Feb. 1, 2018 Alex City Outlook

PAGE 4: WILDCAT FOOTBALL PROGRAM DESERVES THE BEST

THURSDAY

THE

SPORTS, PAGE 10 Horn talks leaving BRHS

Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892

February 1, 2018 Vol. 126, No. 23 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢

LOCAL, PAGE LOCAL PAAGE 2 Multiple units respond to subdue suspect

Trump’s State of the Union encourages local leaders

By MITCH SNEED Editor

President Donald Trump’s first State of the Union address is being applauded as one of his finest hours as he struck a bi-partisan, compromising tone and touched on topics that are near and dear to leaders on the national as well as the local scene.

Trump highlighted his plan to rebuild the nation’s “crumbling” infrastructure in his speech Tuesday.

Alexander City Mayor Jim Nabors said he was pleased to see Trump’s remarks, especially See TRUMP • Page 9

Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

Tallaco K-9 Unit’s Faye Ingram poses for a photo with Spanky Possum, who is in dire need of surgery on a ruptured cranial cruciate ligament in her leg.

Search dog needs public’s help for vital operation

By MITCH SNEED Editor

Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

A dog that is trained to help rescue those who are lost and bring closure to fatal missing person’s cases is hurting and needs the public’s help to get back on the job.

Faye Ingram of the Tallaco K-9 Unit has a special dog affectionately named Spanky Possum. The Border Collie-Husky mix is about as sweet as she can be and has live rescues and cadaver finds on her resume.

But these days the black and white, See DOG • Page 3

‘Super Blue Blood Moon’ creates rare image in sky Alexander City residents had the opportunity to witness an extremely rare occurrence early Wednesday morning as three lunar events coincided for the first time in 152 years. The First Baptist Church of Alexander City’s steeple posed as a perfect viewpoint in the early morning hours as the “Super Blue Blood Moon” shone bright. Until Wednesday, the last time a Super Blue Blood Moon could be seen in the sky was March 31, 1866. A Supermoon (the moon being closer to the earth and appearing larger and brighter than normal), a Blue Moon (the second full moon on the month) and a Total Lunar Eclipse or a Blood Moon all converged just before daylight and created some spectacular images across the Tallapoosa County sky. Experts say a lunar eclipse happens between two and four times a year. A Supermoon occurs about four times per year on average. To see more photos from this lunar event, see Page 5 inside.

Chamber seeks applications for Woman of the Year

Mamie’s Place hosts ‘book tasting’ event

By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

Mamie’s Place Children’s Library held a first-of-its-kind event Wednesday afternoon, changing up the typical routine and holding a children’s book tasting for its young patrons.

Two tables laden with various snacks were available, while the Donald Campbell / The Outlook book each offering was meant to represent sat on a stand directly Fallon and Ansley indulge in their treats during the book tasting at Mamie’s Place Children’s See LIBRARY • Page 3 Library Wednesday afternoon.

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The Alexander City Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for Tallapoosa County and Coosa County Woman of the Year.

Kim Dunn is heading up the application process.

“We are looking for women who stand out in their community,” Dunn said. “They go above and beyond. They are not only doing See CHAMBER • Page 3

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Graduate longs to distance himself from family strife

Friday

49 29 Low

High Mostly sunny

Saturday

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Showers likely in evening

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

Postal

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

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

Thursday, February 1, 2018

The Outlook

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 Katie Wesson Retail Sales Manager, Ext. 232 katie.wesson@alexcityoutlook.com Scott Hardy Digital Marketing Coordinator, Ext. 208 scott.hardy@alexcityoutlook.com Rebecca Carlisle Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 rebecca.carlisle@alexcityoutlook.com Erin Burton Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 erin.burton@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 g Record, Lake magazine, Lake Martin Living, Kenneth Boone Photography and a commercial web printing press. © 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Reproduction of any part of any issue requires written publisher permission.

Many a

been

small thing

DEAR ABBY: I’m an 18-year-old guy who’s having troubles regarding my family.

My parents are divorced, and I moved out of my mom’s house after I graduated.

After the divorce, I flipped back and forth between living with either Mom or Dad. I moved into my mother’s after an argument with my stepmom, who insists that I call her “Mother.” I don’t consider her my mother. My father is an alcoholic and was completely impaired when he married her.

I’ve never forgiven him. When I visit, I can’t help but feel no longer welcome.

My mother (a hypocritical tiger mom) made my high school career so stressful it pushed me into severe depression, so I spoke to a doctor who prescribed medication for me and gave me therapist referrals. Since I moved out, I’ve never been happier.

My siblings and I have never been close, other than at times

DEAR ABBY Advice

when we needed someone to talk to about our parental situation.

I have been thinking about disappearing and starting a new life on my own with no thought of my family past. I’m not sure if it’s worth fixing the mess my family has become.

Advice? -- BREAKING AWAY DEAR BREAKING: For your stepmother to demand that you call her “Mother” was wrong.

She is not and never will be your mother. (Besides, you already have one of those.) For your mother to have pushed you to succeed academically is normal when a parent thinks her child has potential that isn’t being realized. That she was

so heavy-handed that it had the opposite effect is very sad.

If you would like to move away and start a new life, no one can stop you. At 18, you are considered an adult. But I do NOT think it would be healthy for you to do it in anger and without mending fences, if that’s possible. Running away will not have the effect you’re looking for because your family will still be living in your head.

have less to do with egocentricity than insecurity.

What’s destroying your marriage isn’t the pictures; it’s your wife’s inability to fight fair. Her silent treatment is emotionally abusive; it’s not a healthy way to solve a disagreement. A licensed marriage and family therapist may be able to help the two of you communicate more effectively. If your wife won’t agree to it, go alone.

DEAR ABBY: I believe my wife is egocentric. She has five framed pictures of herself around the house. Even the wallpaper on her tablet is of herself. If we have a disagreement about anything, she won’t talk to me for days unless I break the ice. It’s ruining our 2 1/2-year marriage. Any suggestions? -- MYSTIFIED IN THE SOUTH DEAR MYSTIFIED: Yes, be less quick to judge her because of the photos she keeps around the house. The reason may

DEAR ABBY: Should I marry someone who doesn’t love me more than anyone in this world? -- JIM IN VIRGINIA DEAR JIM: I think that depends on who else the person loves.

