Dec. 8, 2017 Alex City Outlook

PAGE 4: DON‘T MISS OUT ON HOLIDAY FUN

SPORTS, PAGE 9

FRIDAY

THE

Reeltown’s senior class was full of surprises

Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892

December 8, 2017 Vol. 125, No. 243 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢

ELECTION DAY LOOMS:

Tax vote, Senate race on the ballot

Democratic newcomer Doug Jones, a property tax resolution that could help the financial stability of the Tallapoosa County School system is also on the ballot.

The resolution calls for voters who reside in an area that lies within the Tallapoosa County School District to decide if a 3 mill property tax increase should be “levied for public school purposes” in Tallapoosa County.

While getting a tax vote approved in Alabama is always tough, this one is very small by most standards. The millage increase would mean the owner of a $100,000 home would see an increase of just $30.

To clear up other confusion surrounding this proposal, only voters who reside in the Tallapoosa County School District will See ELECTION • Page 3

By MITCH SNEED Editor

Moore

Jones

Tuesday is Election Day in Alabama and in Tallapoosa County the voters have big issue to decide other than who will be the state’s next U.S. Senator.

While much of the attention has been focused of the election that pits beleaguered Republican Roy Moore and

Attorney General gives consumer tips for holidays

Merrill answers questions on candidate Moore

STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

Attorney General Steve Marshall offers information and tips to help Alabama consumers have safe and happy holidays by taking precautions against scams and other potential dangers.

“This is a time for celebrating precious traditions with family and friends, sharing goodwill with our neighbors and honoring a spirit of kindness and love,” said Attorney General Marshall. “That is my heartfelt wish for the people of Alabama. But we must be vigilant and guard against those who would take advantage of this special time by stealing and defrauding others. I hope these words of advice will help to protect consumers and that we all may have a joyous holiday.”

Fake Charity Scams

The holiday season is a popular time for fake charity scammers, who often use phishing emails, spoofed telephone numbers or make door-to-door visits. They may act as if they are working for an established charity or See TIPS • Page 7

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill gave those in attendance at a meeting of the Wetumpka Rotary Club insight on the Senate race and what he saw as the outcome for former judge Roy Moore amid accusations of sexual misconduct and calls to step down by senate leaders.

Speaking in a public meeting, Merrill spoke in the crowded dining room regularly reserved for the Rotary Club meetings at Wind Creek Casino.

Merrill spent about 40 minutes touting what he said were his office’s accomplishments, and provided copies of his year-end review to nearly everyone seated See MERRILL • Page 7

These puppies are available for adoption at the Lake Martin Animal Shelter. Director Mia Chandler said pets are a lifetime commitment, and that precautions should be taken when gifting a pet because they are more than a gift.

Be cautious in giving pets as gifts

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

Movies and commercials have left the impression that giving pets as gifts are a great idea.

The images from them show happy new owners and while the new owners might be happy to get them at that moment, it is months and years later that the images don’t show.

Lake Martin Animal Shelter’s Mia Chandler is not against the gifting of pets but says precautions should be taken because pets are more than

“Pets are a lifetime commitment.”

—Mia Chandler LMAS Director a gift.

“Pets are a lifetime commitment,” Chandler said. “With the commitment there are burdens See PETS • Page 3

Corey Arwood / The Outlook

Merrill speaks to the Wetumpka Rotary Club members in a meeting.

Meteorologist Josh Johnson talks about chance of snow

Today’s

Weather

35 27

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

High

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

WSFA Meteorologist Josh Johnson takes a photograph with Alexander City Kiwanis President Stephan Tomlin after Johnson spoke about weather to the club.

Starting Friday:

Justice League 3D– PG-13 Thor: Ragnarok 3D– PG-13 Wonder– PG

If WSFA Chief Meteorologist Josh Johnson is wrong by just a little bit one way or the other, he said it could mean a lot of snow or just rain Friday.

“Tomorrow (Friday), if it is five degrees colder in Montgomery than I think it is going to be, we will have the biggest snow storm in 130 years,” Johnson told the Alexander City Kiwanis Club Thursday. “If it is five degrees warmer than I think it is going to be, then it will not snow a single flake and will be just a cold rain. I am earning every inch of my bald spot.”

While some question a big winter storm this time of year, Johnson said Montgomery’s largest snow record was 11 inches on a December 4 and 5.

“So it can happen in December,” Johnson said. “January is No. 1.”

Johnson explained the heavy snow is not likely Friday.

See SNOW • Page 3

6

Low

54708 90050

8

USPS Permit # 013-080

Lake Martin

Lake Levels

483.96 Reported on 12/07/17 @ 2 p.m.

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Page 2

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Expectation of an early death puts man’s life in tailspin

Saturday

48 24 Low

High Sunny

Sunday

46 26 Low

High Mostly sunny

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

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. 208 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 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, (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) Kenneth Boone The Outlook is published five times Photography and a week, Tuesday through Saturday a commercial web mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, printing press.

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

Postal

Information

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

How to Submit Obituaries

Friday, December 8, 2017

The Outlook

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

DEAR ABBY: I spent an evening with a guy I’ve been wanting to date for some time. After a few drinks he confided to me that he has a serious heart condition. He said he doesn’t expect to live past age 23 and he could die any day.

I don’t know the details of his condition, but I’m sure he believes what he told me.

Because of this his life has taken a downward spiral. He has been drinking a lot, failed multiple classes last semester and feels like studying is futile if he may only live a year after graduating.

For lack of evidence to the contrary, I accepted his statement as accurate. I don’t think he’d make up something like that. What can I say or do to show my support? How can I encourage him not to give up on his dreams and his goals? He’s only 19. How can I be strong for him?

Since he told me about his heart I haven’t been able to think about anything else. I don’t know how to process this information.

stop drinking and neglecting his studies because, in the end, he might LIVE.

DEAR ABBY Advice

How do you comfort someone you care about who’s facing mortality at such a young age?

-- BROKENHEARTED GUY IN THE SOUTH DEAR BROKENHEARTED GUY: If you want to be a friend to this young man, ask how many doctors have told him about his poor prognosis. If the answer is only one, urge him to get a second opinion because there are medical advances in cardiology happening every day, and he may not be nearly as close to the end as he fears.

You say he’s still in school.

Suggest he talk to someone at the student health center about his depression because it is interfering with his grades. And while you’re at it, suggest he

DEAR ABBY: My best friend of more than 20 years is a busy person. She has a demanding job, a husband, two children and extended family she cooks for on most holidays. She also cares for an elderly distant relative. She has a heart of gold and is wonderful to me and my family.

When I’m invited to her house for dinner, she refuses to let me help her clear the table.

I’m not happy with that, but I accept it. The problem arises when I invite her over for dinner. Because we don’t get to visit often, I’ll pile the dishes in the kitchen so I can spend time with her and wash them later.

But she cannot sit still and just have a conversation with me or anybody. You will find her in the kitchen scraping plates, soaking pans and hand-washing the wine glasses.

This has become a point

of contention because I like to unwind and clean my kitchen after my guests have left. I have tried working with her, but she prefers to power through the mess by herself, which gives us less time to sit and talk. How can I get through to her? -ANXIOUS IN NEW YORK DEAR ANXIOUS: Assuming that you have spoken to your friend more than once about this, I think it’s time to accept her the way she is, rather than the way you would like her to be.

Some people are unable (notice I didn’t say unwilling) to just sit still and have a conversation, and she appears to be one of them. If this is her only flaw, consider yourself blessed to have a sparkling kitchen when she leaves.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

Obituaries Mr. Gerald LaFayette Truett 1936 - 2017 Funeral Service for Mr. Gerald LaFayette Truett, 81, of Alexander City, Alabama, will be Monday, December 11, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home.

