OPINION: IT IS TIME FOR ANSWERS ON GOLF COURSE AUDIT, PAGE 4.
BRHS BASEBALL
THURSDAY
THE
Wildcats find success in double header, Sports, Page 8.
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Council again tries to take on Sunday sales issue By MITCH SNEED Editor
The Alexander City City Council will give a meaty agenda another try as a meeting that was scheduled for Tuesday has been reset for Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in the courtroom of the Alexander City Public Safety Building. Tuesday’s meeting was postponed due to a lack of a quorum, as only members Bobby Tapley, Billy Ray Wall and Bob Howard were able to attend. Four council members are needed to make
ness leaders asked them to consider it. The Dadeville City Council also unanimously passed a resolution at its Feb. 9 meeting making it known that it wanted citizens to vote on the sale of alcohol on Sundays. Currently in Tallapoosa County only the town of Camp Hill allows Sunday sales of alcohol. The draft legislation would allow for the vote of the people in Tallapoosa County and any city that chooses to put it on the ballot to decide if Sunday sales
any votes official. The meeting is filled with agenda items which could draw a lot of public attention, including an item calling for support of “a bill to hold a referendum on a date and time that the city deems appropriate to determine whether the citizens of the City of Alexander City support the sales of alcohol on Sunday.” The Tallapoosa County Commissioners started the process rolling last fall and asked for local legislation to be introduced after several busi-
of alcohol should be allowed is being prepared for advertisement. The council will also consider: • An ordinance on a Cable Television Franchise Agreement with Charter. • A resolution authorizing the mayor to execute the Supplemental Agreement for both the Broad Street and Lee Street TAP projects. • A resolution calling for the dissolution of the Stone Bridge at Lake Martin Development District See COUNCIL• Page 3
College merger proposal questioned
Woman indicted on theft charges Adams allegedly took funds from Jail Association By MITCH SNEED Editor
A Dadeville woman who is a former Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department employee has been indicted and arrested on allegations that she secured funds from the Alabama Jail Association while she served as an official with the organization. Court records show that Marianne Bunch Adams, 45, of Dadeville was arrested Feb. 29 by the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department. The arrest is the result of a two-count indictment returned by a Tallapoosa County Grand Jury in Dadeville in February. Adams is charged with first-degree theft and firstdegree theft by deception. The indictments allege that Adams took “unauthorized control” over currency belonging to the “Alabama Jail Association in excess of
Opelika crowd peppers CACC’s Burrow for specifics on plan
By CLIFF WILLIAMS and DAVID GRANGER Staff Writers
Dr. Susan Burrow heard passionate pleas from former Southern Union students and Opelika officials about where to locate the administrative headquarters for the soon to be regional community college. “By far the largest number of students are in Cliff Williams / The Outlook one part of the system,” Opelika businessman Dr. Susan Burrow, above David Scott said in Tuesday’s listening stop. “I speaks with guests atrun a bridge company here and we have benefited Tuesday night’s listening from students here as other industries have.” Scott argued that the administrative center for stop at Southern Union Community College in Ope- the consolidated school should go with where the students are. lika. Left, Opelika Mayor “These institutions are now under your leaderGary Fuller listens as ship,” Scott said. “You have to think a little difquestions are asked of Dr. ferently when it is a bigger picture. In business, Burrow about the commuthe one thing you never do is ignore the biggest nity college consolidation. asset. In this case, the biggest asset is right here (Opelika). That is a strong hint as to where the See MERGER • Page 2
See ARREST • Page 3
Church group constructs 484.91 ramp to help local amputee become mobile again Lake Martin
Lake Levels Reported on 3/09/16 @ 6 p.m.
Linda Shaffer, REALTOR® C: 256.794.4641 • W: 256.329.5253 shaffer@lakemartin.net 5295 Highway 280, Alexander City, AL
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By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
Once again, ‘Foots’ Mayes will be able to get outside and work in the yard thanks to the work of the Methodist Men from the First United Methodist Church of Dadeville. “It is going to be great,” Robert Mayes said. “I am a fanatic about getting outside and working in the yard.” ‘Foots’ is a name that most in the area know the Central Alabama Community College retiree by, not his real name.
“Someone called the school once asking for Robert Mayes,” Mayes said. “No one knew where to send the caller. Then someone said that they thought Robert Mayes and ‘Foots’ were the same person. They then knew where to send them.” Saturday, the Methodist Men were at Mayes’ home to build a ramp to allow him easier access since having a foot removed in January. “In January I had a sore come up on the bottom of
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Robert Mayes watches from his porch as the Methodist Men from First United Methodist Church of See RAMP • Page 3 Dadeville build a ramp that will allow Mayes easy to his yard and vehicle.
