April 5, 2018 Alex City Outlook

THURSDAY

THE SPORTS, PAGE 10 BRHS falls on Opelika walk-off homer

LOCAL, PAGE 2 LOCAL Two-vehicle accident sends at least one to hospital

Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892

April 5, 2018 Vol. 126, No. 68 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢

Faith Christian Academy closing After the announcement of Faith Christian Academy’s closing, parents are searching for a solution.

Parents search for solution, reach out to local churches for support made an announcement that caught many parents of those enrolled in the school off guard.

“FCA is now in its final year of operation and is closing under the direction of the leadership of Faith Temple. The church will be seeking new opportunities to serve the needs of our community,” Faith Temple Pastor Dixon Stark said in a prepared statement. “Faith Temple wishes See SCHOOL • Page 3

By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

Since opening its doors in 2006, Faith Christian Academy in Alexander City has been providing its student body with a curriculum that focused not only on their educational needs, but also their spiritual needs. Earlier this year, Faith Temple, the church that oversaw the operations of the academy,

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Work on Sportplex bridge to begin on Monday

By MITCH SNEED Editor

A big project that will increase the safety and maneuverability of a bridge that is used regularly is set to begin Monday.

The Alexander City Public Works Department announced Wednesday that Sportplex Boulevard inside the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex will be closed at the bridge, from the Senior Center to the coaches’ parking lot, beginning Monday.

Officials said the road will remain n closed until the bridge replacement is completed. Youth baseball and softball season is beginning, so those who will be coming to the park k should plan ahead.

Alexander City Public Works Director and City Engineer Gerard Brewer said that those who are coming to the Sportplex should consider the area that they will be going to and use the appropriate entrance. The widest accessibility would be available from the Elkahatchee Road entrance.

The project was made possible

by ALDOT using grant funds from the Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation and Improvement Program. The grant funds come with a city match, will help replace a bridge that is not as wide as the road leading up to it and is not rated for traffic like buses that often travel through the park.

“It’s badly needed,” Brewer said at the time the grant was finalized.

“When that was built, it was done like an old farm bridge would be See SPORTPLEX • Page 9

MOVING ON

Tuggle looks at next step while finishing out term File / The Outlook

Rep. Mark Tuggle, second from left, sits alongside Sen. Tom Whatley and U.S. Rep Mike Rogers at the dedication of the Our Town / Willow Point Firehouse last summer. Tuggle has completed his final session at the state house, but said he is still unsure what the future will bring. Above, the board at the Alabama State House shows Tuggle’s name on one of the last days of the 2018 session.

wife last night for two and a half hours and just relaxed,” Tuggle said. “It was the first time since January that I have ark Tuggle sat at home been able to relax like that.”

Monday and rested.

Tuggle’s daughter was in the eighth The Alabama District 81 grade when Tuggle first ran for the Representative is not seeking reelection office and is now in her third year this year, and had just completed his at Auburn. In that time, Tuggle has last session in Montgomery last week.

See TUGGLE • Page 3 “I sat on the back porch with my

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

M

Bill Nichols Vet Home receives customer experience award

Accenture CEO and Alex City native Joe Forehand tops Auburn University’s Entrepreneur Hall of Fame awards class

STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

and as chairman from 2001 to 2006.

The firm launched an extensive global rebranding campaign after splitting from Arthur Andersen and The global management consulting and professional services negotiating an arbitration process.

He also led Accenture in its IPO, firm Alexander City native Joe Forehand helped transform as CEO which raised nearly $1.7 billion on the first day. and chairman derived its name by During Forehand’s tenure as mashing together two words.

CEO, Accenture’s revenue grew “Accent on the future” became Accenture. And Accenture became by 98.5 percent, from $9.6 billion a juggernaut with Forehand, a 1971 to $13.7 billion, and its global workforce swelled from 66,000 Auburn University engineering employees to more than 103,000. graduate, guiding it through a Even more astounding, perhaps, period of significant change and growth as CEO from 1999 to 2004 See FOREHAND • Page 3

For nearly three decades, the Bill Nichols State Veterans Home has dedicated itself to meeting the needs of every veteran who comes in to the facility. Earlier this year, the facility was recognized for its hard work by being awarded the 2018 Customer Experience Award from Pinnacle Quality Insight.

In order to earn this award, Bill Nichols had to score in the top 15 percent of all surveyed facilities in the country across a 12-month span in any one of several categories.

See AWARD • Page 9

By TROY JOHNSON AU Harburt College of Business

Today’s

Weather

489.47

68 46 High

Lake Martin

Lake Levels Reported on 04/04/18 @ 5 p.m.

Low

LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443 6

54708 90050 USPS Permit # 013-080

8

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

Special / AU Photo Services

Alex City native Joe Forehand, former Accenture CEO, will be inducted into Auburn University’s Entrepreneur Hall of Fame during an awards gala tonight.

+

+ 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

Man’s decision to keep cancer a secret could impact others

Friday

74 53 Low

High

Partly sunny, 20 percent chance of showers

Saturday

64 37 Low

High

70 percent chance of showers

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

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

How to Submit Obituaries

Thursday, April 5, 2018

The Outlook

Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com Donald Campbell Staff Writer, Ext. 208 donald.campbell@alexcityoutlook.com Santana Wood Staff Writer/Pagination, Ext. 210 santana.wood@alexcityoutlook.com Advertising Sales Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Katie Wesson Retail Sales Manager, Ext. 232 tkatie.wesson@alexcityoutlook.com Scott Hardy Digital Marketing Coordinator, Ext. 231 scott.hardy@alexcityoutlook.com Rebecca Carlisle Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 rebecca.carlisle@alexcityoutlook.com Composing Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com

DEAR ABBY: I’m writing in response to the man who wants to keep his cancer prognosis secret until he nears the end (“Keeping It to Myself,” Jan. 11).

My mother was diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer that had spread to her brain.

Her dizziness is how we found out. She didn’t want to tell anyone for a while (which surprised me because she had always been a drama queen and a hypochondriac), but she ended up telling. It was the best thing she could have done.

The four of us kids were there with her through her treatments, she became much closer to the sister she had spent decades hating and she found out who her true friends were. Mom lived four years, until she finally passed in 2006.

It’s still raw for me. But I’m grateful for the time we had to get closer and share our lives.

