April 6, 2017 Alex City Outlook

OPINION: WE’D LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU, PAGE 4.

THURSDAY

THE INSIDE, PAGE 2:

Bentley ethics case sent to Attorney General LOCAL NEWS FUNERAL FOR QUENTAVIOUS REESE TO BE HELD TODAY n The funeral for the young man who was killed after being shot while he rode in a car will be held today at 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Alexander City. Friends and family will honor the memory of Quentavious Reese in a special ceremony with several speakers scheduled to memorialize the Benjamin Russell High School senior basketball standout. Burial following in Alexander City Cemetery.

STRAND SESSIONS, DOWNTOWN AFTER DARK SET TONIGHT n The downtown

Alexander City area will be abuzz Thursday evening as Strand Sessions returns joining Downtown After Dark and several other happenings in the area. Downtown After Dark runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and businesses like Emporium Wine, Downtown Girl, Fermenters Market and Cloud Nine will be open. Jake’s will be open with bingo and JRs will be open as well. Sweet Gaga’s Bakery will have a grand opening as well.

ACT II is hosting an open house from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. to introduce the community to its plans for the Bama Theatre and what community theatre is about.

Beginning at 6 p.m.

Dallas Dorsey will take the stage in Strand Park for a great evening of music and time with friends.

SPORTS, PAGE 10 Wildcats win home tri-match

Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892

April 6, 2017 Vol. 125, No. 68 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢

Hospital buys Russell Retail Move means popular sportswear store will close later this year company is pleased to see the landmark building and property sold to such an important local institution and one of the economRussell Brands and Russell ic engines for the community.

Medical announced the purchase “We are pleased to announce of the Russell Retail Store propthat Russell Medical will purerty adjacent to Russell Medical. chase this property,” Humphries The property, located at the said.

“We have come together in intersection of U.S. Highway the interest of the community and 280 and Elkahatchee Road, is the hospital.

The location is ideal joined on two sides by the Russell for them, and we know the future Medical campus. of the property is in good hands.”

Clay Humphries, Russell See RUSSELL • Page 3 Brands representative, says the STAFF REPORT Russell Medical Staff

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

The Russell Retail Center is being sold to Russell Medical. The retail center was a place to purchase Russell and Fruit of Loom products.

First camp out at Horseshoe Bend Park a success

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

Horseshoe Bend National Military Park and the Tallapoosa County 4-H program partnered for the firstever camp out for children at the park last weekend.

“It was great,” Jennifer Stroud said of her and her daughter Jania’s experience. “It was our first time camping ever. We loved it.

We walked the trails and threw horseshoes.”

“It was great,” HBNMP’s Heather Tassin said. “It is the first time ever that we have done a campout with kids.”

Tassin said the park’s mission and that of 4-H See CAMP • Page 3

Storms hit, but not as bad as predicted Neighbors help repair a roof to a chicken house in New Site Wednesday afternoon following strong winds. For more photos of storm damage, see page 5.

Late afternoon storm near New Site causes county’s worst damage

By MITCH SNEED Editor

It’s better to be safe than sorry.

That should be the theme for the closures and advance preparation for Wednesday’s local severe weather threat that for the most part missed Tallapoosa County, until a band rolled through New Cliff Williams / The Outlook

See WEATHER • Page 2

Alabama Bass Trail returns to Lake Martin

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

File / The Outlook

Alabama Bass Trail returns to Lake Martin and Wind Creek State Park for the second year in a row this weekend.

Today’s

Weather

61 42 High

Low

Lake Martin

Lake Levels

489.17 Reported on 4/05/17 @ 8:14 p.m.

The Alabama Bass Trail returns to Lake Martin and Wind Creek State Park for the second year in a row this weekend.

Alabama Bass Trail’s Kay Donaldson says the event this year will be larger than last.

“We are excited about being here again,” Donaldson said. “We have a full field of 225 boats this year. Last year we had 162.”

Donaldson explained the hospitality of the area helped with the field this year and helped make the southern division of the trail popular.

“It is great working with the Chamber,” Donaldson said. “They have been very helpful with everything.

“The destination suited the anglers well last year and given the April timing we should see larger fish. I think their help along with everyone else in town help us sell out the southern division.”

Donaldson said the winning team of Caiden

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Sinclair and Ethan Flack from last year will not be at Saturday’s event as they are fishing in the Bassmaster College Series.

Donaldson said Alexander City residents should have already seen fishermen in town at area hotels and restaurants.

“They were out practicing this past weekend,” Donaldson said. “Anything they found will change with the weather.”

While the actual competition is Saturday only, Donaldson said the visitors will be in town much longer.

“Thursday and Friday will be big days as they will put in at Elkahatchee Creek, Wind Creek and Kowaliga looking for patterns that should hold for Saturday as the weather holds,” Donaldson said.

Donaldson said the boats will blast off in flights from the marina at Wind Creek State Park starting about 6:15 a.m. with the first flight due back at 2:30 p.m. with weigh ins starting shortly after.

“The last flight is due in at 4:30 p.m.” Donaldson said. “We should be finished by 5 p.m.”

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Page 2

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Collection of war letters preserves our military past

Friday

62 39 Low

High Mostly sunny

Saturday

68 43 Low

High Mostly sunny

Staff

Directory Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com Alethia Russell Staff Writer/Pagination, Ext. 210 alethia.russell@alexcityoutlook.com

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

Advertising Sales Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Emily Gregg Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 emily.gregg@alexcityoutlook.com Donna Jones Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 donna.jones@alexcityoutlook.com Scott Hardy Advertising Sales, Ext. 208 scott.hardy@alexcityoutlook.com Tabby Edwards Advertising Sales, Ext. 232 tabby.edwards@alexcityoutlook.com Composing Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com

Newsroom Amy Passaretti Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 amy.passaretti@alexcityoutlook.com Cathy Higgins Sports Editor, Ext. 228 cathy.higgins@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.

