May 25, 2018 alex city outlook

Page 1

SPORTS, PAGE 12

FRIDAY

THE

Winning mentality helps Wildcats take third at state golf tourney

Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892

May 25, 2018 Vol. 126, No. 104 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢

Potential tropical storm building in Gulf By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

June 1 marks the traditional beginning of hurricane season, though storms forming in late May has become more common over the past several years. It seems as if 2018 will be no exception to this, as a low-pressure area was building over the Yucatan Peninsula Thursday with the potential to become a tropical storm as it prepares to move across the Gulf of Mexico towards the United

States. “There is no real solid consensus on what it will do at this point,” National Weather Service Meteorologist Roger McNeil said early Thursday afternoon. “There is not a precise center that has formed. It is a fairly broad area of low pressure, however.” According to the models used by the National Weather Service, the system should move north into the Gulf of Mexico, bringing tropical moisture with it as it moves closer to the Gulf Coast,

McNeil said. Current projections show this system could come ashore anywhere between Tallahassee, Florida and New Orleans. “Later Sunday evening and into the first of next week, we could see some impact then,” McNeil said. “Even if no tropical storm develops, the system will pull copious amounts of moisture into our area.” As the low-pressure area gets closer to Tallapoosa County, area residents could see elevated rain chances and significant

rainfall, as well as the potential for the showers to turn into more severe thunderstorms as the system settles in. Information obtained late Thursday afternoon from the National Hurricane Center in Miami suggested the system had a 70 percent potential of evolving into a tropical system within 48 hours and a 90 percent chance of doing so at some point during the next five days. “The potential for development is there,” McNeil said. “We should know more tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday.”

City gets good financial report

Officials give safety tips for weekend

By MITCH SNEED Editor

Law enforcement suggests planning, boat safety, more for Memorial Day outings By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

Holiday fun for area residents usually involves highways or water. Officials with local and state law enforcement want to remind everyone to keep safety at the top of the list for whatever their plans are. “We want everyone to enjoy themselves, but we want everyone to think safety first,” Tallapoosa County Sheriff Jimmy Abbett said. “One of the big things that’s so important to me is preplanning trips because of so many people on the road.” Abbett explained not preplanning a trip can lead to distracted driving causing accidents from people texting to get directions or trying to program GPS to get to their destination. Abbett also recommends following the established laws in regards to travel. “Always buckle up,” he said. “And no drinking and driving.” Last year there were See SAFETY • Page 3

Today’s

Weather

84 67 High

Low

END OF AN ERA Donald Campbell / The Outlook

Horseshoe Bend graduate Nalijah Heard, above right, receives his high school diploma at the school’s graduation ceremony Wednesday evening. Top, graduates move their tassles over celebrating the accomplishment of graduating high school. For more photos from the Generals’ graduation, see Page 9 inside.

After two years of sorting through financial records and history that Mayor Jim Nabors compared to “one of those bad commercials you see where they are trying to do a tax return when somebody brings them all their records in a shoebox,” Alexander City Finance Director Sandy Stanbrough presented a financial report that gave the council and residents a status of where the city stands. Stanbrough gave a report that showed the revenue taken in by the city across the board as well as expenses and said that the city is over budget in revenue and under budget in expenses. “I want to stress that these are unaudited numbers and that it is just a snapshot of where we are at this point, but indications are that compared to last budget year we are 5 percent over budget in revenue and 7 percent under budget in expenses,” Stanbrough told the council and residents at Thursday’s meeting. “Now the way the year works is there are times in the year when we take in more revenue than we do at other parts of the year and there are times when we incur expenses that we don’t at other times. But overall this See COUNCIL • Page 7

Weather won’t stop weekend full of activities at the lake Live music, art festival and more to enjoy in the area By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

Lake Martin

Lake Levels

490.42

Reported on 05/24/18 @ 5 p.m.

LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443

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

6

54708 90050 USPS Permit # 013-080

8

There is plenty to see, do and hear this Memorial Day weekend. From activities around the lake to music, there is bound to be something to interest most everyone. Down Highway 63, two big events are occurring this weekend, the 12th annual Art on the Lake at Children’s Harbor and RXR Fest at Russell Crossroads, despite the weather. “We have ordered a big tent,” Russell Lands’ Robert Gunn said. “We are going to cover as much of the Town Green as we can so the show will go on.” Gunn said they have limited options for moving RXR Fest. “We just decided Town Green is the best place for it,” Gunn said. “We really don’t have an indoor See ACTIVITIES • Page 3

File / The Outlook

Guests take a look at what vendors have to offer at last year’s Art on the Lake. The 12th annual Art on the Lake will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday at Children’s Harbor. The event is free and open to the public.

+

FIRMLY ROOTED IN LAKE MARTIN AND HERE TO STAY.

FREE CONSULTATIONS

+ Buy

Here + Pay Here + + CLEAN USED CARS No Credit Checks

Evening & Weekend Appointments Available Upon Request

256-329-1313 • 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.”

Cars• Vans• Trucks • SUV’s

Midway Auto,Inc.

Off Hwy. 280 • Alexander City, AL (On Right Past the River Bridge)

256.825.9830


Page 2

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Long hours, high debt doomed marriage man can’t let go of

Saturday

84 67 Low

High Showers likely

Sunday

78 68 Low

High Showers likely

Staff

Directory Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com Management Steve Baker Publisher, Ext. 218 steve.baker@alexcityoutlook.com Mitch Sneed Editor, Ext. 213 mitch.sneed@alexcityoutlook.com David Kendrick Circulation Manager, Ext. 204 david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com Lee Champion Production Manager, Ext. 220 lee.champion@alexcityoutlook.com Audra Spears Art Director, Ext. 219 audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com Angela Mullins Business Manager, Ext. 202 angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com Newsroom Amy Passaretti Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 amy.passaretti@alexcityoutlook.com Lizi Arbogast Sports Editor, Ext. 228 lizi.arbogast@alexcityoutlook.com

Friday, May 25, 2018

The Outlook

Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com Donald Campbell Staff Writer, Ext. 208 donald.campbell@alexcityoutlook.com Santana Wood Staff Writer/Pagination, Ext. 210 santana.wood@alexcityoutlook.com Advertising Sales Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Katie Wesson Retail Sales Manager, Ext. 232 tkatie.wesson@alexcityoutlook.com Scott Hardy Digital Marketing Coordinator, Ext. 231 scott.hardy@alexcityoutlook.com Jessica Ware Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 jessica.ware@alexcityoutlook.com

DEAR ABBY: I was divorced seven years ago. My ex-wife, “Annie,” and I were married almost seven years and had what I thought was a great relationship. Then we bit off more than we could chew financially. I began working long hours to get us out of the pit, which created distance between us until divorce became inevitable. We tried working things out five years ago. It failed. Since then, I have been in a handful of relationships that ultimately went down in flames. Three months ago, I rekindled one of those relationships, but it ended quickly because, in a moment of passion, I called her by Annie’s name. I contacted Annie and shared it with her hoping for something. A month later, I lost my mother to lymphoma and contacted Annie as a shoulder to lean on because I had no one else. She has a new fiance now, and when she told me, I

rather than the past. Please consider it, because your emotional dependence on your ex is neither helpful for you nor productive.

