March 22, 2016 Alex City Outlook by Tallapoosa Publishers

OPINION: THE PEOPLE SHOULD DECIDE, PAGE 4.

THE CHAMBER PULSE! Gears are turning with new leadership. Page 6-7.

TUESDAY

SECOND SEASON Wildcats baseball opens area play at home today. Sports, page 12.

Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 March 22, 2016

Vol. 124, No. 58

www.alexcityoutlook.com

AG asked to probe missing golf course money By MITCH SNEED Editor

The criminal investigation into money missing from Alexander City’s Lakewinds Golf Course will likely be handled by the Alabama Attorney General’s Office. Fifth Judicial Circuit District Attorney E. Paul Jones confirmed Monday morning that he is seeking the help of the AG’s Office for multiple reasons, including the

need for a complete forensic audit. Jones said that while the city did commission an audit that confirmed that money was missing, it wasn’t a forensic audit that would give prosecutors the kind of information needed in a criminal prosecution. “There are several reasons why this makes sense,” Jones said. “First of all, there really needs to be a forensic audit

done. If we were to do that, we would have to hire someone. “The AG’s office has people on staff to handle that.” Jones said another factor is timing. Jones is not seeking re-election and there could be considerable turnover as a result of the new administration in January. “I will be leaving, so the chances of this investigation being completed, sent

Lake Martin property owners see no changes with permits

Council votes to terminate contracts for grant services

STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

Lake Martin property owners probably will be unaffected by the recent expiration of programmatic general permits (PGPs) that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) has authorized Alabama Power Company to write for shoreline construction/ maintenance, said Alabama Power Company Land Supervisor Billy Edge. The PGPs expired March 9, and Alabama Power and the COE are working toward the issuance of new permits. The permits affect proposed shoreline activities that include construction of piers, boathouses and other structures, as well as the maintenance of existing structures. Bank stabilization, debris removal and minor dredging also fall in the PGP area, but on Lake Martin, Edge said, most of the work property owners plan to do would be covered by nationwide permits, which the power company can issue without COE authorization “We can issue a permit in the nationwide category for up to 500 linear feet. If it’s more than that, they would have to seek approval from the Corps of Engineers,” Edge explained. “We can still issue permits for boat ramps. Piers on Lake Martin will not be affected because Martin is not considered a navigable waterway. The

By MITCH SNEED Editor

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Above, children look for Easter eggs as Wind Creek State Park hosted its 10th Annual Egg Hunt Saturday. Bottom left, Cecila Radney, left, 8 of Alexander City and Olivia Booker, 8, run as they look for Easter eggs. (Bottom right) Kallen Hollman, left, Leilani Johns and Khalye Hollman counted their eggs after the egg hunt Saturday.

HIDE & SEEK

Wind Creek State Park hosts Easter egg hunt

See PERMITS • Page 11

Today’s

Weather

67 44 High

Low

Lake Martin

Lake Levels

486.78 Reported on 3/21/16 @ 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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to a grand jury for indictment, much less being tried before I leave are very, very slim,” Jones said. “I feel like it’s important in a case like this to have some continuity and have it handled by someone who will see it through from beginning to end. I feel like they would have the best chance of doing that.” Jones said that he hasn’t gotten written See PROBE • Page 3

An agreement with a company that was hired to administer two block grants to help with the removal of dilapidated structures in the city has been terminated. The Alexander City City Council voted 4-0 Monday night to terminate the two agreements with Monroe and Associates, which date back to January of 2015. Councilman Bob Howard said the response from the company had not been what the city had hoped for. “They were awarded contracts to administer the paperwork under two dilapidated structure grants where old failing structures are razed,” Howard said. “(Community Development Director) Randy Thomas said he has been reaching out to the company and he hasn’t heard from them. He’s ready for the project to move forward and believes it’s in the city’s best interest to go a different direction.” With the vote, the contract was terminated. Howard, Tony Goss, Sherry Ellison-Simpson and Billy Ray Wall voted for the termination. Bobby Tapley and Jim Spann were unable to attend the meeting, as was Mayor Charles Shaw, who Howard said was not feeling well. One other item of note came when the council failed to get unanimous consent to allow a parcel of property on Smith See COUNCIL • Page 3

Effort to ‘Revamp the Hamp’ should begin in late April By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer

The first shovel of dirt related to the renovation of Hamp Lyon Stadium should be moved in April, according to Richard Wagoner, director of MainStreet Alexander City, which is working closely with the city, the Alexander City Board of Education and county commissioners Steve Robinson and T.C. Coley on the renovation project. “By the end of April, the high school boys and girls will be through with soccer,” said Wagoner. “We really can’t start until then since both teams practice there.” When the dirt does begin to move, it will be the beginning of a project that will cost an estimated $850,000 in cash and in-kind services combined and will take place in phases, beginning with the repair of the actual field, Wagoner said. “You know, there’s supposed to be a crown on an athletic field, but the field at Hamp Lyon has a recess, if anything,” Wagoner said. “We’ve got to fix that. There is an irrigation system in place that See REVAMP • Page 3

Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

This engineering drawing shows the layout of Alexander City’s Hamp Lyon Stadium once the $850,000 renovation is complete. Work should start on demolition of the existing concrete bleachers and the playing field in late April.

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Parents of teenage cutters must listen and not judge

Wednesday

71 58 Low

High Mostly sunny

Thursday

70 44 Low

High

Cloudy, 70 percent chance of rain

Staff

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

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

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

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

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

Postal

Information (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) The Outlook is published five times a week, Tuesday through Saturday mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Post Office Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011.

Tuesday, March 22, 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

DEAR READERS: I promised “Heartbroken Mom From Anywhere” (Oct. 5) to print letters from readers offering suggestions about helping her teen daughter, who is a cutter: DEAR ABBY: I am a 33-yearold woman who has cut for many years, starting early in high school. What concerns me is the mom doesn’t completely understand what’s going on. Not many people do. Self-harm is a cry for help from someone who doesn’t know how to voice his or her emotions. I, too, was bullied and didn’t know how to express the pain I was feeling, so I took it out on my body. Over the years it became my coping mechanism, although an unhealthy one. Helping someone who is self-harming requires understanding AND A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL to identify the emotions and suggest better ways to express them. One that worked for me was doing puzzles. It was a way to keep my mind and hands busy. This teen also needs to know she is not alone. Parents need to listen. I cannot stress

DEAR ABBY Advice

how important it is for cutters to know someone is there for them with love and no judgment. -KNOWS FROM EXPERIENCE IN MISSOURI DEAR ABBY: I grew up in a dysfunctional household with abusive parents. When I would cut, it was like I could feel all my pent-up emotions leaking out through the wounds on my legs. The physical pain was bearable and distracted me from everything that was going on in my life, and I would feel a little bit better about myself and a little less desperate. Cutting is a powerful addiction. Even now, more than 10 years later, when things get bad I feel a compulsion to just make one small cut. What helped me to stop cutting wasn’t counseling or medication. It was becoming

passionate about active hobbies that allowed me to release my bottled-up feelings and stress and feel good at the same time. -- FORMER CUTTER IN MINNESOTA DEAR ABBY: I have worked in psychiatry for 10 years and have found that some of these children have been sexually molested. Some told their parents and were not believed because it was the mother’s boyfriend, a family friend or a relative. Carrying this around is a heavy burden. Parents need to show the child they will look into the allegation. We should be a safe place for our kids to offload all their fears and insecurities, because we have a duty to protect them from abuse. -- IN THE FIELD IN BROOKLYN, N.Y. DEAR ABBY: I have been a cutter from age 9 to the present -- age 22 -- though now it’s less frequent. The biggest mistake my parents and friends made when I was really destructive was forcing me to commit to ultimatums. It turned my cutting into a shameful thing, isolated

me and made it impossible to talk about it. I advise “Heartbroken” to keep talking to her daughter (not nagging) about cutting, bullying, school and things the girl likes. Share activities with her. Take her hiking, bicycling, to museums or movies. Spending time with her is important for distraction and bonding. Physical activity can help depressed individuals feel better. And she should understand that recovery is never a straight line. There will be hiccups, setbacks and days when it doesn’t seem like it will get better. Eventually, with therapy (via counselors, bonding with friends/family, connection with nature/animals) and learning better coping habits, she will improve. Patience and support are imperative. -- KYLE IN PENNSYLVANIA 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.