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Sibling estranged in life opts to remain estranged in death
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Staff
Directory Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com
Mia Osborn Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 mia.osborn@alexcityoutlook.com
Management Kenneth Boone Publisher, Ext. 218 kenneth.boone@alexcityoutlook.com Mitch Sneed Editor, Ext. 213 mitch.sneed@alexcityoutlook.com David Kendrick Circulation Manager, Ext. 204 david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com Lee Champion Production Manager, Ext. 220 lee.champion@alexcityoutlook.com
Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Kim Morse Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 kim.morse@alexcityoutlook.com Emily Guill Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 emily.guill@alexcityoutlook.com Debbie DeWildt Advertising Sales, Ext. 214 debbie.dewildt@alexcityoutlook.com
Accounting Angela Mullins Bookkeeping, Ext. 202 angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com Mary Lyman Boone Bookkeeping marylyman.boone@alexcityoutlook.com
Circulation Linda Ewing Asst. Circulation Manager, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com
Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) Lake Martin Living, The Outlook is published five times Kenneth Boone a week, Tuesday through Saturday Photography and mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, a commercial web printing press. Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011. © 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. ReproPOSTMASTER: Send address duction of any part of any issue requires changes to Post Office Box 999, written publisher permission. Alexander City, AL 35011.
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administrative center should be.” Burrow responded that more than just the largest asset has to be taken into consideration. “By nature I am a logical person,” Burrow said. “I have mapped the mileage between each site, each location and the central most point is Alexander City. So based on centrality, it is there. The thing Southern Union has going for it is size. Those are two hard facts unaffected by emotion or passion.” Despite a comment
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loss. If, after 35 years, you show up at the funeral, you could, indeed, be a distraction -- unless it has been so long that nobody recognizes you. DEAR ABBY: Is it wrong to have no interest in grandchildren? My wife is five years older than I am and she’s elated with our new grandchild. I’m only 42 and I feel I’m too young to be a “Gramps.” I prefer to be free from kid activities and enjoy my adult pursuits. I have raised children for the last 20-plus years and I think it’s my stepdaughter’s turn to be a parent. My wife is all gung ho to watch the grandchild anytime she’s
DEAR ABBY: I have very long hair and I’m proud of it. I have worn my hair long ever since I was a little girl. My problem is when I go somewhere, other women come up to me and start touching it. I understand that they like my hair because they always compliment me on it, but I hate it when strangers touch
for family and friends. She and her husband enjoyed spending time replicating and creating gourmet dishes in their kitchen or travelling to local cities, like Atlanta and New Orleans. Tara is survived by her loving husband Robert Byrd, her feline son Poogah, and her feline daughter Tinkerbell. She also leaves her maternal uncle Allan Turner and aunt Cheryl Turner, both of Arizona; her maternal cousin Dawn Cadwallader of Illinois
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by Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller that “folks in Alex City talking about building a new administrative building on the Central Alabama campus,” Chamber President and CEO Ann Rye says the Alabama Community College System board has been told nothing more than Alexander City can “bring them to the table with partners who can help them with any facilities they might need as a part of the consolidation.” Fuller made his comments about what Alexander City had offered the ACCS at last night’s town hall meeting regarding the consolidation of Central Alabama Community College, Southern Union State Community College and Chattahoochee Valley Community College in Opelika on Tuesday night. “We have just let ACCS know that there are opportunities for them to locate in any of several of our buildings here in Alexander City,” said Rye. “We didn’t offer to build a new building nor did we offer a specific building. We just let them know we
had some options. “We have no agreement of any kind with anyone and I think it is unethical and unprofessional for others to be making assumptions.” Instead in Opelika, Burrow assured one parent that students would still have access to administration. “Students will still be able to speak with an administrator on campus if they have an issue,” Burrow said. “This is a decentralized administration.” Burrow reassured the group of more than 100 gathered in Opelika that no matter where in the 11 counties she resided, no campus would be without attention from her. “I can assure that wherever I am, I will be very mobile,” Burrow said. “It is going to be a lot of travel.” The travel will be to assist centers in places like Millbrook, Talladega and Columbus. Others questioned the plan as Chambers County Schools superintendent Kelli Hodge did. “I am not opposing
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consolidation because I understand the efficiency perspective,” Hodge said. “I have looked at all three institutions. I do have questions about the financial stability and the standards.” Burrow told the crowd that standards will not go down. “The fear of diminishing quality is not an issue,” Burrow said. “We have to be committed to that quality.” Hodge also questioned how the process can be completed so soon. “There is a new concern that I do not think has been addressed specifically,” Hodge said. “We are about half way into this consolidation process and there has been no specific plan that has been talked about. It has been stated that we are considering this, it is a political process, and there is passion. But there has been no specific plan of what has to take place. If this is to take place by June, I am very concerned there is no specific plan. I think people have fears that we are halfway through the process and you cannot tell us what is the plan.” Burrow responded that the mission of education will not be lost in the process. “The purpose of this is to continue to bring quality programs to our students so they can go and get the jobs,” Burrow said. “That is the goal. We have just been given the task of consolidation.”
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me. Apparently, people have forgotten the concept of “personal space.” How can I tell someone -- without sounding rude -- to please not touch me? Or must I just keep quiet and tolerate it with a smile? -RAPUNZEL IN DALLAS DEAR RAPUNZEL: Not everyone enjoys being touched, particularly by strangers. If someone reaches out to pet you, smile, step back and say, “I’d prefer you not do that.” You have a right to your personal space. As long as you say it in a pleasant but firm tone, no one has the right to be offended. And if someone is, refrain from making it your problem.
and several uncles, aunts, and cousins Arrangements are being handled by Wright’s Funeral Home in Alexander City. Services will be held Friday, March 11, 2016 at Farmville Baptist Church in Auburn, AL. Visitation will be at 1 p.m. with her memorial service immediately following at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to the American Kidney Foundation in her name.