DEAR ABBY Advice

was devastated. I have started talking to someone new, and it’s going well so far, but I find myself dreaming about Annie and longing for her and the good times. How do I get over her? I find myself looking at mutual friends’ Facebook pictures just to get a glimpse of her. -TORN APART IN TEXAS DEAR TORN: Stalking your ex-wife on Facebook isn’t going to get you what you want. It won’t win her back or help you to get on with your life. What WILL help will be to start talking with a licensed mental health professional who can help you begin to reorient your thinking and start living in the present

DEAR ABBY: I have a pet peeve with my husband’s family and am wondering if I am wrong. My in-laws often pick up a toothpick and use it while we are still seated at the dinner table. This happens even in restaurants. When they dine in my home, they leave their used toothpicks lying around. It’s disgusting. My mother-in-law is now starting to floss her teeth in public. I believe these activities should be done in private. Is there any written protocol about the use of toothpicks? I know my mother-in-law reads your column, and I’m hoping she won’t miss this. -“PICKED” OFF DEAR “PICKED”: I agree that good manners dictate oral hygiene should be attended

to away from the dinner table, and so does Emily Post. In Emily Post’s “Etiquette” (18th edition), she writes, “Toothpicks should be used in private, not as you walk out of the restaurant or, worse still, at the table.” The same is true of flossing, in order to avoid having one’s dental detritus land on the table or, worse, on a dinner companion. READER ALERT! If you know a student who would like to enter the $5,000 Dear Abby College Columnist Scholarship contest, see the information on DearAbby.com/scholarship and learn more. The deadline is fast approaching. Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

Composing Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 219 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 219 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com Circulation Linda Ewing Office Clerk, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com Erin Burton Office Assistant, Ext. 204 erin.burton@alexcityoutlook.com

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

Postal

Information

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

© 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Reproduction of any part of any issue requires written publisher permission.

Celebrating 25 Years! Special / The Outlook

This drawing of a rainy day was made by Joy Williams, a second-grader at Dadeville Elementary. Today’s forecast, according to the National Weather Service, calls for scattered showers and a chance of thunderstorms, with a high of 84 degrees. Tonight will see a 50 percent chance of thunderstorms and a low of 66.

at Blue Creek Stop by Today! SUN - THU 10:30am - 8:00pm FRI - SAT 10:30am - 9:00pm

Southern-Style Cuisine Catering Available from 5-500

6684 Hwy 49 South 256-825-4827 SOCIAL SECURITY FAYE EDMONDSON Attorney at Law 135 N. Tallassee Street • Dadeville, AL

825-9559 No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

The Learning Tree Helping Children Learn and Grow

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS 2ND AND 3RD SHIFT FOR DIRECT CARE Applications can be picked up at: 101 S. Dubois Street, Tallassee, AL 36078 Or contact Shatia Carr (334)252-0025 Ext. 101 Email: Scarr@learning-tree.org

NOT A SUBSCRIBER? Call 256-234-4281 and subscribe to The Outlook www.alexcityoutlook.com

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

Dadeville police looking to identify thief Submitted / Dadeville Police Department

The Dadeville Police Department is investigating an attempted armed robbery early Monday morning where the swift action of a store clerk kept him safe and apparently frustrated the suspected thief, left, who investigators are looking to identify. These still images from the convenience store security cameras show the thief and the clerk told officials he was a black man of average size. Police Chief David Barbour said if anyone recognizes him to please contact 256-825-6212 with any information to assist investigators.


Friday, May 25, 2018

The Outlook

Page 3

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Safety

continued from page 1

about 100 boat accidents statewide with 17 related fatalities. On Lake Martin there were nine reported accidents with five injures and no fatalities involving about $500,000 in property damage. There have already been six deaths related to boating accidents this year, higher than normal, most of which could have been prevented. “Three people died in a single accident on Lake Eufaula already this year,” ALEA Marine Patrol Captain Gary Buchanan said. “That was the result of a boat being overloaded and being out when the weather got bad. The boat capsized and three guys drowned as a result.” Those numbers are something Buchanan hopes will go down. Both he and new ALEA Marine Patrol Trooper Brian Culligan are hoping the public takes note of precautions before going out on the water. “You hear all the time about designated drivers on the highway, we preach that message on the water,” Buchanan said. “You need a designated boat operator, that is not drinking who is driving the boat and keeping an eye on the other things going on.” According to Culligan the fun and sun makes people drink more. “What a lot of people don’t realize is how much alcohol intake they have and how much they sweat out,” Cullingan said. “You tend to drink a lot more on the water from what I see. People don’t realize the impact it has on them. When you sweat everything out of your body, you

File / The Outlook

ALEA Marine Patrol Brian Culligan is hoping the public takes note of precautions before going out on the water during Memorial Day weekend. Above, Culligan gives media a tour of the new patrol boats Tuesday morning.

bring the alcohol content up.” They also want to remind boaters about the boat operator being licensed, the boat being licensed and with the proper equipment like life jackets and navigational lights. Buchanan wants to remind boaters to be courteous and on the look out

Activities

for others. “The problems we have are the same year after year,” Buchanan said. “Drunk drivers, people who are inconsiderate or careless of others. One of the biggest complaints we get is wake issues. Look behind you and see what you are doing. Just

because you are going slow doesn’t mean you aren’t making a big wake endangering others. It is kinda like your grandfather used to say ‘Watch out for the other guy.’ It is kinda the same thing out on the water.” While the rules seem intimidating, Buchanan explained it is to make sure all are safe while having fun. “Memorial Day is the beginning of the summer season,” Buchanan said. “We just want to get the message out of safety on the water. People come to the lake to have a good time. We want to make sure they have a great time. We want to make sure people don’t endanger themselves or others at the same time.” Alabama’s Secretary of Law Enforcement Hal Taylor offers some tips that should lead to a safe holiday. • Obey all traffic and boating laws. Make sure everyone buckles up/ wears life vests. • Restrict access and closely monitor teens to prevent underage consumption of alcohol. • Never drive or operate a boat when under the influence of alcohol or drugs. (Choose a designated driver before the fun begins!) • Avoid such distractions as texting and talking on cell phones, and focus on driving or boating. • Allow extra time for traveling as heavy traffic/crashes are expected, and be extra cautious in construction zones. • Pay attention to the weather conditions, especially when there is thunder and lightning on the water.

