April 12, 2017 Alex City Outlook

WE’D LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU, PAGE 4.

THE Steve Flowers

WEDNESDAY

Nixburg News

COMMUNITY COLUMNISTS INSIDE

Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892

SPORTS, PAGE 8

April 12, 2017 Vol. 125, No. 72 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢ Area softball teams compete

County schools approve bid for projects

SHOTS FIRED ACPD investigates as shots ring out in local neighborhood

By MITCH SNEED Editor

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

The Tallapoosa County Board of Education voted to accept a $258,699 bid from SCF Erections to construct a new concession stand and bathroom at Reeltown for the softball program – all thanks to the new 1-cent sales tax.

The project brought more than 90 minutes of discussion at Monday’s meeting over whether the system had the funds for the project and whether the system needed to spend the funds on such a project especially given the system has not had the luxury of extra funds in years.

Some board members are concerned that the project will give the wrong idea with the board asking residents to consider a 3-mil ad valorem tax to replace the 1-cent sales tax.

“This is something they look at and say this is excessive,” board member Carla Talton said. “I cannot support this.”

Talton explained that the measure will leave the wrong impression when other needs are more pressing.

“The elementary school at Reeltown is appalling,” Talton said. “The bathrooms are appalling. I think we need to spend the money to improve the school. It would benefit more students.”

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

A resident who lives along J. Street tells officers what he saw as he sat on the front porch of his apartment reading the Bible. Left, Det. Sabrina Osborne gathers shell casings as evidence in the shooting.

Alexander City Police Department investigators and officers are searching for answers in two separate incidents where shots were fired in an Alexander City neighborhood.

At about 1 p.m. Tuesday, residents along J Street reported that as many as 13 shots e fired by a person described as a black male wearing a dark blue hooded shirt in the direction of a car as it travelled down I Street.

“I was sitting her on the porch having some Bible time and I saw him walk by,” said Rev. Knight. “I looked back down at the book and when I looked back up he was over at by that wall shooting at a black car. Bam, bam, bam – he just unloaded.”

Alexander City Police Department Deputy Chief James Easterwood said the shots were in the direction of a black Ford Fusion.

“We located the vehicle and he said he was just driving down the road See SHOTS • Page 11

See SCHOOL • Page 3

USAmeriBank to host annual Easter Bake Sale April 14

Library adds convenience for users with new book drops

By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

Library book drops are a convenient way to return borrowed material when the library isn’t open. For the patrons of both the Russell Library and Mamie’s Place, the addition of two new drops makes these returns even easier.

Not only will books be able to be returned here, but multimedia items, like DVDs and audio books, can also be returned to the library via these new drops.

“We are very excited to have these new returns available for our patrons,” said library director Amy Huff. “One will be located at Mamie’s Place Children’s Library and the other one can be accessed by vehicle on the exit side of the Adelia Russell Library.”

What makes the one by the Russell Library even more convenient than a standard book drop is its location: right next to the exit drive. With this new drop, books can be returned simply by rolling down one’s car window and opening the drop slot.

See BOOKS • Page 11

ARMSTRONG-HOLLEY

PLUMBING

WE SPECIALIZE IN COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL PLUMBING!

256-392-3809 OFFICE 256-794-0777 CELL

By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Adelia M. Russell Library installed new book drops for patrons to conveniently return books and other multimedia items to the library.

She’s Back!

Shelby Patterson is back at work and ready to cut, style or color your hair.

GENESIS I HAIR SALON 256.329.8924 3333 Hillabee Road Alexander City, AL

This Friday, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., the main office of USAmeriBank will be holding their annual Easter Bake Sale. Created to raise money for the Tallapoosa County Relay For Life, the Easter bake sale has proven to be a popular fundraiser, as has its October counterpart.

Stacy Shaw, the captain of the USAmeriBank’s Relay for Life team, See BAKE • Page 3

Today’s

Weather

81 57 High

6

Low

54708 90050

8

USPS Permit # 013-080

Lake Martin

Lake Levels

489.83 Reported on 4/11/17 @ 9 p.m.

LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443

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

Page 2

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Wife punished for infidelity must insist on counseling

Thursday

82 58 Low

High Sunny

Friday

83 59 Low

High Mostly 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 Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com

Alethia Russell Staff Writer/Pagination, Ext. 210 alethia.russell@alexcityoutlook.com Donald Campbell Staff Writer, Ext. 208 donald.campbell@alexcityoutlook.com Advertising Sales Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Emily Gregg Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 emily.gregg@alexcityoutlook.com Donna Jones Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 donna.jones@alexcityoutlook.com Scott Hardy Advertising Sales, Ext. 208 scott.hardy@alexcityoutlook.com Tabby Edwards Advertising Sales, Ext. 232 tabby.edwards@alexcityoutlook.com

DEAR ABBY: I have been with my husband for 12 years, married for three. I had an affair a little over a year ago that he found out about. He has let me back into the house, but he demeans my character at every opportunity. I don’t fight back because I know I am the cause of his pain.

We have a 3-year-old daughter, and I am now six weeks pregnant with his child.

I do not want to argue with him, because if I had been a better wife, he would not be so angry. But the hurt I feel from his words over the past months is weighing heavy on me, especially with my new hormones. I’m holding it in, but should I leave? Become a single mother? How can I get him to a counselor? -- NEEDS COUNSELING DEAR NEEDS: I do not mean to minimize your infidelity, but you had better take a stand and give your husband an ultimatum: Heal the marriage

through marriage counseling, or you leave. Be prepared to follow through, because without professional intervention nothing will change. The situation you describe is unhealthy not only for you and your unborn child, but also for your little girl. Your daughter should not be raised to think that this toxic environment is normal.

DEAR ABBY: I’m a lesbian and have been in a relationship with a woman for two months now. She never offers to pay for our dates, and she hasn’t planned or executed one, either.

We’re both very feminine, although she would be considered slightly more so than I am.

I feel this is important because

DEAR ABBY: I have been with the same man for six months. He has been separated from his wife for 10 years -- but not legally. When he finally decided to tell her there is someone else and he’s moving on, she went crazy. She said she wants alimony and half of everything, plus the house will have to be sold because she

Memorial service for Infant Kyle Alexander Sealey, will be, Saturday, April 15, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Rev. Vince Lee will officiate. The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 15, 2017 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home.

Kyle was born and passed away peacefully on Friday, April 7, 2017 at Russell Medical Center.

