Dec. 14, 2017 Alex City Outlook

PAGE 4: LEARN LESSONS FROM ELECTION, PRAY FOR FUTURE

THE CALENDAR, PAGE 6 Plenty of area events to be held

THURSDAY SPORTS, PAGE 10 Jaaliyah Caldwell is Athlete of the Week

Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892

December 14, 2017 Vol. 125, No. 247 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢

Jealousy may have fueled 280 murder

Evidence in Sept. 19 shooting death emerges in preliminary hearing

By MITCH SNEED Editor

The capital murder case against a man suspected of shooting another man to death as he drove down Highway 280 Sept. 19 has been bound over to a grand jury.

Judge Kim Taylor made the Harrison decision to send the case to a grand jury after hearing evidence and testimony in a preliminary hearing See MURDER • Page 3 Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Wells Fargo on Broad Street in downtown Alexander City appears to be headed for closure. Though there has been no official confirmation given by the company, city officials are showing interest.

HEADED FOR CLOSURE? No official confirmation by Wells Fargo, but city officials show interest

By MITCH SNEED Editor

“We have told them that we would like to help if needed, but they said they are not ready to move just yet.”

While local leaders hear that the downtown branch of Wells Fargo, located in a historic building on the corner of Green and Jefferson streets will soon be closed, corporate officials would not confirm that when questioned.

Wells Fargo Southeast Region Assistant Vice President for Communications and Corporate — Jim Nabors Communications Jamee Lawson Nelson said the comAlexander City mayor pany is reevaluating its branches across the country, but would not speak specifically on the future of the downbehavior, market factors, economic trends and competitown Alexander City branch. tor actions,” Nelson said in an email last week. “While “We continue to evaluate our branch network, and See BANK • Page 3 base our physical distribution strategy on customer

City council approves grant application for sidewalks, lights

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

With a Friday deadline, the Alexander City City Council held a special called meeting to approve a resolution to apply for a Transportation Alternative Program Funds Grant to install sidewalks and lights along Lee Street.

The idea is not new. Streetscapes in that area were part of the city’s strategic plan that was formulated in 2014.

Al Jones explained parts of this project were given funds in a previous grant before because the available funds would only allow the installation of about 200 feet of sidewalk.

“We didn’t think it was worth it,” Jones said.

“And neither did the state.”

The new project would create an entrance into the downtown area.

“We would have sidewalks from about 5th Way down to Dairy Queen,” Jones said. “It would give us a very nice entrance into downtown.”

See COUNCIL • Page 3

Lyman Ward offers cadets new aviation program

Pritchard, Alabama Funeral Homes still wait for answers

By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

Despite the copious amounts of snow that fell on Alexander City throughout the day Friday, a handful of cadets from Lyman Ward Military Academy took a trip to the Alexander City Airport to kick off a new aviation program the school is now offering to its cadets.

“Lyman Ward Military Academy rolled out its new aviation program on Dec. 8, 2017 in partnership with Brown Aero Technologies, located at Russell Airfield in Alexander City,” Commandant Lieutenant Colonel Joel Burdette said.

“LWMA is offering a very challenging curriculum for cadets desiring to immerse themselves in civil aviation.”

Plans for Friday had initially included allowing the cadets the opportunity to See AVIATION • Page 3

Today’s

Weather

56 33 High

Low

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

Submitted / The Outlook

Several Lyman Ward Military Academy cadets inspect an airplane at the Alexander City Airport Friday as part of the school’s new aviation program.

Lake Martin

Lake Levels

483.94 Reported on 12/13/17 @ 5 p.m.

We Care About You

Carl Pritchard, owner of Alabama Funeral Homes in Camp Hill will have to wait again to hear if he will lose his license to operate a funeral home for 30 days after filing an appeal on the matter to circuit court in May. Pritchard and Managing Funeral Director Donald Phillips had been found guilty of not following procedures in a crematorium that could lead to misidentifying remains.

Pritchard through his attorney See FUNERAL • Page 3

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Christmas babies find plenty to celebrate at the holidays

Friday

47 27 Low

High Sunny

Saturday

56 39 Low

High

Mostly sunny, slight chance of showers

Staff

Directory Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com Management Steve Baker Publisher, Ext. 218 steve.baker@alexcityoutlook.com Mitch Sneed Editor, Ext. 213 mitch.sneed@alexcityoutlook.com David Kendrick Circulation Manager, Ext. 204 david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com Lee Champion Production Manager, Ext. 220 lee.champion@alexcityoutlook.com Audra Spears Art Director, Ext. 219 audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com Angela Mullins Business Manager, Ext. 202 angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com Newsroom Amy Passaretti Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 amy.passaretti@alexcityoutlook.com Lizi Arbogast Sports Editor, Ext. 228 lizi.arbogast@alexcityoutlook.com Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com

Postal

Information (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) The Outlook is published five times a week, Tuesday through Saturday mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011.

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

How to Submit Obituaries

Thursday, December 14, 2017

The Outlook

Donald Campbell Staff Writer, Ext. 208 donald.campbell@alexcityoutlook.com Santana Wood Staff Writer/Pagination, Ext. 210 santana.wood@alexcityoutlook.com Advertising Sales Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Tabby Edwards Retail Sales Manager, Ext. 232 tabby.edwards@alexcityoutlook.com Scott Hardy Digital Marketing Coordinator, Ext. 231 scott.hardy@alexcityoutlook.com Emily Gregg Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 emily.gregg@alexcityoutlook.com Rebecca Carlisle Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 rebecca.carlisle@alexcityoutlook.com Grant Peterson Advertising Sales, Ext. 209 grant.peterson@alexcityoutlook.com

DEAR ABBY: This letter is in response to “Blessed in New York” (Aug. 4), the mom who gave birth to her precious daughter on Christmas Day and wondered if maybe she should have timed her pregnancy better.

Our daughter was born on Dec. 20. When she was only a few years old, we purchased a 2-foot-tall artificial tree and named it the “birthday tree.”

She could decorate it every year however she liked. Any birthday presents went under that tree. That made her day special. When she got married and moved out, her birthday tree went with her. -BLESSED, TOO, IN INDIANA DEAR BLESSED, TOO: I enjoyed reading the letters from you and other readers who are Christmas babies or have a family member who is one. Their upbeat, positive experiences made me smile.

Read on: DEAR ABBY: My daughter was born on Christmas Eve. From the time she was 5 and

DEAR ABBY Advice

able to recognize that her birthday cards were getting scrambled in with the other holiday cards, we started celebrating on June 24 -- her half-birthday. She gets excited every year as it nears. She’ll be 32. Celebrating her halfbirthday was the best thing we could have decided to do, and I have no regrets. -- MOM OF A CHRISTMAS BABY DEAR ABBY: I was born in December and I LOVE my birthday! My mother, grandmother, sister-in-law and niece were also born in December.