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

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

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How to Submit Obituaries

Thursday, April 6, 2017

The Outlook

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.

DEAR READERS: Today marks the 100th anniversary of America’s entry into World War I. In commemoration, I’m mentioning a special initiative to save America’s war letters.

Almost 20 years ago I wrote about a historian, Andy Carroll, who had launched a project to seek out and preserve warrelated letters as a way of honoring and remembering our veterans, troops and their loved ones.

After the column appeared, Andy was deluged with responses. Today that collection holds approximately 100,000 wartime correspondences -- from handwritten letters penned during the American Revolution and Civil War, to emails from Iraq and Afghanistan. Andy has donated the entire collection to Chapman University in Orange, California, and the project is now called the Center for American War Letters (CAWL).

DEAR ABBY Advice

This week, Andy and CAWL are kicking off an ambitious “Million Letters Campaign.”

Andy will travel nationwide speaking at public libraries, museums, VFW and American Legion posts, civic groups, places of worship, military academies and more to explain the importance of these correspondences and encourage people to share with him their own war-related letters and emails. If you know of someone who has war letters, please share this information so the stories and voices of the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our nation will be preserved.

Andy would love to meet in person anyone with letters to contribute to this “Million Letters Campaign” and is always seeking new venues. If you know of a place he should speak, email him about it. For families with letters who cannot attend, submissions can be sent to Andrew Carroll/CAWL Chapman University, One University Drive, Orange, CA 92866. (Originals are preferred, but scans are also appreciated.)

Ultimately, Andy and CAWL are seeking letters from ALL American wars, on ANY subject matter. For information on how to attend or invite Andy to your community, visit www.

WarLetters.us.

DEAR ABBY: My son, “Tom,” is a senior in high school. About a month ago, he asked a girl named “Allie” to the prom. She said yes. Allie’s mom is a hairdresser. My hus-

Case sent to attorney general’s office for potential prosecution

STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

The Alabama Ethics Commission has found that there is sufficient evidence to seek criminal charges against Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley.

After nearly eight hours in executive session, a five-member panel made the ruling. As a result the matter will be turned over to the office of Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall for potential prosecution.

The commission cited four complaints, including use of state personnel, equipment and to “further his personal interest. And, three related campaign finance violations: using campaign funds to pay the legal bills of a public official, former top political aide and alleged mistress Rebekah Mason; making a loan to his campaign outside the time he was a candidate and receiving a campaign contribution outside the time he was a candidate for governor.

One of the complaints was filed against Bentley

by State Auditor Jim Zeigler in 2016. Zeigler, a long-time critic of Bentley, filed the initial ethics report against the governor on March 25 of last year – over a year ago.

Zeigler’s complaint alleges that Bentley used state resources in his relationship with Mason and that he illegally paid Mason with a dark money group, ACEGOV. Stacy George, a state corrections officer who ran against Bentley in the 2014 Republican primary and said he filed six ethics complaints against Bentley, was also on site as a potential witness.

Images of Bentley leaving the building were posted by several news agencies Wednesday evening before the announcement was made. Bentley did not pass through the area where the media was waiting. It was unclear if he testified as Ethics Commission proceedings have the same secrecy provisions given to a grand jury.

Former Alabama Law Enforcement Secretary Spencer Collier, former Bentley chief of staff and House Speaker Seth Hammett and Secretary of State John Merrill were among the possible witnesses news organizations reported to be in

File / The Outlook

Government Robert Bentley visits Tutwiler prison last year.

the building where the commission was meeting Wednesday.

In March 2016, Collier said he had seen evidence that Bentley and Mason were having an affair in 2014, urged Bentley to end it and advised him that it would be illegal to use state resources to facilitate it.

Collier claims that Bentley forced him out as ALEA secretary because he gave an affidavit to prosecutors in the Mike Hubbard ethics case against Bentley’s wishes.

The five-person panel hearing the testimony were Chairman Jerry Fielding, Frank “Butch” Ellis, Dr. Steward Hill Tankersley, Charles Price and Beverlye Brady.

In addition to the developments Wednesday, the Alabama House Judiciary Committee has said impeachment hearings will begin April 10.

Bentley’s attorneys have complained the committee’s proposed schedule fails to provide fairness or due process to the governor. They filed an emergency motion last week asking the Judiciary Committee to meet by Wednesday to consider the governor’s due process arguments.

continued from page 1

Site late in the day.

Schools were closed, trials were delayed and several businesses decided to close their doors as three bands of showers that were expected to be capable of packing conditions that could spawn tornadic activity, hail, high winds and torrential rains were in the forecast.

Tallapoosa County Emergency Management Director Jason Moran said that the daytime storms were kind to our area. But in the late afternoon, that changed in New Site and

Daviston where several trees were down across Highway 22 and a new pole barn was destroyed and a chicken house roof was badly damaged.

People from across the community responded to Matthew Oliver’s property to help get the chicken house temporarily repaired. At one time, there were 12 people working on the roof.

“That was really a community that responded to help out a neighbor,” said Tallapoosa County Commissioner John

McKelvey. “That’s the thing about this community, when something like this happens, they really come a running to help.”

At about the same time the storm hit New Site, a massive oak tree went down by the roots on Central Avenue in Alexander City, taking down cable lines and blocking traffic on the road and causing damage to a house in the area.

Earlier in the day there were reports of hail at about 5 a.m. on Wednesday morning. That activity was

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Ethics Commission: Evidence of Bentley ethics violations found

Weather

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band and I don’t know her or her husband.