continued from page 1

space. The weather looks to be OK in the evenings.” RXR Fest is hosted on the Town Green at Russell Crossroads with music starting at 6 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Belle Adair kicks things off Friday night followed by AJ Ghent. Local group, The Bank Walkers open up Saturday night and features local characters Roger Holliday, Steve Forehand, Brian Bice, Mark Tucker and David Sturdivant. Tyler Mac follows the The Bank Walkers while King Corduroy and Lamont Landers Band close things out Sunday night. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, coolers, picnic baskets, friends, and even pets (on a leash, please) for this annual event that kicks off the season at Lake Martin. Art on the Lake has been a successful fundraiser for Children’s Harbor. Between the vendor fees and a portion of the money made from the art sale, the facility usually receives around $25,000, which is then put right back into Children’s Harbor to help fund the many programs offered at both the Lake Martin campus and the center in Children’s Hospital in Birmingham. On average over 70 artists apply to be part of the juried event. Art on the Lake will be open from

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday. The show is free and open to the public. “It’s a great community event,” Children’s Harbor Special Events Coordinator Vicki Tuggle said. “It’s a way to build relationships and gives our supporters a chance to come on the campus.” Not to leave out the Dadeville side of the lake, Copper’s Grill at StillWaters is hosting three nights of music, which is kicking the holiday weekend with a lot of live music. “We normally have two nights of music every weekend,” Copper’s Hannah Machen said. “But we are having four nights of music with Memorial Day this weekend.” Sid Phelps hits the stage at 6 p.m. Friday followed by an acoustic set with Damon Johnson at 7 p.m. and Johnson returns to the stage at 8:30 p.m. with Damon and the Welfard. Saturday the River Dan Band will take the stage at Copper’s at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Blackberry Breeze will perform Sunday. The Altman Moore Project played Thursday night. Sugabuzz will be performing Saturday at 10 p.m. at the Rodeo Club on Highway 34 in Dadeville. Sugabuzz covers all types of music, classic rock’n’roll, funk, 80s and 90s rock and country.

NEED SOME EXTRA CASH? TPI Part-Time Mail Inserter Evening & Night Evening Night Schedules Schedules

Must be able to: - Stand for extended periods of time - Lift up to 45 lbs. - Work Quickly with attention to detail - Count Accurately & Bundle If you are dependable, work well with others & would like to make extra cash, stop by our of¿ce for an application.

Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. 548 Cherokee Road, Alex City No phone calls please TPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer Drug Free Workplace

The Alexander City Outlook or The Dadeville Record

256-234-4281 548 Cherokee Road Alexander City, AL

Need your business to

STAND OUT from the crowd? Call us, we can help!

256.234.4281 • Alexander City Outlook • Dadeville Record • Wetumpka Herald • Eclectic Observer • Tallassee Tribune


Opinion

MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213 editor@alexcityoutlook.com

EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed

Page 4

www.alexcityoutlook.com

View

Follow fire safety tips to avoid disaster

J

ust after 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, residents had quite the scare as a fire began unexpectedly in their home. Six minutes after the homeowners dialed 9-1-1, Alexander City Fire Department firefighters arrived at the home on the corner of O and J Streets in Alexander City and began pulling hoses into the wood frame home. A female resident of the home said she had just put a blanket in the dryer and turned it on, when a short time later, she smelled smoke and spotted the fire. A male was treated for possible smoke inhalation on the scene. Officials said the fire caused moderate damage in one end of the house. We would like to take this time to remind residents of basic fire safety rules to follow to prevent this type of incident from happening. Though house fires are seen more in late fall and winter due to colder temperatures, they are still common year-round and can occur within an instant, so it’s important to follow some guidelines. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 2,900 home clothes dryer fires are reported each year and cause an estimated five deaths, 100 injuries and $35 million in property loss. Here are some things you can do to prevent a fire in your home: • Clean the lint filter before and after each load of laundry. Don’t forget to clean the back of the dryer where lint can build up. Clean the lint filter with a nylon brush at least every six months. Failure to clean the dryer is the leading cause of home clothes dryer fires. • Don’t overload the dryer. • Don’t dry anything containing foam, rubber or plastic. For example, if your bathroom rug has a rubber backing, do not place it in the dryer. • Always turn the dryer off when you leave home or go to bed. • Never leave a burning candle unattended for even a minute. • Install smoke alarms on each level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. • Test smoke alarms monthly to make sure they’re working properly and the batteries aren’t dead. • Have a fire escape plan and make sure each family member is aware of the plan. Practice it twice a year. If a fire does occur in your home, it is important to get out, stay out and call for help immediately. The Red Cross says to never go back inside for anything or anyone. We are thankful Wednesday’s incident only caused moderate damage and no serious injuries, but it could have been worse. Fires can escalate quickly causing extensive damage and even death in the worst cases. Make sure you are following these guidelines and share them with your family members to prevent disaster.

Know Your

Officials

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

Steve Marshall was appointed Alabama’s 50th Attorney General. He was appointed in 2017 and serves as the State’s chief law enforcement officer. He can be reached at 334-242-7300, and his office is located at 501 Washington Avenue, Montgomery. Mark Tuggle (R) represents the 81st District covering Coosa, Chilton and Tallapoosa counties. He can be reached by phone at 256-392-2006 or by email at tughd81@gmail.com. His office is located at 110 Calhoun Street, Suite 108, Alexander City. Tom Whatley represents the 27th District covering Lee, Russell and Tallapoosa County. He was elected to the Alabama Senate on Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334-242-7865. His office is located at 337 East Magnolia Drive, Auburn.

Kay Ivey

Steve Marshall

A

few days ago I bumped into an old friend and we got to reminiscing about the good old days. It was a time of remembering and recalling all the exciting things of our youth. The conversation covered a wide range of topics and every one of them was refreshing to recall. It was amazing how these events took on the aura of adventure and began to border on legendary escapades. In reality, we were just kids having a good time and growing up, but remembering helped us embellish these stories with exploits of a heroic nature. One story was our great prowess as football players. We talked about all the games we won and how tough we were in the face of overwhelming opposition. We sounded like NFL players participating against children. I don’t think we missed a single tackle, never failed to score and played in weather that Jim Cantore of the Weather Channel would run from. In these memories we were a tour-de-force gridiron meanness. When I told my wife about our recalling these exciting games, she poured cold water on all of them by reminding me of the bench, fumbled opportunities and losing against our rivals. She was a cheerleader on the sideline and I’m sure she just didn’t experience all this like

Tom Whatley

flag, place flowers on patriots’ graves and remind our GERALD children we are free because HALLMARK of these sacrifices. Of course, we will enjoy the holiday Columnist with family and friends, but the bottom line will still be those that gave their all so we we did. I don’t care what the might have these freedoms of yearbook has in it, we were fellowship. Our memories of tough. these beloved men and women We also talked about should never be clouded with our amazing mechanical misinformation or defamation. abilities as we modified our Every generation needs to cars to be the coolest in the hand the memories of these school. Those vehicles were fallen Americans to the next showpieces of speed and generation with the love and class with bad-to-the-bone respect that is due to them. As engines. We made Fonzi look we share this special day, let’s like a sissy when it came to thank God for brave soldiers being cool and cruising the and sailors that stand guard streets on a Friday night. As against tyranny and hate. we talked about these autos, It’s humbling to honor these our eyes teared up when we wonderful patriots on this looked over at our pick-ups special day. and mini vans. It was as Before my friend left we though we were 18 years old talked about other adventures again strutting our stuff in our as kids, but in the end they big ole muscle cars. Again, were just memories. It was my lovely bride killed the good to recall all these things moment when she pointed out because it reminded me of a I drove a ’56 Ford with a leaky life well lived and blessed by transmission, bad tires and God. I think all of us need cracked windshield. She could a day like this to reflect and have quit there, but she had to evaluate our lives. It was fun, remind me that we had to push now if I could only remember it off to crank it because the my friend’s name it would be battery was always dead. What even better. a spoil sport. This weekend we celebrate Dr. Gerald Hallmark is Memorial Day as we a retired minister living in remember our fallen heroes Alexander City. His column that have made our country appears here each Friday in great. We will fly our nation’s The Outlook.