Randy Anderson will officiate.

Burial will follow in the Hillview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Sunday, December 10, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home.

Mr. Truett passed away on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at Bethany House in Auburn.

He was born on April 28, 1936 in Tallapoosa County, Alabama to Durward Belman Truett and Avie Lee Truett. He was a Benjamin Russell graduate and was a very articulate and talented man. He was employed by Westinghouse for 31 years and this job enabled him to travel the world seeing and living in many places such

as South America, the Far East, Germany and many other countries around the world.

After his retirement he enrolled in several art and other college courses. Gerald was a natural artist who never met a stranger and loved people.

He is survived by his sister, Pauline Hagan of Alexander City; sister-in-law, Helen Truett; nieces, Judy Truett, Kathy Berry of Terrell, TX and nephews, Steve B. Lynch and Freddie H. Lynch.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Zelmodene Lynch and brother, Grady Lee Truett.

The family will accept flowers or memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P O Box 42040, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123-3000.

Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www. radneyfuneralhome.com.

Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Mr. Lewis Akin Burton 1941 - 2017 Mr. Burton passed away on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at Russell Medical Center.

He was born on April 14, 1941 in Tallapoosa County, Alabama to William Paul Burton and VLee Burton. Mr. Burton retired from the Alexander City School systems after 25 years of service as a mechanic. He was very talented in mechanics and enjoyed working on anything mechanical. In his younger years he enjoyed fishing on the Tallapoosa River and attending Marksmanship Competitions.

He is survived by his brothers, Eddie J. Burton, William Jack Burton, Eugene Burton; sisters, Frances Machen, Martha Jayne Wolf, Margie Burton Beck, and stepson, Tim Garcia.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Kathy Burton and sister, Climma Burton Stuckey.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the charity of one’s choice in memory of Mr. Burton.

Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.

Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

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.

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The Outlook

Page 3

Alexander City Tuesday Study Club meets STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

No one injured as car hits home in Jacksons Gap Ken Brewer and his wife Linda returned home from delivering Meals on Wheels to shut ins Thursday to find a car that had rolled down a hill crashing through a rock flower bed, striking a tree and narrowly missing their home on Dogwood Lane in Jacksons Gap. At first there was no driver to be found, but a short time later the man returned saying he had mechanical issues with the car and was unable to stop at the top of the steep hill that leads to Brewer’s home. Fortunately no one was injured in the incident which was investigated by the Alexander City Police Department.

Around the World,” Mrs. Margaret Fuller presented “Cruise the Yangtze River.”

The Alexander City They were all taken on a Tuesday Study Club met on guided riverboat tour of this Oct. 10 at the Willow Point ancient Chinese River. As Country Club. Mrs. Sarah they traveled, they viewed Carlisle served as hostess. video clips of the “City of A delicious dessert was Ghosts,” the most beautienjoyed by the seventeen ful scenery of the Three members present. Mrs. Lee Gorges, and the 1,700 yearStimson, president, called old Zhang Fei Temple. the meeting to order. Mrs. The building of the monMartha Chapman, acting umental Three Gorges Dam chaplain, read a very inspi- and the relocation of over rational poem. Mrs. Martha one million people were McLendon, recording secre- highlighted. Restoration of tary, read the minutes of the many historic sites was also September meeting . These noted. were approved. The roll Whimsical oriental paper was checked. Mrs. Eleanor umbrellas decorated the Childers, treasurer, gave her tables, adding an exotic air report. to the afternoon. After a In keeping with the most informative and enjoyclub’s theme for the able program, Mrs. Stimson year – “Ready, Set, Go! adjourned the meeting.

Extraordinary Journeys

Pets

continued from page 1

to be considered – schedules and financial. There are some who do not have the time to take care of a pet.

So pets should never be a surprise gift especially with them being a 10 to 20 year commitment.”

Chandler says pets cost money from their food to vet bills and vaccinations to something sometimes unforeseen expenses like fencing.

“The pet may be an escape artist,” she said.

Chandler says the new owner needs to be a part of the process.

“If someone expresses an interest, they need to be a part of the process,” Chandler said. “They may be attracted to a breed or coat type or activity level,” Chandler said. “Then there may be landlord requirements or insurance concerns.”

Chandler said personality and interaction of the pet and the owner should be recognized as well. It is here she says the new owners can find their new pet visiting animals.

“There needs to be an undeniable connection,” Chandler said. “It’s either there or not.”

Chandler said some animals can be shy around some people while others will just be “bouncing with energy.”

Chandler says giving a pet can provide a connection between the giver and the receiver.

“It is a wonderful gift but the new owner needs to be part of the process,” Chandler said. “You have to be in for the long haul. Or they typically result in coming back to the shelter or rehoming.”

Chandler offered a suggestion as to how to gift a pet as the Lake Martin Animal Shelter does not allow gifting.

“Wrap a toy for a pet,” Chandler said. “Maybe for a dog or cat with a card explaining what the giver would like to do and for the two to go through the process of selecting a pet.”

Given winter and the chance of cold weather Chandler wants to warn about the dangers of cold weather and pets.

“They need shelter,” Chandler said. “Legally you are required to provide a shelter with three sides and a roof. With the really cold weather, bring them inside if at all possible.

Also check on the water since it can freeze.”

Chandler said in some cases like feral cats make sure they have access to a shed or can even get under a house.

The other cold weather hint for animals is to use caution with automobiles.

“Make it a habit to tap the hood of a car before you put a key in it,” Chandler said. “Many cats take shelter in the winter under the hood of cars because it is warm. Cats can get hung up in the belts and fan when they are started.”

Chandler also advised to be careful with antifreeze as it is extremely bad for animals.

“Unless you catch them drinking it in the process, it is difficult to fix,” Chandler said. “It starts to crystallize almost immediately.”

These animals, among many others, are available for adoption at the Lake Martin Animal Shelter.

While pets can make great companions, they are not the perfect gifts. During the holiday season, shelter director Mia Chandler advises residents to take precaution when considering gifting a pet to someone else. She said they cost money, bring unforeseen expenses and other things. Chandler advises if you want to give a pet as a gift, to let the receiver be involved with the process to eliminate issues. Pets are lifelong commitments, she said.

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Election have the resolution on their ballot. Voters in Alexander City or the portion of Tallassee that is in Tallapoosa County will not vote on the proposal.

Also, if passed, only property owners whose land falls in that same district will be subject to the property tax increase. The resolution calls for the tax to last for 30 years, if voters pass the measure.

The move to put the resolution before the voters was approved in a 3-2 vote of the Tallapoosa County Commissioners, a step that was part of a move to impose a 1 percent sales tax for schools two years ago to help the county system build up state-mandated reserves.

Attorney Mark Allen Treadwell represents the

continued from page 1

Tallapoosa County Board of Education and helped craft the resolution. He explained the need and why it is an important issue for the school system.

“The 1-cent sales tax has been a lifesaver for the school system,” Treadwell said. “The County Commission made this a part of that plan to request a property tax within three years. The board and the system are for continued funding that will allow the system to continue to improve its financial stability as it has by building reserves. The funds have also enabled the system to take case of some muchneeded capital needs.

“The board supports this measure, but if it should fail, we would hope that the commissioners would consider

extending the sales tax for 20 years so that some of the long-range needs can be addressed.”

Commissioner T.C. Coley, who represents much of Alexander City where the sales tax was very unpopular, explained why the commissioners were obligated to consider a property tax increase for those in the Tallapoosa County School District at the time the commissioners approved the measure being placed before the voters.