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 Mrs. Barbara Jane Taylor 1935 - 2018 Funeral Service for Mrs. Barbara Jane Taylor, 82, of Camp Hill, Alabama, will be Friday, February 2, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. at the First Universalist Church of Camp Hill. Dennis Hale will officiate. Private family burial will be held at a later date. The family will receive friends on Friday, February 2, 2018 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the First Universalist Church of Camp Hill.

Mrs. Taylor passed away on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at East Alabama Medical Center. She was born on June 24, 1935 in Tallapoosa County, Alabama to Ester Ballou Langley and Margie Thelma Langley.

She was an active member of the First Universalist Church of Camp Hill. Mrs.

Taylor has been a pillar of her community regardless of her residence. In Alabama she was involved in creating the Camp Hill library, Camp Hill food bank and was a Waverly Town council member. She loved music, reading, dancing and was passionate about genealogy.

Recently she was a member of a book club, a coffee club, and was a volunteer at the Tallapoosa County museum. She also enjoyed attending the Dadeville Wellness center.

She is survived by her sons, Ron Taylor (Jackie) of New York, Glen Taylor (Tina Ferguson) of Auburn; daughter, Cindi Taylor of Atlanta; grandchildren, Nick Belcher, Alyssa Belcher, Jacoba Taylor, Ruby Taylor; great-grandson, Chase Moore; brothers-in-law, Harold Hill, James Taylor (Kathy); sister-in-law Jewel Taylor and numerous nieces and nephews.

Not only does Mrs. Taylor leave behind family, she loved and has been loved by many friends over her lifetime.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years Billy Joe Taylor; parents; sister, Margaret Hill; brothers-in-law, Johnny Taylor, Buel Taylor and sisters-in-law, Susie Horsley and Nelda Carmichael.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to the First Universalist Church of Camp Hill, 21620 Sen Claude Pepper Drive, Camp Hill, AL, 36850 or Camp Hill Perpetual Cemetery, P.O. Box 217 Camp Hill, AL, 36850.

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

Langley Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Ms. Junita Burr Ms. Junita Burr of Georgia died on Monday, January 22, 2018 at DeKalb Medical Center, DeKalb, GA. Final arrangements pending.

Final Arrangements Entrusted to Armour’s Memorial Funeral Home.

How to Submit Obituaries Obituaries can be submitted to The Outlook from funeral homes by e-mail at obits@ alexcityoutlook.com For more information, call (256) 234-4281.

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This ad is sponsored by Wayside Animal Hospital, Dr. Susan Martin, 256-329-9900. Spay/neuter assistance is available from RESCUE K9-1-1, Wayside Animal Hospital 256-329-9900 or Lake Martin Humane Society 256-234-5533.

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Multiple units respond to subdue suspect

Just after 6 p.m. Wednesday evening a traffic stop intensified after a male suspect bolted from the vehicle he had been in with a woman on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. A struggle ensued with multiple officers responding to the scene and a witness said she saw an officer deploy a taser on the suspect. The suspect was transported by ambulance to Russell Medical. Officers, as well as members of the Tallapoosa County Narcotics Task Force, remained involved in the investigation late Wednesday evening and few details were released.

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Thursday, February 1, 2018

Dog

continued from page 1

brown-eyed girl is hobbled by a ruptured cranial cruciate ligament in her back leg. While she tries not to show it, the pain means she can’t move around much and when she does she visibly struggles.

“She’s a tough old girl, but you can tell that it is really bothering her,” Ingram said. “You can really tell it when she first gets up and then when she’s been on it for any length of time. She doesn’t whimper, but you can just tell how bad it’s hurting her.”

Plans are to have Spanky Possum’s ligament surgically repaired, but the procedure is expensive.

“We are going to have it done at Tuskegee and they have been great to us at the Tallaco K-9 Unit,” Ingram said. “They are going to do it basically at their cost, which is very generous, but it’s still a lot of money. They are saying at least $1,000 depending on how it all goes. We’ve had some great people already step up to help, but we are hoping there may be some others that would help us get her all fixed up.”

Ingram said you can reach out to her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dona te/141966549792457/10210045862089491/ or call her at 256-373-1009 and she can tell you how you can help.

“I know times are tough for a lot of people, but she has brought a lot of peace to a lot of people and she wants so bad to get back out there and work,” Ingram said. “Anything people can do, we sure do appreciate it.”

Mike Segrest announces candidacy for Circuit Court Judge after 18 years on the bench at the end this term. The elder Segrest was elected with opposition in 1982 and 1988 then was unopposed Mike Segrest in 1994 before being beat by a little has announced over 200 votes over four counties that he has offiin the 2000 election. cially qualified One might think the younger for the seat of Segrest desire to run for the seat Circuit Judge for Segrest might be fueled by animus towards the 5th Judicial Judge Young for defeating his Circuit, Place father 18 years ago, but Mike said Number 2. The 5th circuit is comprised Chambers, Macon, Randolph nothing could be further from the truth. and Tallapoosa Counties.

“I remember sitting there that Mike is a resident of Shorter in Macon County with his wife Traci night with my dad when the votes came in and we saw that he had Hall Segrest and is the father of come up a little short,” Mike said. three; Forrest (20), Fischer (16) “I asked what he wanted to do and and Steele (15). He is a graduate of Tallassee High School, Faulkner his response was quick. He was ready to see what the Lord had in University and the Birmingham store for him next.”

School of Law. Dale went into private practice Mike is the son of Judge Dale Segrest, who served as circuit judge and five years later Mike went to work for him and decided to go to in the same seat for 18 years from law school.

1983 until 2001, when he retired “As it turns out it was as much as a judge after being unseated by Judge Tom Young who announced about what the Lord had in store for me as it was my Dad. I got last month that he will be retiring STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

to try my first jury trial with my dad in Wedowee in front of Judge Young. Judge Young has always been great to me. I have nothing but respect for both of them.”

Mike also said Judge Young called him personally last month the day the news of his retirement was coming out in the newspaper to let him know that he was retiring.

As for his father, who turns 76 in April, Mike said he is looking forward to slowing down some but doesn’t think he will ever quit because he loves the law profession too much as well.

Mike said he is looking forward to his Dad’s help and wisdom during the campaign as well.

Anyone looking for more information, to volunteer or donate to the campaign can contact campaign chairperson Teresa Huff at the Segrest Law firm at 334-252-0036.

Huff, a resident of Jackson’s Gap in Tallapoosa County, first went to work for Judge Segrest as his judicial assistant in 1985.

