May 4, 2018 Alex City Outlook by Tallapoosa Publishers

SPORTS, PAGE 11

FRIDAY

THE

Rebels take down Generals for area softball crown

Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892

May 4, 2018 Vol. 126, No. 89 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢

City to begin its mosquito spray program

A DAY to PRAY

By MITCH SNEED Editor

With an abundance of rain so far this spring in the Lake Martin area, officials are aware that it can leave behind standing water – a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. That’s why Alexander City is gearing up to start its mosquito abatement program and plans to have the sprayer truck rolling Monday, May 14. “We have been getting ready and we have all the chemicals in and ready to go,” Alexander City Public Works Director and City Engineer Gerard Brewer said. See MOSQUITO • Page 3

Residents unify for National Day of Prayer

Radney Elementary holding annual Fine Arts Night Monday

By MITCH SNEED Editor

egardless of your religion, race, gender, size, shape, background or political affiliation there is one thing most people can agree on these days – the country, the state, our community and each and every person needs some help from a higher power. In Alexander City, Hackneyville and Dadeville residents gathered to pray for unity on the day that has been proclaimed the National Day of Prayer. This year the national theme was Pray for America - UNITY, based upon Ephesians 4:3 which challenges us to mobilize unified public prayer for America, “Making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” At the Pray for Unity National Day of Prayer Service at First Baptist Church in Alexander City, Pastor Rick Levell of Marshall Street Church of God welcomed the 50 or so in attendance and talked about the power of prayer and the need more than ever for unity. “Lord, history should tell us that through prayer all things are possible,” Levell said. Prayer brings people together, builds bridges – bridges that can lead us to great things with your help and guidance.” Pastor Michael Waldrop of River of Life Worship Center led the crowd through a Litany of Prayer, asking

By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

Celebrating another wonderful year for the various fine arts programs at Radney Elementary School, the school will be holding its annual Fine Arts Night Monday beginning at 6 p.m. Artwork from the visual arts classes will be on display in the cafeteria and the sixth-grade hallway, while performances from the beginner band, choir and drama club will also be part of the event. See RADNEY • Page 3

Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

Many area residents lifted their hands in praise at events as the community observed National Day of Prayer Thursday. To see more photos and read a story on how Dadeville residents spent the day, see Page 9 inside.

See PRAYER • Page 9

Today’s

Weather

86 60 High

Low

Lake Martin

Lake Levels

490.51

Reported on 05/03/18 @ 5 p.m.

LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443

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

54708 90050 USPS Permit # 013-080

File / The Outlook

Michelle Livingston and her granddaughter Sasha Vazquez check out the art at Radney Elementary School’s art show last year.

Wildcat Showcase displays students’ learning during school year By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

The gymnasium at Benjamin Russell High School was full of activity Thursday morning, as students and judges participated in the floor show during the third and final day of the school’s annual Wildcat Showcase. While the first two days of the showcase were devoted to students giving oral presentations to a panel of judges, Thursday’s show in the gym gave everyone the chance to see what each class had learned throughout the year. At one end of the gym, Trina Vest’s See WILDCAT • Page 3

Donald Campbell / The Outlook

Taking first place in the oral competitions of the Wildcat Showcase were Emily Sassano’s student group of Maggie Daniel, Adeline Treadwell, Andrew Turner and Ethan Taunton.

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Retired husband’s wardrobe too casual for wife’s comfort

Saturday

83 60 Low

High

Partly sunny, then slight chance showers

Sunday

82 59 Low

High Partly sunny

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 4, 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

DEAR ABBY: When I met my husband, he dressed impeccably -- suits, sharp sport coats, monogrammed shirts, freshly pressed dress slacks, top-of-the-line leather shoes. Even when we went out with friends for a casual night or a movie, he still dressed well in current, fashionable clothing. I fell in love with a man who dressed beautifully (my father was known for his attire as well, which is perhaps why I like the successful look). Now that he’s retired, his jeans always look dingy (they’re not dirty; they just look like they are), his sneakers look worn, and he just doesn’t care about his appearance like he once did. When we go out together, I’m embarrassed. I love the man who used to care about his appearance, not this retired, sloppy-looking guy. If I complain, he tells me I’m being ridiculous. I don’t expect him to look like he once did (office attire), but he should

DEAR ABBY Advice

at least look current, crisp and clean. Am I wrong to be embarrassed? -- LIKES THE OLD LOOK DEAR LIKES: I wish you had mentioned how long you and your husband have been married, because over the last 40 years styles have changed. People of both sexes dress much more casually. Your husband may have dressed more formally years ago because there was a dress code at work and it was expected with the crowd with whom you socialized or the places you went. At this point, he may feel that because he’s retired he has earned the right to dress “comfortably.” Yes, you are wrong to be

embarrassed. What is important is how your husband feels about himself. How he presents himself is a reflection only on him -- not you. You might suggest a shopping trip so the two of you can update those jeans and sneakers, but if he won’t bite, you would be wise to let him off the hook. DEAR ABBY: My significant other and I have five children between us. He has a son and daughter from a previous marriage, I have a daughter from a previous relationship, and we have two daughters together. I love all our children equally, but my significant other complains nonstop about my daughter from the previous relationship. He nags about every little thing she does, which he never does with his own children. I have talked to him many times about the favoritism he shows toward his kids over my daughter. I understand she’s not perfect, but how can I get him to treat

all of the children equally? -- EQUALLY CONFUSED IN TEXAS DEAR EQUALLY CONFUSED: Children aren’t stupid. In fact, they are very perceptive. I’m sure your daughter recognizes that the man her mother lives with doesn’t like her and treats her differently. If you can’t get through to him that what he’s doing is unfair and damaging to your child, and that he needs to tone it down, then explain to her the reason why it’s happening. And if necessary, enlist the help of a licensed family therapist to change the dynamic. 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.

SOCIAL SECURITY FAYE EDMONDSON Attorney at Law 135 N. Tallassee Street • Dadeville, AL

Special / The Outlook

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.

This drawing of a sunny day was made by Cassidy Thomas, a fourth-grader at Stephens Elementary. Today’s forecast from the National Weather Service calls for sunny skies and a high of 86 degrees. Tonight will be mostly clear and a low of 60. Need your business to

STAND Obituaries Eddie Goggans OUT from the crowd?

Call us, we can help!

256.234.4281

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Alexander City Outlook Dadeville Record Wetumpka Herald Eclectic Observer Tallassee Tribune

NOW HIRING The City of Alexander City is hiring for a Patrolman with the Alexander City Police Department. This person operates a patrol vehicle to observe for violations of traﬃc laws, suspicious activities or person, and disturbances of law and order. Must be a minimum of 21 years old, be a graduate from an accredited high school, or have a GED. Can have no felony convictions, and be able to meet minimum standards as established by Alabama State Law for law enforcement oﬃcers. Must d have valid driver’s license and driving record suitable for insurability.

Funeral Service for Mr. Eddie Goggans of Kellyton, Alabama will be held 1:00 p.m Saturday, May 5, 2018 at Peace and Goodwill Baptist Church with interment following in the church cemetery. Professional Service provided by Wright’s Funeral Home

Kardeem L. Allen Funeral service for Mr. Kardeem L. Allen, 25, of Beaufort, SC 11AM; Saturday, May 5, 2018; Miracle Baptist Church, Alexander City, AL; Burial: Armour’s Memorial Garden. Visitation: Friday, May 4, 2018, 12-7 p.m. at funeral home. Final arrangements entrusted to Armour’s Memorial Funeral Home.