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free, but I’m not interested at all. Am I wrong for wanting my own time and space with my wife? -- TOO YOUNG FOR IT IN OKLAHOMA DEAR TOO YOUNG: No law says you must baby-sit if you don’t want to. Not everyone enjoys the company of small children. If your wife enjoys doing it, that’s her privilege. However, if the baby-sitting is interfering with your marriage, then you’re complaining to the wrong woman, and the two of you need to work out a compromise on which you can both agree.
Obituaries
Composing Audra Spears Composing Department, Ext. 219 audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com Alethia Russell Graphic Artist, Ext. 231 alethia.russell@alexcityoutlook.com
Newsroom Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Robert Hudson Sports Editor, Ext. 228 robert.hudson@alexcityoutlook.com Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com David Granger Staff Writer, Ext. 210 david.granger@alexcityoutlook.com
DEAR ABBY: I’ve been estranged from my three siblings, their spouses and their families for 35 years -- my choice. There has been no correspondence, and I have seen them only at our parents’ funerals. Since we are all in our 80s, I anticipate there will be funerals for us in the next decade. If I go first, there is no problem. However, I’m considering not attending their funerals or those of their spouses. My grown children say I MUST attend because I’m their brother. I’m concerned that I might be a distraction or there could be a confrontation. Besides, I still remember what caused my estrangement and I just don’t want to see them. I know I’m stubborn, but am I wrong? -TO GO OR NOT TO GO DEAR GO OR NO: I disagree with your children. People attend funerals to pay their respects to the deceased and/or comfort the family who has suffered the
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The Outlook
Ramp my foot,” Mayes said. “Kinda like a blister. I went to see Dr. James. He said we have to get you to the hospital right now because you have gangrene in the bottom of your foot and it is working itself up inside your leg. He told me in the office that we were going to have to take my leg off.” Mayes is thankful that removing part of his leg worked. “It is better to loose your leg than to loose your life,” Mayes said. He still has a since of humor too. “I am six eight,” Mayes said. “It’s just I am now five eight on this side now.” Recovery has not been easy for Mayes. “The day I came home I started up the stairs,” Mayes said. “I got to the second step and my left leg started to shake. My youngest son and my wife were trying to help me, but we couldn’t get up the stairs.” A neighbor noticed the struggle and came to help. “My neighbor across the street is an amputee too,” ‘Foots’ said. “He came over and they all helped me get up on the porch. After that I was scared to go the stairs.” “ Mayes learned of the Methodist Men while at Chapman’s Healthcare for 21 days. “Susan Harris, a social worker at Chapman’s told me about a group of men that built ramps for people that are disabled,” Mayes said. “Jim Yearkey called my wife and said that they would come out do some measuring. They came back
Council
continued from page 1
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
On Saturday, almost 20 men from the Methodist Men of First United Methodist Church of Dadeville came to the New Site home of Robert ‘Foots’ Mayes to construct a ramp to allow easy access since Mayes’ leg amputation in January. Bob Harwell,right, cuts a piece of lumber to length to be used as decking on the ramp.
Wednesday and set the post and are back today finishing the ramp up.” The Methodist Men have been helping out in the community. “The mission of our group is to help the elderly,” Jerry Bynum said. “Primarily elderly widows who need help or those with disabilities.” Bynum explained the group does not just help everyone that calls. “We talk to the Department of Human Resources to see who has needs,” Bynum said. “The calls come into the church and ministerial association. The need is reiterated by Human Resources. Then we will go and meet with the people.” Saturday’s efforts were a little different for the Methodist Men. “We usually do this on Wednesday mornings,”
continued from page 1
• A resolution authorizing the mayor to execute any contracts or documents necessary to give effect to this Resolution-Stone Bridge owner/developer need for sanitary sewer service. • A resolution granting easement to AT&T Alabama on Joseph Street and authorizing the mayor to execute all documents necessary. • A resolution that provides authorization of banks for deposit of city funds • A resolution authorizing the Public Works Department to conduct a summer internship. • A resolution approving requisition No. 16-01 EMS. • A resolution approving requisition No. 16-02 Parks and Rec Department for lights at the soccer complex. • A request from Leadership Lake Martin Yellow Team for assistance with a project. • A resolution from Relay for Life to hold a Road Block on 4-2-16. • A resolution from Father Peter Reddy to have the annual procession for Good Friday. • A resolution from BR Wildcat Soccer Club to sponsor the “Wildcat 5K Goal Run.”
Arrest $2,500.” Records show that Adams was arrested and released on a bond of $10,000. Tallapoosa County Sheriff Jimmy Abbett confirmed that Adams had been an employee of the Sheriff’s Department, but left her position when the investigation was first launched. Abbett said the charges did not have to do with her job at the Sheriff’s Department, but instead had to do with the professional organization she was involved with. Other than those details, Abbett
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said he could not comment on the specifics of the case because the charges were the result of an investigation by the office of Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange. A spokesperson for the AG’s office said the only information that they could release would be what was in the indictment. Court records show Adams is due to appear in court on April 5 for an arraignment. Adams is represented by attorney Randy Maddox who has filed a motion for discovery in the case.