Today’s

Quote

“There is no victory at bargain basement prices.” —Dwight D. Eisenhower

Today’s

Scripture “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” —Romans 12:10

alexcityoutlook.com

Daily Poll Thursday Question: Did you watch the Royal Wedding over the weekend?

Yes — 60%, 21 votes No — 40%, 14 votes

Friday Question: Do you have a family member you are honoring and remembering this Memorial Day?

To participate in this daily poll, log on each day to www. alexcityoutlook.com and vote. Find out the vote totals in the next edition of The Outlook and see if your vote swayed the results.

Our

Mission

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

How to

Subscribe

Letters to the Editor

Reader: Take care of our citizens first

Dear Editor, The fog of hatred for President Trump and his supporters is still as thick as ever. You would think by now that Democrat left-wing nuts and Hillary would be tired of living on irrational hatred. President Trump is right to call out evil, monstrous gangs like MS-13. Media and Democrats hyperventilate because Trump labels his enemies, yet they feel entitled to label Trump and his supporters as racists, bigots, sexists uneducated and of course, deplorables. They refuse to admit this country is in trouble starting with 21 trillion in debt. The last three two-term presidents left us in this mess and “We the People” continue to be ignored as Democrats fight for “rights” of illegal immigrants. We have many neglected areas of poverty in every city, homeless,

failing schools, gang-controlled neighborhoods and more. Yet Democrats want to take special care of illegals. Give them housing, schooling, food stamps, healthcare and more. Something is wrong with this picture. Take care of our citizens first, not last. The stupid Democratic party wants to sue Russia and the Trump administration for “stealing the election.” What a bunch of whining, sore losers. Democrats continue to expose why they should not regain power as they continue to fight the president. They continue to dream of impeaching him. That is sick. They continue to attack him and demean him daily, but thankfully Trump is a fighter and fights back. They mock Fox News. What a joke. MSNBC and CNN are slimy, scandalseeking tabloid cable media. Recently Joe Scarbrough said, “If you don’t like us, change the

channel.” Great advice Joe. Everyone should do that. John McCain said attacking the press is how dictators get started. No John, in the land of the free, we have the right to fight back on unfair press when it represents over-the-top hatred for you. This obsession with everything Trump is beyond stupid. Shame on the media. Lighten up and please finally focus on We the People. Help us solve poverty, homeless, drug overdoses, failing schools and so much more. Stop with the senseless hysteria on every tweet. Grow up, look around and break this barrier of sick hatred for President Trump. Queen Hillary lost, yet they still refuse to accept the election results. Well get over it. Your constant whining is tiresome and pathetic. Annette Lynch Alexander City

Laurel Class of 1968 was a special group Dear Editor,

Mark Tuggle

Friday, May 25, 2018

The

Remembering and reflection go together

Our

Governor Kay Ivey represents the state of Alabama and its 67 counties. She was sworn into office on April 10, 2017, and can be reached at 334242-7100. Her office is located at the State Capitol at 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama.

Outlook

Fifty years ago this week, the Class of 1968 crossed the stage of “The Great Laurel High School.” Proudly, I can say, “I was in the number.” As I reflect on this, I realize Laurel High School was a safe haven. It was a place where order prevailed, a place where our teachers and our “sole leader” (of 1,800+ students) demanded respect, a place where there were no policies that allowed parents to usurp the school’s authority. It was a

place where staff and parents formed an organic community that treated our education as a shared responsibility. Our teachers were our idols. They enjoyed close relationships with us based on empathy and an intimate knowledge of the plight of the black child. They took pride in being a part of our lives. They forced us to rise to the challenge, and they wouldn’t accept underachievement, nor relax their standards. And it was done from the heart, with no supplement in pay!

As an educator, I did my best to be steadfast in my commitment to emulate the dedication of the staff at Laurel. Like our parents and grandparents, they never complained, instead they made the best of what they had – us. Like so many others, I remain eternally grateful for this school. Here’s to you, LHS Class of 1968! Godspeed. Constance FreemanMorman Alexander City LHS Class of 1968

The subscription rate is $136.00 per year in Tallapoosa and Coosa counties and $177.99 outside the area. Periodicals paid at Alexander City, AL. Newspapers are available at 100 news racks in our area at 75 cents for The Outlook and 50 cents for The Record. We would love to deliver a paper to your door. Call David Kendrick at 256-234-4281, Ext. 204 or email david.kendrick@ alexcityoutlook.com.

What’s your

Opinion?

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

Follow us

On the Web

Follow The Outlook on the Internet on our website or on social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Log on to http://www. alexcityoutloook. com. There you will be able to view stories and multimedia posted by The Outlook. You can also click on the Facebook link to join The Outlook’s fan club or click on the Twitter link to start receiving tweets on your phone as we post updates. You can also subscribe to our RSS (Rich Site Summary) feed on the Outlook’s home page.


Friday, May 25, 2018

www.alexcityoutlook.com

The Outlook

Page 5

ClassiÄeds

Lake & River Phone (256) 277-4219 Fax (205) 669-4217 The Alexander City Outlook

Reaching more than 22,000 households in Tallapoosa and Elmore counties The Dadeville Record

classifieds@alexcityoutlook.com public.notices@alexcityoutlook.com classifieds@thewetumpkaherald.com public.notices@thewetumpkaherald.com

