OPINION: WIND CREEK STATE PARK IS A TREMENDOUS ASSET
FRIDAY
THE WHAT’S UP? See all local events in the calendar, page 7.
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 March 11, 2016 Vol. 124, No. 51 www.alexcityoutlook.com
WILDCAT ROUNDUP Catch up on Lady Wildcat softball. Sports, page 8.
ALEXANDER CITY CITY COUNCIL
Sunday alcohol sales issue to be put to a vote By MITCH SNEED Editor
Alexander City residents will get the opportunity to decide if they want Sunday alcohol sales. The Alexander City City Council voted 4-0 Thursday night to approve a resolution allowing for Sunday sales to be placed before the voters
when the city deems appropriate. City council member Bob Howard said the move could be placed on the ballot in August during the regular municipal election. Mitch Sneed / The Outlook “It would be during a city election and the first opportunity would be during the council and may- City council members Bob Howard, left, and Billy Ray Wall raise their hands in faoral election,” Howard said. “Wow, that will get vor of a resolution calling for a vote on Sunday sales of alchohol Thursday night. See COUNCIL• Page 3 The move passed by a 4-0 vote and could be on the ballot in August.
RMC aims to provide info on colon cancer
Road grant, city support may clear way for big retailer
Hospital plans activities for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
By MITCH SNEED Editor
By MIA OSBORN Staff Writer
March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Local medical authorities such as Russell Medical Center and the American Cancer Society office in Montgomery are spreading awareness of the lifesaving steps people can take to prevent or cure this disease. Colorectal cancer is the third ranking cause of cancer death for both men and women. When the genders are counted together, colorectal cancer becomes the second deadliest form of cancer. The American Cancer Society predicts that over 134,000 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2016. Of those, over 49,000 people – more than a third of those diagnosed – will die from the disease. There is a bright side. Colorectal cancer is one of
Lake Levels
485.14 Reported on 3/03/16 @ 4 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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See UNITED WAY • Page 3
See RETAILER • Page 3
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Randy Haynes, left, outgoing president of Lake Martin Area United Way accepts a gift from Ellen Martin as Sharon Fuller looks on at Thursday night’s celebration and annual meeting.
UNITED WAY SMASHES GOAL Recent campaign exceeded goal by more than $35,000 By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
See AWARNESS • Page 3
Lake Martin
At Thursday night’s, 2016 Lake Martin Area United Way Campaign Wrap-Up and Celebration & Annual Meeting, Mark Spencer, the chairman of the 2016 Lake Martin Area United Way Campaign, praised a community that has overcome the loss of its largest employer and rebuilt itself as a large family of caring industries and businesses.
Alexander City took significant steps toward attracting a major retailer to the area, announcing that a grant had been secured to develop a portion of a road through the former Russell Corp. campus. The steps included a state grant as well as a commitment from the city to assure funds to complete the road if a major retailer does agree to relocate at the site that was once the new No. 1 Mill at Russell. Lake Martin Area Economic Development Alliance Executive Director Don McClellan announced that the state’s Industrial Access Road and Bridge Committee has granted a request for $585,000 to complete the portion of Central Boulevard from Joseph Street to Russell Boulevard. “Initially, we got a grant to start at Highway 280 and go to Joseph Street, we would use this to complete the next portion,” McClellan said. “It was a long time coming and everyone was involved. It was really a team effort and it good to get this one done.” McClellan said it is all tied to industrial development and recent additions like CES Industries relocating from Jacksons
ARISE to celebrate 40 years of serving the area today By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
ARISE will celebrate 40 years of providing transportation to the citizens of Alexander City today from 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. at the organization’s Bud Porch Center, located at 82 Court Square downtown. Pat Tapley, executive director of ARISE, said the celebration will include a pictorial history of the organization and staff available to talk to visitors about the organization and its purpose. “We want to draw a little attention to ourselves and the service that we provide for the citizens
of the area, so we decided a celebration of our 40th anniversary was a good way to do that,” said Tapley. “We were started by Mr. Ben Russell as a referral service to help people get help that they needed in the community in 1976. Gas was just 59 cents a gallon then. We have the pictures to prove it.” Though ARISE started as a referral service, it has grown into full-fledged transportation program, providing transportation for a fare for citizens in Alexander City, Daviston, Perryville, New Site, Cliff Williams / The Outlook Ourtown, Hackneyville, Dadeville, Kellyton, and ARISE driver David Marbury and dispatcher Anita Perez pose for a photograph on the handicap See ARISE • Page 3 ramp of one of the agency’s buses. ARISE provides low cost transportation to area residents. Now Playing:
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Mom prefers being home alone over hanging out with friends
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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 Newsroom Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Robert Hudson Sports Editor, Ext. 228 robert.hudson@alexcityoutlook.com Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com David Granger Staff Writer, Ext. 210 david.granger@alexcityoutlook.com
Friday, March 11, 2016
The Outlook
Composing Audra Spears Composing Department, Ext. 219 audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com Alethia Russell Graphic Artist, Ext. 231 alethia.russell@alexcityoutlook.com Circulation Linda Ewing Asst. Circulation Manager, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com
Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) Lake Martin Living, The Outlook is published five times Kenneth Boone a week, Tuesday through Saturday Photography and mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, a commercial web printing press. Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011. © 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. ReproPOSTMASTER: Send address duction of any part of any issue requires changes to Post Office Box 999, written publisher permission. Alexander City, AL 35011.