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Bynum said. “We start with a 7 a.m. devotion and normally head out to the job after that.” Mayes’ project required a little more help. “The younger men wanted to help,” Bynum said. “They cannot normally help because they are working. Occasionally we run into something we cannot help on just a Wednesday. This is one of those. We set the poles for it on Wednesday with the hope of completing it by lunch today (Saturday) with the younger men. They don’t always get the chance.” Mayes is thankful for the effort. “I have never met any of these people before,” Mayes said. “They were all strangers before this but we are all brothers, we are all Christians. This is going to give me
the opportunity to get back in the yard and go out to my workshop. Get out in the garden we started about 10 years ago. It is a blessing. I don’t know how to explain it.”
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MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213
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EDITORIAL BOARD Kenneth Boone Mitch Sneed
Outlook The
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Page 4
Our
Opinion
No news from audit of Lakewinds creates more questions
I
t was in January that the Alexander City City Council was notified by Wendell Scroggins and Sonny Wilson, Alexander City’s parks & recreation director, that some checks written to the city’s Lakewinds Golf Course were not making it to the bank for deposit in the appropriate account. Scroggins, a resident who often helps out at Lakewinds, first noticed that his own checks weren’t clearing his account. He checked further and found out that many – Wilson estimates the checks’ value at $120,000 – were similarly not being deposited. “We are aware of it and the auditors are auditing that among other things right now,” said Alex City Mayor Charles Shaw at the Jan. 25 meeting where Scroggins first voiced his concerns about the checks. “They should be done in three weeks. Maybe that will give us some answers.” Three weeks have now become more than six weeks. Still, citizens have no definitive answers from the city as to what happened with the missing checks. It is time – past time, actually – for the city to let Alexander City residents know what has been discovered about the missing checks. What happened to cause them to never make it into the appropriate account? Were there illegalities involved that will or should result in the arrest of individuals, city employees or otherwise? Has the problem been remedied and steps inserted into the checkhandling process that will prevent such an occurrence in the future, be it in the parks and rec department or elsewhere? A quick check earlier this week found that the golf course still doesn’t have an automated check processing machine at the pro shop. It seems that would be an easy, inexpensive fix to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen again. City Attorney Larkin Radney is on record that he has advised the city not to comment until a forensic audit and any associated investigations that may grow out of such audit are complete. Carr, Riggs and Ingram conducted the audit and the city has already been billed. Police officials say no criminal investigation is being conducted, so what’s the deal? We hope that no criminal investigations have or will grow out of this process and that the city will soon announce that the money has been found, safeguards are in place to prevent such incidents in the future and all is well. But as the clock on the audit and/or investigation continues to tick, we can’t help but fear the results might turn out otherwise. Lingering questions are not good for the city, its residents and especially not to city employees who have been put on the hot seat after this issue started hanging over their heads.
WHAT DO YOU THINK? Do you have a strong opinion on the above editorial or any issue now facing the Lake Martin community? If so, we want to hear from you. You can write a letter to the editor or a guest column that could be published in The Outlook. Just email your letter or opinion to editor@alexcityoutlook.com. Please include a phone number and adddress.
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Trumps wall plan faces a new wall of its own
D
onald Trump promises to build a great wall along the 2,000-mile U.S.-Mexican border and make Mexico pay for it, but it will be a difficult pledge to fulfill. Can he do it? Sure, a wall can be built, but it’s not nearly as simple as Trump says it will be. Constructing the wall, now a signature applause line at Trump campaign rallies, is a complicated endeavor, fraught with difficulties. Numerous bureaucratic, diplomatic, environmental, monetary and logistical hurdles must be overcome. And forcing the Mexican government to foot the bill won’t be easy, especially since its president has flat-out refused. During President George W. Bush’s second term, Congress authorized $1.2 billion to build several hundred miles of doublelayer fencing but the government faced myriad obstacles. Private landowners objecting to buyout offers. There were environmental concerns and lawsuits. Some 650 miles of border fencing now sits on the border, including roughly 15-foot tall steel fencing in many urban areas that is designed to stop or slow border crossers on foot and vehicle barriers, which are shorter steel posts filled with cement and planted in the ground. Just getting that built was a challenge and a new, taller wall like the one Trump wants would almost certainly face as much, if not more, opposition. First, a 1970 boundary treaty governs structures along the Rio Grande and Colorado River at the Mexican border. It requires that structures cannot disrupt the flow of the rivers, which flow across Texas and 24 miles in Arizona and define the U.S.Mexican border, according to The International Boundary and Water Commission, a joint U.S.Mexican agency that administers the treaty. Trump has said his wall will not need to run the full 2,100mile length of the border, but even excluding those portions blocked by geographic features, there are serious issues. In some places, treaty obliga-
RON HART Guest Columnist