“When the commission approved instituting the 1-cent sales tax for schools, language was included that requires us to seek a more equitable source for added school funding,” Coley said. “So that’s what this is about. We will put it before the voters and let

them decide. If it doesn’t pass, then we can look at the future of the sales tax beyond Sept.

30, 2018. But for now, we have this resolution to place it on the ballot as the language we approved requires.”

Economists and experts of taxation say that a property tax is a more equitable way to fund schools and budgetary needs than sales tax.

Matthew Gardner, executive director of the Institute of Tax and Economic Policy, explained it in simple terms.

“Let’s say that a rich person and a poor person each spend $100 on taxable grocery items,” Gardner wrote in a column on the subject last year. “This $100 expenditure — and the sales tax on that $100 — both deal heavier blows on the poor person’s

Snow “The ground temperature is high and surface temperature will be 33, 34, 35,” Johnson said. “If it is snowing really hard it will lay on the ground but it will be melting. The only way we will see white is if it’s snowing harder than it is melting.”

Johnson said the setup is what will keep the area from getting much of the “S” word.

“From about 2,000 to 3,000 feet and up in the

income because it’s smaller.

The report backs up this hypothetical example: as a share of their income, the poor pay a 7 percent rate on sales and excise taxes, while middleincome families pay 4.7 percent rate, and the wealthy pay less than one percent, on average.

“Under a regressive tax system, individuals and entities with low incomes pay a higher amount of that income in taxes compared to highincome earners. Rather than implementing a tax liability based on the individual or entity’s ability to pay, the government assesses tax as a percentage of the asset that the taxpayer purchases or owns.”

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday.

continued from page 1

atmosphere, it is cold enough for snow,” Johnson said. “Underneath that is just warm enough to melt some of the snow but not all of it. When the precipitation rate is light, it will all melt. When it starts to fall hard, the snow will fall fast enough that it won’t melt and make it to the ground.

“So it will rain a little while and then it will snow.

It will rain a little while and then it will snow. It will rain for a little while

than it will snow. The best we can say is a wintry mix.

The saving grace is that the ground is warm here in early December.”

With the mix Johnson says the roads should be fine but bridges starting in the Birmingham area might be a slight problem.

Johnson walked in a little late after looking at the noon models and gave Kiwanians an idea of what to expect Friday.

“This set up is going to be

very difficult to forecast,” Johnson said. “The trend we are seeing today (Thursday) is more north. What will happen is we will start with rain.”

But the “S” word is what everyone wanted to know about.

“There are two windows in the morning and evening with rain in the middle of the day,” Johnson said. “If you really want to see snow go to Mt. Cheaha. Ashville and Lineville could get three or

four inches, Alex City gets a dusting and Dadeville gets nothing or it could be vice versa. It is not necessarily a north, south, east or west thing.”

Johnson said Tallapoosa County residents should not worry.

“I am worried more about Monroeville than Montgomery,” Johnson said.

“The way this is setting up, when it falls there it will be earlier when it is cooler.”

MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213

editor@alexcityoutlook.com

EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Page 4

Opinion

Don’t miss out M on holiday fun

A

re you having trouble getting into the Christmas spirit?

Don’t fret, because our area has a load of events this weekend that will help you get in the mood for holiday fun.

The biggest event of the weekend is the annual Alexander City Parks and Recreation Department’s Christmas in the Park event Saturday which is set to begin at 2 p.m. Food and craft vendors will be set up all day, while carolers will be singing at random intervals. Children will be able to take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 4 to 8 p.m., guests can take a horse and carriage ride from 3 to 7:30 p.m., and a series of Christmas movies and stories will begin at 2 p.m. and last through 8 p.m. There will even be a carousel set in in the park available for rides.

Also on Saturday: HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: Horseshoe Bend National Military Park is hosting a holiday open house from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitors can see luminaries along the pathways and battlefield.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: Dadeville First United Methodist Church is hosting breakfast with Santa Saturday, Dec. 9 from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee are $5 and a photograph with Santa and Mrs. Claus is $10. Mrs. Butterworth will be there too.

How about these activities planned for Sunday: CHRISTMAS PARADE: The Friends of Dadeville in concert with the Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce are co-sponsoring the 4th Annual “Spirit of a Hometown Christmas” Parade scheduled for 2 p.m. in downtown Dadeville.

CHRISTMAS MUSICAL: Faith Temple Church will present the timeless story of His coming in a Christmas musical, “Christmas in His Presence” on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. in the Faith Temple sanctuary.

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM: Hillabee Baptist Church Children’s Choir will present its Christmas program at 10:30 a.m. Sunday and at 6 p.m. the youth choir will present its program.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT: The Benjamin Russell High School Choral Department is hosting its annual Christmas Concert Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at the Trinity Campus of Alexander City First United Methodist Church.

Admission is free. Everyone is welcome.

CHRISTMAS ON THE SQUARE: First Baptist Church of Alexander City is hosting Christmas on the Square, “the Greatest Story Ever Told,” Sunday at 6 p.m.

So there you have it. Get out and enjoy the holiday cheer that our community has to offer.

Know Your

Officials Communication with elected officials is the key to good government. To let your most local representatives know how you feel about state or local matters, contact any of the following.

Steve Marshall was appointed Alabama’s 50th Attorney General.

He was appointed in 2017 and serves as the State’s chief law enforcement officer.

He can be reached at 334-242-7300, and his office is located at 501 Washington Avenue, Montgomery.

Mark Tuggle (R) represents the 81st District covering Coosa, Chilton and Tallapoosa counties.

He can be reached by phone at 256392-2006 or by email at tughd81@ gmail.com. His office is located at 110 Calhoun Street, Suite 108, Alexander City.

The

Watching Christmas go by is tough

Our View

Governor Kay Ivey represents the state of Alabama and its 67 counties.

She was sworn into office on April 10, 2017, and can be reached at 334-2427100. Her office is located at the State Kay Capitol at 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama.

Outlook

Ivey

Steve Marshall

Mark Tuggle

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 334-242-t7865.

Tom Whatley His office is located at 337 East Magnolia Drive, Auburn.

y, my, what a way to spend the early part of the Christmas season. I’m laid up with a blood clot behind my knee and all I can do is elevate, heat and take high power blood thinners.

Those pills are so powerful if I nicked myself I would bleed Niagara Falls. It’s a shame these tablets don’t make my body as thin as my blood. So all I can do is sit tight and let nature take its course and heal this nonsense. Ho, ho, ho, Merry Christmas.

I asked the doctor how something like this could happen to a healthy young man such as me. He said it was because I was overweight, 73 years old, didn’t get enough exercise and sat too long. I sure didn’t want my wife to hear this diagnosis so I asked him if he could say the same thing using big ole medical words that I could tell her. He told me he would speak with her and help me out. So I left and she came into his office and he told her I needed tender loving care, excellent meals cooked each night, my back massaged regularly and for her to tend to my every need. The alternative was I would soon die. When we got in the car going home I asked her what the doctor said, and she immediately replied, “You gonna die.” So much for the

enjoyed looking at the tree and actually seeing it, taking time to read the Christmas cards and appreciating those that sent them and realizing that loving DR. GERALD friends have unselfishly shared HALLMARK their thoughts and prayers. It’s Columnist a humbling time of watching God at work through His people in this very special time TLC and fetching for me. of the year.

