Aug 18, 2016 Alex City Outlook

OPINION: ELECTION DAY IS FAST APPROACHING, PAGE 4.

RIVALRY RENEWED

THURSDAY

THE

Reeltown v.

Notasulga tonight Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 August 18, 2016

Vol. 124, No. 166

Sports, Page 8

www.alexcityoutlook.com

City council calls work session on city finances

By MITCH SNEED Editor

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Election Systems and Software’s Jamie McKinnon shows muncipal election officals how to operate the new voting machines in the basement of the Tallapoosa County Annex Wednesday before the upcoming elections Tuesday.

Voters who had hoped to have some answers to the long list of financial questions facing Alexander City’s government may actually get some information before they go to the polls on Aug. 23.

City Council President Jim Spann confirmed Wednesday evening that the council will hold a special work session Monday afternoon at the upstairs courtroom at the Alexander City

Public Safety Building. An exact time has not been set, but Spann said city finances will be the main topic of discussion.

“As was said at the last meeting, we have to roll our sleeves up and just get a real idea of where we are and see what can be done to speed the process along,” Spann said. “It is vitally important that we do that and there is no reason to wait. I know the people want answers, but I can assure you, that’s exactly what I want and every member of the council wants, too.”

See CITY • Page 3

Tigers AD Jacobs to speak to Lake Martin Auburn Club

ACT II auditions begin tonight STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer

Auburn University Athletic Director Jay Jacobs will be the featured speaker at The Lake Martin Auburn Club’s annual meeting and fall rally set for Thursday, Aug. 18, at 6 p.m. at The Ridge Club, located at 40 North Ridge off Highway 63.

“It’s a big deal that Jay is going to be there,” said Larkin Radney, president of the Lake Martin Auburn Club. “He doesn’t speak at an awful lot of clubs, so we’re lucky to get him.”

The meeting and rally will feature a catered meal from Kowaliga Restaurant and a cash bar. Tickets are $40 at the door.

Jacobs, who holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from Auburn, played football for the Tigers and was a member of Pat Dye’s See AUBURN • Page 3

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Benjamin Russell High School Principal Anthony Wilkinson answers questions about the school’s dress code and a comment he recently made while addressing students in the morning announcements.

CLEARING THE AIR

Meeting brings apology, but not without conflict

High School Principal Anthony Wilkinson made over the school’s intercom last Tuesday morning.

Wilkinson and Alex City Schools Superintendent A crowd of approximately 75 parents and other Darrell Cooper were on hand at the request of Keith concerned citizens turned out at Cooper Recreation Russell and David Wyckoff, who had met with Center Wednesday night for a public meeting on Cooper multiple times in the past week and with allegedly racist comments that Benjamin Russell See MEETING • Page 2

By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer

Amendment 2 supporters gather at Wind Creek

By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer

About 40 supporters of Alabama’s State Parks gathered at Wind Creek State Park on Tuesday afternoon to show their support for Amendment 2, which would allow Alabama’s State Parks to keep the revenues they generate.

“In the past, those funds have been subject to transfers to the general fund by the state legislature,” said Ed Collari, president and chief executive officer of the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce. “Amendment 2 would put an end to that.

“We just shared some information about Amendment 2.

See AMENDMENT 2 • Page 3

Auditions for the next Alexander City Theatre II (ACT II) production will start this evening and run through Sunday afternoon at the Bama Theatre on Tallapoosa Street across the street from Strand Park.

ACT II veteran Mac Tyson will direct What is Susan’s Secret? an American farce

by Michael Parker and Susan Parker.

Set at a rundown country inn, the play has roles for between six and 12 actors (six women and six men), as more than one part could be cast for several participants. Scripts are available for review at The Coffee Corner, Adelia M. Russell Library, Dadeville Library and the Media Center at Central Alabama Community College.

In the play, the inn’s owners feature substantial See AUDITION • Page 3

Lake Martin

Poker Walk to benefit Lake Levels United Way set for 489.11 downtown tonight Reported on 8/17/16 @ 9 p.m.

By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer

Submitted / The Outlook

About 40 supporters of Alabama’s State Parks gathered at Wind Creek State Park on Tuesday afternoon to show their support for Amendment 2.

LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443

laceyshowell@gmail.com

The Lake Martin Young Professionals are sponsoring a Charity Poker Walk tonight in downtown Alexander City to benefit the Lake Martin Area United Way. “We’re excited for the opportunity to provide entertainment for the downtown area as well as benefit a great organization like United Way,” said Scott Hardy, a member of the Lake Martin Young Professionals board of directors and community impact and marketing director for Lake Martin Area United Way. See POKER • Page 3

5295 Highway 280, Alex City, AL

Today’s

Weather

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54708 90050 USPS Permit # 013-080

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Cousin escaping mom’s abuse needs to find her own space

Friday

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DEAR ABBY: I’m a 21-yearold college student. Recently, my cousin (also 21) moved in with my parents and me because her mom is verbally and mentally abusive. Lately, I’m having issues with her being here.

She constantly barges into my room, leaving me no time for myself. Most days she ends up napping in my bed instead of hers, leaving drool on my sheets. When she comes home from school, she drops all of her things in my room. My parents cleared out a room for her, yet most of her stuff is in mine.

