OPINION: CRAZIEST PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN YET?
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LOOKING FOR A DEAL Classifieds, Page 6.
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 December 18, 2015 Vol. 123, No. 252 www.alexcityoutlook.com
ALLEY CATS! Benjamin Russell bowling shines in first season. Page 8.
FERC approves 3-foot lake level increase By BETSY ILER TPI Magazine Editor
It’s official. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) yesterday issued a new Martin Dam operational license that includes a 3-foot increase in the lake’s winter pool level and a conditional six-week extension of the summer pool. Alabama Power Company’s Hydro Services Manager Jim Crew said that Lake Martin’s water level could begin to rise to the 484-foot (mean sea level) mark as early as Jan. 20, ,
Goodwater city clerk arrested
which is the effective date for the new license. “We still have to operate by the old license until the 20th,” Crew explained. “By the old license, we have about 10 more inches for the lake to drop to get to its lowest level on Dec. 31, so we will continue to operate to get there. By the old license, it would be February before the water level would rise, but we will change our operational mode to the new license on the 20th and start bringing the level up to the 484foot level.” Cliff Williams / The Outlook How fast the water level goes up, Crew Water levels for Lake Martin will soon be higher. FERC approved a new license that will allow See FERC • Page 3 for a three-foot increase in the winter pool.
An uplifting goodbye Horseshoe Bend students honor beloved teacher
STAFF REPORT
By DAVID GRANGER Outlook Staff Writer
Leslie S. (Sherdae) Parker, the city clerk of Goodwater, was arrested today by special agents of the Attorney General’s Special Prosecutions Division, Attorney General Luther Strange announced today. Acting on a complaint from a concerned citizen, the Attorney General’s Special Prosecutions Division obtained evidence See GOODWATER Page 2
Hundreds of teal balloons rose into a mostly blue sky over Horseshoe Bend School ‘s Battle Stadium Thursday afternoon. “We love you, Miss Crystal!” students screamed as they watched them rise and drift to the south, slowly disappearing from view. Teal is the color of ovarian cancer awareness and the balloons were released as a tribute to Crystal Coker Morris, who lost her battle with ovarian cancer on Dec. 5. Morris built her life largely around the New Site school. She was a Horseshoe Bend graduate who, after earning a bachelor’s degree secondary education from Auburn Montgomery and a master’s in special education from Phoenix University, returned to her alma mater to teach 10th- through 12th-grade special needs students. She spent a stint as a coach there and her mother, Joyce, is the school’s assistant principal. She was loved by the entire student body and James Aulner, Horseshoe Bend principal, thought Thursday’s ceremony might help them better absorb their loss. “We felt the kids needed to do something for closure,” Aulner said. “Everybody loved her. Being a special needs teacher, she affected all our kids. She was in and out of all of our classrooms and got to know most of them.” “I guess what stood out to me more than anything else was her courage. She was valiant and strong as she battled ovarian cancer. She never complained.”
Cliff WIliams / The Outlook
Autry charged with theft By MITCH SNEED Outlook Editor
Dadeville Police investigators have made an arrest in a case where an employee is suspected of taking thousands from the discount store where she worked. Autry Rebecca Lynn Autry, 23, of Dadeville was arrested by Dadeville police at 5:15 p.m. Wednesday
Horseshoe Bend School fourth graders Olivia Patterson, left, and Maggie Bates watch with their classmates as balloons float away in memory of teacher Crystal Coker Morris. Left, some wrote messages on their balloons to the beloved teacher who lost her battle with ovarian cancer on Dec. 5.
See DADEVILLE • Page 2
See BALLOONS • Page 3
Levels Local organizations partner to make Christmas dinners possible Lake 480.76
Today’s
Lake Martin
Alexander City Lions Club members Erica Benson, left, and Billy Wall along with Crisis Center Director Denise Mosely chat while waiting on clients Thursday.
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By CLIFF WILLIAMS Outlook Staff Writer
More than 45 bags have left the Tallapoosa Christian Crisis Center the last two days filled with food for a Christmas dinner thanks in part to a new partnership with the Alexander City Lions Club. “We have been focusing on families,” Alexander City Lions Club President Billy Wall said. “In the
past, we would help maybe five or six families. This year we wanted to do a little more.” The idea started with members wanting to do something food-related for Christmas. “Members thought about doing a dinner and that did not work out,” Wall said. “We explored other avenues and decided to partner with the Crisis Center.” See FOOD Page 3
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Rocky marriage back on, but money keeps couple apart
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Directory Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com Management Kenneth Boone Publisher, Ext. 218 kenneth.boone@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 Robert Hudson Sports Editor, Ext. 228 robert.hudson@alexcityoutlook.com Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com
David Granger Staff Writer, Ext. 210 david.granger@alexcityoutlook.com Mia Osborn Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 mia.osborn@alexcityoutlook.com Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Kim Morse Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 kim.morse@alexcityoutlook.com Emily Guill Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 emily.guill@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
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.
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.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Post Office Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011.
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Friday, December 18, 2015
The Outlook
Joseph Glenn, Jr.