Allie’s mother has asked two different people about us.

One of them told us about it; the other I heard about secondhand. So last week I introduced myself to her at a local function.

We spoke briefly, and I told her I would be in touch. A few days ago I called to invite her out for coffee and left a message with my phone number. She hasn’t called me back. What can I do to get to know Allie’s mother better? -- PROM MOM DEAR PROM MOM: Make an appointment to have your hair done, and you’ll have at least an hour with her.

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centered in the north end of the county and around Dadeville.

“When that came through, there were a lot of leaves and debris in the roadway,” Moran said.

“But all indications are that because it was small in size, there was no significant damage associated with that band of storms.”

The weather may have also played a role in a traffic accident on Highway 22 just after 11 a.m. A FedEx delivery truck left the roadway and struck a utility pole. Lines were taken down and power was down for hundreds of residents. The driver was not injured. It appeared that water pooled on the road may have caused the driver to lose control.

The area was under Tornado Watch twice Wednesday and was part of a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for a time as well.

Moran said the weather warnings were a perfect test for the county’s new alert system where residents can receive calls or get warning via their cellular phones. About 1,200 have signed up so far, but Moran said it was obvious the network was working.

“It was a good test for sure at a time that turned out not to be as bad as originally thought,” Moran

said. “There are still a few things we need to work out, but for the most part it worked well. We hope that people will continue to sign up and take advantage of the program.”

The system is called “Tallapoosa Alert,” and is a mass notification system designed to help keep residents safe and informed with reliable notifications during emergencies and other events. To sign up to receive alerts from the system, go to www.tallaco. com, click the departments tab and select EMA. From there click on Tallapoosa Alert.

But as of 4 p.m., the area had received less than an inch of rain over a 24-hour period. It was still unclear if the night would be as kind as the area remained under tornado watch until 9 p.m.

Moran check and indicated that 19 people had taken advantage of the shelter that was set up at the Tallapoosa County Courthouse in Dadeville.

Six reportedly used the location in Alexander City.

“We certainly dodged a bullet during the day,” Moran said at about 4 p.m.

Wednesday. “The worst part of those storms either went north, south or east of us. We were being told

not to let the sunshine fool us, so we are just waiting to see what the evening brings.”

While Tallapoosa County was fortunate during the day Wednesday, other parts of the state weren’t so lucky.

An apparent tornado caused damage in southeastern Alabama.

National Weather Service meteorologists reported that a suspected tornado touched down Wednesday in Henry County, Alabama, before crossing into Georgia.

An official with the Henry County Emergency Management Agency, John Taylor, said the storm hit in an area dotted with vacation and fulltime homes around Lake Eufaula.

Power lines and trees were down, and some homes were apparently damaged. There were no reports of injuries or deaths, but emergency crews were on the scene sorting things out late Wednesday afternoon.

Tornadoes weren’t the only threat Wednesday.

The nation’s Storm Prediction Center said winds blowing to near 70 mph in places toppled trees in several locations across Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina.

Thursday, April 6, 2017

Page 3

www.alexcityoutlook.com

The Outlook

Camp

continued from page 1

worked out well for the event. “The history and interpretative program of the park went well with the outdoor programs of 4-H,� Tassin said. “We had a 1814 militia encampment set up and 4-H had archery and other things.�

Christy and Michael Champion accompanied their three children to the park this past weekend for the campout. “We really enjoyed it,�

Christy said. “The kids really enjoyed the astronomy program.�

The Champions have been around 4-H for a couple years. “We started with our daughter in the fourth grade and she is now in sixth grade,� Christy said. “We have taken part in speech contests, photography contests, cook-offs and the cookie contest.�

Stroud is happy that Jania has been taking part in 4-H activities for the last year. “She has done kayaking,� Stroud said. “She loved

camping. At the park we tried archery and horseshoe throwing. I would not trade Shane for the world.�

Tallapoosa County Commissioner John McKelvey grilled hamburgers and hotdogs but brought out wild game also to give back to a program that he grew up in. “We had a ball,� McKelvey said. “We cooked up some deer steak, deer rollup with peppers and onions, quail and I gave them some summer sausage that I make. “Some tried the wild game and liked it.�

McKelvey is no stranger to 4-H having been part of the program as a kid and is happy to help out with 4-H programs. “It is part of the youth programs that we (county commission) help sponsor,� McKelvey said. “It is something you got to do with the youth. You have to start with them there as youth to develop them because it is hard when they get to be 20 or so.�

Fifteen 4-Hers and their parents camped out at Horseshoe Bend Military National Park last weekend. The first ever campout at the park for children featured archery, horseshoes, musket firing demostrations, a militia encampment, night hike, astronomy program and a campfire with S’mores and storytelling by Harold Banks.

Russell

continued from page 1

Humphries said that plans to sell the property have been a conversation at the company for several years but when the hospital expressed interest it made sense. Announcements to the employees of the Retail Store were made on Tuesday of the company’s intent to close the store later this year. According to employees at the store, they were told that the store would remain open until Sept. 1.

According to Jim Peace, President & CEO of Russell Medical, both Russell Medical and Russell Brands view the purchase as a positive scenario for the community. “The Hospital sees this pur-

chase as an investment in the future of healthcare for our area and protects the investment we are making to the rest of our campus,� Peace said. “This property also complements the work the hospital is doing with Master Site Planning and the property would fit into future planning.�

The hospital recently broke ground to build a large primary care office building that will be the office of four family practitioners and an urgent care building on the hill behind the retail store site. “Now we will be able to take this new property into consideration for future ventures,� said Peace.