I hope “Keeping” takes your advice and tells his friends. If he does, he may find these hard times to be some of the “best” times. That’s what my mom said. -- CLAUDIA IN

he shares his diagnosis. -- LYN IN NEW YORK DEAR ABBY: After chemo and clinical trials failed to contain my husband’s cancer, he was told he had less than a DEAR ABBY year to live. We had already Advice shared the initial prognosis with family and friends. Loved ones from near and far have visited NEW JERSEY him, called and emailed. Their DEAR CLAUDIA: Thank visits have done more for his you for sharing. I opened the quality of life than any drug, question to my readers, and and have probably extended it. like you, most -- but not all -He has also made once-inagreed with my answer. Read a-lifetime trips this past year on: with siblings, which would not DEAR ABBY: As a former have happened if we had waitcancer patient and licensed ed to disclose his prognosis. therapist, I’d urge “Keeping” Our adult children and grandnot to share that information if he doesn’t want to. Truth is, not children have spent more time with us and have become more all people who hear the news loving and tolerant of each will be supportive. Some will other. “Keeping’s” next two avoid him, some will pity him, years are a blessing and a gift. and others will say amazingly I hope he uses every moment inappropriate and unhelpful wisely. -- DEBRA IN TEXAS things. A prognosis of two DEAR ABBY: I was in the years is a long time for people same situation and, for me, it to react to him -- and for him was not even a choice. I felt to handle their reactions. I I had to tell everyone in our found it stressful to cope with the emotions of others as they circle. The result was a warm outpouring of support and conreacted to my situation. Until cern, even from neighbors we “Keeping” is ready, he should barely knew, which particularly be cautious about with whom

helped my wife.

I have been very fortunate.

My new treatment worked, I am now in remission, and we no longer need day-to-day support. But we have wonderful memories of people who were eager to help. We have established deeper friendships and the experience has made US more generous, too. -- MIKE IN OREGON DEAR ABBY: Your advice was spot-on. My mother was in stage 4 pancreatic cancer and refused to let me tell anyone, even her siblings. When she died, it was my responsibility to spread the news, only to be berated by everyone who loved her. Relatives and close neighbors were devastated that they hadn’t been able to have a final visit or the chance to prepare themselves for the loss. -- LISA IN CALIFORNIA 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 Mr. Charles E. Jones

Mr. Charles Martin

Mr. Charles E. Jones age 72, of Alexander City, Al. died at his residence on Wednesday, April 4, 2018. Funeral arrangements are incomplete. Final Arrangements are entrusted to Armour’s Memorial Funeral Home.

Mr. Charles Martin passed away Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at the Bethany House, Auburn, Alabama. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later

by Wright’s Funeral Home.

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

Obituaries can be submitted to The Outlook from funeral homes by e-mail at obits@alexcityoutlook.com or by fax at (256) 234-6550.

For more information, call (256) 234-4281.

ALEX CITY LAWN SERVICE Ronnie Williamson

Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

Liscenced and Insured | Free Estimates rs Experience rs Exp per erie rie ience 20 Years

Two vehicles damaged in wreck; one sent to hospital

256-749-1545 • 256-234-4298

A two-vehicle accident on Highway 280 near County Road 40 sent at least one person to the hospital and left a Dodge van and Ford SUV badly damaged. The crash occurred at about 11 a.m. Wednesday and the details of the accident were not released as a report was still being finalized.

JANITOR/MAINTENANCE TECH NEEDED

Polaris recalls 107,000 vehicles to fix defect

• Must be a fast learner and self-moƟvated.

• Plumbing, wall-patching, electrical and painƟng experience a plus.

STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

• Must be able to liŌ a minimum of ĮŌy pounds.

• Drug test and background check required.

• Must have a valid driver’s license, proper automobile liability insurance and dependable transportaƟon.

• Good communicaƟon and organizaƟonal skills required.

For applicaƟons contact April Buono 1001 Tallapoosa Street, Alexander City, AL or email resume to: hillabeetowersmgr@spm.net

HILLABEE TOWERS 1001 Tallapoosa Street Alexander City, AL

Systems Administrator Position The City of Alexander City is seeking applications for a Systems Administrator.

This position ensure that the uptime, performance, resources and security of the computers meet user’s needs. They may acquire, install, or upgrade computer components and software; provide routine automation; maintain security policies; train and offer technical support for projects.

A BS degree in Information Technology is preferred, and/or CompTIA and Microsoft certiÀcations preferred. Proven experience as System Admin, or similar roles for 3-5 years.

If interested, please contact Kathy Railey at (256) 329-6782, or resumes can be sent to: Kathy.railey@alexandercityal.gov (The City of Alexander City is an Equal Opportunity Employer)

Following a civil penalty settlement totaling $27.25 million, vehicle manufacturer Polaris has issued a recall on approximately 107,000 of its RZR XP 1000 series of offroad vehicles. The recall affects nearly 60 different models

of the RZR XP 1000 series, manufactured between 2014 and 2018 in the United States and Mexico.

These vehicles have been reported as having issues with the exhaust silencer fatiguing and cracking. Should the silencer crack, this can lead to the heat shield not properly managing the heat coming from

Celebrating 25 Years!

at Blue Creek Stop by Today!

SUN - THU 10:30am - 8:00pm FRI - SAT 10:30am - 9:00pm

Southern-Style Cuisine Catering Available from 5-500

6684 Hwy 49 South 256-825-4827

the silencer, causing damage to other nearby components and running the risk of a fire, according to the recall notice.

As part of the recall, owners of affected vehicles can take them to the nearest Polaris dealer for repairs at no cost to the owner. Affected vehicles can be identified through “Polaris” being

stamped on both the front and rear grilles, and “Polaris,” “RZR,” “XP” and “1000” decals on the side.

A complete list of the vehicles affected by the recall can be found at https://cpsc. gov/Recalls/2018/ Polaris-Recalls-RZR-XP1000-Recreational-OffHighway-Vehicles-ROVsDue-to-Fire-Hazard.

Public Meetings • Alexander City Board of Education meets on the third Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in the board office at 375 Lee St. or local school at 5 p.m.

• Alexander City Council meets on the first and third Mondays of each month.

Meetings are held in the courtroom at the old city hall at 5:30 p.m.

• Camp Hill Town Council meets the first and third Mondays of each month.

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

• Dadeville City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. with a premeeting at 5:30 p.m. in city hall.

• Jackson’s Gap Town Council meets the second

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.

Tuesday of each month.

Meetings are held in town hall at 6:30 p.m.

• Kellyton Town Council meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the community center in Kellyton.

• New Site City Council meets the first and third Monday of the month at 5 p.m. in the Conference Room in the Town Hall.

• Ray Water Authority meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Ray Water Authority Office.

• Tallapoosa County Board of Education meets on the second Monday of each month. Meetings are held in the new central office at 679 East Columbus Street, Dadeville, AL 36853.

• Tallapoosa County Commission meets the second Monday of the month at 9 a.m. in the courthouse in Dadeville, with a pre-meeting also open to the public 30 minutes before each regular session.

Thursday, April 5, 2018

Page 3

www.alexcityoutlook.com

The Outlook

Tuggle

continued from page 1

budgets over the last eight years.

“We have never had to prorate an education budget,” Tuggle said. “Before getting there, there was proration three years in a row.”

Though education might not have gotten all the funds they wanted, Tuggle said it was important their funds were not prorated.