He was the son of David Sealey and Mia Chandler of Alexander City. Surviving in addition to his parents are

Postal

Information

How to Submit Obituaries

Advice

Kyle Alexander Sealey

Circulation Linda Ewing Office Clerk, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com

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

DEAR ABBY

I’m somehow the more dominant one. How can I address this concern without hurting her? I would like her to reciprocate somewhat. -- DOMINANT IN CALIFORNIA DEAR DOMINANT: Address the imbalance in your relationship by being straightforward about it. Good manners dictate that when someone has been asked out, treated, etc., that person should reciprocate.

Because that’s not happening, you need to discuss it with her.

To do so isn’t hurtful; it’s common sense, because unless you do, this pattern will continue.

will not allow “the new woman” to live in “her” house.

It’s been a month since he told her. We talked to a lawyer about a divorce, but all he is worried about is paying alimony and losing the house. I am getting sick of hearing about it.

All he keeps saying is, “I love you, but I don’t want to lose my house or pay her money.”

What should I do? -- FIGHT OR FLIGHT IN MASSACHUSETTS DEAR FIGHT OR FLIGHT: Your boyfriend appears to be unwilling to pay the price for a divorce. So what you should do is flee. The longer you stick around, the deeper you will become enmeshed in his drama, and the more complicated it will become.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

Obituaries

Composing Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@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 Publishers, printing press.

Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011.

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

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

The Outlook

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.

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

in recognition of

Medical Park Family Care’s Dr. Jamie Evans will provide a

FREE SKIN CANCER SCREENING

Monday, May 1st 2017 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY

For additional information contact Jessica Sanford, Community Relations, at 256-329-7145.

1034 Tallassee St, Dadeville, AL 36853

Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Mrs. Willie C. Patterson Funeral service for Mrs. Willie C. Patterson 86 of Kellyton AL; Thursday, April 13, 2017; 1 p.m.; St. John A.M.E. Church, Kellyton, AL, burial in Macedonia Memorial Garden, Goodwater, AL. Final arrangements entrusted to Armour’s Memorial Services.

Public Meetings n Alexander City Board of Education meets on the third Tuesday of each month.

Meetings are held in the board office at 375 Lee St. or local school at 5 p.m. n Alexander City Council meets on the first and third Mondays of each month.

Meetings are held in the courtroom at the old city hall at 5:30 p.m. n Camp Hill Town Council meets the first and third Mondays of each month.

Meetings are held in town hall at 6 p.m.

SEE SPOT CHECK SP T

his brother, Takoda Chandler and sister, Tehya Chandler; grandparents, George and My Hatchett of Alexander City and Stanley and Loren Sealey of Wadley; and great grandmothers, Frances Sealey of Ashland and Ruby Hatchett of Rockford.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lake Martin Animal Shelter at www.lakemartinanimalshelter.com or Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) www.iava.org.

Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.

n Community Action Agency of Chambers, Tallapoosa, Coosa will holds its regular board of directors meetings every other month at the Central Office in Dadeville. n Coosa County Board of Education holds called meetings at least once a month. n Coosa County Commission meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in the Coosa County Courthouse in Rockford at 9:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday and at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday.

n Coosa County Industrial Development Board will hold its regularly scheduled meeting the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room in the courthouse in Rockford.

All meetings are open to the public. n Dadeville City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. with a pre-meeting at 5:30 p.m. in city hall. n Daviston City Council meets the third Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Daviston Fire Department. n Goldville Town Council meets the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the town hall. n Goodwater City Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month.

Meetings are held at the Caldwell Center at 6:30 p.m. n Jackson’s Gap Town Council meets the second Tuesday of each month.

Meetings are held in town hall at 6:30 p.m., all Jackson’s Gap citizens are encouraged to attend.

n Kellyton Town Council meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the community center in Kellyton. n New Site City Council meets the first and third Monday of the month at 5 p.m. in the Conference Room in the Town Hall. n Ray Water Authority meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Ray Water Authority Office.

All customers are invited to attend. n Rockford Town Council meets the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in town hall at 7 p.m. n Tallapoosa County Board of Education meets on the second Monday of each month.

Meetings are held in the new central office at 679 East Columbus Street, Dadeville, AL 36853. n Tallapoosa County Commission meets the second Monday of the month at 9 a.m. in the courthouse in Dadeville, with a pre-meeting also open to the public 30 minutes before each regular session. n Tallapoosa County 911 Board will meet on the second Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the 911 Administrative office at 240 West Columbus Street, Dadeville. Call 825-8490 for more information. n Walnut Hill Water Authority meets the third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited. Call 8259841 to inquire about the agenda.

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Bake

Page 3

www.alexcityoutlook.com

The Outlook

Alex City continued from page 1

candy and egg dye provided by USAmeriBank. “Our local businesses have been very generous in donating items for the basket,� she said.

Shaw detailed how successful this event has been in the past, thanks to a great turnout from area residents. “Between the bake sale and the basket, we usually make our goal of $1,000. We usually have around three tables full of baked goods, and at the end of the day, almost everything is gone,� she said.

While the sale is scheduled to run from 9 until 4, Shaw encouraged people to come early if they want to be able to purchase the Easter-specific goods, as they tend to go fairly quickly.

described the variety of goods that will be available for purchase on Friday. “There’ll be different types of Rice Krispies candy, cupcakes, cookies, and cakes. There may also be some breakfast items available,� Shaw said. She also mentioned that the breakfast goods are usually the first items to sell out.

In addition to the bake sale, people will also have the opportunity to purchase tickets, at $5 each to win an Easter basket valued at approximately $500. According to Shaw, the basket contains items donated by local businesses. These include a pair of Shell gift cards, provided by Hill Petroleum, gift cards/certificates to Sho’Nuff BBQ, Jim Bob’s, and Jake’s on Broad, a threemonth membership to Total Fitness, along with

School

continued from page 1

Board member Randy Anderson was concerned the project was never on the budget and questioned if the system had the funds to go forward with it. “I am not opposed of doing anything good for our kids from the south end of the county to the north end if we can afford it,� Anderson said. “I think we could look at it and make it less exorbitant. I am not comfortable voting on this tonight as I have not been brought into the loop.�

Anderson was concerned that projects being done with the 1-cent sales tax had gone from just over $700,000 to over $900,000 to now over $1,200,00 with the softball project at Reeltown.

Ultimately the board approved the project three votes to two with Martin Johnson, Anderson and Michael Carter voting for while Talton and Matilda Hamilton voted against after Superintendent Joe Windle assured Anderson the funding was there to do it this year’s budget.