It’s a great time to have a birthday. Everything is decorated for the holidays, and most people are in a good mood. My family never blended the occasions, so that helped.

As to people’s comments, my reply is: “Everyone has a birthday. Mine just happens to be at Christmastime, so please acknowledge that.” The only thing I do wish is, if I receive a birthday gift, I hope it’s wrapped in birthday paper and not Christmas wrap. -- HOLLY IN ARKANSAS DEAR ABBY: I do not recommend celebrating the kid’s half-birthday in June. In June, people are away at camp or on vacation, and there’s no one to invite to the party.

Early December is a perfect time for a birthday party. Sports are over and the holiday parties haven’t started, school is still in session so everyone is still around. Another good time is early January, right after school starts again but the other activities haven’t yet geared up. -BUSY DECEMBER MOM DEAR ABBY: Fifty-five years ago my husband and I weren’t thinking ahead either. Our son was born on Christmas Day. He still thinks that’s great.

Christmas always lasted

until after the presents were opened and the kitchen was cleaned following lunch. Then it was birthday time! It was special because his long-distance grandparents were always there.

When he became old enough for birthday parties, he could choose to have it on any day while school was out for the holiday break -- either before or after Christmas.

It worked well for our family and it might for others, too. -CAROLYN IN TEXAS DEAR ABBY: Tell that new mom to cheer up. My mother was born on Christmas Day and she loved it. She said the reason was no one ever forgot it, and everyone got the day off!

-- SARA IN FLORIDA 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.

Composing Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com Circulation Linda Ewing Office Clerk, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com

Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, Lake Martin Living, Kenneth Boone Photography and a commercial web printing press. © 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Reproduction of any part of any issue requires written publisher permission.

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

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

Obituaries Ms. Classie Mae Pogue Funeral service for Ms. Classie Mae Pogue 54 of Alexander City, AL; Thursday, December 14, 2017; 1:30 p.m.; Mt. Zion East Baptist Church, Dadeville, AL. Burial in church cemetery. Visitation: 1 p.m. -7 p.m., Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at funeral home.

Final Arrangements Entrusted to Armour’s Memorial Funeral Home

Many a small thing has

been

made

large.. . .with the right kind of advertising.

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Stephens students perform in Christmas program Top, parents and friends watch as students at Stephens Elementary School, above, sing and perform the Christmas program Tuesday night.

Local Boys & Girls Club awarded with concert tickets

By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

256.234.4281

Turn to our Classified Pages to find the latest garage, yard, moving and estate sales going on in your area. You never know what you might find!

CALL CLASSIFIEDS TODAY!

Find great deals!

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Katy Perry fans made their way to Philips Arena in Atlanta Tuesday night for Perry’s concert, one of the most recent stops of her “Witness” tour. Though they had won tickets to the show thanks to a contest held by the national Boys and Girls Club organization, eight members of the Boys and Girls Club of the Lake Martin Area chose to stay home Tuesday night, focusing on studying for upcoming end of the semester tests.

Crystal Freeman, the recentlyhired teen director for the local Boys and Girls Club, said this was the first contest held by the national Boys and Girls Club she was able to enter, and was thrilled to know some of her teenagers had been chose.

“This was very exciting,” she said. “The teens were excited, they felt really good knowing that their hard work had been recognized.”

“They felt really good knowing that their hard work had been recognized.”

— Crystal Freeman Local B&GC teen director Freeman said both students and parents expressed concerns about making the trip to Atlanta for the concert on a weeknight, including this not giving the attendees adequate time to study for their exams or getting plenty of rest before returning to school Wednesday morning.

At the same time, however,

Freeman said having these club members recognized by the national Boys and Girls Club organization was a major confidence builder for them as the local club moves forward into the multitude of activities planned for next year.

“In January, we have an art contest we’ll be entering for the national Boys and Girls Club,” Freeman said. “We’ll also be taking part in a teen leadership challenge conference in January.

The conference will be here in Alexander City on Jan. 13, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Cooper Rec Center.”

Having been recognized by the national Boys and Girls Club and awarded Katy Perry concert tickets as a result of all their hard work, and with many more events and contests on the horizon, the Boys and Girls Club of the Lake Martin Area has an exciting scheduled planned for 2018.

“We are all really excited about this upcoming year,” Freeman said.

Thursday, December 14, 2017

The Outlook

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Council “There is a time table for this,” Tommy Spraggins said. “We have to apply by Friday.”

The project is estimated to cost about $401,000 costing the city $155,000 in matching and engineering funds. It would include about a half mile of sidewalk, lights and trees while reshaping some of the right of way to make sight lines for traffic better along the stretch of Lee Street.

Artists rendering of the project show the sidewalk starting just beyond the former Russell Corp. headquarters building and continuing down Lee Street to the Dairy Queen property.

The design includes wide sidewalks, a green buffer, street lamps in the same design as those used downtown as well as selected trees, plants and shrubbery.

Some council members questioned

Page 3

continued from page 1

making the path bicycle friendly.

“Bikes are allowed but not encouraged,” Jones said. “It would need to be a lot wider for that. It would be cost prohibitive to do a bike path.”

The resolution passed unanimously in the absence of Scott Hardy.

Alexander City Police Chief Jay Turner addressed the council to give them an update about the city reevaluating the housing prisoners to make the department more efficient.

City Finance Director Sandy Stanbrough informed the council that the fiscal year 2016 financial statements were close to being ready for audit.

The council helped celebrate Mayor Jim Nabors birthday by singing “Happy Birthday” to him.

The next scheduled meeting of Cliff Williams / The Outlook the Alexander City City Council is Monday, Dec. 18.

The Alexander City City Council shares a laugh while singing happy birthday to Mayor Jim Nabors.

Bank branches continue to be important in serving our customers’ needs, our investment in digital capabilities has enabled us to seamlessly serve our customers across channels and provide choice in how they bank with us. Through April of this year, we closed 48 branches, and are on pace to close 200 by year-end.

“At this time, we cannot provide details on specific locations; however, many of the closures this year will be in close proximity to another branch.

Therefore, we don’t expect a significant

continued from page 1

revenue or team member impact.”

Alexander City does have another Wells Fargo branch located at 4316 U.S. Highway 280.

Alexander City Mayor Jim Nabors said he has been in contact with Wells Fargo officials in hopes that the city can work to make sure that the historic building is occupied when the bank moves on. He said his conversations indicated that the bank property wouldn’t be available until late March of next year.