So, here I sit watching the Let me give you some Christmas rerun movies on the Hallmark Channel. I hate to tell advice if you are laid up and everyone but these sappy things start looking for something to read. Don’t read the disclaimer are nothing but soap operas dressed in a holiday wrapping. material about side effects for blood thinner medicine. If I Everyone one of them has the didn’t have a bad heart before same outcome of true love set I read this stuff I do now. in some beautiful Christmas Heavens, I could lose my hair scene. I decided to point out or teeth, go temporary blind, this astute observation to my howl at the moon or start talkwife who loves these things ing incoherently. Oh no, I like they are the gospel. Her threats of a severe punch in the could soon be a bald, toothless maniac, talking to myself and nose helped change my mind, howling at the moon. I showed after all, a nose bleed while this to my sweet bride and she on blood thinners wouldn’t be said take the meds and not a good combination. I’m not even going to point out all that worry I was already doing most of these things anyway. With corny fake snow. that being said this ought to a Being side lined is a hard thing to take when you have so memorable Christmas before it much to do. I sit here and think is over. of all the things I must get done Dr. Gerald Hallmark is a before Christmas and it drives me crazy. Then I hear this still retired minister from Alexander City who is currently servsmall voice in the back of my ing at First Baptist Church of preacher brain saying, “Be still and know that I am God.” Dadeville as interim pastor.

His column appears here each Boy, it’s a lot easier to preach it than it is to live it. Yet, I have Friday.

Friday, December 8, 2017

Today’s

Quote

“Great ideas often receive violent opposition from mediocre minds.”

—Albert Einstein

Today’s

Scripture “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name ...”

—Philippians 2:9

alexcityoutlook.com

Daily Poll Thursday Question: Have you purchased bread and milk ahead of the winter storm?

No — 90%, 27 votes Yes —10%, 3 votes

Friday’s Question: Who are you rooting for in tonight’s rivalry basketball game, Dadeville or Benjamin Russell?

To participate in this daily poll, log on each day to www. alexcityoutlook.com and vote.

Find out the vote totals in the next edition of The Outlook and see if your vote swayed the results.

Our

Mission

The Outlook strives to report the news honestly, fairly and with integrity, to take a leadership role and act as a positive influence in our community, to promote business, to provide for the welfare of our employees, to strive for excellence in everything we do and above all, to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves.

How to

Republicans don’t need Moore to keep the Senate

T

he only excuse that can be given by Republicans for voting for Roy Moore is that they don’t want to lose the Senate. This logic ignores the fact that the U.S. Senate map is very favorable to the GOP, no matter what President Donald Trump’s approval rating is. Making Moore a U.S. Senator, however, will cost the Republican Party in 2018, 2020 and beyond.

When women came forward to describe how Roy Moore touched them as teenagers, one being as young as 14, some voters believed them. Others claimed that the accusations were media or Democrat fabrications. Yet a significant number of conservatives, from Alabama no less, sought to defend Moore’s actions using a variety of excuses, ranging from “it was their girls’ fault… they should be prosecuted,” to “he sought teens out because they were pure,” to “it was so long ago,” to “well, he didn’t actually have sex with them…. just touched them.”

It was enough to make this father of a 14-year-old cringe, as people talk about excusing, even mainstreaming, the sexual assault of teens. It’s definitely not Christian.

Others who believe the accusers, including the Alabama Governor, have cited the need for party control of the Senate to trump all other considerations. It’s led Donald Trump to endorse Moore (after Trump backed sitting Alabama GOP Senator Luther Strange in the primary) and the Republican National Committee (RNC) to reendorse him. It’s a poor political strategy that will punish the

But now look at the map if accused pedophile Roy Moore is sitting in the Senate. There are enough Christians in this country who believe the accusers, and can see those who JOHN TURES know better endorse Moore just Columnist to get an extra vote on taxes.

GOP for years to come, and Having Trump say “Merry here’s why.

Christmas” a lot in December Analysts know that 2018 is won’t make up for this cynical a good year for Republicans. excuse of a terrible sin.

GOP hand-wringing comes Ever wonder why from setbacks the party sufRepublicans always ran against fered in the two 2017 guberna- Ted Kennedy in every state torial races, both of which were since the early 1970s? Other won by Democrats (taking senators were more liberal, and Chris Christie’s seat and losing Kennedy was good at reaching in a Southern state). But here’s across party lines. It’s because where they are wrong. First of people across the country knew all, Hillary Clinton won both that Kennedy got away with a states in 2016, so this was not terrible crime. As of the 1974 unexpected. Second of all, election, Democrats led in the the GOP won all of the special House by a 291-144 margin, election Congressional seats and had a 60-38-2 advantage in (Georgia, Montana, Kansas, the Senate. Six years later, the South Carolina, etc.) that GOP won the Senate and took opened up in 2017, so the year the House in 1994, dominating was not unkind to Republicans. legislative politics ever since, In fact, the Democrats have still running against Kennedy to defend nearly three times and his ghost. Had they as many seats as Republicans expelled him, the Democrats do in 2018. Only two Senate would be in much better shape seats (Arizona and Nevada) than the mess they are in now. are considered having any It will be that way for the chance for a Democrat to win. GOP with Roy Moore, unless Meanwhile, Democrats have voters with a conscience pick many incumbents to defend retired Marine Colonel Lee in many red states won by Busby, or voters stay home, or the Republican Party in 2016 the GOP listens to their own (North Dakota, Montana, senators who say no to Moore.

Indiana, Missouri, West They know what’s at stake Virginia). Even Democrats in here, even if the Steve Bannons purple states taken by Trump of the world love Roy Moore.

(Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania) have a fight on their hands.

John A. Tures is a proDo the math. Losing only two fessor of political science Senate seats would be a good at LaGrange College in outcome for the Democrats.

LaGrange, Georgia. He can If Doug Jones wins, the GOP be reached at jtures@lagrange. will hold or even expand their edu. His Twitter account is Senate numbers.

JohnTures2.

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Friday, December 8, 2017

Friday, December 8, 2017

Merrill at a table.

But when he opened the floor for questions, the subject of Moore was raised after a little prompting from the secretary of state.

No one immediately asked Merrill anything. Following a lull with no questions, then Merrill said, “I can’t believe there’s no question about Judge Moore.”

Merrill said he doesn’t think Moore will not be expelled by the Senate if he is elected by the voters in the state Tuesday.

“OK look, there’s at least 65 to 70 members of the United States Senate who do not want to think that they’re going to have to face what’s going to happen if they choose not to seat Roy Moore, if he is the one that we send up there (Washington D.C),” Merrill said. “Because there’s things that they’ve done not in the last

continued from page 1

40 years, in the last 40 days they don’t want anybody knowing. And so you can be assured they’re not going to go down that road because that has not happened in more than 100 years when it was even considered.”

One member asked specifically what happened when Merrill “received a phone call about taking Moore off the ballot.”

“This is what you needed to know about that,” Merrill said.

“Because you know there’s all kinds of national experts and there’s all kinds of national conversation about what should happen or what needed to happen or what was going to happen with judge Moore, with that entire situation.”

He went into the electoral process and how a candidacy was determined, the date for the last changes to be made to a

ballot being Oct. 7.

Afterward he said two things could happen, a candidate could withdraw his candidacy or his party could withdraw its formal support of the candidate.

Either way, Merrill said that candidate’s name would remain on the ballot appearing at polls Dec. 12 and his opponent would still have to receive a majority of the votes to win.

And despite no formal opposition, the name would remain on the ballot with the possibility of a write-in candidate receiving the most votes.

But in the event of no official opponent Merrill said the election would be rejected as null and void.

He also said Democrat candidate Doug Jones would still have to take a majority of votes.

Club members had begun asking Merrill one question

after another about Moore.

One asked him despite the unlikelihood that he drops out, if he did, who would appoint a senator.

A Rotarian then asked, “If Moore does step down is there a realistic pathway for a Republican to get that seat?”

Merrill answered saying the governor would make an appointment if the elections are nullified.