Windle also explained that some of the projects

were asked for by county commissioners who supported the 1-cent sales tax. “We had three commissioners that stuck their neck out and passed that 1-cent sales tax,�

Windle said. “Mrs. Thweatt asked for the roof at Dadeville. It’s needed and we are going to do it. The only thing that Mr. Carleton asked for was the concession stand and bathrooms for softball. Mr. Coley was the other guy. He does not have a whole lot over here in our district but he had the courage to do what is right. We ought to keep our word to George Carleton. That is the only project he asked for.�

Windle was critical of local funding for education. “There are 137 systems in Alabama,� Windle said. “We rank No. 114.

Even Macon County is above us in local funding efforts.�

Construction is set to begin in late May after school is out and be completed by the time school starts back in August.

Board members

applauded Edward Bell Career Technical School students Will Claybrook Trye Jones, Mikah Tapley and Dustin Rich for their recent gold medals in USA Skills District completion. The students now travel to Birmingham for the state competition.

The Tallapoosa County Board of Education also: • approved the resignations of Phil Blasingame effective April 30, Nicara Russell effective March 31 and Lauren Squires effective May 26. • approved the retirement of Susan Cowhick effective May 26, Emily Milner effective May 26, Debra Gunn effective May 31 and Abby Thornton effective May 26. • approved the employment of Amanda Sparacio, English teacher at Dadeville High School effective May 8, Josh Averett, teacher/ coach/athletic director at Horseshoe Bend High School and Stephanie Tekavec, special education aide at Dadeville High School. • approved minutes from the March 20 and

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March 30 meetings. • approved a resolution recognizing April as School Nurse Month. • approved a resolution recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. • recognized the transportation maintenance staff. • approved payment of bills. • approved the monthly financial report. • approved the extension of the milk bid with Borden Dairy and the extension of the contract with Quality Produce. • approved the school safety mapping system contract with SICS Consulting for $15,000. • approved the addition of the Jason Flatt Act and Erin’s Law to the board’s policies and procedures. • went into executive session to discuss pending litigation.

The next meeting of the Tallapoosa County Board of Education will be May 8 at 5 p.m. and work session is scheduled for May 2 at 5 p.m.

FOOT Specialties

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Using an innovative but common sense approach.

Specializing in all kinds of WOUNDS to feet. Call me.

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Social Secu ity Ĺś Social Security Disability & SSI Ĺś Personal Injury & Accidents Ĺś Probate Civil Ĺś Uncontested Divorce

FAYEAttorney EDMONDSON at Law 135 N. Tallassee Street • Dadeville, AL

256.825.9559

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.

MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213

editor@alexcityoutlook.com

EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed

Outlook The

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Page 4

Opinion

Our View

We want to I hear from you

A

re you looking for a way to voice your opinion on the current events?

Are you tired of only being able to air you opinion with friends?

Why not try the public?

The Outlook is looking for well thought out letters of opinion. It does not matter if anyone agrees with you.

Get involved and make your opinion on issues known. We will even let you do that through the newspaper.

What do you think about the way our city government is being run?

How about the turnout of community members to any local events?

Or how about the idea of eliminating marriage licenses, passing legislation to make hunting over bait legal or Bentley’s prison reform plan?

Do you have any praise or concerns regarding our country’s leadership or current administration?

Do you have thoughts on how Tallapoosa County can attract more new businesses and industry that will provide jobs for our residents?

Have you been on the receiving end of a good deed and would like to give credit where credit is due?

Do you have a bone to pick with any of the stories in this newspaper?

If you have something to say about any of these questions, then the answer is a letter to the editor or a guest column. This newspaper’s editorial page is an open forum for our community and we encourage you to write us and make your opinion known. It’s free. If you need help writing, our editors will be happy to help you craft a letter.

Our rules are simple: no cussin’, no libel, no slander. Basically, if you’d say it around the dinner table with your grandmother, it’s probably acceptable as a letter to the editor.

So let’s get the conversation started.

What’s on your mind?

Write us at editor@ alexcityoutlook.com or Editor, The Alexander City Outlook, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 25011.

Know Your

Officials

T.C. Coley represents District 1, including half of Coley Creek, the Andrew Jackson subdivision, the southern part of Indian Hill, North Central Avenue, part of Pearson’s Chapel Road, the Northside community and portion of Spring Hill T.C. Coley community. His phone number is 256-212-9316. His address is 2316 North Central Avenue, Kellyton.

Steve Robinson represents District 2, which includes the southern part of Alexander City, the Cedar Creek area, Ourtown and Willow Point. His phone number Steve Robinson is 256-654-0047. His address is 300 Heritage Drive Alexander City.

John McKelvey represents District 3, which includes Jackson’s Gap, Hackneyville, New Site and Daviston.

McKelvey currently serves as chairman.

His phone number is 256-794-4405. His address is 1285 Freeman John Road, Dadeville.

Emma Jean Thweatt represents District 4, which includes Dadeville, Pace’s Point, northern Camp Hill, Buttston, Dudleyville and part of Eagle Creek. She can be reached at 8254207. Her address is 585 Brookwood Circle, Dadeville.

McKelvey

Emma Jean Thweatt

George Carleton Jr. represents District 5, which includes southern Camp Hill, Red Ridge, Walnut Hill, Union and Pleasant Ridge. His address is 630 Turner Road Road, Dadeville.

George Carleton Jr.

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

A night in Fort Payne

was the entertainment over the weekend in the beautiful town of Fort Payne. The drive up was spectacular as I drove through New Site, Goldville, Lineville, Piedmont and other quaint little Alabama towns and communities. The gig was a fundraiser for the Lions Club.

I’ve always appreciated this club in particular, mainly due to their work with the blind.

As many of you know, my dad was blind.

In addition to my comedy, there was a live auction. When they called me about the opportunity, they asked me if I wanted to be the comedian or the auctioneer. As a stuttering guy, I decided to tell jokes. The auction lasted long enough as it was.

I met some nice people and had some rather long talks with a handful of them, primarily with some of my fellow veterans. We just tend to share a bond, regardless of the era in which we served.

The dinner was excellent.

My choices were between pork or bacon-wrapped chicken.

Of course, they had me at bacon. Bacon-wrapped bacon would have been better, but the chicken was spot on.

My brother and his family live just outside of Chattanooga in the town of Ooltewah. They moved there from Opelika. They seem to have an affinity for funny sounding towns starting with the letter O. Rumor has it their next move will be to Oneonta

JODY FULLER Columnist

or Okeechobee.