Mrs. Ella Ruth Smith 1924 - 2018 Graveside service for Mrs. Ella Ruth Smith, 93, of Alexander City, will be Saturday, May 5, 2018 at 2:00 pm at the Hillview Memorial Park. Rev. Scott Jordan will officiate. The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 5, 2018 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Mrs. Smith passed away on Thursday, May 3, 2018 at her residence. She was born on November 30, 1924 in Alexander City, Alabama to Thomas McClellan and Madelle Spivey McClellan. She was a longtime member of Wayside Baptist Church. She enjoyed reading, fishing, traveling and getting together with her friends. She loved her family very much, especially her grandchildren. She is survived by her daughter, Kathy Williams (Bud Williams) of Jacksons Gap; son, Coley Smith

(Joan Broom Smith) of Alexander City; grandchildren, Jay Smith, Stephanie Sue Smith and Wesley Williams (Crystal Williams); greatgrandchildren, Baylen Smith, Lexi Ella Garrett, Tori Williams, Lily McDonald and Coleman Williams; step-grandchildren, Alan Broom (Christie Broom) and Amanda Miles (Stephen Miles); step-greatgrandchildren, Rachel Miles, Carrie Miles, Addison Broom and Alli Broom; brother, Gerald McClellan (Molly McClellan) of Our Town; and sister, Betty Jean Johnson of Fort Myers, FL. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Coleman June Smith; sisters, Christine Blanks and Frances Evans. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome.com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

If interested, please contact Sheronda Cross sheronda.cross@alexandercityal.gov The City of Alexander City is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Celebrating 25 Years!

SCHOOL CALENDAR Alexander City Schools

at Blue Creek

May 5: Radney Elementary Drama Club Yard Sale May 7: Radney Elementary Fine Arts Night, 6 p.m. May 14: Jim Pearson Elementary Muffins with MomPre-K May 15: Jim Pearson Elementary Muffins with MomKindergarten May 16: Jim Pearson Elementary Muffins with MomFirst Grade May 17: Jim Pearson Elementary Muffins with MomSecond Grade

May 17: Alexander City Middle School Awards Day May 22: Jim Pearson Elementary May Day

Tallapoosa County Schools

May 4: Horseshoe Bend Spring Band Concert, 7 p.m. May 10: Horseshoe Bend elementary grades Awards Day May 11: Dadeville Elementary Field Day May 14: Reeltown Elementary Awards Day May 15: Reeltown High School Honors Day May 17: Dadeville High School Senior Awards Night, 5:30 p.m.

May 18: Dadeville Elementary Pre-K Awards Program May 21: Horseshoe Bend DARE Graduation May 21: Dadeville Elementary Kindergarten and Sixth Grade Graduation May 22: Horseshoe Bend Senior Honors Day May 23: Reeltown Elementary Sixth Grade Graduation

High School Graduation Dates

May 23: Horseshoe Bend May 24: Dadeville May 25: Benjamin Russell, Reeltown

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How to Submit Obituaries

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

Friday, May 4, 2018

The Outlook

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Wildcat

continued from page 1

English 12 students discussed their examination of the Shakespeare play “Macbeth,” and how they held a trial for the Scottish lord and his wife for the eight murders committed within the context of the show. In a joint exercise with one of the criminal justice classes, whose students served as the jury, Macbeth was found guilty of the killings and sentenced to death, while Lady Macbeth was given 50 years in prison for her role in the murders. At the other end, Emily Sassano’s biology students and Amanda Fennel’s anatomy students explained how they tied their scientific studies into the Mexican tradition of Dia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Sassano’s class measured the water potential of fruit by drying out apples and measuring the mass lost, then turning the dried fruit into representations of the sugar skulls that are part of the Dia de Los Muertos celebration, while Fennel’s made “sugar skulls” of their own by painting skulls in different colors to represent the bones and sutures that come together to form the human skull. In between these groups of displays, there were students from all disciplines talking with guests about their respective studies while Daphne Davis’ event planning class had a table with refreshments set up for those wandering through the various exhibits. There was an exhibit on the composition of cells, one that presented information from a survey on what students would most like to see in a school store, a display tying F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” into the larger picture of 1920s America, one where students talked about interning in the health sciences, which has helped lead to them receiving certifications as Certified Nursing Assistants or other medical aides and even a table with information from the school’s Navy JROTC unit. “We were wanting to understand how the Periodic Table of the Elements relates to our everyday life,” said Georganna Hamby and Margaret Harvey from Brent Schrimsher’s science class, explaining the impact sugar has on the human body and showing how many grams of sugar are contained in everyday food items. “Radio thrived during the 20th Century,” juniors Ivy Williams and Kaleah Slaughter in Julie Haynes’ U.S. History II class said. “Radio shows at that time were much like television shows today.” “We were given a scenario involving

Donald Campbell / The Outlook

During the Wildcat Showcase at Benjamin Russell, Emily Sassano’s students placed first and Brent Schrimsher’s group took second place in the oral competition, while Mandi Durr’s class won first place and Daphne Davis’ students claimed second in the floor show competition.

the county of Xlandia, which had overthrown its dictator and was trying to set up a new government,” Tyler Watts and Drew Morgan from Coach Justin McCollum’s government class said. “We used the United States government as our model, but we did make some changes. The president is elected for six-year terms, but is still bound by a two-term limit.” Representing monarchs Henry VIII and two of his wives Anne Boelyn and Catherine Parr, Mary I of England (also known as “Bloody Mary”), Elizabeth I, Louis XIV, Catherine the Great and Ivan the Terrible, students from Beth Dewberry’s Honors World History class explained their class had studied these rulers and the major events taking place during their reigns. After gaining a greater insight into each of the European monarchs, the class then voted to determine which of the rulers had earned the title of “Most Absolute Ruler.” The floor show was for more than just the high school students, however. Once all of the grades at Benjamin Russell had gone through the exhibits, the eighth-grade class from Alexander City Middle School took part in the showcase, seeing some of the work that would be expected from them after becoming the newest ninthgraders at BRHS. Following the floor show, the upcoming freshman class was given a tour of the high school before being taken to the

Donald Campbell / The Outlook

Business Education teacher Mandi Durr and her student group of John Lumpkin, Matthew McClure, Hannah Jarrett and Marleigh Harper took first place for their floor presentation.

auditorium to take part in an information session about registering for classes and other important topics while the high school students returned to the gym for the awards ceremony, recognizing the groups that had received the top honors in both the floor and oral competitions of the showcase. The BRHS science department dominated the oral presentations, with Emily Sassano’s students taking first place and Brent Schrimsher’s class claiming second. For their displays and

presentations during the floor show, students from Mandi Durr’s class placed first and Daphne Davis’ students finished second. As the students packed up their displays and momentarily returned to class before the awards ceremony, they left with a sense of enjoyment, being able to show off what they had learned throughout the year to their fellow high schoolers, demonstrating that learning can indeed be fun, no matter the subject material.