“Luther Strange remains in that seat until another senator has been duly elected and duly sworn in,” Merrill said. “So he’s going to stay there. So if Roy Moore is sworn in and then is removed or resigned then at that point we’ve got another appointment that could take place.”

Merrill was speaking in his capacity as the highest state official to oversee the most critical function of the public’s

Tips may even create a fake charity. Be safe and directly contact the charity of your choice and donate to them instead. If you suspect a door-to-door solicitor isn’t honest, contact your local law enforcement agency. The following online data is available to assist with verifying charities: Consumers may go to the Internal Revenue Service at https://www.irs.gov/charitiesnon-profits/search-for-charities to look up tax exempt organizations, and may also use the Better Business Bureau’s www. give.org for more information.

Page 7

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The Outlook

involvement in its government, voting, and about the election of the next state senator to represent Alabamians nationally.

He also talked about his office’s handling of the crossover voting matter, which is illegal in the state.

After September’s primary election, his office sought prosecution of the names of voters it accused of crossover voting, or voting for one party in the first election and another in the second.

“We will keep those names and if that happens again with the same voters then there’s an established pattern and you know there was intention behind that action,” said Merrill.

His office has been at odds with several probate judges that later made statements that the SOS office findings were exaggerated.

continued from page 1

money to anyone if you cannot verify their identity. If you are unsure, check the whereabouts of the person reportedly needing assistance with other family members. Additionally, ask the person calling or emailing to verify details that only family would know, such as location of last family gathering, where they went to high school or college, etc.

friend or family member. There is safety in numbers.

• If meeting someone to purchase something bought online, such as from Craigslist or Facebook, meet in a heavily trafficked and well-lit area. If possible, meet in the parking lot of your local police department or sheriff’s office.

that a signature for receipt be required so that it is not left unattended.

Holiday Gift Card Scam

Unfortunately, gift cards can also be manipulated by thieves. Scammers sometimes rub off the security codes from gift cards while they are still on store shelves and wait until they think the gift card has been Safeguard packages sold and activated. They will Shopping online or by telethen spend the money, leaving phone can be convenient and Buyer Beware the recipient with no money Beware of websites that fea- is more and more popular, but left on the card. To avoid this ture pop-up advertising promis- brings the danger of packages scam, make sure the gift card ing a hard-to-find item or items being stolen. Certain precauyou are buying is intact before tions may help: at a too-good-to-be-true price. you buy it. Compare it to other • If you won’t be at home, Scammers Posing as Family Always remember, if an online gift cards of the same variety. consider having the package offer seems too good to be true, or Friends Needing Help Be sure to keep your gift card sent to your workplace or to a As many people are traveling then it probably is. receipt. to be with loved ones, be wary Holiday Shopping Safety Tips friend or neighbor; To report suspected consumer • Some delivery services will of scammers who contact vicShoppers should be extra vigtims posing as a family member ilant this time of year for crimes hold packages at their local site fraud, Alabamians can call the Attorney General’s Consumer who is away from home and of opportunity. It is Park for pick-up, or companies may Protection Hotline at 1-800ship to a local store or other in need of money. They might in a well-lit area.

392-5658. You can also visit attended delivery site; say they’ve lost their wallet, or • Do not leave your purse, the Attorney General’s website • Give specific instructions experienced some kind of emer- presents, or other purchases in at www.ago.alabama.gov and for packages to be left in a gency in order to deceive you. plain view in your vehicle. click on “Consumer.” To file discreet area less likely to be The scammers will instruct you • Do not leave your purse an on-line complaint, use the noticed such as behind someto wire cash or provide them unattended in your shopping link: http://ago.alabama.gov/ thing or at a side entrance; with a prepaid card number. cart.

• If you will be home, request ConsumerComplaint.

As a general rule, never send • If possible, shop with a

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CommunityCalendar Need Insurance?

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Today is December 8, 2017 Today’s Events

PASTORAL APPRECIATION: House of Prayer Apostolic Church of Promise is celebrating the 24th Annual Pastoral Appreciation for Overseer Emma and Deacon Earnest Hoyle Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. and

Friday, December 8, 2017

The Outlook

Climax Sunday is Dec. 10 at 3 p.m.

The church is at 634 North Central Avenue in Alexander City.

BAKE SALE: The Russell Medical Auxiliary is hosting its annual Christmas Holiday Bake Sale Friday, Dec. 8 starting at 7 a.m. in the Russell Medical Community Room.

There will be cakes, pies, breads, candy, cookies and canned goods.

All proceeds go toward student scholars.

Submit calendar items:

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

Today’s Birthdays

Samuel Brown, David Crayton, Holly Hawkins, Juwaun “Tiger” McClain, Robert Cotney and Johnny Leonard are celebrating their birthdays today.

Today’s Anniversaries

Kenny and Sheila Hughes, Dian and James Long and Melinda and Charlie Luker are celebrating their anniversaries today.

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Red Ridge United Methodist Church will present its Christmas Cantata “How Should A King Come” with creative concept and narration by Randy Vader and Rose Aspinall to include staging, musical and theatrical treatment with video enhancement on Sunday, Dec. 17 at 9:30 a.m. under the direction of Dr. Kim Walls accompanied by a full orchestra composed of professional, amateur and student musicians. Featured vocalists are P.J. Armour, George Curley and a trio composed of Cindy Pierce, Tommy Hebson and Delene Cawley. Participants include the choir, children of the church and theatrical cast members from the church. 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 in Dadeville. For more information, call 256-825-9820 or visit redridgeumc.org. Vicki Cater is pastor.

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CHRISTMAS BALL: New Style Baptist Church is hosting Christmas Ball 2017, a semi-formal event, Saturday, Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. at The Hangout 6207 Hwy 63 South in Alexander City. Rev. Richard E Taylor is Pastor. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Please contact Tonya Thomas at 256-786-0399, Pam Jones at 256-496-2044, Shirley Jennings at 256-496-4067, or Shelia Thomas at 256-872-1053 for tickets.

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: Horseshoe Bend National Military Park is hosting a holiday open house from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitors can see luminaries along the pathways and battlefield.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: Dadeville First United Methodist Church is hosting breakfast with Santa Saturday, Dec. 9 from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee are $5 and the breakfast a photograph with Santa and Mrs. Claus is $10. Mrs. Butterworth will be there too. Proceeds benefit the church’s Honduras Medical Mission trip.

CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK: The Alexander City Sportplex will host the third annual Christmas in the Park Saturday, Dec. 9 from 2 until 10 p.m.

There will be food and craft vendors, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, carriage rides, carolers, Christmas movies and stories and a carousel. The event and many of the activities are free.

Sunday, December 10

CHRISTMAS PARADE: The Friends of Dadeville in concert with the Dadeville Come Visit Us! Area Chamber of Commerce are co-sponsoring the 4th Annual “Spirit Cecily Lee, Administrator of a Hometown Christmas” Parade Angela Pitts, Director of Nursing scheduled for Dec. 10 in Dadeville. This annual event features a wide variety of floats and parade participants, arts and crafts booths, a children’s venue, food booths and more importantly, Santa Claus.

If you would like to participate in the parade or need additional information, please contact the Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce at 256 825Need your business to 4019.

CHRISTMAS MUSICAL: Faith Temple Church will present the timeless story of His coming in a Christmas from the crowd? musical, “Christmas in His Presence” on Sunday, Dec. 10 at 10:30 a.m. in Call us, we can help! the Faith Temple sanctuary. The 256.234.4281 musical features soloists Valerie Baty, Julie Haynes, Susan Mann and Frank Carpenter. The public is cordially invited.