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Cliff Williams / The Outlook

The Russell Retail Center is being sold to Russell Medical. The retail center was a place to purchase Russell and Fruit of Loom products.

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MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213

editor@alexcityoutlook.com

EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Page 4

Our

View

We’d like to hear from you

A

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

Are you tired of only being able to air you opinion with friends? Why not try the public?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you have something to say about any of these questions, then the answer is a letter to the editor or a guest column. This newspaper’s editorial page is an open forum for our community and we encourage you to write us and make your opinion known. It’s free. If you need help writing, our editors will be happy to help you craft a letter. Our rules are simple: no cussin’, no libel, no slander. Basically, if you’d say it around the dinner table with your grandmother, it’s probably acceptable as a letter to the editor.

So let’s get the conversation started.

What’s on your mind?

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

Thursday, April 6, 2017

Stepping out in life on Potato Chip Rock

I

want to live every day to the fullest. I want to travel and explore and attempt new things. To me, that is the essence of living. Let me ask you a question. Are you still experiencing adventures, or, as you age is life becoming boring and predictable?

Recently while we were in California, our daughter-in-law, Jenn, told us of a place she had heard of called Potato Chip Rock. She said it was supposed to be a cool place to hike and also would provide a great opportunity for some good photos. Jane and I both like potato chips so we thought let’s check it out.

The drive took us just outside of San Diego. Potato Chip Rock is a very thin rock that juts out into space at the top of Woodson Mountain. The elevation is only 2,800 feet.

Because of the steep hike, it would feel much higher.

Before we got off of the main road to begin our hike, we stopped at a pharmacy to get a few things. The pharmacist was a nice young lady who appeared to be in excellent condition in her early 30s. I mentioned we were headed to the hiking trail to ascend to Potato Chip Rock. I asked her if she’d ever tried it. She hung her head slightly and told us she had tried it but had not been fit enough to complete the hike.

Our whole mood suddenly

to get the photos. It was a magnificent day.

We had accomplished something that few our age were even attempting. In fact, most people on the mountain that day were in their 20s and RAY WATERS 30s. Jane and I had tackled a Columnist challenge. We are not great changed. If this lady couldn’t do athletes who are in incredible it, how in the world were we, at shape. We just have a burning least 20 years her senior, going desire to attempt more, dream to do it? This was beginning to more, and try more than most. feel like a bad idea.

It was difficult but we did it!

We got back in the car and As we drove back to our with very little confidence, son’s house in Orange County, drove to the foot of the I remembered a quote from the mountain and started up the late great motivational speaker, trail. It was the hardest walk of Jim Rohm. Jim was famous for our lives. It took us over two inspiring hundreds of thousands hours and it was all very steep. of people to live their biggest Sadly we passed no one coming and best life. He said, “Let down who looked like they others lead small lives, but were remotely our age. But, not you. Let others argue over we kept walking. At times our small things, but not you. Let speed was sloth-like, but we others cry over small hurts, but continued up the path. When not you. Let others leave their we arrived at the top, then we future in someone else’s hands, realized we would have to but not you.” jump from one rock to another That day on Potato Chip to get to Potato Chip Rock!

Rock we both felt our lives At my age, I don’t jump a lot. grow a little larger. While others My wife doesn’t jump at all. sit in easy chairs and watch What were we going to do? endless hours of television, Jane We contemplated just turning and I are looking for our next around and heading down the adventure. mountain but we had come How about you? too far. We would not let this problem beat us. I navigated Ray Waters is a minister, the jump and some nice young a motivational speaker and a men from Italy helped Jane syndicated columnist. He can get across the divide. Mission be reached at ray@raywaters. accomplished! We were able com.

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.

Jim Nabors

Bobby Tapley represents District 1. His phone number is 256392-0344. His address is 1821 LaVista Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Public Safety committee.

Bobby Tapley

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.

Buffy Colvin

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.

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

Tim Funderburk

Scripture

“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”

– Philippians 4:5

alexcityoutlook.com

Daily Poll Wednesday Question: Do you have a severe weather plan?

No – 13 Yes – 10

Thursday Question: Have you visited Wind Creek State Park in the last year?

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.

Protecting our sovereignty, borders and the taxpayer

G

reat nations throughout history are those that control their own sovereignty.

Sovereignty can be defined in different ways, but starts with the freedom to act in the nation’s best interest and controlling who crosses their borders.

President Trump has made putting America first a priority for his Administration.

I fully support him in this effort and am working hard in Congress to make it a reality.

President Trump promised to build a wall on our southern border. I recently introduced legislation that will help make the wall a reality without any additional costs to America’s taxpayer.

Each year the countries south of our border benefit from an estimated $50 billion windfall from the U.S. in the

Restoration Act of 2017, which would end the United States’ involvement in the United Nations (UN).

MIKE The American taxpayer ROGERS should not have to bankGuest roll an organization that Columnist tries to infringe on our form of remittances. In 2015, Constitutional rights and supMexico received over $24 ports terrorists over our great billion in remittances sent ally Israel. from the United States.

The United States does My bill, H.R. 1813, the not need the permission of Border Wall Funding Act of the UN to defend our values 2017, would impose a fee and freedoms. I believe we on remittance transactions to should put America first and South and Central America. get out of the UN. The fee revenue would go I stand with President to an account dedicated to Trump on these issues and building the wall. will continue to push these The legislation is endorsed bills forward.

by FAIR (Federation for American Immigration Congressman Mike Reform) and NumbersUSA. Rogers is a Republican It is time to finally have who represents the Third some real action on securing Congressional District, our borders. which includes Tallapoosa I have also introduced County, in Washington. the American Sovereignty

Reader responds to Wykoff letter

Tommy Spraggins

Today’s

Mission

Letters to the Editor Eric Brown

“I wish they would only take me as I am.”