She gets ready in my room instead of hers and talks on the phone with her boyfriend loudly while I’m studying or reading. She’s constantly complaining about school, her boyfriend, work, etc. If I get

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Partly sunny, 50 percent chance of thunderstorms

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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 Accounting Angela Mullins Bookkeeping, Ext. 202 angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com Mary Lyman Boone Bookkeeping marylyman.boone@alexcityoutlook.com Newsroom Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Cathy Higgins Sports Editor, Ext. 228 cathy.higgins@alexcityoutlook.com Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com David Granger Staff Writer, Ext. 210 david.granger@alexcityoutlook.com

Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com 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 Jaylan Reynolds Advertising Sales Intern, Ext. 232 jaylan.reynolds@alexcityoutlook.com Composing Audra Spears Composing Department, Ext. 219 audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com Alethia Russell Graphic Artist, Ext. 231 alethia.russell@alexcityoutlook.com Circulation Linda Ewing Asst. Circulation Manager, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com

Postal

Information

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

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invited somewhere, she tries to tag along.

I don’t know what to do. I need time for myself. I can’t bring these issues up to her because she’s extremely sensitive and will see it as an attack. I don’t know how much longer I can take it because she is stuck here until November. Please help.

-- CALIFORNIA GIRL DEAR CALIFORNIA GIRL: You need to talk to your parents about your cousin’s lack of boundaries. Everyone needs personal time, and

yours should be respected.

Installing a lock on your bedroom door could guarantee that your cousin stays out in your absence.

However, because you are all adults -- even though your cousin appears to be emotionally stuck in adolescence -- some rules need to be established. If she would consider it an attack if they come from you, your parents should be the ones who deliver the message.

DEAR ABBY: I’m 13 and my problem is, when I look in the mirror, all I can see is ugliness. My mother has heard the way I talk about myself, and she doesn’t like it one bit. But I can’t seem to stop because all I hear is, “You’re ugly or you’re fat. Go on a diet!” Is there something

Meeting

Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, Lake Martin Living, (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) Kenneth Boone The Outlook is published five times Photography and a week, Tuesday through Saturday a commercial web mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, printing press.

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

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

Thursday, August 18, 2016

The Outlook

wrong with me? Do I need help? If so, what type of help?

-- WEST COAST TEEN DEAR WEST COAST TEEN: Whether or not you are overweight is something your doctor should determine. As to your being “ugly,” most young teenagers go through a period of transition. Your problem isn’t your looks. It’s the voice in your head. My advice to you would be to concentrate on developing the things you are good at -- sports, music, art, drama -- and let the rest take care of itself because it will.

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.

continued from page 1

Wilkinson at least once.

The two men also toured Benjamin Russell last week.

It didn’t take long for both Cooper and Wilkinson to apologize for Wilkinson’s comments.

“I’m not here to hide anything. We know that there were some controversial statements at Benjamin Russell High School last week,” Cooper said. “There were other allegations that I’ve looked into and so we’re here to give you information that you’d like to have in regard to any of that.

“I will say this: If we have done anything where we have offended anyone, I apologize. I certainly would be the first to say that I will never say that I don’t make mistakes. I’ll be the first to say that I’ve never said that I haven’t done anything or said anything wrong.”

After explaining how the announcement came about and exactly what was said, Wilkinson also apologized if he had offended anyone present.

“This is what was said,” Wilkinson said. “’I want to remind all students not to have anything that’s going to bring attention to yourself. I want to remind all students that you cannot have fluorescent hair, you cannot have contrasting hair. You cannot have hair that covers your eyes.

And some of you guys – I think you call it the nappy look – some of you are taking it to the extreme.

So all of that needs to be

corrected by Monday. I’m not going to let you in the regular classes come Monday. We’re going to put you in in-school suspension until you get it corrected. You can either get the color out. You can put in braids, put it in a ponytail or you can trim it, but after Friday, you can’t go to regular classes.’

“So, there was no mention of black, boy, black boy, fro, thot, nappyheaded, nappy hair or anything like that. That’s all that was said. Now, if the word nappy offended anybody in this room, this community or this town, I apologize. I’m the one who said it, so I own up to that. Let me just explain to you, come Monday morning, we only had one dress code violation.”

Wyckoff disputed Wilkinson, saying that he counted 45 or 46 students with the “natural look. You call it the nappy look but we call it the natural look because that’s our natural hair.”

Wilkinson pointed out that he didn’t intend nappy as a synonym for natural black hair.

“That’s not what I’m saying,” Wilkinson said.

“When we said extremes we’re saying everything from fluorescent hair, we’re talking about hair in the eyes, anything that brings attention to yourself. The student that was addressed on Monday, it wasn’t anything like a twisted top or anything like that or anything natural. He had it half-braided

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and half sticking out. He should have had it either all braided or all sticking out, that’s what we’re talking about.”

Cooper reminded Wyckoff that both he and Wilkinson had apologized for the use of the word nappy. Yet Wyckoff appeared to believe the apology was sincere. At one point he picked up a copy of the Benjamin Russell handbook and said “Next year, it would have had nappy or natural in the handbook. You cannot tell me that it wouldn’t have been. It would have been there.”

Wyckoff also said that, in his and Russell’s meetings with Cooper, Cooper was the one that tried to make the issue into a “black and white issue,” saying that Cooper mentioned the racial component 100 times and “said he was sorry once.”

“We begged you for this meeting,” Wyckoff said to Cooper. “I had to make you mad to have this meeting.”

Cooper attempted to respond, but was not able to do so.

But there were those that came to the defense of the educators.

Rebecca Marion is a recently retired career-tech educator in the Alexander City system.

“I’ve been through the system and the high school and let’s not throw the baby out with the bathwater with Dr. Wilkinson for something he’s apologized for. He is interested in our

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children being able to get a job. If they’re not going to college, he wants them to be job-ready. And he is walking the walk. Some of the teachers there, they didn’t like Dr. Wilkinson.

You know why? He made them go to work.