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM: Hillabee • Alexander City Outlook Baptist Church Children’s Choir will • Dadeville Record present its Christmas program at 10:30 • Wetumpka Herald a.m. Sunday, Dec. 10 and at 6 p.m.

• Eclectic Observer the youth choir will present its program.

• Tallassee Tribune Everyone is welcome.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT: The Benjamin Russell High School Choral Department is hosting its annual Christmas Concert Sunday, Dec. 10 at 2:30 p.m. at the Trinity Campus of Alexander City First United Methodist Church. Admission is free. Everyone is welcome.

CHRISTMAS ON THE SQUARE: Darrell Brooks, Owner First Baptist Church of Alexander City is hosting Christmas on the Square, “the Cutting •Edging Greatest Story Ever Told,” Dec. 10 at 6 Weed Eating •Mulch p.m.

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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 busines 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 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.

Saturday, December 16

TRADE DAY: Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends Monthly Trade Day in Millerville on Highway 9 between Ashland and Goodwater will 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 Benjamin Russell auditorium. Tickets are $12 for adults; $7 for students and are available online at the door and online at the website www.act2fineartscenter.com.

Sunday, December 17

CHRISTMAS CANTATA: Red Ridge United Methodist Church is presenting its Christmas cantata “How 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 256-825-9820 for more information or visit redridgeumc.org. Vicki Cater is pastor.

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.

Monday, Janurary 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

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January 8-9

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.

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

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.

Monday, January 29

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.

Monday, February 5

HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Glen Willis will present “Forgotten Alabama” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Feb. 5 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.

Monday, February 12

HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Peggy Shores will present “Songs from the Heart” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Feb. 12 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.

Monday, February 26

HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Dr. James Hansen will present “Neil Armstrong” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Feb. 26 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 Helping Children Learn and Grow

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

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

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

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Page 9

Wildcats sweep tri-meet STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

With a pair of dominating victories over Beauregard and Dadeville, Benjamin Russell’s wrestling team swept a tri-meet on Wednesday to improve to 11-5 on the season.

The Wildcats began against Beauregard, which it beat 65-18, but the teams split the first two bouts.

Conner Burk grabbed a 49-second pin at 182 for BRHS before the Hornets tied it with a pin of their own. From there, it was Benjamin Russell all the way. Beauregard had only one other win on the mat.

All but two Wildcats had victories by fall. At 220, Dimitri Johnson earned a pin in 1:15, and Curtis Norris followed with a first-period fall in 1:56.

The lightweights all had pins in 1:37 or less. Bobby Charsha and Nyshad Hannon both had falls in 1:37 at 106 and 120, respectively, and they were split by Kyle Mattox’s 47-second pin at 113.

Benjamin Russell was forced to forfeit at 126, and the Hornets made a little noise with a victory by fall from Hunter Gasaway in the 132pound weight class.

But that was all she wrote for Beauregard. Over the next six weight classes, the Wildcats got wins from Robert Graham (tech fall, 23-8 in 2:00 at 138 pounds); Saxon Coker (pin in 2:49 at 145); Michael Parker (pin in 1:34 at 152); Jy Harvey (pin in 0:58 at 160); and Hezekiah Hunter (win by forfeit).

Benjamin Russell kept its dominance going against Dadeville, 59-12, but that was thanks in large part to forfeits. The Wildcats got 36 points via forfeits.

Dadeville actually got one victory on the mat as Ab Abernathy pinned Dimitri Johnson in 2:36 at 220 pounds. The Tigers couldn’t muster any other points, but they kept the match closer than it could’ve been by thwarting BRHS’ pin frenzy.

Charsha at 106 was the only Wildcat to earn a win by fall, and he did so over Troy Cruz in 1:29.

At 138, Graham scored a 9-6 decision against Frederick Ford, and Ryan Spradley captured a technical fall victory, 21-5, in 3:15 at 145.

Christopher Lawson closed out the match with a win for Benjamin Russell, defeating Ladarrius Moore in an 8-2 decision.

The Wildcats head to a two-day tournament in Auburn beginning today, while Dadeville will face a quad match in Beauregard on Tuesday.

File / The Outlook

Reeltown’s Landon Hunt (11) holds back Woodland’s Jordan Herring (7) during the season. Rebel coach Matt Johnson said Hunt, a tight end and punter, may have been the biggest surprise of all this football season.

UNSUNG HEROES Reeltown’s senior class was full of surprises

By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

With every football season comes a few surprise players. Many of the times, it’s a young running back who explodes onto the scene or an unlikely freshman who contributes in many ways.

But sometimes it’s the unsung heroes — the players who don’t get a lot of ink in the local newspaper or the athletes who keep their noses to the ground and just do their jobs — who are the biggest surprises.

In the case of Reeltown’s football team, which made it further than any other in Tallapoosa County, the senior class of six athletes were all those surprises coach Matt Johnson was looking for.

“Our six seniors, you really can’t say enough about them,” Johnson said.

Three of the six didn’t even play football last year. Ardarious Woods, who started at either wide receiver, cornerback or safety in every single game this year, had never played high school football at all.

“He’s somebody that was not even on the radar at all,” Johnson said. “He came in and started every game, so he did a great job for us. He even ran the ball a couple times and got a touchdown on Senior Night, so that was great for him.”

Due to some eligibility issues last season, RaRa Wright didn’t play during

File / The Outlook

Reeltown’s RaRa Wright (25) and Tre Tre Hughley combine to stop Vincent’s Christopher Hardie earlier this season. Wright is one of six seniors the Rebels will graduate this year.

his junior year. He started out as a strong defensive lineman and filled in here and there on the offensive line, but when Jordan Whitlow was injured, Wright was moved into the fullback position and really started to shine from there.

“That was huge for us because RaRa was going to create a hole and he ran the ball well,” Johnson said. “He’s a big

strong guy and he was athletic enough to play that position. He’s a leader in the locker room, on and off the field. Kids follow him; he’s just got that presence.”

Wright scored three touchdowns in Reeltown’s season-ending loss to Sulligent in the Class 2A second round.

“Landon Hunt may be the biggest See REBELS • Page 10

Treestand accidents mar early deer season in Alabama words as to where he was. I made out, ‘Close to river on an oak flat; you’re going to need a four-wheel drive,’” Jares said.

“I searched the woods for hours Despite a concerted effort and hours in my truck just to by the Alabama Wildlife and find his truck so I could find a Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) starting point.”

Division’s Hunter Safety Jares had earlier notified Program, Alabama deer hunters the WFF enforcement crew in are still falling out of treestands Baldwin County and Baldwin in disturbing numbers.

County Search and Rescue.

Plus, there has been one After two hours of searching, firearms fatality where the Jares found his friend’s truck cardinal rule of unloading your parked under a big tree that firearm before exiting your deer caused it to be hidden from the stand was not followed. search helicopter.

Seven Alabama hunters had With more than 20 people suffered treestand accidents as searching, several searchers of Dec. 1. Fortunately, there tore through thick underbrush have been no fatalities in the along the river as the sun falls, but several serious injuries started to fade. After a parallel were reported. grid search, Jares came up on a Out of the seven reported little ridge. Jares was yelling his treestand accidents, only one friend’s name and finally picked was wearing a safety harness. up a weak response. He ran to “The safety harness Submitted / Dept. of Natural Resources find his friend under the tree. prevented serious injury,” said New products allow hunters to remain attached to the tree while climbing into and descending from ladder or hang- The friend suffered a broken Marisa Futral, WFF’s Hunter back. He subsequently had two on treestands in the hopes of avoiding accidents.