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DEAR ABBY: My son is driving me crazy. He’s worried because I don’t have friends I hang out with. He said it’s not normal for a woman to not want to have friends. I say it is. He said if Dear Abby says I’m OK, he will let it rest. I work with people between 50 and 70 hours a week. I have more than a thousand townhome and condo residents to deal with, and I receive nonstop complaints day in and day out. On top of that, I must supervise vendors and contractors, answer to several boards, and have up to eight evening meetings a month. When I finally get home, I don’t want to set up a shopping or dinner date with anybody. I want to sit in peace and quiet. I don’t want to be around people at all. I’m perfectly happy not having friends. Can you see my point? -- LADY WITH NO PROBLEM DEAR LADY: I do see your point, but I can also see your
DEAR ABBY Advice
son’s. By turning this into an either/or situation, you may be talking past each other instead of with each other. While you crave peace and quiet at the end of the day, he worries that you are isolating yourself. Friendships aren’t supposed to drain people; they are supposed to be nurturing. People with rewarding companions they can laugh and commiserate with are happier, less stressed and live longer, so perhaps you should rethink your position. DEAR ABBY: Ten years ago, when I lived in California, I dated the love of my life, “Tammy.” We were perfect together, and I was often amazed by how much I loved
her, which was palpable. After about two years we broke up, and I moved 3,000 miles away. My rebound relationship lasted a decade and produced a beautiful baby boy. After it recently ended, I reached out to Tammy. We hadn’t communicated in 10 years, and I learned that she is married with three kids and she’s miserable. She said she misses me and has never stopped loving me. We talk on the phone often, and she says she wants to see me. I have no idea where this is going, but I’d love to see her. We have decided that we will abide by your advice. What should I do? -- NOSTALGIC IN NEW YORK DEAR NOSTALGIC: I’m glad you asked, although I doubt you will heed my advice. Here it is: You and Tammy should postpone any reunions until she has resolved her marital situation because there are more people involved now than just the two of you.
Whether she remains in her unhappy marriage is anyone’s guess, but if you step in now, it will only add to her troubles. DEAR ABBY: How do I respond to a gift when I don’t know whether or not it’s a gag gift? My sister sent a present that appears to be expensive, but is not only awful, it’s also tacky and weird. She has a great sense of humor, but added no card or message that would give us a clue how to appropriately thank her. -NOT SURE IN NEW JERSEY DEAR NOT SURE: I recommend you use the old stand-by: “How sweet of you to remember (me, us, our special day, etc.). Thank you for being such a generous sister!” 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.