“Now that’s what I call a leader. He may change tomorrow. And if he does, I’ll be the first one to tell you.”

Buffy Colvin said that perhaps a more precise definition in the handbook of what is considered “extreme” would be helpful.

“We need a definite definition from our board of education,” Colvin said. “The handbook is too vague. We need to know what extreme is.”

Barbara Sokol, one of the few white persons in attendance, thanked those in attendance for starting a dialogue.

“I just want to thank you,” Sokol said. “So much of our racial divide that we have in this country today is because of a lack of communication, a lack of dialogue. I haven’t agreed with all that’s been said, but we’ve had a wonderful opportunity here tonight and I just want to thank all of you.”

Obituaries Mr. Clyde Sherra Whetstone Funeral service for Mr. Clyde Sherra Whetstone 38 (formerly of Goodwater, AL) of Antioch, TN; Friday, August 19, 2016; 1 p.m.; Paradise Mission Full Gospel Church, Goodwater, AL; Burial, Armour’s Memorial Garden, Alexander City, AL. Arrangements by Armour’s Memorial Services.

Ms. Mary E . Russell Ms. Mary E . Russell 68 of Newsite, AL died on Tuesday, August 16, 2016 at her home.

Arrangements by Armour’s Memorial Services.

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Amendment 2

continued from page 1

Originally, a presentation was supposed to be made by the Alabama State Parks Partners, but something came up and they couldn’t make it. (Chamber Vice President of Business Development) Jacob Meacham filled in admirably.”

Since 2012, $15 million has been transferred from Alabama’s state parks budget to the state’s general fund to help with other government agency shortfalls.

During the 2016 regular session of the Alabama Legislature, Sen. Clay Scofield (R-Guntersville) sponsored legislation to add a constitutional amendment to permanently protect state parks funding by prohibiting such transfers. The bill passed with an overwhelming majority in both the House and Senate. Now, Alabamians have an opportunity to vote on this constitutional amendment on the general election ballot on Nov. 8.

Due to the budget shortfalls, in 2015 five parks were closed. Three of those parks have since re-opened under alternative operations models (two through county commission management, and one under a concession contract).

The Alexander City Chamber “is a huge advocate to vote ‘Yes” on Amendment 2 in November,” Collari said.

The economic impacts of the parks, according to information provided by the state parks system, include:

• State parks bring hundreds of thousands of tourists to Alabama communities each year. The park system sees over 4.6 million guests per year. Half of those visitors are from outside Alabama.

• State parks have an economic impact of over $375 million annually for the state.

• Hundreds of businesses depend on the thousands of park guests annually to sustain their businesses.

“Alabama’s State Parks system makes over 80 percent of their funding each year directly through guest fees,” said Meacham. “When the parks do not know their budget from year to year and do not even get to keep the funds they make within the parks each year, long and short term planning is very difficult.

“The parks bring an incredible economic impact to Alabama communities.

The parks are the backbone of these communities. Alexander City’s residents rely on Wind Creek for so much and the park hosts dozens of events each year. It’s crucial citizens vote yes on Amendment 2 to ensure our parks can continue to play this vital role in our communities.”

Locally, according to Collari, Wind Creek State Park accounts for 431,000 visitors annually to the Alexander City area.

Audition

continued from page 1

at the BRHS Auditorium. He studied theatre at Southern Union Community College.

What is Susan’s Secret? will open at the BRHS Auditorium Nov. 10. Rehearsals will be held at the Bama Theatre.

Auditions will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Aug. 18 and 19, and from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 20 and 21. For information, contact Tyson at 334-401-8259.

handyman discounts for plumbers, carpenters and other trades, but when the subcontractors check in for a romantic weekend away with their wives/girlfriends, they learn they have actually signed a work contract and have to spend the weekend fixing up the place.

Tyson played Alex Rovenesco in ACT II’s debut production of A Very Rich Woman last summer, and he was Mortimer Brewster in Arsenic and Old Lace, which was performed last month

City

continued from page 1

Spann said that plans are to try to have representatives from Carr, Riggs & Ingram as well as Brantley Boucher & Farr, the two accounting firms that have been working with the city for almost two months to try to resolve issues and finish two years of back audits.

Monday night, Spann said he talked with the firms and they felt like they didn’t know if they could help the city advance beyond where they are at this point.

Despite information requests designed to get answers on questions surrounding Alexander City governmental finances and other recent issues, city officials have not supplied much of the documents sought by The Outlook.

The Outlook requested to inspect all billing, payments and invoices for work performed for the City of Alexander City by the two accounting firms.

The request was submitted in hopes of giving residents accurate information on how taxpayer dollars are being spent.

One source close to the situation says the firms have been paid in excess of $100,000 to date and the audits for the two years that are in the works have not been completed.

The auditors were hired by Mayor Charles Shaw, which falls under his

powers under state statute. Such moves do not have to be approved by the city council.

On Aug. 4, in an effort to get accurate information on the employee absences in the wake of council action that kept Finance Director Sandra Machen in her position, information on the number of employees who called in sick and the departments they came from was requested.

After repeated requests to city hall, Human Resources Director Tammy Walker said Wednesday that she would work with the City Attorney Larkin Radney to compile a report to supply that information.

Spann said that the more they know and the more information city leaders have will help shed some light on possible solutions.

“We will just lay it all out there and see what we can do to sort it all out,” Spann said.

The dismissal of Finance Director Sandra Machen will not be on the agenda. Spann said that would be taken up at the next regular council meeting, which is now set for Thursday, Sept. 8 due to the Labor Day holiday.