“It was good because they could plan,” Tuggle said. “It is difficult to make cuts in the middle of a budget.”

Tuggle is leaving Montgomery not doing something he wanted to do, have Forever Wild pay some form of tax on the property they own.

“I tried the last two years,” Tuggle said. “I wanted to have Forever Wild make some form of payments instead of tax. They pay no taxes, nothing for education. The issue will have to be

been to eight regular sessions at the Alabama State House and has his share of things he is proud of.

“I passed a bill to allow for nonprescribed Epipens to be in schools,” Tuggle said. “It was important. A child’s first allergic reaction often occurs at school. Nurses were having to make a decision to use someone else’s. My bill allowed non-prescribed Epipens to be available and stocked at the schools.”

The state representative feels he has helped Tallapoosa County recruit industry.

“We have good industrial access thanks to grant money,” Tuggle said.

“Central Boulevard in the Russell complex was done thanks to a grant. It was one of the largest in the state at the time for industrial access.”

Tuggle is also proud of the education

addressed at some point because rural areas and the Black Belt are where most of the property is.”

Tuggle explained he was not able to get the required 63 votes in the House to get the issue to a vote of the people for a constitutional amendment.

Tuggle might be finished casting votes in the house chamber, but his work is not done.

“I am in my seat until November,” Tuggle said. “I will still help with grants for industrial access, the municipalities in my district and to help fire departments with federal grants. I am also working on the renovations to the National Guard Armory in Alexander City.”

Derrick Blythe (R), Joyful “Joy” Johns (R), Terry Martin (R), Ed Oliver (R) and Jeremy Jeffcoat (D) are seeking election in the June primary

and November General elections to be Tuggle’s replacement.

The book is not yet finished on Tuggle.

“I am closing that chapter in my life,” Tuggle said. “I don’t know what the next thing will be. I have three to four opportunities that I am excited about. It is hard to pull the trigger because I am still in office. One or two may still be in the political arena and the others are corporate. I am not sure what I am going to do next.”

No matter what, Tuggle is going to take a little time to before starting the outline on the next chapter but promises to give it his best.

“I am going to wind it down for a little bit,” Tuggle said. “I always put 100 percent into being a good husband, a dad or whatever it is I do.”

Forehand

continued from page 1

was the fact that Accenture’s total return to shareholders was 74 percent during a time when the S&P 100 Index decreased 14 percent.

Those achievements helped make Forehand an easy selection for induction into the Auburn University Entrepreneur Hall of Fame. Forehand and other alumni business leaders will be honored at an awards gala hosted by Auburn’s Harbert College of Business on Thursday, April 5, at 6 p.m. at The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center.

The Hall of Fame gala will honor university alumni who have built companies from the ground up or helped them achieve unprecedented growth and success.

“Auburn University has a proud history of producing business leaders and entrepreneurs who drive inspiration, innovation and transformation,” Harbert College Interim Dean and Regions Bank Professor Joe Hanna said.

In addition to inducting Forehand into a Hall of Fame that includes former Stryker Corporation CEO John Brown and Simulations Plus Founder Walter Woltosz, the Harbert College will present Entrepreneur and Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards. The Entrepreneur of the Year Award winners are The Broadway Group founder Bob Broadway and Tara Wilson Agency CEO Tara Wilson. Elite Transit Solutions CEO Michael Johnson will receive the Young

Entrepreneur of the Year Award, which is presented to outstanding business leaders who are less than a decade removed from graduation.

Broadway, a 1991 Harbert College alum, leads a firm that specializes in retail development for national tenants, including Dollar General, McDonald’s, AT&T, Fastenal and Michelin. The Huntsville-based company’s annual revenue exceeds $80 million. Broadway’s ventures also include a general contracting firm, Broadway Construction Company, and Broadway Investments, an investment property firm with commercial real estate and office property holdings in 14 states.

Wilson, a 1997 Harbert College graduate, founded a Fort Worth, Texas-based experiential marketing firm that ranked No. 901 on the 2017 Inc. magazine list of the nation’s 5,000 fastest-growing companies.

Her agency provides strategy, insight, ideation, event production and management services for companies seeking to improve brand engagement. Clients have included Samsung, Nike and Ann Taylor.

Johnson, a 2008 Harbert College graduate, serves as CEO of a fast-growing third-party shipping and logistics management services provider based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Elite Transit Solutions also earned recognition on the Inc. 5,000 list, ranking 697th in revenue growth and reporting $7.3 million

in revenue. The company offers sales and operations planning, marketing strategies and proprietary automation-centric software, which minimizes opportunities for human error. Elite Transit Solutions’ focus on automation has enabled the company to reduce driver idling time, reducing CO2 emissions.

The company has also solidified its commitment to sustainability by going paperless, providing electronic training for employees and keeping records on computers and tablets.

Know that the people protecting your home are licensed by the State of Alabama.

Licensedsecurity.org Do have a home security system?

Are you licensed in Alabama?

School to acknowledge the contributions made to FCA’s success by many in our community. The church also wishes to extend its gratitude to our excellent teaching and administrative staff who has given leadership and guidance to the school and provided an excellent academic and spiritual environment for its students. Faith Temple also thanks the parents for their support and the many families who have entrusted their children to the school through the years.”

When Faith Christian Academy first opened its doors in 2006, 13 students took advantage of this educational option.

Enrollment has steadily grown at the school, reaching its current level of 83 enrollees. Along with a strong academic curriculum, Stark said the academy offered its students plenty of opportunities for spiritual growth, including Bible classes, devotional convocations and inspirational programs, which helped lead a number of students to accept the Lord while enrolled.

In response to this sudden announcement, parents who expressed their concern with the school closing met at Flint Hill United Methodist Church in mid-March, voicing their thoughts and searching for answers to the issue.

“When this happened, it came about really quickly, so a number of concerned parents and I came together in a special meeting to talk it out and try to find a solution,” Flint Hill United Methodist Church Pastor John Hill, who also has children enrolled in the academy, said. “We have all been brainstorming up what would be viable opportunities for this.”

Over the past couple of weeks, Hill and the parents of around 60 children who are either enrolled at Faith Christian or were considering enrollment have been doing their due

continued from page 1

diligence to find a solution to this issue. In the process, Hill has been reaching out to local churches looking for support and also perhaps a facility where the school could be moved to in order to continue.

“All of the churches I’ve talked to have expressed an interest in supporting this,” he said. “We see the need in the community for

having a well run Christian school teaching students values and morals on a Biblical-based model.”

While he could not give any specific comment on any potential solutions he and other parents had come up with, Hill felt comfortable there would be an answer coming soon.