My sister-in-law is from Fort Payne, so my brother and his family made the hourlong trek to see the show. My two youngest nephews stayed at their grandparents’ home alone, while everyone else came to the show. Although I usually perform to a room full of strangers, it sure was nice having family in the crowd.

Even when it’s a room full of strangers, I usually know have half of them, not to mention their mama-n-em by the time I leave.

The show itself didn’t go as well as I’d anticipated, but I knew that as soon as I walked into the room. The room was too big, the ceilings were too high, and there was absolutely no energy in the room. I told my brother beforehand that it was going to be dead.

The master of ceremonies was a super nice and charismatic guy that everyone knew and loved, but he got little to no response for anything he said or did.

Ouch. The auctioneer even commented on the crowd’s lack of enthusiasm.

I knew it was going to be a tough 45 minutes, but I pushed through. It was weird, because I’m accustomed to having

the majority of the crowd in stiches within minutes. The odd thing was that as I looked out amongst the crowd, most of them were laughing, but they were trying not to. It was as if they didn’t want their neighbor to see them having a good time. Many were covering their faces and laughing quietly. The venue was the activity center at the Methodist church, but I’ve had lots of great shows in churches.

I wish they’d just cut loose and had a good time.

The collective crowd was odd. Individually, everyone was great. I had many people come up to me afterwards and thank me, hug me, shake my hand and more, so I guess I did okay. More important than my ego is the fact that the night was a great success, as it raised thousands of dollars for the Lions Club, and I was honored to be a part of it.

Personally, it was great having my family in attendance. After the show, I went back to my brother’s in-law’s house and hung out with them and the nephews.

That’s what it’s all about.

Forget my ego, that’s as good as it gets.

Today’s

Quote

“All change is not growth, as all movement is not forward.”

– Ellen Glasgow

Today’s

Scripture

“If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.”

– 1 Corinthians 15:19

alexcityoutlook.com

Daily Poll Tuesday Question: Did Robert Bentley get off too lightly for his actions?

No – 16 Yes – 35

Jody Fuller is from Opelika.

He is a comic, speaker, writer and soldier with three tours of duty in Iraq. He is also a lifetime stutterer. He can be reached at jody@jodyfuller. com. For more information, please visit www.jodyfuller. com.

Wednesday’s question: How often do you read?

Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Not at all 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.

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$864,000,000 invested, 9,700 jobs supported

A

s the world’s second largest automaker, Toyota maintains operations around the globe and employs nearly 350,000 people. Over a third (135,900) of Toyota’s global employment is in its U.S. facilities.

The Center for Automotive Research (CAR) recently completed an analysis of Toyota’s economic contribution to the U.S. economy, as well as the economies of 19 individual states—including Alabama.

The study demonstrates a decades-long commitment from Toyota to produce vehicles, employ workers, and contribute to the tax base of both the country as a whole and the many states where the automaker has a presence.

Toyota’s presence and history in Alabama is an excellent illustration of how the company’s U.S. activities benefit individual states and communities.

Toyota directly employs 2,500 workers in Alabama, which includes Toyota’s largest North American engine production facility (1,100), as well as 25 Toyota dealerships that directly employ 1,400 people. Overall investment by Toyota throughout its Alabama facility totals about $864 million.

The centerpiece of Toyota’s presence in Alabama is Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Alabama, Inc. (TMMAL) in Huntsville. The plant produces 4-cylinder, V6, and v8 engines and, in 2015, built more than 731,000 total engines.

DR. JAY S. BARON Guest Columnist

Toyota’s presence in Alabama also supports numerous additional jobs throughout the state. In addition to its 2,500 direct employees in Alabama, Toyota supports 2,300 jobs at automotive suppliers.

Combined with supported spinoff jobs in other industries, Toyota is estimated to support 9,700 jobs in Alabama. This economic activity results in an annual financial contribution of $304 million to the state’s economy via disposable personal income.

Toyota’s positive impact on Alabama is not limited to its employment and financial contributions. The company has long since been a leader in environmental sustainability as applied to both its products and the manufacturing facilities that produce them. In Alabama, Toyota is committed to environmental protection through efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, minimize water usage, conserve natural resources, and to support biodiversity.

Additionally, the plant has developed partnerships within the community with groups such as the Association of Energy Engineers, Energy Huntsville, Tree Campus, and the Arbor Day Foundation, in order to maximize impacts.

On an international level, Toyota-produced vehicles – such as the Mirai – use advanced technologies to reduce the environmental impact of driving. The Mirai was named 2016 World Green Car at the New York International Auto Show.

In addition, Toyota’s execution as a leader in manufacturing efficiency raises the bar for suppliers. Its supplier development efforts teach companies to perform at world-class levels; benefiting organizations within and outside of the Toyota supply chain.

To date, Toyota has donated over $700 million to nonprofit organizations in the United States—including $69 million in 2015. That same year, Toyota reported over $800,000 in philanthropic activity in Alabama.

The positive impact Toyota’s operations have had on the people and the economy of the state of Alabama serves as a perfect illustration of the company’s commitment to supporting American jobs and the US economy.

CAR’s full study, Contribution of Toyota Motor North America to the Economies of Nineteen States and the United States in 2015, may be found on the CAR website at http://www. cargroup.org.

Dr. Jay S. Baron is president and CEO of the Center for Automotive Research

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 e-mail david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook. com.

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Wednesday, April 12, 2017

The Outlook

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April 11, 2017 Today’s Events April 12 HOLY WEEK SERVICES: St. James Episcopal Church is hosting

Holy Week Services at noon daily with Lenten lunches afterwards.

Wednesday, April 12 Rev. Rob Iler of St. James Episcopal Church is the guest preacher.

Today’s Anniversary Danny and Tennie Sanford are cel-

Page 5

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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/. ebrating their anniversary today.

Today’s Birthdays Brett Walker, Shane Patterson, Isabella Nolin, Minnie Johnson, Tommy Rape, Dorothy Lanham and Regina Oliver are celebrating birthdays today.

The Learning Tree Helping Children Learn and Grow

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USAmeriBank is having an Easter Bake Sale Friday, April 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at its main office. There will also be $5 tickets for a chance at an Easter Basket valued $500 will be given away. All proceeds will go to the Tallapoosa County Relay for Life.

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FREE TAX ASSISTANCE: Beginning Jan. 30, free tax and electronic tax filing assistance at Volunteer Connections of Central Alabama, Inc., 5030 Hwy 280, Alex City, AL IRS certified volunteers will provide the free tax assistance and electronically file federal and state income tax forms. The free tax sites are designed to assist seniors 60+ (with no income limit), taxpayers under age 60 with incomes less than $54,000, and disabled taxpayers. Taxpayers will be assisted in the order they are registered. Please do not bring people to the site not involved in the filing of your taxes due to the limited space.

