April 21, 2018 Alex City Outlook

INSIDE:

• Arrests, 2 • Obituaries, 2 • Opinion, 4 • Events, 5 • Faith, 6 • Classifieds, 7 • Local, 10 • Sports, 11

Weekend The Outlook

Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892

April 21-22, 2018 Vol. 126, No. 80 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢

LOCAL SPORTS

Reeltown baseball game highlights

Alex City man cleared in child sex abuse case

Senator Doug Jones said he is co-sponsoring a bill to increase access to mental health and substance abuse programs and also increase drug monitoring programs.

By MITCH SNEED Editor

Mitch Sneed photo illustration / The Outlook

Jones talks opioid crisis

Xavier Owens and Evana Russell partner up for a dance while other students, below, enjoy dancing at the Wild Wild West Prom Friday.

Senator holds first conference call with small-town media outlets to discuss issues

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

Kellyton man charged with solicitation of a child

Senator Doug Jones reached out to news outlets in small towns and rural areas across Alabama Thursday morning to talk about the opioid epidemic raging across the United States.

“Alabama has been at the heart of the opioid epidemic,” Jones said.

“This issue has led to awful consequences.

STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

See JONES • Page 3

Jones

County jobless rate falls to 4.1 percent STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

Tallapoosa County’s unemployment rate dropped in March, falling to 4.1 percent.

The county’s March rate was down from the 4.3 percent jobless rate recorded in February and substantially lower that the 4.7 percent unemployment rate the county posted in March 2017.

Stats released Friday showed only 727 people in the county listed as unemployed.

In March 2017, there were 864 residents listed as unemployed in Tallapoosa County.

The local numbers were slightly higher than the state rates which were released by Alabama Department of Labor Secretary See UNEMPLOYMENT • Page 3

Today’s

Weather

74 55 High

Low

Lake Martin

Lake Levels

490.36 Reported on 04/20/18 @ 2 p.m.

LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443

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

6

54708

90050

USPS Permit # 013-080

8

Not guilty. A man who had been accused of sexual assault and sodomy of a child based on 2014 allegation by a girl who was just 7 years old at the time was acquitted on all three counts Friday after a jury took about an hour to arrive at the not guilty verdicts.

After two days of testimony, defense attorney Charles Gillenwaters, along See WITHERS • Page 9

‘WILD WILD WEST’

County students enjoy second-annual special needs prom

By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

The interior of the Dadeville Recreation Center looked more like a frontier town Friday, as the Tallapoosa County School System held its second-annual special needs prom, letting special needs students have a fun-filled day with a Wild Wild West theme.

Close to 350 students and their parents filled the building, enjoying the music and

the day dedicated to them.

“We wanted to do something special for all of the students in the county system with special needs,” event organizer Terresa Gaither said. “We have students from the high schools, the elementary schools and even some of our homebound students here today.”

Decorations depicting a town from the See PROM • Page 10

A 27-year-old Kellyton man has been arrested on allegations Moncrief that he propositioned a young girl over the internet and shared a sexually explicit photo over social media.

According to a release from Tallapoosa County Sheriff Jimmy Abbett, the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department Criminal Investigative Unit and a member of the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) conducted an investigation regarding the transmission of sexually explicit photograph of a 14-yearold female and electronic solicitation of a minor.

See SOLICITATION • Page 9

Alexander City Kiwanis Club Fair returning Tuesday

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

The annual Alexander City Kiwanis Club Fair will return next week.

“We are happy to bring back good family entertainment,” Kiwanian Cam Caldwell said. “It will be Tuesday, April 24 through Saturday, April 28.”

Caldwell said that this year’s fair would be like those held in previous years, with plenty of food vendors, chance games, and rides for all ages. And there is a bargain to be had by going on a weeknight.

“There are coupons for the unlimited ride bands,” Caldwell said. “There are coupons all over town for $5

off for weekday purchases.”

Primetime Amusements is bringing the fair to town and will have rides like the Frenzy, Hurricane, Ring of Fire and the Kite Flyer. They will also have food items like gourmet funnel cakes for $6, cotton candy for $5, candied apples for $4, fresh-squeezed lemonade, fresh-cut French fries and handmade corn dogs.

Tickets for rides are $1 each and 45 tickets are available for $35. Unlimited ride bands are available for $20 and there is a weekday coupon circulating through town that is good for $5 off on weekdays. Each ride will take between two and four See FAIR • Page 3

Submitted / The Outlook

The Alexander City Kiwanis Cub Fair will be held Tuesday through Saturday and along with all of the rides and games, there will be a variety of food items for sale such as gourmet funnel cakes, cotton candy, candied apples, fresh-squeezed lemonade, fresh-cut French fries and handmade corn dogs.

ALEX CITY LAWN SERVICE Ronnie Williamson Licensed and Insured | Free Estimates 20 Yearss Experience Ex xperieencee

256-749-1545 • 256-234-4298

+

+ Buy

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

Cars• Vans• Trucks • SUV’s

Midway Auto,Inc.

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

256.825.9830

Page 2

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Family judges pretty woman’s boyfriend on his looks alone

Sunday

67 57 Low

High Showeres likely

Monday

71 56 Low

High Showers likely

Staff

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

Postal

Information (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110)

Weekend Edition, April 21-22, 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 katie.wesson@alexcityoutlook.com Scott Hardy Digital Marketing Coordinator, Ext. 231 scott.hardy@alexcityoutlook.com Kelly Cleveland Advertising Sales, Ext. 203 kelly.cleveland@alexcityoutlook.com Composing Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 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, Kenneth Boone Photography and a commercial web printing press.

The Outlook is published five times a week, Tuesday through Saturday mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box © 2011 Tallapoosa 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011.

Publishers, Inc. Reproduction of any part of any issue POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Post Office Box 999, requires written publisher permission.

Alexander City, AL 35011.

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

DEAR ABBY: I am a 33-yearold woman with two young children (11 and 9). “Andrew” and I have been dating for almost a year, still learning about each other and building a foundation for our relationship.

My family recently told some other family members that I am “too pretty” to be dating Andrew and I “can do much better.” My younger sister even said Andrew isn’t good-looking enough and I need to find someone who matches my beauty as well as my heart.

Shocked, I told her Andrew has been wonderful to me and my kids, and his looks don’t bother me.

My last boyfriend was very good-looking but turned out to be a horrible person. He assaulted me, dumped me on the side of a highway and stole my car. Fortunately, a passerby stopped and helped me. After getting a restraining order and going to court,

DEAR ABBY Advice

I decided my next boyfriend would be a good-hearted man with character regardless of his looks. Should I confront my family about their comments?

-- GENUINELY HAPPY DEAR GENUINELY HAPPY: Mark Twain once said, “It takes your enemy and your friend, working together, to hurt you to the heart: the one to slander you and the other to get the news to you.” I think it applies here. Do not “confront” your family. Just tell them you feel that their comments are shallow and hurtful, and reflect more on them than on your boyfriend.

DEAR ABBY: I’m a 13-yearold girl. My friend “Bailey” and I

256.329.2910 • w w w. a c pr. m e

-- you should accept. I say this because I don’t think Bailey is a true friend at all.

DEAR ABBY: If someone organizes a trip for a nonprofit organization and charges a fee, and later finds out that, due to certain circumstances, the trip didn’t cost as much, should the money be refunded to the people who took the trip or be given to the organization? -- JUST ASKING IN NEW JERSEY DEAR JUST: Because the trip was under the auspices of the organization, return the money to the organization and let them decide whether it should be refunded to the individuals.

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 Ms. Lovie Foster Memorial Service for Ms. Lovie Foster will be held 2:00 p.m.

Monday, April 23, 2018 at Wright’s Funeral Home.

Professional Service provided

by Wright’s Funeral Home.

Infant Keodrick Randray Harris 2018 - 2018 Graveside Service for Infant Keodrick Randray Harris, 11 days old, of Alexander City, will be Monday, April 23, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the Alexander City Cemetery.

Infant Harris passed away on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at University of Alabama Hospital. He was born on April 6, 2018 in Birmingham.

He is survived by his parents, Shaquitta Poole and Deodrick Randray Harris, Sr.; brother, Deodrick Randray Harris, Jr, grandmothers, Tawana Pickard and Fannie Poole; grandfather, Willie Phifer; and aunts, Shundricka Pickard and Shundasia Sligh.

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

Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Police Reports Alexander City Police Department April 18

• Ismael Roman, 20, of Decatur was arrested for hindering prosecution.

• Latonya Michelle Hutchins, 40, of Alexander City was arrested for theft.

• Charles Donald Baker, 31, of Alexander City was arrested harassing communications.

• Myron Lavar Stowe, 39, of Alexander City was arrested for domestic violence.

• Fraudulent use of a credit or debit card was reported in Alexander City.

• Theft was reported in Alexander City.

• Identity theft was reported on Scott Road.

• Using false identity to obstruct justice was reported in Alexander City.

• Illegal possession of prescription drugs was reported on 9th Avenue.

April 17

• LaBrandon Rashad Robinson, 27, of Alexander City was arrested for domestic violence.

• Iesha Monea Wright, 26, of Alexander City was arrested for domestic violence.

• Joseph Edgar Grigsby, 32, of Alexander City was arrested for public intoxication and giving false identity to law enforcement.

• Sime’shia Jaquay Cotton, 20, of Alexander City was arrested for possession of marijuana.

• Carmen Leann Willis,

Join the Fun...

Become a Member Today!

Charles E. Bailey Sportplex

both like the same boy but didn’t want him to come between us. We made a pact that we wouldn’t ask him out.

Bailey can be selfish, and I know she’d say yes if he asked her. When I told her my friendship with her meant more to me than the boy, she laughed and said that meant she’d get him.

I’m not sure what to do. I have liked him longer than she has, and I think he likes me back. He knows me much better at least.

If he asks me, should I say yes and risk my friend getting hurt, even though I know she’d say yes in my place? -- A READER IN MISSOURI DEAR READER: When you told Bailey your friendship with her meant more than the boy, her response showed that your friendship is less important to her than he is, and the pact means nothing to her. If the boy likes you, he will probably ask you out to do something. If he does -- and your parents agree

20, of Sylacauga was arrested for possession of marijuana.

• Anthony B. Goolsby, 41, of Sevierville, Tennessee was arrested for hindering prosecution.

• Mayra Morales Deleon, 24, of Meridean, Mississippi was arrested for hindering prosecution.

• Domestic violence was reported on South Road.

• Giving false identity to law enforcement and public intoxication was reported in Alexander City.

• Criminal mischief was reported in Alexander City.

• Theft was reported in Alexander City.

• Possession of marijuana was reported in Alexander City.

• Criminal mischief was reported in Alexander City.

• Criminal trespass was reported in Alexander City.

• Possession of marijuana was reported in Alexander City.

Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department April 19

• A resident on Highway 49 South in Camp Hill filed a report for theft.

April 17

• James Taunton of Macedonia Road in Tallassee was arrested on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear theft of property second.

• Lakevin Smith of Pepper

Lane in Notasulga was arrested on an outstanding warrant for grand jury indictment possession of a controlled substance.

• Nicholas Redmill of Johnsey Bridge Road in Jasper was arrested on two outstanding warrants for domestic violence third assault and criminal mischief.

Dadeville Police Department April 16

• A report was filed for theft of property second that occurred on Aster Street.

• A report was filed for assault third that occurred on Royston Street.

April 15

• A two motor vehicle collision occurred on South Tallassee Street at West South Street resulting in minor property damage and no injuries.