“We have told them that we would like to help if needed, but they said they are not ready to move just yet,” Nabors said. “They did say that they have had some interest already so that’s very encouraging.”

Just last summer bank officials pointed out that downtown banks are becoming obsolete. At a ceremony honoring Wells Fargo for completion of the restoration of a clock on the façade of the historic building in June, Wells Fargo Area President Tommy Solomon said at

Murder Wednesday. Included in what the judge heard was information suggesting that suspected killer Nicholas Seth Harrison of Valley may have still had feelings for a former girlfriend who was in a relationship with the victim Denzel Pope at the time of his death.

Pope, 21, of Sylacauga died after being shot while traveling in a light gold four-door 1993 Acura Legend on Sept.

19. Pope’s vehicle came to a stop on the side of the westbound lanes of Highway 280, just west of Tallapoosa Ford and across from McDaniel Supply and Storage. Members of the victim’s family sat quietly in the courtroom during the hearing, with Pope’s mother holding a framed picture of her son throughout the proceedings.

Alexander City Police Department Det. Drew Machen testified about written statements from witnesses in the case, including one from Pope’s girlfriend and her close friend.

Machen read statement excerpts that claimed Harrison was part of a plot to set Pope up for being unfaithful to his

continued from page 1

girlfriend. Another woman was then used to send messages to Pope and arrange a meeting. But rather than a woman showing up, witness statements indicate Harrison confronted Pope and chased after him from Walmart where the meeting was held.

Alexander City Police Department Det. Riley Foshee testified about how Harrison was identified as a suspect and his role in the investigation.

A short time after authorities were called to the scene and discovered Pope deceased in his vehicle, a car was stopped for reckless driving by Dadeville Police Department officers, Foshee’s testimony confirmed. The driver of that car was identified as Harrison and bullet holes, a 9 mm handgun and five 9 mm shell casings were found in Harrison’s Ford Fusion, according to testimony from Foshee.

Other facts that came out in court included: • Foshee testified that he performed a gunshot residue test on the hand of Harrison and it was positive, indicating

that hit had been exposed to gunpowder.

• Machen said an autopsy report listed a gunshot to the head as the cause of death and the means of death was listed as homicide.

• Machen testified that no gun or shell casings were found inside Pope’s vehicle.

• The ballistics reports have not been returned from the crime lab, checking to see if the weapon and projectiles match the gun found in Harrison’s vehicle.

• Video from Walmart and from Satterfield machine Shop and Outdoor Living was also gathered and were said to depict the vehicles of the suspect and victim.

• Harrison was represented by Alexander City attorney Tim Davis and Victor Revill. They asked why the women who allegedly helped in the plot had not been charged and if they had been given immunity or offered any type of deal. Machen said to his knowledge, he didn’t know why they hadn’t been charged and had not been given immunity.

The defense raised concerns about

Aviation

not have received any evidence from the state prior to the hearing, despite a court order granting it.

“We don’t think it’s fair to come in and hear evidence that will determine probable cause that we haven’t had the opportunity to examine,” Davis said.

“We don’t think it is constitutionally fair to have Mr. Harrison sitting in jail for how ever long, when the state has not given us any evidence, despite a court order,” Davis said.

Taylor reminded Assistant District Attorney Kevin Hall of the order and said that he had 21 days to produce everything that the state had.

“They can have it in less than 12 hours if they will walk to the other end of the hall when we are done with this hearing,” Hall said.

Taylor also denied a defense motion to drop the charges from capital murder to murder due to the circumstances of the case. Taylor denied that motion.

No additional court hearings were set and it was unclear when the case could be presented to a grand jury.

continued from page 1

Submitted / The Outlook

Cadets from Lyman Ward Military Academy, Commandant Joel Burdette and associates of Brown Aero met at the Alexander City Airport Friday as the school launched its new aviation program for cadets.

take a flight in some of the aircraft Brown Aero uses, but this was scrapped due to the weather. Despite this, the cadets were still able to receive a scheduled briefing and first lesson, helping give them a more solid grounding into the basics of aviation.

Now that the new aviation program has begun, the cadets who took part Friday’s kickoff will continue their flight education both on campus and at the Alexander City Airport through the school’s partnership with Brown Aero.

“Their program consists of three days per week of ground school classroom instruction on campus combined with actual flying of the aircraft from Russell Field,” Burdette said. “This extremely challenging curriculum will result in the opportunity for a cadet to earn their FAA (Federal Aviation Administration)

Funeral Charles Gillenwaters appealed on several grounds including the sanctions being too harsh after Pritchard was found guilty by the Alabama Board of Funeral Service for multiple violations.

Pritchard told Judge Tom Young at a hearing Wednesday the sanction would affect property owners.

“It would affect many property owners,” Pritchard said.

The reason being is a cemetery is part of the operation of Alabama Funeral Homes.

Pritchard was also ordered to pay $7,500 in fines by the Funeral Service Board.

Gillenwaters and Cameron McEwen, who represents the Funeral Service Board argued in front Young over the matter Wednesday morning. Both cited case law as to whether Young could or could not modify the sanctions.

“I think you do have the authority to modify punishment,” Gillenwaters said.

that time.

“While banks in downtown areas are becoming more rare, we love this building and being here,” Solomon said in June. “It’s a great building with tons of space and it’s a landmark.”

Local historians were unsure about the exact timeline as to when the building was constructed, but said that historic photos dating back to the 1920s show the building and it is known that it has been used as a bank since it was Alexander City Bank in the 1940s.

Part 61 Private Pilot’s License over the course of a semester. This program is a separate elective, above and beyond the normal academic and student life requirements.”

The aviation program is only one of several new programs Lyman Ward is offering to its cadets. Recent additions to the curriculum include a robotics program, an equestrian program and a drone operations course, which will allow participating cadets to earn a certified drone operator’s license from the FAA. For those young men interested in joining the Lyman Ward cadets and learning to fly in the school’s new aviation program, Burdette said the campus was always open for a scheduled tour, and there was still plenty of time to enroll for grades 6-12 before the spring semester begins on Jan. 3.

continued from page 1

“There are incidents by this board that have been modified and by other boards too. That rule (appeal to circuit court) would not be there if you could not modify.”

McEwen presented case law stating Young could not modify.

McEwen went a step a further saying the board wanted this punishment to keep others from falling into the same habit, especially since Pritchard and Alabama Funeral Homes had been written up twice previously for similar violations in 2015 and 2016.

“They (Funeral Service Board) want this punishment to set an example,” McEwen said.