The Eclectic Observer

The Tallassee Tribune

The Wetumpka Herald


Page 6

www.alexcityoutlook.com

The Outlook

Friday, May 25, 2018


Friday, May 25, 2018

Council

www.alexcityoutlook.com

The Outlook

continued from page 1

shows we are on solid footing at this point in time.” In dollars, the city has spent about $5 million less than it has taken in at this point in the fiscal year. “It has taken a lot of work by a lot of people to get to this point,” Nabors said. “I really appreciate everyone’s effort.” In agenda items, the council voted 5-0 to approve a resolution to award Bid 18-07 for the 2018 Adams Water Treatment Plant Improvements Project to Mark Johnson Construction, LLC. of Tuscaloosa for a total reduced amount of $2,298,352. The total expense will be spread out over three fiscal years because the work is suspected to take quite some time since the system will remain active during the work. In other votes, the council approved: • A resolution to award Bid 18-13 for the 2018 Sewer Maintenance and Rehabilitation Project to Gulf Coast Underground of Mobile was also passed by the council. The cost is expected to be for an amount not to exceed $1,219,000. This will address the lining of pipes, manholes and deep sewer cleaning. The primary areas will be from Washington Street through the north side, up to the Dobbs Road basin. Contracting the work will mean that what normally takes city crews a year to complete will be done in a matter of months, according to John McWhorter of the sewer department. • The minutes from the May 7 regular council meeting. • A resolution to award Bid 18-12 for the Street Department for a street sweeper to Sansom Equipment for an amount not to exceed $230,208. Discussion between two vendors took about 20 minutes, but the machine that was settled on was what the people who will be using it felt was best, even though it was more expensive than another vendor’s machine. • A resolution to authorize the mayor to execute a second amendment to the Water Tower agreement between the city and Rural Cellular Corporation d/b/a Verizon Wireless (RCC Holdings, Inc.) to update current equipment located on the Checkerboard Water Tower which was purchased by the city last year. This is just Verizon switching out older equipment with newer at their own expense. • A resolution to authorize the mayor to apply for funds for bulletproof vests through the 2017 Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP).

Page 7

Put the

Power of Print to work for you!

Print advertising is a relevant, effective way to reach consumers. It offers greater awareness & recall, strong branding and a highly engaged audience.

85.8% When combined 85.8% of households read one of our products each month.

67.8% Of households report using The Outlook or Record in the past 30 days to find information about local sales.

36%

Of households read one of our print products each month.

2.5x

Pass-along readership Doubles the reach of your ad.?

For more information, call us today. 256.234-4281


Page 8

www.alexcityoutlook.com

CommunityCalendar Need Insurance?

Today is May 25, 2018

Friday, May 25, 2018

The Outlook

Today’s Birthdays

Jane Waldrop and Matthew Clay Johnson are celebrating their birthdays today.

Submit calendar items:

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

Today’s Anniversaries

Mike and Carrie Patterson celebrate their anniversaries today.

Call me.

THE MEADOWS ASSISTED LIVING

2712 Washington Street Alexander City

256.234.3481

256-234-0800

KarenChannell.com

SEE ME FOR INSURANCE

Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

Two Benjamin Russell students take advantage of the Wi-Fi at Burger King to study for an exam Sunday. Classes are now complete at the school and graduation ceremonies are scheduled for tonight at 7 p.m. Congratulations to the Class of 2018.

Saturday, May 26

CONCERT: The Mt. Vernon Theatre in Tallassee is hosting Bama Breeze in concert, Jimmy Buffet style with a food truck. FAMILY GAME NIGHT: Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends in Millerville will have Family Game Night Bingo from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Saturday, May 26. Begin with hot dogs, pizza, chips and soft drinks.

Sunday, May 27

CELEBRATION TRIBUTE: A celebration tribute in memory of Mr. Thomas “Toot Toot” Marbury will be held at 6 p.m. in Strand Park in downtown Alexander City. MISSION DAY PROGRAM: Friendship Missionary Baptist Church will host its Mission Day Program at 2 p.m. The guest speaker will be Rev. Lorenzo Caldwell, pastor of Almighty God Baptist Church in Goodwater. Rev. Roosevelt Gregory is pastor. Everyone is invited to attend. PASTOR APPRECIATION: Kellyton Chapel United Methodist Church in Kellyton is hosting the 9th Pastoral Appreciation service honoring Pastor and Sister Michael Strong at 2:30 p.m. The guest minister will be Rev. Clarence Woodard, pastor of Rushing Spring Baptist Church in Lincoln.

Tuesday, May 29

USHERS MEETING: The Early Rose District Usher’s meeting will be at 5 p.m. at the Early Rose District Center.

Friday, June 1

The Learning Tree Helping Children Learn and Grow

The Learning Tree, Inc. is Accepting Applications for 2nd, 3rd, and Weekend Shifts for Direct Care. Applications can be picked up at: 101 S. Dubois Street Tallassee, AL 36078 Or contact Shatia Carr (334) 252-0025, Ext. 101 Email: Scarr@learning-tree.org

Need your business to

STAND OUT from the crowd?

Call us, we can help!

256.234.4281

RUMMAGE SALE: The First Presbyterian Church is hosting a rummage sale to clear out the youth house at 371 Jefferson Street from 2 to 6 p.m. There will be furniture, appliances, crafts, Bible study kits and more. CAMP HIDDEN LAKE: Applications for the Salvation Army’s Camp Hidden Lake from June 18-23 are due by June 1. The camp is free to those who qualify. Register online at campscui.active. com/orgs/CampHiddenLake. CHURCH SINGING: Family Worship Center is hosting a Friday Night Singing with Eternal Vision June 1 at 7 p.m. The church is located at 1676 Sewell Street in Alexander City. Everyone is welcome.

Saturday, June 2

LEAVE NO TRACE: Wind Creek State Park is hosting National Trails Day Leave No Trace in the Park at 9 a.m. The hiking event will educate hikers on how to “leave no trace” when hiking. This hike is part of the 100 Alabama Mile Challenge. Meet at the Campfire Trail Head in the North Picnic area. PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY: New Adka Missionary Baptist Church in Dadeville is celebrating the pastoral anniversary of Rev. Edward Milner and First Lady Emily Milner June 2 at 5 p.m. in the New Adka Education Building at 21 North Thornton Road in Dadeville. BOOK SIGNING: Lakesha Denise will have a book signing for her new book “Powerful Women of Faith” from 4 to 6 p.m at the Lake Martin Innovation Center. BENEFIT SINGING: Oak Ridge Church in Dadeville is hosting a benefit singing and cake auction for Jimmy Bolt June 2. The cake auction begins at 5 p.m. and the singing starts at 6 p.m. Scheduled to perform are Masters’ Touch, Union Encouragers, Ray and Coby Fusion.

Sunday, June 3

• • • • •

Alexander City Outlook Dadeville Record Wetumpka Herald Eclectic Observer Tallassee Tribune

CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: Friendship Missionary Baptist Church will hold its 133rd church anniversary at 3 p.m. The guest speaker will be Rev. Gordon McCord, pastor of Second Marrietta Missionary Baptist Church in

Castleberry. Rev. Roosevelt Gregory is pastor. Everyone is invited to attend. CHURCH HOMECOMING: Bay Pine Baptist Church is hosting homecoming services at 10:30 a.m. Eternal Vision will provide special music and a love offering will be taken. There will be a fellowship dinner after the service. Everyone is welcome. CHURCH SINGING: Horseshoe Bend Baptist Church will host the Dixie Echoes of Pensacola, Florida at 6 p.m. The group has been around for over 50 years providing Southern Gospel music. A love offering will be taken. The church is located on Highway 280 in Dadeville. MEN AND WOMEN’S DAY: Pine Grove Missionary Baptist Church is hosting its annual Men and Women’s Day at 2 p.m. The guest minister is Rev. Richard Jacobs of New Popular Springs Missionary Baptist Church. Pastor of Pine Grove Missionary Baptist is Rev. G.H. Pulliam.