James Hicks
Funeral service for Mr. Joseph Glenn Jr. of Alexander City, Alabama will be Saturday, December 19, 2015 at Mt. Godfrey United Methodist Church at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Mt. Godfrey United Methodist Church Cemetery. Wright’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Funeral service for Mr. James E. Hicks 77 of Alexander City, AL; Monday, December 21, 2015; 1:00 p.m.; Seleeta Baptist Church, Alexander City, AL . Arrangements by Armour’s Memorial Services.
DEAR ABBY: My wife and I have been married three years. It has been rocky since year two. She’s a great mother to our kids, especially the one who is medically challenged. We have broken up twice so far, and are now back together. However, because of my job, we live in different states. Bottom line: I’m no longer sure this is the right relationship for me. She goes to school full time while I work a ton of overtime to support two households. We hardly see or spend time with each other. She has said she would rather me work and not see me so that everything gets paid. I feel she’s more about the money than the marriage. What do you think? -- UNHAPPILY MARRIED IN BALTIMORE DEAR UNHAPPILY: You and your wife both appear to be carrying a heavy load. For the sake of your children, it would be nice if your marriage could be resuscitated. However, not every marriage can be -- and the arrangement
Obituaries Lawrence Kenneth McCoy Memorial Services for Mr. Lawrence Kenneth McCoy, will be at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, December 20, 2015, in Bass Funeral Home Chapel. Family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until time of service. Rev. Jesse Page will officiate. Mr. McCoy died on December 16, 2015. He was born in Bartow, FL on January 7, 1964 to Mack Kenneth and Margaret Henley McCoy. He is survived by his mother, Margaret Henley McCoy; his father, Mack Kenneth McCoy; Sons, Mark Allen (Chrystal) McCoy, and Zack McCoy. Daughter, Tonya Harvel. Sister, Alette McCoy. 3 step-sisters, Pavela Sims, Tammy Moncrief and Tonya Hand. 5 grandchildren, Austin, Markus, Dominic, Payton and Nevaeh. He was preceded in death by his wife, Judy McCoy. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family trust. To donate, contact Chrystal McCoy. Bass Funeral Home & Cremations directing.
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DEAR ABBY Advice
you have now is clearly not working for you. If your wife actually feels that she would rather not see you so that everything gets paid, then I think she has made her feelings clear. The marriage no longer exists; it’s a financial arrangement. For that, you both have my sympathy. DEAR ABBY: Why does it feel awkward for me to call my husband by his first name? When I say his name from another room to get his attention, it only feels natural for me to call him “Babe.” When I’m talking about him to someone else, I use his name, but it still makes me cringe. It’s a perfectly
Betty Lester Betty Wallis Lester, 78 of Jackson’s Gap, Alabama passed away on Thursday, December 10, 2015 at Life Care Center of Collegedale, TN. She was born June 21, 1937 in Troy, Alabama to Lester Paul and Lillian Wallis. She received an undergraduate degree from Jacksonville State University and a Masters from Georgia State University. She taught as a public school teacher for many years before retir-
normal, common name, so I don’t know why it makes me so uncomfortable. And this doesn’t just apply to my husband. Before him, I was in a six-year relationship with my high school sweetheart and had the same problem. Why can I only call my significant others “Babe” when talking to them? -- HUBBY’S NAME IS ________ DEAR HUBBY’S NAME: When couples become intimately involved, it is common for them to use pet names with each other. That you call your husband and your former boyfriend by the SAME name is interesting. Could it be that subconsciously you are/were afraid that if you don’t use the same pet name, you will absentmindedly use the wrong one? DEAR ABBY: My cousin and I have season tickets for the Broadway series at our local theater. Our problem is two women who sit next to us in the box. After intermission, ing to raise her two sons. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church. She has been a member of the Beacon Class of First United Methodist Church and Alexander City Kiwanis serving in the roles of treasurer and secretary. She was preceded in death by her husband, Allen Lee Lester and her parents. She is survived by sons, Chris (Audrey) Lester and Michael Lester; grandchildren, Beth (Daniel) Fuller and Ryan Lester; greatgrandchildren, Caleb Fuller
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. and Abigail Fuller; brother-inlaw, Robert Charles Lester; two nieces and one nephew. Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 19, at First United Methodist Church of Alexander City with visitation to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to First United Methodist Church of Alexander City, 310 Green Street, Alexander City, AL 35010. Visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share words of comfort to the family. Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.
from Auburn University with a Masters degree, worked for Russell Corporation for 20 years and retired from Russell Lands. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Dale Smith Barker of Alexander City; daughter, Christy Barker Wall of Alexander City; son, Van Barker and wife Jennifer, of Alexander City; granddaughter, Brannon Wall; and grandsons, Clay Barker, Marshall Barker, and Ashton Barker. He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Mr. Leon “Dean” Barker, Jr. 1947-2015 Funeral service for Mr. Leon “Dean” Barker, Jr., 68, of Alexander City, will be Sunday, December 20, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Rev. Wayne Cowhick will officiate. Burial will follow in the Ashland City Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday, December 20, 2015 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Mr. Barker passed away on Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at UAB Medical Center. He was born on September 17, 1947 in Clay County, Alabama to Leon Barker and Edna Thompson Barker. He graduated
Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Goodwater
continued from page 1
Based on this information, special agents filed a criminal complaint and obtained an arrest warrant for Parker. Theft of property in the first degree is a class B felony, which carries a possible prison sentence of 2 to 20 years in the Department of Corrections. The Coosa County Sheriff’s Office and the Sylacauga Police Department assisted in the investigation.
showing that between 2013 and December 2015 the 27-year-old Parker, who lives in Sylacauga, manipulated the Goodwater’s payroll system to pay herself at least $150,000 more than her salary. Although she was not entitled to vacation pay, sick pay, holiday pay, or overtime pay, she entered false hours in those categories into the city’s payroll system in order to increase her paycheck.