“We don’t have a lot of time, but we’re working as

Life has a

button

Chuck Reynolds Bankruptcy Attorney

35 Years Experience

116 N. Lanier Ave. Lanett, AL

149 Main Street Alexander City, AL

334-644-3042

256-329-1333

chucklaw.net

diligently as we can,” he said. “I think we’ll have a pretty good idea of where we’re going within the next 30 days.”

It’s Your

Lucky Day!

Only on April 13th!

chucklaw.net

*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. “We are a debt relief agency and we are here to help you.”

FREE CONSULTATIONS

APRIL

“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.”

Subscribe to one of the 10 Newspapers Who Do It Right

WINDOWS Custom Made For Your Home Vertical Sashes Tilt In For Easy Cleaning

SINGLE HUNG White

$

289

OFF

DOUBLE HUNG

With This Ad

White

$

389

INSTALLED INCLUDES LOW E ARGON

INCLUDES: Low E Glass Argon Filled Insulated Glass Custom Built • Exterior Maintenance-Free Trim Professional InstallaƟon • 20-Year Warranty

AIR TIGHT WINDOWS (334) 332-9650

136

year

Subscribe and receive a $25 gift card from one of the following businesses: Lake Martin Pizza, Piggly Wiggly, Winn-Dixie, or The Coffee Corner.

10%

INSTALLED NO LOW E ARGON

Only

$

Make Your Windows Great Again!

Pay by phone, come by the of¿ce, or email to subscriptions@alexcityoutlook.com

• Renewals • New Subscriptions • Extensions (Pre-paid Subscriptions Only)

548 Cherokee Road Alexander City, AL 256.234.4281

Opinion

MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213

editor@alexcityoutlook.com

EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed

Page 4

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Our

View

Let’s help end abuse of children

A

pril is Child Abuse Prevention Month.

But raising awareness for this problem should be a constant thing, not just something that we bring to the forefront this month.

Child sex abuse is a very real problem in our area, the state and in our country.

Headlines about arrests in cases involving alleged sexual abuse of children, many of whom are very young, seem to be a regular occurrence. We all need to do our part to raise awareness and stop this sick, criminal behavior by adults who prey on children.

Here in our area alone, officials with the Tri-County Advocacy Center says last year alone they dealt with about 300 cases involving 500 children. That meant there were 212 forensic interviews done and 728 therapy sessions completed.

Consider these facts: • In Alabama, the age of consent is 16 and you are considered an adult when you turn 18. Any contact that could be deemed sexual in any way by an adult with a child under that age is abuse. Plain and simple.

• One in seven girls and one in 25 boys will be sexually abused by their 18th birthday.

• Nearly 70 percent of all reported sexual assaults, occur to children ages 17 and under.

• About 90 percent of children who are victims of sexual abuse know their abuser.

• Approximately 30 percent of children who are sexually abused are abused by family members.

That’s tough stuff to take. Those statistics are very difficult to stomach. For anyone who has a child, they are enough to get your blood boiling.

Children don’t always report the abuse right away because they are afraid, have been threatened or don’t think they will be believed.

It’s our duty to protect our children. We must talk with them and make sure they understand that regardless of what they are told, they should communicate with those they trust if anyone does something to them that makes them feel uncomfortable.

Conversations like these are not easy, but they need to happen.

This behavior is criminal and if you suspect it, you need to report it to law enforcement.

Our children are a precious resource.

Let’s all do our part to raise awareness and stop this disturbing behavior.

Outlook

Newsprint supply is tightening, and you are affected

T

he paper used to print The Outlook you hold in your hands cost 10 percent more than it did just a few weeks ago – and is likely to cost as much as 40 percent more in coming months, newspaper industry experts predict.

In what sounds like a farfetched scenario, tightening American newsprint supplies could threaten newspapers’ ability to print at all, the same experts say.

Forces beyond the control of Tallapoosa Publishers – and thousands of community newspapers like us across America – are to blame.

Right now, we are doing better than most, with an ample supply of paper and managing well. We hope this continues, but in the future, our readers may see a few things as a result: Fewer pages. For the past several years, our smallest weekday edition has been 12 pages. On light advertising days, you may see that drop to 10 pages.

Subscription prices. For the past few years, we’ve kept prices steady for mail delivery of our newspaper.

We hope to hold the line of our prices, but you never know what the future may hold.

Repackaged non-local content. We will work harder than ever to provide news about Tallapoosa County that you cannot find elsewhere. That will not change. As we further maximize local news content, we may give you brief coverage of state and national events rather than long wordy stories. We feel that we are a local paper and that will always be a priority for us.

Added online features.

As you know our news staff has been recognized as national leaders in online innovation. So, look for more videos, documents and online features so that you can get even more

STEVE BAKER President & publisher detailed information if you want it, while our printed stories will be dedicated to clear, concise reporting of the news with the most compelling images we capture each day.

Why is newsprint less abundant and becoming more expensive? Two reasons: one long in the making, the other recent.

Because of the struggles of big-city newspapers, newsprint consumption in America has decreased 75 percent over the past two decades. As demand dropped, many American newsprint mills closed or converted to making other paper products.

In 2014, we lost an International Paper Mill in Courtland, Alabama as well.

Newsprint mills in neighboring Canada filled supply gaps as domestic production capacity dwindled. The result was market equilibrium and stable newsprint prices for much of the past decade – until last summer, when a small, hedge fund-owned newsprint mill in faraway Washington State caused a market jolt that no one saw coming.

North Pacific Paper Co., or NORPAC, complained to the U.S. Department of Commerce and the International Trade Commission that Canadian producers were violating trade laws by receiving government loan assistance and harvesting trees on government land – advantages that allowed them to sell paper in the United States cheaper than American mills could. No other paper manufacturers have complained.

Pending results of

an investigation that is ongoing, preliminary duties against Canadian producers of 7 percent to 10 percent began in January, followed by an additional 22 percent in March. Major newsprint makers, most of whom have mills in both countries, have announced major price increases in response.

For the record, all of the papers owned by Tallapoosa Publishers is printed almost entirely on paper made in South Carolina by a company called Resolute.

Community newspapers like ours represent a sliver of newspaper demand.

Despite still-healthy print readership, we alone cannot create enough demand to stimulate the U.S. newsprint market and bring shuttered mills back to life. Yet our need for newsprint to fulfill our obligation to readers is as enduring as that of the Washington Post or New York Times.

How can you help? If you are so inclined, call Doug Jones, Richard Shelby and Mike Rogers and ask them to take a stand for community newspapers.

You or I cannot express an opinion to the Department of Commerce or International Trade Commission, but senators and representatives can. Jones can be reached at 202-224-4124, Shelby at 202-224-5744 and Rep. Rogers at 202-225-3261.

We are working hard with other community newspapers and industry partners to prevent that from happening, but we’ll be ready if it does.

If you would like to learn more, go to a question and answer document that could help you understand some of the issues we face at this web address: https://issuu. com/tallapoosapublishers/ docs/april_4__2018_alex_ city_outlook Steve Baker is the president and publisher of Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.