Library

continued from page 1

behind the food. The treats ranged from the fairly simple, such as Goldfish crackers to represent the book “Gilbert Goldfish Wants a Pet” and a mix of marshmallows and Teddy Grahams for Dr. Seuss’s “The Lorax,” to the more intricate, including a mouse made out of a strawberry and chocolate chips sitting on a slice of Swiss cheese as a representation of “The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear” and a caterpillar made out of various small fruits crawling along a stick of celery for Eric Carle’s “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.”

A few dozen children took advantage of this event, including students who regularly frequent the library after school to do homework and a class from the Woody Woodpecker daycare. Thanks to the library sending out information about the book tasting in advance, the crowd grew at a steady pace, while others stumbled across the event as they came to the library for various other reasons.

The staff of Mamie’s Place said this was a way to find new and different ways to introduce children to the joys and pleasure of reading.

“We wanted to try and broaden

Donald Campbell / The Outlook

Ridge and Miles Tomlin go through the line at the first-ever Mamie’s Place Children’s Library book tasting Wednesday afternoon.

their interests some,” librarian Melissa Moncrief said. “We usually have crafts on Wednesday, but we have also been thinking of ways to bring more patrons in and bring more attention to the library.”

Chamber but they are influencing, motivating and encouraging others to do as well.”

The winners will be announced Friday, March 9 at the Lead Forward Women’s Conference, but the deadline for applications is Friday, Feb. 16.

The awards committee is looking for applications written by the person nominating the potential award winner by stating how the woman has made an impactful difference in her organization or community, examples of her leadership on the job, volunteer work, friendships, family, personal achievements and leadership roles and how she uses her passion and strengths to inspire others.

The chamber has

Page 3

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The Outlook

The library staff said they were definitely interested in having more events like this on a regular basis, using all sorts of creative ideas to show young patrons what worlds can be opened up simply by reading a good book.

Many of the patrons felt the book tasting had been successful, telling the library staff how nice it was for them to host such an event, and a couple even said this was too cute of an idea. The children participating were very excited to be part of this event, with a multitude of happy conversations taking place throughout the library and a handful of books being checked out as the young readers began to leave.

The librarians of Mamie’s Place also felt Wednesday afternoon’s activity was a success, giving young patrons an exciting change from the typical offering of book-related arts and crafts. Having never held an event like this before and not completely sure what to have expected, seeing a few dozen participants, ranging in ages from young children to teenagers, take part in the book tasting gives the library staff a positive outlook to continue offering more creative events.

“I definitely think this was a successful event for us,” Moncrief said. “We want to offer different things to show our patrons how much we appreciate them, but I could definitely see us having another book tasting like this in the future.”

Plumbing Problem? No Problem! continued from page 1

selected a committee from outside the area to judge the nominations. The applications will be the only material the judges have.

“We put together a panel of people from outside the community to judge the applications,” Dunn said. “Those that are nominating women need to put as much information as possible about the nominees. These applications will be the only way the panel gets to know the ladies.”

Dunn says multiple nominations for the same woman are fine.

“It gives a different perspective,” Dunn said.

“The more information the better.”

Nominees must live and/or work in Tallapoosa or Coosa counties.

Former winners of

the Woman of the Year include Barbara Sokol, Kathy Fulmer, Lydia Staples, Traci Kelly, Jamie Dark, Diane Mitchell and Pam Robinson.

The 5th Annual Lead Forward Women’s Conference will feature a business expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. that is free to the public. Lunch is from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $20 and includes a T-shirt. Lunch will also feature Allison Cornelius, founder and president of Blackfish.

For more information about nominating someone for the Tallapoosa or Coosa County Woman of the Year, contact Kim Dunn at the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce at kim.dunn@ alexandercitychamber. com

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Opinion

MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213

editor@alexcityoutlook.com

EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed

Page 4

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Our

Outlook The

It’s “Back To The Future” with new Cold War Wildcat football program View

L

deserves the best

osing a Hall of Fame high school football coach is always a tough blow and filling the shoes left behind by Danny Horn will be like finding a foot that will.

Horn not only came to Benjamin Russell with a championship track record, he came with a reputation of building men as well as football teams. No matter which player it was who talked about Horn, they all sang his praises for teaching life lessons as well as Xs and Os. Horn will be missed, but you can’t blame him at this stage in his career. There’s a certain comfort of being at home to close out your career. We thank Coach Horn and wish him well.

With that said, hiring a new head coach to lead the Wildcats is an important decision because football means so much to Alexander City.

That’s why it was encouraging to hear Alexander City Schools Superintendent Dr. Darrell Cooper and Athletic Director Pam Robinson talk about an all-out search to find the right person.

This is a dream job for a high school football coach.

“We have a lot to offer at Benjamin Russell,” Cooper said. “The tradition that our program has and the community support make it a very attractive situation for the right person. A high school football game here is a big deal. We would play teams like Spanish Fort that had won state championships and it wasn’t uncommon for us to have more fans in their stadium than they did.

That means a lot to a coach.”

Cooper is right.

Benjamin Russell is a team that has three state titles in its history, 15 region championships and an all-time record of 641-343-26.

The Wildcats have won 65 percent of their games – and that’s an impressive feat.

The stadium at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex is among the finest in Alabama and unlike many coaches, the head coach isn’t in charge of field maintenance here. In addition to fan support in the way of attendance, the boosters here make sure there isn’t much a coach wants he doesn’t get.

The job has a history of paying well and what football coach wouldn’t want the added bonus of living near one of the most beautiful lakes in the world?

We’re glad officials are committed to leaving “no stone unturned to find the best possible coach who fits with our school and our community.”

Alexander City deserves the best, so let’s not settle for anything less.

D

r. Stephen Walt, who is one of the best political scientists today, wrote the article “Back to the Future, World Politics Edition,” in the magazine Foreign Policy. In it, he writes that when he was going for his Ph.D one of his qualifying exam questions involve a question “How much of 21st century world politics is new and different, and how much of it is the same old story?”

Sometimes in international relations, problems that you thought were solved have a way of coming around again.

They rear their ugly head, mocking you for your optimism about human nature, reminding you that while you might have a better theory, they have a simpler slogan.

After World War I, the Great Powers redrew the European maps. Empires were broken up, and small nationalities received their independence. Freed by the West, they tried to emulate the West, trying out democracy and free markets. But when the Great Depression struck, the experiment was destroyed. With Stalin and the Soviet Union on their borders, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria threw themselves into an alliance with Adolf Hitler, whose propaganda made him seem like he weathered the economic chaos, and remilitarized to stop communism. AntiSemitism was a seductive policy. Britain and France sold out Czechoslovakia to appease Hitler. Germany and the Soviet Union agreed to divide Poland.