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The Outlook

Auburn 1983 SEC Championship team as an offensive tackle. After graduation, he coached for one year at LeeScott Academy before returning to Auburn as a graduate assistant and strength and conditioning coach. He was named the team’s conditioning coach in 1988 and held that position for three years before being named assistant athletics director in 1991.

Three years later, he was promoted to associate athletics director for operations, overseeing a variety of support functions in the athletics department. As the senior associate athletics director in charge of Tigers Unlimited from 2001-05, Jacobs oversaw fund-raising efforts that secured approximately $60 million in gifts the last three years of his tenure with Tigers Unlimited. He spearheaded a $90 million capital campaign, the largest in Auburn athletics history.

He was named Auburn’s 14 th athletics director in 2004.

At its meeting, the Lake Martin Auburn Club will also formally announce its establishment of a scholarship in honor of the late Jimmy “Red” Phillips. Radney said the Auburn Alumni Association stresses scholarships and that the Lake Martin Auburn Club’s board decided to create one to honor Phillips.

continued from page 1

Phillips, who died in March 2015, was a native of Alexander City and a graduate of Benjamin Russell High School, where he was a member of its first freshman class, played for legendary coach Hamp Lyon and lettered in football, baseball, basketball and track.

Upon graduation, Phillips headed for Auburn, where he was a vital cog in Auburn’s undefeated and national champion 1957 team. Phillips was a co-captain of that team, earned AllAmerican honors and finished sixth in the balloting for the Heisman Trophy.

Phillips was chosen fifth overall by the Los Angeles Rams in the 1958 NFL draft. He went on to play in three Pro Bowls with the Rams and finished his football career with the Minnesota Vikings.

Radney said that anyone who wishes to donated to the Jimmy “Red” Phillips scholarship fund may do so by mailing a check for any amount to Lake Martin Auburn Club, P.O. Box 245, Alexander City 35011-0245. Just include a letter indicating your desire to contribute to the fund or write Jimmy Phillips scholarship on the memo line of your check. In order for the check to be tax-deductible, it must be made out to the Auburn Foundation.

Poker The poker walk begins at 5 p.m. and completed scorecards are due at Strand Park at 6:30 for a player to be prize-eligible. Cost is $15 to play and play begins at the United Way office on Main Street, where players may pick up their scorecards between 5 and 6 p.m. Players progress through Little Black Dress, Coffee Corner, Cloud Nine, Alabama Street Maker’s Market, Jake’s and JR’s before the winners are announced at Strand Park at 7 p.m.

Prizes will be awarded to the players with the best and worst hands and to a random player.

At each stop, the player presents his or her scorecard to attendant, then

continued from page 1

draws one card from the deck and the attendant will stamp the scorecard.

Only attendants may mark the drawn card on the scorecard before he or she returns the card to the deck and shuffles prior to the next card being played.

Players who draw the same card drawn at a previous stop must draw an additional card. Only one stamp per card per stop, though players may play multiple hands with multiple scorecards.

Players will be given the option of buying an additional card at the final stop (JR’s), but may only play their five best cards.

Prizes will depend on the number of participants.

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To subscribe call the circulation department: 256.234.4281

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EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed

Outlook Recognizing unfairness, empathizing with the poor The

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Page 4

Our

View

Election Day is quickly approaching

N

ext Tuesday, we get to make important decisions about who will make our wishes known in our local government.

As important as voting is, more and more these days we see people who don’t feel the need to cast their ballot. Some think they don’t have the time or feel like their vote doesn’t matter or simply do not care.

The truth is that – and maybe in this election moreso than most – your vote is as important as it ever was.

There have been many, many elections that have been decided by less than 100 votes, especially on the local level. So thinking that your vote does not count could not be farther from the truth.

Maybe you feel that when it comes down to it, all the candidates are the same, so why bother voting? Even if this is how you truly feel, remember that the winning candidates can have an enormous impact on our lives. They vote on tax rates and how your money is spent. Since we don’t get to weigh in on each issue, we have to elect people who feel the same way that we do if we can even hope to have our views heard.

Consider this: Our government is supposed to represent us. If we don’t express our wishes about who we want representing us and about the proposed laws and changes to laws, we will not be represented as intended.

A vote is a powerful form of expression, a meaningful way of impacting our city.

The truth is that we are rarely asked our wishes or opinions about things that matter.

So when we are asked to voice our wishes, we should do so – even if we do so silently behind a voting-booth curtain.

America is a nation where every voice can be heard and those who vote ensure that in at least this one way, their voices are heard. Why would you want to miss out on that opportunity? Or shirk that responsibility?

Even more importantly, men and women over the years have sacrificed everything to ensure we continue to have the freedoms we have, including the right to vote.

So next Tuesday, go to the polls – and if you have an absentee ballot the deadline for submittal is today – and make your wishes known.

L

ast month, I was taken aback when I went to pay my power bill. I’d been so busy that I’d forgotten to pay the darn thing. The day I paid it was the day it was to be disconnected, but it had not yet been disconnected. Much to my surprise, there was a $50 non-payment fee. Keep in mind, it had not been disconnected, so to the best of my knowledge, no extra work was created for anyone due to my forgetfulness.

I take that back, because there was a letter sent out telling me of the non-payment fee. The letter stated the fee would take effect if payment was not received by July 25. I received that letter on July 26, when I returned home from making my payment.

I thought my penalty was the late fee, which according to the letter is “$5.00 or 5% of the amount due, whichever is GREATER.” The whole situation had me steaming. I had the money; I just forgot to pay. I began to empathize with those who don’t have the money. I’ve been there. In fact, I grew up with nothing and have most of it left.