Driver escapes injury in Monday log truck crash

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, Lake Martin Living, Kenneth Boone Photography and a commercial web printing press. © 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Reproduction of any part of any issue requires written publisher permission.

Submitted / The Outlook

A log truck overturned and skidded on its side Monday morning in the 15000 block of Highway 22 on the east side of New Site. Despite losing the entire load and causing damage to the cab of the truck, the driver escaped serious injury. It took hours to clear the road and the cleanup of the logs continued until late in the afternoon. The accident remains under investigation.

Obituaries Mrs. Desiree D. Green Mrs. Desiree D. Green of Jackson’s Gap, Alabama died March 20, 2016 and arrangements will be announced later by Wrights Funeral Home.

Mrs. Pastyen Heard Mrs. Pastyen Heard 57 of Goodwater, AL died on Sunday, March 19, 2016 at Russell Medical Center, Alexander City, AL. Armour’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Bobbie J. (Lawson) Ephraim Funeral service for Mrs. Bobbie J. (Lawson) Ephraim 61 of Alexander City, AL; 2:00 p.m.; Wednesday, March 23, 2016; Miracle Missionary Baptist Church, Alexander City, AL. Burial, Armour’s Memorial Garden, Alexander City, AL. Armour’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Christie Knight Caine

Funeral service for Christie Knight Caine, 48, of Sylacauga will be Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Sylacauga. Dr. Rick Patrick will officiate. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at the First Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. Mrs. Caine passed away Sunday, March 20, 2016 at her residence. Mrs. Caine is survived by her loving husband of 24 years, Randy Caine, her daughter Randie Caroline Caine, her son Taylor Caine (Beth), sisters Charlotte Murray Knight, Karen Knight Eastin (George), Annette Knight Miller (John), nieces, Stephanie Pesterfield

(Brad), Jamie Bradshaw (Michael), and Lauren Miller, nephew, John Michael Miller and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Mrs. Caine was preceded in death by her father James Heflin Knight. Christie was a graduate of Benjamin Russell High School. Christie also graduated from Auburn University where she earned a masters degree. Christie was a teacher of Sylacauga High School where she was the career tech director for 14 years. During this time she played an integral role in developing such programs as Aggie Vols and HOT programs. Christie’s grant writing established many programs for the city school system. Christie was also

a varsity cheer sponsor, asst. softball coach, FBLA advisor and former teacher of the year. Through all these activities, Christie kept her family first. Pallbearers will be Rhett Aderholt, Tripp Hodges, Connor Roberson, Chandler Deerman, John McKinney, and Thomas Roberts. Honorary pallbearer will be Daniel Roberts. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Christie Caine Scholarship fund c/o Heritage South Credit Union. Online condolences may be sent to www.curtisandsonfh.com. Curtis and Son North Chapel will direct the services.

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Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Revamp

Page 3

www.alexcityoutlook.com

The Outlook

continued from page 1

“We’ll be kicking off a fundraising campaign allowing people and businesses in the community to help fund what we feel can be a very vital project for the city,” Wagoner said. “I know there were some Smiths Station people who came here for one of our soccer games and they were exposed to our downtown and what we have to offer in the way of dining and shopping for the first time. Almost all of them said, ‘We had no idea all this was down here.’ “Once we can get the Hamp Lyon project complete, it will take a lot of pressure off the (Charles E. Bailey) Sportplex, it will give us three regulation soccer fields in the city, allowing us to host youth or high school soccer tournaments and it will bring a lot of additional traffic to downtown.” A Go Fund Me page has already been set up for the renovation project. If you are interested in donating to “Revamp the Hamp,” point your Internet browser to gofundme.com/revampthehamp. You may also donate by sending a check, made out to MainStreet/ Hamp Lyon Project, to MainStreet at 21 Main Street, Alexander City, 35010. MainStreet is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization and your donations are taxdeductible. Hamp Lyon Stadium was constructed in the late 1930s and was home to the Alexander City High School and, later, Benjamin Russell High School Wildcats through the late 1980s. It was also home to the Alexander City Colored High School and, later, Laurel High School Hornets football teams.

I think we can make usable by replacing some heads and things like that. And we’re actually going to have to shift the field a bit from where it is because, right now, we have a fence that runs through part of the north end zone.” The first phase of work on what is affectionately known throughout town as The Hamp will also include demolition of the concrete bleachers. Wagoner said that, in order to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), repair of the bleachers was not an option. “It would have been impossible to comply with ADA by just repairing them,” Wagoner said. “And they were almost beyond repair. It made sense to go ahead and have them demolished and replaced. “But we will replace them with concrete. We didn’t want any aluminum bleachers.” Wagoner said the ADA regulations weren’t alone in dictating some of the specifications of the restoration of Hamp Lyon. “In addition to the ADA, we had to comply with rules of the Alabama Building Commission and the Alabama High School Athletic Association,” Wagoner said. “Sometimes it makes things more difficult, but we want to do this in a way where the facility will be done right and usable.” When completed, Wagoner said, the renovation will include new fencing and lighting and new and renovated buildings and more. Other than the in-kind services provided by the city and county, the project will be entirely funded by the community, Wagoner said.

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Probe

continued from page 1

confirmation from the office of Luther Strange at this point, but he feels like they will take on the case and all that goes with it. Alexander City Mayor Charles Shaw had asked Jones to handle the investigation after an audit found money was actually missing. Jones said at the time of the request that there was evidence of criminal activity found in the information that the city turned over to him. No one has addressed any possible suspect or the amount of money that may have been found to be a part of the “criminal activity.” Questions into the golf course funds were raised by resident Wendell Scroggins at a council meeting on Jan. 25, alleging that a number of checks that patrons had written for goods and services at Lakewinds seemed to have been lost in the process, never clearing the patrons’ banks. Alexander City Parks and Recreation Director Sonny Wilson said at the same meeting he believes the amount of missing funds could be as much as $120,000.

Scroggins said he knew of several checks, some of more than $1,000, that never cleared the bank. Scroggins said he was aware of two of his checks that never cleared, one as recent as Dec. 10. Shaw hired the accounting firm of Carr, Riggs and Ingram to investigate the matter. Part of what was presented to Jones was information found by that group. Alexander City has been billed $24,603 for the firm’s services, but Shaw said again Monday the matter wasn’t complete and that invoice may not have been accurate. It has been learned that the findings showed the money was all accounted for at the golf course and the recreation department, but it appears the issue was at city hall. The exact amount of what was taken has not been finalized, but the issues spanned at least two calendar years. In addition to missing checks, a “substantial amount of cash” is also involved, a source close to the process said.