Obituaries Oscar Cohen
Oscar Cohen was born July 6, 1920, in Alexander City, the second of three sons born to Reva and Dave Cohen. He was an outstanding student; he graduated from Alexander City High School where he was president of his senior class. He then attended the University of Alabama where Cohen he was president of Zeta Beta Tau fraternity for two years. He graduated in 1942 and was immediately commissioned as an officer in the Army. He became a Major at the age of 23, and he served in France, Germany, and finally in the Philippines, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. Oscar returned to Alexander City to join his father and brothers in the fam-
ily retail business, Cohen’s Fair Store. He eventually became the sole owner of the business which he expanded to nine stores. Oscar absolutely loved the retail business because it called upon his best talents, and he truly missed it once he retired. In 1951 he married Marion Wender from Atlanta. They were married 62 years, and he frequently described her as “the love of my life.” They had wonderful friends and an active social life in Alexander City. Oscar had an engaging and energetic personality. He was kind, thoughtful, and generous to all those around him. He loved traveling to New York City for his frequent buying trips as well as abroad with his beloved wife. Oscar truly enjoyed interacting with people, he was a great listener, and he was a wonderful mentor to many young people. Oscar died peacefully at home on Thursday, March 10, 2016, in Alexander City at the age of 95. He was preceded in death by his wife,
Richmond Kelly
Mr. Richmond H. Kelly, Sr., 91, of Camp Hill died Friday, March 4, 2016 at his residence. A memorial service will be held at Passion Church, 3340 Hwy 63 North, Alexander City on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at 1 p.m. (CST) with
Announcing the new ofÄce location of
Marion, and by his precious son, Gary Marshall Cohen, who died at the age of 15. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Faye and Robert Levin of Birmingham. He also will be lovingly missed by his grandchildren Gary and Rachel Levin of New York City, Andrew and Alexandra Levin of Atlanta, and Matthew Levin of Providence, Rhode Island. He is also survived by his sweet great-granddaughters, Hannah and Madeline Levin of New York and Emma Levin of Atlanta. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 13 at Temple Emanu-El, 2100 Highland Avenue, Birmingham, Alabama, with burial to follow at Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Oscar’s memory can be made to the Grafman Endowment Fund of Temple Emanu-El (2100 Highland Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35205), MainStreet Alexander City (21 Main Street, Alexander City, AL 35010), or the charity of your choice.
Pastor Bruce and Pastor Sandra Whitehill, officiating. Mr. Kelly is survived by two daughters: Geraldine Kelly of Atlanta, GA and Gloria Brown, Camp Hill; four sons: Raple Kelly, Elizabeth, NJ; Richmond H.(Rita) Kelly, Jr., Arlington, VA, Nathaniel Kelly, Newark, NJ, and Norman L. (Shirley) Kelly, Memphis, TN; nine grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren and six great, great grandchildren: and a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. To share your online condolences, please visit our website at www.vinesfuneralhome.com Vines Funeral Home, Inc. LaFayette, AL is handling the arrangements.
Mr. Billy Wayne Martin 1945-2016
KAREN J. MOCKLER, M.D. Family Medicine Suite 214, Professional Building at Russell Medical Center 3316 Highway 280, Alexander City, AL Convenient parking between Professional Building and UAB Medicine – Cancer Center at RMC. Enter lower level side entrance and take elevator to 2nd Floor.
Funeral service for Mr. Billy Wayne Martin, 70, of Goodwater, will be Sunday, March 13, 2016 at 2 p.m. at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Rev. David Sherrell will officiate. Burial will follow in the Hackneyville Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 12, 2016 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Mr. Martin passed away on Wednesday, March 9, 2016 at Shelby Baptist Medical Center. He was born on September 16, 1945 in Alexander City, Alabama to George Curtis Martin and Mildred Inez Smith Martin. He was a member of Campground United Methodist Church. Mr. Martin worked for Russell Corporation for more than 20 years as a mill supervisor. He was also the proud owner and operator of Martin Grocery until retirement. Mr. Martin enjoyed going to flea markets, restoring old watches and clocks, and had an immense love of history. His passion for hunting and collecting Indian artifacts led to precious time spent with family and friends creating wonderful memories. He is survived by his sons, Steve Wayne Martin (Katherine), of Apopka, FL; Kevin Lee Martin (Carrie), of Helena, daughter-in-law, Tina Martin; grandchildren, Curtis Martin (Mara), Kyle Martin, Cole Martin, Elizabeth Martin, Erin Martin, Jake Martin, Elijah Martin; great-grandson, Alan Wayne Martin; brothers, Gerald Martin (Martha) and Charles Lynn Martin of Alexander City; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rita Faye East Martin and son, Alan Keith Martin. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www. radneyfuneralhome.com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Clance Lockhart
Mrs. Clarice Lockhart of Tulsa, Oklahoma formerly of Alexander City, Alabama died March 5, 2016 and funeral service will be Saturday, March
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12, 2016 at Great Bethel Baptist Church at 1 p.m. Burial will follow at Mt. Godfrey United Methodist Church. Wright’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Mary Lou Price
Funeral service for Mary Lou Price of Louisville, KY; Saturday, March 12, 2016; 3 p.m.; Mt. Godfrey United Methodist Church, Newsite, AL; burial in church cemetery.
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Friday, March 11, 2016
Council
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Sharon Fuller, left, awards the Volunteer of the Year award to Jamie Dark as past volunteers of the year left to right, Willie Garrett, Justin Clayton and Ken Cowart look on.