Dadeville evening, according to a release from Dadeville Police Chief David Barbour. “She was charged with first-degree theft of prop-
when the second act starts, they talk loudly to each other as long as 10 minutes into the show. I want to say something, but I don’t want to cause any negativity or bad feelings because we will see them at each show. How should I deal with it? -- AUDIENCE MEMBER DEAR MEMBER: Here’s how: When the women continue their conversation after the curtain rises, you say to the one nearest you, “Please be quiet. We can’t hear the performance.” That’s not rude; it’s being assertive. If they persist after that, complain to the management and ask that, if possible, in the future you be seated apart from the magpies.
continued from page 1
erty,” Barbour said. “The arrest came after it was found that she during her short time of employment at the business had taken over
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$3,000 in cash and cards from the business.” Autry had been an employee at Family Dollar in Dadeville for less than months. According to Barbour, the theft involved several methods, but in time amounted to a large amount of loss for the store. Barbour said that as of Thursday morning Autry remained in jail pending a bond being set. Case still under investigation by DPD with possible more charges being filed.
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The Outlook
Balloons
Page 3
continued from page 1
Thursday’s ceremony was organized by the Horseshoe Bend chapter of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America and its advisor, Felicia Williams. Although the crowd was mostly students and faculty, family and friends – including Coker’s husband, Chad – also attended. Trent Meigs, the president of the Horseshoe Bend FCCLA chapter, opened the ceremony talking about how much Morris meant to the Horseshoe Bend students. “She was loving and caring and always had a smile,” Meigs said. “We all know that contagious smile she had. She was also very sarcastic and we loved that about her, too.” Aulner then told the students that Morris’ “courage, contagious smile and optimism are things we strive for every day.” After an emotional Coker thanked the students for their remembrance of her daughter, Student Cheyenne Peppers read a poem she had written for Morris titled “Until We Meet Again.” The balloons were released on the count of FCCLA mem-
ber Abby Harding. Through her battle with cancer, all agreed that she never let the severity of the disease show publicly. “She always said that she had cancer, but cancer didn’t have her,” said her mother. “She had a big faith. She believed in the Lord, Jesus Christ.” Morris taught at Horseshoe Bend for eight years, at Mellow Vally Christian for three and at Dadevile for one and a half. She loved the outdoors, especially the beach and floating the river, and was a big fan of the Auburn Tigers and Atlanta Braves. Morris is survived by her husband, Chad, sister, Carrie, and brother, Shaun, and parents, Ronnie and Joyce Coker. This year, 21,290 new cases and 14,180 deaths from ovarian cancer are expected in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. Just yesterday, the medical journal The Lancet published the results of a new screening test for ovarian cancer that could reduce deaths from the disease by 20 Cliff WIlliams / The Outlook percent. The study involved Elementary students at Horseshoe Bend School receive their balloons in the classroom of Felicia Williams prior 200,000 women in the U.K. to the balloon release for Crystal Morris.
FERC
continued from page 1
said, is dependent on how much rain falls. It might not reach the new, 3-foot higher winter pool mark before Feb. 28, the date on which the lake begins to rise from its lowest level to full pool, but with sufficient precipitation, the level could be noticeably higher by mid-February. Lake Martin Resource Association’s (LMRA) legal counsel Steve Forehand pointed out that the implementation date may be somewhat inconvenient for anyone in the process of building or maintaining structures at or below the 484-foot mark. “That may compress the time on folks
working on seawalls or docks,” Forehand said. “The water will come up a little sooner than it has in the past.” Schedules for any work in process may need to be adjusted to be finished before the new license goes into effect 30 days from its date of issuance, Forehand said. Regarding other provisions, Crew said the license appears to meet those issues for which the Lake Martin community fought over the nine-year relicensing review and application process. “It looks very good,” Crew said after a cursory review of the FERC document early Thursday afternoon. “It includes
Food
pretty much everything that we wanted. “Of course, we will go through it page by page, but this looks like a good license for Alabama Power Company, good for the Martin project and good for the community.” Local stakeholders yesterday afternoon greeted the news of the license issuance with cheers and congratulations. “(FERC) refers several times to the meeting that was held in Alexander City and how many people turned out,” said LMRA president John Thompson. “They mention the support coming from elected officials in Washington
continued from page 1
The partnership started with visit a to the Crisis Center by Wall and Tim Kennedy. “Tim Kennedy and I visited and told director Denise Moseley what we want to do,” Wall said. “You could see her get excited about it. We knew we were in the right place.” Wall explained that it is not the first time they have helped the center. “We give a donation to the crisis center out of our normal budget,” Wall said. “This is addition to what we normally do.” The help came at a great time for the Crisis Center. “We had planned to purchase hams and things to finish out our Christmas dinner,” Moseley said. “Then Billy and Tim came by with the Lions Club help.” Moseley is thankful for the help. “It is just the biggest blessing that they bought the hams and rolls and cakes,” Moseley said. “If they had not partnered
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up with us, then it would have come from our general fund. That would have left us a little bit short. Now we can help more people out in the start of the New Year.” Money is not the only thing the Lions gave the Crisis Center. “They came back Wednesday and Thursday,” Moseley said. “They volunteered their time, helping take groceries out to the cars for the people that have come by to pick up their food. It has been absolutely wonderful.” Moseley explains that not just anyone can come in for the food bank at the Crisis Center. “Everyone that comes in fills out an application,” Moseley said. “They have to meet certain criteria in order to qualify for assistance.” Wall hopes the Lions Club will continue the project. “Personally, I hope we can do this each year,” Wall said.