Officials

Jim Nabors

Bobby Tapley

Buffy Colvin

Letter to the Editor

Scott Hardy represents District 3. His phone number is 256-4962450. His address is 549 Sleepy Hollow Drive, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Parks and Recreation committee.

A climate apocalypse now? Not yet

Scott Hardy

Eric Brown represents District 4. His phone number is 256-3972011. His address is 1421 Parrish Drive, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Public Works committee.

Eric Brown

Tommy Spraggins represents District 5.

His phone number is 256-234-3609. His address is 1539 College Street, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of Finance committee.

Tommy Spraggins

Tim Funderburk represents District 6.

His phone number is 256-825-2993. His address is 1431 River Oaks, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of Utilities committee.

“When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.”

—Confucius

Today’s

Scripture

“In Christ we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace” —Ephesians 1:7

alexcityoutlook.com

Daily Poll Wednesday Question: Do you use Central Boulevard in the Russell campus on a regular basis?

No — 72%, 21 votes Yes – 28%, 8 votes

Thursday Question: Will the temporary closing of a portion of Sportplex Boulevard be of inconvenience to you?

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

Opinion?

Buffy Colvin represents District 2. Her phone number is 256-750-0663.

Her address is 786 I Street, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Buildings and Property committee.

Quote

What’s your

Bobby Tapley represents District 1. His phone number is 256-3920344. His address is 1821 LaVista Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Public Safety committee.

Today’s

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

Know Your Jim Nabors is mayor of Alexander City. His phone number at city hall is 256-329-6730 and his home number is 256329-1320 His address at city hall is 4 Court Square; Alexander City, AL, 35010. His home address is 1695 Magnolia Street Alexander City, AL, 35010.

Thursday, April 5, 2018

The

Tim Funderburk

Dear Editor, OK, I’ve tried to keep quiet about this issue of climate change because the average person doesn’t seem to believe there is anything to it and I really don’t like to argue, but sometimes we have to say something.

98% of scientists and experts in the field believe in climate change and Cal Thomas is not a scientist; so excuse me if I have to disagree with him.

Now, let me ask you this: if climate change isn’t real, what harm would it do to help protect the Earth’s natural resources? But if it is real, at least we can look forward to a few more years since it seems to be progressing

a lot faster than originally thought.

Aquifers are running low in the West because of both over population (we aren’t like other species and have a stopping point) and lack of snowfall in the mountains recharging their aquifers.

There are changes in weather patterns such as higher heat (climate is over time – not in one day), colder winters in some places as well as increased flooding. The glaciers are melting…sorry folks but that is real and if you ever get a chance to see one, they are awesome.

Some farmers are having problems trying to figure out when to plant because weather is changing.

Has anyone thought about the future in this country?

Come on folks, look around.

We used to have large areas without houses… population is here and expanding daily.

Everyone has a car and their children have cars plus some have an extra car for breakdowns. Houses are getting larger and larger … who needs that large of a house?

Oh, that is right, let’s keep up ahead of the Joneses.

Let’s protect this earth for the coming generations. It won’t hurt, I promise. Just a little sacrifice for our grandchildren to be able to see national parks instead of letting the oil companies’ drill all over them.

Thank you for letting me vent.

Judy Palfray Dadeville

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

Send us your thoughts today!

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.

Thursday, April 5, 2018

CommunityCalendar Need Insurance?

Call me.

Today is

Submit calendar items:

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

Today’s Birthdays

Zye Jones, Trent Russell, Jakzayus Tuck, Calvin Murray, Rozene Underwood, Quondarrious Brown, Kasey Jordan, Tylanda V. Buckner, Trent Hutchinson and Kasey Woodruff are celebrating their birthdays today.

April 5, 2018 Today’s Events

Page 5

www.alexcityoutlook.com

The Outlook

BOOK SIGNING: E. Paul Jones will be at the Adelia M. Russell Library Thursday, April 5 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. to sign his book “To Kill a Preacher: A tale of Voodoo, Death and Insurance.”

Today’s Anniversaries

Mr. and Mrs. James Harry celebrate their anniversary today.

–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

256.234.3481 KarenChannell.com

Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

dB

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

John Sandlin, left, of Jacksons Gap returns a pigeon to Wes Howell and his wife Saturday in Alexander CIty. The pigeon, a Racing Homer, was on its way from Clanton to Monticello, Florida when it stopped at Sandlin’s house. After some searching

by Sandlin and the Outlook, Howell was reached, who owned the bird and arranged to get the bird back home.

Friday, March 6

MOVIE: The Mt. Vernon Theatre in Tallassee is showing the movie “The Fault in Our Stars” March 6.

April 6-8

GREASE: The Dadeville High School Theater program is producing “Grease” April 6 at 7 p.m., April 7 at 7 p.m. and April 8 at 3 p.m. at the Dadeville High School auditorium.

Saturday, April 7

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

BIANNUAL MEETING: Holly Springs Baptist Church Cemetery Association of Coosa County will have their biannual meeting at 10 a.m. at the church. All members please attend.

QUAIL FRY: The Lake Martin Area United Way is hosting its 3rd Annual Quail Fry April 7 at the The Stables at Russell Crossroads. The event includes fried quail, sides, a shrimp boil and shrimp gumbo. There will be a baked goods sale, auction and music.

Tickets are $30 a person or $35 at the door. Doors open 5 p.m. and food will be served at 6 p.m. Tickets are available at the United Way office or in Dadeville at Valley National Bank, formerly USAmeriBank.

Call 256-329-3600 for more information.

BOATER SAFETY CLASS: ALEA Marine Patrol is hosting a free boater safety class April 7 at 8 a.m. at The Ridge Marina.

GOSPEL SINGING: The Kingsmen Quartet will be in concert at the Union Grove Baptist Church on Old Columbus Road in Opelika Saturday, April 7 at 6 p.m.

The concert is free but a love offering will be taken. If you have any questions please call 334-750-3948.

FOUNDERS DAY LUNCHEON: The Central Alabama Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc is holding its 16th Founders Day Luncheon Saturday, April 7 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Bledsoe Family Community Center on Lashley Road in New Site. The event will celebrate Entrepreneurs/Business and Professional Women in Red, Moving Forward with a Purpose.

All are invited to attend. A donation of $30 is requested and children under 12 is $20.

Tickets can be purchased from Shirley Shelton at 256-215-3839, Jeanette R. Thomas at 256-504-2501 or Catherine P. Thomas at 706-6894621.

Sunday, April 8

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

PRODUCTION: The Mt. Vernon Theatre is hosting Erma Bombeck’s “At Wit’s End” April 8.