United Way
continued from page 1
“It’s a nerve-racking to set a goal like we did this year because we’ve had some hard economic times in this community,” said Spencer, senior vice president and central Alabama executive for USAmeriBank. “At first I thought, ‘That’s a stretch.’ But we have a very giving community filled with people with huge hearts and businesses that are committed to the United Way.” Spencer then revealed to the approximately 150 contributors, volunteers and agency representatives present at USAmeriBank for the event that the Lake Martin Area United Way had raised $565,350 in the 2016 campaign, surpassing its $530,000 goal by more than $35,000. “Thank you to the community for what’s happened in the past year,” said Randy Haynes, president of the Lake Martin Area United Way and a partner in the law firm of Morris, Haynes & Hornsby. “This area has faced a lot of economic turmoil and to do what (Lake Martin Area United Way Executive Director) Sharon (Fuller) and Mark have done with this campaign is just incred-
ible.” Fuller then began to recognize a plethora of individuals and businesses that reached milestones and/or went the extra mile in the 2016 campaign, including Jamie Dark, who was named volunteer of the year; the 160 members of United Ways Red Feather Society, who game a total of $230,478; top business contributors Russell Lands, Russell Medical Center, US AmeriBank, Russell Brands, KwangSung and Alexander City Board of Education; Aprinta Group, LLC, Tallapoosa County Schools, Central Alabama Community College, River Bank & Trust and Lake Martin Community Hospital, all of which more than doubled their total contributions; and 90 event donors, 86 volunteers and the 27 United Way agencies and more. This is such a community effort and it takes all of the community working together for us to accomplish what we have this year,” said Fuller. “This is not just a wrap-up. It is truly a celebration.” Fuller added that 182 businesses participated in this year’s local United Way campaign.
Retailer
continued from page 1
people to turnout.” Resident Annette Lynch questioned some of the language in a sample referendum that county commissioners had approved. “That item said until 2 a.m. Sunday morning and that is not what the city ordinance that we all fought so hard for says,” Lynch said. “ I have no problem with Sunday sales, but that time concerned me.” Howard explained that the city ordinance would remain in place and it would simply add Sunday. The resolution includes in part: The City Council “wishes to give the citizens of the City of Alexander City, Alabama, the right to vote on the ability to provide additional revenue to these businesses and capture sales tax revenue on alcohol that is being spent outside of the city on Sundays. … “The Mayor and City Council believe that the citizens of City of Alexander City, Alabama, have the fundamental right to vote on whether to allow alcohol sales seven days a week subject to the time limitations stated herein.” After little further discussion, all four council members present approved the resolution allowing a vote. Sherry Ellison-Simpson, Howard, Billy Ray Wall and Tony Goss made it a unanimous vote. Council members Jim Spann and Bobby Tapley were unable to attend the meeting. The council also approved a move that takes $1,300 from the tourism budget to help a group from Leadership Lake Martin to complete an innovative service project. The Yellow team, represented Thursday night by Jacob Meacham and Matt Hanes, is working to make enhancements at the city’s boat ramp at Stowe Ferry Road. Plans are to erect a sign welcoming visitors to Alexander City, an enclosed bulletin board with road maps and a map of Lake Martin. The group also plans to plant shrubbery and make some
repairs and other fixes to the dock and ramps located there. “We believe it would be a great project for the city,” Meacham said. “In addition to beautification purposes, it would benefit visitors by increasing the safety and providing information.” The council also approved by 4-0 votes: • 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. The move was needed because vids for the Broad Street project came in over expectations and the Lee Street project will be scaled back, • A resolution calling for the dissolution of the Stone Bridge at Lake Martin Development District • 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 for a defibrillator. • A resolution approving requisition No. 16-02 Parks and Rec Department for lights at the soccer complex. The cost is $37,500, significantly lower than anticipated. • A resolution from Relay for Life to hold a Road Block on April 2. • 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.”
continued from page 1
developer specializing in the construction of retail centers that feature Publix stores as the anchor. A representatives from that developer, MAB American, was also in the executive session. MAB is a Charlotte-based real estate development, acquisition and sales firm that has completed at least six Publix centers recently, including one in Rainbow City, that opened last November.