• A report was filed for theft by deception third and fraudulent use of a debit or credit card that occurred on Highway 280.

April 14

• An Auburn woman, age 26, was arrested for driving under the influence and possession of a concealed weapon without a permit on Highway 280.

April 12

• A Dadeville man, age 21, was arrested for possession of marijuana second and possession of drug paraphernalia on Old Susanna Road.

• A report was filed for domestic violence third that occurred on McKelvey Street.

• A Dadeville man, age 43, was arrested for public intoxication on McKelvey Street.

• A report was filed for harassment that occurred on Highway 280.

• A Dadeville man, age 24, was arrested on a warrant for possession of drug paraphernalia.

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.

FREE CONSULTATIONS

“It’s not the end ... It’s a new beginning”

256-329-1313 217 Madison Street, Alexander City, AL “We are a Debt Relief Agency. We help people file Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 under the Bankruptcy Code. Alabama State Bar requires the following in every attorney advertisement, “ No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”

Administrative Assistant Needed For Urgent employment Seeking a highly motivated, reliable individual with school-based administrative assistant, office staff, or office manager experience who can assist with a wide range of administrative tasks.

Submit your resume to juanpark@consultant.com We promise that we’ll have a look at all applicants very closely.

Weekend Edition, April 21-22, 2018

Unemployment Fitzgerald Washington Friday.

Alabama’s preliminary seasonally adjusted March 2018 unemployment rate was 3.8 percent, is up slightly from February’s rate of 3.7 percent, yet still under March 2017’s rate of 5.0 percent.

March’s rate represents 81,229 unemployed persons, compared to 80,571 in February and 109,645 in March 2017.

Washington announced Friday that over the year, Alabama’s wage and salary employment increased 20,100, with gains in the leisure and hospitality sector (+4,400), the professional and business services sector (+3,400), and the education and health services sector (+3,400), among others.

Wage and salary employment increased in March by 12,600, compared to February 2018. Monthly gains were seen in the leisure and hospitality sector (+4,600), the professional and business services sector (+2,500), the trade, transportation, and utilities sector (+1,900), and the construction sector (+1,600), among others.

In March, 2,081,906 people were counted as employed, up from February’s count of 2,080,346, and significantly higher than March 2017’s count of 2,063,770. “Alabama is benefitting from a strong economy right now, and this month’s employment numbers show that we are keeping that momentum going,� Washington said. “Alabamians are working and employers are adding jobs. Not only that, but wages are rising as well.

www.alexcityoutlook.com

The Outlook

Page 3

continued from page 1

In fact, our construction industry is recording its highest weekly wages in more than a decade.�

Average weekly earnings in the construction sector were $975.53 in March, the highest in a decade, up $64.25 from February, and up $87.99 from March 2017. Average weekly earnings for all private industry were $811.01 in March, up $4.96 from February, and up $28.16 from March 2017. “All of our major cities and metro areas saw their unemployment rates drop both over the month and over the year,� Washington said. “Sixty-six of 67 counties saw their rates drop this month, and all counties have significantly lower rates now than they did a year ago. We can also once again say that all of our counties have single digit unemployment rates, as Wilcox County had both the largest monthly and yearly drop to bring its rate down to 9.4 percent.�

Counties with the lowest unemployment rates are: Shelby County at 2.8 percent, Cullman County at 3.2 percent and Marshall County at 3.3 percent. Counties with the highest unemployment rates are: Wilcox County at 9.4 percent, Clarke County at 7.4 percent, and Lowndes County at 6.9 percent.

Major cities with the lowest unemployment rates are: Vestavia Hills at 2.4 percent, Homewood at 2.6 percent, and Alabaster, Hoover, and Northport at 2.8 percent. Major cities with the highest unemployment rates are: Prichard at 6.9 percent, Selma at 6.4 percent and Anniston at 5.7 percent.

File / The Outlook

Submitted / The Outlook

Four dollar candied apples and $6 gourmet funnel cakes are among the treats area residents can look forward to if they plan on visiting the Alexander City Kiwanis Club Fair being held Tuesday through Saturday.

Fair

continued from page 1

tickets.

Like the other fundraisers the Kiwanis Club holds throughout the year, including the pancake breakfast and the skeet shoot, the fair helps raise money for other organizations that support children the Kiwanis gives to. “Every penny raised from the fair goes directly back to Alexander City. The money goes to things like the Alex City Education Foundation, the Lake Martin Area Boys and Girls Club, the Sheriff’s Girls Ranch, the Red Cross and Sav-A-Life,� Caldwell said. “We sponsor Reading is Fundamental by purchasing books three times a year for local preKs.�

The fair is good for everyone, he explained. The Kiwanis gets a certain percentage of the gate receipts to help fund their charitable giving, while it gives the public something to do, a chance to get out and have fun.

Running from Tuesday through Saturday at the main parking lot at the Sportplex, the fair will be open from 5 p.m. until close Tuesday through Friday and 1 p.m. until close on Saturday. “I want to encourage everyone to come out to the fair,� Caldwell said.

Jones

continued from page 1

More than 740 people in Alabama died as a result of opioid addiction in 2016.

Rural communities have really been struggling with this. “I have been approached by many people, both before and after I became Senator, talking with me about this. You don’t have to go very far to find a story about opioid abuse.�

Jones said he knew this was an issue he wanted to tackle during his campaign for the Senate seat, and being appointed to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions has been beneficial to reaching this end. He admitted he knew that local leaders and agencies would have to be doing a lot of the heavy lifting in order to successfully fight the opioid epidemic, but that the federal government could assist by supplying many of the resources necessary to accomplish this monumental task. In order to help with this, Jones was proud to announce he was signing on to co-sponsor

a bill in Congress that would increase access to mental health and substance abuse programs, while other facets of the bill would work to increase drug monitoring programs and grants targeting improvements in a number of areas. “I was part of a meeting with people from different government agencies to discuss the White House’s efforts on the opioid crisis,�

Jones said. “We are looking for funding through various departments. None of this is a final solution, but I’m happy I was able to co-sponsor this bill and be a part of this work.�

While the opioid crisis is a issue law enforcement has to deal with on a regular basis, Jones said there were many others who had to be involved in order to overcome the epidemic. “We need to provide education to our citizens and alternatives to opioids.

We have to try and give folks the resources to find and address the problem,� he said. “We can’t simply

We Care About You and Your Loved Ones!

•Home-like Environment • Specialized Dementia Care Unit •Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy Services

A DAMS HEALTH & REHAB 1555 HILLABEE STREET • (256) 329-0847

Social Secu ity Ĺś %" $( # $( Ĺś "# %"( $# Ĺś " $ & Ĺś $ #$ & "

F

AYE EDMONDSON ## $" $ ) &

256.825.9559

" " # $ $ # $ $ $ !% $( # "& # $ " " # " $ " $ $ !% $( # "& # " " ( $ " '( "#

prosecute our way out of this.�

Coupled with this, Jones felt another key instrument in fighting the opioid epidemic could come from the expansion of Medicaid in Alabama, which was rejected by the state government several years ago. “If people knew the mount of federal dollars we passed on, this might wake them up,� Jones said. “I want to work to give the state a second chance on this. Right now, the door is shut, but I want to try and open the door for Alabama and other states that passed on expanding Medicaid. “We can look at states like Indiana, where Governor Pence, now the vice president, expanded it, and see how they did it.

It will benefit us in several

different ways if we do expand it.�

In a subsequent conversation, Jones’ Communication Director Heather Fluit reported that, by not expanding Medicaid, Alabama passed on a total of $14.4 billion in federal funds over a 10-year period.

In addition to this total, the state missed out on money coming from other economic sources as a result of this expansion investment.

One thing that had Jones feeling confident in being able to find a solution to this serious problem is how much support has come from both sides of the aisle to solve the problem. “This issue is as bi-partisan as you can get on the Hill,� he said. “There is support for a

solution coming from the White House, from the House of Representatives and from the Senate.�

Before Jones left for his next engagement, he and his staff opened up the call for questions on any other topic of interest. One of the participants asked Jones about his recent support for a piece of legislation that rolled back some of the regulations put in place by the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010. Jones said the bill did lessen some of the Dodd-Frank regulations, primarily to benefit smaller banks in more rural areas.

At the same time, he stressed that this did not remove the rules put in place by the 1975 Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, which requires mortgage lenders to record certain information to be submitted

to regulatory authorities as a way to combat discriminatory lending practices. “This bill exempts only about 4 percent of the information collected,�

Jones said. “The National Bankers Association (an organization representing minority-owned and operating financial institutions) came out in support of it.�

As he was signing off, Jones thanked those who had joined him on the call and said he and his staff wanted to make this a regular thing for small town media outlets, holding a series of conversations on topics of interest in Washington. “This is not going to be the last time we do this,� he said. “We will be back in touch.�

Opinion

MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213

editor@alexcityoutlook.com

EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed

Page 4

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Our

View Plenty to do this weekend, even more to look forward to

Y

ou often hear folks around town saying there isn’t much to do in our area. That kind of talk is baffling to say the least. Do they live in the same Lake Martin community we cover here at the paper?

Take a look on the calendar page of our paper or check out the preview stories that appear in the headlines on a regular basis. Want some examples?

Today is the United Way Coosa County Family Festival at Central Coosa High School with more than 40 agencies in attendance and free activities for children.

There is the annual Klassic Kruiser Car Show and Trade Day in New Site today with proceeds benefiting the New Site Fire Department and Ambulance and the Daviston Fire Department. A pancake breakfast will start at 6 a.m. and activities go until at least 2 p.m. with plenty of vendors, entertainment and even some ‘50s music to enjoy.

Then the Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends is hosting its monthly trade day until 2 p.m.

Plus the Alexander City Kiwanis Club Fair is returning Tuesday through Saturday!

That doesn’t even touch on the big events that are mainstays in our area.

We recently had the first Strand Sessions of the season and it was a hit. The next Strand Sessions will be May 3 and will continue the first Thursday of each month through August. We also will have the return of the big Blues in the Park event on May 12 at Strand Park. If these events are anything like they were last year, you won’t want to miss them.

MainStreet Alexander City is hosting a Junque Jubilee event in downtown on May 12. We hope you’ll support this event by checking out the vendors at this “upscale yard sale.”

All these events are before we even start to talk about Sun Festival/Jazz Fest and all the shows that ACT II and the Alexander City Arts group put on each year.

Farmers’ Markets, Downtown After Dark, Art Around the Lake, Music on the Green, festivals at Horseshoe Bend Military Park, car shows, Hackneyville Fireworks Bash, Alex City Celebrates Freedom, the Russell Marine Boat Parade and the Hometown Christmas Parade are all big deals here.

And that does not touch the wealth of outdoor activities that are around the area including the new zip line at Wind Creek.

Do we need to continue? We are blessed to have individuals, volunteers and organizations that step up to plan and stage some incredible events.

So get out and be part of the fun in our community. We guarantee you will meet some of the best people in the world.

Outlook The

Weekend Edition, April 21-22, 2018

Let’s sing ‘How Great Thou Art’ for my brother

M

y brother Arthur Jonah Sneed left this world Friday and I honestly don’t know what to say, how to feel, or how to act.

I want to scream or yell, cry or punch something. I have to admit that I did all four of those today. Sorry to anyone on the lake who wondered what the idiot back in that cove was doing.

But along with the hurt and anger, I laugh and smile as I think about the person he was and the memories he left with us all.

I hurt for his wife Frankie, my brother and little sister, all his children and everyone who no longer has a man with us who we could all depend on to be our rock. It doesn’t seem possible that he is gone.