PASTORAL APPRECIATION: New Popular Spring Baptist Church in Dadeville is celebrating the 2nd Pastoral Appreciation honoring Rev. Richard D. Jacobs and Family Sunday, April 8 at 2:30 p.m. The guest minister is Rev. Dr. L.L. Jacobs and the Kelly Springs Baptist Church in Munford.

Everyone is invited.

EASTER CANTATA: Red Ridge United Methodist will present its Easter Cantata Sunday, April 8 at 9:30 a.m.

Red Ridge is located at 8091 County Road 34 in Dadeville.

MUSICAL: Jacksons Gap Baptist Church is hosting a musical “He is Lord” Sunday, April 8 at 6 p.m.

Monday, April 9

YARD SALE: Jacksons Gap Baptist

Church is hosting a yard sale to benefit a youth camp and other projects Monday, April 9 from 6:30 a.m. to noon.

For more information or to rent a table call 256-307-7417.

April 10-11

SPRING SALES: The Collective Goods Spring Sales event to benefit Russell Medical will be April 10 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and April 11 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Community Room at Russell Medical.

Thursday, April 12

AIN’T MISBEHAVIN: Alexander City Arts is hosting “Ain’t Misbehavin,” Thursday, April 12 at 7 p.m. at the BRHS Auditorium. It is a tribute to African-American musicians of the 1920s and ‘30s who were part of the Harlem Renaissance.

BOOK TALK: Author John M. Taylor will be at the Dadeville Public Library on Thursday, April 12 to talk about his new book, “Union at All Costs: From Confederation to Consolidation.”

The event begins at 2 p.m. and is open to the public. For more information, call the library at 256-825-7820.

Saturday, April 14

SACRED HARP SINGING: The annual Futral, Nelson and Henry Memorial Sacred Harp Singing is Saturday, April 14 at Smyrna Primitive Baptist Church on Highway 83 east of Goodwater. Singing begins at 9:30 a.m. with a covered dish lunch at noon.

Singing resumes in the afternoon.

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

Now-April 15

TAX FILING ASSISTANCE: VCCA is offering free tax and electronic tax filing assistance at their office on Highway 280 next to the Karen Channell State Farm Insurance Office. The service is designed to assist seniors over 60 and those under 60 with incomes less than $54,000.

Taxpayers will be assisted in the order they are registered.

Volunteers will be available Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Please arrive an hour before closing.

Sunday, April 15

QUARTERLY MEETING: The Tallapoosee Historical Society will hold its quarterly meeting Sunday, April 15 at 2 p.m. The meeting will be at the Historical Museum on the square in Dadeville.

Matt Campbell will share experiences of his grandfather Brig. Gen. William E. Broughter and a book Campbell wrote “The Long Dark Road.”

Admission is free and refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the program. For further information contact the Society’s President Danny Hayes at 256-825-7535.

WOMEN’S DAY: Haven United Methodist Church is hosting Women’s Day Sunday, April 15 at 2:30 p.m. The guest speaker is Rev. Marilyn Benson and pastor of Haven United Methodist Church is Rev. Percy Nolan.

April 16-18

CHURCH REVIVAL: The Almighty God Baptist Church in Goodwater is hosting spring revival services April 16 to April 18 with services at 7 p.m.

The guest minister and church is Rev.

Michael Strong, pastor of Kellyton Chapel UMC. Rev. Lorenzo Caldwell is pastor of Almighty God Baptist Church.

Thursday, April 19

SENIORS ALIVE: Guy Anderson will be at Lake Pointe Baptist Church on Highway 50 in Dadeville Thursday, April 19 to share a mixture of comedy and a serious message for senior adults. Churches are asked to sign up to bring crock pots of soup or desserts

by Monday, April 9 by calling 256-8254441. This presentation is a ministry and fellowship opportunity of the Tallapoosa Baptist Association.

SENIORX: Deborah Jones, SenioRX coordinator will be at the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce April 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to help seniors determine if they are eligible for assistance with diabetic supplies, liquid supplements and medications.

For more information contact Deborah Jones at 1-800-361-1636 or 256-761-3575.

THE MEADOWS ASSISTED LIVING

2712 Washington Street Alexander City

256-234-0800

SEE ME FOR INSURANCE

Saturday, April 21

FAMILY FESTIVAL: The Coosa County Family Festival, Keeping Coosa Connected will be April 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Coosa Central High School. Over 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 256329-3600.

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. Contract Glenda Briley at 256-566-9685 to host or decorate a table.

KLASSIC KRUISERS: The 17th Annual Klassic Cruisers Car Show is Saturday, April 21 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. across from the New Site City 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 d.j. will be playing 50s music.

Proceeds benefit the community including the New Site Fire Department, the New Site Ambulance and the Daviston Fire Department.

There will be a pancake breakfast at 6 a.m. at City Hall.

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

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 Trinity Campus on Highway 280.

Proceeds will benefit local and global mission projects.

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com

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

The Outlook

Thursday, April 5, 2018

Thursday, April 5, 2018

The Outlook

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Page 7

Page 8

www.alexcityoutlook.com

The Outlook

Thursday, April 5, 2018

Thursday, April 5, 2018

Award

continued from page 1

During this time period, the veterans’ home qualified in the category of overall satisfaction, showcasing its dedication to making sure all veterans at the home are taken care of to the best of the staff’s abilities.

In a prepared statement, Bill Nichols Administrator Angela Rose said receiving this award was an honor, and that it is a great privilege to be able to care for the veterans who come through the facility’s doors.

As a way to make sure they are meeting the needs of the veterans at Bill Nichols, staff members hold monthly telephone interviews with residents and family members, asking open-ended questions and allowing the interviewees the chance to rate the facility in certain areas. The veterans’ home then uses the information gathered from these monthly surveys to have a clearer picture of where residents feel the facility could improve and what things it is doing well, in order to maintain the best care possible for those at Bill Nichols.

Pinnacle Quality Insight is a customer service firm that works with healthcare providers in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, conducting approximately 150,000 phone-based surveys every year in order to measure customer satisfaction.

The Outlook

Page 9

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Local libraries prepare for National Library Week

By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

Joining other libraries across the nation, the Adelia M. Russell Library and Mamie’s Place Children’s Library will be celebrating National Library Week from April 8-14.

This year’s theme for National Library Week is “Libraries Lead,� encouraging the public to remember the many services libraries can offer patrons, leading them to a new course or new experiences in life.

National Library Week was started in 1958 and was created as a way to celebrate the life-changing work of libraries and librarians. To some, libraries may simply be a place for quiet studying or a place to find books, but to others, it is much more than that, instead improving themselves through resources they can easily find and access at their local library. “We are trying to make sure people are aware of the many services we have available for them here,� Library Director Amy Huff said. “The library helps lead our community by advocating for widespread access to crucial services and lifelong learning. Libraries level the playing field for people of any age who seek information and access to technologies to improve their quality of life.�

Among the multitude of offerings available to Russell Library patrons are computer classes, the English Learner’s

File / The Outlook

Adelia M. Russell Library and Mamie’s Place Children’s Library will be celebrating National Library Week from April 8-14.