Mosquito

continued from page 1

“Traditionally we start it the week after Memorial Day, but we’ve already had some calls so plans are to start hitting the neighborhoods the evening of May 14.” The truck is tentatively scheduled to run on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. The truck uses a route that allows them to cover different areas on a rotating basis to make sure the entire city gets coverage. The program was temporarily discontinued in 2016 due to budget concerns, but after public outcry from residents, it was reinstated. Spraying was done from late May until October in 2017 and plans are to again run the truck on its

regular nights until October this year as well. That is good news for area residents. According to the Alabama Department of Public Health, mosquitoes are carriers of diseases, which means they can transmit diseases from one human or animal to another. The mosquito population is hard to control, and they often develop resistance to insecticides, making the containment and elimination of mosquito-borne diseases difficult. According to the American Mosquito Control Association, more than one million people worldwide die from

mosquito-borne diseases every year. Alabama Department of Public Health statistics show in 2017 there were 73 confirmed cases of mosquito-borne illnesses across the state. A total of 59 of those cases involved the West Nile Virus, four of those cases were the Zika virus, with eight case of Malaria, one of Chikunguna and one of St. Louis encephalitis. With mosquito breeding season just beginning, no mosquito-borne illness cases have been confirmed in 2018. Brewer said previously that while spraying helps kill some mosquitoes,

residents can help too by removing potential breeding areas around homes. “Mosquitoes need very little water to breed, so anything that could allow water to collect should be removed,” Brewer said. “Old tires are one of the world’s worst for mosquitoes to breed in. Containers in your yard, buckets, wheel barrows and stopped up gutters can all collect enough water for mosquitoes to lay eggs. Eliminating that water will do wonders to cut down on mosquitoes.” For a complete checklist of ways to help cut down on the threat of mosquitoes visit http://adph.org/mosquito/assets/ MosquitoInspectionChecklistResidents.pdf

Radney “The big thing is, this is an opportunity for our students to showcase how far they’ve come this year,” Radney Principal Dr. John Prestridge said. “This is a great chance to celebrate our students and a chance to engage the parents.” Fine Arts Night events will kick off in the school gymnasium with special entertainment from the music and drama departments, according to music teacher and beginner band director Crystal Baldwin. “The band will play a few songs, then the choir will sing a selection of pieces and the drama club will perform for the audience,” Baldwin said. “I feel this part of the evening will last about 30-40 minutes.” “We’ll be doing musical numbers from ‘James and the Giant Peach,’” art teacher and drama club sponsor Hannah Hawk said. Following the musical entertainment, students and parents will be free to look around the cafeteria and the sixth-grade hallway at the multitude of artwork on display. “Every student who has completed something will be on display,” Hawk said. “We also have a few students who submitted things they’ve done on their own time, which we will have displayed as kind of

Page 3

continued from page 1

like ‘featured artists.’” Fine Arts Night will not be limited to just the arts, though. Jennifer Pemberton, the school’s STEM teacher will be in her classroom, showcasing all the work in robotics and other tech-

centered studies students in her class have achieved throughout the year, while the ELL (English Language Learners) teacher will be available as well, giving ELL students and their parents information about things they

can do over the summer. As the students and teachers prepare for Monday’s Fine Arts Night, Prestridge, Baldwin and Hawk all expressed a sense of excitement for what having an event like this

means for the school. “I think this is a great culminating event to showcase the talents of our students,” Prestridge said. “I think it’s great,” Baldwin said. “I’m excited that we can tie in all the fine

arts together.” “I think it will be really cool,” Hawk added. “It’s great that can have all of the arts represented in one evening. This shows how all these things can interact and work with each other.”

Opinion

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

EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed

Page 4

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Our

View

National Day of Prayer events show unity

allapoosa County is an area filled with residents who possess tremendous faith and that was on display at several events Thursday. The National Day of Prayer was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. In 1988, the law was unanimously amended by both the House and the Senate and signed into law by President Ronald Reagan on Thursday, May 5, 1988, designating the first Thursday of May as a day of national prayer. Every president since 1952 has signed a National Day of Prayer proclamation. This year the national theme was Pray for America - UNITY, based upon Ephesians 4:3 which challenges us to mobilize unified public prayer for America, “Making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” While National Day of Prayer was celebrated across the country, nowhere was the sense of unity and uplifting message more present that in our area. Alexander City held its annual prayer breakfast early Thursday and later there was an event attended by dozens in Hackneyville. Then at noon at the First Baptist Church in Alexander City, about 50 residents and clergy from several churches gathered for an event. People from all walks of life met in Dadeville at the Tallapoosa County Courthouse for a National Day of Prayer event on the steps there. There were children singing songs of praise and many touching scenes. From uplifting songs and scripture to prayers for wisdom for elected officials and safety for first-responders and those serving in the military, the area showed that it cares. It was great to see that sense of unity that crossed all denominations and racial lines. We congratulate the organizers of these events and all who took part. Nothing shows intelligence quite like realizing there is a higher power that can help us all through whatever life throws at us. Thursday’s events should again serve as a reminder that no matter what we do in life or how alone we feel, there is always a way to reach to a higher power for help, guidance and support.

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. 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. 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 256392-2006 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. Clyde Chambliss Jr. represents Senate District 30, which includes portions of Elmore, Autauga, Chilton, Coosa and Tallapoosa counties. He can be reached at 334-343-7883 or at clyde. chambliss@alsenate.gov

Kay Ivey

Steve Marshall

Mark Tuggle

Tom Whatley

Clyde Chambliss

Outlook

Isakson was right on VA leadership stance

was considering waiting until Memorial Day for this column, but I don’t think it can wait. Georgia GOP Senator Johnny Isakson is being attacked by some in politics over the failure of Trump’s nominee to secure the Veterans’ Affairs’ top post. Instead of putting politics first, Senator Isakson chose to back our nation’s veterans instead, knowing the backlash he would reap for doing so. And I am proud of the courage he showed in the process, which we need more of in Washington D.C. these days. President Trump fired the prior head of the VA Department, David Shulkin, over claims that he took unauthorized travel, even though EPA Director Scott Pruitt has committed far worse misuses of taxpayer money, and former Georgia GOP Congressman Dr. Tom Price of HHS was similarly ousted, though he did far less than what Pruitt has done to betray the public trust. When President Donald Trump nominated Admiral Ronny Jackson to be the new head of the Veterans’ Affairs department, eyebrows were raised among several veterans groups, because of how little experience he had in management. Nine million veterans are cared for by the VA, and the department has a budget in the hundreds of billions of dollars. But the former White House physician was the darling of the Oval Office, and that

Friday, May 4, 2018

The

lacked experience, and had serious questions about his JOHN judgement and connection to opioids that could not TURES be avoided. Isakson did Columnist what needed to be done for veterans, and that should have been the main focus all along. seemed to matter more. In fact, Trump could have Details began to emerge easily nominated Jackson about Jackson’s personal life, again, sticking to his guns, as well as his performance as offering his proof that the the White House physician. reports were a pack of lies. And those concerns were He could have welcomed bipartisan, as both Senator Jackson back as White House Jon Tester (a Montana physician, as Jackson was Democrat) and Mike Pence’s only gone the shortest of physician expressed alarm times. But Trump chose not about the nominee. There to do so. Such actions, or are even reports that such inaction, from the president behavior was only the tip of speaks louder than words and the iceberg. Jackson withdrew tweets. his nomination. The next nominee better Trump decided someone have a lot more management deserved his wrath for experience, along with the Jackson’s failed nomination proper temperament to bid. He demanded Senator operate the second largest Tester resign, and already government agency. That a pro-Trump PAC started should matter more than how running ads claiming that chummy the individual is the Montana Democrat lied, with the Executive Branch. though there’s currently no And any plan the White evidence that he did. House has for privatization of But when Senator Isakson the Department of Veterans’ came to Tester’s defense Affairs that might charge on the decision to make the veterans more, or bilk the information public, he earned taxpayers for a lot of excess the president’s ire, even money in the process should though a senior white house be investigated by Congress official privately conceded and scrapped, just like the illtheir candidate had been fated VA nomination. inadequately vetted for the job, according to The Daily John A. Tures is a Beast. professor of political science Sticking up for Tester at LaGrange College in against Trump’s pick couldn’t LaGrange, Georgia. He have been an easy task for the can be reached at jtures@ Georgia Air National Guard lagrange.edu. His Twitter veteran. But the VA candidate account is JohnTures2.