Waiting may be necessary.

Volunteers will provide free tax assistance and electronically file federal and state income tax forms at Volunteer Connections of Central Alabama, Inc. beginning Jan. 25.

Please arrive and register for assistance at least one hour before closing time.

April 1 to April 15 - Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays --- 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Information You Must Bring To The Tax Site: The following information is required by the IRS: last year’s tax return; photo ID-driver’s license-for taxpayer and spouse; social security cards for taxpayers and dependants; W-2’s; and 1099’s B, R, and SSA 1099. If you have health insurance through the government marketplace, bring your 1095-A. ALL employed taxpayers should bring a copy of their year-end pay stub. In regards to the itemized deduction list, you should bring all the documentation that applies to you. Even if you do not itemize on your Federal taxes you may be able to do so on your State return. For more info call (256) 2340347.

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NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK: The Adelia M. Russell Library and Mamie’s Place Children’s Library is joining libraries across the nation to celebrate National Library Week April 9-15.

April 13 BOOK SIGNING: Dr. Drew Huffman will be at the Adelia M. Russell Memorial Library April 13 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. signing his book “Screw This.”

MAUNDY THURSDAY: Comer United Methodist Church is hosting a Maundy Thursday service April 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

HOLY WEEK SERVICES: St. James Episcopal Church is hosting Holy Week Services at noon daily with Lenten lunches afterwards.

Thursday, April 13 Rev. Dr. Emerson Ware of Great Bethel Baptist Church is the guest preacher.

MAUNDY THURSDAY: St. James Episcopal Church is hosting a Maundy Thursday service at 6 p.m.

April 14 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

EASTER BAKE SALE: USAmeriBank is having an Easter Bake Sale Friday, April 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at its main office. There will also be $5 tickets for a chance at an Easter Basket valued $500 will be given away. All proceeds will go to the Tallapoosa County Relay for Life.

TENEBRAE SERVICE: Comer United Methodist Church is hosting a Tenebrae service April 14 at 7 p.m.

HOLY WEEK SERVICES: St.

James Episcopal Church is hosting Holy Week Services at noon daily with Lenten lunches afterwards.

Friday, April 14 Rev. John Verciglio of First United Methodist Church is the guest preacher.

GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE: St. James Episcopal Church is hosting a Good Friday Service at 6 p.m.

EGG HUNT: Kellyton First United Methodist Church is hosting an egg hunt April 14 from 4:30 p..m. to 5:30 p.m. Hotdogs will be served from 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

April 14-16 CRUCIFIXION REENACTMENT: Mt. Zion Baptist Church is creating the Crucifixion of Christ reenactment from 12 p.m to 6 p.m. April 14 is the “Crucifixion,” April 15 is the “tomb” and April 16 “He is Risen.”

April 15 COMMUNITY PRAYER: The Darian Missionary Baptist Church family and prayer team are offering prayer to the community April 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot on the corner of Laurel and E streets across from Stephens School.

CAR SHOW: The 16th Annual Klassic Kruisers Fundraiser, car show, swap meet and car corral will be April 15 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. across from the New Site City Hall on Highway 22. Registration is $20 and must be registered by March 31 to qualify for a pre-entry $100 drawing. For information call Susan Gamble at 256234-4975.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST: There will be a pancake breakfast at the New Site Fire Department starting at 6 a.m.

EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA: The New Style Baptist Church in Equality is hosting an Easter Eggstravaganza April 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

There will be egg hunts, face painting, prizes, food, games and live entertainment. It is free for the whole family.

TRADE DAY: Bibb Graves High School Alumni Monthly Trade Day in Millerville on Highway 9 between Ashland and Goodwater will be April 15 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vendors are inside the old school and many items are available.

BAKE SALE: The First United Methodist Women’s Bake Sale will be April 15 from 9 a.m. to noon at 310 Green Street in the Fellowship Hall. There will be baked and canned goods for sale for Easter festivities.

EGGSTRAVAGANZA: The New Style Baptist Church will be hosting an Easter Eggstravaganza Saturday, April 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be an egg hunt, bouncy house, prizes,games and a dj. Refreshments will be served.

SACRED HARP SINGING: The Futral, Nelson, Henry Memorial Sacred Harp Singing will be Saturday, April 15 at Smyrna Primitive Baptist Church located on County Road 83 east of Goodwater at 9:30 a.m. Lunch will be served at noon with more singing in the afternoon. Bring a covered dish.

For more information contact William Futral at 256-839-6670 or Jack Nelson at 256-839-5344.

EGG HUNT: First United Methodist Church of Alexander City is hosting its annual community Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, April 15 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the Green Street Campus.

There will be egg hunts for all ages,

inflatables, treats a visit from the Easter Bunny. The United Methodist Women will also be selling Easter baked goods.

AWARDS LUNCHEON: The Central Alabama Club of NANBPWC, Inc. is hosting its 15th Anniversary Awards Luncheon Saturday, April 15 at the Bledsoe Family Center at 1854 Lashley Road at 1 p.m. Last chance for tickets, call 256-329-1595 or 256215-6933.

EGG HUNT: The Soul Brothers are hosting an Easter Egg Hunt April 15 from 1 p.m. until at the Cooper Rec Center Playground with food and fun.

Everyone is welcome.

EGG HUNT: GAP Fellowship Church at 721 Robinson Court is hosting an Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, April 15 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the church grounds. Bring your own basket.

April 16 SUNRISE SERVICE: The Church of the Living Waters is hosting a Sunrise Service April 16 at 6:30 a.m.

Rev. John Mann will be the guest speaker with special music by Betty Burke. Dress is casual and childcare is not provided.

SUNRISE SERVICE: Mt. Zion Baptist Church is hosting its annual Sunrise Service at Wind Creek State Park at 7 a.m.

EASTER MUSICAL: Lake Pointe Baptist Church on Highway 50 in Dadeville is presenting “Resurrection Power Musical” April 16 at 10 a.m.

For more information call 334-4159029.

EASTER MUSICAL: The choir at Calvary Baptist Church in Dadeville will perform “Because He Lives” April 16 at 11 a.m. followed by the Lord’s Supper. For more information call 256-794-6684.

EASTER MUSICAL: The Faith Temple Choir, FTC Children’s Choir and music ministries will present an Easter musical “The Tomb is Empty Now, Sunday April 16 at 10:30 a.m.