– Vincent Van Gogh

Our

Scott Hardy

Eric Brown represents

Quote

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.

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Today’s

Dear Editor, I don’t think you could find a better example of a double standard than to read Ms. Wyckoff’s letter in the Saturday edition of the Outlook. Ms. Wyckoff talks about what’s right, the truth, Jesus and the Democratic Party almost all in the same sentence.

In fact what most people know as the Democratic Party, also known as the Progressive Socialist Party is the exemplar antagonist of what’s right, the truth and Jesus. How people like Ms. Wyckoff can come off as being so devout and be a Democrat is beyond me.

But then look at who Ms. Wyckoff gives us as a role

model, Maxine Waters. Really?

Maxine Waters is your role model. The only claim to fame Maxine Waters has is to share the same IQ as that of a box of rocks. Maxine Waters won’t be interviewed by any quality journalist because they would tear her apart.

The Democratic Party is doing everything in its power to take the Christian God out of everything in our lives, while at the same time promoting anything anti-Christian, currently the Democratic Party has as its second in command a Muslim.

A person simply by being a Muslim has sworn to destroy Christianity and you ignorant “Yellow Dog” Democrats cel-

ebrate that fact.

As I have said before how can a Democrat be a Christian?

The answer is you can’t. I predict the Democratic Party, like Obamacare will self-destruct in the near future. The next election should tell the tale. The Democratic Party continues to ignore the current social trends and will continue to decline in popularity. That is good for the country, the constitution and Christianity.

Thank you for your time.

Woody Baird De Opresso Liber Alexander City

How to

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

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Opinion?

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

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Thursday, April 6, 2017

The Outlook

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Page 5

WEATHERED THE STORM Tallapoosa County fared relatively well when a band of storm systems passed through the state Wednesday morning and afternoon

Storms caused damage in the area Wednesday. In Alexander City, above, wind took down a tree on Central Avenue while the rain caused an accident on Highway 22 sending a FedEx truck into a utility pole. Wind took down a pole barn and tore off part of a roof in New Site while blocking Highway 22 near Germany’s Ferry Road with trees. No injures were reported.

Photos by Cliff Williams and Mitch Sneed

Page 6

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CommunityCalendar Need Insurance?

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April 6, 2017

noon. Dr. Gerald Hallmark will be the speaker, Mack Daugherty is the worship leader and musician and Ronnie Betts will have special music.

Today’s Events

Today’s Anniversary

Today is SENIORS ALIVE: The Tallapoosa County Baptist Association is hosting a Seniors Alive, a senior adult revival, April 6 at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Dadeville with lunch at

Thursday, April 6, 2017

The Outlook

Delbert and Mary Ellen Carter are celebrating their anniversary.

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

Robert Jackson, Brandi Lamberth, Wenika Kelley, Johnthan Marbury, Antisha Pearson, Andrian Childs, Carolyn Powell, Katy Sammons, Erica McDaniel, Farnk Griffin, Wanda Lucas, Sara Jacobs, Shenika Tuck, Rosaland Graham and Joyce Pearson are celebrating their birthdays.

The Learning Tree Helping Children Learn and Grow

The Learning Tree, Inc. is Accepting Applications for Weekend Shifts in Direct Care.

Applications can be picked up at: 101 S. Dubois Street Tallassee, AL 36078 Or contact Brinda Bell (334) 252-0025, Ext. 101

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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

The FANS HEAR You!

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 The Alex City Soccer U12 team prays before a game with Coach Shane Dismuke recently.

April 4-6

SPRING REVIVAL: Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church Baptist Church on Stillwaters Drive in Dadeville is hosting spring revival services April 4-6 at 7 p.m. nightly. Guest ministers are Rev. Eddie Marbury, Rev. Leon Henderson and Rev. Jason Whetstone. Rev. Jimmy Thomas is pastor of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church.

April 6-7 13-14

PLAY: Tickets for the spring production of Alabama’s Official Folk Life Play, “Come Home, It’s Suppertime” at the We Piddle Around Theater in Brundidge are on sale. Play dates are April 6, 7 and 8 and 13 and 14. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 and include the preshow, a full country supper with dessert and the awardwinning, two-act play. For tickets call 334-344-9427 or 334-685-5524 or 670-6302.

April 7

MASTER GARDENERS PLANT SALE: Tallapoosa County Master Gardeners annual plant sale will be April 7 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the building across from the First Baptist Church.

We will have Native Azaleas, bedding plants, ferns and day lilies and more.

April 8

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Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892

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

EASTER EGG HUNT: The Wind Creek Easter Egg Hunt will be April 8 at 10 a.m. There will be areas for ages two and under, two to four years, five to eight years and nine to 12 years. Prizes will be awarded for finding the three golden eggs in each group.

The Easter Bunny will be available for photographs. There will be plenty of prizes, candy and fun.

Park entrance fees apply.

In the event of a hard rain, this event will be cancelled.

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BOOK SALE: A book sale will be hosted by the Friends of the Dadeville Public Library April 8 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the lower level of the Dadeville Library. Hardbacks are $1, paperbacks are $.50 and $5 for a bag of books.

EASTER EGG HUNT: Mt. Zion Baptist Church is hosting its annual Easter Egg Hunt April 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for pre-k and up.

EASTER EGG HUNT: Wayside Baptist Church will hosting its annual Easter Egg Hunt April 8 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

There will be a magic show, egg hunt and food. Everyone is invited.

EASTER EGG HUNT: The annual Mt. Zion Community East er Egg Hunt for toddlers and up will be April 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come join the fun and food.