Today’s

Quote

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” —Confucius

Today’s

Scripture “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” —Romans 12:12

alexcityoutlook.com

Daily Poll Thursday Question: Have you ever spotted a black panther, bear or other similar animal in the Lake Martin community?

No — 70%, 23 votes Yes — 30%, 10 votes

Friday’s Question: Are you glad crossing arms are being installed at the downtown Bibb Street rail intersection? 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

Cost and value are two separate things

very man that vacations with his wife on the Gulf Coast dreads the day when he hears her say the words that strike fear into his heart. Those words are: Tanger Outlet Mall, Foley, Alabama. That large complex has businesses scattered over a couple acres claiming to be outlets stores, but in reality, their prices match up to regular retail prices. He knows instinctively that the beachcombing phase of his respite is over and he must now face the harsh world of shopping with his wife. The carefree spirit of adventure and freedom are erased in a flash with this dark incantation of words. His flip flops are to be replaced with shoes and his wallet is about to assaulted. It’s enough to make the strongest man cringe in fear and weep in frustration. That, my friends, is how my tale begins. My wife that has been in rehab relearning to walk is suddenly energized with the prospect of turning merchandise over, looking in windows and spending money. Her eyes start glowing with the intensity of a true believer and her spirit soars to the heights of ecstasy because she is going shopping. She is like the man at the Pool of Siloam because she has taken up her bed and walked. The Siren’s call of unlimited sales draws her to

the value of something. A grandchild’s simple drawing GERALD on the refrigerator is worth HALLMARK more than a Picasso, a spouse’s love letter outshines Columnist the works of Shakespeare and kind words still outweigh good intentions. Too many the rocky shores of coupons, times in the fellowship of discounts and reduced items, believers, we know the cost and I get to drive her there. of every budgeted item Oh glory, what a day! in the church, but fail to Before we get out of the see the results in changed car, I remind her space is lives, souls saved and God limited in the vehicle and we glorified. It’s never the cost; really don’t need anything. it is always the value. So, She agrees and says she’s the outing to the outlet stores only going to look around was more important than the and enjoy just being out for things purchased. a while. Once I got back to the Four hours later, I’m down condo, I spent an hour a couple hundred bucks, the unloading the car and car is loaded to the windows thinking about how I was and she is regaling me with going to get all this stuff her quests of victory in back home. The car was finding just the right gifts for filled to overflowing on Christmas. the trip down and now we Christmas? have added these precious That is eight months purchases to the mix. I think away! I’ll call a car rental company After all, in her and lease an 18-wheeler. I calculations, she has saved figured if I made two trips, I more than a hundred dollars. could squeeze all of it in. Of In my limited math skills, course there is no place to I spent money and would put it when I get it home, but have saved a couple hundred that’s OK because we have by staying at the pool and Christmas covered through working on blistering in the 2023 with all the money we heat. saved. What a great value my Isn’t it interesting how vacation was this year. each of us has a different perspective on the value Dr. Gerald Hallmark is a of things? There is no retired minister who lives in doubt there is a difference Alexander City. His column in knowing the cost of appears here each Friday in something and knowing The Outlook.

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

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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!

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New Orleans Jazz Fest one to put on your bucket list y wife and I spent this last weekend in New Orleans enjoying the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. The locals call it Jazz Fest. It has been on my bucket list for a long time but this past Friday, Saturday and Sunday, we finally did it. It was wonderful. Sixty thousand people a day enter the Fair Grounds Race Course, often known as New Orleans Fair Grounds, which is a thoroughbred racetrack until the three weekends around the end of April and beginning of May when it becomes the home of the most premier Jazz Fest in the world. I live in Atlanta where there is also a Jazz Fest weekend. It consists of one big stage and a lot of food trucks. People put up small tents to protect them from

the sun and bring their lawn chairs and enjoy the jazz music. The festival in Atlanta is lovely, but it is nothing like what we experienced in New Orleans. First, the food — OMG! The food trucks were from some of the most excellent restaurants in New Orleans. We ate beignets, crawfish beignets, crawfish enchiladas, seafood étouffée, alligator pie, gumbo, crab Diane, etc. Did I mention we got off our diet when we walked through the gates and saw the caliber of the food available? Yeah, that was a no-brainer. Second, the music — it was amazing. There were two massive stages set up at opposite ends of the racetrack where the big megastars performed. We saw Bonnie Raitt, Sturgill Simpson, Rod Steward and a Fats Domino tribute band performing on these big stages. These big

stages and sitting in an airconditioned tent listening to RAY these incredible lesser-known talents was terrific. WATERS There were also smaller Columnist outdoor stages where performers played music all day. Third, the vibe of the shows were great, but it was crowd — it was harmonic. not what I loved musically People seemed genuinely in the most. There were also a good mood. No one had a three tents that looked like chip on their shoulders. No they held around 2,500 people in each one. There was one was looking to start a the Gospel Tent, the Jazz Tent fight. People drank alcohol but the shows ended by 7 and the Blues Tent. All day p.m. so no one was sloppy performers played at these drunk. It felt like a beautiful venues. I was not familiar mix of all kinds of people and with their names, but their it seemed as if the music was music was at a level I had the common denominator. It never heard before. Some was heavenly. were up-and-coming artists I met people from all who have incredible talents over the United States who but are not household names have been traveling to New yet. Others were blues and Orleans for Jazz Fest every jazz legends I did not know. year. I even met a couple of I do know getting out of the sun where we stood to watch old guys who had been to every one since 1970 when the performers on the main

Central Coosa student is top Girl Scout cookie seller STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

A student at Central Coosa Elementary School has been recognized by the Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama for being the top Girl Scout cookie seller in her school. Jasmine Heflin was awarded the title of Top Cookie Seller after selling 1,628 boxes. During the sale, Heflin learned more about what it takes to be an effective leader, how to manage finances, gain a greater sense of self-sufficiency and develop confidence in handling money. “During the Girl Scout Cookie Program, each amazing G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-

taker, Leader) is not only selling delicious cookies, but also building essential life skills, such as goal setting, people skills and business ethics,” Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama CEO Karlyn Edmonds said. “I hope these essential life skills will stay with Jasmine forever.” The Girl Scout cookie sale began a century ago and has served as an entrepreneurial training program for participants every year. The program also helps support girls by helping them achieve goals they set for program activities and community service projects. For more information about the Girl Scouts and the cookie sale, visit girlscoutssa.org.

it began. Standing in line to go to the bathroom, I met a former Arkansas legislator who had been coming with his wife since the early 1990s. He told me he was 84 years old. The people were all interesting and they all seemed to be having a good time. I love music. I saw Elvis in concert twice. I have seen bands like the Eagles and ZZ Top. I have seen solo acts like Elton John, Barry Manilow and James Taylor. But nothing compares to our three days at Jazz Fest. I am back in Atlanta and I am back on my diet, but I don’t think I will ever forget the good feelings we had with about 180,000 other people at Jazz Fest in New Orleans. Ray Waters is a minister, motivational speaker and regular columnist for The Outlook.

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CommunityCalendar Need Insurance?

Today is May 4, 2018

Friday, May 4, 2018

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Today’s Events

PRODUCTION: The Mt. Vernon Theatre In Tallassee is hosting “The Firemen’s Training.”

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

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Registration for the 2018 summer reading program at Adelia Russell and Mamie’s Place libraries opens Monday, May 7. Participants can register for the program at either library and have the chance to win great prizes for their participation. Registration for the summer reading program will be open until June 8.