Gap to a building in the complex, as well as the future opening of Korens in the old Yarn-Dye Building gave the committee numbers to warrant the grant. After a 32-minute executive session, the council reconvened and voted 4-0 to approve a conditional letter of agreement to support the completion of Central Boulevard to Lee Street, provided the retailer uses that site. The vote came after a presentation by Alexander City Chamber of Commerce CEO Ann Rye, who has been courting a
Awareness the most easily preventable forms, as long as it is detected early. “If colon cancer is found early, nine out of 10 patients are alive after five years,” said Dr. Derek Holcombe, gastroenterologist with Central Alabama Gastroenterology in Alexander City. Of those diagnosed with colorectal cancer, less than half are diagnosed during the early stages of the illness, when cancer growth is localized in the colon region but has not yet spread to the rest of the body. The high number of late-stage diagnoses is part of why colorectal cancer has such a high death toll. Many local medial authorities are spreading awareness throughout the month of March. The American Cancer Society is encouraging people to support colorectal cancer research by supporting their local Relay For Life. Russell Medical Center has dedicated this month to raising awareness for colorectal cancer, including hanging banners and distributing blue ribbons at public events. “We’re promoting this awareness month with a marketing campaign,” said RMC Marketing Director Susan Foy. “We know colon cancer can be treatable and preventable. We know colon screening does save lives.” The key now is making
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The Outlook
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patients aware of these facts. An essential part of preventing deaths from colorectal cancer is regular screenings, called colonoscopies. Doctors recommend healthy men and women over 50 have a colonoscopy every 10 years. If they have health factors that put them at greater risk – including family history, obesity, smoking, or poor diet – a colonoscopy is recommended every five years. “Millions of people are not getting screening, but they definitely need to,” said Dr. Holcombe. During a colonoscopy, the patient is lightly sedated and a physician checks the colon’s interior for cancer or pre-cancerous polyps. Dr. Holcombe said that many patients are afraid the procedure will hurt, but they should not worry. “The procedure does not hurt. I can’t emphasize that enough,” he said. “With the
type of sedation we use, you will be ‘out’ for 10 minutes. It’s really a breeze, but vitally important to catch problems early to prevent cancer.” In order to increase the colorectal cancer survival rate, the American Cancer Society and other organizations have embraced the goal of getting the screening rate up to 80% by 2018. Patients usually do not need to be referred by a physician in order to receive a cancer screening. To schedule a colorectal cancer screening, speak to your physician or contact Dr. Holcombe at Central Alabama Gastroenterology at 256-329-2829. Those who do not need a screening but wish to get involved in the fight against cancer can volunteer for the 2016 Relay For Life by contacting Katie Wesson at 256404-2948.
256-329-1313 Free Consultations 217 Madison Street, Alexander City, AL “We are a Debt Relief Agency. We help people file Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 under the Bankruptcy Code. Alabama State Bar requires the following in every attorney advertisement, “ No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”
Arise
continued from page 1
Jackson’s Gap. ARISE began its operations on the campus of what was then Alexander City Junior College, now Central Alabama Community College. It moved to Calhoun Street in 1978 before moving to its current location at the Bud Porch Center in the late 1980s. In 1976, the ARISE staff of two responded to 636 requests for help. In 2015, ARISE provided 12,036 passenger trips, drove 55,171 vehicle miles and logged 4,416 driver hours. “Our goal is to provide public mass transportation to Tallapoosa County residents in a safe and clean manner,” said Tapley. “We strive to do that with senses of pride, service, dignity and community.”
ARISE operates under the auspices of the Federal Transit Authority, Alabama Public Service Commission and Federal Highway Administration. It is a nonprofit 501 (c ) 3 organization and the designated Section 5311 provider of Tallapoosa County public transportation. ARISE is dependent on donations to continue its important mission. It receives support from the local community through foundations, businesses, physicians, civic clubs, elected officials, Lake Martin Area United Way and many others. If you would like to learn more about ARISE or make a donation to the organization, call Tapley at 256-329-8444.