April 9

GUEST PREACHER: Red Ridge is hosting a guest pastor Sunday, April 9 at 9:30 a.m. Rev. Vu Nguyen, a native of south Vietnam who served with American forces during the Vietnam War will deliver a message.

Nguyen was imprisoned by the North Vietnamese following the war and after being released made his way to Atlanta.

After learning English and finishing college, he graduated from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

EASTER EGG HUNT: Sixth Street Baptist Church is hosting a Glow in the Dark Easter Egg Hunt Sunday, April 9 at 7 p.m. at Byers Field. Bring an Easter basket. For more information call 256-234-2408 or email ayoungkidmin@gmail.com

Submitted / The Outlook

prizes,games and a dj. Refreshments NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK: The will be served.

SACRED HARP SINGING: The Adelia M. Russell Library and Mamie’s Futral, Nelson, Henry Memorial Place Children’s Library is joining libraries across the nation to celebrate Sacred Harp Singing will be Saturday, April 15 at Smyrna Primitive Baptist National Library Week April 9-15.

Church located on County Road 83 east of Goodwater at 9:30 a.m. Lunch April 10-12 will be served at noon with more singYOUTH REVIVAL: Hatchett ing in the afternoon. Bring a covered Springs Baptist Church is hosting a dish. youth revival April 10-12 at 7 p.m.

For more information contact nightly. Speaking will be Minister William Futral at 256-839-6670 or Zavious Kidd, Minister Jonathan Jack Nelson at 256-839-5344.

McKinney and Prophet Issac Grove Jr.

April 9-15

haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com

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April 16

April 13

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

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

April 14

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

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

April 14-16

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

April 15

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

CAR SHOW: The 16th Annual Klassic Kruisers Fundraiser, car show, swap meet and car corral will be April 15 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. across from the New Site City Hall on Highway 22.

Registration is $20 and must be registered by March 31 to qualify for a preentry $100 drawing. For information call Susan Gamble at 256-234-4975.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information call 334-4159029.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

April 19

COUNTDOWN TO COLLEGE WORKSHOP: Tuskegee University is sponsoring a Countdown to College Workshop for Parents and teens in 8th to 12th grade Wednesday, April 19 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Benjamin Russell High School Gym.

April 20

ARTS ASSOCIATION: There will be a meeting of the Artists Association of Central Alabama April from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. There will be a demonstration and practice on weaving an old watercolor into another and general painting.

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April 22

SPORTING CLAY SHOOT: The Oak’s in Lafayette is hosting a sporting clay shoot, turkey shoot, live auction, gun raffle, long shot booth, guess the load contest and concessions April 22 with registration at 7:30 a.m.

The proceeds go to the Children’s Hospital in Birmingham under the Log a Load for Kids program.

For Consistent Advertising

at Low Rates ...

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Thursday, April 6, 2017

The Outlook

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Page 7

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The Outlook

Thursday, April 6, 2017

Thursday, April 6, 2017

The Outlook

Page 9

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Red Cross calls for blood donations Type O negative and AB donors needed

STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

The American Red Cross is issuing a call for type O negative and AB blood donors to make appointments to give after severe winter weather in some parts of the country caused about 250 Red Cross blood drives to cancel in March, resulting in more than 8,500 uncollected blood donations.

Type O negative blood and type AB plasma are two of the most in-demand blood products by hospitals.

Those who give can help patients locally or across the country as the Red Cross has the ability to move blood products where and when they are needed most. “All blood types are needed to meet the constant need of patients, and there is a significant need now for type O negative and AB donations to help some of the most vulnerable patients,� said Alyson Barraza, communications program director for Connecticut Red

Cross Blood Services. “We ask that you schedule an appointment to roll up a sleeve to help save a life in the coming days.�

Donations help patients like Brady Prosser. He was severely burned in October while mowing near burning leaves. He received regular – sometimes daily – blood and plasma transfusions during his hospitalization.

Type O negative blood can be transfused to patients with any blood type and is often needed in emergency situations when there isn’t time to determine a patient’s blood type. While less than 7 percent of the U.S. population has type O negative blood, hospitals depend on frequent O negative donations to ensure it’s always available for patients in need. Type O negative blood donors are an important part of the Red Cross trauma team.

Type AB is the universal plasma type and can be transfused to patients of any blood type in an emergency. Plasma helps maintain blood pressure and supplies critical proteins for clotting and immunity.

Plasma can be donated through a blood donation.

Eligible donors can learn more, find a donation opportunity and schedule an appointment by using the free Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or

As Tax Day approaches, get your benefit statement online

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ocial Security is with you through life’s journey, putting you in control of your finances and future. With this in mind, we have made getting a replacement Social Security Benefit Statement even easier. Now you can instantly print or save a replacement any time you want. That’s control!

The Benefit Statement, also known as the SSA1099 or the SSA-1042S, is a tax form Social Security mails each year in January to people who receive Social Security benefits. It shows the

in the United States and you need a replacement form SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S, simply go KYLLE’ online and get an instant, MCKINNEY printable replacement Social form with a my Social Security Security account at www.socialsecurity¡gov/ total amount of benefits you received from Social myaccount.

If you already have Security in the previous a my Social Security year so you know how account, you can access much Social Security your online account income to report to the to view and print your IRS on your tax return.

SSA-1099 or SSAAn SSA-1042S is for 1042S. If you don’t have a noncitizen who lives outside the United States a my Social Security account, creating a and received or repaid secure account is very Social Security benefits easy to do and usually last year. takes less than 15 If you currently live

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calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood donors can save time at their donation appointment by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online on the day of their donation prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

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Page 10

Thursday, April 6, 2017

www.alexcityoutlook.com

JOE MCADORY Sports Columnist

There’s more to watch at spring games than who’s scoring

W

hen Auburn’s A-Day offense exceeded 700 yards in 2014, fans gushed over what might happen that fall. With Nick Marshall, Duke Williams, Cameron Artis-Payne, etc., this team was going to light up the scoreboard each Saturday, right?