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EDITORIAL BOARD Kenneth Boone Mitch Sneed

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Page 4

Our

Opinion

Outlook The

Transient Americans and my parents’ house

The people I should decide

ur legislature is attempting what amounts to the wrestling of electoral power away from the people of Alabama. A bill that would end the election of Alabama’s state auditor and agriculture commissioner and give the governor the power to fill the positions by appointment has been introduced into the Alabama House of Representatives. HB432 had its first reading March 17. It was referred to the Constitution, Campaign and Elections Committee, and is sponsored by Rep. Paul Beckman, a Republican from Prattville. From where we sit, it’s clear that passage of the bill would concentrate more power in the hands of the governor, stripping Alabama’s electorate of a portion of what little direct impact it has on our state government. Simply put, it’s a blow to government of, for and by the people. Jim Zeigler, who currently serves as Alabama’s state auditor, believes the bill targets him. Zeigler, who has been critical of the governor, says inclusion of the agriculture commissioner in the legislation could be a ruse to distract from its real target – him. The Constitution, Campaign and Elections Committee will take up the bill, perhaps as early as this week. If the Committee gives a favorable report on the bill, it would go to the House floor, possibly by the week of April 5. We would ask that anyone who favors government by the people call their representatives in the Alabama Legislature and ask them to vote no on this bill. If this bill passes, the auditor and the agriculture commissioner would be Alabama’s only two constitutional officers not elected by direct vote of the people. It would create the very definition of a slippery slope. We hope that our legislators will see the light and stop short of this further concentration of power in the governor’s office. We elect our governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, state treasurer and county sheriffs and we should continue to do so. We should also continue to elect our state auditor and our commissioner of agriculture and industries.

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

’m lucky that my mother and father are doing so well — lucky that, in our transient country, their home is the hub that unites my extended family. According to the U. S. Census Bureau, nearly 36 million Americans moved between 2013 and 2014 — almost 12 percent of the population. Among our 36 million movers: - 23,150,000 moved within the same county. - 6,961,000 moved to a different county within the same state. - 4,770,000 moved to a different state. - 1,036,000 moved to a different country. Like nearly 5 million Americans who moved to another state, I moved from Pittsburgh to Alexandria, Va., in 1998 to seek better job opportunities. I lived in the D.C. area nearly eight years and it proved to be a great experience, helping me land marketing clients who I am supporting still. As an adult, I’ve never lived in the same place longer than 4 years. Lately, I’ve been moving into a property, renovating it, renting it, then moving to another place to repeat the cycle. That is why I’m so blessed that my parents’ home is such a central part of my life. Unlike much of the country, in which people uproot themselves every few years, Pittsburghers prefer to stay put. For 35 of my first 37 years, my mother and father resided in a twostory, four-bedroom design

TOM PURCELL Columnist

that was typical of 1960s suburbia. My father remodeled the basement into a family room. And when my baby sister, Jennifer, expanded our household to eight, my parents added a fifth bedroom onto the first floor — where they were able to enjoy space and comfort for the first time in their lives. That house was the hub of a lot of people’s lives. The door was never locked and aunts, uncles, friends and neighbors regularly stopped in to say hello. My mother always hosted holiday celebrations, especially Thanksgiving. To house all of the kids and grandkids, however, we had to clear out the living room furniture. We pushed a large table up to the dining room wall, then pushed another table against that table to make one large L-shaped table. There wasn’t much space, but nobody minded. To accommodate our expanding clan, my parents moved to a larger, contemporary house in 2000 — a scandalous affair, as far as my sisters and I were concerned, because Pittsburghers are not supposed to move! The old house had so many memories, after all. On Sundays when we were little, our dad made us scrambled eggs and bacon and we’d put cinnamon and

sugar on our buttery toast. Our dog Jingles lived the good life under the large shrubs by the front porch. We have hundreds of photos of holiday parties, baptisms, confirmations, graduations and the weddings of four of my sisters. Well, my parents have been in the “new” house 16 years already and that has become the family homestead now, a place where many new memories are being made — and where 30 to 40 Thanksgiving guests can sit comfortably in the massive living room and dining room. The longer-term Census trends show that Americans are beginning to move a little less — partly because our country is aging, that dual-income families have less flexibility and, in a still challenging economy, because Americans aren’t switching jobs as often as they used to. Well, moving is good for individuals and the economy, and I wish my fellow Americans the best as they pursue their American dream. But I also hope there is one home in their extended families that brings them as much peace and happiness as my parents’ home brings to my family. Purcell is the author of “Misadventures of a 1970’s Childhood” and “Sean McClanahan Mysteries,” is a Pittsburgh TribuneReview humor columnist and is nationally syndicated exclusively by Cagle Cartoons Inc. Send comments to Tom at Tom@ TomPurcell.com.

alexcityoutlook.com

Daily Poll Weekend Question: Do you think the state should get out of the marriage business?

Yes - 8 No - 31

Tuesday Question: Do you think fishing tournaments are good for the local economy? To participate in this daily poll, log on each day to www.alexcityoutlook.com and vote. Find out the vote totals in the next edition of The Outlook and see if your vote swayed the results.

Our

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

Opinion?

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

Robert Bentley

Letter to the Editor

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 Tom Whatley at 334-242-t7865. His office is located at 337 East Magnolia Drive, Auburn.

“But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jeus Christ to all who believe..” – Romans 3:21-22

What’s your

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

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 Mark Tuggle located at 110 Calhoun Street, Suite 108, Alexander City.

Scripture

The subscription rate is $136.00 per year in Tallapoosa and Coosa counties and $177.99 outside the area. Periodicals paid at Alexander City, AL. Newspapers are available at 100 news racks in our area at 50 cents for The Outlook and 50 cents for The Record. We would love to deliver a paper to your door. Call David Kendrick at 256-234-4281, Ext. 204 or e-mail david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook. com.

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

Luther Strange

Today’s

How to

Officials

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 334-242-7300, and his office is located at 501 Washington Avenue, Montgomery.

Quote

“Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.“ – Voltaire

Know Your

Luther Strange

Today’s

Dear Editor, We the People want calmness and peace. Yes, people are angry but we are not for dividing people but uniting them. We want everyone in because we are facing some difficult times. We are asking for prayer and calmness. There has been so much ugliness planted out there where people feel they don’t belong. But I tell you as the people’s voice we don’t have to hurt anyone like Mr. Trump. We love everyone and believe everyone should have the right to protest or speak. The people have had enough of that government. They want a system that is fair to all, that will give their children a great school and connect them with a good job so they can stay here and earn a living. They want Medicaid expanded to save people’s lives. There is a heavy burden here. There is plenty of money to support the expansion if Gov. Bentley would do the right thing. When we kick problems down the road they get bigger and eventually erupt. Look at the prison system. For so many years it was talked about and nothing was done. You have to be about the people’s business. These mayors in the these cities are having a hard time trying to

do the people’s business because they are to deal with problems 40 years old and they are being blamed because their city budgets don’t have that kind of money. It is time we get bold leaders in that are willing to make these hard decisions. We the people want a leader that will represent all the people, not just the rich. We need everyone in, to make this country work. It won’t work divided. It will look like now and that is not where the people are, only a few. So I pray for calmness all over because we the people are not where some of these people are. I have never seen this kind of ugliness in my lifetime. I read about it later, but at 62 I am witnessing this in 2016 along with the children. They can say they witnessed this happen. And it is sad that we are still stuck on ignorance on moving forward. I’m pushing hard for a true leader that will represent all the people so everyone has a fair chance, especially women. We have to be able to do the right thing for everyone. Arlean Wyckoff Alexander City

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Tuesday, March 22, 2016

The Outlook

CommunityCalendar Today is

March 22, 2016 SERVING LUNCH IN THE CAFĂ&#x2030;

Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Anniversaries

Howard and Barbara Mattox and Brenda

and Joe Croley are celebrating anniversaries today.

Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Birthdays

Edna Newman, Hilda Adams, Vivian

Page 5

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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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;At the Cross,â&#x20AC;? Holy Thursday music program March 24 at 6 p.m. It is a worship service built around the Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s supper with the sanctuary choir. MAUNDAY THURSDAY: Comer United Methodist Church is hosting a Maunday Thrusday service March 24 at 6 p.m.