According Charles Perine, executive secretary for the board, Pritchard was found guilty by the board of violating regulations.

“The board found Mr. Pritchard guilty of failing to maintain an identification system for cremating remains,” Perine

said in May. “They also found him guilty of failing to use combustible containers for cremating and demonstrating incompetence.”

Pritchard and Gillenwaters summarized the day staff with the funeral service board came for the inspection stating the body that was not in a container had been dropped off by another funeral home for cremation and that the other body in the facility was in mid process having already been cremated remaining in the process until a biodegradable urn arrived.

Young issued a stay on the sanctions in May when the appeal was filed and gave no indication as to when he might rule on the matter but is waiting on Gillenwaters to file a motion pointing to evidence presented in the initial hearing.

The Alabama legislature set up the funeral service board with membership consisting of funeral service professionals.

The board also has the authority to conduct administrative hearings to determine if a licensee has committed acts that violate any funeral service laws or regulations and, if found guilty, what penalty to impose. Suspension, revocation, refusal to renew, and refusal to issue a license are all possible penalties along with imposing fines of up to $2,500 per violation.

If a licensee is found guilty and penalties are imposed, he/she may appeal the Board’s ruling to circuit court. All complaints, information, or evidence concerning a potential violation should be reported to the board staff and not the members directly. Any member who has prior knowledge of a case before a hearing will not be allowed to participate in the hearing.

The members basically serve as the jury and may only hear and consider testimony and evidence presented at the hearing on the matter.

MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213

editor@alexcityoutlook.com

EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Page 4

Our

View

Learn lessons from election, pray for the future

A

labama made a statement Tuesday and went with a candidate that would give the state a little more credibility than the alternative.

Whether they agreed with every plank in Doug Jones’ platform or not, he said it best in a campaign ad. “I will never embarrass you.”

Most can’t say for certain that would have been the case if Roy Moore had been elected.

Because we are a newspaper, we are always interested in how other publications covered this big story.

The headline in our paper was VOTERS SAY NO MOORE. The Tuscaloosa News had the same thought, Alabama says no Moore.

The Anniston Star went with: Blue Blazes: Jones shocks Moore in Senate elections.

For the Birmingham News it was: Alabama rejects Moore, elects Democrat Jones.

The Opelika-Auburn News used: ALABAMA STUNNER. The Selma Times Journal went with a play on words: More votes for Jones.

Regardless of the headline, the message was simple.

No matter if some people want to admit it, the voters were wary of the same old antics by a man who was facing some serious decades old allegations of misconduct on top the fact that he had been ousted from office twice for not following the law he swore to uphold.

The circus is fun, but no one could stand to see it every single day and that’s what Roy Moore would have taken to the Senate.

We know that our community is currently made up of people who by and large support the Republican Party. We understand the strong feelings people have about moral issues and family values. But there comes a time when you have to know the difference between reality, law and saying what people want to hear.

In the future, voters from every party should think about selecting nominees that are not so extreme and more in touch with current feelings and undertones for the majority of our society. It’s safe to say that a Republican candidate with less baggage would have likely beaten Jones. But we will have to wait three years to see if that’s the case.

The state turned out in large numbers, with about 35 percent of registered voters going to the polls.

The people have spoken and now we must all come together and pray for all of our leaders to be blessed with the wisdom to make decisions that will help make Alabama and America great.

Thursday, December 14, 2017

How Dems and traditional GOP won in Alabama

I

n Birmingham, the Doug Jones campaign is celebrating its win in the Senate Special Election of 2017. Senate Republicans are probably celebrating Roy Moore’s defeat as well. Here’s why.

We discovered that U.S. Attorney Doug Jones was not just a good prosecutor, most famous for taking down those responsible for the Birmingham Church Bombing calamity of 1963 that killed four AfricanAmerican girls. He refused to be just the “anti-Trump,” the way Hillary Clinton did. He ran a biracial message in the Barack Obama tradition, just like Virginia Lt. Governor Ralph Northam. Both Jones and Northam, and even Obama, were criticized by some on the left for running a “color-blind” campaign that did not call for overt direct appeals exclusively tailored to African-Americans.

“Ah, the colorblind message.

How well has that been reporting for Democrats in recent years?” writes Michael Arceneaux with Essence. His critique of Jones notes that the Alabama Democrat focused “instead on the more universal messages of job creation and health care.”

Sean Sullivan with the Washington Post wrote in late November “African American voters not energized by Alabama’s Senate race.” The amazing turnout by African Americans made this headline pretty much “fake news.”

From this Virginia election, and Alabama race, we learned is that a biracial message appeals to whites and blacks.

It provides the blueprint for

defeat for the GOP. And that was Moore’s victory. For all the talk about an investigation and a removal of Senator Moore, JOHN A. TURES we didn’t see anything like that with Democratic Senator Roland Guest Burris of Illinois, who should Columnist have been expelled in 2009 in the wake of the Governor Rod blue, purple and red states Blagojevich scandal. It’s hard among Democrats. It provides a rejection of specific tribalism, to expel a sitting Senator, as Senators obviously don’t want whether it’s white-only or to make it easy to get rid of a black-only. I expect Jones to Senator. occupy the middle ground of As I had noted before, a the Senate, and perhaps serve Senator Moore would have as one of those politicians who a millstone around the neck can be a bridge between both of every GOP candidate for parties.

2018, 2020, and for as long as On the other side, he served in Washington, DC. conservatives have to be in Republican politicians don’t shock. This was Doug Jones’ have to explain the actions of first election, while Roy one of their members now.

Moore has run more times for A number of Republican statewide office than anyone in Alabama not named Wallace or Senators running in 2018, and Folsom, and may even top those several House members, are two names. But they shouldn’t about to face challengers that are backed by Steve Bannon, take the loss too hard. That’s and his supporters. Moore’s because Roy Moore’s defeat gave a huge opportunity for the defeat is a wake-up call for the Republican Party to save itself. GOP. While President Trump and Ronna Romney McDaniel’s First of all, Republicans Republican National Committee had a decent Senator in (RNC) caved in to back Moore, Luther Strange. If Senator the National Republican Strange isn’t knocked out in Senatorial Committee (NRSC) the primary runoff, he likely stayed firm in their principles, wins, barring some unforeseen refusing to support Moore. The gaffe. But ultra-conservative NRSC and GOP Senators are gadfly Steve Bannon had the ones who should be listened to enter the race, push Roy to, for any American who calls Moore and the politics of himself or herself a Republican, hate, and trashed Strange, who instead of blaming Republican was a good Attorney General Senators for the loss in Alabama. and U.S. Senator who would not embarrass Alabama. He John A. Tures is a professor also attacked a number of of political science at LaGrange Republican Senators in his College in LaGrange, Georgia. scorched earth campaign that He can be reached at jtures@ upended the Alabama GOP. lagrange.edu. His Twitter Second of all, there was one outcome far worse than Moore’s account is JohnTures2.