Club and the recent addition of a digital magazine collection, where patrons can browse their favorite magazines on technological devices and keep them for as long as they desire. “We’re preparing for another round of our computer classes,� Huff said. “Our English Learner’s Club is very well attended. We recently added a new app so

people can browse our catalog or simply find out what’s happening at the library, and we encourage people to download it and use it.�

Along with these additions to the library, Huff added that the staff is always there to help in various ways, including offering a computer lab where people can prepare for online tests, proctoring tests for people taking online education courses and helping people download e-books onto a multitude of devices. “We had one woman come in the other day, asking about Facebook. She said she didn’t fully understand it and wanted to know more,� Huff said. “We first told her she could Google about social media, but then we did some searching and found a book in our collection about Facebook and social media.�

Over the past year, Huff said the circulation and patronage at both Russell and Mamie’s Place have been increasing, which is an encouraging sign. Building off of this information and tying in with this year’s National Library Week theme, both libraries will offer patrons the opportunity to share about their experiences at Russell or Mamie’s Place, finishing the sentence, “The library led me to....� “We’ll be asking patrons what the library has led them to,� Huff said. “We would love for everyone to take advantage of all the things we have to offer.�

Sportplex built. It certainly wasn’t we are seeing now that built for the kind of traffic the park has grown in

HIGH SPEED INTERNET UNLIMITED No Hard DATA Limits

800-266-4409 pbsinternet.com Promo Code: 3227 * If you exceed your monthly plan data, speeds will be reduced.

continued from page 1

popularity like it has.�

Signage at the bridge shows that it is rated for 10-ton capacity. A standard school bus with no passengers weighs almost that much.

With teams, bands and equipment frequenting the facility, replacing it was a priority, Brewer said.

Birmingham-based general contractor Walker Patton was awarded the bid in December. The cost of the project is expected

to be $438,000 and the city’s match will be about $65,000.

Brewer said that if all goes according to plan, construction should be done well before football season begins.

The project is slated to take 45 working days and the city has already taken care of prep work including moving pipes that could have been in the way during the construction process.

EARN WHILE YOU LEARN! Apprenticeship Programs Help YOU Land YOUR Dream Job! ‡ (DUQ D VDODU\ ZKLOH OHDUQLQJ D VNLOOHG WUDGH ‡ 2EWDLQ D WUDQVIHUUDEOH FUHGLW ‡ )LHOGV LQFOXGH PDQXIDFWXULQJ FRQVWUXFWLRQ KHDOWKFDUH ,7 DQG 025( ‡ ,QFUHDVH \RXU VNLOOV DQG HDUQ KLJKHU ZDJHV )RU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ YLVLW

JOBLINK.ALABAMA.GOV

Funding provided by the USDOL, ETA, Federal WIOA. An Equal Opportunity Employer/Program.

Auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

Commercial/Residential Property For Sale By Owner

Prime business location at 2412 College Ave., Jackson, Ala. 36545.

Beautiful Love Newton Pugh Home, Built in 1910. Check Google Earth, Price: About $500K.

Call Patrick (256) 653-3944

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

Page 10

www.alexcityoutlook.com

ANDY GRAHAM Columnist

Sports Outlook The

Thursday, April 5, 2018

HEARTBREAKER

Do I smell potpourri? Wildcats fall on Opelika walk-off homer

T

he first week of April is always a massive convergence of overlapping material relating to the world of sports.

It sets up a perfect opportunity to do another potpourri column with a little dash of this and a little sprinkle of that. I might even throw in some of those scented woodchips for good measure.

Is potpourri even still a thing or was that a fad in the 90s? Oh well, that’s neither here nor there.

Bruce Pearl got an emphatic vote of confidence last week from new Auburn University athletic director Allen Greene and new AU president Steven Leath. Basically, they said Pearl would “absolutely” be Auburn’s coach next season unless something new and unforeseen comes of the ongoing FBI investigation into college basketball.

My only question is… What took so long?

I realize a lot of people don’t like Bruce Pearl for a myriad of reasons, but he is an incredible asset to Auburn University. Unless he’s caught on tape handing out bags of cash to recruits, he deserves a contract extension immediately.

The Auburn baseball team dropped two of three to Missouri over the weekend at Plainsman Park and fell from No. 9 to No. 15. The Tigers are 22-7 overall and 4-5 in the SEC. The conference has 10 teams ranked in the top 22 which is, far and away, the most of any league in the country. Every week is going to be a challenge, but not taking care of business at home is very disappointing.

Auburn surrendered five unearned runs in the two losses, which is a very disturbing trend. The Tigers have made 28 errors so far this season which is fifth most in the SEC. The teams Auburn faces week in and week out are too good to give extra outs. The margin for error is far too slim (pun intended).

The Auburn softball team took two of three from Ole Miss in Oxford over the weekend and improved their record to 33-7 overall and 7-5 in the SEC. Senior Kaylee Carlson and junior Makayla Martin continue to be a dynamic duo in the circle giving the Tigers a great opportunity to win every game.

Carlson’s 0.64 ERA is third-best in the entire country.

The women, refusing to be outdone by the men, boast 10 teams in the top 19. Again, every weekend is going to be a challenge.

Auburn simply isn’t as proficient as it has been in recent years at the plate, so every run is important and playing quality defense is vital.

The Tigers have the third-best fielding percentage in the SEC at .976. So far, so good.

Early April also brings about one of the most cherished events in sports which is The Masters at Augusta National in Georgia. You don’t have to be a fan of golf to appreciate the immaculate greens and picturesque scenery.

This has to be one of the most anticipated tournaments in recent memory because so many high-profile players come in to town playing so well. Dustin Johnson, Jason Day, Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson have all won tournaments already this year. Twotime Masters champion Bubba Watson won tournaments in February and March as well.

Oh yeah, and some guy named Tiger is starting to look a lot like his old self. With apologies to Jim Nantz, this has all the makings of (dramatic pause) “one for the ages.”

Andy Graham is a regular columnist for The Outlook.

STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

After pushing Opelika to extra innings by scoring a run in the top of the sixth, Benjamin Russell’s baseball team suffered a heartbreaker in its area opener, as the Bulldogs smashed a walk-off home run in the bottom of the eighth.

Benjamin Russell trailed for most of Tuesday night’s pitchers’ duel. But the Wildcats finally broke through in the sixth inning. With one out, Brooks Vardaman got things going with a single. He was followed by a double from Bradley Stewart, and Vardaman took advantage of a passed ball to score the Wildcats’ only run.

Both teams had just three hits. BRHS (8-17) got its only other single from Wilson Hays. Huel Lumpkin threw the complete game for the Wildcats, giving up just one earned run. He walked one but File / The Outlook also struck out eight.