March 24-25

256.234.3481 KarenChannell.com

LAST SUPPER: Flint Hill United Methodist Church will presenting a live and moving reenactment of Leonardo Di Vinciâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s The Last Supper on Thursday March 24 and Friday March 25 at 6 p.m. Tickets will be available at Flint Hill UMC, from church members, Cloud Nine, Lake Martin Humane Society, The Coffee Corner and Lake Broadcasting. You will not be turned down if you do not have a ticket. For more information call 256-2345047.

March 25

Brown Nursing and Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Services â&#x20AC;˘Physical Therapy â&#x20AC;˘Occupational Therapy â&#x20AC;˘Speech Therapy 2334 Washington Street Alexander City â&#x20AC;˘ 256-329-9061 www.crownemanagement.com

Come Visit Us! Cecily Lee, Administrator Angela Pitts, Director of Nursing

SEE ME FOR INSURANCE

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com

The FANS HEAR You!

TENNEBUE SERVICE: Comer Memorial Methodist is hosting a Tennebue Service March 25 at 7:30 p.m. CRUCIFIXION REENACTMENT: Mt. Zion Baptist Church on Highway 63 South will display a reenactment of the resurrection of Jesus Christ March 25 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., all day on March 26 and to noon on March 27.

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. EGG HUNT: Men of Honor (MOH) will be hosting a Easter Egg Hunt on March 26th 2016 from 1pm to 4pm at the park in Camp Hill, Al. Bring kinds of all ages lunch will be provided to all Easter egg hunters everyone is welcome to come. EGGSTRAVAGANZA: Leadership Lake Martin is hosting Eggstravaganza in Strand Park March 26 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. with proceeds benefiting Outdoor Friends Forever. The Easter bunny will be available for pictures. There will be a cupcake contest with an entry fee of $10 per category. There will be a bake sale and games including a three-legged race, egg toss and egg on a spoon. EGG HUNT: The Sixth Street Baptist Church Easter Egg Hunt will be March 26 at 10 a.m. at 6th Street Park. Games, snack and candy-filled eggs. Hunts for infants through 6th graders. EGG HUNT: Calvary Heights Baptist Church will host an Easter Egg Hunt March 26 from 9 a.m. til 11 a.m. There will be a magic show featuring

Carl Kelly. Everything is for ages infant through sixth grade. The church is located at the intersection of Highway 280 and Elkahatchee Road. EGG HUNT: Kellyton United Methodist Church is hosting an Easter Egg Hunt on Friday, March 25, 2016, beginning at4:30 pm. All children through 6th grade are invited. Prizes for each age category. Easter Bunny will make a surprise appearance, parents be sure to bring your cameras. Dinner will be served. Kellyton United Methodist Church is located one block from downtown Kellyton, 85 Smyrna Road. EGG HUNT: Community Easter Egg Hunt will be Saturday, March 26th 10a.m. Wall Street AME Zion Church, 71 Zion Street, Tallassee, AL (334) 283-2594. Look us up on facebook www.wallstreetamez.com Event Coordinator is Mrs. Della Hayes, Pastor, Edwrin Sutton. Everyone is invited!

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. EASTER SERVICE: Orr Street Baptist Church invites everyone to Easter Service on Sunday, March 27. Sunrise service begins at 6 a.m. with breakfast served at 7 a.m. Sunday morning service begins at 10:30 a.m. There will be no Sunday school or evening service. EASTER SERVICE: Calvary Heights Baptist Church is hosting an Easter Sunrise Service at 6:30 a.m. followed by breakfast. EASTER SERVICE: Mt.Zion Baptist Church on Highway 63 South is having Easter Service at 11 a.m. Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s church and nursery provided. SUNRISE SERVICE: Mt. Zion Baptist Church will host outdoor Easter Sunrise Service at 7 a.m. at the Wind CreekStateParkPavillion. Old fashion breakfast will follow. FAMILY AND FRIENDS DAY: Centerview Baptist Church of Camp Hill is hosting friends and family day March 27 at 2 p.m. Rev. Gary Hardy is pastor and Rev. Eddie Hunter will be the guest. EASTER SERVICES: River Road Baptist Church is hosting a sunrise service at 7 a.m. Breakfast will follow. The Cantata will be at 11 a.m. Everyone is invited. EASTER MUSICAL: Hillabee Baptist Church is hosting its Easter Musical March 27 starting at 10:30 a.m.

March 28

MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION: The next meeting of the Alexander City Area Ministerial Association will be Monday, March 28 at 6:30 p.m. at Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church on King Street. Attention will be given to a by-law change and to a citywide Christian event for the association to sponsor in 2016. Also, there will be opportunity for sharing news from the churches, fellowship, and intercessory prayer. All Christian ministers are invited. For more information, contact Bill Middlebrooks, secretary at 256-2343371.

April 3

MEN AND WOMEN DAY: New

Harmony Missionary 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.

April 9

APPRECIATION: A celebration and appreciation for Dwight Staple former musician for Centerview Baptist Church April 9 at 6 p.m. at the Label Love Ministry in Jackson Gap. Everyone is invited. GOSPEL SINGING: Weogufka Center is hosting The Diplomats Quartet will sing at 7 p.m. and concessions at 5 p.m. Admission is $12

April 10

GOSPEL SINGING: Calvary Heights Baptist Church in Alexander City is hosting a gospel singing April 10 at 5 p.m. The Diplomats Quartet will be performing and a love offering will be taken. GOSPEL SIGNING: River Road Baptist Church is hosting The Diplomats Quartet April 10 at 10 a.m. A love offering will be taken. PRETEEN SERVICE: AC Fusion Preteen Workshop Service April 10 5 p.m. at First Baptist FLC. This is a gathering of 3rd-6th graders in Alex City for the purpose of worshipping God through song and the teaching of the Word. Sixth St. Baptist, First United Methodist, and Alex City Methodist are teaming up and inviting all area churches and kids for this second Fusion service. The doors open at 4:30 p.m.

April 16

THREE ON A STRING: The Dadeville First United Methodist Church presents Three on a String, Saturday, April 16 at White Acres in Camp Hill. Dinner of beef filet or chicken will start at 6 p.m. and Three on a Sting will play immediately after. Tickets are $50 per person and $100 a couple. For tickets call 256-825-7408 or 256-825-3985 and all proceeds will go towards local missions and support organizations such as Camp ASCCA and the Girls Ranch. CAR SHOW: The 15th annual Klassic Kruisers Fund Raiser Car Show will be April 16 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. across from the New Site City Hall. There will be multiple giveaways, vendors, swap meet 50s music and door prizes. Proceeds go to local fire departments and needy families. For more information contact Susan Gamble at 256-234-4975, Aaron Perry at 256-234-6024 or Larry Hanson at 256-329-9663. For flea market contact Kendra Turner at 256-234-3588.

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April 19

MEETING: The Artist Association of Central Alabama will meet April 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church.

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Alexander City Outlook Dadeville Record Wetumpka Herald Eclectic Observer Tallassee Tribune

May 12 - May 28

WETUMPKA DEPOT PLAYERS: I Hate Hamlet will be presented by the Wetumpka Depot Players May 12 - May 28. For ticket information call 334-868-1140 or go to wetumpkadepot. com.