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.

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.

Scott Hardy

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

Eric Brown

Tommy Spraggins represents District 5.

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

Tommy Spraggins

Tim Funderburk represents District 6.

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

Tim Funderburk

Scripture

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

– Romans 8:38-39

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I’m back after a football injury

Buffy Colvin represents

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.

Jim Nabors

Bobby Tapley

“Love may be or it may not, but where it is, it ought to reveal itself in its immensity.”

– Honore de Balzac

Mission

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Our

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

Today’s

I

t’s good to be back.

I’m sure you’ve missed me.

Or maybe you didn’t even notice I was gone.

Well, I’ve been away. For four weeks. At home recuperating from a football injury.

See, undoubtedly I didn’t get enough of the game in the one spring training I played at Elmore County High School, so I thought I’d see a little state playoff action in Wetumpka first-round playoff game against Blount.

Or maybe Kavosiey Smoke thought I should.

With 40 seconds left to go in the first half of Wetumpka’s win over the Leopards, Smoke ran right – and right into me where I stood on the sideline.

He didn’t hit me solid, barely hit me at all, in fact. But, in my haste to avoid him by backing up, I fell, went to brace myself with my right arm and my elbow hasn’t been the same since.

I was taken by Haynes Ambulance to Jackson Hospital, where they set and splinted the elbow and went to see an orthopedist the following Monday.

The verdict? A severely dislocated elbow and multiple torn ligaments. I tore all the ligaments in my elbow, in fact.

The doctor put me in a cast from below my wrist to several inches above my elbow. I wore that for three weeks and realized

DAVID GRANGER Managing Editor

that being without use of one’s dominant hand is no way to go through life. Plus, though I could bathe, I couldn’t take my preferred showers. For three whole weeks!

After those three weeks, I wore a sling and last Friday the doctor released me to return to The Herald. I am, however, attending physical therapy three days a week.

So I’m back in the saddle.

I’m sure my good friends and co-workers here in Wetumpka and in Alexander City have done a great job of covering the Wetumpka happenings in my stead. I was really hoping to come back to work in a city that owned a state Class 6A football championship, but, despite the Indians’ loss to Pinson Valley in the championship game, their 12-2 season gave us an awful lot to be proud of, not to mention giving us something to look forward to next season. I want to be sure to give my personal congratulations to WHS head coach Tim Perry and all the members of the 2017 Indians.

Even Mr. Smoke, who, as he

moves to the next level, I will always feel a special kinship to.

And while we’re talking football, there is one other little game that took place while I was out. You know, that little friendly contest that takes place between the state’s two largest universities that hardly anyone pays any attention to? I’ve only got two words to say about that game.

War Eagle!

And I guess congratulations are also in order to the Alabama fans who saw their team sort of back into the championship playoff and a rematch against Clemson.

Looks like all of the football fans in this area have something to be thankful for in this Christmas season.

None more so than I. I’m happy Auburn beat Alabama, happy that I can once again use my right arm, even if I can’t yet fully do so, happy for our local football heroes who put together one heckuva year and I’m back here at my desk at The Herald.

And as we go deeper into this magical season, know that I’m back here because of you and call me or email me if I can help you or if you just want to chew some Christmas fat.

David Granger is the managing editor of Tallapoosa Publishers Elmore County newspapers. He can be reached at david.granger@ thewetumpkaherald.com

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.

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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DADEVILLE GETS INTO CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Top, Dadeville Mayor Wayne Smith and others make their way through the parade route. Lake Martin Family Medicine, above, and other local businesses were in the parade Sunday. Top right, Dr. Jamie Evans walks the parade route with her dogs. Residents and children enjoyed the Dadeville Christmas Parade as decorated floats came by and candy was passed out.

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Today is November 8, 2017

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CHRISTMAS CONCERT: The Capitol Sounds Concert Band will be in concert Thursday, Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the St. James United Methodist Church at 9045 Vaughn Road in Montgomery. Admission is free.

SENIORX: Deborah Jones, a SenioRx coordinator will be available Dec. 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce to help seniors determine if they are eligible for assistance with diabetic supplies, liquid supplements and maintenance medications. Jones can be contacted at 1-800-361-1636 for more information.

SHOP LOCAL LATE: MainStreet Alexander City and downtown Alexander City businesses are hosting Shop Local Late on Thursdays in December.

Participating stores are open until 7 p.m. Bring your downtown receipts to Cloud Nine to be entered to win a Christmas gift basket. Spent $25 get one raffle ticket. Spend $50 get two and spend $150 get five. The winner will be announced Thursday, Dec. 21 at Cloud Nine.

CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE: Volunteer Connections of Central Alabama is sponsoring a Christmas Open House Thursday, Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The public is invited to come by and visit. VCCA is located at 5030 Cherokee Road next to the Karen Channel State Farm office.

For more information email vcca.al@gmail.com or call 256-234-0347.

CHOIR ANNIVERSARY: Corinth Baptist Church in Kellyton

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Submitted / The Outlook

Dedie Hendrix presents check on behalf of the Adelia McConnell Russell Charitable Foundation to Lake Martin Animal Shelter Director, Mia Chandler, for the emergency medical fund.

Chandler created this fund to allow supporters to donate specifically for examining cases to diagnose through X-rays and lab work, treatments, medications, surgeries and hospitalization. Most neglect or cruelty cases including animal control intake are not surrendered to the shelter with any financial assistance. All veterinary expenses are the burden of the shelter. The Adelia M. Russell Charitable Foundation is a major contributor to this fund and so many lives have been saved due to its generous support. is hosting its annual choir anniversary celebration Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. Guest speaker will be Pastor Tracy Burton of Seleeta Baptist Church. Pastor of Corinth Baptist Church is

Friday, December 15

RENTED CHRISTMAS: Alexander City Theatre II will present a heartwarming holiday story in two acts with carols and the reading of the Christmas story from the Book of Luke. The play begins at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $12 for adults; $7 for students and are available at the door and on the ACT II website at www.act2fineartscenter.com.

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS DINNER: Victory Temple Holiness Church at 237 Aster Street in Dadeville is hosting its annual community Christmas Dinner Dec. 15 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. It is dine in or carry out.