Benjamin Russell will have another shot Benjamin Russell’s Huel Lumpkin had a strong pitching performance against Opelika, at Opelika, as it hosts the Bulldogs tonight despite taking a loss. in a doubleheader starting at 4:30 p.m. eight. a single, and with two outs, Katlyn Jaye Big start, finish bookend win for CACC smacked a two-run home run over the Scoring four runs in the first inning leftfield fence. Kelsey Jaye reloaded by TRACK AND FIELD and five in the sixth were the recipe for reaching base on an error, and Makenzie Sullivan takes second success for Central Alabama Community Baker added a two-run shot of her own at Mortimer Jordan invite College’s baseball team Tuesday night in a before the inning’s end.

Jalen Sullivan had the strongest seven-inning 11-3 victory against Coastal Reeltown added two insurance runs that performance of the day for Dadeville at the Alabama North. proved key with RBI singles from Kelsey Mortimer Jordan Invitational on Tuesday.

CACC (13-20-1) started off with back- Jaye and Katlyn Jaye in the top of the Sullivan claimed second in the long jump to-back singles from Pryce Fletcher and fourth. with a mark of 20-1.5, which was just two Gage Herring, and Fletcher scored on a Racking up 14 total hits, the Rebels inches away from the winner’s best jump. groundout by Griffin Fenn. Luis DeLeon were led by Marlee Knox, who went 3-forSkye Foster also performed well, taking kept things going by reaching on an error, 4. In the circle, Ayriana Stoneback gave up third in the girls long jump (14-11.3) and allowing Herring to score. A walk loaded eight hits but only two earned runs. She 10th in the 100 hurdles (19.37). the bases, and Mathew Radoslovich struck out seven and walked five.

Josh Taylor and Jamauri Chisolm both capitalized with a single followed by a also had a pair of top-10 finishes. Taylor double from Jeremy Almaguer.

Trojans split with Calhoun CC was fourth in the 300 hurdles and ninth in Strong hitting continued for the Trojans, After falling to Calhoun Community the 110 hurdles, clocking in at 45.04 and who racked up 12 hits and didn’t commit College, 3-2, in Game 1 on Tuesday, 17.99, respectively. Chisolm’s strength an error. Fletcher and Radoslovich Central Alabama Community College came in the throws, where he captured both went 3-for-4, and Matt Muhliesen came storming back with a 5-0 victory fourth in the shot put (40-0.5) and eighth in collected four RBIs. On the mound, eight in the nightcap. Amber Parker went the the discus (98-2). different pitchers combined to give up distance to earn the shutout victory. She Squeezing into the top five was three hits, three earned runs, four walks allowed just three hits, didn’t walk any and Andrevious Giles, who took fifth in the and eight strikeouts. shot put with a throw of 39-9.5. struck out five.

Offensively, the Trojans (28-13) finished SOFTBALL with 21 hits in the doubleheader. Sierra GOLF Easterwood led the way going 5-for-7 with Reeltown holds off Sylacauga BRHS tops Central Phenix City four doubles and three RBIs. Madison Benjamin Russell’s boys golf team After a week break, Reeltown’s softball Hudson and Shatima Smith each had hosted Central Phenix City at Willow Point four hits, while Ashlyn Perrin, Courtney team returned with a narrow 6-5 victory on Tuesday and defeated the Red Devils, Ray and Loren Bishop contributed two over Sylacauga on Tuesday afternoon.

305-346.

The Rebels (15-8-1) captured a 6-3 lead in apiece.

Leading the Wildcats was Sawyer In the first game, Easterwood had the fourth inning and had to hold off the Parks, who carded a 73. Matthew Cush a strong performance on the mound, Aggies, who scored once in the fifth and followed closely behind with a 74. also allowing only three hits. But the sixth frames.

Rounding out the top four for BRHS were Trailing 1-0 after two innings, Reeltown Trojan defense wasn’t up to par, as two Dylan Moncus and Sawyer Scott, who shot of Calhoun’s three runs were unearned. came alive with four runs in the top of 78 and 80, respectively. Tray Shockley and Easterwood walked two but also struck out Kylee Reeder also competed. the third. Morgan McGuire led off with

LOCAL SPORTS CALENDAR Thursday, April 5 High school baseball Opelika at Benjamin Russell (2), 4:30 p.m.

Horseshoe Bend at Lanett, 4:30 p.m.

Reeltown at LaFayette, 4:30 p.m.

Beulah at Central Coosa (2), 4 p.m.

High school softball Wetumpka at Benjamin Russell, 4:30 p.m.

Verbena at Horseshoe Bend, 4:30 p.m.

Dadeville at Bullock County, 4:30 p.m.

Sidney Lanier at Central Coosa, 6 p.m.

High school boys soccer

Sylacauga at Benjamin Russell, 7:30 p.m.

High school girls soccer Sylacauga at Benjamin Russell, 5:30 p.m.

High school golf Benjamin Russell at Valley, 2 p.m.

High school tennis Benjamin Russell at Wetumpka, 1 p.m.

High school track & field Benjamin Russell at Sylacauga Reeltown at Troy College baseball Central Alabama at Marion Military

Institute, 1 p.m.

College softball Central Alabama at Snead State, 2 p.m.

Friday, April 6 High school baseball Dadeville at Elmore County, 4:30 p.m.

High school track & field Dadeville in Mobile Challenge of Champions at UMS-Wright College tennis Central Alabama at Wallace State, 4:30

MARCH MADNESS CONTEST FINAL BEAT THE EXPERTS

85 Lizi Arbogast

58 Scott Hardy

Mitch Sneed

58

TOP 10 1. Megan Blake 2. Matthew Sherum 33. Douglas Livingston 44. Meredith Wingler 55. Jeremy Duerr 6. Louis Childs #1 7. Deborah Arnold 8. Susan Gamble 9. Angie & Kamden Strickland TT10. April Yarbrough, Grant McCain and Tony Arnold

1 134 1133 1131 999 996 995 993 880 669 665

*This is the final count for the March Madness Outlook Contest sponsored by Playhouse Cinemas and Papa John’s. * Highlights: Only three contestants picked Villanova to win the national championship, and no one had Michigan in the title game. 244 ppoints were possible. Megan Blake will receive details on the prize package in the coming days.

Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook

CACC recruits player for tennis team Central Alabama Community College welcomed its newest tennis player as Hewitt-Trussville’s Sarah Rushing, seated center, signed her letter of intent to play with the Trojans last week. “I wanted to go to Auburn just for school, and my family is from Auburn and I love how close it is,” Rushing said. “That’s what really made me feel comfortable with CACC because it’s so close to my family and it feels like home to me.” At her signing, Rushing was joined by, front row, from left, her father Dennis and her mother Kendra; back row, CACC tennis coach Wesley Coleman and her sister Emily.