Season Speaks

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a county wide clean up for the weekend of April 23. Tallapoosa County Commissioners are providing dumpsters at the following locations throughout the county. â&#x20AC;˘ District 1: Downtown Alexander City, next to fire department â&#x20AC;˘ District 2: Double Bridge area on Highway 63 (1 mile south of Elkahatchee Creek Bridge) â&#x20AC;˘ District 3: Two locations-

Hackneyville Volunteer Fire Department and County shop in New Site â&#x20AC;˘ District 4: Three locations including across from Siggars Grocery on Gibson Road, Camp Hill Town Hall and County Shop in Dadeville â&#x20AC;˘ District 5: Three locations including Red Ridge Methodist (Highway 34), Wall Street Nutrition Center (Tallassee) and Union Volunteer Fire Department

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Tuesday, March 22, 2016

The Outlook

PULSE

Our Community, Our Readers, Your Chamber

Young Entrepreneur Academy investor panel set for March 31 By JACOB MEACHAM VP Business Development

It’s hard to believe that in just over a week, students participating in the Young Entrepreneur Academy (YEA) will have a chance to pitch their business ideas to a panel of local investors. Time has flown by since the class began on Oct. 29, and the growth we’ve witnessed in the students, both personally

and professionally, has been amazing to witness. For those of you not familiar with YEA, it’s a groundbreaking seven-month program that guides students in middle and high school through the process of starting a real business. We’ve focused on real-world applications and experiences by following a curriculum that features a combination of in-class instruction, busi-

ness mentors, guest speakers, field trips to area businesses and other community participants that volunteer their time to assist. The end result is a fully formed and functioning business, which is carried on by students after graduation. Although the Investor Panel Presentation is arguably the most exciting and important aspect in terms of securing funding, reaching this level of the class wouldn’t

happen without the hard work that has taken place in the five months leading up to this point. It would be impossible for me and our dedicated program instructor, Mrs. Mandi Durr, to bring the students this far through only our combined efforts. Instead, the YEA program relies heavily on volunteers to serve in key roles along the way to enhance the See PANEL • Page 7

Chamber President & CEO Collari receives warm welcome

reetings, I’d like to start by saying “Thank you!” to everyone in Alexander City and the surrounding area for welcoming me and my family to this magnificent community. It is truly an honor to serve the wonderful people and businesses here by guiding the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce into the future. In the past few years alone, the team at the chamber has done a tremendous job of generating positive momentum and I’d like to continue to build upon that energy. Our city is on the cusp of grand things and I’d like to ensure we exceed our lofty goals. I’ve been overwhelmed by the warm welcome I’ve received Collari and I can feel the excitement and enthusiasm everyone has for Alexander City. My family’s quality of life, the people, and the potential here were all major factors in the decision to build a life in this area. Our faith played the most critical role in our decision though. My wife Meridith and I believe God opened this door for us and Alexander City is the right place to raise our family. We, along with our two young children, look forward to enjoying the small town quality of life with the unlimited potential for business, education and recreation. It’s a lifestyle very few places in the U.S. can offer. Between nationally recognized business leaders like Russell Lands, Robinson Iron, and Russell Medical Center and so many more to the numerous shops, eateries and boutiques downtown to the incomparable beauty of Lake Martin, Alexander City has been built on a foundation of excellence. We even have a four-time James Beard nominee for Best Chef in the South living and working in our community! This community is doing something right to attract such talent. My wife and I are delighted our kids will learn and develop in the public school system with the potential to take advantage of the endless opportunities that are afforded to them by Central Alabama Community College and the Gateway to Education scholarship program. Educating our youth and training our workforce is critical to our continued economic development. I’m extremely encouraged by the passion I sense with every handshake and the enthusiasm I hear in the voices of those affiliated with groups like the Lake Martin Economic Development Alliance, The United Way, Lake Martin Resource Association, MainStreet, City Council, and the Mayor’s office. I look forward to continuing the momentum created by Chamber-led organizations like Leadership Lake Martin, Young Professionals, Young Entrepreneurs Academy, and all of our ambassadors. It’s an exciting time to be emotionally and financially invested in Alexander City. I appreciate all of those who are doing amazing things to promote and support Alexander City, but I encourage everyone to get involved. There is a lot of work that still needs to be done to continue the evolution of our city. If you’re not sure what role you can play or how you can assist, I kindly ask you to stop by the chamber and let’s talk. My door is always open to anyone with a desire to contribute. The future is now and I hope you’ll play a part. Thank you for allowing me to pursue my dream of becoming an integral part of shaping the future of Alexander City. I look forward to working with you, representing you, and helping all of you achieve your personal and professional goals. Warmest Regards, Ed Collari President & CEO Alexander City Chamber of Commercew

Submited / The Alex City Chamber

The 2016 Leadership Lake Martin Team Green is Michelle West of United Way, Sherry Willis of Re/Max, Lori Howell of USAmeriBank, Scott Sims of A&M Plumbing, David Cantrell of the Alexander City Fire Department and Rob McDaniel of SpringHouse restaurant.

Easter Eggstravaganza to benefit OFF hunting weekends are a great time for the whole family. Children with special needs and challenges The 2016 Leadership Lake get a chance to learn more about Martin Team Green is Michelle the outdoors and the skill of huntWest of United Way, Sherry ing. Willis of Re/Max, Lori Howell of Hunting weekends include lodgUSAmeriBank, Scott Sims of A&M ing, meals, snacks, many activities Plumbing, David Cantrell of the such as hunter education, skeet Alexander City Fire Department shooting, target practice and a deer and Rob McDaniel of SpringHouse hunt for a chance at the trophy restaurant. We all decided very whitetail deer at zero cost to the early on in the Lake Martin profamily attending. gram that we wanted to do a Fishing weekends are unique in project that would help Outdoor that they allow the whole family Friends Forever, which is also to learn about fishing. The hope known as OFF. is to teach the family members OFF is a non-profit organization and child how to fish so they can providing outdoor opportunities return home and find a place to fish to people with special needs. The together as a family. Each fishing organization hosts multiple events weekend also includes lodging, throughout the year including hunt- meals, snacks, fish education, lesing and fishing weekends. The sons on lure-making and cooking By MICHELLE WEST Leadership Lake Martin

what you catch and lots of hours fishing in a stocked lake for kids only, again at zero dollars out of pocket for the family. Team Green has been working with the founder of OFF, Jim Hardy, to create a feature that will enhance the new OFF Lodge in Coosa County. The hope is to build a fire pit large enough to host multiple wheelchairs and large groups with various special needs so that families staying at the camp can roast marshmallows and gather around the fire safely. To accommodate these large groups we would like to build a square fire area that is 10 feet by 10 feet with a surrounding retaining wall that is 2 feet tall. To enable safe and easy special needs access See EASTER • Page 7

LLM yellow team gets involved in community By REBECCA JONES Leadership Lake Martin

On Feb. 10, Leadership Lake Martin was given the opportunity to participate in Healthcare Day. This day featured Russell Medical Center, Brown Nursing Home and a visit to Bill Nichols State Veterans Home. Sarah Beth Gettys, vice president of clinical services at Russell Medical Center, opened up the morning discussing with Leadership Lake Martin the ways that Russell Medical Center is currently giving back to our community and the quality healthcare it provides. Russell Medical Center has given back to the community not just in monetary ways but in time as well. We were allowed to take tours of Total Fitness and the Wound Care Center. Dr. Moore (gynecology) dropped by along with Robert Ribolini, director of surgical services, to show us the robotic surgery instrumentation. We were allowed to “play” with a surgical robot and Dr. Moore discussed the positive feedback from patients who had undergone surgery using the robot. After a terrific lunch at

Docs, Dr. Huffman (rheumatology) and Dr. Adams (general practice) led a discussion about optimizing health and ways to prevent disease. It was a wonderful, interactive discussion that led to an awareness of choices made today affecting our health tomorrow. We then made our way over to Brown Nursing Home. Brown Administrator Sicily Lee was nice enough to give a tour of the facility. We were able to test out some rehab equipment and see some of the residents in action. Lee described a typical day and those days that are not as typical where guests come by to interact with patients and staff. The grounds were very nice and the rooms were very clean. The staff is warm and friendly. We were also able to observe and speak with some high school students who were at Brown’s training as certified nursing assistants. It was great to see Brown’s giving back in order to help the next generation get going in the career of healthcare. Our last stop was Bill Nichols State Veterams Home. And what an honor it was to tour there! Shonda Young greeted us