Art had battled cancer and other health issues for more than a decade. I think his body was just tired and a higher power finally decided he needed a fresh start in an incredible place where the pain was gone.

It’s easy to say at a time like this, but Art was just a little better than the rest of us.

Art was the perfect blend of my mom and dad. He was loyal and hard-working just like my dad. He could build or make anything and if he looked at something long enough, he could always figure it out.

He was funny, like both of our parents. He always had a story or a joke, and you were never safe from a prank when he was around – especially in our younger days.

Art was eight years older than I was and he offered to take me to pro wrestling as Mr. Wrestling, Tim Woods, was set to take on Dory Funk for the world title. About halfway there, I reached down to change the radio station and he pulled a gun from out of nowhere, pointed it at me and said “don’t you ever touch the radio again.” Then he pulled the trigger.

The sound of that gun firing in that 1968 Chevy so loud that my ears are still ringing.

But somehow, I was still alive.

I later found out that it was a blank gun and Art had been planning that stunt for weeks.

Did I mention that I had to sit through a night of wrestling with wet pants?

He used to joke and say in sermons that as a child he thought the song “How Great Thou Art” was written about

MITCH SNEED Editor him. Once when a cell phone rang while he was at the pulpit, he never blinked and in the middle of a sentence said “you better hope that’s God calling or you are going to meet him soon.”

That was Art. But like my Mom, Art had a way of showing that unconditional love. He had a long phone list of relatives and would pick nights each week to sit down and go down the list to call us and just say he was thinking about us and that he loved us. No matter how bad he felt or what he was dealing with, he would always try to pump you up and kept you in his prayers.

I don’t want to be selfish and talk about how much losing someone else that has been a part of me my whole life hurts. Art is the fourth member of my family to have left us too soon and while I know I’m not supposed to ask why, I still do. Empty is the only word I can come up with — and I call myself a writer.

I think about how my family is made – what’s inside us all – to try to understand all this.

Sneeds handle adversity differently than most folks do. We use a multi-pronged approach: 1) If we can fix it on our own, we will work tirelessly until it’s fixed. We aren’t afraid of a problem or trouble. We will get right down there with it. Look it in the eye and laugh.

2) If it hasn’t killed us, we still have a chance. We don’t quit and none of us are afraid of a fight. Art was eight years older than me and when I’d get to feeling froggy and thought I could jump on him and beat him in a tussle, he’d give me a word of caution before mopping the floor with me. “I hope you ate a big breakfast and packed a lunch, because if you are going to fight with me you are going to be at it all day long.”

Art showed that fight every day over the last 12 or so years. He kicked cancer in the teeth and lived to laugh about it more times than I can count.

3) Sneeds are just a little on the stubborn side. Well,

maybe we are about the most stubborn bunch on the planet.

We get knocked down but we keep getting up.

4) Sneeds have incredible faith and Art had a stronger relationship with God than any of us. He knew that God was in charge and while he may struggle to whip something, with God troubles didn’t have a chance. That’s how he lived even though medical men gave him months to live at least three different times. God had rewarded his faith with miracles and the gift of more time over and over again.

5) The final way we handle what some would consider a defeat, is by changing our perspective. Sneeds hate to lose and will work until they drop to win any battle. We like to say that we never lose, we just run out of time every now and then. Here lately as Art faced new issues, you could hear fatigue in his voice.

He was tired of fighting. My sister Brenda told me Friday that he had told her the same thing he told me the last time we spoke. When my Dad was fighting for his life just before he died, I told him when I was leaving the hospital one day that he was going to beat it and that people in the hospital didn’t know who they were dealing with. He smiled and said, “Maybe so, but if not, I’m a winner either way.”

That’s exactly what Art told us both when we talked to him last. He’s not here, but he won something much greater in the end.

I hate to think of him being gone. But as I wrote this from my boat with the Wind Creek lighthouse in clear view, I closed my eyes to think. That’s when a picture popped in my head that gave me a little peace.

I could see as clear as the Lake Martin sky above Art and my Dad trying to build a trellis in the back yard and arguing about a measurement. There on the back deck was my sister Kathy and my Mom laughing at them and talking about how hard-headed they both were.

Jesus was right there in the background, laughing at every one of them.

As he would say if we were talking on the phone or after a visit: “Don’t worry about me, we’ll catch each other soon. I love you brother.”

Mitch Sneed is the editor of The Outlook.

Know Your

Steve Robinson represents District 2, which includes the southern part of Alexander City, the Cedar Creek area, Ourtown and Willow Point.

His phone number is 256654-0047. His address is 300 Heritage Drive Alexander City.

Letter to the Editor

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 Road, Dadeville.

John McKelvey

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 825-4207. Her address is 585 Brookwood Circle, Dadeville.

Emma Jean Thweatt

Jazz Fest displays unity in community

Dear Editor,

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, Dadeville.

George Carleton Jr.

“Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.”

—Thomas Jefferson

Today’s

Scripture

“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

—1 Corinthians 15:55-57

alexcityoutlook.com

Daily Poll Friday’s question: Do you pick up trash whenever you see it on the ground?

Yes – 70%, 26 votes No – 30%, 11 votes

Weekend question: Do you plan to attend the Alexander City Kiwanis Club fair next week?

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

Our

Mission

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

How to

Subscribe

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.

Opinion?

T.C. Coley

Steve Robinson

Quote

What’s 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 community. His phone number is 256-2129316. His address is 2316 North Central Avenue, Kellyton.

Today’s

On Monday our city council unanimously voted to approve the 28th Annual Alexander City Jazz Festival to be held on June 8-9. From our commitment to education and passion for athletics to our proximity to Lake Martin, there is a buffet of options that could be considered my favorite thing about Alex City.

However, if forced to choose, the Alexander City Jazz Fest would be my most revered.

Along with great musical performances and the opportunity to visit with out-of-town friends, the most enjoyable and important facet of Jazz Fest for me is its ability to provide unification within our

community — one of the few occurrences that possess such power.

The diversification of people at the Friday night edition of the concert is truly amazing. Seeing all ages, genders and races at a city-held function provides me a sense of euphoria and I’m quite certain others in our community share the same sentiment, including Jazz Fest founder Mr. Ralph Frohsin, Jr. As with any event, there takes an assortment of people to ensure a successful outcome. One person who has spearheaded this beloved tradition and deserves recognition is Robert Gunn. The behind-the-scenes efforts on his part are a major catalyst

for the longevity of the event.

I would also like to take this time to say how appreciative I am that the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce placed the Jazz Fest under its umbrella. With the leadership of Ed Collari and his staff, we can look forward to the event’s continued prosperity.

I hope to see the rest of my fellow community members the second weekend in June but let’s not allow the Jazz Fest to be one of the few instances where unity is visible. Instead, use it as a formula and spark for sustained unity.

Scott Hardy District 3 City Councilman Alexander City

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

Send us your thoughts today!

Follow us

On the Web

Follow The Outlook on the Internet on our website or on social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Log on to http://www.alexcityoutloook.com.

There you will be able to view stories and multimedia posted by The Outlook. You can also click on the Facebook link to join The Outlook’s fan club or click on the Twitter link to start receiving tweets on your phone as we post updates. You can also subscribe to our RSS (Rich Site Summary) feed on the Outlook’s home page. Check it out today.

Weekend Edition, April 21-22, 2018

The Outlook

CommunityCalendar Need Insurance?

Page 5

www.alexcityoutlook.com

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/.

SEE ME FOR INSURANCE

This weekend is April 21-22, 2018

Call me.

Today’s Events

256.234.3481 KarenChannell.com

dB

Lawn Care Darrell Brooks, Owner Cutting •Edging Weed Eating •Mulch Weed Control

FAMILY FESTIVAL: The Coosa County Family Festival, Keeping Coosa Connected will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Central Coosa High School. More than 40 agencies will be taking part with lots of free activities for children. Vendor registration forms are available by emailing martyrittmann@gmail.com or by contacting the Lake Martin United Way office at uw211@unitedwaylakemartin.org or calling 256-329-3600.

FAITH BRUNCH: Tallapoosa’s Caring REFUGE (Reaching Everyday Fighters Utilizing God’s Embrace) is hosting “FAITH bigger fear” Tablescapes Brunch at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center at 10 a.m. Speakers will be Tillie Parks and Jennifer Martin.

Tickets are $25. Contact Glenda Briley at 256-566-9685 to host or decorate a table.

NEW SITE TRADE DAY AND CAR SHOW: There will be a community trade day event in New Site today with a pancake breakfast, car show, flea market and a variety of vendors. The pancake breakfast will be at 6 a.m. at New Site Town Hall.

The 17th Annual Klassic Kruisers Car Show will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will be across from the New Site Town Hall.

Registration is $20 and a vendor fee is $20. There will be a cash money tree, 50/50 pot and door prizes along with a swap meet and food vendors. A DJ will be playing ‘50s music. Proceeds benefit the community including the New Site Fire Department, the New Site Ambulance and the Daviston Fire Department.

The public is invited to come for this day of fun at New Site Town Hall.

For more information, contact Roy Colley at 256-234-6928 or 256-3074855.

TRADE DAY: Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends Monthly Trade Day in Millerville on Highway 9 between Ashland and Goodwater will be held from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Refreshments will also be available.

Today’s Birthdays

Rachel Flournoy, A’ndre Leonard, Will Bowen and Jackson Clark are celebrating birthdays today.

256.267.0518

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

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

Monday, April 23

DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: The Lake Martin Area Industrial Development Authority will hold its quarterly meeting on Monday, April 23 at 10 a.m. in the Board Room of the Betty Carol Graham Technology center on the Alexander City campus of Central Alabama Community College.

MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION: The April meeting of the Alex City Area Ministerial Association will be Monday, April 23 at 6:30 p.m. at GAP Fellowship Church at 721 Robinson Court.

April 24 - 28

KIWANIS CLUB FAIR: The Alexander City Kiwanis Club Fair will be open from 5 p.m. until close Tuesday through Friday and 1 p.m. until close on Saturday. There will be food vendors with items like gourmet funnel cakes for $6, cotton candy for $5, candy apples for $4, fresh-squeezed lemonade, fresh-cut French fries and handmade corn dogs. There will be chance games and rides for all ages.

Tickets for rides are $1 each and 45 tickets are available for $35. Unlimited ride bands are available for $20.

April 25 - 28

TRAIL RIDES: The Weogufka Center for Arts is hosting trail rides April 25 at 10 a.m., April 26 at 9 a.m. and April 27 at 9 a.m. with the Annual Mule Day April 28. For more information contact the Chuck Wagon Guys, Edwin Petty at 205-389-0236, Donald Ellison at 205-294-0062 or Ricky Talley at 205646-1640.

Thursday, April 26

BENEFIT DINNER: The Alexander City Rotary Club Foundation is hosting its Imagination Library Annual Benefit Thursday, April 26 at 5:30 p.m. at the T.C. Russell Hangar.

Friday, April 27

How to add a calendar item: Participate in your

Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892

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

WORKSHOP: The Alabama Extension Service is holding a class “Managing Fire Ants” Friday, April 27 at the Betty Carol Graham Technology Center from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The workshop will feature fire ant biology, research based control techniques, recommended pesticides and product demonstrations. It is ADAI approved for re-certification points.

Contact the Tallapoosa County Extension Office at 256-825-1050 to register. Cost is $5 and is due by Wednesday, April 25. Lunch is not provided.

Saturday, April 28

REUNION: The annual New Site High School reunion will be Saturday, April 28 at 10 a.m. in the Horseshoe Bend High School Commons area.