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EDITORIAL BOARD Kenneth Boone Mitch Sneed
Outlook The
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Page 4
Our
Opinion Wind Creek State Park is a tremendous local asset
P
eople often don’t understand the significance of things that they see every day, right in their own backyard. Take Wind Creek State Park for example. The park is one of the most popular in the state, ranking No. 5 in terms of visits per year, according to Alabama State Parks statistics. As we saw dozens of military vehicles roll into the area last week and countless visitors flock there to look at military history on display, in addition to green vehicles, we saw another kind of green – dollars. The park draws more than 200,000 visitors each year. Those are people who come here, spend money here and often spend the night here. Each dollar they spend helps the local economy exponentially. It’s hard to put a number on exactly how much all those visitors mean to the local economy, but experts with the National Parks Service say that a person who visits a park spends between $74 to $201 per day in the community closest to the park. If those numbers are accurate, even at the low end, the park brings in $1.7 million to the local economy from visitors. In addition to that, the park itself spent $394,000 locally and paid $557,000 in salaries in 2014. Those are not small numbers. While some local residents may take Wind Creek for granted, it has a tremendous reputation across the state and the Southeast as a park that provides visitors with an incredible experience. The best part is that Wind Creek can get even better. A zipline attraction and other activities are planned. Also there was a master plan created almost a decade ago that called for some major additions to the park. That plan called for construction of a conference center as well as a small lodge. Hopefully that can become reality one day, possibly through a public-private partnership. Until then, visit Wind Creek Park. You won’t be sorry you did.
Friday, March 11, 2016
The craziness hasn’t died in presidential race
F
eel The Bern? It’s emanating from Michigan, where, on Tuesday night, frumpy old Bernie Sanders, the selfdeclared democratic socialist senator from Vermont, caused a bit of a hitch in an entitled Hillary Clinton’s campaign giddy-up toward the Democratic nomination for the presidency. And it’s just the latest twist in what will likely go down as the oddest, most unlikely presidential campaign in modern electoral history. My personal recollection of presidential politics reaches back to 1968, when sitting Democratic President Lyndon Baines Johnson said, “I shall not seek, and I will not accept, the nomination of my party for another term as your president,” and let begin a campaign that saw the assassination of Robert Kennedy and the eventual nomination of Johnson’s vice president, Hubert Humphrey of Minnesota, who didn’t compete in a single Democratic primary. Humphrey and his running mate, Sen. Edmund Muskie of Maine, eventually managed to carry only 14 states in the general election loss to California’s Richard Nixon – who had served as vice president to President Dwight Eisenhower and lost the 1960 election to John F. Kennedy – and his running mate Spiro Agnew, who was serving as governor of Maryland when Nixon tapped him into vice presidential politics. The 1968 election also featured Alabama’s own George Wallace, who ran as the American Independent Party candidate with his running mate Gen. Curtis LeMay and carried Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana
DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
and Mississippi, plus garnering (somehow) one electoral vote from North Carolina. So, yeah, that was a weird year. But not as weird as 1972. The ’72 presidential race was sort of this year’s election in reverse. Fifteen different Democratic candidates received primary votes, including Wallace, who was on his way to becoming ‘72’s version of Donald Trump. The Alabamian may well have won the nomination had he not been rendered paraplegic by bullets from the gun of assassin Arthur Bremer in a Laurel, Maryland, parking lot. Later that night, Wallace would win the Michigan and Maryland primaries. But his paralysis ended his campaign in July. George McGovern eventually won the Democratic nomination over Humphrey, then carried only the District of Columbia and Massachusetts in the general election. The hapless Democrat failed to even carry his home state of South Dakota. We are 44 years removed from the craziness of 1972, yet, as we are learning in this election, crazy ain’t dead yet. Trump talks more about polls and the shortcomings – perceived or otherwise – of his opponents than any concrete plans he has for the country. Last week, we saw the immediate past Republican nominee (Mitt Romney)
speak out against the party’s current frontrunner, urging his destruction via hook, crook or brokered convention. Marco Rubio, once considered among the top – if not THE top – establishment candidate, has seen the strength of that candidacy diminish since he engaged Trump in a war of childish words and nearobscene insults. And the craziness isn’t limited to the Republicans. As mentioned earlier, one of the top Democratic candidates admits he’s a democratic socialist. The other goes about the day to day of her campaign while an investigation takes place into potentially classified emails that may have been routed to her personal server. An indictment – though highly unlikely – isn’t completely out of the question. The campaign of 2016 is truly one you couldn’t make up. If you took a screenplay based on this campaign to a Hollywood filmmaker, he or she would laugh you to their door before slamming it behind you and making a quick call to security to ensure you were banned from the lot. For life. So Bernie raising his white head and shocking Hillary in Michigan Tuesday night is – considered in the lens of this particular election – not all that unexpected. Or it’s just unexpected enough to rest comfortably among the many amazing political happenings that, in 2016, should be considered the New Normal. And perhaps a whitehaired socialist harbinger of more craziness that lies ahead. Granger is a staff writer for The Outlook.
was elected Alabama’s 49th Attorney General first elected in 2010, and serves as the State’s chief law enforcement officer. He can be reached at 334242-7300, and his office is located at 501 Washington Avenue, Luther Strange 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 Mark Tuggle Calhoun Street, Suite 108, Alexander City. Tom Whatley represents the 27th District covering Lee, Russell and Tallapoosa County. He was elected to the Alabama Senate on Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334-242-t7865. Tom Whatley His office is located at 337 East Magnolia Drive, Auburn.