In 2002, between college graduation and Officer Candidate School, I got behind on bills. The army kept telling me I’d be gone in two weeks, but that two weeks turned into a year. Who is going to give you a job when you might have to leave in two weeks?

JODY FULLER Guest Columnist

Fortunately, I had friends who were small business owners help me out. I dug ditches and cleaned carpets for months. I did whatever I had to do.

I had to make choices between which bills to pay and which ones to let slide. Of course, I paid the utilities first.

One time, I went to pay my telephone bill after it had been disconnected.

“My phone was disconnected this morning, so I need to pay it,” I said as I handed her my check.

“It appears they are just doing some work on that line, so it’s not been disconnected,” she said.

“Cool. Can I get that check back?” I asked.

She gave it back. My phone was disconnected the next week.

People find themselves in financial turmoil for a variety of reasons. There are times the blame falls solely on them.

Other times, it happens due to situations truly beyond their control. While other times, it’s a combination of both.

Again, I empathize with the poor. I had the money; I just forgot. What about those who do not have the money? If they can’t pay their bill, how

is adding a $50 non-payment fee going to help them? I understand the need to have a deterrent for late payments, but why not “$5.00 or 5% of the amount due, whichever is LESS?” The same thing can be said to the banks that charge exorbitant fees for insufficient funds. Again, I understand the need to have a deterrent in place, but one of my banks charges $36 for insufficient funds fees. Does it really create that much more work to justify that kind of fee? The easy answer is to not write bad checks, but life sometimes throws us curve balls. Bo Jackson is the greatest athlete of all time but struggled mightily with a curve ball.

Throughout my struggles, I’ve always had my faith, family, and friends in my corner.

I just don’t know where I’d be without that trifecta. I’m grateful they’ve always been there to throw me a rope of hope when I’ve found myself in a hole. Institutions should want to drop a ladder. Instead, they drop a shovel. Let’s help people—not help them dig their own hole.

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

represents District 1. His phone number is 256329-9671. His address is 1821 LaVista Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Public Safety committee.

Bobby Tapley

Sherry Ellison-Simpson represents District 2. Her phone number is 256329-0516. Her address is 2879 Old Dark Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Parks and Recreation committee.

Sherry Ellison Simpson

Bob Howard represents District 3. His phone number is 256-2342225. His address is 241 8th Street West, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Buildings and Property committee.

Bob Howard

represents District 4. His phone number is 256329-8060. His address is 101 Scott Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Public Works committee.

James Spann represents District 5. His phone number is 256-3299758. His address is 314 Auburn Drive, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of Finance committee.

Tony Goss represents District 6. His phone number is 256-7493355. His address is 647 Shady Point, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of Utilities committee.

James Spann

Tony Goss

Scripture

“Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds!”

– Luke 12:24

alexcityoutlook.com

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Wednesday Question: Who do you favor for the city council District 2 – Buffy Colvin, Sherry EllisonSimpson or Jacob Meacham?

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Thursday Question: Who do you favor for city council District 4 – Eric Brown, Frank Tapley or Billy Ray Wall?

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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Letters to the Editor

Reader questions legality of pre-council meeting

This is an open letter to The Outlook, the Alexander City City Council, finance director, police chief and deputy chief.

As a citizen of Alexander City, Alabama, I am very disappointed in our city council members, mayor, deputy chief and Alex City parks director who spoke out openly regarding a situation at Monday’s pre-council meeting.

It was sad to hear how the meeting concerning an individual who was not present was character-assassinated by city officials in front of all of the people in attendance.

The information regarding the individual/personal business not relating to invoice or work done at Community Center should not have been

Dear Editor,

Billy Ray Wall

Today’s

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.

disclosed due to not being relevant with the matter at hand.

Furthermore, the person accused was not present and the (unnecessary information) given by the deputy chief, council president and Alexander City Parks and Recreation Director should not have been presented in such an abrupt and unprofessional manner in a public pre-council meeting.

Secondly, a candidate running for mayor (citizen) and the finance director were talking and discussing city issues during pre-council along with some of the council members and this was not a public forum meeting. The discussion took up a considerable amount of time.

Because this was not a public meeting nor others

from the audience were given opportunity to speak out about city conditions and finances, I believe the council was in error.

From my understanding, and I deem to be corrected if I am wrong, during pre-council or council meetings, individuals should not be carrying on conversation with council or finance director unless you are on the agenda.

Alexander City is a great place to live and I believe in our city and its officials, and I would hope that they can get back to professionalism and treating everyone fairly when any issues come up in preCouncil or council meetings.

Evangelist Teresa Harrell Moten Alexander City

Reader expresses concerns about weed ordinance, city government

Billy Ray Wall

“Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty and persistence.”

– Colin Powell

Mission

Dear Editor,

Bobby Tapley

Quote

Our

Officials

Charles Shaw

Today’s

Elison-Simpson - 12

Know Your Charles Shaw is mayor of Alexander City. His phone number at city hall is 256-329-6730 and his home number is 256234-7395 His address at city hall is 4 Court Square; Alexander City, AL, 35010. His home address is 98 Heritage Drive Alexander City, AL, 35010.

Thursday, August 18, 2016

Our mayor, council and building inspector have made our town a laughing stock!

None of them know the truth, all are pointing fingers, even the mayor’s secretary who told me that the mayor was not over the police department.

For four years, I have been back and forth with all involved city employees concerning the noise ordinance, weed abatement and grass. And still nothing has been accomplished.

All you have to do is drive any part of Alex City to see that Gaines Hodnett is not doing his job!

I received an email forwarded from Fran Harvey on July 30th; from Mr. Hodnett, in which he told me the coun-

cil was adding the Springhill address to the address for weed abatement, and to give him two weeks to clear the yard. This is Wednesday of the week it is to be cleaned, and nothing has happened.