But I’m a glass-half-empty kind of guy. Any defense that gives up more than 700 yards and 61 points in a glorified scrimmage will badly burn you once the games count for real.

That said, I left Jordan-Hare Stadium that April afternoon shaking my head while other folks were buying up those AuburnFast T-shirts.

Scrimmage games are tough to watch. For every big offensive play worth cheering for is often a defensive breakdown worth bemoaning. You’ve got to take the good with the bad.

Auburn’s A-Day is Saturday and I look forward to watching from the comfort of my recliner this time. Steel bleachers hurt my butt.

What am I looking for? I’ll tell you: • Like most college football enthusiasts, I want to see what the fuss is over Jarrett Stidham. How accurate is his arm? Does he check off receivers until he finds the open man?

Does he have a rocket arm? How about the deep ball? And, oh yeah, can he run? I doubt coaches will allow the team’s future starting quarterback to run in a scrimmage, so we probably won’t witness his complete talent until Auburn visits Clemson in the second game of the season.

• How about the young receivers?

Is Nate Craig-Myers ready for prime time? Will Jason Smith be part of the offense this year? There’s a lot of talk about Marquis McClain. So … I’d like to learn more about the redshirt freshman. Also, will Kyle Davis at least be on the sidelines?

• What about quarterback Woody Barrett? I’ve never seen him play, but I’m hearing a bunch about freshman Malik Willis.

• Can Daniel Carlson kick 70-yard field goals now? Just wondering.

• I hear that tight ends will be featured in Auburn’s offense again.

Ok. Well, let’s see it happen.

• Running back is a great strength on this team, but depth was an issue down the stretch. Behind Kamryn Pettway and Kerryon Johnson, how much of a factor will Kam Martin really be? Is he the new end-around speed back, much like Corey Grant?

Has Malik Miller recovered from last season’s injury?

• Carl Lawson and Montravius Adams are gone. How will the defensive line be without them?

How effective can Byron Cowart be inside? Paul James was a heralded defensive line recruit in 2016 and should be 100 percent now. I have a feeling that he might be a wrecking ball. Is sophomore nose tackle Derrick Brown ready to assume the role as the new Montravius Adams?

• Depth might be a problem in the secondary. I wonder if redshirt freshman Marlon Character will make an impact at safety. I hear nothing but rave reviews about him.

Then there’s sophomore cornerback Daniel Thomas. Some regarded him as a 2016 Signing Day risk and he didn’t crack the starting lineup until depth became a problem late in the season. He might be a regular until he graduates.

• Will this defense resemble the nasty bunch that played last year?

Hope so. Just don’t get nasty with your own players.

It’s really hard to take much away from spring games other than individual performances, assuming they are not held in check to vanilla schemes. Sometimes that happens.

Here’s hoping Saturday’s scrimmage offers a little tapioca.

Joe McAdory is communications editor at the Auburn University Harbert College of Business.

Wildcats win home-course trimatch BRHS varsity girls place second at home

By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor

The Benjamin Russell varsity boys golf team had a successful day at Willow Point as the Wildcats defeated Auburn and Valley in Tuesday’s trimatch.

Benjamin Russell championed the day with a season-low score of 309, while Auburn scored 340 and Valley had 400.

“We shot our best score of the year,” said Wildcats head coach Wes Tate. “But there is a lot of golf to play, and with sectionals just a few short weeks away we need to keep our focus and stay on task to accomplish all of our goals.”

Benjamin Russell junior Dylan Moncus led the Wildcats with an even par 72.

“Dylan played a great round and is a young man that will continue to work hard to get better,” Tate said.

Moncus had help from Benjamin Russell junior Sawyer Scott and freshman Matthew Cush with 78 each, senior Hal Coker with 81, junior Kylee Reeder with 84 and freshman Trey Shockley with 85.

The Benjamin Russell varsity girls also had a good

day Tuesday as the Lady Wildcats took second place with a score of 187.

Auburn took first with 156 and Valley placed third with 191.

“The girls are working hard to improve their games,” said Lady Wildcats head coach Mandi Durr, “and the scores are beginning to reflect that.”

Benjamin Russell sophomore Karlie Ryster led the Lady Wildcats with 58.

“Karlie Royster was my top performer,” Murr said.

She had help from Benjamin Russell junior Logan Johnson with 61 and freshman Bea Graves with 63.

The Benjamin Russell boys next head to Sylacauga Country Club on Monday for the Aggies Boys Invitational with Bibb County, Oxford, Tallassee, Valley, Auburn, Prattville, Buckhorn, Susan Moore, Briarwood Christian, Tuscaloosa Central, Enterprise, Trinity Presbyterian, Sylacauga, Tuscaloosa County and Jemison. Tee off is 9 a.m.

Tuesday it’s the Lady Wildcats’ turn as Benjamin Russell varsity girls take Cliff Williams / The Outlook part in the Aggies Girls A Benjamin Russell student follows through on a swing during varsity Invitational at 9 a.m. golf tryouts at Lake Winds Golf Club just prior to the spring season.

SPRING SPORTS ROUNDUP

Cougars improve at Aggies Meet

By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor

The Central Coosa varsity boys track team had a good day in Sylacauga Tuesday as the Cougars tied for 10th in the Aggies Meet 3.

“We improved this week,” said Central Coosa head coach Rebecca Stallworth.