Today’s
Scripture “The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.” – Psalms 19:7
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Thanks to officials and community on incredible journey Dear Editor, The volunteer Dixie Youth coaches are preparing their teams for the upcoming teeball, baseball and softball season. An army of volunteers will be getting the concession stands ready, organizing scores keepers, umpires, and equipment. It will be spring training time in Dadeville. It is putting the finest kids in the world in baseball and softball uniforms. It is big-city stuff in a small town. It can be like putting a jigsaw puzzle together; hard work, but gets the job done. Thanks to the Dixie Youth Board, the parents, volunteers and the Recreation
Department. Believe it or not this part I am going to miss. I have worked in the Recreation Department for over 30 years. Some part-time and some fulltime. Failing health has struck me out. I will walk with some great memories and lots of friends. How do you tell a community supports its young people? In Dadeville’s case all you do is walk up to the entrance of Joe McKelvey Park, the Community Center and Keebler Park. These places walk the talk for the greatest kids in the world. Joe Mckelvey Park was five years in the making. As Parks and Recreation Director during
the time I feel honored to be a part of the group of volunteers that made this project possible. Over the years I have enjoyed working with our senior citizens and I will miss them. In closing, I would like to thank the Dadeville city officials, the volunteers and the high school coaches for help making our program possible. I have enjoyed my journey with the Parks and Recreation Department and the Dadeville community. Time passes us by. Keep on supporting our greatest kids in the world! Gary Melton Dadeville
Do shorter marriages reflect the times? Dear Editor, Being a child of the fifties, it did not surprise me to receive an invitation to celebrate sixty years of marriage between two of my friends and schoolmates. This brought to mind and caused me to ponder on how many of my friends I went to school with have been married fifty years or more. I go
to Anytime Fitness with two friends that have been married sixty eight years. I wonder why people that married in the forties, fifties and the sixties have marriages that last. I know the ones that I know of have one thing in common. A church and God are part of their marriage. I married at 32. I had almost forty two years before I lost
my wife. She gave me a card at Easter that I would like to share. I think it says the feelings between couples. It said: “My strength is in your smile, my happiness is in your eyes, my joy is in our love.” Billy Waites Alexander City
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The Dadeville High School Drama program is rehearsing for its upcoming performances of the Wizard of Oz. Performances will be March 18 and 19 at 7 p.m. and March 20 at 2 p.m. Last year the group put on Annie. Above, Farrah Pritchard, Carrie Thomas, Rhema Webb, Cimone Presley and Hodge rehearse a scene.
March 12
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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.
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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 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
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Healdsburg, California from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, call 256-212-9463.
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.
March 17
WINE TASTING: Emporium Wines in Alexander City welcomes Rush Wines features wines from Cannonball Wine Company of
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 256329-0845. 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 community programs. Contact Bo Parks at 256-3293954 or Lakewinds at 256-8259860.
March 19-20
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.
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
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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.
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March 25
TENNEBUE SERVICE: Comer Memorial Methodist is hosting a Tennebue Service March 25 at 7:30 p.m.
256.234.3481 KarenChannell.com
March 26
FAMILY BINGO NIGHT: Bibb Graves School is hosting family bingo night March 26 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. ART WORKSHOP: The Artist Association of Central Alabama is hosting a watercolor bird on a branch workshop March 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Social Hall. Contact Dottie at 256-377-4918 to register.
March 27
SUNRISE SERVICE: Comer Memorial Methodist Church is hosting a sunrise service at 6 a.m. and an Easter Service at 11 a.m.
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April 3
MEN AND WOMEN DAY: New Harmony Misionary Baptist Church is celebrating men and women day April 3 at 2 p.m. Guest minister is Rev.Jessie Bradshaw. Pastor of New Harmony is Rev. Melvin Kelley Jr.