It is plain the Mr. Shaw does not intend to be the boss of anything! He is taking all his frustration out on Mrs. Machen!

He always finds someone else to blame, or plays dumb when we ask questions. He has yet to meet with us when he set up a time; instead he gets his secretary, other councilmen and police officers to call and try to explain it away.

I personally feel like the mayor and all the current members of the council as well as Mr. Hodnett should step

down from their positions and that a new chapter begin to try and help our city get its pride back! They are all continually dragging this city through the muck and mire.

The sad part is that we the citizens are allowing them to do it by accepting this kind of passing the buck and no doing their jobs.

Citizens of Alex City when you are out and about; look around your town and you will see what a catastrophe these particular officials have made!

It is time to hold them accountable and find out just why some of the people were given those big, unauthorized raises by Mr. Shaw?

Jimmie Stevens Alexander City

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 50 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.

What’s your

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, August 18, 2016

CommunityCalendar Season Speaks

Today is

August 18, 2016

Today’s Anniversaries

Tom and Mattie Howard and Margaret and Robert Hendrix are celebrating their anniversary.

Page 7

www.alexcityoutlook.com

The Outlook

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

Christy Smith, Eddie Hampton, Alana Tolbert, Donnie Royal and Wanda Weldon are celebrating their birthday.

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Delores Hydock, actress and storyteller, will present ‘Soldiers in Greasepaint: USO Camp Show Entertainers from World War II’ at Red Ridge Methodist Church (corner of Hwy 49 and 34) Sept. 22 at 11:30 a.m. Friends of the Dadeville Public Library will host this fun presentation by Hydock, and she will tell us that it was bigger than Bob Hope! From Utah to the Philippines, from wrestlers and tap dancers to the biggest names in show business, from 16,000 servicemen in a southern France amphitheater to 20 GI’s in jeeps, USO camps were part of an inspiring story of volunteerism, patriotism and service. She shares with us her stories, pictures and video excerpts of some of the 7,000 camp performers who brought music and laughs to US servicemen far from home during WWII. Call 256-825-7820 for more information.

August 15-21

CHRISTIAN GENERAL ASSEMBLY: New Covenant Ministries of the World is hosting an annual Christian General Assembly August 15-21 at the Liberty Life Christian Center at 243 S Street.

A prayer and breakfast will be held at 9 a.m., explanation of Bible scriptures at 11:30 a.m. and worship and praise services each night at 7 p.m. with speakers.

Climax Day speaker will be Chief Apostle W.T. Traylor

August 17-19

CHURCH REVIVAL: Peace & Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church is hosting revival services Aug. 17-19 at 7 p.m. nightly. The guest evangelist will be Rev. Kendall Burton of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Sylacauga.

CHURCH REVIVAL: Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church is hosting revival services August 17-19 at 7 p.m. nightly. Guest speaker is Maurice Wright of New Life Christ Center in Roanoke.

August 18-21

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AUDITIONS: Alexander City Theatre II will hold auditions for their fall production at the Bama Theatre, 264 Tallapoosa St., Alexander City from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Copies of the script for “What is Susan’s Secret?” are available for review at The Coffee Corner, Adelia M. Russell Library in Alex City, Dadeville Public Library and the Media Center at Central Alabama Community College. For questions, contact Mac Tyson at 334-401-8259.

August 20

CHURCH YARD SALE: Mission Minded Kidds (m&m’s) of Duncan United Methodist and Sunnylevel United Methodist Churches will sponsor a free yard sale Saturday, Aug. 20 at Duncan United Methodist Church from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. The church is located on Highway 22 East just passed Abernathy Feed and Seed.

YARD SALE: Bethel Baptist Church in Jackson’s Gap is hosting a yard sale August 20 from 6 a.m. to noon. There will be sausage and biscuits for a $1. All items must go with nothing priced over $2. The money raised is going for a new piano.

COMMUNITY AND CHILDREN’S DAY: The will be a community and children’s day Saturday, Aug. 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Camp Hill Park on Newell Street. Everyone is invited for fun food and fellowship. All candidates running for town, county and state office are invited to attend. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

ALLEN FAMILY REUNION: Descendants of Churchwell and Mary Bishop Allen are having a family reunion Saturday, Aug. 20 at Plesant Ridge Baptist Church, 463, Highway 49 South, Dadeville. There will be a cover dish lunch at noon. Contact Kay Ingle at 256825-9003 for more information.

August 21

HOMECOMING: Darian Missionary Baptist Church at 1825 Pearson Chapel Road in Alexander City will have a Homecoming Celebration beginning at 2:30 p.m. The guest church is Harper Springs Baptist Church of Sylacauga with Pastor Ocie Blackmon speaking.

Rev. Larry Shealey is the minister at Darian Missionary Baptist Church.

August 22

SPEECH AND HEARING SCREENING: Auburn Universtiy’s NSSLHA and SAA are having a free

speech and hearing screening Monday, August 22 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Auburn University Speech and Hearing Clinic in Room 1199 of the Haley Center.

No Appointment is necessary.

MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION: The next meeting of the Alexander City Area Ministerial Association will be Monday, August 22 at 6:30 p.m. at Big B Restaurant. All Christian ministers are invited. Come for information, sharing, mutal support, planning, challenge and intercessory prayer. For more information, contact Bill Middlebrooks, secretary at 256-234-3371.

August 22-24

REVIVAL: New Adka Missionary Baptist Church is hosting revival services August 22-24 at 7 p.m. nightly. The guest minister is Rev. MacArthur Moss of Reeltown Missionary Baptist Church.