Saturday, May 5

FACEBOOK SOCIAL: Do you have friends on Facebook that you’ve never met? Here is your chance to spend some time with them face to face. The first Alexander City Facebook Social Mixer will be held at Strand Park from noon until 5 p.m. Hot dogs will be for sale and you can bring your own refreshments. Come out and invite your Facebook friends. BAKE SALE: The First United Methodist Church UMW is hosting a baked and frozen foods sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Trinity Campus on Highway 280. Proceeds will benefit local and global mission projects. CHORAL REUNION: The Alexander City State Junior College Reunion Singers present “Songs from Our Past” at 6 p.m. at the Betty Carol Graham Technology Center. Admission is free but donations to the Central Alabama Community College are appreciated. CLAY SHOOT: The Annual Alexander City Kiwanis Club Sporting Clays Competition will be at the Five Star Plantation. For more information contact Phil Blasingame at 256-307-4004. CHURCH YARD SALE: GAP Fellowship Church on Robinson Court is hosting a yard sale, fish fry and BBQ from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sunday, May 6

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

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CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: County Line Baptist Church in the Dudleyville community is celebrating its 183rd anniversary at 10:45 a.m. The speaker will be Brother Jimmy Allen. There will be dinner on the grounds following the service. MEN AND WOMEN DAY: New Harmony Missionary Baptist Church in Camp Hill is celebrating Men and Women Day at 2 p.m. Guest minister is Rev. Otis James Tyner Jr. Pastor of New Harmony is Rev. Melvin Kelley Jr. MINI-CONCERT: Bucky Heard will be giving a mini-concert at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church Dadeville. CHURCH SINGING: Catching Foxes from the University of Mobile will be singing at 5:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church Dadeville. SPECIAL EFFORT: Early Rose District Ushers are hosting Early Rose District Center’s Special Effort Program at the Early District Center Building on E Street in Alexander City at 2:30 p.m. SPECIAL MINISTRY: Tim Greene and The Greenes from North Carolina will be singing and ministering at West End Church on Old Dark Road in Alexander City during the Sunday morning service. Come and be blessed by this anointed ministry. For more information, call 256-2342130. HOMECOMING: Pastor Mike Stonbreaker invites you to celebrate a homecoming service with the church at 10:45 a.m. Paul Vick and Judi will be the guest speakers. Lunch to follow.

Monday, May 7

SUMMER READING REGISTRATION: Registration for the 2018 summer reading program at Adelia Russell and Mamie’s Place libraries opens May 7. Participants can register for the program at either library and have the chance to win great prizes for their participation. The summer reading program kickoff event will be June 4 at the Alexander City Sportplex Gym, while registration for both the summer reading program and the children’s talent show will be open until June 8. CHICK-FIL-A LUNCH: Meals on Wheels is taking orders through May 7 for a Chick-Fil-A lunch to be delivered Thursday, May 10. It will come with a sandwich, chips and a cookie. It is $6 per order and orders can be placed by calling Helen Brock at 256-750-0245.

Tuesday, May 8

LUNCH AND LEARN: Thinking about starting your own business? You

can learn everything you need to know to start a successful for-profit or nonprofit business at this “lunch and learn” workshop being held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Opelika Chamber of Commerce at 601 Avenue A in Opelika. The workshop is hosted by CEO of Business Owners and Future Entrepreneurs Professional Network, Inc. The cost is $20 and covers registration and lunch. You can register online at www. joannesconsulting.org. There is limited seating available. For more information, call Joanne Finley at 334-332-5970.

May 9-11

CHURCH REVIVAL: Pine Grove Missionary Baptist Church is hosting spring revival services May 9 to May 11 at 7 p.m. nightly. The evangelist for the week is Rev. Anthony Shealey of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Loachapoka. Rev. G.H. Pulliam is pastor of Pine Grove.

Friday, May 11

EARLY BIRD SALE: Want to get a jump on the best deals? Red Ridge United Methodist Church will hold a special early bird session for its Annual Mission Fund Yard Sale from 8 to 11 a.m. There will be a wide variety of items as members of the church all donated to help the cause. Every dollar raised goes into the church’s mission fund and the goal this year has been set at $7,000. The sale will be held at the church located at 8091 County Road 34 in Dadeville. For more details, call John Mann at 256-307-2366.

Saturday, May 12

JUNQUE JUBILEE: MainStreet Alexander City is hosting Junque Jubilee in downtown Alexander City starting at 8 a.m. with shops opening at 10 a.m. FISH FRY: The Hackneyville Fire Department will be hosting its annual fish fry from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the HVFD in Hackneyville. Bring your family and friends to enjoy some fresh, fried catfish. Fish plates will be available for $10 per plate. This is the HVFD annual fundraising drive to help keep the department active and to help pay for a new fire department. MOTHERS’ PRAYER BREAKFAST: Centerview Missionary Baptist Church is hosting a Mothers’ Prayer Breakfast at 9 a.m. The speaker is Debra Harris, First Lady of Mt. Lovely Baptist Church. Rev. Jimmial Harrison Sr. is pastor of Centerview Missionary Baptist. PANCAKE BREAKFAST: The Comer Methodist Men’s Club is hosting a pancake breakfast from 6 to 10 a.m. It is eat in or carry out for $6 a plate. BENEFIT YARD SALE: Red Ridge United Methodist Church will hold its Annual Mission Fund Yard Sale from 6 a.m. until all the goods are gone. There will be a wide variety of items as members of the church all donate to help the cause. Every dollar raised goes into the church’s mission fund and the goal this year has been set at $7,000. The sale will be held at the church which is located at 8091 County Road 34 in Dadeville. For more details, call John Mann at 256-307-2366. CANDIDATE FAIR: The Coosa County Republican Party is hosting a candidate fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Rockford Event Center at 333 School Street in Rockford.

Wednesday, May 16

LAW ENFORCEMENT MEMORIAL: The Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department and the Alexander City Police Department is hosting the 22nd Annual Law Enforcement Memorial at 11 a.m. at the department. The key note speaker will be Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall. Lunch will be served afterwards in the Alexander City Police Department.

Thursday, May 17

WINE AND WORDS: Chuck’s Marina is hosting a “Crawfish Boil, Wine and Words” fundraiser for the Friends of the Dadeville Public Library. Tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the door if available. It includes all-you-can-eat crawfish boil dinner prepared by Chef Raymond LeBlanc, music by the Murray Brown Band, a wine tasting and used book sale. Advance tickets are available at Chuck’s and the Dadeville Public Library.

Friday, May 18

PRODUCTION: The Mt. Vernon Theatre in Tallassee is hosting “The Hoppers” at 7 p.m. Tickets are $18 and are available at mtvernontheatre.net

Saturday, May 19

PERFORMANCE: The Mt. Vernon Theatre in Tallassee is hosting the Central Alabama Youth Wind Symphony at 7 p.m. The Central Alabama Youth Wind Symphony is a youth organization for youths by youths. Directed by Tyler Rodgers, CAYWS has a lot to offer the community, especially in the form of music. The project was started in November as means to bring the community and others together through music and allow area youth to express themselves freely and openly. CAYWS believes in a warm, friendly environment for all teenagers looking to continue their exploration in the field of music. Tickets to the show are $5 and are available at mtvernontheatre.net. ARMED FORCES DAY PICNIC: The Bill Nichols Chapter of the Disabled American Veterans will be holding a Picnic in the Park from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in Strand Park to celebrate Armed Forces Day. Veteran service organizations like the DAV and American Legion will be on hand to pass out information, and the Alabama National Guard will also have a display set up. There will be a military vehicle show, kids activities and food vendors set up in the park as well. The event is open to the public and there is no cost to attend. SINGING: The Kellyton Revival Center is hosting “Singing with The Exhorters” at 5 p.m. Refreshments will be provided afterwards and a love offering will be taken.