June 3 - June 7

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: First Baptist Church of Alexander City is hosting Vacation Bible School June 3 through June 7. Family night will be Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. and Monday through Thursday will be from 8 a.m. to noon. “Game On: Gearing Up for Life’s Big Game” is open for ages completing Pre K-4 through sixth grade. Register at www.fbc-ac.org/gameon.

Monday, June 4

SUMMER READING PROGRAM: Adelia Russell and Mamie’s Place libraries will have its summer reading program kickoff event at the Alexander City Sportplex Gym. Registration for both the summer reading program and the children’s talent show will be open until June 8.

June 4 - June 6

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: New Adka and Pleasant Valley Missionary Baptist churches are hosting vacation Bible school June 4 to June 6 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. nightly at the New Adka Missionary Baptist Church. SPIRITUAL: The Word Bible Church presents three nights of spiritual re-visitation and resurgence June 4 - 6 at 7 p.m. Monday’s speaker is Dr. Eddie Hunter of Miracle Baptist Church. Tuesday’s speaker is Overseer Calvin Daniel of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church and Wednesday’s speaker is Bishop Demetrius Griffin of Hatchett Springs Baptist Church.

June 4 -June 8

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: West End Church is hosting “Game On and Gear Up for Life’s Big Game” Vacation Bible School June 4 - 8 from 5 to 8 p.m. Supper will be served at 5 and VBS will begin at 6 p.m. Registration is now open and van pickup is available. To register see a member of West End or call the church office at 256234-2130 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

June 5-7

CHURCH REVIVAL: New Harmony Baptist Church in Camp Hill is hosting revival services June 5-7 at 7 p.m. nightly. The guest speakers will be Rev. Jerry Dowdell of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. Morris Lewis of St. Luke CME Church and Rev. Robert Cadenhead of Macdeonia Baptist Church. The pastor of New Harmony Baptist Church is Rev. Melvin Kelley Jr.

Wednesday, June 6

SPEAKER: Alex City Methodist Church is hosting creationist Kent Hovind Wednesday, June 6 at 5 p.m.

MONTHLY LUNCHEON: Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends in Millerville will have their Monthly Luncheon on Wednesday June 6 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Please bring a covered dish and a small donation.

Friday, June 8

CONCERT: Award-winning pianist, arranger, music composer Christopher Cooley will perform in a free-will offering concert at Lake Pointe Baptist Church, located at 8352 AL Highway 50 in Walnut Hill, just east of AL 49, south of Dadeville. The concert is a fund-raiser to support the Lei Bledsoe/Joe Ponder Fund of neighboring Sardis UM Church. The Bledsoe/Ponder Fund provides financial support and acts of kindness to people in the community in times of hardship. Donations will be accepted. Admission is free. Cooley, who now lives in New York, has played a variety of instruments and with various vocal soloists at Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Center, as well as in Italy, Germany, Austria and a halfdozen other countries. Lake Pointe Baptist Church is donating the use of its sanctuary and babygrand piano in anticipation of a crowd too large for the smaller capacity of neighboring Sardis United Methodist Church. A reception with refreshments and light snacks will precede the performance.

Saturday, June 9

PRODUCTION: The Mt. Vernon Theatre in Tallassee is hosting musical artist Andy Griggs in concert at 8 p.m. Tickets are $12 and are available at mtvernontheatre.net BRIDGE BUILDERS FOOTBALL CAMP: The annual Bridge Builders Football Camp will be June 9 and 23. Registration starts at 7 a.m. and the $10 fee includes lunch. Current and former Auburn University athletes are set to help including Tre’ Williams, Malik Miller and K.J. Britt. Pre-registration will be at JRs Mondays starting May 21. For more information contact Hudson R. Hinton at 256-750-1140.

June 9 - 14

CAMP: Mt. Vernon Theatre in Tallassee is hosting a theatre camp for kids June 9-14.

June 10 - 14

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Wayside Baptist Church is hosting “Game On” Vacation Bible School June 11-14 from 5:20 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. with a kickoff party June 10 at 6 p.m. The Kickoff Party will have s’mores, games, fun, music and more. You can register at this event for VBS. VBS will have music, art, Bible study, recreation and lots of surprises. A free t-shirt is included. For more information call 256-749-1102. Pickup will be available upon request.

Tuesday, June 12

DELORES HYDOCK: Friends of the Dadeville Public Library are sponsoring a moment in history, “It’s the Little Things: Five small objects that shaped the world of the Dutch Golden Age” with storyteller Delores Hydock at 12:30 p.m. at Red Ridge United Methodist Church The church is located at the intersection of County Road 34 and Alabama Highway 49 just south of Dadeville.

Friday, June 15

CONCERT: Mean Mary will be in concert June 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the Sundilla Concert Series at the Auburn United Universalist Fellowship Hall. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door.

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com

Brown Nursing and Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Services •Physical Therapy •Occupational Therapy •Speech Therapy 2334 Washington Street Alexander City • 256-329-9061 www.crownemanagement.com

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

–Since 1978–

BIG “B” BAR-B-QUE “We Cook The Best BETTER!”

Hickory Grilled Meat BBQ • STEAK CHICKEN • CATFISH

256.329.9996 Hwy. 22 West, Alexander City, AL

How to add a calendar item: Participate in your

Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892

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

Small Space Advertising Works.

For Consistent Advertising

at Low Rates ...

call the Advertising Department

256.234.4281


Friday, May 25, 2018

The Outlook

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Page 9

ONTO THE NEXT CHAPTER Photos by Donald Campbell Top, the Horseshoe Bend Class of 2018 makes its way onto the football field as the school’s graduation ceremony began Wednesday evening. As the ceremony began, a special invocation was offered for the graduates and all of those in attendance. Above middle, Brianna Jones gives her salutatorian address. Above right, Valedictorian Cade Worthy presents his speech and left, Horseshoe Bend Principal James Aulner presents Worthy with his diploma, congratulating him for a successful high school career. Right, Tallapoosa County Schools Superintendent Joe Windle was on hand Wednesday to congratulate the Horseshoe Bend graduates. Below, along with Windle, Tallapoosa County Board of Education members Betty Carol Graham and Carla Talton joined the line of school administrators congratulating the graduating seniors.