After nearly losing in WWII, the USSR stormed back with a vengeance. Every East European country was

attacked and lose territory, like the Republic of Georgia JOHN and Ukraine. Others are like Vladimir Putin, former TURES Communists who sell the old Columnist totalitarianism with a new populist playbook to cover the authoritarian policies. invaded and occupied by the And Putin is giving them all Communists. Anyone who the financial and hacker + bot stood up to the Soviets was help they need to have their executed, and their country parties win every election. was crushed by Soviet tanks The latest case: Putin ally and soldiers.

Czech Republic President I visited the region in 1990 Milos Zeman, who won while I was a college student. a narrow reelection battle It was such an optimistic against scientist Jiri Drahos, time, as Poles, Hungarians, who supported keeping the Czechs and East Germans country in the NATO and the seemed to be waking up from EU. Now that his sycophant a nightmare to learn they has won, Putin is poised to were finally free to choose move another country from their political and economic the Western column to the destiny with the fall of Eastern orbit.

Communism. Their optimism Whether you think Putin is was infectious. I climbed the new friend to the USA or one if the final sections of not, understand that this supthe Berlin Wall still standporter of Wikileaks and Julian ing, pounding away at it with Assange (who employed a hammer and chisel that I Chelsea Manning the leaker rented. It was a great time to of our Afghanistan secrets, be an East European, and a currently running in interestsupportive American! ing circles), protects Edward Remember how I said Snowden, undermining things have a way of comnot only our efforts in East ing back? Those fledgling Europe, but also the Middle East European countries, East. One can pooh-pooh who threw in their lot with the threat Putin provides, the United States and West forgetting those who either Europe via NATO and the appeased or admired Hitler EU, were hit hard by the decades ago, or did the same Great Recession. Populist for “Uncle Joe” Stalin. It’s leaders blamed the West for not too late for this country to their troubles. Instead of pick- decide who’s an actual friend, ing on Jews in East Europe, and who is a threat. But like it was time to demonize the characters from Back to Muslims. And these countries the Future, we’re running out are swallowing Vladimir of time.

Putin’s propaganda and “Potemkin Villages” from the John A. Tures is a proSochi Olympics (fake villag- fessor of political science es put up for the press, like at LaGrange College in Catherine the Great’s system LaGrange, Georgia. He in the old days). can be reached at jtures@ Leaders that stand up lagrange.edu. His Twitter to the Soviet Russians are account is JohnTures2.

Today’s

Quote

“The pure and simple truth is rarely pure and never simple.”

—Oscar Wilde

Today’s

Scripture

“You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call on you.”

—Psalm 86:5

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Daily Poll Wednesday Question: Are you ready for spring?

Yes — 83%, 30 votes No — 17%, 6 votes

Thursday Question: Did you witness the Super Blue Blood Moon Wednesday morning?

To participate in this daily poll, log on each day to www.alexcityoutlook.com and vote. Find out the vote totals in the next edition of The Outlook and see if your vote swayed the results.

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Officials

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

Thursday, February 1, 2018

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

Jim Nabors

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

What’s your

Opinion?

Bobby Tapley

Buffy Colvin represents District 2. Her phone number is 256-750-0663.

Her address is 786 I Street, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Buildings and Property committee.

Buffy Colvin

Scott Hardy represents District 3. His phone number is 256-4962450. His address is 549 Sleepy Hollow Drive, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Parks and Recreation committee.

Scott Hardy

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

Eric Brown

Tommy Spraggins represents District 5.

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

Tommy Spraggins

Tim Funderburk represents District 6.

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

Tim Funderburk

The American people deserve to know the truth

T

here is nothing more fundamental to our Republic than free elections, equal justice under the law, and honest government. Any threat to them can shake the foundations of our Constitution.

Recently, some very disturbing information about the actions of a few high- ranking officials at the FBI and Justice Department has come to light. This information describes an effort to use the most sensitive law enforcement techniques to discredit and potentially nullify the 2016 election.

We’ve all heard by now about the shady Steele dossier. We are learning the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and possibly even some officials at the FBI were behind the dossier. Then that same unreliable information was used by the FBI to get

missing emails doesn’t it?

There is growing interest MIKE in the public release of a fourpage document written by ROGERS my colleague, Congressman Columnist Devin Nunes (R-California) who serves as Chairman of the House Intelligence a secretive surveillance Committee that outlines many warrant to spy on the Trump of these suspicious actions. campaign – or in other words, Especially the potentially a warrant to spy on fellow illegal use of the Foreign Americans for political Intelligence Surveillance Act purposes.

(FISA) to spy on President We have also learned of Trump. a small group of senior FBI This document, which I officials seemingly scheming had the opportunity to read to get Donald Trump. Talks in secured area in the U.S. of an “insurance plan” against Capitol, was very troubling Mr. Trump, of secret “offsite” to me. meetings and over 50,000 The memo must be texts over 50,000 missing released to the public. The text messages many of which American people have the highlighted these efforts. And right to know the truth. remember one week we are As always, I want to hear told the 50,000 texts were from you on this or any issue. forever lost due to a technical error and the next week we Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks) are told the FBI Inspector represents Alabama’s Third General was able to recover Congressional District, which them. Sounds a lot like includes Tallapoosa County.

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

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Thursday, February 1, 2018

The Outlook

Mike Lewis / The Outlook

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Scott Thompson / Special to the Outlook

Page 5

Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

SUPER BLUE BLOOD MOON Area photographers capture a rare lunar event 152 years in the making Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

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

CALL CLASSIFIEDS TODAY!

Find great deals!

The Outlook Classifieds • (256) 277-4219

DID YOU KNOW?

The moon all but disappeared over Cross Creek Wednesday morning thi this shot by Mike Lewis, while Scott Thompson caught this clouded picture of the moon at the outset of the eclipse on his way to workd.

The flag from Russell Medical and surrounding trees provided a perfect frame or the rare lunar event. Above, the beginning eclipse created a glow over Strand Park in Alexander City. As sunrise approached the downtown sky was almost purple, left, as the eclipse reached its halfway point. Below left, the mood lit up the steeple of First Baptist Church before the eclipse began in Alexander City. As the event progress the moon over downtown almost disappeared.

Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

GOT NEWS? We have nine publications covering the lake & river region.

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According to a 2013 Pulse Survey, Tallapoosa Publishers reaches at least 86% of all Tallapoosa County.