Please bring a covered dish.

MULE DAY: The Weogufka Center is hosting its annual Mule Day

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com File / The Outlook

Registration is open now through April 30 for anyone interested in being a vendor at MainStreet Alexander City’s Junque Jubilee, an upscale yard sale event in downtown Alexander City Saturday, May 12 starting at 8 a.m. with shops opening at 10 a.m. It is set to be where the Broad Street Farmer’s Market used to be held. There is a $20 application fee and event organizers ask none of the vendors bring clothing or shoes to sell. Deadline for vendor registration is April 30.

For more information on the event or registration, contact MainStreet Alexander City at 256-329-9227.

Today’s Anniversaries

Ronnie and Amanda Fuller and Mary and Louis Buzbee celebrate their anniversaries today.

Sunday’s Events

CHURCH SINGING: Emmaus Road will be at County Line Baptist Church in the Dudleyville community at 6 p.m. A love offering will be taken and a time of fellowship will follow.

For more information call Bro. Mike Beck at 334-354-3908.

HOMECOMING: Family Worship Center at 1676 Sewell St. is hosting a homecoming at 10 a.m. Lunch will be served after the morning service.

Tony Harris is pastor. Everyone is welcome.

For information, call 256-7942969.

PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY: Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church is celebrating the 5th Pastoral Anniversary of Rev. and Sister Melvin C. Kelley Jr. at 2 p.m.

The guest minister is Rev. Terry L. Magby of New Mount Sellers Missionary Baptist Church in Lafayette.

CONCERT: Jacquie Cruz and Gary Klarenbeek will be at Red Ridge United Methodist Church at

Saturday, April 28. There will be buggy rides and trial rides. A sausage biscuit breakfast is from 6:30 to 10 a.m.

The Train Man will be there as will an antique car and truck show.

For more information visit the weogufkacenter.org of the Weogufka Center Facebook page.

GAME NIGHT: Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends in Millerville will have Family Game Night Bingo from 5 until 8 p.m. Saturday, April 28.

Begin with hot dogs, pizza, chips and soft drinks.

DRUG TAKE BACK: Local law enforcement will be at Walgreens in Alexander City Saturday, April 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to collect old and unwanted prescription and over the counter medications. The service is free and without questions.

Monday, April 30

DEADLINE FOR VENDORS: MainStreet Alexander City is hosting Junque Jubilee in downtown Alexander City Saturday, May 12 starting at 8 a.m. with shops opening at 10 a.m. April 30 is the last day for vendors to register.

There is a $20 application fee. Event organizers ask none of the vendors bring clothing or shoes to sell.

For more information on the event or registration, contact MainStreet Alexander City at 256-329-9227.

Tuesday, May 1

USHER MEETING: The Early Rose District Usher’s meeting will be Tuesday, May 1 at 5 p.m. at the Early Rose District Center.

Thursday, May 3

DAY OF PRAYER: The Alex City Ministerial Association is hosting the National Day of Prayer at the First Baptist Church sanctuary Thursday, May 3 at noon.

DAY OF PRAYER: Hackneyville will be hosting its third annual National Day Prayer from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Hackneyville Community Center.

Everyone is invited to attend.

Friday, May 4

PRODUCTION: The Mt. Vernon Theatre In Tallassee is hosting “The Firemen’s Training” Friday, May 4.

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 Saturday, May 5 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the

3 p.m. Cruz is a soprano and her performance will feature pieces from her album “Hopeful” as well as a few new works by Heather Sorenson.

Klarenbeek is Cruz’s father and is a tenor and pianist. They have performed in churches all over.

No tickets are required and love offering will be received. For more information call 256-825-9820.

CHURCH SINGING: Samaritan Trio will be the guest singers for Homecoming at Marvin Chapel United Methodist Church, Alabama Highway 148, Clay County 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please bring potluck covered dishes. Lunch is noon to 1 p.m.

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: The 38 year anniversary for Sis. Alice Lewis will be at 2 p.m. at Coger Hill C.M.E. Church in Daviston. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Sunday’s Birthdays

Jon Owens, Brittany Duncan, Terri Clark and Myrtis Burton celebrate their birthdays Sunday.

Monday’s Birthdays

Brad Adkins, Suzann Powell, Allyson Parmer and Dian Long celebrate their birthdays Monday.

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” Saturday, May 5 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 Saturday, May 5 at the Five Star Plantation.

Registration deadline is Friday, April 27. For more information contact Phil Blasingame at 256-307-4004.

BAKE SALE: The First United Methodist Church UMW is hosting a baked and frozen foods sale Saturday, May 5 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” Saturday, May 5 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 Saturday, May 5 at the Five Star Plantation.

Registration deadline is Friday, April 27. For more information contact Phil Blasingame at 256-307-4004.

Sunday, May 6

CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: County Line Baptist Church in the Dudleyville community is celebrating its 183rd anniversary Sunday, May 6 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 Sunday, May 6 at 2 p.m.

Guest minister is Rev. Otis James Tyner Jr. Pastor of New Harmony is Rev. Melvin Kelley Jr.

Saturday, May 12

JUNQUE JUBILEE: MainStreet Alexander City is hosting Junque Jubilee in downtown Alexander City Saturday, May 12 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 Saturday, May 12 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 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 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.

THE MEADOWS ASSISTED LIVING

2712 Washington Street Alexander City

256-234-0800

–Since 1978–

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

Hickory Grilled Meat BBQ • STEAK CHICKEN • CATFISH

256.329.9996 Hwy. 22 West, Alexander City, AL

Tony Guy, Owner Over 40 Years Experience

H&A Installation, Charge Outs and Repair Sheet Metal Work

FREE Estimates on NEW installations Service a 30 mile radius of Alexander City Licensed and Bonded #:84887 guysheating@live.com 256–234–4198 196 Thompson Ridge Road Alexander City, AL

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

Page 6

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Weekend Edition, April 21-22, 2018

The Outlook

In Community, We Share Tallapoosa County Devotional Page

SECURITY Grace’s Flowers and Gifts PEST CONTROL

“Since 1962”

652 Cherokee Road • Alexander City

Flowers with the Extra Touch!

256-329-1018 THOMAS AUTO PARTS

951 Hillabee • Alexander City • 256-234-4238

• Automotive Parts • Machine Shop Services • Paint & Body Supplies • Hydraulic Hose Assemblies

AUTO PARTS

150 Green Street • Alexander City • 256.234.5023 157 E. South Street • Dadeville • 256.825.4155

Since 1976

256-357-9233 www.Àooringwholesale.com

Open 7 Days A Week 1 1 AM - 10 PM

61 Jefferson Street • Alexander City Phone: 256-234-3454

Taking a tour of God’s house

W

through the door. If you never walk e all have hobbies through the door, we will never and things we learn the teaching of Jesus and we enjoy. As we grow will never be in fellowship with one older, some of the things that another. Looking around, we notice were once important to us musical instruments including a are no longer important. We piano and an organ. Psalm 149:1 collect anything from coins reads, “Praise the Lord! Sing a new to stamps, and junk and more song to the Lord. Sing His praise in junk. One thing I have never JACKIE meeting of His people.” Music outgrown over my three WILBOURN the helps us praise God. decades plus are wheels.

Faith columnist My fondest recollection of The altar is where sacrifices wheels was when I was about took place in the Old Testament. four or five years old and I had a kiddie Today, people come to the altar to kneel, car that “Sweetie Boy” and I pedaled pray and often to offer the sacrifice of self around. Dolls were not my favorite toys as an acknowledgement of our love for but Sweetie Boy was different, I loved the blessings that God bestows on each Sweetie Boy and I think he loved me. of us constantly. The pulpit is where the My first impressive two-wheeler was pastor preaches the sermon and it serves a 10-speed bike at Christmas. From pedal as a reminder for us to come to church cars to bikes, to driving lawnmowers, to hear the good news of Jesus Christ. to motor scooters and finally to cars, I What about the pews? This is where the have always been obsessed with wheels. congregation sits and listens to the word My husband is a car enthusiast and we of God being taught and lifts their hands have taken tours of automotive plants in praise! including the Kia plant in LaGrange and You have had a brief tour of my the Corvette plant in Bowling Green. church, and like the Psalmist, we’re glad The tours are so informative because we when we come to God’s house. We hope learned a lot of things we did not know you will be there too. about the assembly of an automobile.

Jackie Wilbourn is a chaplain with the Psalm 122:1 reads, “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go into the house of Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief Team, a the Lord.’” Let’s go on a tour of our church. member of Bethel Baptist Church and a regular faith columnist for The Outlook.

First, we must enter into the sanctuary This devotional and directory made possible by these businesses who encourage all of us to attend worship services!

136 Wheeler Street

(256) 329-9901 Alexander City, AL

8:00-4:00 Monday-Friday

By Appointment (except emergencies) Phone: (256) 234-4295 After Hours: (256) 329-7100

TEMPLE MEDICAL CLINIC, P.C. YOUR FAMILY CARE CENTER Medicine, Office Surgery, Pediatric and Industrial JAMES P. TEMPLE, M.D. 859 Airport Drive TIMOTHY J. CORBIN, M.D. Alexander City, AL VINCENT LAW, M.D.

A C

Compliments of Mayor Jim Nabors and City Employees

ALEXANDER CITY HOME OF LAKE MARTIN

R & R Refrigeration HEATING & AIR AL HVAC #92120

256.825.4161 Scottie Harrelson Construction Decks • Handicap Ramps All Types of Flooring • Painting Windows • Back Splashes • Tree Service • All Types of Woodwork Customized Walk-In Showers

Free Estimates

334-657-6949

G. Daniel Brown ATTORNEY AT LAW 926 Cherokee Road Alexander City, AL

256.329.1552 2533 Hwy. 280 Alexander City, AL 256.234.0988 ––––––––

Church Directory

Rehab • Long-Term Care • Assisted Living 3701 Dadeville Road Alexander City

256-234-6366

Truck Accessories Sales & Installation

A.M.E. Saint James A.M.E. Goodwater, 256-839-1007 St. John A.M.E. Off Hwy. 280 on Hwy. 9 Socopatoy, (256) 215-3532 ASSEMBLIES OF GOD Cedar Street Church of God 703 E. Boulevard, Alex City Faith Assembly of God 590 Horseshoe Bend Rd., Dadeville 256-825-7741 River of Life Worship Center 407 Hillabee St., Alex City, 256-329-9593

Trailer Sales Trailer Parts Trailer Repairs 1201 U.S. Hwy. 280 • Kellyton, AL (256) 392-5353

1326 Dadeville Road Alexander City, AL

New Life Baptist County Road 14, Alex City, 256-329-2635 Victory Baptist 280 By-Pass, Alex City West End Baptist Off 280 West, 256-234-2130

256-234-2511 1-800-285-3881

Member by Invitation Selected Independent Funeral Homes www.radneyfuneralhome.com

BANK

INDEPENDENT BAPTIST Liberty Baptist 1365 Hillabee St., Alex City 256-329-8830

IVER & TRUST

S E R V I C E

U N S

D E E P

256-329-0500 www.riverbankandtrust.com

• Updated Pro Shop • Junior Golf Program • Annual Tournaments • Weekly Matches 18 Holes of Golf - 7 Days a Week

256-825-9860 95 County Rd. 40 (Off Hwy. 280)

Our Business Is God’s Business

Whirlpool • Kitchen Aid Maytag • Amana Holland Grills Full Service Department

Tapley Appliance Center 574 S. Central Avenue Alexander City, AL 256.329.9762

SOCIAL SECURITY FAYE EDMONDSON Attorney at Law

135 N. Tallassee Street • Dadeville, AL

256-825-9559 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.