Education Coordinator. “He surgeries and is facing a long was coming down the tree and Facebook about the incident, Wood shared an account that road to recovery. was sketchy at best but he his treestand went out from occurred at the Perdido Wildlife where the victim came “It’s a miracle we found determined his friend had fallen under him. He hit his face on perilously close to losing his Management Area in Baldwin from a treestand, couldn’t move him before dark,” Jares said. the tree pretty hard and broke life “So, please wear your safety his body from the chest down his nose. The harness kept him County.

Jares said he got a phone Daniel Jares and Wood, systems. You don’t want to and could barely breathe. from getting hurt any worse.” call at about 2 p.m. from a who once served in a Coast have a broken neck or back or “There was little to no WFF Conservation good friend. The phone service service, but I caught a few Guard unit together, shared on See HUNTING • Page 10 Enforcement Officer Vance

By DAVID RAINER Alabama Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources

Page 10

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Friday, December 8, 2017

The Outlook

Hunting continued from page 9

Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook

Latham headed to Martin Methodist College Thursday morning, Benjamin Russell’s Taylor Latham, seated center, signed her letter of intent to continue her softball career at Martin Methodist College in Pulaski, Tennessee. “It’s a really small town and it reminds me a lot of Alexander City, and they have a really good nursing program, which is what I’m looking to go into,” Latham said. “It’s far enough away from home, but it’s not too far away. It’s going to be a lot more competitive, and I’m going to have to work even harder than I do now.” Latham was recruited as a third baseman and catcher. At her signing, Latham was joined by, front row, from left, her dad Jason Latham and her mom Rachel Latham; back row, travel ball coach Rusty Pike, BRHS athletic director Pam Robinson, BRHS assistant softball coach April Yarbrough, BRHS head softball coach Jessica Johnson and BRHS principal Anthony Wilkinson. “With a studentathlete like Taylor, (her recruiting) has been easy,” Yarbrough said. “Not only does she have the athletic ability, her academics are just as good. Like Dr. Wilkinson said, she is the example of what a student-athlete is. We visited several schools, but at the end of the day, Martin Methodist had everything she was looking for.”

Rebels

continued from page 9

surprise of all,” Johnson said.

Hunt started to surprise the Rebel coaching staff during the summer when he really committed to the weight program. Between the start of spring practice and the start of fall practice in August, Hunt had put on 25 pounds of muscle and he earned his way into a starting position at tight end.

“He’s also our starting punter and could be the best long snapper in the state if he wanted to,” Johnson said. “He’s got great hands, he blocks well at tight end and he can throw the ball 65 yards.

He worked in as quarterback during the spring, too. Landon was a massive surprise, and he was a very, very valuable player for us.”

The other three seniors were all linemen who were almost never talked about.

“Jacob Rodgers was probably our most consistent player at right tackle, week in and week out,” Johnson said. “His name never got mentioned because he was so consistent. He’s gonna be there every day, and he’s gonna do his job. He has no position on defense, so on scout offense, he’s at right tackle; on first offense, he’s

at right tackle. He does his job each and every day, and he does it great.”

Justin House started at left guard all season before being moved to center due to an unexpected vacancy at the position.

“It ended up being a great move because he did a fantastic job at center for us,” Johnson said.

Despite some injuries, Kyle Nelson pushed through on both the offensive and defensive lines. For the final few weeks of the season, Nelson even played with a cast on.

“His biggest trait is just his toughness,” Johnson said. “This year, he broke his hand early in the season that many people didn’t talk about. When you play offensive tackle with one hand, that’s tough, and he persevered through that.”

Although the Reeltown senior class will be sorely missed, there’s a lot to look forward to for the future of the Rebels after such a successful season. Reeltown returns the likes of top running backs Cameron Faison and Tre Tre Hughley and hopes to have Keke Hughley back next year, as well as guys like Eric Shaw and Trey O’Neal returning. And there were also some young surprises for Johnson.

“Iverson (Hooks) ended up being a good player for us (as an eighth-grader),” he said. “Rhasheed Wilson in 10th grade started every game at corner for us this year. Kolby Coan (a junior) erupted right there at the end of the year, running the ball and blocking. We have a great group coming back and we just have to continue to understand that we need to improve every single day.”

Because Reeltown is such a strong school, there’s quite a bit of crossover with other sports, which Johnson looks at as a positive because the Rebels not only keep the mentality of getting better every day alive, they also keep their competitive spirit.

When Reeltown returns from the holiday break, it’ll amp up its offseason workouts, working out in the weight room three times per week.

“January through March, we’re just trying to pound on the weights and pack on the muscle and get bigger and stronger,” Johnson said. “Overall strength played a huge key in our success this year, so I think the building the strength of these young guys and them buying into our weight program will be huge.”

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL RANKINGS GIRLS CLASS 7A 1. Hoover (8-0) 2. Sparkman (11-1) 3. Spain Park (6-2) 4. Hewitt-Trussville (9-1) 5. James Clemens (6-2) 6. Davidson (9-3) 7. Huffman (5-3) 8. Alma Bryant (11-1) 9. Mountain Brook (9-1) 10. McGill-Toolen (6-4) Others nominated: Buckhorn (7-6), Gadsden City (5-4), Huntsville (3-4), Lee-Montgomery (4-3), Murphy (7-3), Oak Mountain (7-3), Tuscaloosa County (7-2).

CLASS 6A 1. LeFlore (11-0) 2. Hazel Green (10-2) 3. Ramsay (6-3) 4. Brewer (9-1) 5. Homewood (5-3) 6. Austin (7-1) 7. Selma (6-1) 8. Athens (6-2) 9. Blount (9-1) 10. Carver-Birmingham (10-1) Others nominated: ClayChalkville (8-2), Dothan (6-1), Florence (5-3), HillcrestTuscaloosa (6-2), McAdory (8-3), Muscle Shoals (4-3), Northview (6-3), Shades Valley (4-1), Southside-Gadsden (6-0).

CLASS 5A 1. Charles Henderson (7-0) 2. Wenonah (6-2) 3. Eufaula (7-1) 4. Central-Tuscaloosa (9-1) 5. Faith Academy (6-3) 6. Lee-Huntsville (7-5) 7. West Point (10-0) 8. Brewbaker Tech (5-4) 9. Talladega (2-1) 10. St. Paul’s (7-1) Others nominated: Calera (5-2), Carroll (6-1), Demopolis (2-0), Fairview (7-3), Headland (7-2), Pleasant Grove (5-2), Scottsboro (5-1), Shelby County (5-0), Sumter Central (6-2).

CLASS 4A 1. Deshler (4-1) 2. Madison Academy (7-1) 3. Sipsey Valley (6-0)

4. Anniston (4-1) 5. Cherokee County (5-0) 6. Greensboro (3-1) 7. Hokes Bluff (5-1) 8. Danville (5-2) 9. Madison County (6-3) 10. Jacksonville (4-0) Others nominated: DAR (5-4), Montgomery Catholic (4-1), Priceville (5-1), Rogers (6-0), St. James (5-3), Wilson (3-2).

CLASS 3A 1. Lauderdale County (7-0) 2. Pisgah (4-0) 3. Plainview (6-1) 4. Midfield (6-4) 5. Locust Fork (5-0) 6. Clarke County (10-0) 7. Hillcrest-Evergreen (1-1) 8. Geneva (8-3) 9. Montevallo (6-1) 10. Susan Moore (8-0) Others nominated: Colbert County (6-3), Daleville (5-2), Glencoe (4-2), Lexington (5-2), Montgomery Academy (2-1), North Sand Mountain (4-3), Pleasant Valley (5-2), Prattville Christian (7-1), Straughn (5-1).