Submitted / The Alex City Chamber

Our “yellow” team is Jacob Meacham, VP Alexander City Chamber of Commerce, Lindsey Fuller of Lee Marketing, Kim Keel of Alexander City Housing Authority, Rebecca Jones Laboratory Director, Russell Medical Center, Chris Nail, Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department, Matt Haines Pastor of Sixth Street Baptist Church and Elizabeth Roberts of Alabama Makers Market.

at the front lobby. She was a gracious hostess and allowed us to explore the lobby. The front lobby area is amazing! There is an open floor plan with a nice fireplace. We took a tour of the recreation areas that are plentiful at the home. We also took a peek at the outside patio, although it was too cold that day to

enjoy it. The residents and staff were very friendly and took pride in the home. Again, all of us were very impressed with the home and all the amenities that these Veterans so deserve. It was great to see our United States Heroes being taken care of in such a nice facility. See YELLOW • Page 7

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

The Outlook

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Page 7

Our Community, Our Readers, Your Chamber

Sun Festival Art Contest nears deadline

By KIM DUNN Director of Marketing & Special Events

One of our favorite parts of Sun Festival is the annual Art Contest. The chosen art becomes the t-shirt and symbol for the year. Of course, we love seeing everyone wearing their shirts all year long. The deadline to submit your designs for consideration for this year is Thursday, March 24 at 4:30 pm. The chosen artist will receive $200 and recognition as the official 2016 Sun Festival Artist. Entries must include “Alexander City Sun Festival July 23-30, 2016” in the design to be considered. There is no cost for entry and a limit of 3 entries per artist. Designs are limited to a maximum of 4-colors. Designs should also be vertical and no larger than 16” x 20.” Visit www.alexandercitychamber.com/sunfestival-alexander-city.html for complete rules and details. Entries can be submitted as a jpg or pdf to kdunn@ alexandercitychamber.com or delivered to the Chamber of Commerce office, 120 Tallapoosa Street, Alexander City.

Panel

continued from page 1

experience and contribute to the development of the students and their ideas. For those volunteer contributions, we are extremely thankful! We’d like to take this opportunity to recognize those who’ve participated, or will participate, in making the inaugural Alexander City YEA class possible. The investment in the lives of the students reflects their passion for securing a brighter future for not only the YEA class members, but for the entire Alexander City and Lake Martin area by passing along valuable skills and encouraging an entrepreneurial spirit. Investors: Kenneth Boone (Tallapoosa Publishers), Dr. Susan Burrow (Central Alabama Community College), Tom Lamberth (Russell Lands On Lake Martin), Randy Lee, Jr. (Lee Marketing Group), Jim Peace (Russell Medical Center), Steve Robinson (AmTech / Tallapoosa County Commission / Alexander City School Board), Mark Spencer (USAmeriBank), Jimmy Stubbs (River Bank & Trust), Daniel Yates (Playhouse Cinema / Buck’s / Who’s Diner / Huddle House / Movie Gallery / Kona Ice) Business Mentors: Cam Caldwell (Caldwell Electronics), Tony Goss (Special T Rentals / Alexander City City Council), Emily Guill (Tallapoosa Publishers), Scott Hardy (Lake Martin Area United Way), Angie Hill (Attorney), John Howell (Robinson Iron), Lacey Howell (Wickles Pickles), Jeff Kirk (WisePoint), Kevin Speaks (USAmeriBank), Mary Elizabeth Vardaman (Coffee Corner / Top Flight Gymnastics), Kelly Waldrop (Waldrop Media Group / Ag Gear / Alexander City Board of Education) Field Trip Hosts: Lee Marketing Group, Ruby Tuesday, McDonald’s, Tallapoosa Publishers, Lake Broadcasting, City of Alexander City, Tallapoosa County Guest Speakers: Joseph Fuller (Fuller Hampton Law), Paul Stanbrough (Abernathy & Britton, PC), Mark and Stephanie Daughtry (Nationwide Insurance), Dr. Darrell Cooper (Alexander City School System), Doug Roberts (Alex City Chiropractic), David Sturdivant (Russell Lands On Lake Martin), Bob Howard (Plain and Fancy Cleaners / Alexander City City Council), Amy Hill and Sarah Neighbors (Cloud Nine), Randy Dawkins (River Bank & Trust) Designers: Justin Clayton (Russell Lands On Lake Martin), Jeff LaMonica (Russell Lands On Lake Martin), Charles Forbus (Lee Marketing Group)

Yellow

continued from page 1

By the end of the day, our leadership team could not say enough about the healthcare we have access to in our city. Alexander City is nothing short of blessed when it comes to availability of a range of healthcare, rehab and assisted living facilities. Please support our healthcare teams we have serving us in our community. It is so important to support these entities in order to assure the next generation they will have access to wonderful healthcare. As a side note, I would like to take a moment to discuss the “yellow” team project that we have on the books. Our “yellow” team is made up of the following individuals: • Jacob Meacham – VP Alexander City Chamber of Commerce • Lindsey Fuller – Lee Marketing • Kim Keel – Alexander City Housing Authority • Rebecca Jones – Laboratory Director, Russell Medical Center • Chris Nail – Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department • Matt Haines – Pastor of Sixth Street Baptist Church • Elizabeth Roberts – Alabama Makers Market Our team found numerous ways we could give back and help the Lake Martin Community, but we decided on a project that not only gave us an opportunity to improve the aesthetics but also to help new residents and tourists with lake access. Our group has been working on the Coley Creek Road Boat Ramp. This location is a phenomenal fishing location and has attracted not only fisherman in our community but traveling fishermen as well. We are adding signage to the location in order to welcome everyone to the boat ramp and dock. The signage will not only welcome visitors but hopefully we will be able to have a sign to direct boaters to marinas and popular locations around the lake. We also plan to replace old boards along the deck. If you would like to support our efforts to enhance Coley Creek Road Boat Ramp, please contact Alexander City Chamber.

File / The Outlook

The 2015 Sun Festival Queens pose for a picture following last year’s pageant. The winners serve as ambassadors during the week’s events. This year the pageant will be held April 16 at Horseshoe Bend School. The idea is that the timing will encourage great participation.

Miss Sun Festival Pageant set for April 16 queens have always been great spokeswomen for Sun Festival both locally and regionally. We are looking forward to how we can expand that even further this year, as we continue to grow Sun Since its inception, the Miss Sun Festival Festival to be a larger tourism attraction for our Pageant has been the kick-off event for great community. week of fun in Alexander City, the fourth full We have been fortunate enough to grow our week of July. sponsorship of this pageant each year and were However, this year in order to allow more girls able to offer a scholarship for Miss Sun Festival to participate before school gets out for the sumfor the first time last year. This year we have mer and family vacations ensue, we have decided grown once again and the scholarship is now set to move the pageant to Saturday, April 16. This at $1,000 payable to the college of choice for year’s pageant will be held at Horseshoe Bend Miss Sun Festival upon her graduation from high School in New Site starting at 4 p.m. We have age school. This year’s Miss Sun Festival sponsors groups for 2 years – 19 years old. include Alex City Chiropractic; Auburn Dental Applications can be picked up at the Chamber Spa; Barbara’s Studio of Dance; Brown Nursing of Commerce office located at 120 Tallapoosa Home; Century 21-Lake Area Realty; City Street or downloaded from the Chamber webCouncilwoman Sherry Ellison-Simpson, District site at http://www.alexandercitychamber.com/ 2; Lila’s Engraving; Little Black Dress; Madison sun-festival-alexander-city.html. The deadline for House Restorations; and Service Printing & applications to be returned to the Chamber is set Office Supply. for Thursday, March 31. We encourage you to support these businesses An earlier pageant will also allow each of our and be sure to thank each of them for what they queens to be more involved with the promodo throughout our community. tions leading up to the week of Sun Festival. Our By KIM DUNN Director of Marketing & Special Events