The musical portrays the Passion of the Christ through a stunning array of celebratory and thought provoking songs.

EASTER SERVICE: New Hope Baptist Church on Lake Martin is holding a sunrise service Sunday, April 16 at 6:30 a.m., a worship service at 11 a.m., lunch at noon and an egg hunt at 2 p.m.

For more information contact Lou Ann Fuller at 256-329-2510 or 256794-2315.

SUNRISE SERVICE: Comer United Methodist Church is hosting a sunrise service at 6 a.m.

EASTER CANTATA: Comer United Methodist Church is hosting an Easter Cantata at 11 a.m.

EASTER MUSICAL: Hillabee Baptist Church is hosting an Easter Musical and drama April 16 at 10:30 a.m.

EASTER SERVICES: St. James Episcopal Church is hosting Easter Day Services. At 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. is Holy Eucharist and an Easter Brunch will be held at 9 a.m.

SUNRISE SERVICE: Church of the Living Waters in Stillwaters is having a sunrise service at 6:30 a.m.

April 18 RETIREE MEETING: The Tallapoosa County Education Retirees will meet Tuesday, April 18 at 10 a.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education. The program will be on tornado preparedness.

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Wednesday, April 12, 2017

The Outlook

Alexander City Parks and Recreation 50+ now has fitness boxing

T

he Alexander City Parks and Recreation 50+ have been busy bees and it just gets sweeter as the days go by because we are having fun!

We have started the boxing class that takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. You should see Roger Smith jab that punching bag. Kathy Luke sure is packed with mighty upper cuts and no one is going to be taking her purse!

Boxing isn’t just a sport anymore.

It’s also a popular way to stay fit among older adults, through a version known as fitness boxing.

There’s no getting into a ring or taking any punches, so there’s no risk of head trauma. Instead, fitness boxing has adapted the movements of the sport into exercise routine.

Fitness boxing for older adults involves throwing punches at the air or at a punching bag. Don’t have the strength to stand and do boxing moves? For people who wish to remain seated or in a wheelchair can be while punching at the air or at a punching bag.

The Hilltop Performers have been

CORLEY HOLT Senior Moments

practicing to be ready for our upcoming perform day on Thursday, April 13 starting at 1 p.m. We will also be mixing Bingo in between the skit performance but you don’t have to play Bingo to come see our actors hard work and humorous characters they portray.

Skit performers include: Stanley Sharpe, Larry and Kathy Luke, Gail Waters, Tracey Hodge, Frank McFee, Joe Walker, Janice Pinkard and Ruby Gaston. Thank you in advance to these wonderful and talented people who add an extra special touch to the ACPR 50+ program!

Part 1 of the Partner Rook tournament starts next Monday, April 17. If you want to participate please stop by the center to signup. This will be a 1-hour limit

tournament and participants are welcomed to stay afterwards and keep playing. Part 2 takes place on April 24 with two rounds of a 1-hour limited game. Must be apart of the Part 1 to participate in Part 2.

Looking forward to our Birmingham Botanical garden trips this month along with another Queen’s outing. Oh what fun

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Until next time, keep a smile on your face and love in your heart.

Holt writes about the events and people of the Alexander City Parks and Recreation Department’s 50+ club.

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Page 7

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The Outlook

Easter is the time plant Bentley headed to same fate as Hunt, Siegelman

H

appy Birthday to a sweet gal formerly ‘Dame Ruby’ in my Southern Belles chapter of Red Hats, Martha Loyd, as she celebrates another ‘getting better’ birthday April 14.

Since tax day falls on Saturday this year, the IRS kindly extended the deadline to April 18.

How horrible that Syria would use Sarin Nerve gas on anyone, let alone their own people. This gas causes an inhumane slow and brutal death, 80 died, 27 were children.

It makes me shudder to think of that or see videos. I am glad that our President Donald Trump allowed us not to just push that ‘red-line’ down the road but stand firm on that ‘red-line’ by bombing an air base runways where the planes came from and ammunition housings. Let’s hope this was enough.

Our big golden boy dog ‘Bama’ has been on medication for low thyroid a few years.

During that time our vet in Dadeville never checked the level to make sure Bama was getting what he needed. We moved our ‘dog business’ closer to home, Alex City Veterinary Clinic, where all the girls are lovely and Bama is happy to get a dog biscuit for being good before we leave.

It’s always a special treat to talk with other dog owners, there making sure their animals stay well. Some find it hard to believe we have six dogs. All are rescues and need extra care but then they agree, most dogs are better behaved these days.

I enjoyed a catch-up with Melinda Blair while I waited for Bama to get blood drawn. Melinda is a lovely person that I met years ago through her grandmother Johnnie Hayes. Mrs. Johnnie Hayes turned 92 on her birthday this year which is shared with those celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. She also had a way with words and wrote the prettiest poetry about her everyday family life and the celebrated things therein.

My Ron has always reminded me that one should wait until after Easter for veggie seeds and re-planting. Ron’s daddy Sam told everyone that we always get a cold snap before Easter. I had

ROSIE MORGAN Nixburg/ Equality

some seeds that were just coming up and they did well through the couple of nights we had 39 degrees just getting an extra cover.

Probate has finally been granted on my Mother’s Will. Now things can move along.

Her house is sold and will be complete in a couple of weeks. Most of my Mum’s furniture has been given away. Funny thing most folks in England are so picky they often leave the furniture outside the front of a house.

Then advertise that it can be taken, otherwise one must pay to have it removed. My sister Sally had the gas stove as hers had literally blown-up.

My sister Donna wanted the teak sideboard and a mattress set. All the rest was given to Sally’s friend whose son had moved from a flat to a house. Charity shops got most of Mum’s clothes, all in perfect condition plus dishes and linens I couldn’t bring back on the plane. I love having and using her things and Mum would be proud I wanted them.

A wren has made her nest on top of the dirt of a potted philodendron on the front porch. It has five little speckled eggs all tucked in together. Irish moss makes the roof for her nest.

Saturday our 12-yearold cat ‘Winston’ was so proud to bring us a prize leaving it at the corner of the house at the side porch door. It looked like a chubby adult wren, just hope it’s not the Mother of the baby eggs on the front porch.

The ‘Marvelous Wonderettes’ appear courtesy of Alex City Arts Thursday, April 13 at 7 p.m., taking you back to the mid 1950s. Tickets sold at the door for $15.

For more information call: 256-496-2424.

Until next week, keep smiling.