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and the governor, just how much influence and effort was put behind it.” Lake Martin Home Owners and Boat Owners Association president Dave Heinzen said the new water levels are good news for the area, and Lake Watch president Kathryn Braund said she was pleased to see that the license includes some environmental enhancements around Lake Martin as well as the increased water levels. Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., will present a more in-depth look at the new license in the upcoming January issue of Lake magazine.
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MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213 editor@alexcityoutlook.com
EDITORIAL BOARD Kenneth Boone Mitch Sneed
Page 4
Outlook Fear, loathing of Washington make presidential race nuts
Friday, November 18, 2015
checking your Facebook page for crazy. In business, owners are responsible and bad employees are fired -- just the opposite of government. Our government wouldn’t see red flags at a Crimson Tide football game. Yet they will send in Loretta Lynch’s Justice Department if they see the Confederate flag at an Ole Miss game. Obama runs his government and foreign policy like he is afraid someone is going to report him to the Department of Children and Family Services. He thinks this huge government morass he’s created can actually function. And Democrats think Camille Cosby is in denial? America is now looking for decisive strength in a leader, and we are willing to give Trump some leeway on not being PC in order to make changes. The weak and historically cowardly French got hit by terrorists who shot up a concert venue, to the dismay of the civilized world. French authorities successfully tracked down some of the accomplices in the attacks and surrendered to them. With all the NSA cell phone-gathering, snooping powers they had on us, our government let this terrorist woman in and did not thwart the attack in San Bernardino that had been planned since 2012. We spent trillions on a stupid war in Iraq which ended up supplying ISIS with the tanks and weapons we left there. But after eight years, we did find bin Laden! He was in his house.
“It is not what happens to you, but how your react that matters.” – Epictetus
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Our
Opinion
Unfortunately ‘tis the season
T
wo stories on the front page of today’s Outlook concern theft. As is often said this time of year, “Tis the season.” Each Christmas, we see all kinds of theft increase. Not even small towns like Dadeville, Goodwater or, for that matter, Alexander City are immune. And while the instances of theft cited in today’s paper aren’t common, theft is theft and there are innumerable ways that a thief can make you his or her victim. Already, we’ve seen the door-to-door frauds that get you because you’re made to believe a person is someone he or she is not. There are pickpockets, pursesnatchers, the more sophisticated thieves like those that skim gas pumps or automatic teller machines. Yes, thieves come in all forms and they are particularly prolific this time of the year. But they all have one thing in common. They all want and – given the opportunity – will take money that doesn’t belong to them. Be diligent this Christmas and don’t let them take yours. While you’re out shopping this Christmas season, make sure your money and purchases are secure. Park in a well-lighted area or, if possible, a garage. Lock your doors all the time, keep your vehicle neat and any items of value out of the vehicle or out of sight. Stash any items before you park so that anyone who may be watching won’t know there are valuables inside the vehicle. At home, keep all doors and windows locked and blinds closed so thieves can’t see your holiday loot. Also, dispose of all empty boxes, which, left outside, are a sign to a thief there are goodies inside. Christmas is a season of joy. It is also the major shopping season of the year. Folks need money and, when desperate will take extreme measures to get it. We all work hard for our money and the things it allows us. Sometimes we must work just as hard to keep it.