Saturday, December 16

TRADE DAY: Bibb Graves High Come Visit Us! School Alumni and Friends Monthly Trade Day in Millerville on Highway 9 Cecily Lee, Administrator Ashland and Goodwater will Angela Pitts, Director of Nursing between be held on December 16 from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. Refreshments are also available.

RENTED CHRISTMAS: Alexander City Theatre II will present a heartwarming holiday story in two acts with carols and the reading of the Christmas story from the Book of Luke. There will be two performances of the play - 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Need your business to Benjamin Russell auditorium. Tickets are $12 for adults; $7 for students and are available at the door and online at the website www.act2fineartscenter. from the crowd? com.

BENEFIT SINGING: Bay Pine Call us, we can help!

256.234.4281 Baptist Church is hosting a benefit singing and cake auction for the family of Lienna Taylor.

Taylor was recently diagnosed with AML Leukemia and is currently at • Alexander City Outlook UAB. She has left her job for treat• Dadeville Record • Wetumpka Herald ments and her husband is now the • Eclectic Observer sole provider for the family of four.

• Tallassee Tribune Singing at the end of the cake auction will be Heaven’s Crossroads, Zach Channell and All for Him. For more information contact Charlie Crouch at 256-749-3090.

CHRISTMAS PARADE: The town of Camp Hill is hosting a Christmas Parade Saturday, Dec. 16 starting at 2 p.m. After the parade there will be Christmas festivities in the Edward Darrell Brooks, Owner Bell Gym with Christmas carols, cookies and hot chocolate.

Cutting •Edging BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: The Dadeville First United Methodist Weed Eating •Mulch Church had to reschedule Breakfast Weed Control with Santa as he got snowed in. It will be Saturday, Dec. 16 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Pancakes, sausage and juice is $5 and it is $5 for a picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

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Sunday, December 17

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CHRISTMAS CANTATA: Red Ridge United Methodist Church is presenting its Christmas cantata “How

Jimmy Brooks, Jr.

Today’s Birthdays

Vickie Jackson, Chris Mann, Jimmie Welsh, Angie Mann Malone, Chad

Should a King Come” by Randy Vader and Rose Aspinall Dec. 17 at 9:30 a.m. under the direction of Dr. Kim Walls with a full orchestra composed of professional, amateur and student musicians. Dramatization will depict scenes of the birth of Jesus Christ directed by Marian Edell and Sue Mason. Refreshments and coffee will be served following the concert. All are invited. The church is located at 8091 County Road 34 at the corner of 49 and 34 in Dadeville. Call 256825-9820 for more information or visit redridgeumc.org. Vicki Cater is pastor.

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM: The worship choir at Hillabee Baptist Church will present “O Little Town of Bethlehem” Sunday, Dec. 17 at 5 p.m. to be followed by a Christmas Social.

Thursday, December 21

SHOP LOCAL LATE: MainStreet Alexander City and downtown Alexander City businesses are hosting Shop Local Late on Thursdays in December. Participating stores are open until 7 p.m. Bring your downtown receipts to Cloud Nine to be entered to win a Christmas gift basket. Spent $25 get one raffle ticket. Spend $50 get two and spend $150 get five. The winner will be announced Thursday, Dec. 21 at Cloud Nine.

Friday, December 22

BLOOD DRIVE: The Amercian Red Cross is hosting a blood drive at Russell Medical in the Community Room from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. All blood types are needed. Appointments can be made at redcrossblood.org. by using the keyword Russell. There will be pizza and T-shirts for those who come.

Monday, December 25

CHRISTMAS DINNER: Comer Methodist Church is hosting a Christmas Dinner Dec. 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The public is invited to have a hot meal and fellowship. Tickets can be picked up at the Nutrition Center and the Salvation Army. You do not have to have a ticket to get a meal.

For more information call 256-2347831.

Phillips, Sarah S. Nolen, Linda Hardman, Caroline Thornton, Rosa Browning, Kristin Peppers, Chadrick Howard and Ruth Burns are celebrating their birthdays today.

THROW AWAY DAYS: The Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership and the Tallapoosa County Commission are holding Throw Away Days January 8-9. Dumpsters will be located at at the Alex City Annex at 395 Lee Street, Double Bridges on Highway 63, the Old Daviston School on Highway 22, the Camp Hill Town at 309 Holley Ave. and the Union Community Center at 4191 Highway 50. Dumpsters will be available at no charge to residents.

Helping Children Learn and Grow

The Learning Tree, Inc. is Accepting Applications for 2nd, 3rd, and Weekend Shifts for Direct Care.

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

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Tuesday, January 16

BEEKEEPING COURSE: The 2018 Beginner Beekeeping Course will start Jan. 16 and will be on Tuesdays through Feb. 20 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Dadeville Recreation Center. Cost is $45 for adults and $35 for students Call the Extension Office at 256-825-1050 and the deadline for registration is Jan. 11.

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com

Sunday, January 21

HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEETING: The Tallapoosee Historical Society will meet at the Historical Museum on the square in Dadeville on Sunday, January 21, 2018 at 2 p.m. Dr. Charles Mitchell will be the speaker.

He will present “A Pictorial History of Alabama Agriculture.” While working at Auburn, Dr. Mitchell accumulated lots of old photographs related to Alabama agriculture. Several years ago, he began organizing them and realized that these old pictures could actually tell the chronological story of Alabama’s agriculture from the Creek Indians to modern production. He will share these photographs with the Tallapoosee Historical Society Please make plans to attend. The meeting is open to the public, there is no admission fee and free refreshments will be served.

Monday, Janurary 22

Monday, Janurary 8

HORIZONS UNLIMITED: E. Paul Jones will present “Reverend Maxwell” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Jan. 22 starting at 1:30 p.m.at the Alexander City Board of Education.

Horizons Unlimited membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple.

Registration for winter quarter begins 1 p.m. Jan. 8.

January 8-9

HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Marilee Tankersley will present “Wetumpka Impact Crater” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Jan. 29 starting at 1:30 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education.

Horizons Unlimited membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple.

Registration for winter quarter begins 1 p.m. Jan. 8.

HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Craigger Browne will present “Tribute to Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Jan. 8 starting at 1:30 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education.

Horizons Unlimited membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple.

Registration for winter quarter begins 1 p.m. Jan. 8.

The Learning Tree

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Thursday, December 14, 2017

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Dadeville City Council continues to strive for progress Nuisance property to be cleaned up

By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

A relatively large crowd turned out for Tuesday night’s meeting of the Dadeville City Council to watch as the council recognized those who had been instrumental in putting on the city’s Christmas parade and working hard during the recent winter storm, while also voting to continue making progress throughout town.