• • • • •
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ROBERT HUDSON SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228
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Page 8
Friday, March 11, 2016
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Lady Wildcats win Reeltown Tourney, drop two at home
Robert Hudson / The Outlook
Above left, Benjamin Russell’s Asia McWaters winds up for a pitch during Thursday evening’s game against Chelsea at Pam Robinson Field in the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex. Above right, Benjamin Russell’s Taylor McVey, left, makes an acrobatic catch at first base during Thursday’s game. Below (Submitted Photo), the Lady Wildcats took first place at last weekend’s Reeltown Tournament. STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
The Benjamin Russell Lady Wildcats closed last weekend with a trophy in hand, but fell in consecutive home games this week. This past weekend, the Lady Wildcats walked away from Reeltown with a first-place trophy from the Reeltown Tournament. During pool play at the Reeltown Tournament, Benjamin Russell defeated Dadeville 6-0 before tying 1-1 with the hosts Reeltown Lady Rebels. The Lady Wildcats closed pool play with an 11-7 loss to Elmore County. The Lady Wildcats bounced back in tournament play,
defeating Reeltown 4-0 in the semifinals. The Lady Wildcats closed out the tournament with a 6-0 win over Elmore County in the championship game. Benjamin Russell returned to action at home on Tuesday, falling 4-1 to Valley in an area contest. On Thursday, Benjamin Russell hosted Chelsea for another home game at Pam Robinson Field at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex. The Lady Wildcats jumped out to an early lead against Chelsea, as Shay Johnson scored on an inside-the-park home run by Loren Bishop to give them a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the third. But Chelsea quickly turned the tide, with a throwing error
bringing in Allison Miller from third and a two-run homer by Lexi Preisendorfer in the top of the fourth giving the Lady Hornets the lead for good. Chelsea went on to score four runs in the top of the fifth and seven in the top of the sixth, including a tworun homer by Alexandria Smithson to complete a 14-2 victory for the Lady Hornets. Asia McWaters struck out three batters in three innings for the Lady Wildcats in the loss. Benjamin Russell currently sits at 5-11-1 on the season. The Lady Wildcats will return to action next week when they travel to southern Alabama for the Gulf Coast Classic.
Horseshoe Bend’s White signs football scholarship to William Penn By ROBERT HUDSON Sports Editor
A Horseshoe Bend Generals defender will be competing at the next level this fall. Horseshoe Bend’s Hunter White signed a football scholarship to William Penn University of Oskaloosa, Iowa on Thursday. White recorded 79 tackles, including two for loss, and a fumble recovery during the 2015 season. White said he will likely play safety at the next level and is excited to continue his career. “This is a very special day. I always wanted to go on and keep playing football and stuff. They gave me my chance to go play,” White said. “Horseshoe Bend, my coaches here told me everything I needed to do out on the field and everything I needed to do in the classroom, so I went and proved it and got my shot to go play.” Horseshoe Bend Coach Jason Franklin said White is a hard worker who will find success at the next level if he continues to have a high work ethic. “He’s a good kid who has worked hard and I’m just proud to see him get rewarded with a chance to keep playing,” Franklin said. “That’s big because not many young men get that chance. I’m proud of him for taking a step out there because he is going to be a ways away from home. I mean, he’s going to Iowa, so that’s going to be a big change, but I’m proud of him making that decision.” For White’s mother, April Williams, Thursday was a great moment for a good kid. “I’m proud of him, but I’m sad to see him go,” Williams said. “I’m so proud of him for what he’s done with academics and football. He’s a good kid.” White’s father, Ronald Williams, said he is proud to see his son accomplish his dream. “I’m proud of him to see what he’s done,” Ronald said. “He’s really
Robert Hudson / The Outlook
Horseshoe Bend’s Hunter White signed a scholarship to William Penn University on Thursday morning. Pictured are, back row, HBS Coach Jason Franklin, front row from left, father Ronald Williams, Hunter White, mother April Williams, and brother Logon Williams.
worked hard for this, so I’m just so proud of him.” White said he has to push himself even harder once he goes off to college. “I’m going to have to work on a whole bunch of stuff in order to get better,” White said. “I’m going to have to do what I can to get better, work out harder in the weight room and stuff like that.”
Franklin said the Generals will miss White, but added it is always a coach’s goal to produce great student-athletes who continue their education and athletic career. “We’re going to miss him. He was a big part of our team this year. Really, defensively, he was a bit of a surprise for us coming on and did a lot of good things for us this year,” Franklin said. “It’s great seeing the guys get a chance
to move on. That’s our job is to give as many as we can the opportunity to go on and play at the next level. It’s pretty special.” White said he is thankful for all of the support he has received along the way. “I thank my coaches, all of my parents and my friends for supporting me,” White said. “I’m just very excited.”