Edward Milner is pastor.

Aug. 22-Aug. 26

REVIVAL: Darian Missionary Baptist Church at 1825 Pearson Chapel Road in Alexander City will hold a revival Monday, Aug. 22-Friday, Aug. 26 with nightly services set for 7 p.m. Guest speaker will be Rev. Theoangelo Perkins of Liberty Christian Church in Harpersville.

August 27

MEET AND GREET: With all that’s going on in the country dealing with our Law Enforcement Official and the community. We the Brothers of Gibraltar Lodge #173 decided instead of marching or protesting, why not have a Meet and Greet / Family Fun Day August 27 starting at 10 a.m. at the Cooper Recreation Center. This would allow for the City Officials and the Community an opportunity to come together and have dialogue on concerns within the community as well as get to know each other. We are a small city and there isn’t any reason why we can’t get to know each other. So come on out bring the family and be a part of the solution. It will be a great time of Fellowship.

August 28

CHURCH HOMECOMING: River Road Baptist Church is hosting homecoming services Sunday, August 28 at 10 a.m. with Rebecca Futral and Just One in concert. A love offering will be taken and a covered dish lunch will be served at noon. Margaret Thornton is music director and Dr. Albert Pike is pastor. Everyone is invited.

August 30

COUNCIL MEETING: The Dadeville City Council will meet August 30 at noon for its second meeting of August to canvas the results of the municipal election and its regular meeting.

September 2

HOMECOMING: There will be a homecoming reception for the Dadeville High School Classes of 1957, 1977 and 1997 at the Dadeville high School Library at 5 p.m. The classes will be honored at the reception before the game and by recognizing them at the football field before the game begins.

September 4

GOSPEL SINGING: World of Truth Ministries is hosting an Awakening Crusade with Paster James H. Bolton and Minister Eddie J. Howard Jr. Sunday, Sept. 4 at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.

September 6

BUDGET HEARING: The Tallapoosa County Board of Education is holding two public hearings for the 2017 Budget on Sept. 6 and Sept. 12 at 4 p.m. at the Board office at 679 East Columbus Street in Dadeville.

September 10

LAUREL HIGH CLASS OF 1969: The Laurel High School Class of 1969 will have a meeting on Sat. September 10 at 10 a.m. The meeting will be held at the Cooper Recreation Center.

September 12

BUDGET HEARING: The Alexander City Board of Education will have a public budget hearing Sept. 12 at 7 a.m. in the board office at 375 Lee Street.

BUDGET HEARING: The Tallapoosa County Board of Education is holding two public hearings for the 2017 Budget on Sept. 6 and Sept. 12 at 4 p.m. at the Board office at 679 East Columbus Street in Dadeville.

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September 17

RIVER KIDS: The Tallapoosa County Extension Service and River Kids are hosting a float trip on the Tallapoosa River from Horseshoe Bend to Jay Bird Creek September 17 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Only twenty spots are available.

Children must be at least 12 years of age and participated in Kayak Kamp. For more information or to register contact the Tallapoosa County Extension Office at 256-826-1050.

Registration deadline is Sept. 9.

September 20

MEETING: The Artist Association of Central Alabama will meet Sept. 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church.

September 22

STORY TELLER: Delores Hydock, actress and storyteller, will present ‘Soldiers in Greasepaint: USO Camp Show Entertainers from World War II’ at Red Ridge Methodist Church (corner of Hwy 49 and 34) Sept. 22 at 11:30 a.m. Friends of the Dadeville Public Library will host this fun presentation by Delores, and she will tell us that it was bigger than Bob Hope! From Utah to the Philippines, from wrestlers and tap dancers to the biggest names in show business, from 16,000 servicemen in a southern France amphitheater to 20 GI’s in jeeps, USO camps were part of an inspiring story of volunteerism, patriotism and service. She shares with us her stories, pictures and video excerpts of some of the 7000 camp performers who brought music and laughs to US servicemen far from home during WW II. Call 256-825-7820 for more information.

September 24

WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP: The Artist Association of Central Alabama is hosting a watercolor workshop Sept.

24 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wine Emporium. The cost is $40 for members and $50 for non-members. The class is limited to 12 prepaid students.

The workshop will cover birch trees in a snow scene. You can register at Wine Emporium or by calling Dottie Holdren at 256-377-4918.

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CATHY HIGGINS SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228

sports@alexcityoutlook.com

Page 8

Thursday, August 18, 2016

www.alexcityoutlook.com

JOE MCADORY Sports Columnist

Auburn needs to figure out its identity

GAME TIME

I

dentity matters. If a person fails to recognize his or her strengths, they will forever drift in obscurity – existing rather than living. What makes you … you? What can you do that stands out, making you different from the rest and sometimes even better?

Charlie Chaplin had a cane and a goofy mustache. John Wayne had a tough, gritty drawl. Tom Landry wore a stylish hat. So did Bear Bryant and Minnie Pearl. Johnny Cash wore black. Clint Eastwood, aka Dirty Harry, had the unforgettable line, “Go ahead, make my day.” Penn State has plain football uniforms. Oregon has bizarre uniforms. It’s who they are.

It’s their brand, their identity.

When a football team has no identity on offense, it’s destined to struggle.

Until you have complete faith in who your workhorse is at a given position or even what plays you are confident will be successful – over and over again — you have no rhythm, no confidence and no respect from any formidable opponent.

Vince Lombardi’s Packers had the toss sweep with Paul Hornung and Jim Taylor. You know, his line created a seal here, and a seal there, and ran the play in the alley.