Season

Johnson

Pleasant Home Baptist Clay County

Mountain Springs Baptist Off Hwy. 22, Daviston

Pleasant Grove Church of Christ 1819 Bay Pine Rd, Jackson’s Gap

Pleasant Valley Missionary Baptist 835 Valley Rd., Camp Hill 334-257-4442

Mt. Carmel Baptist 3610 Dudleyville Rd., Dadeville

Southview Church of Christ 2325 Dadeville Rd., Alex City 256-329-0212

Ridge Grove Missionary Baptist Alexander City, 256-234-6972

Mt. Zion Baptist Hwy. 63 South, Alex City 256-234-7748

Rocky Mt. Baptist New Site community

New Beginning Baptist 1076 Coley Creek Rd.

Seleeta Baptist Booker St., Alex City 256-329-2685

New Concord Baptist Off hwy. 49, Dadeville, 256-825-5390

CHURCH OF GOD Alex City No. 2 A.C.O.P. Church of God Local Street, Alex City Bread of Life A.C.O.P. Church of God Hwy. 280, Kellyton Cedar Street Church of God 711 Martin Luther King Blvd.

Alex City

Shady Grove Baptist Jackson’s Gap Community

New Elkahatchee Baptist Elkahatchee Rd., Alex City 256-329-9942

The Great Bethel Missionary 520 Christian St., Alex City 256-234-5513

New Hope Baptist 1133 New Hope Church Rd. 256-329-5218

Dadeville Church of God 425 Horseshoe Bend Rd. (Hwy. 49 N.) Dadeville 256-825-8820

Unity Baptist Robinson Rd., Alex City

New Life Baptist Jackson’s Gap, 256-825-6190 / 256-329-2635

Marshall Street Church of God 428 Marshall Street, Alex City 256-234-3180

New Pine Grove Baptist Off Hwy. 22, Perryville

New Faith Tabernacle A.C.O.P. Church of God “J” Street

Zion Hill Missionary Baptist 583 S. Broadnax St., Dadeville BAPTIST – SOUTHERN Bay Pine Baptist 1480 Bay Pine Rd. Jackson’s Gap, 256-825-4433

New Providence Baptist Pearson Chapel Rd., Alex City

New Harvest Ministries Church of God Hwy 280 & Coosa 28 256-329-2331

BAPTIST – MISSIONARY Bethlehem Baptist New Site

Bethany Baptist Church Bethany Road

New Rocky Mount Baptist 670 Peckerwood Rd., Jackson’s Gap 256-794-3846

Cross Key Baptist Hackneyville, 256-329-9716

Bethel Baptist Smith Mt. Rd., Jackson’s Gap 256-825-5070

New Salem Road New Site Rd., New Site, 256-234-2932

Darian Missionary Baptist Church Pearson Chapel Rd., Alex City 256-329-3865

Beulah Baptist Smith Mt. Rd., Jackson’s Gap 256-825-9882

Old Providence Baptist Off Hwy. 63 N., near Hackneyville

The Church of God 13th Ave. N., Alex City 256-329-1696

Elam Baptist Robertson Rd. Alex City

Calvary Baptist 819 Main St., Dadeville, 256-825-5989

Old Union Baptist 1106 Davis Circle 256-596-1873

Washington Street A.C.O.P. Church of God Washington Street

Orr Street Baptist 1000 “O” Street (Hwy. 63N) Alex City, 256-234-3171

CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY Church of God of Prophecy 303 Poplar Rd., Alex City, 256-234-6941

Early Rose Baptist 201 E Street, Alexander City Flint Hill Baptist Hwy. 280, Dadeville

Calvary Heights Baptist Elkahatchee, Rd., Alex City 256-234-7224

Friendship Baptist Our Town Community, 256-329-5243

Camp Hill Baptist Downtown Camp Hill, 256-896-2811

Hollins Springs Baptist Hwy. 280, Goodwater

Comer Memorial 941 E. Church St., Alex City 256-234-2236

Jackson’s Gap Baptist Church 21 East Church St. 256-825-6814

Daviston Baptist Daviston, 395-4327

Liberty Church 1034 Liberty Church Rd. Willow Point Alex City Macedonia Baptist Macedonia Circle, Goodwater 256-839-5793 Marietta Baptist Goodwater Miracle Missionary Baptist 1687 “I” Street 256-215-9788, 256-215-9787 Mt. Calvary Baptist 329 King St., Alex City, 256-234-5631 Mt. Olive Baptist Hwy. 280 & Jct. 49, Goodwater Mt. Sinai Baptist Fish Pond Rd., Coosa County 256-329-2337 Mt. Zion Baptist Hwy. 22, New Site Mt. Zion East StillWaters Dr., 256-825-4991 Mt. Zion West Our Town Community, 256-234-7748 New Elam Baptist Hwy. 9, Burtonville, 256-234-2037 New Bethel Baptist Rock St., Dadeville, 256-825-7726 Peace & Goodwill Baptist Cottage Grove Community Alexander City, 256-377-4634 Pine Grove Baptist Eagle Creek Rd., Dadeville

Eagle Creek Baptist Hwy. 49, Dadeville, 256-825-6048 Fellowship Baptist Buttston Community Fellowship Primitive Baptist Church on Claybrook Drive, Alex City 256-839-5339 First Baptist Court Square, Alex City 256-234-6351 First Baptist Tallassee St., Dadeville, 256-825-6232 Good News Baptist Church 10493 Hwy. 280, Jackson’s Gap 256-825-2555 Hackneyville Baptist Hwy. 63 N., Hackneyville Hillabee Baptist Hillabee Rd., Alex City 256-234-6798 Horseshoe Bend Baptist Hwy. 280, Dadeville Jackson’s Gap Baptist Jackson’s Gap, 256-825-4951 Kellyton Baptist Kellyton, 256-329-1512 Kendrick Baptist Church Nixburg Lake Martin Baptist Hwy 34, Dadeville 256-825-7434 Lake Pointe Baptist 8352 Hwy. 50W, Dadeville Lebanon Baptist Mt. Carmel Rd., Dadeville, 256-234-7541

“We offer a 5-year labor warranty for free!”

Perryville Baptist Perryville, 256-234-3588 Pine Grove Baptist Camp Hill Ray Baptist Rockford Hwy., Alex City, 256-234-7609 River Road Baptist 148 Dean Rd., Alex City, 256-234-6971 Rocky Creek Baptist Samford Rd., Cowpens Community Rocky Mount Baptist Hwy. 22 E., Alex City, 256-329-2327 Rock Springs Baptist Jackson’s Gap, 256-839-6263 Russell Farm Baptist Hwy. 63 beyond Our Town

Pentecostal Church of God 163 Franklin Street, Alex City 256-215-4055

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 1515 Worthy Road, Alex City (Corner of Worthy Place and Dadeville Road)

Haven United Methodist 354 Christian St., Alex City 256-329-8394 Hillabee Campground UMC 120 CC Road, Alex City Sunday School 10am Sunday Service 11am

Sixth Street Baptist Sixth St., Alex City, 256-234-2408

Fellowship Revival Center Mission 316 6th Ave., Alex City 256-329-1510 weekends

Sunny Level Baptist Church Sunny Acres Subdivision Sewell Street

Kellyton Revival Center Co. Road 87 South Kellyton

Town Creek Baptist Camp Ground Rd., Alex City

Liberty Life Christian Center 321 “S” Street, Alex City

Wayside Baptist 21 Wayside Circle, Alex City 256-234-5564

Passion Church 3340 Hwy. 63 N., Alex City 256-409-9590

Zion Hill Baptist Hwy. 79, near Horseshoe Bend

The Family Worship Center 365 Scott Road, Alex City

CATHOLIC St. John the Apostle 454 N. Central Ave., Alex City 256-234-3631

METHODIST – UNITED Alexander City Methodist 11th Ave. N., Alex City 256-329-1284

CHURCH OF CHRIST Alex City Church of Christ 945 Tallapoosa St., Alex City 256-234-6494

Bradford Methodist Hwy. 9, Goodwater

256.234.2007 256.749.8804

Fire Pits | Stone Work | Shrubs & More

256.307.9087

Buena Vista Landscaping

Mt. Godfrey New Site New Site U.M. New Site, 256-234-7834 Pearson Chapel U.M. Pearson Chapel Rd., Alex City Red Ridge United Methodist 8091 County Road 34, Dadeville 256-825-9820 Sunnylevel United Methodist 3202 Hwy. 63N, Alex City 256-234-6877 Trinity United Methodist 280 By-pass, Alex City, 256-234-2455

Free Estimates

Landscape Installation, Irrigation System, Lawn Maintenance, Flagstone Patios, Rock Walls

256-794-3885

R H O D E S /K E Y CONSTRUCTION

Union United Methodist 4428 Hwy. 50, Dadeville 256-825-2241

RESTORATIONS•ADDITIONS KITCHENS•BATHS•REMODELING

METHODIST – INDEPENDENT Daviston Independent Methodist Daviston, 395-4207

John Rhodes

Chris Key

256-675-0217

256-749-0179

Coosa Kitchen & Bath Cabinetry

PENTECOSTAL Pentecostals of Dadeville 115 West Columbus Street Dadeville, 256-596-3411

Robinson Memorial Presbyterian Robinson Rd., Alex City UNITED PENTECOSTAL Alex City Apostolic 3708 Robinson Rd., Alexander City, 256-329-1573 INDEPENDENT Faith Temple Franklin Street, Alex City, 256-234-6421 Family Worship Center 1676 Sewell Street 256-839-6895 First Congregational Christian 11th Ave. South, Alex City

• Granite • Quartz

Designing & Selling • Cultured Marble Quality Cabinetry Since 1991 • Laminate Counter Tops 1222 Hwy. 280 • Kellyton, AL • Ben & Peggy Smith, Owners

JACKSON REFRIGERATION CO., INC.

HEATING & COOLING Our Name is Our Reputation and “Your Comfort is Our Priority!”

256/234-4457 or 256/496-3850 10390 AL Hwy. 259 Alexander City, AL (256) 215-5586 www.southernstarfarm.us

GAP Fellowship Ministries P.O. Box 1571, Alex City God’s House 9334 Hwy 63N, Alex City Roger Green Sun. Service: 11:00 & 6:00 Wed. Bible Study: 6:30

STORE HOURS: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Saturday 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Jehovah-Jireh Ministries 252 Tallapoosa St., Alex City 256-215-4211 Leap of Faith Outreach Ministry 886 Terrance Drive, 256-234-7119

Comer Memorial U.M. 427 East Church St., 256-329-3467

New Bethel Fellowship Church 5474 Rock Springs Road Jackson’s Gap 256-825-3367 The Baha’I Faith 740 Newell Street, Camp Hill 256-896-4007

Duncan Memorial U.M. 3997 Hillabee Rd., Alex City 256-234-6708

The Word Bible Church 161 Main St., Alex City, 256-215-5646

Sales •Service •Installation P.O. Box 103 – Alexander City, AL

(256) 329-8488 792 Commerce Drive, Suite 103 • Alexander City

LANDSCAPE For An Effortlessly Beautiful Yard

Liberty United Methodist Liberty Rd., Hackneyville

First Presbyterian Okefuske, Dadeville, 256-825-4081

House of Restoration Holiness 519 Slaughter Ave., Camp Hill, 256-749-2373, 256-896-2904

JOWERS

Kellyton U.M., Kellyton, 256-329-1681

EPISCOPAL Saint James Episcopal Church 121 South Central Ave., Alex City 256-234-4752 HOLINESS Alex City Emmanuel Holiness Hillabee St., Alex City

Now Serving Breakfast!