tions and river flood zones would require the wall be built well into the United States, which would be awkward if the Mexican government is paying for it and overseeing the project. In addition to creating a no man’s land between the wall and the actual border, one government or the other would have to buy large amounts of private property as well as land owned by at least one Indian tribe whose territory straddles the border in southern Arizona. In areas where the border is defined on dry land across New Mexico, most of Arizona and California, structures have to be built so that the wall doesn’t obstruct natural run off routes or otherwise induce flooding. Building in those areas can be complicated and costly. In sensitive sand dunes in Southern California, for instance, a “floating fence” had to be built to allow the natural movements of the dunes. Then, there are the conservation issues. Environmental groups have sued over parts of the existing fence. And, federal regulations could prevent or at least delay or increase costs of construction. A total of 18 federally protected species may be found along the California border and at least 39 federally endangered, threatened, or candidate species live along the Arizona border, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Then there’s the cost. Numerous fact-checking organizations have taken issue with Trump’s estimate that the wall would be built for $10 billion to $12 billion. And, they have rejected his contention that the wall could be funded by reducing the U.S. trade deficit with Mexico. Figures released by the Army Corps of Engineers and the Congressional Research Service indicate that the total cost of the current 650-mile fence has
been $7 billion. And that doesn’t include maintenance and upkeep. Trump has insisted that Mexico will pay for the wall, perhaps through fees on money that immigrants send home to their families, tariffs or other means. Fees would be wildly unpopular and tariffs would likely run afoul of the North American Free Trade Agreement. The cost of such tariffs would also ultimately be borne by U.S. consumers. Getting the Mexican government to pay for it outright is almost certainly wishful thinking. President Enrique Pena Nieto said Monday that “there is no scenario” under which Mexico would pay for the wall. Former President Vicente Fox put it more bluntly: “I am not going to pay for that ... wall,” using an expletive that Trump later slam as vulgar. So there’s diplomatic ill will, a question the Congressional Research Service raised in 2009. “Do the gains in border security outweigh the risk of alienating Mexico and Canada?” it asked. “Should the Mexican or Canadian government’s opinions or wishes be taken into account when border fencing is concerned? Given the need to coordinate intelligence and law enforcement activities at the border, should maintaining cordial working relationships with Mexico and Canada take precedence over sealing the border with physical barriers?” On Wednesday, a group of Republican national security community members, including former government officials, blasted the idea. “Controlling our border and preventing illegal immigration is a serious issue, but his insistence that Mexico will fund a wall on the southern border inflames unhelpful passions, and rests on an utter misreading of, and contempt for, our southern neighbor,” they wrote in an open letter. Ron Hart, a libertarian op-ed humorist and award-winning author, is a frequent guest on CNN. He can be contacted at Ron@RonaldHart.com or @ RonaldHart on Twitter.
Today’s
Quote
“If the world was perfect, it wouldn’t be.” – Yogi Berra
Today’s
Scripture “You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine. ” – Psalm 4:7
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Time for a uni-primary day nomination of candidates Dear Editor, The time has come for the uni-primary day to select political party presidential nominees! From the birth of our nation, the various state presidential primary elections and caucuses to select nominees from each political party have been set by state party officials to be held on various dates during the early months of election year. In earlier years when candidate personal participation in each state was necessary, or deemed necessary, this seemed the only workable solution. However, in this day of instant accessibility and communications, it has become unnecessary, even damaging to the process and final result. A uni-primary schedule would establish one date late in the first six months of a presidential election year when all states would hold their presidential primary elections and caucuses. This would solve several problems.
1. NO one or two or three or even four states would effectively set the mind of the entire national electorate presumptively. 2. No candidate (possibly the best of the lot) would be forced out of the race due to funding or other legitimate issues before the electorate of later scheduled primaries has had opportunity to vote for him or her. Under our present vari-primary schedule, the early primary states have the advantage of setting the tone and the direction of the entire primary race, and results. Under a uni-primary system every voter would have the opportunity to vote for his or her first choice of candidate from the entire field of candidates, not just from those candidates who manage to hold on until each voter’s primary election date. The field of nominee candidates would be limited to the first candidates to qualify in every state by a preset qualifying
deadline. Of course, the qualifying requirements for each state would continue to be established by each state party, severally. A uni-primary day system and schedule will be just and fair for everyone! Presidential elections have become a huge industry, even a circus, when the serious, primary purpose is to simply and effectively elect the best qualified person to lead our great nation for four to eight year term.The uni-primary schedule would enable the candidates to more easily conduct more effective campaigns. The party bosses of all parties will no doubt oppose the uni-primary system because it will restrict their control over the process and make it more difficult for them to manipulate results! Ben Cleveland Alexander City
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Today is
March 10, 2016 Today’s Events
PATH FINDERS MEETING: The next meeting of PATH FINDERS will be on Thursday, March 10, at noon in the United Way conference room, Main Street, downtown Alexander City. Please join us and help us make strides in 2016 to improve
the lives of individuals dealing with dementia in the Lake Martin area. FUNDRAISER: Tallaco K-9 Unit is doing a picture fund raiser for our search dog unit. We will have people with orange shirts and Tallaco K-9 Unit on the pocket knocking on doors asking for donations. We are a 501 c-3 all volunteer unit. We have been called three times this year to bring our dogs out to search for a lost person. We have five dogs that we use to search on land and water whenever a person goes missing. We work
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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/. off donations to cover our cost when out on a search. For more information call Faye Ingram 256-825-4825.
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Today’s Birthday
Mona Howard, Cam Lankford, Demetria M. Heard and Mary Ann Heath are celebrating their birthday today.
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Members of the 2016 class of Leadership Lake Martin took a tour of the offices and production plant of Tallapoosa Publishers Wednesday to learn more about the media company and how the company operates and it’s drive to help serve its readers and the community.