The John Riggins-era Redskins simply used a massive offensive line, The Hogs, and ran over people. You knew it was coming, but couldn’t stop it anyway.

Mike Leach, head coach at Washington State and formerly at Texas Tech, oversees a blitzkrieg passing attack. His teams throw the ball relentlessly, almost regardless of the situation. I don’t agree with that style of football, but it’s who they are.

With Jovon Robinson, Roc Thomas and Peyton Barber – Auburn’s topthree running backs from last season – and receiver Ricardo Louis, no longer on the roster, I can’t help but wonder if it will take time before the Tigers find their identity. Who’s going to run the ball? Who’s going to catch it?

Who’s going to throw it?

With almost two weeks before Clemson, the 2015 national runner-up, comes to Jordan-Hare Stadium, the Tiger offense has no identity. This is troubling for a team that went 7-6 a year ago.

The 1998 and 1999 teams had no identity on offense – and they lost.

Running back Carnell Williams was an untested freshman for much of 2001, and it took until November for the staff to realize Casinious Moore wasn’t the answer. Coaches couldn’t choose between quarterbacks Jason Campbell or Daniel Cobb until late in the 2002 season. Once they did, the team found itself – and won.

When you don’t have a starting quarterback figured out during training camp, you’re opening yourself up to massive problems into the season.

The Tigers flip-flopped Barrett Trotter and Clint Moseley behind center and were fortunate to win eight games in 2011.

Jeremy Johnson and Sean White traded the quarterback off and on last season. Was Auburn a read-option team, a bubble-screen team, a hurryup Auburn Fast running team, or what? I’m not sure. Johnson struggled, clearly. White was a refreshing change off the bench, but was injured in October. Then the job flip-flopped and discontinuity prevailed.

So here we are. Who will Auburn’s rushing game lean on? Kerryon Johnson? Kam Pettway? Approach by committee? An identity must be established – who Auburn runs and how they run it. Regardless who starts in the backfield, whether it’s at tailback or quarterback, that person could very well change through the season in search an identity.

For Auburn’s sake, this identity must be recognized – then utilized – much sooner than later.

Joe McAdory is the Communications Editor at Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business and is the former Sports Editor at the Opelika-Auburn News.

File / The Outlook

Reeltown wide receiver Joby Newman (11) joins the fray during last year’s home game against Lanett, which the Rebels won 28-18.

Reeltown Rebels renew old rivalry with Notasulga tonight

By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor

Reeltown will kick off the 2016 football season tonight by renewing an old rivalry as the Rebels host Notasulga at 7 p.m. today in a nonregion game.

With both of the teams residing less than 10 miles apart, today’s game has been a long time coming.

“We haven’t played them in a few years,” said Reeltown head coach Matt Johnson. “But back in the day it used to be a huge rivalry.”

As if the pressure of a rivalry game is not enough, this season opener will be the first time Johnson coaches the Rebels through a game.

“It’s a big game for us,” he said.

Despite the pressure, Johnson is keeping tonight’s matchup in perspective.

“We’ll use it as an evaluation game,” he said.

Once Johnson sees the Rebels in play, he’ll know

Cathy Higgins / The Outlook

Reeltown High School head coach Matt Johnson , front ceter, and his coaching staff are ready for tonight’s season opener against the Bulldogs.

how to proceed with the rest of the season.

“There’ll be some growing pains,” he said.

As for tonight, Johnson knows he’s facing a quality team in Notasulga.

“Coach Jones, he’s done a fantastic job with that program,” he said. “It’s going to be huge for us. We really have a quality opponent right out of the gate.”

But the Rebels intend to

play to win.

“We still have to do what we have to do,” Johnson said. “Our identity is to give 100 percent effort.”

That effort includes making the most of possession.

“We want to run the football as much as possible,” Johnson said.

Reeltown also wants to take advantage of any and every scoring opportunity.

“We want to play our

special teams out,” Johnson said.

The Rebels also want to prevent the Bulldogs from doing the same.

“We have to play good defense,” Johnson said.

Despite the pressure of a renewed rivalry for a season kick off, Johnson believes nothing but good can come from tonight’s faceoff.

“It’ll definitely be a good evaluation for us,” he said.

AHSAA: Coaches allowed to instruct out-of-season

By CORY DIAZ TPI Staff

High school coaches may now hold organized instruction for players outside of their respective sports season during the school year, the Alabama High School Athletic Association announced Tuesday at its annual Media Day. According to an amendment to Section 15 of the AHSAA bylaws, voted on by certified coaches across the state, no more than one coach from each sport will be allowed to coach his or her athletes in groups no exceeding 50 percent of the number to play the game for two hours per week per athlete while school is in session.

For example, a football coach, a head coach or an assistant, cannot instruct six

players at one time.

No student is permitted to work more than two hours per day. No two coaches may teach at the same time.

Instruction for a student-athlete is restricted for one sport if he or she is currently playing another sport. Also, a student-athlete must also be given a “dead period,” or a two-week period of rest if they’re not starting a different sport, before a coach can work with him or her.

The first weeks of fall football practice as well as the two weeks following a

football team’s last game is also a dead period.

• The AHSAA reported its highest total of revenue sharing of $1.8 million, out of $6.8 million total revenue, for the 201516 school year to its member schools.

“We’ve had this program for seven years, and what I think is most impactful is we’ve almost given back $10 million to our schools in that seven years,” AHSAA Executive Director Steve Savarese said.

• Provided by Gerber Life, AHSAA student-athletes are eligible under a new $5 million Catastrophic Insurance Plan that features a $10,000 deductible, down from $25,000, as well as lifetime benefit offers if a player were to suffer a lifealtering injury while competing.