The
W
ith all the fear and anger in this country, it’s been the craziest presidential campaign of my lifetime. The numbers for Dr. Ben Carson, who was leading in many polls just last month, abruptly dropped when he was unable to convince folks he really did try to stab someone. After yet another intemperate remark about banning Muslims, Trump surged in the polls. It’s like the play The Producers: The more outrageous Trump’s statements are, the better he does. I can’t wait for his “Springtime for Hitler” closing. Trump began his rhetoric on Muslim extremism by lashing out at Iraq, calling it “The Harvard of Terrorism.” It made sense, since George Bush probably got into Iraq only because his dad went there. Then Trump made his “ban on all Muslims entering the U.S. until we can sort out what the hell is going on” statement. Rand Paul put it more sensibly when he proposed temporary bans on immigrants from 34 countries that are active incubators of terrorists. Paul’s proposal was more savvy and more considered than Trump’s blustering. But in this election, that gets Rand Paul 2% in the polls while Trump’s populist bombast gives him a commanding lead. If we do ban all Muslims, it really opens the door for non-denominational terrorist groups to form. Obama seems feckless, bureaucratic, aloof, arrogant, and in over his community- organizer head, yet he continues to lecture us and call Americans “racists.” He has fumbled his duty to be a strong leader. He favors self-serving political rhetoric over action
RON HART Guest Columnist
and always tries to blame Republicans. On national security and ISIS, he has been consistent in his position: fetal. Obama traded five Taliban leaders for one U.S. deserter. At least one Taliban commander and another recently released Gitmo detainee have returned to the fight against America. It gets worse: the Thanksgiving turkey Obama pardoned at the White House recently fled to Syria and joined ISIS. In September, Obama released Osama bin Laden s bodyguard from Gitmo, which was not fair. How is this guy going to get another private sector job as a bodyguard with his résumé? His only chance is hiring on with our Secret Service. As Obama assured us of his government’s ability to vet Syrian refugees wanting to enter the U.S., we learned that the woman terrorist who was issued her K-1 entry visa by our Keystone Kops government had consistently posted on her social media page that she wanted to wage jihad against America. They never checked that. Instead, they believed Malik’s answer to a real question (I am not making this up) on her Department of Homeland Security application: “Do you plan on engaging in terrorist activities while in the United States?” She said “No,” and was good to go. Another e-Harmony success story. The private sector would not hire you to make Subway sandwiches without
A libertarian op-ed humorist and awardwinning author, Ron’s a frequent guest on CNN. He can be contacted at Ron@ RonaldHart.com or @ RonaldHart on Twitter.
“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in word. — Romans 8:26
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Daily Poll
Thursday’s question: After recent events, would you still purchase a hoverboard for your family?
Yes – 3 No – 11
Today’s question: By the end of this weekend, will you be finished with your Christmas shopping? To participate in this daily poll, log on each day to www.alexcity outlook.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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Governor Robert Bentley represents the state of Alabama and its 67 counties. He was elected to office on Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334-242-7100. His office is located at the State Capitol at 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Robert Bentley Alabama.
Tom Whatley represents the 27th District covering Lee, Russell and Tallapoosa County. He was elected to the Alabama Senate on Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334Tom Whatley 242-7865. His office is located at 337 East Magnolia Drive, Auburn.
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The subscription rate is $136.00 per year in Tallapoosa and Coosa counties and $177.99 outside the area. Periodicals paid at Alexander City, AL. Newspapers are available at 100 news racks in our area at 50 cents for The Outlook and 50 cents for The Record. We would love to deliver a paper to your door. Call David at 256-234-4281, Ext. 204 or e-mail david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com.
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Mark Tuggle (R) represents the 81st District covering Lee and Tallapoosa counties. He can be reached by phone at 256-392-2006 or by email at tughd81@gmail. com. His office is located at 110 Calhoun Street, Suite 108, Alexander City.
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Lieutenant Governor Kay Ivey represents the state of Alabama and its 67 counties. She was elected to office on Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334-242-7900. Her office is located at 11 South Union Street, Suite 725, Montgomery. Kay Ivey
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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) 234-6550 or e-mailed to editor@ alexcityoutlook.com. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send us your thoughts today!
Letter to the Editor
Alabama Baptists pushing left wing agenda Dear Editor, We live in perilous times; I don’t think anyone would argue that point. To further complicate the issue, we are entering a Presidential Election Campaign season. Consequently, I was not at all surprised when I read the current issue of The Alabama Baptist and saw their reprint of an article condemning Candidate Donald Trump for his suggestion that the U.S. should “temporarily” halt Muslim immigration until we can determine who is safe & who has a goal of terrorizing our nation. This piece read like a page out the liberal left wing playbook, quoting several Baptist “officials”
as saying that the Trump idea was about limiting the religious freedom of Muslims and must be condemned. Surely these learned Christians know this is about protecting our national security and nothing at all to do with limiting any faith. Have we forgotten that Congress enacted the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 that mandates the President, by Executive Order, take similar action when any known individuals or groups are identified as being subversive and intent on terrorist acts against the U.S. In the early 1940’s, President Roosevelt actually imprisoned 120,000 Japanese in internment camps for national security. The
Immigration Act of 1924 actually banned the immigration of Arabs and Asians. This politically correct position being pushed by Baptist leaders is just another step to steer our denomination away from conservatism further toward a liberal agenda. Franklin Graham and the Billy Graham organization have clearly sided with Trump and this issue. Our Baptist leaders should strive to attend matters of faith and Christianity and stay out of politics, especially when their positions are in direct conflict with member values. James W. Anderson Talladega
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Friday, December 18, 2015
CommunityCalendar Today is December 18, 2015 SEASONAL ART Now Showing in the Gallery Open on Mondays Through December SERVING LUNCH IN THE CAFÉ
Today’s Events
CHRISTMAS DINNER: Victory Temple Holiness Church will hold a community Christmas Dinner December 18 at 6 p.m. at the Dadeville Housing Resident Service Building in Dadeville. Everyone is welcome.