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com

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Sunday, May 20

BACCALAUREATE SERVICE: The Benjamin Russell Baccalaureate Service is at 7 p.m. at the BRHS auditorium. CHURCH HOMECOMING: Holly Springs Baptist Church in Coosa County is hosting homecoming at 11 a.m. Bro. Donnie Blackmon will be preaching. Everyone is welcome to eat after the service, just bring a chair and some food to share. All former members and family of those buried in the church cemetery are welcome. SINGING: A singing will be held at the Midway Historical School from noon to 2 p.m. at 112 11th Avenue in Alexander City.

Monday, May 21

SPEECH AND HEARING SCREENING: Auburn University NSSLHA & SAA are proud to offer a free speech, language and hearing screening that will access the following for children and adults: articulation (pronouncing sounds), receptive language (understanding concepts and spoken language), expressive language (ability to verbally express self), cognition (attention, memory, problem solving), voice quality, fluency and hearing. The screening will be from 1 to 4 p.m. at 1199 Haley Center in Auburn. For further information, please call 334-844-9600.

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Dadeville residents gather at courthouse for National Day of Prayer appointing of soldiers to guard against enemies. “If those in the government can’t get along with each other, About 50 people gathered on how can they heal our country?” the front lawn of the Tallapoosa Rod Siggers from New Rocky County Courthouse in Dadeville Mount Baptist Church said Thursday for the National Day before leading a prayer over the of Prayer service led by the Dadeville Ministerial Association. members of the state and national Mayor Wayne Smith, Councilman government. Siggers was followed by Dick Harrelson, Police Chief Tallapoosa County Schools David Barbour, Fire Chief Superintendent Joe Windle to Anthony Wilkerson, Tallapoosa offer up a prayer for teachers, County EMA Director Jason students and schools across the Moran and citizens from around Dadeville gathered to listen to the country. “It’s always humbling to be words of local ministers and join in special music as a way to pray a layman speaker and follow a preacher,” Windle said. “Prayer in for unity for the country. schools is an emotional issue, but “My prayer is that God would I can guarantee you there is a lot move on us and let change begin of praying going on in our schools with us,” Pastor Tim Davis from Beulah Baptist Church said. “I thank right now, as students are taking you all for taking the time to be here their exams.” Kelsey then returned to the and see the importance of this.” podium to lead the crowd in “The After Reverend Eddie Kelsey Battle Hymn of the Republic,” led the gathered group in the briefly talking about the song national anthem, Ben Arellano and the impact it has had on key from First Presbyterian Church figures in American history. was the first to offer up special “When Abraham Lincoln heard prayers, asking for the safety of those serving in the armed forces those words, he started to cry,” Kelsey said. “In the ‘I Have a and the families of those who serve. Arellano also read a passage Dream’ speech, those are some of the last words Dr. Martin Luther from 2 Chronicles, regarding the By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

King Jr. said.” “If there was any time in our history we need unity, it’s today,” Sgt. Ray Arrington with the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Office said before offering special prayers for law enforcement officials and first responders. “We have a duty to pray for others.” As Reverend Ben Hayes from First Baptist Church stood behind the podium and led a prayer for churches nationwide, he had a special response to comments from Windle and Arrington. “It is we who are honored to be at this podium and share it with you,” Hayes said. Davis led the final special prayer of the day, asking for a spiritual awakening and revival in the people of the church, before Kelsey led the group in one final song, “God Bless America” and Charlie Horton from Jacksons Gap Baptist Church gave the benediction. As the crowd began to disperse, many left happily discussing the day and what it had meant to them, but could also have been remembering some of the words Davis left them with while talking about revival. “We have to be willing to get back to old-time religion,” Davis said.

Rev. Eddie Kelsey, top left, First Presbyterian preacher Ben Arellano, top right, New Rocky Mount Baptist Church pastor Rod Siggers, above left, Rev. Tim Davis of Beulah Baptist Church, above right, and Tallapoosa County Schools Superintendent Joe Windle, left, were among the speakers at Dadeville’s National Day of Prayer event Thursday.

Donald Campbell / The Outlook

Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

Pastor Rick Levell, Rev. Bill Middlebrooks, Rev. Vince Lee and Bro. Wayne Cowhick were among those who spoke and prayed at the National Day of Prayer event at First Baptist Church of Alexander City Thursday. Above, Keith Garrett gives an emotional performance of “His Truth is Marching On.” Left, guests and speakers join and bow their heads in prayer.

Prayer

continued from page 1

God to touch every aspect of life. Following scripture read by Rep Mark Tuggle, Passion Church Pastor Rev. Bruce Whitehall led a prayer for the government. “We pray realizing that through you impossible things can become reality. … Today, we need you in the Oval Office, we need you in the halls of Congress and we need to give all of our leaders the wisdom and the strength to lead up in these trying times,” Whitehall said. United States Army vet Sgt. Thomas Drake read scripture that led to prayer for the military by Rev. Vince Lee of Vertical Point Church. “We understand that our militaries today have massive missiles and powerful weapons, but we also know that no weapon is as strong as when a man gets on a knee and asks for your guidance and your hand Lord,” Lee said. Rev. Lewis Benson led a prayer for the media, thanking the Lord for all the outlets now available to keep us informed. “God you said in your word that we shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free,” Benson said. “We pray for all

that is good, so that we can edify and build up, rather than tear down and destroy.” Rev. Larry White said a prayer for businesses. “Father God Almighty, we start here in Alexander City, the heart of Lake Martin, near the Bud Porch Center, near the roundabout, we are praying for your guiding hand for our businesses so that they can have the ability to serve the needs of our people,” White said. Alexander City Schools Superintendent Dr. Darrell Cooper read scripture that led to a prayer for education by Pastor Stacy Tuttle of the Alexander City Church of God of Prophecy. Pastor Dr. Steve King of First Baptist Church of Alexander City read scripture that led Comer United Methodist Church Pastor David Sherrill to pray for churches. Save a Life Executive Director Sharon Moore read scripture for families, including Joshua 24:14. “But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served

beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord,” Moore read. Rev. Bill Middlebrooks followed that up with an emotional prayer for families. Before the event Middlebrooks explained the genesis of the National Day of Prayer event in Alexander City. “Originally we held it outside in front of the Bud Porch Center,” Middlebrooks said. “The idea was people would come by and see you praying and be reminded to pray as well. But over time the weather, traffic and traffic noise became a problem at times. That’s when this church offered their sanctuary and it has been such a blessing.” The event closed with Levell leading the attendees, all joined hand-in-hand, in prayer. The day started with a prayer breakfast in Alexander City where members of the Alexander City Veteran Honor Guard presented the colors and led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. Patty Smith performed the National Anthem and First Baptist Church Pastor Rev. Steve

King offered the blessing and read a proclamation. Those on hand to share a meal were treated to a special song from the children of First Baptist Church Learning Center. Then, Rev. Scott Railey of Campground United Methodist Church, Dr. Roderick Williams of Jehovah Jireh Minstries, Mt. Zion Baptist Church’s Dr. Wayne Wright, Rev. Brendan Chance of the Alex City Church of Christ and Pastor Percy Nolan Jr. of Haven United Methodist Church led the group in prayers. Alexander City Methodist Church pastor Bro. Wayne Cowhick, who has battled health issues over the last year and is now doing well, closed the prayer breakfast with a prayer from his heart. “I stand here before you as proof that prayers are answered,” Cowhick said. “Thank you Lord for all those who prayed for me and for you hearing them and answering those prayers.” In Hackneyville, about two dozen people gathered at 10 a.m. to ask for strength for first-responders, the military, our elected leaders and our country.