Rosie Morgan is a community columnist for The Outlook. She is a resident of Nixburg and writes about the events and people of the Equality and Nixburg areas.

W

ell our good ole Dr. Governor, Robert Bentley, is headed to the same fate as Guy Hunt and Don Siegelman. Folks, we are building a legacy that may put us in a league with good old Louisiana when it comes to corruption and debauchery.

Bentley’s story is sad. I still really believe he is a good guy at heart. He had a tremendous legacy etched for his life if only he hadn’t run for governor. He had established one of if not the largest and premier Dermatology practices in the state in Tuscaloosa.

He had been brought up in modest means in rural Shelby County. He was a brilliant student in High School, in undergraduate school at the University of Alabama, and then on to medical school at UAB. He met his wife, Dianne, while in medical school.

He was truly a Horatio Alger story. If only he had retired and gone to the beach.

Many of us had pointed to April 5 as a day of reckoning for the governor.

His reputation had been dreadfully tarnished by his affair. Ole Bentley just doesn’t look the part of a philandering playboy. His plain, grandfatherly look was the reason folks liked him. His simple country look and gait gave the appearance of a trusted family man and Baptist deacon. It was his calling card so to speak. Folks felt betrayed by their old country doctor.

Poor ole Bentley wore a white hat and rode a white horse and there’s an old saying that if you ride a white horse you better not get mud on it.

The old guy totally

STEVE FLOWERS Columnist

fell in love like a little schoolboy. He allowed Mrs. Mason to take control of his life and the reigns of the governor’s office.

She has essentially been the governor. She played the old fool like a fiddle.

There’s no fool like an old fool.

Late Wednesday night after the Ethics Commission opinion came down; I did an interview with a national news network. They had not heard of nor did they know the lurid details of our Dr. Governor’s saga.

When I shared it with them and they heard the story of a 74-year-old simple man falling in love with a 44-year-old married woman who gave her husband a vague position making $90,000 a year and that she cajoled and coerced our poor ole governor into transgressing the Ethics Laws to sustain and perpetuate their adulterous relationship, they thought this was as colorful as a soap opera.

It is definitely fodder for another book.

My last book, “Goats and Governors,” highlights the exploits of ole “Big” Jim Folsom. Bentley may make for a new book.

The April 5 Ethics Commission ruling that found that there was a reasonable cause that the governor violated the Ethics Law is the coupe de gras to the Bentley/Mason regime.

This Ethics panel is stellar and well versed in

the law. You have two of the four voting members who are distinguished retired Circuit Judges, Charles Price and Jerry Fielding. Another prominent attorney, Butch Ellis, appropriately recused himself because he and Bentley are related by marriage. The vote indicted the governor on four counts with overwhelming votes.

They concluded that the governor had broken the law. By the way, Bentley appointed three out of four of the members of the Ethics Panel.

Their recommendation that Bentley be prosecuted puts the wolves at Bentley’s door. He can’t overcome this blow.

The best thing for Bentley to do is to make a deal with the prosecution. It would be best for Bentley and the

people of Alabama if the prosecutors would simply allow Bentley to resign and avoid a costly trial and removal from office.

Alabama doesn’t need any more of this mess. Mrs. Mason should show some semblance of decency and allow ole Bentley to leave office with some dignity.

Ole Bentley is nothing more than a clown.

Nobody in Alabama takes him seriously and this latest chapter has made him a National cartoon character.

He really should parlay this story into a Soap Opera or even a movie.

See you next week.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. This column was written in advance of Monday’s developments involving Bentley.

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This ad is sponsored by Wayside Animal Hospital, Dr. Susan Martin, 256-329-9900. Spay/neuter assistance is available from RESCUE K9-1-1, Wayside Animal Hospital 256-329-9900 or Lake Martin Humane Society 256-234-5533.

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sports@alexcityoutlook.com

Page 8

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

www.alexcityoutlook.com

ANDY GRAHAM Columnist

Reality check for Auburn

T

he Auburn Tigers broke one of the cardinal rules in the world of sports this past Saturday when they “beat themselves” 37-13 in front of 46,000 fans at Jordan Hare Stadium.

The annual Spring game (A-day) enjoyed some of the most beautiful weather imaginable and turned out to be quite entertaining as opposed to last year. Every coach structures his spring game differently and to his own specifications.

Gus Malzahn prefers to pit the No. 1 offense against the No. 2 defense and the No. 1 defense against the No. 2 offense. Other coaches prefer to see their No. 1’s take on their No. 1’s. The latter probably gives a slightly more “honest” look at the team as a whole, but the former is almost always a far more entertaining game.

Considering these games mean next to nothing anyway, I’m a fan of the way Malzahn does it. Having said that, I also understand it was essentially the starters vs. the backups. So, there’s obviously going to be a need to convert what was on display into reality. I’ve taken what happened Saturday and tried to convert it into reality.

OC Chip Lindsey – Auburn’s No. 1 offense attempted 32 passes for 378 yards.

Conversion to reality – There’s clearly been an emphasis on the passing game this spring and it showed on Saturday. However, starting RB Kamryn Pettway didn’t play a snap simply because the coaching staff didn’t want to take a chance on him getting hurt. Auburn is a running team and they will continue to run the ball, but a much more balanced attack will benefit everyone involved and make the Tigers so much more difficult to defend.

QB Jarrett Stidham – He was 16 of 20 for 267 yards and 1 rushing touchdown in only two quarters of action.

Conversion to reality – There’s no question that Stidham looked terrific, but the 2nd team defensive line got very little pressure working against the 1st team offensive line. He was under very little, if any, duress during the game. That won’t be the case on Saturday’s this fall.

While some questions still remain, Stidham’s arm strength, accuracy and poise in the pocket lived up to the hype. Of course, I’ve been down that road before.

Physical tools in practice don’t always translate to the game.

Emphasis on getting everyone involved – 14 different players caught passes.

Conversion to reality – Auburn has practically ignored the Tight End as a receiving option last several years. It appears this new offense will utilize the running backs and tight ends in the passing game which is a very good thing.

Stidham also spread the ball around to his receivers showing good chemistry. The No. 2 defense had a difficult time covering the No. 1 receivers.

The Blue (No. 1) defense – They dominated giving up about three yards rushing and six points.

Conversion to reality – The opponent consisted of backups led by a true freshman or redshirt freshman quarterback.

The Auburn defense made incredible strides last season and have the talent to continue to move in the right direction. The performance Saturday should be taken with a grain of salt.