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The Outlook
STUFFED WITH LOVE: The Dadeville Public Library is collecting new stuffed animals for the Stuffed With Love campaign to be donated to the Tri-County Children’s Advocacy Center. Now through December 18, bring a new stuffed animal to the library circulation desk to help support this amazing agency and show these kids good people are still out there.
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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 Anniversaries
Tommy and Susan Futral and Nelda and Charlie Hayes are celebrating an anniversary today.
Today’s Birthdays
M.J. Thurman, Kimberly Meadows, Allen Beasley, Jimmy Thompson, and Elsie Campbell are celebrating a birthday today.
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Season Speaks
Alexander City was honored at the Alabama Clean Water Partnership Annual Conference. Alexander City Mayor Charles Shaw accepted the Outstanding Partner Award on behalf of the city for its support for nearly twenty years. Public Works Director Gerard Brewer, Lake Martin Area Economic Development Alliance Director Don McClellan and Middle Tallapoosa River Basin Clean Water Partnership Coordinator Sabrina Wood were guest speakers at the conference. December 19
TRADE DAY: Bibb Graves School will be hosting a trade day Dec. 19 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. VOTER PHOTO ID: The Camp Hill Public Library will host a voter photo id event and pre-Kwanzza celebration De. 19 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. You can register to vote, get voter id, apply for an absentee ballot. There will also be poetry reading. It is sponsored by the Alabama New South Coalition.
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CHRISTMAS DRAMA: The Family Worship Center at 1676 Swell St. is hosting a Christmas Drama, “A Breath Away,� Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. and Dec. 20 at 10 a.m.
December 20
BEAUTY PAGEANT: Miss Winter Wonderland Beauty Pageant will be December 20, 2015. Registration is now in progress - Early Bird Registration - $30 (Until Nov. 20), Standard Registration - $45 (Nov. 21 - Nov. 30), Late Registration - $10.00 Additional Fee (After Nov. 30). Cash prizes will be awarded to supreme winners in each category. Each contestant that enters will receive a participant’s trophy. For registration packet, please email to misswinterwonderlandpageant@gmail.com or call 256749-6204. CHRISTMAS CANTATA: Calvary Baptist Church will be presenting the adult cantata “Christ Was Born For This..A Christmas Blessing.� There will be no Sunday School. There will be a fellowship meal following the contata. Dennis Floyd is the minister of music. Rev. Reggie Gable is the pastor. Everyone is encouraged to bring a friend to hear this wonderful message in song about the greatest gift of all, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. CHRISTMAS CANTATA: Hillabee Baptist Church will present its Christmas Cantata Dec. 20 at 6 p.m. The free event is under the direction of Mrs. Bea Pate. Rev. Josh Sammons is pastor. Everyone is invited. CHRISTMAS CANTATA: Comer Methodist Church will present it’s Christmas Cantata, Sunday, December 20 at 11 a.m. Everyone is invited to attend.
December 21
• • • • •
Alexander City Outlook Dadeville Record Wetumpka Herald Eclectic Observer Tallassee Tribune
CHRISTMAS AT MAMIE’S: Mamie’s Place Children’s Library is hosting Christmas at Mamie’s Dec. 21 at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. There
will be Christmas movies and hot chocolate. For more information call 256-234-4644.
December 24
CANDLELIGHT SERVICE: Comer Methodist Church will have a Candlelight Communion Service on December 24 at 6 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend.
December 25
CHRISTMAS MEAL: Comer Methodist Church is hosting a Christmas Dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The public is invited to have a hot meal and enjoy fellowship. Tickets can be picked up at the Nutrition Center and the Salvation Army. You do not have to have a ticket to have a meal. Call 256-234-7831 for more info.
December 26
COMMUNITY FORUM: Churches, schools, organizations, clubs, youth and adults are invited to a community forum on Emergency Preparedness, Get ready, stay ready, what to do when there is a disaster and Serious Advice for Effective Encounters Saturday, Dec. 16 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. They will also be teaching young people how to respond when approached by law enforcement. It is sponsored by the Central Alabama Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Incorpated.
December 27
NOTE BURNING CEREMONY: Peace and Goodwill M.B.C. will have a note burning ceremony for the Community Life Center Dec. 27 at 2 p.m. at 188 County Road 30 in Kellyton. Guest will be Rev. Dr. Emerson Ware, Jr. of Great Bethel Baptist Church. Rev. Robert Williams is pastor of Peace and Goodwill.
January 10
HAIR AND FASHION SHOW: Gloria Boleware celebrates 37 years of service with a community hair and fashion show Jan. 10 at 3 p.m. at Passion Church on Highway 63. It will feature Hair 4 Daze, Dea Love’ Reesie Williams, Adrian Young, Team Katlin,Sharmaine Stowes, Nalarence Davis Show Models, GoGetters, Ent Marilyn Owens Lebron Spradley and the Grande Finale Charlene Benton.