Central Coosa senior senior Jevon McKinney placed third in the Long Jump at 20 mark.

McKinny also had a personal best in the boys 100m dash with 11.8. Central Coosa senior Malik Holtzclaw also had 12.2 in the event.

The Lady Cougars also had a good day at the meet by placing 11th.

In the Long Jump Central Coosa sophomore ShaDaezya Flowers placed eighth with a mark of 53 feet, 5 inches.

In the 100m dash, Central Coosa juniors Alexus Ashley and Destiney Williams had their personal best of 13.4 seconds and 13.8 seconds respectively.

Stallworth was proud of how the varsity boys and girls track and field teams performed Tuesday.

“I’m very impressed with how hard they worked,” she said. “From our first meet to our second, I’ve seen growth and that’s what I love. I’m looking forward to this Saturday participating in the Aggie Invitational.”

The Aggie Invitational begins at 8 a.m. Saturday at Legion Stadium in Sylacauga.

Horseshoe Bend started the action by scoring a run in the fourth inning. The Lady Generals then scored three more in the fifth before punctuating with a final run in the sixth.

Meanwhile, Elmore County failed to score a single run, thanks to the efforts of Horseshoe Bend senior pitcher Kynsley Blasingame.

In seven innings on the mound, she struck out 15 Lady Panthers.

“Blasingame pitched a two-hit shutout,” Caldwell said.

Horseshoe Bend senior Taylor Walton led the Lady Generals at the plate with two RBIs. Blasingame and sophomore Ivy Vickers also had an RBI each.

Horseshoe Bend shuts out Lady Panthers

Lady Rebels overcome Beulah

The Horseshoe Bend varsity softball team had a successful road trip Tuesday as the Lady Generals defeated Elmore County in a 5-0 shutout.

“It was a great win over Elmore County,” said Lady Generals head coach David Caldwell. “We played solid on defense and overall played well. It was also nice to get to play after having two rainouts last week.”

It was a hard-fought game with both teams standing strong on defense, as the game remained scoreless for the first three innings.

Submitted / The Outlook

Central Coosa varsity girls and boys track and field team members take a break after Tuesday’s meet in Sylacauga. Pictured are (from left, front row) freshman Vadanyia Milliner, junior Destiny Williams, senior Shania Tuck, junior Ryesha Whetsone, (back row) freshman Samiya Tyson and senior Jacob Lauderdale.

The Lady Rebels had a successful road trip Tuesday as the Reeltown varsity softball team defeated Beulah 5-4.

The win bumps the Lady Rebels’ season record to 14-5 overall and 2-0 in the region.

Reeltown head coach Kelli Hilyer attributes the team’s successful season to the players’ cooperative attitudes.

“Each game they play they put the team’s interest ahead of their individual interest,” she said. “That is why they are playing very well this season and having a strong

showing at the plate and defensively.”

It was a hard-fought victory for Reeltown Tuesday as Beulah scored three runs in the second inning while the Lady Rebels managed one.

But Reeltown soon rallied by scoring a pair of runs in the third inning and following them up with one each in the fourth and seventh.

Meanwhile, Beulah only eeked out one more run in the fifth inning.

Reeltown junior MaKenzie Baker led the Lady Rebels at bat with three hits. Juniors Kyndel Lee and Ayriana Stoneback and senior Brianna Jarvis each had an RBI. Stoneback earned the win for the Lady Rebels. In five innings on the mound she struck out 10.

With Tuesday’s win under Reeltown’s belt, Hilyer is already anticipating the rest of the season.

“I am excited to see what the future holds for each Lady Rebel,” she said.

Reeltown heads to Fayetteville today for a 6:30 p.m. game. The Lady Rebels then have a road game at Benjamin Russell on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. Their next home game is Thursday, April 13, at 6 p.m. against Elmore County.

Also Tuesday

• Central Coosa varsity baseball lost to Beulah 9-8.

UPCOMING EVENTS Today • BRHS varsity girls golf at Tallapoosa Lakes Golf Course in Montgomery for Tallassee Match, 2 p.m.

• BRHS varsity girls, boys tennis at Sylacauga, 3 p.m.

• BRHS varsity baseball double-header at Opelika, 4 p.m.

• BRHS varsity softball home game against Opelika, 4:30 p.m.

• BRHS varsity soccer home game against Smiths Station, girls 5:30 p.m., boys 7:30 p.m.

• Horseshoe Bend softball at Central Coosa, JV 1 p.m., varsity 2:30 p.m.

• Central Coosa varsity baseball double-header at Beulah, 4 p.m.

• Dadeville JV baseball at Fayetteville, 4 p.m.

• Dadeville baseball home game against Elmore County, varsity 4:30 p.m., JV 6:30 p.m.

• Dadeville softball home game against Tallassee, varsity 4:30 p.m., JV 7 p.m.

• Reeltown softball at Fayetteville, JV 5 p.m., varsity 6:30 p.m.

• CACC baseball home game double-header against Snead State, 4 p.m.

• CACC softball home game double-header against MMI, 2 p.m.

Friday, April 7 • BRHS varsity girls, boys tennis home match against Chelsea, 4 p.m.

• BRHS JV baseball home game doubleheader against Wetumpka, 4 p.m.

• Horseshoe Bend varsity softball at Verbena, 4:30 p.m.

• Central Coosa baseball at Childersburg, JV 4:30 p.m., varsity 6:30 p.m.

• Reeltown varsity girls outdoor track and field at SSHS for SSHS Panther Invitational, time TBA. • Reeltown middle softball home game against Sanford, 4 p.m.

• Reeltown baseball at Beauregard, varsity 4 p.m., JV 6 p.m.