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Thursday, February 1, 2018

The Outlook

CommunityCalendar Need Insurance?

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February 1, 2018

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

Mary Ellen Carter, Dooley Mask, Brenda Winslett and Alice Parmer are celebrating their birthday.

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25 Years and still going, Selling quality kitchen & bath cabinetry at reasonable prices.

Ben & Peggy Smith, Owners Thur & Fri 9-4 | Sat 9-1 256-675-0176 1222 Hwy 280, Kellyton, AL

Submitted / The Outlook

The Alexander City Kiwanis Club is hosting a pancake and Conecuh sausage breakfast March 10 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Benjamin Russell High School Cafeteria. It is $6 a ticket and all you can eat. Carry outs are available.

Today - February 2

AL 96175

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Brown Nursing and Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Services •Physical Therapy •Occupational Therapy •Speech Therapy 2334 Washington Street Alexander City • 256-329-9061 www.crownemanagement.com

Come Visit Us! Cecily Lee, Administrator Angela Pitts, Director of Nursing

CHURCH REVIVAL: God’s House of Prayer Holiness Church is hosting the Debt Cancellation Revival Jan. 31 to Feb. 2. Financial classes are nightly at 6 p.m. at the church at 573 Harper Avenue. Musical guests include Lemmie Battles, Paul Porter and Bishop Jason Nelson. For more information contact Bishop Frank McCleod at 334-740-0294.

Friday, February 2

FEAST OF SHARING: St. James Episcopal Church will hold its Mardi Gras Auction at the church located at 347 South Central Ave, Alex City. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and will feature live and silent auctions, raffles, wine/beer/non-alcoholic beverages, hors d’oeuvres, desserts and entertainment. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. For information please contact Denise Graves 205-826-4066. For tickets please contact St. James Episcopal Church 256-234-4752. All monies benefit Feast of Sharing, a ministry of St. James and First United Methodist Church, providing a free meal twice a week to hungry people in the area.

Saturday, February 3

BOSTON BUTT FUNDRAISER: Meals on Wheels is having a Boston Butt fundraiser. They are selling tickets for a Feb. 3 delivery of a Firetruck Boston Butt at the Meals on Wheels office at Russell Medical or by calling 256-329-7382. Tickets are $35.

BOOK SALE: The Friends of the Dadeville Public Library will host a book sale on the lower level of the Dadeville Library Saturday, Feb. 3 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fill a grocery bag for $5 or three bags for just $15.

Sunday, February 4

Need your business to

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PASTOR’S ANNIVERSARY: New Harmony Missionary Baptist Church in Camp Hill is hosting the 9th Pastor’s Anniversary honoring Rev. and Sis. Melvin C. Kelley, Jr. Sunday, Feb. 4 at 2 p.m. The guest minister will be Rev. Ira Moss, pastor of New Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Tuskegee.

Monday, February 5

HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Glenn Wills 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 Jan. 8 at 1 p.m.

Tuesday, February 6

dB

Lawn Care Darrell Brooks, Owner Cutting •Edging Weed Eating •Mulch Weed Control

256.267.0518

CHARITY BINGO: Niffer’s will be hosting charity bingo on Tuesdays in February to benefit the Lake Martin Area United Way. Cards are $1 each.

The first seven rounds are for Niffer’s dollars and the final round is for the jackpot. Niffer’s is located at 7500 Highway 49 South in Dadeville.

Wednesday, February 7

SITE REVIEW: Central Alabama Community College will host a site review for continuing accreditation of its Associate Degree in Nursing program by the ACEN on Feb. 7 at 3 p.m. in Building J of the Childersburg Campus. For further information, go to the CACC homepage at www. cacc.edu.

ENGLISH LEARNER’S CLUB: The Adelia M. Russell Library is hosting the English Learner’s Club start-

ing Wednesday, Feb. 7 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Registration starts Jan. 3.

The club will help speakers of other languages learn, develop and improve English skills, learn American slang, idioms and other useful phrases and work on fluency activities and interview questions.

For questions and information, call 256-329-6796 or visit the Adelia M. Russell Library.

MONTHLY LUNCHEON: Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends in Millerville will host its monthly luncheon Wednesday, Feb. 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please bring a covered dish and a small donation.

Friday, February 9

VALENTINES CELEBRATION: The Equality Performing Arts Center is hosting a Royal Valentine’s Celebration Friday, Feb. 9 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Six past state pageant winners and the reigning Ms. Alabama Sr. America will perform popular love songs, a romantic aria and tap dance. The EPAC is located on Alabama Highway 9 in Equality.

Saturday, February 10

REUNION MEETING: The Laurel High School Class of 1969 is holding an organizational meeting Feb. 10 at 10 a.m. at the Cooper Recreation Center.

Sunday, February 11

VALENTINE LUNCHEON: Mt.Zion Baptist Church on Highway 63 South is hosting a valentine luncheon Feb. 11 at 11 a.m. There will be a photographer on site.

GOSPEL SINGING: Victory Baptist Church on South Road in Alexander City will host The Warrens Feb. 11 at 6 p.m.

EVANGELIST: Passion Church on Highway 63 North is hosting Evangelist Danny Johnston Feb. 11 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

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 Jan. 8 at 1 p.m.

Friday, February 16

PAGEANT: God’s Beautiful Creations Pageant will be Friday, Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. at Sardis Missionary Baptist Church in Dadeville in the Fellowship Hall. The event is sponsored by the music ministry. There will be five categories and all ages are welcome to participate.

There will also be an Outstanding Couple category. To participate please contact any of the Sardis Missionary Baptist Church choir members.

Saturday, February 17

PANCAKE BREAKFAST: The Dadeville Kiwanis Club will be holding its annual pancake breakfast on Saturday, Feb. 17 from 7 until 11 a.m. at the Dadeville Elementary School Cafeteria. Tickets are $6 per person and includes all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage, ham, coffee, juice and milk.

For tickets, see any member of the Dadeville Kiwanis Club, or contact Tony Johnson at 256-825-6364

or Peggy Bullard at 256-825-9415.

Saturday, February 24

PANCAKE BREAKFAST: There will be a pancake breakfast on Saturday, Feb. 24 at Faith Temple Church Gym at 425 Franklin Street from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tickets are $6 for all you can eat pancakes in house and sausage, juice and coffee. Carry out is available.

This is a fundraiser for the Faith Christian Academy’s Robotics team which will compete in the National WWII Museum’s Robotics Challenge in New Orleans in May. Tickets are available from FCA students and at the door.