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January 21
WINE TASTING: Emporium Wine will host a wine tasting event from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 128 Calhoun Street, Alexander City. There is no charge for this event. PUBLIC MEETING: The Tallapoosa County Commission/Emergency Management Agency is scheduling a public meeting on Janyary 21 at 10 a.m. to update its Hazard Mitigation Plan. The meeting will take place at the Tallapoosa County Courthouse, Dadevile in the Extension Auditorium downstairs. the public, private non-profits, municipalities, school board, universities/ colleges, utility/water/sewer boards, fire departments, and elected officials are among those invited and encouraged to attend. participation is required in order to apply for federal hazard mitigation grants in the future.
Ongoing Events
AFFORDABLE CARE ACT ASSISTANCE: VCCA certified volunteers will provide Affordable Care Act Assistance by appointment – Marketplace Open Enrollment (based on income) assistance will be offered November 2 through December 30 (except during the weeks of 11/23 and 12/21) on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Please call the VCCA office at 256-234-0347 on Mondays or Wednesdays (9 a.m. -2 p.m.) to set up an appointment. WOMAN MEETING: Every first Sunday, Victory Temple Holiness Church hosts a woman’s meeting, at 237 Aster St. in Dadeville. Everyone is invited. The meeting starts at 2 p.m. READY TO WORK: Ready to Work is a FREE jobs skills training program offered at Central Alabama January 22 MARDI GRAS AUCTION: Community College Career Center. Classes meet St. James Episcopal Church Monday through Wednesday will host live and silent auctions at this inaugural event to from 8:00 a.m. until noon. Completion of the program support the Feast of Sharing depends on the skill level of ministry, which provides free the individual. For more informeals twice a week at First mation contact Elaine Balint, United Methodist Church to instructor, at 256-215-4496 some 100 people in need. (leave message) or ebalint@ Auction items will include cacc.edu. original art, a Russell Marine OFFICE CAREERS: The wakeboarding package, Office Careers Technology framed photography by program is funded by the Kenneth Boone, handmade Workforce Investment Act pottery items, a vacation at (WIA) and was created to the beach for the whole family, the Rev. Rob Iler’s handy- help dislocated workers learn new employable skills. man services for a day and To qualify for the programs more. There will be beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages, be a dislocated worker (layhors d’oeuvres, desserts and off) or a low income family. Anyone interested in the entertainment. Tickets are classes should contact the $25 per person and can be reserved by calling St. James Alexander City Career Center Episcopal Church at 256-234- @ 256-215-4494 and ask 4752. For information, contact about the WIOA program. Most all dislocated workers Heidi Ross at 256-794-7010 or Susan Mange at 601-431- automatically qualify for financial assistance. 8239. The program is 52 weeks FREE SPEECH AND HEARING SCREENING: The and is open entry/open exit. Students learn at their own Auburn University NSSLHA pace in a non-traditional and SAA are having a free classroom setting. Classes speech and hearing screenbegin when students are ing Friday, January 22 from approved and they may 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.. No leave when they receive appointment is necessary. any or all of the certificates All children must be offered. Classes are Mondayaccompanied by a parent or -Thursday, 8:00 a.m.--3:00 legal guardian. Please note p.m. (with a lunch break). All that very young or handitextbooks and class materials capped individuals may not are supplied. be able to respond to the Certificates available are speech hearing screening receptionist, inventory clerk, and may require a more data entry clerk, administraformal evaluation at a later tive assistant, accounting appointment date. Services will be provided by the Auburn office clerk, medical office clerk, legal office clerk. University Speech and Hearing Clinic Room 1199
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The Outlook
ClassiÄeds
Lake & River Phone (256) 277-4219 Fax (205) 669-4217 The Alexander City Outlook
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Friday, December 18, 2015
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ROBERT HUDSON SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228 sports@alexcityoutlook.com
www.alexcityoutlook.com
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MEET THE ALLEY CATS
Benjamin Russell bowling team making strides in first season
Friday, December 18, 2015
ASWA Rankings BOYS BASKETBALL CLASS 7A
1. Spain Park (8-3) 2. Mountain Brook (9-1) 3. Gadsden City (9-3) 4. Lee-Montgomery (7-1) 5. Central-Phenix City (7-1) 6. Grissom (9-3) 7. McGill-Toolen (13-3) 8. Thompson (7-4) 9. Baker (11-4) 10. Murphy (7-4) Others nominated: Auburn (9-2), Enterprise (7-1), Theodore (7-2).
CLASS 6A
1. Carver-Montgomery (6-1) 2. Lee-Huntsville (8-3) 3. Homewood (12-1) 4. Pelham (7-3) 5. LeFlore (7-2) 6. Austin (7-1) 7. Huffman (10-2) 8. Blount (10-5) 9. Bessemer City (10-2) 10. Albertville (8-3) Others nominated: Dothan (6-1), Gardendale (7-3), Northview (8-0), Cullman (9-3), Minor (7-3), Northridge (9-5), Woodlawn (102).
CLASS 5A
1. J.O. Johnson (8-1) 2. Sumter Central (16-1) 3. Faith-Mobile (11-1) 4. Columbia (9-3) 5. Brewbaker Tech (8-3) 6. Hayden (7-2) 7. Anniston (5-1) 8. Sidney Lanier (9-3) 9. Central-Tuscaloosa (9-4) 10. Mortimer Jordan (5-2) Others nominated: Dora (9-2).