CLASS 2A 1. Geneva County (7-2) 2. Samson (9-1) 3. Tanner (4-1) 4. Collinsville (7-2) 5. Section (3-2) 6. Fyffe (5-1) 7. Ariton (4-0) 8. Phil Campbell (6-2) 9. G.W. Long (4-3) 10. Mars Hill (5-1) Others nominated: Abbeville (3-1), Asbury (6-3), CentralHayneville (2-1), Chickasaw (6-0), Cold Springs (5-4), LaFayette (2-0), Sand Rock (3-2), St. Luke’s (4-3), Winston County (8-2).

CLASS 1A 1. Spring Garden (6-0) 2. Phillips (5-0) 3. R.A. Hubbard (2-1) 4. Loachapoka (5-1) 5. Skyline (7-2) 6. Linden (0-0) 7. J.F. Shields (4-0) 8. Holy Spirit (3-1) 9. Pleasant Home (3-2)

10. Vina (9-3) Others nominated: Addison (4-2), Brantley (4-2), Cedar Bluff (1-1), Coosa Christian (6-3), Covenant Christian (6-2), Decatur Heritage (5-5), Isabella (2-2), WestminsterOak Mountain (3-2).

BOYS CLASS 7A 1. Buckhorn (8-1) 2. Huffman (9-0) 3. Hoover (9-2) 4. Mountain Brook (7-1) 5. Sparkman (7-2) 6. McGill-Toolen (8-3) 7. Lee-Montgomery (5-1) 9. James Clemens (5-2) 10. Gadsden City (5-4) Others nominated: Alma Bryant (7-2), Enterprise (6-1), Grissom (4-5), Hewitt-Trussville (6-1), Murphy (5-4), Oak Mountain (5-3), Vestavia Hills (7-2).

CLASS 6A 1. Helena (8-0) 2. Paul Bryant (5-2) 3. Ramsay (8-2) 4. Carver-Montgomery (3-2) 5. Hazel Green (5-4) 6. LeFlore (7-1) 7. Pinson Valley (7-2) 8. Daphne (7-1) 9. Blount (7-4) 10. Muscle Shoals (3-0) Others nominated: Albertville (7-1), B.C. Rain (6-1), Chelsea (5-3), Florence (5-3), Homewood (5-3), Pelham (5-3).

CLASS 5A 1. Eufaula (7-2) 2. Lee-Huntsville (2-4) 3. Wenonah (10-1) 4. Sylacauga (6-1) 5. Pleasant Grove (6-0) 6. Sumter Central (10-1) 7. Guntersville (5-2) 8. Talladega (6-1) 9. Faith-Mobile (8-4) 10. Jemison-Huntsville (5-4) Others nominated: Alexandria (4-0), Briarwood (4-2), CentralTuscaloosa (5-2), Corner (6-2), Demopolis (3-1), Etowah (5-1), Lawrence Co. (5-2), Mortimer Jordan (5-3), Scottsboro (5-2).

CLASS 4A

1. Oneonta (9-0) 2. Escambia Co. (7-0) 3. Cordova (4-1) 4. Madison Academy (5-2) 5. Westminster-Huntsville (4-3) 6. Haleyville (6-1) 7. Monroe Co. (0-0) 8. Deshler (3-1) 9. Andalusia (0-0) 10. West Limestone (6-2) Others nominated: Bibb Co. (4-2), Catholic-Montgomery (3-2), Cherokee Co. (3-3), LAMP (7-2), Rogers (4-0), Trinity (4-1), UMSWright (6-3).

CLASS 3A 1. Plainview (6-0) 2. Houston Academy (9-0) 3. Piedmont (0-0) 4. Midfield (5-3) 5. Lauderdale Co. (4-2) 6. Prattville Christian (5-3) 7. West Morgan (3-2) 8. Geneva (6-3) 9. East Lawrence (1-3) 10. Mobile Christian (5-2) Others nominated: American Christian (5-3), Cottage Hill (6-2), Glencoe (3-3).

CLASS 2A 1. Vincent (7-1) 2. Abbeville (4-0) 3. Barbour Co. (5-2) 4. Section (3-3) 5. Mars Hill Bible (5-0) 6. Keith (5-1) 7. Horseshoe Bend (4-2) 8. St. Luke’s (3-1) 9. Collinsville (2-3) 10. Westbrook Christian (4-3) Others nominated: Chickasaw (3-4).

CLASS 1A 1. Sacred Heart (3-4) 2. Decatur Heritage (7-1) 3. Lindsay Lane (9-0) 4. Georgiana (4-0) 5. R.A. Hubbard (4-3) 6. Whitesburg Christian (5-2) 7. Coosa Christian (6-2) 8. Linden (0-0) 9. Ellwood (3-1) 10. Meek (5-0) Others nominated: Belgreen (4-0), Cedar Bluff (1-2), Pleasant Home (2-4), Skyline (5-4), Spring Garden (1-1).

even run the risk of losing your life. The officer said if I hadn’t answered that call, he probably wouldn’t have made it.

“I wanted to thank the hunting community for all of the love and support and sharing this to bring awareness. I’m blown away. The post received over one million views in less than 36 hours and close to three million now. I know without a doubt in my mind this post saved lives. I had messages from all over the country of young and old saying thanks for the eye opener; we are praying. If I could help save one life, it’s worth it. Trust me, you don’t want to stumble up on your buddy miles deep in the woods in this condition.”

Futral said this many treestand accidents this early in the season is a concern.

“This is a lot of accidents for it only being through November,” she said. “Last year, we had 13 treestand accidents (two fatalities), and I think it was 12 the year before. With seven this early in the season, I hope hunters will hear about these incidents and take treestand safety more seriously. It takes only one misstep to cause serious injury or even death if you’re not wearing your safety harness and using the safety equipment.

“And we are stressing that hunters should make sure they are connected to the tree in some way when they are climbing and descending the tree. We have had several accidents where hunters have been wearing their safety harness but they fell going up or coming down the tree. There are products available now that keep hunters attached to the tree at all times. We want it to hit home that people need to be connected when their feet leave the ground until their feet hit the ground at the end of the hunt.”

Two Alabama-based companies make products that keep hunters attached while they are using ladder stands or hangon treestands. Hunter Safety System makes the Lifeline, while Summit Treestands makes a 30-foot safety line.

Futral said she didn’t have the final report on the firearms fatality at this time.

“From what I’ve gathered from news reports, the mentor was handing the rifle down to the 15-year-old when it discharged, striking the youth in the chest,” she said. “That breaks the rules of unloading your firearm before you climb into or out of your stand, and never point your firearm at anything you don’t want to shoot.”

Two other firearms-related incidents occurred on a dove field where two hunters were peppered by shot from other hunters. No serious injuries were reported.

Futral reminds hunters of the 10 commandments of firearms safety: Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.

Control the muzzle of your firearm. Keep the barrel pointed in a safe direction; never point a firearm at anything that you do not wish to shoot, and insist that your shooting and hunting companions do the same.

Be sure of your target and beyond. Positively identify your target before you fire, and make sure there are no people, livestock, roads or buildings beyond the target.

Never shoot at water or a hard, flat surface. A ricocheting bullet cannot be controlled.

Don’t use a scope for target identification; use binoculars.

Never climb a tree, cross a fence or jump a ditch with a loaded firearm.

Store guns and ammunition separately. Store firearms under lock and key, and use a gun case to transport firearms.

Make sure your barrel and action are clear of all obstructions.

Unload firearms when not in use. Never take someone else’s word that a firearm is unloaded.

Check yourself.

Avoid drugs and alcohol when hunting or shooting. Even some over-the-counter medicines can cause impairment.

David Rainer is employed by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. He writes a weekly column titled Outdoor Alabama Weekly.