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 Jan. 8 at 1 p.m.

The Learning Tree Helping Children Learn and Grow

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

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

SEE ME FOR INSURANCE

Saturday, March 10

PANCAKE BREAKFAST: The Alexander City Kiwanis Club is hosting a pancake and Conecuh sausage breakfast March 10 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Benjamin Russell High School Cafeteria. It is $6 a ticket and all you can eat. Carry outs are available.

Wednesday, March 29

VIETNAM VETERANS WELCOME HOME: The Auburn Veterans Project is celebrating and reflecting on the service and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans March 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Auburn High School Auditorium. Speakers will be Joe Galloway and Medal of Honor recipients Bennie Adkins and James Livingston. Family is welcome to accompany their veteran and there will be a light reception afterwards.

Visit auburnveteransproect. weebly.com/east-alabama-vietnamveterans-welcome-home-cermony. html. Attendees are asked to RSVP in advance by either emailing Blake Busbin at wbbusbin@auburnschools. org or by calling Auburn High School at 334-887-2120.

April 9-10

THROW AWAY DAYS: The Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership and the Tallapoosa County Commission are holding Throw Away Days April 9-10. Dumpsters will be located 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 Hall at 309 Holley Ave. and the Union Community Center at 4191 Highway 50. Dumpsters will be available at no charge to residents.

July 16-17

THROW AWAY DAYS: The Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership and the Tallapoosa County Commission are holding Throw Away Days July 16-17. Dumpsters will be located 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 Hall at 309 Holley Ave. and the Union Community Center at 4191 Highway 50. Dumpsters will be available at no charge to residents.

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com

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FREE Estimates on NEW installations Service a 30 mile radius of Alexander City Licensed and Bonded #:84887 guysheating@live.com 256–234–4198 196 Thompson Ridge Road Alexander City, AL

Thursday, February 1, 2018

The Outlook

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The Outlook

Thursday, February 1, 2018

Thursday, February 1, 2018

The Outlook

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Contest goes in search Prices at pump on rise of ‘Bama’s Best Ribs’

meting for 10 straight weeks, I see diminishing chances of the traditional winter relief Average retail gasoline that accompanies the year’s prices in the Montgomery coldest months. Without area including Tallapoosa and gas prices falling, the curCoosa counties have risen rent price environment may 4.5 cents per gallon in the be the floor for what could past week, averaging $2.35 become a more expensive per gallon Sunday, accordyear than anticipated, baring to GasBuddy’s daily ring any change to OPEC survey of 205 gas outlets in policy that has led to today’s Montgomery. climate of lower supply and This compares with the File / The Outlook higher prices.” national average that has According to GasBuddy increased 3.0 cents per gallon Tallapoosa and Coosa county historical data, gasoline pricin the last week to $2.57 per residents will see area gas prices es on Jan. 29 in Montgomery gallon, according to gasoline are on the rise as they are averag- have ranged widely over the price website GasBuddy.com. ing $2.35 per gallon, up 4.2 cents last five years, from $1.58 Including the change in from last week’s average of $2.30, per gallon in 2016 to $3.21 gas prices in the area during according to GasBuddy.com. per gallon in 2013. the past week, prices yesterAreas near Montgomery day were 31.4 cents per gal- many places, rising to their and their current gas price lon higher than the same day highest level since Hurricane climate include Birmingham Harvey dealt a blow to one year ago and are 13.7 at an average price of $2.31 Texas and a significant porcents per gallon higher than per gallon, up 4.2 cents tion of U.S. refining capaca month ago. The national from last week $2.27, and ity,” said Patrick DeHaan, average has increased 8.8 Pensacola, Florida at $2.58 head of petroleum analysis cents per gallon during the per gallon, up 8.4 cents from for GasBuddy. “This time last month and stands 30.7 last week’s $2.50/g. around, oil prices have been cents per gallon higher than Statewide in Alabama, the culprit for gasoline prices gas prices averaged $2.35 this day one year ago. rising to their highest level in per gallon on Sunday, up 4.2 “With oil maintaining over 130 days, and with U.S. cents per gallon from last strength, gasoline prices crude oil inventories plumhave continued to climb in week’s $2.30.

STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

director. “Pork is an important part of the American diet, and we’re excited to spotlight the The Alabama Pork Producers most desirable restaurant rib hopes to smoke out Bama’s Best recipes in the state.”

Pork Ribs through a contest The winning restaurant will promoting Alabama farmers’ lip receive a plaque and $500 and smacking-good product. will be featured in the Alabama The contest, which runs Farmers Federation’s Neighbors through April 2 on Facebook and magazine in June. Each finalist Instagram, is searching for a fan- will also receive a plaque. favorite restaurant serving up the One restaurant will receive a tastiest pork ribs Alabama has cash prize — and bragging rights to offer. A panel of pork-loving — as the People’s Choice Award judges, including an Alabama pig winner. farmer, will visit the Final Four “Alabama pig farms market restaurants in April. The winaround 327,000 hogs annuner will be announced in May to ally, which ranks the state 29th kick off summer grilling season. in hog production,” Hall said.

Restaurants can range from “Although Alabama hog numbers hometown hidden gems to are low compared to states like well-known favorites, but the Iowa and North Carolina, our Alabama Farmers Federation’s farmers are committed to using Guy Hall said the judges are sure modern production practices to to zero in on this — a flavorful, raise a quality high-quality pork tender, stick-to-your-ribs prodproduct that is lean, versatile, uct. affordable and tasty.”

“We’re looking for the best Submit nominations through ribs in Alabama, from smoked to April 2 by commenting on the grilled and from simply seasoned Federation’s Facebook and to slathered in sauce,” said Hall, Instagram contest posts with the the Federation’s Pork Division restaurant name and town.

STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

Trump his cooperative tone and acknowledgement of the nation’s tremendous infrastructure needs.

“I was a little surprised that he reached out to both sides of the aisle on so many topics like he did,” Nabors said. “That’s really what this country needs right now. We all know that this divisiveness isn’t productive.

“The country, just like us here in Alexander City, have some big needs when it comes to infrastructure. Roads, bridges, sewers and even in the way of technology are in desperate need. To hear that he has a plan in place that we may be able to take advantage of was encouraging.”

Trump announced that he would ask Congress to approve a $1.5 trillion infrastructure

continued from page 1

plan. According to a report released by the American Road & Transportation Builders Association this week, 54,259 of the 612,677 bridges in the U.S. are “structurally deficient.”