March 12
CLASS MEETING: The Laurel High School Class of 1969 is meeting Sat. March 12 at 10 a.m. at Cooper Recreation Center. PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Comer United Methodist Church is hosting a pancake breakfast March 12 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Plates include pancakes, bacon and or sausage for $6. It is all you can eat dine only with to go plates available. PLANT A FLOWER: Wind Creek State will be hosting a plant a flower day at 10 a.m.
March 13
SINGING: Dianne Sherrill will sing at New Beginning Baptist Church on Coley Creek Road March 13 at 6 p.m. A love offering will be taken.
March 15
MEETING: The Artist Association of East Alabama will meet March 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the United Way Conference Room. FIRST RESPONDER DINNER: The Alexander City Elks Lodge is hosting a First Responder Appreciation Dinner Tuesday, March 15 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Please contact the Lodge at 256329-9152 or email rnorred@charter. net to RSVP for the no cost meal. BOOK SIGNING: The Adelia Russell Library is hosting author Diane Welcher for a book signing March 15 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Welcher will be presenting her collection of funny stories, “Pills I have known.�
March 16
ST. PATRICK’S DAY: Mamie’s Place Children’s Library will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at story time.
March 16-18
CHURCH REVIVAL: GAP Fellowship Church will host its spring revival March 16-18 at 7 p.m. nightly. Guest evangelists are Al Williams, Rev. Jason Whetstone and Rev. Troy Holley. Gap Fellowship is pastored by Lou and Marilyn Benson.
March 16-20
ANNUAL MINISTERS COUNCIL: The New Covenant Ministries of the World is hosting the Annual Minister Council of 2016 at Liberty Life Christian Center in Alexander City.
Daily prayer at 9 a.m., worship and praise at 11:45 a.m. and nightly speakers at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend.
community programs. Contact Bo Parks at 256-329-3954 or Lakewinds at 256-825-9860.
March 17
SINGING: Family Worship Center is hosting a singing March 19 at 6 p.m. and March 20 at 10 a.m. with the Willing Vessels.
WINE TASTING: Emporium Wines in Alexander City welcomes Rush Wines features wines from Cannonball Wine Company of Healdsburg, California from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, call 256-212-9463.
March 18
MOVIE UNDER THE STARS: Wind Creek State Park is hosting a movie under the stars March 18 at 6 p.m.
March 18-20
WIZARD OF OZ: The Dadeville High School Drama program is presenting the Wizard of Oz March 18 at 7 p.m., March 19 at 7 p.m. and March 20 at 2 p.m. at the Dadeville High School Auditorium.
March 19
EGG HUNT: Wind Creek State Park will host an Easter Egg Hunt March 19 at 10 a.m. in the North Picnic area. There will be prize eggs. For ages under 2, 2 to 4 5 to 8 and 9 to 12. For more information call 256-3290845. PATH TRASH WALK: The March PATH Trash Walk is scheduled for Saturday March 19 from 9 a.m. to noon. The event will be hosted by New Water Ministries which is located on Lake Martin at 460 Civitan Road (newwater.com).Volunteers can register on line or on site at New Water campus the day of the event. Volunteers will also be able to meet and register at Siggers grocery crossroads on Young Ferry Road where they will receive supplies and road assignments. At noon, all volunteers will be treated to lunch at New Water contact John Thompson at jthompson@lmra.info for more information TRADE DAY: Bibb Graves School is hosting a trade day March 19 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. ELKS GOLF TOURNAMENT: The Alexander City Elks Lodge is hosting a golf tournament at Lakewinds Golf Club and seeking sponsors. All proceeds go toward Lodge events such as aide to Camp ASCCA and other
Call 256-234-4281 or stop by our ofĂšce at 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL
March 19-20
March 20
MEN AND WOMEN PROGRAM: New Adka Missionary Baptist Church will have its Men and Women program Sunday March 20 at 11 a.m. Edward Milner is pastor. PASTORS APPRECIATION: Rocky Mt. Baptist Church on Highway 22 East in Alexander City is hosting its 13th Pastors Appreciation for Rev. and Sister Al Lawson. Guest speaker will be Rev. Bobby Hargrove pastor of Mt. Sinai Baptist Church. EASTER CELEBRATION: New Site area churches will be hosting an Easter Celebration in the Park on March 20 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the New Site Town Hall. CANTATA: Comer Memorial Methodist Church is having an Easter Cantata March 20 at 11 a.m. GOSPEL SINGING: Miracle Missionary Baptist Church is hosting a Gospel Explosion and Praise Celebration March 20. Scheduled to appear are Tim Rogers and The Fellas, The Shiloh Spirituals, The Southern Bells, Ruth Black and the Harmonettes, The New Joyful Sounds, N2 Christ and Gospel Exodus. Tickets are $25. Doors open at 4 p.m. and the program starts at 5 p.m.
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March 23
EASTER PHOTOS: Sarrell Dental is sponsoring free Easter Bunny photographs March 23 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
March 24
MUSIC PROGRAM: Alexander City First United Methodist Church will present “At the Cross,� Holy Thursday music program March 24 at 6 p.m. It is a worship service built around the Lord’s supper with the sanctuary choir. MUNDAY THURSDAY: Comer United Methodist Church is hosting a Munday Thrusday service March 24 at 6 p.m.