Flint Hill U.M., Alex City 256-234-5047

PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian 371 Jefferson St., Alex City 256-329-0524

FULL GOSPEL Dadeville Foursquare Gospel Church Old 280 By-pass

Meadows St. Church of Christ 306 Meadows St., Alex City

First United Methodist Dadeville, 256-825-4404

CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE Dadeville Church of the Nazarene Corner Hwy. 280 and 49, 256-825-8191

Sandy Creek Baptist Alex City

Dadeville Church of Christ East LaFayette St., Dadeville

First United Methodist 310 Green St., Alex City 256-234-6322

Goodwater U.M. Main St., Goodwater, 256-839-6661

AL Refrig #51037

– FINANCING AVAILABLE –

Big Dog Lawn Service

Mowing • Edging • Trimming Leaf Blowing • Spring Clean-Up Weekly, Bi-Weekly or One Time Only

Free Quotes

334.663.3269 Customized services to meet the needs of property management firms, facility managers and building owners in commercial, institutional and industrial markets.

334.737.8600 www.tigermaids.com

Weekend Edition, April 21-22, 2018

The Outlook

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Page 7

Page 8

www.alexcityoutlook.com

The Outlook

Weekend Edition, April 21-22, 2018

Weekend Edition, April 21-22, 2018

Withers with Assistant District Attorney Kevin Hall and District Attorney Jeremy Duerr delivered closing arguments before Judge Steven Perryman sent the jury out to deliberate the fate of 32-year-old Kenrell Withers.

Gillenwaters said Withers was relieved to hear the jury’s decision.

“Kenrell is relieved that he can finally put this behind him and move forward with his life,” Gillenwaters said. “For four years he’s had this hanging over his head. That’s made it almost impossible to keep a job. I’m not sure why it would take this long to get a case through the system, but now his name has been cleared and he’s thankful to the jury and those who stood behind him through all this.”

The jury had heard from the girl who is now 11, her mother, brother and others she had told about things she alleged happened. They also saw video of her original statements to forensic interviewers with the Tri-County Advocacy Center where she described things she said happened to her. On the stand the girl struggled to recall details. The prosecution and defense talked about her testimony in closing statements.

Gillenwaters told the jury that consistency should guide them to a not guilty verdict.

“I told you in my opening statement, that this case was a he said, she said,” Gillenwaters said in his closing statement.

“All of the state’s evidence comes down to what she said. There’s no one who saw anything or offered any definite proof that these things happened. The person who has been consistent in his statements from beginning to end in this

Page 9

www.alexcityoutlook.com

The Outlook

continued from page 1

case is Kenrell Withers. No matter how many times he has been asked, he has answered the same way. He has denied, denied, denied that he had done this to (the girl).”

He alleged that the girl may have made up the events and pointed to other instances where she had falsely accused others.

“Children will tell tales,” Gillenwaters said. “She told one tale when she accused her brother of touching her there and it was later proved not to be true. She told another tale when she accused (another child) of touching her too. You heard testimony that said exactly that.”

Assistant District Attorney Kevin Hall and District Attorney Jeremy Duerr closed by telling the jury that a “brave little girl” deserved justice.

“The testimony all revolves around one event and every witness gives you a little different perspective or version of what they remember about that event,” Hall said. “That video speaks for itself. You heard her, you heard what she said was done to her. ...So just because someone gets on the stand and doesn’t remember something exactly — frankly, I’m glad she doesn’t remember all of that.”

They both held up drawings that the victim drew herself depicting what she saw in the incidents. They also showed diagrams used by forensic interviews where the girl showed how she was touched and violated.

“It’s my hope that she does get to the point where she forgets everything that happened to her so she doesn’t have to go through life with that constantly on her mind, haunting her,”

Solicitation As a result of the investigation, Justin Chandler Moncrief, 27, of Dejarnette Road in Kellyton was arrested and charged with electronic solicitation of child and placed in the Tallapoosa County Jail with a $10,000 bond.

The investigation showed that Moncrief initiated

Duerr said. “We all know kids don’t want to get up in front of 25 strangers and tell people what happened to them. I don’t know what the hell tape he was watching, but the little girl I saw up there was hurt and afraid as she tried to talk about what happened her.”

Duerr, who commended Hall’s handling of the case and acknowledged the difficult task the jury faced, was disappointed by the verdict, saying he believe the girl he met and saw on that tape.

“It’s just disheartening to me as a father and as a prosecutor, especially in this day and time where society as a whole encourages victims to speak up,” Duerr said. “With all the different groups fighting for victims such as #NOMORE, #SPEAKUP, #TIMESUP, we still live in a society where we don’t want to believe this happens. We encourage victims to come forward and tell their story and we reward them in the end, by doing nothing.

“For a 7-year-old little girl to describe, in great detail, what has happened to her – things that no child should ever have to go through – it saddens me to know she is still not believed and is punished because she can’t remember or refuses to tell it again four years later. When I was campaigning one of my biggest platforms was fighting for children and ‘being the voice for the voiceless’ and I will continue to do that until I can’t any longer. I want that little girl to know that I believed her story. To any other woman, girl, child, past or future victim I and my office we encounter – we will believe and fight for you as well.”

Alexander City (Lake Martin) Respiratory Therapist (FT 7/7)

RN Med/Surg (PRN/FT)

CRNP/or Physician Asst (PRN) Hospitalist Program (FT)

Lab Assistant (FT 2nd shift)

RN Cath Lab (FT)

Dietary Asst (PRN)

RN (FT) Student Loan Reimbursement Program Fax: 256/329-7335 or Phone: 256/329-7345 SEND RESUME TO:

jsherman@russellmedcenter.com

Bring more shoppers to your door with locally focused advertising from the experts.

Your Ad Here!

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

Recycle Your Stuff for Cash in the Classifieds Call or go online to browse, buy or sell!

continued from page 1

communications to whom he believed was a 14-year-old girl on Facebook Messenger and then transmitted a sexually explicit photograph to a 14-year-old female.

Abbett said the investigation remains active and did not rule out additional charges.

The Outlook & Record Classifieds WWW.ALEXCITYOUTLOOK.COM • 256.277.4219

Page 10

www.alexcityoutlook.com

The Outlook

Weekend Edition, April 21-22, 2018

Gov. Ivey pleased with selection of state superintendent STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

The Alabama State Board of Education selected Dr. Eric Mackey Friday to serve as the next State Superintendent of Education.

“Today, I was proud to join my colleagues on the State Board of Education in selecting Dr. Eric Mackey as Alabama’s state superintendent of education,”

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey said.

“This selection is, without question, the most important decision entrusted to the current Board. It was imperative that we make the best selection possible, and I think we have done that. Under my leadership, we laid out an effective and deliberate selection process which has succeeded in helping us choose the right person to help us improve the quality of education for all of Alabama’s

students.”

Mackey is currently the executive director of School Superintendents of Alabama. He has experience working with lawmakers in the state house in Montgomery and school systems in the state.

As president of the State Board of Education, Ivey voted with board members to select Mackey.

“During the interview, I was impressed by Dr. Mackey’s embrace

of my vision to ensure that our children have a strong start to their educational journey so that they have a strong finish when they enter the workforce,” Ivey said in a statement.

“That is the kind of forward thinking we need at the helm of the State Board of Education. I look forward to working with Dr. Mackey in the days ahead as we put the focus where it should be on effectively educating every child in Alabama.”

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Emergency officials respond to two-car accident on Highway 280 A two-car accident on Highway 280 near S Street left traffic slowing down briefly as the Alexander City Police and Fire Departments investigated and cleared the road. No one was seriously injured in the Friday afternoon accident.

Strawberry Market canceled today STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

The Strawberry Market that was scheduled for Saturday, April 21 has been canceled as of Friday afternoon.

“Due to Mother Nature and Father Time we had only had one vendor and received a cancelation notice at the last minute,” Farmers Market Manager Carly Herrmann said.

Herrmann said organizers know strawberries are wanted by area residents, and encourages them

to make plans to attend MainStreet Alexander City’s upcoming Junque Jubilee event.

The Junque Jubilee is expected to be an “upscale yard sale” and is set to be held in the Broad Street Plaza in downtown Alexander City May 12 from 8 a.m. to noon.

“We apologize that this event could not be held tomorrow,” Herrmann said, “but please look forward to what is to come in May and support hometown growth and our local farmers and vendors.”

Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

Fatal crash remains under investigation Investigators from the Alexander City Police Department and the ALEA State Troopers were on the scene of a deadly crash on Highway 280 on April 12 near Coven Abbett taking pictures, measurements and reinspecting markings there Friday morning. The accident, which claimed the life of Dr. Gwendolyn Claussen of Hoover remains under investigation.

Prom Old West and stereotypical cowboy imagery hung on the walls, while some of the tables were made to look like covered wagons. One doorway had a covered wagon arch around it, while another was built more like the entrance to a barn. A music stand sat in one corner of the main room, while an adjoining room had a buffet line filled with all sorts of great food for attendees.

“It took a lot of effort to get all this planned out and put together,” Gaither said. “However, we did have more time to plan this year than we did last year.”

Gaither, along with Dadeville High School nurse Tammy Templeton, laid out a plan for this year’s special needs prom, while students who provide assistance with their classmates with special needs spent an untold number of hours decorating and preparing for Friday’s exciting dance.

“I’m a fan of western shows and western movies, so I thought the kids would like that theme,” Dadeville High School senior Magen Yates said. “It was just something different from the Hawaiian theme last year.”

Along with coming up with the theme, Yates prepared a number of desserts for the food room, along with some of her other classmates, while others donated items for the “chuck wagon buffet.”

“I didn’t think we could top last year’s event, but we did. I want us to keep growing this,” Gaither said.

“Today felt just as special as last year’s prom,” Templeton added.

Bringing an additional jolt of excitement and happiness to the event, Aubie the Tiger arrived in the early afternoon, handing out hugs and taking photos with the students. Aubie was just as excited to be taking part in the prom as the students were, joining in and dancing to the music alongside the throng of attendees.

“I could just see that joy on their face, and that just shows all the hard work that went into this is worth it,” Chris Tolbert, the adaptive PE coordinator for the county school system, said. “They’re the reason I come to work every day. Seeing them happy, it makes me happy.”

Gaither and Templeton wanted to thank the many sponsors who contributed to Friday’s special needs prom, including the Tallapoosa County Commission, Oskar’s Café, J.R.’s, Carlisle Drugs and many others.

Overall, everyone involved felt this had been a wonderful day, giving the special needs students in the county school system the chance to have fun and enjoy themselves.

“This is their event, and it’s very special to them,” Gaither said. “Everything we’ve done has been well worth it.”

“This is a special day all for them,” Yates said.

“Everyone has loved it. Today has been very successful.”

continued from page 1

Donald Campbell / The Outlook

Left, Derrick Freeman helps Drake Russell lasso a steer. Far left, Jatelllia Kelly checks out her outfit while dancing at the prom. Above right, Azareeah Leonard reacts to a dance. Above left, Antavious Williams, left, and Joshua Duck dance with other students. Top, prom attendees pose for a photograph with Aubie who made a special appearance Friday.

