for me to be able to do other things,” Robinson said. “I’d like to be able to see other teams play more, and I also have a grandbaby now. It was really hard this year because I babysat him every Tuesday, and when the volleyball season started, I couldn’t. It was hard for me to see my grandson, so I just felt like it was time.” Luckily for Robinson and the Wildcats, she’d been somewhat unknowingly grooming her replacement. A three-year head coach at Dadeville, Ford took over as an assistant in 2017 for the Wildcats and also helped coach softball. Ford is a 2008 graduate of Benjamin Russell and played both softball and volleyball under Robinson.
File / The Outlook
Pam Robinson, left, has resigned as Benjamin Russell’s girls volleyball coach but will continue to be the Wildcat athletic director.
“I graduated from Benjamin Russell, so coming home is always nice,” Ford said. “I’m excited to follow coach Rob, but then also nervous realizing — I’m never going to fill her shoes, but I’m excited for the challenge. She has set the program up for success for how many years, and it’s nice to come in and take over what she’s set up.” Robinson said, “Magan is going to be a really good coach. She’s got a lot of energy. She played for me for a couple of years (through her sophomore season), but she’s going to be similar to me. I didn’t really play volleyball but I grew to love it, and she’s the same way.” Benjamin Russell is well known around the state in Class 6A volleyball and typically competes in the postseason, so Ford knows she has a big reputation to follow. But she’s hoping having worked as an assistant under Robinson will help. “It’s always hard when coach Rob
has the reputation that she has to come in after her,” Ford said. “But being with her a year, I hope the girls have the comfort of knowing I was here for a year and I’m not going to just come in and change everything. I think that will ease the transition.” Ford’s biggest coaching mantra is “finish better than we started.” She applies that to daily practices and matches as well as a long-term season goal. And although Robinson will still be around Benjamin Russell sports, she knows it’s not going to be quite the same as coaching the Wildcats on a daily basis. “The greatest thing about coaching is being able to get to know the kids,” Robinson said. “You get to know them in the classroom, but when you’re coaching them, you’re around them more than their parents are. With summer workouts, practices every day, games, time on the bus, it really is fun.”
Auburn extends Pearl’s contract through 2022-23 STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
After earning its third Southeastern Conference title in program history, Auburn Athletics has extended the contract of men’s basketball head coach Bruce Pearl through the 2022-2023 season. “It was a historic season for Auburn basketball and one that was matched by excellence in the classroom as well,” Director of Athletics Allen Greene said. Over the past five years, the Auburn men’s basketball program has produced the highest
“ Our coaches and studentathletes believe in Auburn and we love it. We came here to work hard, make a positive difference on the campus and in the community and bring credibility and championships back to Auburn basketball. ” — Bruce Pearl Auburn men’s basketball coach
NCAA academic progress rate (APR) in program history while leading the SEC with 18 graduates and three seasons of perfect APR scores. “We take great pride in providing our student-
athletes with an abundance of resources to help with their overall development,” Greene said. “Coach Pearl shares my commitment to ensuring the holistic development of our student-athletes and
adhering to the mission of Auburn University as an institution of higher learning.” “Our coaches and student-athletes believe in Auburn and we love it,” Pearl said. “We came here to work hard, make a positive difference on the campus and in the community and bring credibility and championships back to Auburn basketball. I’m grateful to President Dr. Steven Leath and Director of Athletics Allen Greene for their commitment and support. My family is blessed to be a part of the Auburn Family.”