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The Outlook

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

Friday, May 4, 2018

ANDY GRAHAM Columnist

Sports Outlook The

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REBELS WIN AGAIN

10 ridiculously early college predictions

he Auburn softball team was unceremoniously swept away in College Station this past weekend and the Auburn baseball team lost two of three games to the No. 1 Florida Gators in Gainesville. I don’t particularly want to talk about either of those programs right now. The NBA playoffs are in full swing, but something tells me my target audience couldn’t care less. I feel an Atlanta Braves-themed column on the horizon, but that’s a few weeks down the road. What a perfect time for my annual ridiculously early predictions about the upcoming college football season. The other day I was standing on the edge of my toilet hanging a clock. The porcelain was wet so I slipped and hit my head on the edge of the sink. When I came to I had a revelation… A vision… A picture in my head. OK, I might have stolen that story from Doc Brown in Back to the Future, but you get the point. I’m running out of material. Oh well, here are 10 ridiculously early predictions about the 2018 college football season. 1. The Iron Bowl will be a winner take all for the Western Division title for the second year in a row. The game will be tied 17-17 going to the fourth quarter with both defenses playing exceptionally well. A 46-yard field goal wins it as time expires. 2. Shea Patterson and the Michigan Wolverines defeat Notre Dame in South Bend 27-13 to open the season on the way to an 11-1 regular-season record. 3. Jarrett Stidham sets the Auburn record for passing yards in a singleseason with 3,316 yards. He also eclipses Pat Sullivan in career passing yards and ranks fourth all time in Auburn history after only two years. 4. Ed Orgeron leads LSU to a 7-5 season losing games to Miami, Auburn, Florida, Georgia and Alabama. Orgeron is quoted as saying, (unintelligible) “Geaux Tigers!” 5. Tua Tagovailoa is named Alabama’s starting quarterback midway through fall practice. Jalen Hurts transfers to Florida State. Tagovailoa re-injures his throwing hand in Week 2 and Mac Jones starts See GRAHAM • Page 12

Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook

Reeltown won the Class 2A Area 8 softball championship Thursday with a 7-2 victory over Horseshoe Bend.

Reeltown takes down Generals for area softball crown By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

For the second year in a row, Reeltown’s softball team took down its rival, Horseshoe Bend, to earn the Class 2A Area 8 championship. The Generals beat LaFayette in a pair of 15-0, three-inning games, but couldn’t quite overcome Reeltown. They lost the first game, 5-0, then the Rebels came out on top in the title game, 7-2. “It feels good,” Reeltown coach Kelli Hilyer said. “It feels like what we’ve been doing these past couple years has really paid off. I was thinking the whole time, though, that it’s so awesome that in our area here, two schools in our county (are going to regionals). You’d thinking winning (the area) helps because you get a runner-up from another area, but in

regionals, all the teams are tough.” Horseshoe Bend proved last year that being the runner up out of Area 8 may not be such a bad thing, as it advanced to state as the South Central Regional runner-up while Reeltown was sent packing. “I feel pretty good (about regionals),” Horseshoe Bend coach Hagen Vickers said. “Like any coach, I’ve done my digging, finding out about the other teams that are going to be down there. I feel like if we can keep this going and take it down there with us, who knows? We might get to play Reeltown again and get another crack at them.” The Generals got much closer to Reeltown during Thursday’s area tournament than they had earlier in the season, but the Rebels’ offense was just too much to handle, as they combined for 28 hits in the two games.

“Well, last weekend we had some trouble hitting the ball, so we really focused this week in practice on seeing the ball and a lot on bunting,” Reeltown senior Kayli Hornsby said. “We improved today. We took everything from practice and put it in the game.” In the first game, Reeltown opened the scoring with a run in the first inning then tacked on two more in both the third and fifth frames. Katlyn Jaye led the offense with three hits, while Morgan McGuire, Hornsby, Ayriana Stoneback and Ashlynn Thomas each had a pair of hits. Stoneback drove in two runs. In Game 2, the Rebels scored early and often before holding off Horseshoe Bend for the win. Reeltown opened the scoring with an See SOFTBALL • Page 12

Slew of locals hunting down state medals an elusive state championship, but he’ll have to get past Homewood’s Will Stone. In both the 1,600 and the 3,200, Twenty-three individuals Cunigan is seeded second and three relays teams from only to Stone. Cunigan also Tallapoosa County have qualified for the 800. advanced to the state track Also competing for and field championships, Benjamin Russell’s boys will which began Thursday for be Jay Harrison in the 110 Class 4A-7A in Gulf Shores hurdles and the 4x800 relay and start today for Class team. Brionna Slaughter and 1A-3A in Cullman. Aaliyah Thomas will compete Benjamin Russell’s Lance Cunigan will be hunting down for the BRHS girls in the 100 By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

and 400 dash, respectively. Dadeville’s Qua Tucker, a defending three-event gold medalist at state, will compete in four events this weekend. He’ll take on both the 100 and 200 dashes as well as the 110 and 300 hurdles. Last year, he captured first in both the 100, the 200 and the 300 hurdles and took some silver in the 110 hurdles. This year, he’s hoping for all four. The Tigers also have good

representation in the triple jump with both Ladarrius Moore and Jalen Sullivan qualifying, while Jamauri Chisolm will compete in the shot put. Josh Taylor will also participate in the 300 hurdles. Reeltown has the most qualifiers in the area with 13 individuals and two relays. The boys especially could very well be competing for a team championship, as they See TRACK • Page 12

File / The Outlook

GONE FISHING FOR A STATE TITLE In its third year of existence, Benjamin Russell’s fishing team has qualified for its first Alabama Student Angler Bass Fishing Association state championship, which will take place today and Saturday on Smith Lake. Also qualifying were Dadeville and Reeltown’s fishing squads. Forty teams, or a total of 200 boats, qualify for state based on the spring tournament season, during which teams can participate in three tourneys and are awarded points based on their finish in each. Benjamin Russell collected a total of 2137 points to finish in 27th place during the tournament season, and Dadeville was right behind with 2121 points for 28th place. Reeltown squeaked into the top 30 by collecting 2115 points. BRHS and Dadeville both competed on Lake Jordan, Eufaula and Martin during the spring, while the Rebels participated in tournaments at Jordan, Martin and Lake Pickwick. Pictured above are, left, Dadeville’s Eli Vernon and Michael Bowers and, right, Benjamin Russell’s Zack Phillips and Clayton Boone on Lake Martin earlier this season.

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Friday, May 4, 2018

The Outlook

WFF releases rehabilitated bald eagles By DAVID RAINER Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Far from what today’s crowd calls civilization, Conservation Commissioner Chris Blankenship gained a new appreciation for America’s symbol of greatness. Blankenship had the honor to release a rehabilitated bald eagle into the wild at the Uchee Creek Special Opportunity Area (SOA) in rural Russell County. “Holding the eagle, I could tell she was ready to go and get back into the wild and enjoy life again,” Blankenship said after launching the immature eagle into the air. “Seeing the length of those talons and feeling the strength of her legs, it was really a little bit surprising how strong that eagle was. “The nongame wildlife work we do, including raptors and birds like this, is very important to the Department of Conservation and the community. People are fascinated with hawks, kestrels and raptors of all kinds, eagles particularly. For us to be able to work with Auburn University and other rehabbers around the state and see those birds come back from injuries and be released back into the wild, that is extremely rewarding for us at the Department of Conservation.” The released bald eagle was rehabilitated at the Southeastern Raptor Center, a part of Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. The immature eagle was found in Lee County with a broken wing. Once at the Southeastern Raptor Center, X-rays revealed the bird had been shot. Multiple small shots were evident in the X-ray, and one piece of bird shot had broken the metacarpus in the bird’s left wing. “The bird was picked up in 2016 near Smith’s Station,” said Carrie Threadgill, nongame biologist with the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division. “Auburn had the eagle for more than 500 days to rehabilitate it. The eagle has passed its flight test and should be good to go.” Marianne Hudson, who joined Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries as Conservation Outreach Specialist after a stint at Auburn’s raptor center, said the rehabilitators follow a specific protocol to get the birds ready to be released. “Since the eagle came in