Page 10

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Friday, May 25, 2018

The Outlook

Lake Martin Home Improvement Directory 6 20 5 18

7

17 8

9 16 15

12 2

14

13

3

Nancy Pemberton 256.794.6700

10

1 1

Complete Pest Control Mosquito Control Complete Termite Control Residential • Commerical • Industrial

1-800-762-5904 205 Park South Blvd, Lineville AL Serving 15 counties in East Central AL

1. PEST CONTROL 2. GENERATORS 3. HOME SECURITY 4. SELF STORAGE 5. WINDOW TINTING 6. METAL ROOFING 7. HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 8. INSURANCE 9. CONSTRUCTION/BUILDER 10. PRESSURE WASHING

11. DOCK 12. CLEANING SERVICE 13. REAL ESTATE 14. LAWN MAINTENANCE 15. GUTTERS 16. PAINT 17. PLUMBING 19 18. POOL 19. TRACTORS 20. TREE SERVICE

2

3

4

7

8

9

R&R Refrigeration

4 5

6

10

11

CUSTOM DOCKS S

RESTORATIONS • ADDITIONS KITCHENS • BATHS • REMODELING METAL BUILDINGS ICF CONSTRUCTION RESIDENTIAL • COMMERICAL

HEATING &

AIR 256.825.4161

SITE PREP • INSTALLATION MAINTENANCE

RHODES BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION

John Rhodes 256-675-0217

(256) 268-8309 customdocksllc.com

rhodesbrothersinc.net johnrhodes1@charter.net KEY CONSTRUCTION

AL HVAC #92120 AL Refrig #51037

12

RHODES/KEY CONSTRUCTION

11

LeĖ čĒĒ ĖďčĖ ěoė Ďo be ĎoĔe ĐĔ Ēove. CoĕĐĔĖďĐčĔs 16:14

Chris Key 256-749-0179 chriskeybuilding@yahoo.com

13

14

15

16 SEAMLESS GUTTERS Serving Eclectic and Surrounding Areas of Elmore County

334.737.8600 www.tigermaids.com

17

Williams Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning Inc.

(334) 558-8616 18

19

3875 Dadeville Road, Alexander City, AL 35010

(256) 234-2111

www.sherwin-williams.com

20

Advertise your home services or improvement business to thousands of potential customers.

Mike Coker

256-329-8488 256-267-5021 mobile

905 Cherokee Road Alexander City, AL

(256) 392-3613

1551 Hwy. 280 • Alexander City, AL Located next to Tallapoosa Ford on Hwy. 280 WWW.LAKEMARTINTRACTOR.COM

Call Jessica 256-234-4281 Ask for the Home Improvement Guide Special


Friday, May 25, 2018 Your community, your news ...

Local news Outlook The

Page 11 www.alexcityoutlook.com

Deadline rapidly approaching to vote by absentee ballot STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot for the June 5 Primary Election in Alabama is fast approaching and the office of Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill has issued notice that if you plan to vote by absentee ballot, you need to start the process soon. The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot is Thursday, May 31 and the application must be received by the close of business that day. The deadline to return your absentee ballot once received is by the close of business, Monday, June 4. If a voter is submitting their ballot by mail it must be postmarked no later than June 4. If a voter is returning their absentee ballot in person it must be hand delivered no later than June 4 at the close of business. Voters should contact their county courthouse (if planning to return their absentee ballot in person on Monday, June 4) to ensure that the courthouse will be open and will not be closed in recognition of Jefferson Davis’ Birthday which is a state holiday. If the courthouse is closed the deadline for returning an absentee ballot by hand becomes Friday, June 1. If you have questions locally, you can call the Tallapoosa County Probate Judge’s Office at (256) 825-4266.

Grilling it up Photos by Cliff Williams John Manley, above left, shows John Dark the new pellet smoker from The Holland Grill Company Thursday at Tapley Appliance. Manley grilled up shrimp, sausage, chicken, ribs and more to show what the grills could do as a crowd gathered to sample the food.

Reeltown top graduates share thoughts on honors, future school on a softball scholarship. Upon completion of her work at CACC, Hornsby wants to transfer to As the Reeltown High School UAB, studying physical therapy. Class of 2018 prepares to receive “I worked so hard to get here,” their diploma and bring their Hornsby said. “I wanted to be the high school careers to a close, valedictorian. I was really excited co-valedictorians Katelyn Cotten when they announced who the top and Kayli Hornsby, along with 10 students in our class were.” co-salutatorians Reagan Newman Newman echoed many of the and Mallori Miller briefly discussed sentiments shared by Hornsby and what it has meant to them to be Cotten, saying it was an exciting named one of the top academic moment for her to find out she was students in their graduating class, as one of the top students in the Class well as where the next phase of their of 2018. life will take them. “I will be attending Auburn “The competition among our University this fall and majoring class has been fierce,” Cotten said. in nursing,” Newman said. “I “We’ve all been pushing ourselves want to specialize as either an and each other to get to this point.” anesthesiologist assistant nurse or a “It’s just been a constant surgical assistant nurse.” competition since kindergarten,” After receiving her diploma, Newman added. “We have been Miller said she will be going to Troy working hard to get where we are University and major in marketing now.” with a plan to eventually work in the Cotten, who will be attending the field of pharmaceutical sales. University of North Alabama in the “When I found out I was one fall to major in communications and of the salutatorians, I was proud plans to become a news reporter, of myself,” she said. “I’m proud admitted it was an emotional our class was so close on our moment to find out she was one of GPA that we ended up having a the top students in the class. tie for valedictorian and a tie for “I about cried, I was so salutatorian.” ecstatic,” she said. “I worked really While the last moments of high hard to achieve this. To know I school for the Reeltown Class of accomplished that goal, it was a 2018 comes tonight at 7 p.m., a new really good feeling.” chapter is just beginning for these Joining Cotten as a valedictorian graduates. If the future plans from of the class, Hornsby will be taking the class’s top four students are any her athletic skills to Central Alabama indication, there is no limit to what Community College, attending the these graduates can achieve. By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

Donald Campbell / The Outlook

Reeltown High School co-valedictorians Katelyn Cotten and Kayli Hornsby, along with co-salutatorians Reagan Newman and Mallori Miller pose in the front hallway of the school Monday. Reeltown’s graduation is tonight at 7 p.m.

Dadeville’s top students say class was a close-knit bunch also played volleyball at Dadeville, said. “They don’t know what’s going on inside and they have no idea the pressures that you face For Dadeville High School Valedictorian — from taking all these AP classes at once Amaya Hatcher and Salutatorian Garrett and juggling so many things. But my friends Mann, they say the thing that they will and classmates, they went above and beyond remember most about their time as Tigers, is to help pick me up when I was down. That’s the closeness of their class. what means so much to me.” Hatcher, who finished her career with Mann will start his college career at a 4.2 grade point average while taking Southern Union and then plans to attend Advanced Placement classes, delivered the Auburn University to become a software commencement address Thursday. While engineer. He called his classmates a blessing. she wasn’t ready to reveal exactly what she “So many times you have people who are would say in advance, she planned to touch just looking for you to fail, but this class, on the close-knit nature of the Class of 2018 we didn’t have a lot of haters,” Mann said. in her remarks. “Don’t get me wrong, they would ride you, “I will always remember my time here but it was tough love. My classmates, they because I went through so much,” Hatcher were like my teachers. If I didn’t understand said. “I am proof that if you are willing to something, we would figure it out together.” work you can break through anything. It may Mann’s message was similar to what be a struggle but you can do anything if you Hatcher had to share. fight and lean on the people around you.” “I’d tell them not to judge a book by its Hatcher, who will attend UAB in the fall, cover,” Mann said. “If they haven’t been hopes to become a nurse. She said people there with you, they may think it was easy. see a girl with good grades and often think But the truth is that nothing worth having that things come easy. comes easy. Getting to this point was a lot “I would tell that you don’t always look of work, but looking back, it was well worth like what you’ve been though,” Hatcher, who it.” By MITCH SNEED Editor