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Sports

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

Outlook The

Weekend Edition, April 21-22, 2018

Page 11

www.alexcityoutlook.com

WIN OR GO HOME

Reeltown splits with G.W. Long to begin playoff series

By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

It’s do or die time for Reeltown’s baseball team, which split with G.W. Long on Friday in the first round of the Class 2A playoffs.

After eking out an 11-9 victory over Long in the first game of the best-ofthree series, the Rebels were shut down

by G.W. Long ace Matt Snell, who fired a one-hit shutout and forced a deciding Game 3 with a 6-0 victory.

“He threw a really good game,” Reeltown coach Mike Jones said. “We gave up a lot of runs the first inning, and their guy just shot it down. He was their No. 1 and he was dealing. They played a lot better the second game. They hit the ball better and took advantage of our mistakes.”

The deciding game will be at 3 p.m. today in Reeltown.

Friday’s first game was a bit of an oddity.

G.W. Long took a 4-1 lead midway through the third inning, but Reeltown quickly fought back. It scored a run on an Ardarious Woods RBI single in the third inning to cut the deficit to two runs.

Then the Rebels seemed to break things open in the fourth inning.

With one out, Nelson Whaley, Cody Thomas and Kolby Coan drew three straight walks, and Hayden Solomon was hit by a pitch to plate the first run.

Reeltown tied it up on an RBI single from Logan Hunt and brother Landon Hunt notched an RBI single of his own to take the lead.

Reeltown wasn’t done there, though.

Woods followed with a bases-loaded walk, Drew Favors plated a run on a fielder’s choice and Reed Baker sliced a single to left field to drive in another run and give Reeltown what seemed like a comfortable 8-4 lead.

But it proved to not be so comfortable, as the Rebels’ pitching fell apart in the fifth inning. Long scored five runs on no hits, seven walks and a hit batter in the bottom of the frame, giving it a 9-8 edge.

“The pressure got to them,” Jones said. “Some of those kids have never pitched in a playoff game, so this was

Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook

Reeltown’s Ardarious Woods (5) slides into second base against G.W. Long’s Dylan Register during Friday night’s postseason matchup.

their first experience.”

Luckily for Reeltown’s pitching staff, its offense had its back. With one runner on and two outs, Logan Hunt notched his second single of the night. The hit set up Landon Hunt, who made G.W. Long pay by nailing a home run over the leftfield fence to take an 11-9 lead.

“Whenever we got out of that (fifth) inning, I got into the dugout and told our guys just to calm down and get up to bat,” Favors said. “We needed to be aggressive at the plate and we did what we had to do. That calmed me down coming out in that last inning to pitch.

We did everything we had to do to put together a win.”

Jones said, “That (home run) was a

big momentum turn in the game. That was big from a senior. We just had to fight back, and they did a good job of fighting back and giving us a lead.”

The second game was a different story, though. Once again, Long put up a big lead, scoring four runs in the bottom of the first — highlighted by RBI doubles from Dylan Register and Christian Collier.

Then Snell went to work.

“I was just making sure my pitchers were working in the pen, and I was getting my mind prepared for the game,” Snell said. “I just had to go out there and compete. My curveball was a lot better than it usually is. I felt like it was working real good today.”

The only hit Snell allowed came when Favors singled straight up the middle to lead off the second inning. But Snell fanned the next three batters he faced and finished with 12 strikeouts on the night.

Today’s game will decide who goes onto the second round, and Reeltown knows what it needs to do for it to be the one advancing.

“We gotta come out and put the ball in play, cut down our strikeouts and cut down on walks,” Jones said. “That was how they got started the first inning (of Game 2). We walked the leadoff guy, and he was the first one to score. We just have to do a better job of throwing strikes and trying to get them in and out.”

BRHS claims extra-inning victory

Spring football practice kicks off Monday for county schools

By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

There’s some excitement in the air, as the unofficial start to football season starts Monday when teams across Tallapoosa County will embark on spring practice.

“I think everybody is excited,” Benjamin Russell coach Kevin Smith said. “This is new, and this is our first kickoff. We had a great showing at our parent meeting (Thursday), so I think there is some excitement in the area.

I’m excited to see who shows up. We’ve got some new faces that have come out for the first time, and we’ve got some former

players’ little brothers that are coming up so that’ll be exciting.”

The common theme among area coaches for the first week of spring practice was simply to knock the rust off and see what could be coming in the summer.

For Horseshoe Bend especially and also Dadeville, they’ll be looking to replace a huge group of seniors. The Generals graduated more than 20 seniors, most of whom held starting positions, and the Tigers had a solid group of 11 seniors.

“We just have to put the pieces of the puzzle together, see who’s going to be able to play where, get them to work and see how it all shakes out,” Dadeville coach

Friday morning, Ryesha Whetstone, seated center, became the first girls basketball player from Central Coosa to sign with a four-year school in 25 years. She signed her letter of intent to play at Huntingdon College. “It was a hard decision, and I had several options but this was the best school for me,” Whetstone said. “It was hard picking this exact school, trying to figure out what education field I wanted to go into. It wasn’t just about basketball, I had to figure in education as well. I liked the people and how peaceful it is, plus I liked how the coaches approached me. The school made me feel comfortable.” Whetstone plans to major in sports medicine. At her signing, she was joined by, front row, from left, her mother Nieshia Whetstone, her father Ryan Whetstone; back row, her grandfather Lamar Wilson, her grandmother Sandra Wilson, Coosa head coach Syreeta McKinney and Coosa assistant coach Brent Thomas. “It’s a blessing, especially knowing that we haven’t signed a girls basketball player in 25 years,” Ryesha said. “It’s amazing. I hope this carries on to other people to let them know that it can be done. I worked hard to get to this point, so it’s a blessing.”

STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

File / The Outlook

Benjamin Russell’s Ethan Edwards takes part in a tackling drilling during last year’s spring practice. Spring practice begins in the area Monday.

Richard White said. “We’re kinda limited in the spring with how much time you have, but the main thing is just trying to find out who can play where and get them in those positions. You want to teach

them as much as you can to get them fundamentally sound to start the season.”

Prior to spring practice, all teams must go through three days See FOOTBALL • Page 12

Whetstone signs with Huntingdon

After going back and forth through the first five innings, Benjamin Russell and Beauregard needed extra innings to decide Thursday night’s game. Tied 2-2 heading into the extra frame, Benjamin Russell put up three runs in the top of the eighth and Beauregard responded with just one run to give the Wildcats a 5-3 win.

Shay Johnson was placed on second in the top of the eighth due to the international tiebreaker, and Asia McWaters immediately got things going with an RBI double on the first pitch of the inning.

McWaters was moved to third on a sacrifice bunt from Madi Johnson, and Taylor Harris joined her on the bases by batting into an unsuccessful fielder’s choice.

Jayme Marbury did her part by driving in a run on a groundout, and Taylor McVey drove in Harris on a single before the inning’s end.

Benjamin Russell finished with eight hits, including two apiece by Shay Johnson and Baylee Adkins. McWaters threw the complete game, scattering only four hits. She struck out four and walked three.

Reeltown takes down Elmore County, 9-4

Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook

Scoring six runs in the bottom of the third was more than enough for Reeltown to See REBELS • Page 12

Page 12

www.alexcityoutlook.com

SPORTS CALENDAR Saturday, April 21 High school baseball Class 2A First Round Playoffs G.W. Long at Reeltown, 3 p.m., if necessary Horseshoe Bend at Ariton, noon, if necessary High school track & field Benjamin Russell, Dadeville, Reeltown in Hornet Invite at Beauregard College baseball Central Alabama at Lason State (2), noon College golf Central Alabama in District IV Championship at Duran Country Club (Melbourne, Florida) Sunday, April 22 College golf Central Alabama in District IV Championship at Duran Country Club (Melbourne, Florida) Monday, April 23 College golf Central Alabama in District IV Championship at Duran Country Club (Melbourne, Florida) Tuesday, April 24 High school softball Central Coosa at Horseshoe Bend, 1 p.m.

Dadeville at Saint James, 5 p.m.

Reeltown at Fayetteville, 6:30 p.m.

High school boys soccer Russell County at Benjamin Russell, 6 p.m.

High school girls soccer Russell County at Benjamin Russell, 4 p.m.

College baseball Central Alabama at Coastal Alabama North, 2 p.m.

College golf Central Alabama in District IV Championship at Duran Country Club (Melbourne, Florida)

Weekend Edition, April 21-22, 2018

The Outlook

Freshmen lead way to Panthers’ 12-run victory

By GRIFFIN PRITCHARD For The Outlook

Paced by a host of Panthers months removed from the PG-13 movie stipulation, Elmore County got the highlight of the night from Madison Britt, who bounced a Dadeville inside offering off the new scoreboard in leftfield.

The grand slam — her first outside of travel ball and third varsity homer of the year — induced the 10-run rule and secured a 17-5 victory over the Tigers on Wednesday.

“I saw inside and I took it,” Britt said. “(The at-bat in the fifth) she was eating me up on the inside. I saw that pitch (in the sixth), turned on it and drove it.”

The Panthers — led offensively by Eleanor Watts (5-for-5, with three runs scored and two RBIs), Hannah Rawls (2-for-3 with three runs and two RBIs to her credit) and Kelina Daniels (2-for-2 with a run and an RBI) — pushed ahead 3-0 after two.

Dadeville, however, found its heartbeat and scored four of the team’s five runs in the third.

Brittany Claybrook drew a leadoff walk, becoming the first Tigers baserunner of the night.

Makya Johnson had the team’s first hit.

With runners on first and second, Jailee Kirkland dropped

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Dadeville’s Quanesha Presley looks to get an out against Elmore County.

down a bunt that confused the Elmore County defense and allowed Claybrook to score from second. Tiffany Rice drew a walk, loading the bases.

Quanesha Presley was issued a free pass, pushing Johnson home. Pearl Huff singled and scored two, putting the Tigers up 4-3.

Elmore County tied in the home half of the third as Maci Curlee reached on an error and her courtesy runner scored on an Alyssa Beam single.

Dadeville added its last run of the night in the top of the fourth.

The hometown Panthers

Football

rattled off eight runs in the bottom of that inning to take control of the game. Following a Dadeville pitching change, Elmore County sent 10 batters to the plate and came away with seven hits and one Dadeville error.

“It helps a lot to end area play with a game like this because we know we are going to see them in the tournament,” Panthers coach Kim Moncrief said. “It gives a boost of adrenaline, a shot in the arm. Hopefully, we can take care of the things in the area tournament we need to take care of.”

continued from page 11

of conditioning, which will wrap up for Dadeville, Horseshoe Bend and Reeltown on Monday, so they’ll officially begin Tuesday. Benjamin Russell, though, is hitting the ground running with its conditioning already finished so the Wildcats will take to the practice field Monday at 3:30 p.m.

“The biggest thing I think we can get out of it is we can see where these upcoming guys are going to fit into the mold,” Smith said. “We’ll be looking at guys who were maybe on varsity last year who were role players or JV guys and see who’s going to be our depth and who’s going to be in vacated starting roles.”

Horseshoe Bend coach Josh Averett mirrored those sentiments.

“We’re just seeing who can play and who’s going to be the best fit because we have a lot of holes to fill,” Averett said.

“The first couple days, we’ll be working on fundamentals and tackling techniques, just going over everything — formations and plays. You’re trying to install as much as you can before the summer.”

Both Reeltown and Horseshoe Bend, as of Friday night, still were in the baseball postseason, so their numbers could be limited. For the Rebels, who have such success at track and field, those numbers might even be lower, but coach Matt Johnson doesn’t see that as a problem.