Junior Ambassadors play vital role for Chamber By CARLA CULLIGAN Chamber Membership Director & Customer Service

What does the Junior Ambassador Program do for the Chamber? Throughout the year, the chamber hosts events that would be impossible without the help of volunteers. The Benjamin Russell High School and Horseshoe Bend Junior Ambassador Program is a perfect example of the kind of volunteerism needed for us to be successful. We offer high school students with good standing in academics, conduct, and personal approach the opportunity to be a part of the Chamber of Commerce and experience the involvement of the community through volunteer activity. The program provides selected sophomores, juniors, and seniors the experience to better understand their community and develop self-confidence by being a

role model for their schools and building character and confidence within themselves through various levels of community involvement. Applications for 2016-2017 are ready to pick-up at BRHS in Mrs. Meyer’s classroom and in Mrs. Bynum’s classroom at Horseshoe Bend. All applications are due by April 15 in order to begin the interview process. Each student who applies will have a short interview with three business leaders from our community. The students will be graded on appearance, ability to communicate, and their knowledge of the chamber’s focus. Encourage a sophomore, junior or senior to be a part of the Junior Ambassador Program and make a difference in their community while making connections and building skills that will last a lifetime.

Page 8

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

The Outlook

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No Phone Calls Please Drug-free Workplace TPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The Wetumpka Herald

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Celebrating the Battle of Horseshoe Bend Above, John Brown holds flutes made for Mike Parker of Dadeville at the 202nd anniversary of the Battle of Horseshoe Bend. Parker donated the tree that the canoe in front of Brown was made from. From the same log a second canoe is being constructed in Oklahoma. Right, Brown tells visitors to Saturday’s celebration about the process of creating the dugout canoe.

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Page 11

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The Outlook

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256.825.9830

continued from page 1

only thing on Lake Martin that would be affected is bank stabilization, and the water is coming up. Most of the work anyone would be doing for bank stabilization is already done.” If a permit application does require COE approval, Edge said, Alabama Power would work with property owners in that process while the new programmatic general permits are developed. “If you want to get a permit, call the local office,” Edge said. “If it is something that will exceed what we can write for a permit, we will work with you in the process for get it through the Corps.” The power company has posted a guidance document online at www.apcshorelines.com. The document also is available at Alabama Power Company Shoreline Management offices. Alabama Power Company’s Environmental Affairs department will evaluate proposed lakeshore projects and will notify property owners of the results. If it is determined that the project will not adversely affect wetlands, wildlife or cultural resources and a nationwide permit would apply to the project, work could proceed. If wetlands, threatened or endangered species or cultural resources could be affected by the proposed work, property owners may need to contact an environmental consultant to develop a permit application that then would be reviewed by the COE, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the Alabama Historical Commission. The power company did not set a time frame for completion of the new PGP acceptance.

Council

continued from page 1

Street to be rezoned to allow for a mobile home. Only Wall voted for the rezoning after neighbors feared that the move may open the door for more traffic on a dead-end street that residents said was already in bad shape. The item will be placed on the agenda again for the next meeting of the council and members were hoping to have some of the questions answered before that time. In other action, the council: Voted 4-0 to approve an ordinance to rezone property located on Cherokee Road from R-3/B2 to R-3 at the request of the city. That zoning would be for high density residential to accommodate a developer hoping to construct apartments for senior adults. Voted 4-0 to authorize the mayor to lay the groundwork for the mayor to explore municipal bonds. The move is called a engagement letter with G17 Disclosure. The company involved in the agreement is Piper Jaffray. Voted 4-0 to approve Billy Ray Wall as the voting delegate for the Alabama League of Municipalities conference in May. Tony Goss will serve as first alternate, with Bobby Tapley as the second alternate. Voted 4-0 to approve a request from First Methodist to hold an Easter Block Party on Wednesday, March 23, and close portions of Glenn and Semmes Streets to assure the safety of those who attend.

Making a Difference in a Child’s Education The following sponsors have joined with The Alexander City Outlook and The Dadeville Record to promote the use of newspapers as an educational resource by providing Tuesday edition papers to city and county schools in the area. • Russell Medical Center • Russell Lands • Representative Mark Tuggle • Tallapoosa County Sheriff, Jimmy Abbett • Grace’s Flowers & Gifts • Barbara Young • Udora Berry

To become a sponsor in The Alexander City or Tallapoosa County School System Please contact David Kendrick at 256-234-4281 or david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com

TPI

Tallapoosa Publishers,Inc.

548 Cherokee Rd., Alexander City, AL 35010

ROBERT HUDSON SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228

sports@alexcityoutlook.com

Page 12

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

www.alexcityoutlook.com

THE REAL SEASON BEGINS Benjamin Russell opens area play today against rival Opelika

By ROBERT HUDSON Sports Editor

Though they have 17 games under their belt, the Benjamin Russell Wildcats know the real season starts today. Everything that has come before, Coach Richy Brooks said, has been to prepare the Wildcats (12-5) for the start of area play with today’s home game against the rival Opelika Bulldogs at 5 p.m. “The season starts, which is the way I look at it. I told them that we’ve played 17 practice games but the season starts tomorrow (Tuesday),” Brooks said. “We’ll play some that count this week and then we’ll play some next week to get better and hopefully get us ready for the next two weeks of area play. This year we’ve got four area teams, so that gives us six games that count. It doesn’t matter what you do in the rest of them, you’d better win those to make the playoffs. Our goal is to win our area, but our main goal is to make the playoffs.” This week is an important one for the Wildcats. With today’s area opener and then Wednesday’s doubleheader at Opelika, Brooks said a loss will not mean the end of the season, but could have an effect in the long run. “It’s a big week. It’s not the be all, end all which is what we told them before practice (Monday) because win or lose we’ve still got four more area

games left to play,” Brooks said. “But it’d be nice to get off to a good start. Last year we split the first two against Opelika, but we lost the tiebreaker game, which ended up coming back to hurt us. That’s why you play the three games. Those first two count and the third is the tiebreaker game. “But we know from last year, if you’re not playing in them, you’re not winning them. So, we want to make the playoffs. That starts Tuesday. We know Opelika will have a quality team.” The Wildcats are coming off a pair of road losses this past weekend, as they lost 11-7 to Homewood and 5-3 to Mountain Brook on Saturday. Brooks said there were a few mistakes that hurt the Wildcats in game one. “We lost two games that we feel like we could have won, but should have won, especially the Mountain Brook game. We feel like we outplayed them, but we just didn’t drive in runners when we had them on,” Brooks said. “We made one crucial error that cost us two runs and kept an inning going. And we ran ourselves out of a good inning with not good baserunning. We played pretty well at Wetumpka last Wednesday, but to be honest, we didn’t play great on Saturday. “We wasted a pretty good pitching performance. Darius Jackson was pretty good.” Following this week’s key area games, Benjamin Russell will host the annual Lake Martin

Special Photo / The Outlook

Scott Daughtry of Abbeville won the first FLW Bass Fishing League (BFL) Bama Division tournament of 2016 on Lake Martin.

Bass Fishing League hosts tournament on Lake Martin TPI STAFF The Outlook

Robert Hudson / The Outlook

Benjamin Russell’s Sean Rape winds up to throw during drills in Monday’s practice at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex.