“This is a good crowd tonight,” Dadeville Mayor Wayne Smith said. “We want your input and we ask for your input.”

The meeting started to intensify during a public hearing on a residence on Hatcher Street regarding the weed nuisance abatement ordinance. Property owner William Wilkerson took the podium to claim he was being discriminated against and that the city was doing nothing against any other property in town. Michael Richardson with the building department said other notices had gone out, a statement Wilkerson vehemently asserted was untrue. He then claimed he did not understand the city policy regarding this issue, which Richardson took the time to explain.

Wilkerson continued to argue mistreatment, even going so far as to try and get in City Attorney Robin Reynolds’ face threatening a civil suit against the city before Police Chief David Barbour and another officer attempted to calm him down. Later in the meeting, the council voted to approve a resolution to clean up the property in question.

During both the precouncil meeting and the regular meeting, the council and several members of the crowd had nothing but good things to say about the recent Dadeville Christmas parade,

Donald Campbell / The Outlook

Dadeville Mayor Wayne Smith poses with several members of the Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce during Tuesday night’s council meeting, after the mayor read a special proclamation recognizing the Chamber for its hard work with the recent Christmas parade.

while Smith read a special proclamation recognizing the Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce for their hard work in getting the parade together.

Smith said he and several members of the council had been contacted by Camp Hill to see if Dadeville would be interested in participating in the Camp Hill parade on Saturday. Smith said he would be going along with one of the floats and invited others to join.

The council also took the time to recognize many of the public departments for their hard work during the recent winter storm. This included the police department responding to four wrecks, the fire department having the fire station manned at all times in case of emergencies, and the street, parks and cemetery departments for being ready to

go with chainsaws and other similar equipment if needed.

The Dadeville City Council also discussed the following matters Tuesday: • Minutes from the Nov. 28 meeting were approved.

• Dianna Porter reported the rain garden in Keebler Park had been fully planted with the introduction of 500 daffodil bulbs to the site Monday.

• The council voted to approve allowing Barbara Spraggins to hold a Superhero Fun Run fundraiser in Feburary to raise money for congenital heart defects.

• Abbi Mangarelli said the Dadeville Library was receiving fairly good usage for this time of year, while also reminding everyone the library was continuing with its food drive for the Tallapoosa Christian Crisis Center.

• Councilwoman Teneesha Goodman-Johnson said she was still working on the Boys & Girls Club, while also informing the crowd that Kingz United was in the process of having a coat and bike drive. Johnson also made a motion to set up a beautification award board to bring back a beautification award to Dadeville, which was passed.

• With the change in the grant writer for the demolition project, Councilman Dick Harrelson said the town was on the right track.

• There had been some milling done on Lafayette Street, leaving only a couple small items left before the project was completed.

• A motion to pay an invoice regarding the pre-work phases on the Courthouse Square project

was approved.

• Work on the 49 North water project was drawing closer to completion.

• A motion to table the animal control ordinance discussion pending further examination was approved.

• The council approved Monday, Jan. 1 as a city holiday.

• A motion was approved for the town not to purchase an ad in the upcoming printing of Tallapoosa Publishers’ “Parade” magazine.

• Three recreation center rentals were approved.

• A motion to pay the city’s bills was approved.

The next meeting of the Dadeville City Council will be Tuesday, Dec. 26 at Dadeville City Hall. Pre-council meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. with the regular council meeting following at 6.

LIZI ARBOGAST SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228

lizi.arbogast@alexcityoutlook.com

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Thursday, December 14, 2017

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Outlook Athlete of the Week JOE MCADORY Columnist

Let your child unwrap the gift of time every day

T

here was a time when I could toss a 40-yard spiral on the fly. It felt amazing to grip those laces, take two steps forward and release my inner Dan Marino.

My son, Joseph, was often the receiver. We flung that football in the front yard, at Auburn’s intramural fields, on a grassy area outside the late, great Georgia Dome, and even once on the turf at Florida’s Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

But I can’t do that anymore.

Whatever is left of my debilitated shoulder will not allow me to throw footballs over long distances.

There was a time when I could sprint, burn a defender and easily catch a post route for a touchdown. Sometimes, I would zig one way, then zag the other and get open across the middle.

But I can’t do that anymore.

Time has a way of stripping speed and stability from one’s legs, robbing the limbs of coordination and turning hands to stone. Joseph’s receiver these days can outmaneuver the Vulcan statue, but little else.

There was a time when I could punt a football into the stratosphere and watch it crash to the ground 30 to 40 yards away.

Beautiful, high, tight spirals.

My leg felt like a cannon and I felt like NFL all-pro Ray Guy. Joseph would signal for a fair catch then do his best to snag the ball on the fly.

But I can’t do that anymore.

The leg strength isn’t there anymore. The coordination isn’t there anymore. The technique isn’t there anymore. Instead of majestic punts, we often witness horrific shanks out of bounds.

Joseph can’t count on his father to play this difficult game of fair catch anymore.

There was a time when I could place a football on a tee and boot 35-yard field goals. Man, they were beautiful. Sometimes I’d get adventurous and go for 40-yarders.

But I can’t do that anymore, either. Instead of admiring Daniel Carlson imitations, Joseph laughs at Cade Foster reenactments. He watches a combination of shanks and onside kicks that might cover 20 yards.

There was a time when my father played football with me in the front yard of our home in South Daytona, Florida. He was in his 40s, his throwing shoulder hurt when he threw and the rest of his body hurt when he kicked.

But that didn’t stop him from spending time with me. He didn’t have to. Instead, he chose to.

But he can’t do that anymore.

My father passed away seven years ago.

I can’t throw a football like I used to. I can’t run or go out for passes like I once did. I can’t catch as well as I used to. I can’t boom punts like I did before my body began to turn on me, either.

But I can still grab that old, leather football, summon whatever I have left, find an open ball field and spend time with my son. Neither pain, nor lack of coordination and strength have taken this away. Effort and Ibuprofen can go a long way, plus I don’t mind looking like a fool trying to kick a football.

Our children aren’t going to remember us for lavish Christmas gifts. They’re going to remember us for the gift of time we gave them. Unwrap that bow with them every day. We don’t have forever.

Joe McAdory is Communications Editor at Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business.

Caldwell lifts Wildcats to commanding wins

By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

Benjamin Russell’s girls basketball team has been absolutely dominating its opponents. The Wildcats have won four straight and haven’t had a margin of closer than 30 points in that span.

Those dominating victories are thanks in large part to Jaaliyah Caldwell, who has had an offensive explosion since BRHS’ first and only loss of the season. Caldwell is the Outlook Athlete of the Week.