Submitted / The Outlook

Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division Director Chuck Sykes sends another rehabilitated eagle skyward at the Cedar Creek SOA in Dallas County. The eagles quickly found perches in nearby pine trees.

with a broken wing, first it goes through treatment for that injury,” Hudson said. “The wing was splinted. As it healed, it was allowed more and more exercise and rehabilitation. The Southeastern Raptor Center has large flight enclosures to allow natural movements. The flight enclosures also have turns in them so that the eagle can maneuver in different directions. “Between now and the time it was first discovered in December of 2016, this eagle has built up enough strength, stamina and muscle mass to completely pass its flight evaluation.” Hudson said Dr. Seth Oster, one of the veterinarians at Auburn, oversees the flight evaluation and determines when a bird can be released. “Dr. Oster and his staff evaluated the eagle’s takeoff, landing, perching ability and maneuverability,” Hudson said. “Dr. Oster has deemed this eagle recovered well enough for release.” Hudson said there is no fear the eagles and other rehabilitated raptors will become too

Softball RBI double from Hornsby in the top of the first, then Hornsby and Jaye switched places, as Jaye notched a double of her own. Jaye drove in another run in the third with her second double of the day, and Makenzie Baker hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Kelsey Jaye. Reeltown scored some insurance with two runs in the fourth inning on doubles by Kyndel Lee and Hornsby. Horseshoe Bend wasn’t without its opportunities though. In the second, Horseshoe Bend got two on with an Ivy Vickers single and an error, but the Rebels erased the threat with a double play. In the bottom of the fifth, the Generals put two on with only one out by drawing back-to-back walks but they couldn’t drive any in. “We just couldn’t get the momentum going,” Hagen Vickers said. “We played them well today, we just couldn’t find the momentum at the right time. I’m proud of the way they played because we definitely played them better than we have previously this season.”

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and tail plumage. This means the eagles are less than 5 years old. Threadgill said another rehabilitated eagle will be released at Weiss Lake in northeast Alabama later this year. “Because of the efforts of the nongame program with the eagle reintroduction that started in the 1980s, the rehabilitators, like the Southeastern Raptor Center, are seeing more eagles brought in each year,” she said. “Hunters, such as the ones hunting on the SOAs, are the reason we were able to fund the eagle reintroduction program. With the fees we get through our license sales, we have been able to reintroduce eagles throughout the state. Now eagles are found in every county in Alabama. We have sightings of eagles in every county, and we have records of nesting in most counties, if not all.” Although there are two species of eagles in the lower 48 states, golden eagle and bald eagle, the vast majority of eagles seen in Alabama are bald eagles. “We only see golden eagles in the wintertime when they are

Track

coming down from Canada,” Threadgill said. “Golden eagles nest in Canada, but we do have golden eagle surveys on some of our WMAs (wildlife management areas) and some of our other partner lands. We get game-camera pictures of eagles every year. We do have a winter population of golden eagles that we didn’t know about until we started the game-camera surveys.” Should anyone discover an injured eagle or other bird of prey, a licensed rehabilitator should be contacted immediately, according to Hudson. Go online to www. outdooralabama.com/wildliferehabilitation/current-wildliferehabbers and check the list for rehabbers who accept migratory birds. Although the person who shot the Uchee Creek eagle has not been found, anyone who harms a raptor of any kind can end up in big trouble. “Raptors are protected by state and federal laws,” Hudson said. “To injure one is a federal offense. The penalties are severe.”

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Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook

Horseshoe Bend’s Ivy Vickers, right, stretches out to make a play against Reeltown’s Makenzie Baker on the tail end of a double play Thursday.

Finally HBS broke through on a two-run single by Ivy Vickers in the bottom of the sixth, but that was all she wrote. Stoneback kept the Generals on their toes all day, allowing just eight hits through two games. She struck out 18 and walked only three, and neither of the runs

Graham the majority of the games during the season. 6. Jeremy Pruitt goes 5-7 in his first year in Knoxville, but the Volunteers make noticeable progress and will be bowl bound in 2019. 7. Auburn continues its streak of 1,000 yard rushers to 10 straight years with JaTarvious Whitlow and Kam Martin combining to rush for 1,837 yards and 16 touchdowns.

accustomed to humans. “These eagles are not handled,” she said. “They are just as wild as they were the day they came in. The eagles are not tamed at all. They are afraid of people. It will be able to resume a normal eagle life.” The Uchee Creek eagle was the first of two birds to be released within a week in Alabama. The second bird was released five days later at Cedar Creek SOA in Dallas County. The Cedar Creek eagle also had a broken wing but the cause is unknown. This bird was found injured in Camden, not far from the Cedar Creek SOA. The Cedar Creek eagle arrived at the raptor center with numerous problems, including a broken radius and ulna in the right wing. It was also emaciated, suffering from conjunctivitis and had lice. However, the immature eagle responded quickly to treatment and was released after 229 days in rehab. These birds are considered immature because, although they have reached full size and strength, they have not yet attained the adult white head

Reeltown allowed were earned. “I think she’s just mentally tough,” Hilyer said. “Her and KK (Katlyn Jaye) work well together. They call the game with each other. They know how to calm each other down. I think Ayriana likes a little competition, so she steps up in the big situations.”

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8. Nick Saban indiscriminately chastises the media because they compliment his program and Gus Malzahn chews a lot of bubblegum while acting fidgety. As always, I like to guarantee I get at least one correct. 9. Stanford running back Bryce Love edges out Arizona quarterback Kahlil Tate to win the Heisman Trophy after rushing for more than 2,000

yards for the second consecutive season. 10. The four teams in the college football playoff are Clemson, Alabama, Ohio State and Oklahoma. We all have to endure yet another Saban vs. Dabo matchup that will have ESPN drooling like the dog in Turner and Hooch. Andy Graham is a regular columnist for The Outlook.

File / The Outlook

Reeltown’s Eric Shaw won both hurdle races at the state championships last year and will be hunting down more gold medals this week.

have representation in 17 events. Eric Shaw is a twotime defending champ, with wins last year in the 110 hurdles and the 300 hurdles, both of which he’ll compete in again this weekend. Shaw will also take on the high jump, which he placed second in last year. Cameron Faison has also come on strong toward the end of the season and has qualified for the 100 and 200 dashes and the long jump. Also qualifying for three events is Rhasheed Wilson, who will compete in the 100 and 200 dashes and the 300 hurdles, and Zantjuan Knight will join his Rebel teammates in both hurdle races. The only distance runner for Reeltown will be Cohen Reed in the 800, and the

boys 4x400 relay team also qualified for state. In the field, Derrick Hammonds will compete in the discus and javelin; Caleb Gantt qualified for the shot put; and Xavier Mabson will take on the triple jump. On the girls side, both Nyla Hayden and Taniya Haynes qualified for three events. Hayden will compete in all three throws (javelin, shot put and discus), while Haynes will take on the 100 and 200 dashes and the triple jump. Diyanna Newton qualified for both hurdle races, and will be joined by Brekia Riley in the 100 hurdles. The girls 4x100 relay team qualified, and rounding out Reeltown’s competitors will be Makayla Langston in the shot put and discus.