Classic starting next Monday. Brooks said the Classic will be the largest one ever hosted by Benjamin Russell. “This is the largest one we’ve ever had. It’s a huge undertaking and we’re happy to partner with Central Alabama Community and are grateful they’re allowing us to use their facility,” Brooks said. “This will probably be the last year that it’s run this way because next year our schedules will change. I don’t know how we’re going to do it next year. We’re going to have it, but I don’t know how we’re going to do it because next year you don’t count dates, you count games.”

Brooks said this year’s format will be a little different and games will start each day at 10 a.m. “During spring break, you can play as much as you want to, so people will want to get the maximum amount of games,” Brooks said. “This year, we’re not doing a true championship game because we have 18 teams and we’re going five days, Monday through Friday. It’s the first time we’ve ever done that. Hopefully, we’ll get good weather so that we can get everybody four games.” For a full preview of the Lake Martin Classic, see the Weekend Edition of The Outlook.

A few scattered thoughts from last week’s sports news

nother week, another column with scattered thoughts…. Mostly because all of my thoughts are scattered. n Well the NCAA Tournament was a thing that happened, huh? There were upsets urrywhere. Too many for me, actually. When too many lower seeds win, they cease being “upsets” by nature. Anyhoo, the world is back on its axis to some degree with many of the regions having their higher seeds in their finals. The exception, of course, is the Syracuse versus Gonzaga match up (a 10 v. 11 game), but those are hardly “Cinderella” programs at this point. Syracuse is a perennial power and Gonzaga has been to the Sweet 16 seven times since 1999. To put that in perspective, Alabama has only been to the Sweet 16 eight times total and Auburn has only been to the NCAA Tournament at all eight times. Hard to call Gonzaga a “Cinderella” anymore. n For the record, I have no issues admitting I had Michigan State winning it all. It felt like a solid pick a week ago. Of

LUKE ROBINSON Sports Columnist

course, I should have known better; Alabama embarrassed the Spartans in the college football playoff and Middle Tennessee State (the school that eliminated MSU in the Dance) has a star player named Giddy Potts from the state Alabama. Duh. n If I were to do a NEW bracket based on the 16 teams remaining, my Final Four would be Oklahoma, Indiana, Kansas and Gonzaga. I have absolutely no confidence in any of these picks by the way. n Even more than the Sweet Sixteen, I am excited about “Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice” opening this weekend. That match up is like a 1 seed versus a very dangerous 7 seed. Yes, Superman has freeze breath and incredible strength and he can fly and run fast and has that heat vision and is bulletproof and.... well, you get the

idea.... BUT, Batman is Batman. I say take Bruce Wayne on the money line and thank me later! Also, I like Batman’s taste in women over Supes’ preferences. Catwoman or Lois Lane.... Hmmmm... Yeah, I will go with Michelle Pfeiffer over Margot Kidder there. You don’t have to be Brainiac to make that call (a little DC Comics humor there). n The Adam LaRoche saga with the White Sox last week was..... odd. If you don’t know the story, LaRoche – a 36 year old baseball player scheduled to make 13 million dollars next year – made a habit of bringing his 14-year-old son, Drake, to the White Sox facility every day. LaRoche did this for years, apparently, until one day a week or so ago management asked that LaRoche not bring the child to the baseball field any more during work time (or, at least, a little less). LaRoche took exception to this request and decided instead to simply retire from the game altogether. That move was certainly the player’s right and I am sure he has plenty of money in the bank

Special Photo / AHSAA

Alexander City natives Dwight Buzbee (left) and Ike Grant, members of the Hall of Fame Class of 2016, check out their plaques unveiled for the first time Monday at the 26th Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame receptions at the AHSAA Office in Montgomery.

to make it feasible. It is certainly also management’s right to ask that players NOT make every day “bring your kid to work day.” Really, in a sense, there are no true losers here. Except, maybe, Drake. I don’t want to tell anyone how to raise their children, but I wonder if Drake’s time at the ball field takes away his time from just being a 14 year old. While the occasional trip to the clubhouse would be cool, just being a kid on a regular summer’s day is generally part of growing up. Then there is also the matter of potential guilt felt down the road when Drake realizes his dad left a well-paying career in Drake’s name. Perhaps I am over thinking that part, though. After all, if I had enough money and I were put in the same spot, I may choose Adam LaRoche’s path. Regardless, the whole story opens up a conversation about family and work and money that we all had been neglecting. Robinson is a sports columnist for The Outlook and is president of the Lake Martin Area Bama Club.

Robert Hudson / Outlook File Photo

Central Alabama’s Jodie Caldwell pitches during a game earlier this season. CACC will host Gadsden State at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. today.

Scott Daughtry of Abbeville, Alabama, weighed a five-bass limit totaling 15 pounds, 3 ounces, Saturday to win the first FLW Bass Fishing League (BFL) Bama Division tournament of 2016 on Lake Martin presented by Navionics. For his victory, Daughtry took home $4,866. “The win really caught my by surprise,” said Daughtry, who earned his first win in his 29th career tournament in FLW competition. “I knew that my 9-pounder was likely to win the big bass award, but I really didn’t think that I had enough weight to go with it to win. It was a very nice surprise.” Daughtry said that he caught his winning stringer up the Tallapoosa River, targeting clean water in the backs of pockets. “I had found some fish on Friday in practice that I shook off to save, so I ran right back to those pockets when the tournament started,” Daughtry said. “I was fishing a jig, while my co-angler was fishing a Hematomacolored Reaction Innovations Kinky Beaver. I couldn’t get a bite, while my co-angler caught eight keepers behind me, including a 5-pounder. “He only had three of the Kinky Beavers, but he was kind enough to share one of them with me. It had been chewed up and was pretty mangled, but I super-glued it back together and it worked great. My co-angler ended up catching 21 or 22 bass throughout the day, while I ended up with seven. My first bite was the 9-2.” Daughtry said that he Texas-rigged the Kinky Beaver with a 1/8-ounce weight and that the key to the presentation was fishing extremely slow. “You really had to let the bait soak. I knew that those fish were going to be there, the key was just fishing it really slow and persistent. We ran pocket after pocket right behind other boats and were catching fish right behind them. It was a very fun day.” The top 10 boaters finished the tournament in: 1st: Scott Daughtry, Abbeville, Ala., five bass, 15-3, $4,866; 2nd: David Millsaps, Ranger, Ga., five bass, 14-10, $2,136; 3rd: David Gaston, Sylacauga, Ala., five bass, 14-8, $1,424; 4th: Terry Tucker, Gadsden, Ala., five bass, 14-4, $925; 4th: Scott Hayes, Newnan, Ga., five bass, 14-4, $925; 6th: Ben Weldon, Wetumpka, Ala., five bass, 14-0, $783; 7th: Michael Luster, Prattville, Ala., five bass, 13-8, $712; 8th: Chris Baxter, Winder, Ga., five bass, 13-4, $941, 9th: Marty Giddens, Alpine, Ala., five bass, 11-11, $569; 10th: Mark Richardson, Eastanollee, Ga., five bass, 11-6, $498. Complete results can be found at FLWFishing. com. Daughtry’s stringer was anchored by the 9-pound, 2-ounce kicker – the biggest fish of the tournament in the pro division – and earned him the day’s Boater Big Bass award of $595. Cory Johnson of Crane Hill, Alabama, weighed in five bass totaling 12 pounds, 13 ounces Saturday to earn $2,136 and win the co-angler division. The BFL is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 120 tournaments throughout the season, five in each division. The top 50 boaters and co-anglers from each division qualify for a regional tournament and are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. Top winners in the BFL can move up to the Costa FLW Series or even the Walmart FLW Tour.