“I’ve just been working really hard to get all the way down the floor,” Caldwell said. “My teammates always tell me if I get down there, they’ll pass it to me.”

Caldwell has been so electric lately she has actually outscored two of the Wildcats’ last three opponents single-handedly.

She poured in 30 points in a 70-26 victory over Smiths Station and added 24 points in a 67-23 defeat of Elmore County. In between, she dropped 28 points to lead the Wildcats past Sylacauga.

JAALIYAH CALDWELL, BENJAMIN RUSSELL Sport: Girls basketball Grade: Junior Position: Forward Height: 5-foot-10 Parents: Nikki Caldwell and Sherman Cox Other interests: Jaaliyah enjoys music, and also said she loves to watch football.

Favorite team: Los Angeles Sparks Athlete most admired: Candace Parker Statistics: Caldwell is coming off a week where she put up 30 points against Smiths Station then 28 points against Sylacauga. She is also the team’s leading rebounder so far.

It also helps that Caldwell has been the team’s leading rebounder. She’s scoring the majority of her points in the paint and has proven she’s not afraid to make contact under the basket either to nab a hard layup or draw a foul.

“Getting to the line has been really beneficial,” Caldwell said. “It helps out a lot because it’s just a few extra points on the board for free.”

Benjamin Russell coach Latreisha Moon said, “She’s leading the team in rebounding, and we work on that in practice a lot. We’ve been working on jumping and

boxing out. She knows how to rebound and how to go in and put it in off the glass.

She also knows how to stand in there and wait for her shot.

If the shot doesn’t go in, she doesn’t fall off; she’s waiting for it to go through.”

As just a junior, Moon had high expectations for Caldwell this season after she finished with a hot hand last year. Caldwell has been playing basketball since she was in fifth grade and said she thrives on the competitiveness of the sport.

And even though she’s only a junior, on a team with only three seniors, Moon has

come to rely on Caldwell’s leadership both on and off the court.

“She’s working hard in practice to start with, and she’s showing leadership in practice,” Moon said. “I think that our team just believes in her. They know that if they get her the ball, she’s either going to score or get fouled.

Her drive to score is just relentless, and she’s always asking for the ball.”

Hopefully for the Wildcats, Caldwell’s offensive prowess will continue as the season heats up with area play beginning after the winter break.

Dadeville boys edge Tallassee, 51-50 STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

Despite trailing by nine points in the third quarter, Dadeville’s boys basketball team scratched and clawed its way to a 51-50 victory over Tallassee on Tuesday night.

The victory kept the Tigers unblemished on the season and also perfect in area play.

PJ Eason paced Dadeville with 17 points and 13 rebounds.

On the girls side, Quanesha Presley was absolutely on fire. She pumped in 32 points to go along with 18 rebounds, but it just wasn’t enough to overcome Tallassee in a 59-43 loss. Tallassee put two in double figures, including 15 points for Tamanika Hooks and 15 for Lindan Oliver.

Dadeville dropped to 1-2 on the season and in area play.

Wildcats sweep tri-meet

Benjamin Russell’s wrestling team extended its win streak to five matches with a sweep of a tri-meet against Auburn and Tallassee on Tuesday. The Wildcats defeated Auburn, 53-18, and beat the Tigers, 48-27.

Against Auburn, the Wildcats (13-5) gave up points in only two bouts, but were unstoppable otherwise. Benjamin Russell collected a total of six pins with the quickest one coming from Dimitri Johnson at 220 pounds; he flattened Brian Shaughnessy in just 50 seconds.

Other victors by pin for BRHS were Isaiah Holloway (2:21 at 195); Nyshad Hannon (1:24 at 120); Saxon Coker (3:03 at 145); Jy Harvey (3:13 at 160) and Hezekiah Hunter (1:18 at 170). An especially thrilling win came at heavyweight, when Benjamin Russell’s Damien Lawry took down Dakota Colt Bowden, 2-1, in a tiebreak.

The Wildcats kept up the good work against Tallassee, immediately jumping out to a 15-0 lead with a pin from Hunter in 2:13, a 7-2 decision by Conner Bur sk at 182 pounds and a 2:35 pin from Holloway.

After giving up a pin at 220, Benjamin Russell got back on track as Curtis Norris eked out a 1-0 decision at heavyweight.

Other BRHS winners against the Tigers were Kyle Mattox (0:57 pin at 113); Ryan Spradley (6-2 decision at 138); Coker (1:25 pin at 145) and Harvey (2:16 pin at 160).

Dadeville goes 0-3 at quad meet

Tuesday, Dadeville faced off in wrestling against Beauregard, Beulah and Elmore County, and the Tigers lost

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Tallassee’s Jaleel Dumas is guarded by Dadeville’s PJ Eason (34), Tykeem Holley (30) and Jalen Sullivan (14) during Tuesday night’s game.

all three matches, 75-0, 27-18 and 28-18, respectively. They had just three victories on the mat all night.

Frederick Ford grabbed a pin against Beulah’s Dylan Kilgore at 138, and Ab Abernathy also secured a victory by fall versus Beulah at 220.

Against Elmore County, Luke Keel was the only victor on the mat, earning a pin at 285.

Coosa downs Childersburg

Both Central Coosa’s boys and girls basketball teams extended their win streaks to three games with wins over Childersburg.

The boys (3-2) won, 59-54, and got a 22-point performance from Omar Gaddis.

Quinn Brooks scored another doubledouble with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

The girls (4-1) won, 43-31.

LOCAL SPORTS CALENDAR Thursday, Dec. 14 High school boys basketball Elmore County at Dadeville, 7 p.m.

Reeltown at LaFayette, 6:30 p.m.

High school girls basketball Elmore County at Dadeville, 5:30 p.m.

Reeltown at LaFayette, 5 p.m.

High school wrestling

Reeltown at Beulah, 5 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 15 High school boys basketball Benjamin Russell at Central Coosa, 7 p.m.

Reeltown at Dadeville, 7 p.m.

Wadley at Horseshoe Bend , 7:30 p.m.

High school girls basketball Benjamin Russell at Central

Coosa, 5:30 p.m.

Reeltown at Dadeville, 5:30 p.m.

Wadley at Horseshoe Bend, 6 p.m.

High school wrestling Benjamin Russell at Dadeville, 5 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 16 High school wrestling Benjamin Russell at Oxford

duals tournament, 9 a.m.

Monday, Dec. 18 High school boys basketball Talladega at Benjamin Russell, 7 p.m.

High school girls basketball Talladega at Benjamin Russell, 5:30 p.m.

High school wrestling Reeltown at Dadeville, 2 p.m.