Dadeville High School’s Valedictorian Amaya Hatcher, left, and Salutatorian Garrett Mann pose for a photo in their graduation gowns. DHS’ Class of 2018 graduated Thursday night. Submitted / The Outlook


LIZI ARBOGAST SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228 lizi.arbogast@alexcityoutlook.com

Page 12

Sports Outlook

www.alexcityoutlook.com

The

Friday, May 25, 2018

JOE MCADORY Columnist

Saban’s shoes too massive for anyone to fill — even Dabo

D

abo Swinney would be crazy to accept the job at Alabama should Nick Saban retire anytime soon. It doesn’t matter how much ’Bama is in him, how much loyalty he feels toward Mama or how much his dream job in Tuscaloosa really fulfills lifelong career desires. The current head football coach at Clemson would eventually regret such a move. “Blasphemy!” say the throng of Alabama football faithful who have already crowned their chosen son as Saban’s successor. But who in their right mind wants to follow in the footsteps of the most successful college football coach in history? The chances of anybody duplicating Saban’s success at Alabama is remote. Saban’s teams have gone 132-20 with five national championships. This includes a pedestrian 7-6 record in his debut (2007) season, a disaster by Alabama standards. In other words, 30 percent of Saban’s losses at Alabama came in that first season. Alabama had tremendous shoes to fill when Bear Bryant stepped down following the 1982 season. How did that turn out? Neither Ray Perkins nor Bill Curry came close to filling Bear’s shoes. For what it’s worth, Bryant’s success over 25 seasons is legendary, but even he doesn’t match Saban. Come to think of it … I’m not sure if Bryant could fill Saban’s shoes. Saban’s program is such a machine that simply not winning the national championship translates into a disappointing season. How would the Alabama faithful treat Swinney after his team wins nine games, beats Auburn, but fails to make the College Football Playoff? How would the Alabama faithful treat Swinney after his team wins 10 games, but loses to Auburn and fails to reach the SEC Championship game or the Playoff? Do this for two or three consecutive seasons and we’ve got anarchy. Saban raised the bar to almost unreachable levels — and he did so in college football’s most competitive conference. Meanwhile, Swinney has built his own legend in upstate South Carolina. Since promoting the former Crimson Tide wide receiver to head coach in 2008, his teams are 10130. Not Saban-like, but in the same stratosphere. Swinney has turned a perennial mid-level bowl program to one of the nation’s best, and it’s been nipping at Alabama’s heels the past three seasons. Clemson has won 10 or more games for seven consecutive seasons. Sure, this is now expected in Tuscaloosa, but it’s uncharted waters in Death Valley. Clemson lost to Alabama in the national championship game three years ago, beat the Tide for the national championship two seasons ago and lost to the Tide in last year’s semifinal. That makes Clemson and Dabo Swinney a national brand. Success has also turned the Tigers into a national recruiting power, allowing them to attract top talent from across the U.S., not just the Carolinas and east Georgia. That’s why Swinney is an obvious candidate for the Alabama job, or any top-level college job, should it become open. Since Swinney built a winner at Clemson, logic tells us he could maintain one in Tuscaloosa. But at what level? Do the power brokers making Alabama’s next hire honestly expect Saban’s successor to maintain Saban’s near perfection? Swinney is king at Clemson. For what he’s done and is doing, he (like Saban) practically walks on water in South Carolina. Does a man walk away from this? Saying “yes” to Alabama makes sense. Following Nick Saban, however, does not. Joe McAdory is a communications editor at Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business.

STRONG FINISH Winning mentality helps Wildcats take third at state By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

So much of golf is being strong mentally. Having one bad hole can set a golfer back if it gets in his head. If he doesn’t let it bother him, a golfer can easily bounce back on the next one. Benjamin Russell’s golf team was sitting in fourth place after the first day of the AHSAA Class 6A state championships in Muscle Shoals last week. But instead of settling for fourth, the Wildcats wanted more. “We didn’t lay down,” BRHS boys golf coach Wes Tate said. “We shot a really good score the second day. I was really proud that they battled back and didn’t lay down and just think, ‘Oh, we’re fourth and that’s the best we can do.’ We thought if we could shoot a 280, we might could win the thing and that’s the approach that they took.” Benjamin Russell finished with the bronze medal, turning in a total two-day score of 615 — just nine shots from second place and only 15 from winner Muscle Shoals. Capturing third at state capped off the Wildcats’ best season since 1998, when they won gold. “I think we just had a group of guys that do a lot of work on their own,” Tate said. “This summer, the ones that are coming back, they’ll be on the golf course all summer. That’s what they do. In years past, we’ve had good boys but they were three-sport guys. I loved that, but for these guys, that’s all they do is play golf.” Benjamin Russell is graduating only four seniors. Dylan Moncus, who also went to state as an individual last year, will play for Central

File / The Outlook

Benjamin Russell’s Sawyer Parks, top, and Kylee Reeder, above, were both competitors for the Wildcats team that placed third at state last week.

Alabama Community College next year, and Sawyer Scott plans to walk on at CACC as a sophomore. Kylee Reeder and Jacob Booker are the two others the Wildcats will lose to graduation. Matthew Cush and Sawyer Parks, who were two of the five that went to state along with Moncus, Scott and Reeder, are only sophomores. Trey Shockley and Kyle Mattox also will return for their junior year, and both of them went to sectionals and competed as individuals. “We’ll have only one senior next year, Dawson Self, then we’ll have mostly juniors and

three ninth graders coming from the middle school,” Tate said. “So the future looks pretty good.” One of the Wildcats’ biggest strengths, according to Tate, was how they put themselves in good positions. “They stayed in the fairways,” he said. “I think they did great in their approach. They putted well, but to putt, you’ve got to be on the green, so they got to the green well. We were on a golf course we had never seen (at state). We played a practice round that Sunday, then they just competed the next two days.” It was difficult for Tate to

pinpoint the biggest surprise golfer of the season, as each one had a hand in the Wildcats’ success. “They all competed hard,” Tate said. “Sawyer Parks pulled his driver out on the range to practice the second morning (of state) and it was broken in half. So he didn’t have his driver that round and still shot a respectable score. He battled, and they all did. “I’m proud of all of them, even the guys that didn’t go to state. They were at practice just like everybody was, and they were pushing the guys that did go so they could keep their starting position.”

Submitted / The Outlook

U6 team reigns supreme in ACYS spring season This team was the winner of Alexander City Youth Soccer league’s U6 spring season. Team members included, from left, coach Daphne Glenn, Zacaiden Hill, Brandon Jordan, Michael Martinez, Miracle Glenn, Mollie Hyland and coach Amy Hyland.


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.