256.234.3481 KarenChannell.com
ROBERT HUDSON SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228
sports@alexcityoutlook.com
Page 8
Thursday, March 10, 2016
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‘Cats dominate Panthers in doubleheader By Cory Diaz The Eclectic Observer
Robert Hudson / The Outlook
Benjamin Russell’s Cade McKeever tees off during Tuesday’s tri-match.
BRHS has strong performance in home tri-match By ROBERT HUDSON Sports Editor
The Benjamin Russell Wildcats finished second in their tri-match at Willow Point Golf and Country Club on Tuesday afternoon. Montgomery Catholic, Benjamin Russell and Central-Clay County finished with scores of 165, 165 and 175 respectively during Tuesday’s match, as BRHS finished just one stroke behind Montgomery Catholic. Benjamin Russell Coach Wes Tate said his team had a good showing in Tuesday’s match, but needs to work on a few things moving forward. “They played well. There are just a few little things they’ve got to overcome to get where we want to be,” Tate said. “But they battled and only lost by a stroke to a really good Montgomery Catholic team. Then we beat a really good Clay-Central team by 10. We’re getting there, but we’ve just got to work on some small things.” For Benjamin Russell, Sawyer Scott had a score of 41, Dylan Moncus had a score of 39, Kylee Reeder had a score of 44 and Hal Coker had a score of 41. Benjamin Russell’s Wilson Harris and Cade McKeever also competed during Tuesday’s match. With Tuesday’s match being the Wildcats’ final competition before spring break, Tate said they will practice this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and have voluntary practices on next Monday, Wednesday and Friday. One area in particular that Tate said the Wildcats will work on is their short game and establishing their top six players moving forward. “Today (Wednesday), we’re just playing 18 holes 100 yards in. We’re also working on our short game,” Tate said. “Then Thursday, we’ll qualify and work on getting our top six again. What they do is, I put them in groups and they play 18 holes and the top six scores are who our top six are. Then on Friday we’ll qualify again on just nine holes.”
Benjamin Russell cranked out 28 runs on 30 hits, sweeping Elmore County Tuesday in a doubleheader, 12-5 and 16-6 in six, at Tony J. McGhee Field. The Wildcats scored at least one run in 11 of the 13 innings of the twinbill, capitalizing on defensive miscues from the Panthers (4-10), who were coming off 10-0 win over Central-Coosa on Saturday. Despite allowing 30 hits, ECHS head baseball coach Wendell Jackson credited his team’s six errors with Ben Russell’s sustained offense. “Our pitchers are doing fine. We’re making too many errors, too many mistakes defensively,” Jackson said. “We’re turning an error into two runs whether it’s allowing the leadoff hitter on or allowing an error to dictate how the rest of the inning progresses from there. “The pitchers (against BRHS) gave us a chance, we just had several occasions where we led off the inning with an error and it escalated from there. It seems like when we put it together offensively – we had two decent games – and for the most part our pitching gave us a chance, the defense didn’t play very well. When we play quality teams like we do, it’s very tough to overcome mistakes, giving them extra outs.” Benjamin Russell Coach Richy Brooks said the Wildcats (9-2) played well offensively and defensively in the doubleheader. “We hit it very well yesterday (Tuesday). We did really well offensively and defensively,” Brooks said. “We did not pitch it very well for the most part of the day – too many walks and too many hit batters. But we did play good defense and we swung the bats extremely well. I think we had something like 28 hits and 28 runs, so we had a lot of guys take good at-bats and take good swings. I was very pleased with the offensive output.” Brooks said the hard work in practice carried over to Tuesday’s games. “At-bats are very crucial, and in our practices we continue to work on some things. We had a very good BP (batting practice) session the day before,” Brooks said. “We mixed a lot of pitches up and got to see some different things, and I think that carried over into the games. We seemed to have a lot of good at-bats.”
Robert Hudson / Outlook File Photo
Benjamin Russell’s Austin Elliott releases a pitch during Saturday’s game against Dadeville in Alexander City.
In game 1, the Wildcats scored all 12 of their runs in the first six frames on 13 hits off Elmore County starter Jonathan Stiff and Chandler Falks, led by Austin Elliott and Darius Jackson, who each had 2 RBI for Benjamin Russell. Stiff took the loss, lasting four frames and allowing nine runs, while Falks pitched the last three innings, giving up as many runs while striking out two. For the Panthers, hits came at a premium off BRHS starter Timmy Lawson, who earned the win giving up just four, as junior outfielder Chase Motes hit an RBI double along with senior Nathan Taylor’s RBI sacrifice fly in third. Elmore County got its final two runs in the bottom of the sixth off a two-run double from Skyler Sanders, plating Stiff and Cody Watson, pinch running for catcher Eli Cobb.
Ben Russell kept the offense rolling in the nightcap, collecting 17 hits in six frames. Senior first baseman Josh Wilson led ECHS with three hits of his own, and the Panthers tied the game, 5-5, in the bottom of the third, but the Wildcats put up four runs in the fifth and seven in the sixth, to push the game out-of-reach. “We swung it better over a two-game stretch against Ben Russell than we have in a while. I think it’s because we have a little more confidence going up to the plate,” Jackson said. “We put on some hit-and-runs early and the counts made them swing. That may have something to do with it, putting on some hit-and-runs and they did a good job of that.” Benjamin Russell will return to action today at Central-Clay County starting at 2 p.m. and against Handley at 4:15 p.m.