Americans cross these deficient bridges 174 million times a year, the data shows.

Trump’s plan would include Congress redirecting $200 billion of federal funds to Amtrak and transit programs over 10 years while calling for hundreds of millions more to come from cities, states and the private sector.

“Every federal dollar should be leveraged by partnering with state and local governments and – where appropriate – tapping into private sector investment to permanently fix the infrastructure deficit,” Trump said

Tuesday night.

The President also called for legislation to reduce the time required to approve building permits to as little as one to two years.

“America is a nation of builders,” Trump said in his speech. “We built the Empire State Building in just one year.

Isn’t it a disgrace that it can now take 10 years just to get a minor permit approved for the building of a simple road?”

While White House officials say the average time is 4.7 years to get a road permitted, there have been multiple cases where it did take as long as 10 years.

In either case, Nabors said it is good to hear that there is an effort planned to cut through the mountain of governmental red tape.

“We have talked among our department heads about projects that we have on the shelf that are ready to go so that when this program is launched and the funds are available, we can be the first in line so to speak,” Nabors said. “Our needs are as great as anyone’s and we are working on them, but a program like this could really make a difference for a city like ours.”

Trump put it well.

“Together, we can reclaim our building heritage,” Trump said. “We will build gleaming new roads, bridges, highways, railways, and waterways all across our land. And we will do it with American heart, American hands, and American grit.”

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey released a statement saying

Trump’s works created additional hope for Alabamians.

“President Trump made clear his commitment to the American people and to improving the quality of life for everyone,” Ivey’s statement read. “By protecting our borders, strengthening our military and creating an environment that enhances domestic economic growth, the president underlined his commitment to national security. I echo his call to further improve our economy through continued deregulation, low taxes and investment in infrastructure.

“Conservative policies build a solid foundation by getting government out of the way and allowing people and businesses to work hard and achieve success.”

LIZI ARBOGAST SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228 lizi.arbogast@alexcityoutlook.com

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Sports Outlook The

Thursday, February 1, 2018

Wildcats sweep final regular season tri-meet STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

Benjamin Russell’s wrestling team earned a pair of big victories to close out the regular duals season on Tuesday, earning a 57-8 defeat of Holtville and a 62-12 win over Opelika.

The win over Holtville was thanks in large part to a slew of forfeits, but there were a handful of Wildcats who had a pair of victories on the mat.

Picking up two wins by fall were Isaiah Holloway (195 pounds), Bobby Charsha (106), Kyle Mattox (113) and Hezekiah Hunter (170). At 138 pounds, Ryan Spradley had a pin against Opelika and a 9-2 decision versus Holtville.

Dadeville, Reeltown go winless at Hornet Slam

As a team, Dadeville struggled at the Hornet Slam this weekend in Beauregard, falling to Beulah, 36-24; Beauregard, 54-12; Russell County, 63-12; and Holtville, 45-18, but there were a few individual standouts.

Ab Abernathy was a perfect 4-0 on the day at 220 pounds. He earned pins against Beulah, Beauregard and Russell County and was also awarded a forfeit versus Holtville.

At 132, Ford had pins in the Tigers’ first three matches but was then ousted

by Spencer Gordon, of Holtville, in a 14-7 decision.

For Reeltown, the Rebels suffered a trio of losses, including defeats at the hands of Beauregard, 62-6; Pike Road, 60-18; and Tallassee, 72-0.

The only victor for Reeltown against the Hornets was Jackson Hornsby, who earned a pin at 220 pounds against the Hornets. The Rebels found a little more success against Pike Road with pins from Tanner Hill (106 pounds), Daniel Spain (170) and Caleb Gantt (285).

BRHS takes home three silvers at Mortimer Jordan

Benjamin Russell also had strong performance at the Mortimer Jordan Invitational this weekend, putting a slew of Wildcat wrestlers on the podium and earning three second-place finishes.

The top finishers were Bobby Charsha at 106 pounds, Ryan Spradley at 140 and Michael Parker at 154.

To begin the day Charsha received a bye, then put up three back-to-back victories to put himself into the final match. He had pins over Deshler’s Dathan Laster and Jasper’s Erik Gunter and gutted out a 6-4 victory in extra time against Mortimer Jordan’s Konner Keplinger.

Charsha met his match against Grissom’s Jon Michael Turis, falling in the final bout, 16-3.

Spradley had two byes to start his run at 140. He then posted a 16-2 major decision over Hayden Bryson, of Prattville, before eking out a 3-2 decision against Clay Chalkville’s Jacob Williams. Spradley was pushed to the edge in the first-place match against Mae Jemison’s Desmond Pearson, but ultimately fell, 6-5 in a tiebreaker.

For Michael Parker, who earned two byes to begin, he got to the final bout with a 2:43 pin over Deshler’s Brendon Lindsey and an 8-5 decision over Dora’s Jordan Tyree. Parker put up a good fight in the first-place match, but was ousted

by Warren Hoyt, of Grissom.

Saxon Coker earned a third-place finish for Benjamin Russell at 147.

With only one bye to start, Coker won two matches in a row — a 1:17 pin against Sean Wainweight, of Prattville, and a 4-0 decision against Hayden’s Cade Marin — before dropping to the consolation bracket with a loss in the semifinals. Coker fought his way back with a 4-2 decision over Dylan Adair, of Spain Park, then easily took home third place by earning a 9-0 major against Homewood’s Thomas Smith.

Both Curtis Norris and Isaiah Holloway took home fourth place at 287 and 195, respectively.

SPORTS CALENDAR Thursday, Feb. 1 High school boys basketball Randolph County at Horseshoe Bend, 6:30 p.m.

Reeltown at Pike Road, 7 p.m.

High school girls basketball Randolph County at Horseshoe Bend, 5 p.m.

Reeltown at Pike Road, 5:30 p.m.

HEADING HOME File / The Outlook

Benjamin Russell’s Danny Horn has been approved as the head football coach at Clay Central.

Danny Horn speaks about departure well,” Horn said. “This is a good group of kids, and they’ll get somebody in here that’ll hopefully be a lot better than me When speaking about his and they’ll do fine.” resignation as head football In the interim, offensive coach at Benjamin Russell, coordinator Kevin Smith and Danny Horn wanted to make assistant Wes Tate will run one thing clear: He didn’t want the weight program, but the to leave the Wildcats, he just Wildcats are hoping to move fast wanted to go home.

Tuesday, Horn was officially on a new hire.