Andy Graham writes a regular sports column for Tallapoosa Publishers.

Wildcats shutout Wetumpka STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

Connor Brooks didn’t allow a single run as Benjamin Russell Wildcats Varsity defeated Wetumpka 1-0 on Tuesday. Brooks allowed just one hit and struck out Payton Mixson to end the game.

The pitching was strong on both sides. Connor Brooks struck out eight, while James Duer sat down nine.

One bright spot for Wetumpka was a single by Jacob McClellan in the first inning.

Brooks earned the win for the Wildcats. He threw

seven innings, surrendering no runs, one hit, striking out eight, and walking one. Duer took the loss for Wetumpka.

He pitched seven innings, surrendering one run, two hits, striking out nine, and walking one.

Timmy Lawson and Austin Elliott each managed one hit

to lead Benjamin Russell.

Elliott scored the lone run for the Wildcats in the fourth.

Elliott reached on a fielder’s choice and scored on a twobase error on a ball hit by Ryan Willis.

McClellan led Wetumpka with one hit in three at bats.

Wildcats pull out win over Reeltown Horseshoe Bend routs LaFayette and CACC wins in extra innings

By MITCH SNEED Editor

Benjamin Russell took advantage of some clutch hitting and manufactured offense to break open a tie game on the way to a 7-6 win over Reeltown.

On a night when the Lady Wildcats honored their three seniors at the Sportplex, the non-region win hit the spot after Monday’s loss to Holtville.

It was the bottom of the fifth when Benjamin Russell broke took the lead.

With the game knotted at 3-3, Haley Hunter had a pinch-hit single to plate one run. Shay Johnson had a big hit, A perfect bunt by Taylor McVey scored a run and Taylor Phillips had one of her three RBIs in the game to score another run, giving BRHS the lead 6-3 headed into the sixth.

Reeltown battled back, but Benjamin Russell was able to get a run to take the win.

Asia McWaters was the winning pitcher for the Lady Wildcats, striking out three in her four innings of work.

Horseshoe Bend routs LaFayette 20-0 in softball Horseshoe Bend scored 11 runs in the first inning and never looked back as the

Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

Benjamin Russell pitcher Asia McWaters delivers to the plate in Tuesday’s 7-6 win over Reeltown.

McWaters was the winning pitcher, striking out three in her four innings of work.

Lady General rolled past LaFayette 20-0 Tuesday afternoon.

Troy University signee Kynsley Blasingame threw a no-hitter, striking out nine in the three-inning game. She also had two hits and four RBIs. Becca Anderson also added two hits for the Lady Generals, while Ivey Vickers scored three runs, while Taylor Walton and Cheyenne Peppers each scored twice in the blowout.

CACC tops Calhoun 6-4 in nine innings

The Central Alabama Community

College Lady Trojans needed nine innings, but in the end they got the job done.

The Lady Trojans pushed across two runs in the ninth to beat Calhoun State Community College 6-4.

Ashton Fielding had two hits and two RBI for CACC, while Chelsea Mowery also added two hits. Courtney Ray drove in two runs for the Lady Trojans.

Natalie Johnsey pitched six innings with five strikeout, while Taylor Hutto pitched three fanning four.

Sydnee Uhlman went all nine innings and took the loss for Calhoun State.

Tigers unable to overcome early deficit against Aggies Late game heroics unable to bring Dadeville the win

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

The Lady Tigers dug themselves a hole they couldn’t climb out of as they lost to Sylacauga Tuesday 12-7.

“We dug ourselves a hole,” Coach Megan Ford said. “Then we had to try to get out of it.”

Early on the Sylacauga bats came to life against Dadeville pitcher Tiffany Rice as the Aggies mustered up seven runs in the first two innings as the Tigers struggled with fielding and catching.

The Tigers also could not catch up to the Aggie pitching.

The Tigers did manage two runs in the third frame by Quanesha Presley and Autumn Davis on four hits.

And the Tigers struck again in the bottom half of the sixth inning when they strung together four hits allowing Tiffany Rice and Presley to score.

The Tigers entered the bottom of the seventh frame down 12-4 but fell short on a comeback as only three runs crossed the plate ending the comeback.

The late game heroics is not something Coach Ford wants as she hopes for more consistency from her team.

“We have to give ourselves a chance if we want to compete,” Ford

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Dadeville shortstop Quanesha Presley, above, comes up just short on tagging the Sylacauga runner in Tuesday’s 12-7 loss. Below, Dadeville’s Jailee Kirkland comes up short on snagging an Aggie pop fly.

said. “We have to be here innings one through seven not just inning seven.”

Ford was happy to see Presley come through again for the Tigers as she went 3 for 4 with three runs scored Tuesday.

“She is our rock,” Ford said. “Presley is carrying us right now. She has gone 3 for 4 the last four games. We just need everyone to play as hard as her all the time and we will be alright.”

The Tigers play again Thursday at region foe Holtville.

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

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Shots

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Books

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and the guy opened fire,” Easterwood said. “Despite multiple shots, the driver wasn’t injured.

He said he didn’t know who the shooter was, but we did recover some evidence at the scene that could help us.”

Knight said that he just froze in disbelief.

“It’s just pitiful that you can’t sit on your own porch without this nonsense happening,” Knight said. “I just sat here and couldn’t believe what was happening. I guess I was all right. I had my Bible. I guess that’s what was my shield.”

About 30 minutes later, officers responded to Koons II convenience store, about two blocks from the first incident, after reports indicated that a subject had fired shots in the area.

Police were still close by and were able to take a person into custody and they are looking to see if the two incidents might be connected. The name of the suspect was not released as charges are still pending.

“It will likely be a reckless endangerment charge,” Easterwood said. “Due to the proximity, we are looking at the possibility that they are connected.”

Another concern is that the shots were fired about two blocks away from Stephens Elementary.

Easterwood said more information would be released as it became available.

Having a book drop that also allows for multimedia items to be returned all but eliminates the concern of having major late fees on checked out material, though patrons must make sure they are depositing them in the correct spot.

“DVDs and audio books can now be placed in the return on the side labeled MEDIA,” Huff said.

“We know these new book returns will make library returns much more convenient for our patrons!” Huff proclaimed.

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

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Alexander City Police Investigators collect casings following a shots fired incident near Laurel Heights.

Officials looked to see if the shots struck homes and vehicles.

• • • • •

Alexander City Outlook Dadeville Record Wetumpka Herald Eclectic Observer Tallassee Tribune

Page 12

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Wednesday, April 12, 2017

The Outlook

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