Rebels complete sweep over Tigers By ROBERT HUDSON Sports Editor
DADEVILLE – After a 7-3 win in game one, the Reeltown Rebels took an 18-7 victory over the rival Dadeville Tigers in game two of Tuesday’s doubleheader at McKelvey Park’s Nolen-Jones Field. Reeltown’s Cal Burton was 4-for-4, Cole Noble was 1-for-3 and Joby Newman was 2-for-3 for the Rebels. Newman was the winning pitcher for Reeltown (5-5) in game two. “Last night, everything just kind of came together,” said Reeltown Coach Mike Jones. “We were able to pitch well and put some runs to go with it.” Jones said the season has started off a bit slow for the Rebels, but there have been bright spots defensively and pitching. “We’ve just started off slow. We’ve
come out of the gates slow not hitting the ball well,” Jones said. “Defense is not bad, but we just haven’t been putting runs on the board. Basically, it’s just a matter of the hitting coming around. Pitching has been good pretty much all year, it’s just the point of being able to get the guys to get the pitchers some runs to get us in the games. That’s been the biggest problem all year.” Jones said that Tuesday night’s wins were a move in the right direction for Reeltown, but there are still some mistakes that need to be cleaned up. “I just want them to go out and compete and do the little things right to help us win games,” Jones said. “We’re getting where we need to be, but we’re still not there. We
still made a lot of mental mistakes on the bags and we still missed some cut offs and made some errors that we’ve got to clean up. Even as well as we played, that’s not where we want to go with some of those mistakes. We want to clean all of that up and get us playoff ready.” As the Rebels move closer to area play, Jones said he hopes to see them improve their plate discipline. “I want us just to be able to nail down pitching and hitting, especially two-out hitting,” Jones said. “We’ve got to cut down on strikeouts, which is the biggest thing we’re working on right now with our hitting. “We’re 5-5, so we’re .500 again. So, we’ve just got to start over and get back to work.”
Could the Auburn Tigers’ season be over before October?
A
friend sat in my office Monday morning and said, “It could be over before October.” Unsure what he was referring to, I asked, “What could be over?” He replied, “Auburn’s football season.” Clemson visits Jordan-Hare Stadium in the Sept. 3 seasonopener, while Texas A&M and LSU come to town weeks later. Auburn doesn’t need to get better over the course of the season. It needs to be better on opening night and in must-win mode from the get-go. Coming off of a 7-6 season, Auburn can’t afford to stumble out of the blocks this time. If September’s schedule didn’t feature a national finalist, a team that has never lost in JordanHare Stadium, and another that whipped the Tigers 45-21 last season, then there wouldn’t be
JOE MCADORY Sports Columnist
as much cause for concern. It’s odd that Auburn’s three-biggest home games will have happened by Sept. 24. Clemson finished last season as college football’s darling, even if it didn’t beat Alabama in the championship game. The Tigers return a wealth of talent on offense and a magician with legs at quarterback. But many of Clemson’s key defensive players left for the NFL Draft. I wonder if this team will enter 2016 with the same edge and desire it had last year. I didn’t see Auburn winning in
College Station last season or in 2013. Nor did I see Texas A&M winning in Auburn in 2014. That said, I really don’t know what will happen when these teams meet on Sept. 17. Offseason storylines haven’t been kind to the Aggie program. Is it slipping, or is it an underrated sleeping giant? Then there’s LSU. They beat you up one day, then underachieve and get punched in the mouth the next. After last season fell apart, will LSU play 2016 with a chip on its shoulder? The Bayou Bengals bring a pretty fair running back to Auburn on Sept. 24. Remember him? Assuming the Tigers get past Arkansas State (let’s hope the Red Wolves don’t wear those ghastly grey uniforms again) on Sept. 10, how many wins against Clemson, Texas A&M and LSU
will be enough to build momentum and keep howling fans satisfied? One? That gives Auburn a so-so 2-2 start. The Tigers started 2-2 last season and needed overtime to beat FCS finalist Jacksonville State. Of the Tigers, Aggies and Bayou Bengals, Texas A&M figures to be the weakest of the three. Two? Not bad, especially if the wins come against SEC West foes Texas A&M and LSU. That gives the Tigers a 2-0 conference kick-start and an overall record of 3-1 headed into the Oct. 1 date with Louisiana Tech. Auburn ran LSU out of the building here two years ago. A rejuvenated Auburn team could knock off the Bayou Bengals and give the Les Miles detractors early ammunition. Three? A dream start, but probably an unlikely one. If
Auburn starts the season 4-0, then any questions about Gus Malzahn’s job security should be silenced. Plus, can you imagine the delirium around Jordan-Hare Stadium that Saturday night should Auburn take down Dabo Swinney’s bunch? Of the scenarios, I’d say Auburn needs to win two of those three big games to build positive momentum headed into October. A single win in that scenario is palpable, but bigger wins would be needed down the stretch. But if Auburn goes 0-forClemson, Texas A&M and LSU, then my friend could be a prophet. Joe McAdory is Communications Editor at the Harbert College of Business and is the former Sports Editor at the Opelika-Auburn News.