According to Alexander approved as the new coach at City School Superintendent Clay Central.

Dr. Darrell Cooper, the job “No. 1, that would be the opening was posted Wednesday only place that I would ever go morning and the hope is to bring back to, and the reason for that someone in by March 1. is it’s home,” Horn said. “I’ve “We have a lot to offer at got a house there, my mother is there, I spent probably 40 years Benjamin Russell,” Cooper said. “The tradition that our of my life there. I prayed about it, and I just thought at this stage program has and the community support make it a very attractive in my career, this would be a situation for the right person. A good move and I could finish high school football game is a out there where I started my big deal here.” head coaching career.

Even Horn knows the place “It’s definitely a hard he’s leaving is one that’ll decision, but I just felt like at certainly be missed. this stage, it was probably the “I’ve got nothing negative best move for me.”

Horn officially resigned from to say about this school or the Benjamin Russell on Wednesday community because it’s been great,” Horn said. “Ever since and his final day with the I’ve been here, everybody has Wildcats will be Friday. He been very supportive of my met with his players in person Wednesday morning and said it family and I. It’s a great place to live and a great place to raise was a difficult conversation. a family. The kids have been “It was emotional for me, great. Somebody is going to but I think they all handled it

By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

come into a very good situation.

I think financially, we’re a lot better than what we were when I first got here, and I think we’re at a stage now where we can compete with anybody on any given Friday night.”

And whoever takes over the job will have to be more than just a football coach, because that’s what Horn was. Benjamin Hendrix, who played under Horn for four seasons and will graduate in May, is a cancer survivor, and Hendrix’s father, Bill, said Horn never hesitated to help Benjamin.

“He didn’t even know Benjamin well, but he was one of the first, along with his sons, that visited the hospital,” said Bill, who is also president of the Quarterback Club. “He was just a sick kid in our town, and Danny didn’t hesitate. He brought him a football, told him, ‘I hope you get to play for me one day.’

“He’s definitely a character builder. He’s a molder of young men, not just in football but in life. My fears were that he would retire before Benjamin graduated, but for (Benjamin) to have the same coach all four years was a blessing.”

Although Horn gives his players most of the credit for his

success over the years, he is also grateful to the coaches he’ll be leaving behind.

“My coaches are the most important people to me,” he said. “We’ve had different coaches throughout the years, but my assistants do a great job, they work hard and never complain. Every head coach is as good as his assistants.”

Over the course of nine seasons at the helm of the Wildcats, Horn formed a lot of memories, both on and off the field. There were a lot of games and seasons he remembers fondly, but nothing was more important than the relationships he’s formed.

“You talk about wins and losses, but that’s not really what determines success,” Horn said.

“Success is determined by what the good Lord put you on this earth to do and do it well. He put me on Earth to coach football and develop relationships. I hope something that I did will be a positive influence to them.

I’m not perfect by any means, but I’m thankful the Lord put me in this place, and hopefully I influenced them in a positive way.

“It’s been a great experience and now I’m onto my next chapter in my life.”

Benjamin Russell ousts Wetumpka again

By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

For the second night in a row, Benjamin Russell’s basketball teams posted a sweep of Wetumpka.

Once again, the boys game was a showdown Tuesday night and it actually took until overtime for the Wildcats to earn a 60-58 victory. Quin Burroughs hit a last-minute shot to send the game into extra minutes, and Alex Doss scored the ultimate game winner.

“We played tough, and it was back and forth throughout the contest,” BRHS boys coach Lewis Daniel said. “Toward the end, we outlasted them with rebounding and making free throws when we needed to. We got great rebounding from Doss and (Jaden) Tuck and played pretty good defense through the night.”.

On the girls side, the game was much closer than the previous contest, but Benjamin Russell still got the better of the Indians, 46-41.

and Leighann McWhorter scored seven.

Reeltown runs streak to 3

With victories over Beauregard, 64-51; Elmore County, 64-39; and Beulah, 71-54, Reeltown’s boys basketball team is on a threegame win streak heading into the final regular season game.

“I feel like we’re playing together and sharing the ball good,” Rebel boys coach Jonathan Gardner said. “We’re Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook also staying with the hot person on the floor.”

Wetumpka’s Tyauna Ferguson, left, is defended by Benjamin Russell’s Eric Shaw has been averaging Aaliyah Thomas on Monday night. just over four 3-pointers per off an unblemished, 6-0 area game the last three outings for Nalijah Heard led Horseshoe record in the regular season. the Rebels (9-7), and Gardner Bend with 23 points, while Central Coosa will enter the also said Lance Cole has been Cade Worthy followed with 15. tournament as the clear favorite, Trace Meadows pulled down 14 shooting the ball well. as no team in the area has gotten rebounds.

“We’ve been playing good closer than 18 points. The “We outscored them 31-11 in defense too,” Gardner said.

Cougars’ toughest game of the the third quarter to break out, so “We’re communicating much season in the area was a 52-34 it was a good game for all of us,” better on the floor, and if we’re win over Randolph County.

Generals boys coach Chad Kison making a mistake, we’re making Tuesday night, the Cougars up for it with hustle. That’s what said. “I got to play everybody, (14-5) lost to Clay Central, I’ve been preaching all year and everybody played hard.”

57-46. The girls also won the because you’re going to make a Despite leading by nine area finishing with a 6-0 record; points at halftime, Horseshoe mistake.” the Cougars’ area tourney will With a 34-29 win over Beulah Bend’s girls ultimately fell to the Cougars clinch area top seed begin Monday. on Tuesday, Reeltown’s girls Bobcats, 47-45.

With a huge victory on team (8-8) continues to stay at “Right before halftime, we Monday night, Central Coosa’s .500 on the season. The Rebels went on a little bit of a run and HBS splits with Woodland boys basketball team clinched stole the ball several times in the got a big game out of Marsheka With a 69-38 victory over the top seed in Class 3A Area press,” Generals girls coach Erica Shaw, who scored 14 points Woodland on Monday night, 6, earning a 62-34 victory over Meigs said. “After halftime, they and had four rebounds. Eryn Horseshoe Bend’s boys Beulah.

Wells grabbed seven boards, hit several layups and cut the basketball team got back on the The win gave the Cougars the winning side of the things. The and Ashlynn Thomas had four game a little bit closer.” right to host the area tournament win snapped a four-game skid for assists. Mikiya Jones and Shaw Nadia Freeman led the next week and helped them finish the Generals (11-8). each had a pair of steals.

Generals (5-11) with 18 points,