“With baseball and track going on, we have a lot of kids involved in that

File / The Outlook

Benjamin Russell players participate in drills during last year’s spring football practice.

Spring practice begins in Tallapoosa County on Monday.

first couple of weeks that will get a lot of reps and a lot of experience to see where they’re at,” Johnson said. “I hope for the first two weeks, we won’t have everybody out there because we’ll have a lot quality for state in track, and I hope we don’t even get the baseball guys.

“That’s part of being a small school.

We all root for each other and we’re all supportive of each toher. We get to pull for each other, so I hope they keep going.

Our numbers may be down because of that but we won’t be too far down.”

Every team’s spring practice culminates in some sort of spring game.

Benjamin Russell will host an intersquad scrimmage; Dadeville and Horseshoe Bend will both compete in a jamboree at the Generals’ place; and Reeltown is headed to Beauregard for an unusual spring game format, in which the Rebels will sort of teaming up with its jamboree opponents, who include the Hornets, Lanett and Carroll of Ozark. The details on all spring games will be published at a later date.

With runners on, Britt singled and scored Rawls. Carpenter, Britt, Madalyn Ferpes (running for catcher Mackenzie Lewis), Lela Hall (running for Curlee) Beam and Juaneka Patterson all scored.

Britt, Daniels, Beam and Rawls each drove in runs.

Curlee, who finished with eight strikeouts on the night, faced four batters in the sixth.

The last out of the top half of the inning came on a slow grounder back to the mound.

“This was exciting,” Curlee said. “We haven’t had a game like this in a while. (On the mound) I had confidence in myself and was just pitching my game.”

In the bottom of the fifth, with one out, Daniels reached base and scored. Beam, Patterson and Carpenter loaded the bases with Britt coming to the dish. The freshman ended the game with a grand slam.

“I was joking and told her I need to go out there and check to make sure we didn’t damage any of the new lights,” Moncrief said. “But she is the type of player that has home run power any time she steps up there.”

The win creates a logjam in the area standings. Dadeville and Elmore County are both tied for third.

“It’s going to come down to some tiebreakers,” Moncrief said.

Rebels

continued from page 11

beat Elmore County on Thursday, but the Rebels tacked on a trio of insurance runs to earn a 9-4 victory.

The Rebels did all of their third-inning damage on a two-out rally. With two outs immediately put on the board, Reeltown’s bats came alive. Morgan McGuire got things started with a single and she was followed by a run-scoring double from Kyndel Lee. Kayli Hornsby and Kelsey Jaye hit backto-back singles, Jaye’s plating two runs.

Katlyn Jaye then drew a walk to put two runners on, and Makenzie Baker delivered a home run over the centerfield fence to put the Rebels ahead 6-0.

In total, Reeltown notched 12 hits, including three apiece from McGuire and Hornsby. Lee smacked two doubles and drove in three runs, and Ayriana Stoneback also had two hits.

Stoneback went to work in the circle, allowing just six hits and three earned runs.

Although she walked two, she also fanned 11.

CACC struggles to find groove vs.

Wallace State

Wallace State was too much for Central Alabama Community College’s softball team to handle Thursday night in a doubleheader sweep. The Trojans lost, 8-0 and 14-4.

Over the course of the two games, CACC managed only seven hits. Ashton Field did most of the work with a pair of home runs that drove in all four of the Trojans’ runs.

Meredith McClellan also had two hits.

ALABAMA SPORTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION SPRING RANKINGS SOFTBALL RANKINGS CLASS 7A 1. Sparkman (29-3) 2. Spain Park (29-6) 3. Baker (35-7) 4. Thompson (34-6) 5. Fairhope (28-5) 6. Hewitt-Trussville (32-6) 7. Oak Mountain (22-11) 8. Bob Jones (24-9) 9. Buckhorn (15-13-1) 10. James Clemens (19-8) Others nominated: Auburn (2611), Central-Phenix City (24-15), Enterprise (26-16), Theodore (1814-1), Tuscaloosa County (20-13).

CLASS 6A 1. Gardendale (36-2) 2. Hazel Green (31-7) 3. Daphne (36-10) 4. Saraland (28-4) 5. Helena (21-6) 6. Brookwood (21-11) 7. Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa (24-6) 8. Northview (26-9) 9. Hartselle (25-9) 10. Austin (15-11) Others nominated: Athens (2012), Fort Payne (20-12-1), Gulf Shores (24-16), Pell City (23-10), Wetumpka (14-17).

CLASS 5A 1. Springville (34-5) 2. Alexandria (29-4) 3. Rehobeth (30-7) 4. Hayden (28-7) 5. Faith Academy (25-7) 6. Scottsboro (21-8) 7. Mortimer Jordan (22-14) 8. Ardmore (23-7) 9. Corner (23-14) 10. Eufaula (26-10) Others nominated: Calera (15-9), East Limestone (17-14), Jemison (21-6), Lawrence County (17-14-1), Lincoln (24-14), Moody (23-14), Russellville (17-13-1).

CLASS 4A 1. Alabama Christian (30-7) 2. Wilson (36-3)

3. Holtville (30-6) 4. Hale County (24-7) 5. Bibb County (19-7) 6. North Jackson (23-7) 7. Cherokee County (23-6) 8. Northside (27-17) 9. Tallassee (22-9) 10. Madison Academy (21-4) Others nominated: CentralFlorence (15-10), Danville (17-113), DAR (12-12), Haleyville (10-9), Westminster Christian (14-10), Winfield (19-7).

CLASS 3A 1. Plainview (26-8) 2. Pisgah (22-5) 3. American Christian (22-7) 4. Locust Fork (22-4) 5. Prattville Christian (24-8) 6. Providence Christian (24-10) 7. Wicksburg (25-6) 8. Pleasant Valley (24-13) 9. Lauderdale County (22-9-1) 10. Excel (25-9) Others nominated: Carbon Hill (22-15), Colbert Heights (269), East Lawrence (13-10-1), Elkmont (23-9-1), Geneva (23-13), Slocomb (20-16).

CLASS 2A 1. Mars Hill Bible (27-10) 2. Hatton (30-8) 3. Lamar County (22-9) 4. Reeltown (21-8-1) 5. G.W. Long (23-14) 6. Leroy (25-5-1) 7. Collinsville (22-13) 8. Ider (19-12-1) 9. Sand Rock (15-11) 10. Falkville (16-15) Others nominated: Ariton (18-12), Cold Springs (1510), Fayetteville (11-10), J.U. Blacksher (11-7-1).

CLASS 1A 1. Brantley (31-4) 2. South Lamar (21-4) 3. Sumiton Christian (20-17) 4. Appalachian (17-7) 5. Spring Garden (22-12-1)

6. Pleasant Home (11-4) 7. Kinston (13-11) 8. Sweet Water (16-13) 9. Skyline (10-12) 10. Ragland (14-13) Others nominated: Berry (17-111), Lynn (15-15), Waterloo (10-16).

AISA 1. Macon-East (49-7) 2. Pickens Academy (21-2) 3. Glenwood (40-10) 4. Autauga Academy (34-8) 5. Edgewood (31-15) 6. Clarke Prep (35-5) 7. Marengo Academy (21-14) 8. Pike Liberal Arts (17-15) 9. Hooper (19-15) 10. Crenshaw Christian (31-8) Others nominated: Abbeville Christian (17-13), Bessemer Academy (14-16), Lowndes Academy (20-11).

FINAL BASEBALL RANKINGS CLASS 7A 1. Auburn (24-5) 2. Oak Mountain (24-8) 3. Hoover (31-8) 4. Vestavia Hills (21-9) 5. Enterprise (24-9) 6. Fairhope (24-12) 7. McGill-Toolen (27-6) 8. Bob Jones (29-9) 9. Smiths Station (20-12) 10. Huntsville (20-13) Others nominated: Alma Bryant (16-9), Baker (12-10), CentralPhenix City (23-13), James Clemens (23-12), Hewitt-Trussville (25-8), Mountain Brook (21-10), Prattville (29-11), Theodore (2111).

CLASS 6A 1. Russell County (34-3) 2. Cullman (27-8) 3. Saraland (24-10) 4. Oxford (24-8) 5. Spanish Fort (24-8) 6. Austin (29-7) 7. Hueytown (26-7) 8. Homewood (25-9)

9. Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa (20-10) 10. Athens (25-9) Others nominated: Daphne (1212), Chelsea (19-10), Gardendale (19-8), Hartselle (22-15), Hazel Green (22-10), Helena (18-14), Northridge (21-11), Opelika (2013), Robertsdale (24-8), Park Crossing (18-12), Wetumpka (17-12).

CLASS 5A 1. Faith Academy (24-3) 2. Briarwood Christian (20-3) 3. St. Paul’s (22-7) 4. Russellville (22-13) 5. Boaz (24-9) 6. Calera (21-6) 7. Etowah (25-9) 8. Ardmore (18-12) 9. Sylacauga (20-5) 10. Rehobeth (16-7) Others nominated: Brooks (1813), Corner (15-14), Demopolis (16-6), Headland (22-6), Mortimer Jordan (25-11), Springville (20-10), Valley (17-11).

CLASS 4A 1. UMS-Wright (16-12) 2. Wilson (22-7) 3. W.S. Neal (20-3) 4. Hokes Bluff (19-5) 5. St. James (26-4) 6. Madison Academy (15-18) 7. Randolph (17-6) 8. Oneonta (17-9) 9. Cherokee County (15-10) 10. Andalusia (20-4) Others nominated: Alabama Christian (16-11), Dale County (13-12), Hale County (13-11), Haleyville (18-9), Holtville (23-6), Leeds (19-9), Oak Grove (1910), Satsuma (18-14), Tallassee (16-12), Trinity (19-11), West Limestone (18-13).

CLASS 3A 1. Mobile Christian (18-8) 2. Opp (19-6) 3. American Christian (15-15) 4. Gordo (19-4)

5. Piedmont (18-10) 6. Oakman (15-7) 7. Prattville Christian (19-10) 8. Wicksburg (18-9) 9. Excel (16-4) 10. Providence Christian (19-10) Others nominated: Lauderdale County (14-12-1), Plainview (127).

CLASS 2A 1. Mars Hill Bible (22-8) 2. Leroy (22-7) 3. Ariton (19-8) 4. Thorsby (21-5) 5. G.W. Long (21-10) 6. Westbrook Christian (20-8) 7. St. Luke’s (14-10) 8. J.U. Blacksher (18-7) 9. Phil Campbell (22-9) 10. Cottonwood (20-5) Others nominated: Falkville (228), Fyffe (20-4), Section (14-9).

CLASS 1A 1. Sweet Water (19-9) 2. Decatur Heritage (20-8) 3. Athens Bible (16-9) 4. Hackleburg (23-7) 5. Maplesville 18-2) 6. Brantley (20-11) 7. Millry (15-12) 8. Ragland (19-4) 9. Sumiton Christian (19-10) 10. Highland Home (18-8) Others nominated: Cedar Bluff (16-9), Coosa Christian (19-8), Gaylesville (11-5), Spring Garden (18-7), Winterboro (12-6).

AISA 1. Pike Liberal Arts (27-4) 2. Macon-East (32-7) 3. Glenwood (30-6) 4. Autauga Academy (37-5) 5. Lee-Scott (18-10) 6. Lowndes Academy (19-12) 7. Clarke Prep (28-3-1) 8. Fort Dale (23-11) 9. Tuscaloosa Academy (22-11) 10. Lakeside (21-10) Others nominated: Edgewood (20-22), Patrician (16-10).