CLASS 4A
Submitted / The Outlook
Above, members of the Benjamin Russell bowling team are Amari Alsobrooks, Loren Bishop, Trent Thomas, Lucy Chae, Bryant Ray, Lowell Chae, Aulashua Smoot, Sydney Pemberton, Greg White, Lacy Bishop, Tyler Williams, Charley Lutz, Noah Culligan, Rebecca Caldwell (Manager), Sawyer Scott and Regan Fuller (Manager). Below, the Alley Cats and Coach Courtney Davis celebrate after a match.
By Robert Hudson Outlook Sports Editor
Every time the Benjamin Russell bowling team competes it is making school history. With 2015-2016 being the first year the Alabama High School Athletic Association has sponsored bowling as a championship sport, it also marks the first year of bowling at Benjamin Russell. The BRHS team, known as the Alley Cats, were officially formed in October of this year. Courtney Davis, head coach of the Alley Cats, said the team formed thanks to interest from the students. “The team was brought about through a handful of students who really like and enjoy the game of bowling, one being Mr. Mike’s grandson, Bryant Ray, who is over the Idle Time Family Center in Alexander City,” Davis said. “This is my third year teaching, but my first year at Benjamin Russell. If a teacher didn’t step up and do it, we weren’t going to have it. I stepped in the position of head coach.” Davis said tryouts were held on Oct. 12 and received a huge outpouring of students interested in the team. “For tryouts, we had a week at the end of August and the beginning of October where we told the school about it, and about 45-60 people signed up for it,” Davis said. “Once we started tryouts, about 25 tried out. We took eight boys – five starting and three alternates – and six girls. We have two girls as managers and one of them is an alternate as well.” Davis said the team has found success throughout the season, and potentially could carry it over to regionals and sectionals. “I think both boys and girls are going to make it to regionals, especially the boys. We have some great players that are doing well,” Davis said. “On Wednesday night, we had a tri-match against the Valley boys and girls and Beauregard boys and girls
1. Westminster-Huntsville (8-1) 2. Cordova (4-0) 3. Bibb Co. (6-2) 4. Montevallo (11-1) 5. Cherokee Co. (7-0) 6. St. James (6-1) 7. Priceville (8-5) 8. Monroe Co. (9-2) 9. BTW Magnet (10-1) 10. West Limestone (7-4) Others nominated: Ashford (12-1), Brooks (7-3), Childersburg (10-1), Locust Fork (7-3), North Jackson (6-4), Northside (10-1).
CLASS 3A
1. Madison Academy (7-2) 2. Holly Pond (12-1) 3. Hale Co. (9-2) 4. Westbrook Christian (10-0) 5. Winfield (7-0) 6. Sheffield (10-1) 7. New Hope (7-0) 8. West Morgan (7-3) 9. Geraldine (8-2) 10. Hillcrest-Evergreen (3-2) Others nominated: Abbeville (9-3), Bayside Academy (9-3), Colbert Heights (9-2), Montgomery Academy (3-2), Opp (6-3), Piedmont (1-3), Pike Co. (3-2), Sand Rock (3-5), Slocomb (8-3).
CLASS 2A
where we beat both of them. This is the first year, but they are offering state championships, so I’m hoping that maybe we can possibly place first or second in our region and potentially bring back a championship.” Davis said the team has received a lot of support from the community, including donations from JR’s and Idle Time. He said the sport offers another outlet for students. “I think it’s great. It’s another sport that’s helping to build school pride,” Davis said. “It also gives the kids who may not tryout for the other sports like basketball or football a chance to play another sport and another chance to be a part of the school
climate and make a name for themselves around campus. I think it promotes school pride and let’s them know that bowling is on its way up.” The Alley Cats’ next home match will be January 12 at 4:30 p.m. at Idle Time. Members of the bowling team include Amari Alsobrooks, Loren Bishop, Trent Thomas, Lucy Chae, Bryant Ray, Lowell Chae, Aulashua Smoot, Sydney Pemberton, Greg White, Lacy Bishop, Tyler Williams, Charley Lutz, Noah Culligan, Rebecca Caldwell (Manager), Sawyer Scott and Regan Fuller (Manager).
1. LaFayette (5-1) 2. Vincent (8-2) 3. Section (8-1) 4. Tanner (6-2) 5. Cold Springs (10-3) 6. Asbury (8-3) 7. Lanett (9-3) 8. Samson (7-3) 9. Altamont (9-0) 10. Elba (3-1) Others nominated: Cleveland (5-4), Collinsville (4-4), New Brockton (5-5), Tharptown (9-2).
CLASS 1A
1. Sacred Heart (7-4) 2. Georgiana (7-0) 3. Keith (9-3) 4. Skyline (6-1) 5. Decatur Heritage (4-3) 6. Fruitdale (10-1) 7. Spring Garden (4-1) 8. South Lamar (10-1) 9. St. Bernard (10-1) 10. Phillips-Bear Creek (8-2) Others nominated: Cedar Bluff (2-1), Loachapoka (2-3), Paint Rock Valley (9-3).