Feb 25, 2016 Alex City Outlook

OPINION: JOHN TALKS TRASH AND THROW AWAY DAY, PAGE 4.

ON THE MEND

THURSDAY

THE

Injuries hampering Benjamin Russel in the early season, see Page 8.

Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 February 25, 2016

Vol. 124, No. 40

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Board approves Cooper’s contract

Wind Creek hosts Polar Plunge

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

If you are feeling a little bit crazy, maybe some chilly water will get you on the right track as Wind Creek State Park is hosting its first ever Polar Plunge Saturday, a Polar Leap for Leap Year.

“This is the first time for us,” interpretive park staff member Marijean Hadley said. “I saw it online with an out of state park and thought why not here.”

Hadley explained that this polar plunge is about fun and not making money.

“It is not a fundraiser,” Hadley said. “It is just for fun. The only cost is the park entrance fee and for our campers it’s free.”

For those that are unsure of things, Hadley explain that the weather should be warm and the park will have a few things to help you warm up afterwards.

“It is going to be warm,” Hadley said. “I think it is going to be in the 60s but the water will be cool. We will have fires to warm up to and we will have coffee and hot chocolate for the participants. Those watching can get some for a nominal fee.”

The park has a prize for participants too.

“Plungers will receive a Wind Creek State Park shirt,” Hadley said.

If you go, the plunge will take place Saturday at 2 p.m. at the swimming beach. The bathhouse will be available for those that need to change. Admission is just the See PLUNGE • Page 3

Today’s

Weather

54 31 High

Low

Lake Martin

Lake Levels

484.67 Reported on 02/24/16 @ 6 p.m.

Linda Shaffer, REALTOR® C: 256.794.4641 • W: 256.329.5253 shaffer@lakemartin.net 5295 Highway 280, Alexander City, AL

6

54708 90050 USPS Permit # 013-080

8

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Above, Judge Tom Young surveys the massive water oak tree that fell in his yard in Alexander City, a tree, which took out one of the columns of his home, below. Jaesun Bowman, 7, of Jackson’s Gap tries to sleep against his grandfather Earl Watkins as they wait out the storm Tuesday night with family in the basement of the Tallapoosa County Courthouse.

BULLET DODGED Area escapes storms with relatively little damage

By MITCH SNEED and CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writers

In South Alabama and along the Gulf Coast, violent weather caused heavy damage in spots. But despite forecasts that included possible hail and tornadoes in Tallapoosa County, the area escaped relatively well.

While isolated reports of trees down, a few power outages and localized flooding were received, those were the exception, according to Tallapoosa County Emergency Management Agency Director Jason Moran.

Depending on the exact area, Tallapoosa County received about 4 inches of rain from Monday morning at 7 a.m. to Wednesday morning at the same time.

Judge Tom Young can attest that the wind did get pretty rough Tuesday evening. Young said he was awakened by the roar and the sound of a massive water oak tree being blown over by the roots and falling into the columns of his house off North Central in Alexander City.

See STORMS • Page 3

Superintendent’s five-year deal includes pay increase

By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer

The Alexander City Board of Education approved a raise and five-year contract extension on Tuesday night for Superintendent Darrell Cooper, who has led the Alexander City school system since June 1, 2013.

The raise increases Cooper’s salary to $143,640 per year – $10,000 more than he was earning annually when he began the job. It comes at a time when the state’s public school teachers have not received a pay increase since 2013.

“Certainly I believe teachers need a raise and will do all I can to see that they get one this legislative session,” Cooper said. “But the situations with principals and superintendents are different in that we work on contracts and are usually evaluated every 2-3 years.”

Board president Kelly Waldrop, who evaluated Cooper based on criteria agreed upon by board members, said Cooper’s raise was deserved.

“Of course, we wanted to look at his progress on the strategic plan, ACS 2020,” Waldrop said.

“Eighty-seven of the 108 action items included in that plan have either been completed or are in progress. He has made progress on the implementation of the fine arts program. He has completed the 1-to-1 technology program.

“And Dr. Cooper continues to look to the future. He wants to complete the remaining action items in ACS 2010, strengthen academic offerings, empower teachers and expand career tech opportunities. Most importantly, he has challenged himself and his staff continually.”

Prior to the vote on the extension and raise, board member Dorothea Walker stressed the importance of strengthening the system’s academic offerings.

“I want to stress my desire that Dr. Cooper really put some action behind strengthening academic offerings,” Walker said. “That’s why we are here. We don’t exist because of athletic See SCHOOLS • Page 3

Three battle to fill district attorney spot created by Jones retirement

By MITCH SNEED Editor

With the retirement if Fifth Judicial District District Attorney E. Paul Jones, it opens a post responsible for prosecuting cases on Chambers, Macon, Randolph and Tallapoosa counties.

Damon Harris will face Bill Harris in the Tuesday, March 1 Republican primary, while Jeremy Duerr is a Democrat who is unopposed in the primary. He will face the winner of the Lewis-Harris race in November.

Today, we allow the three candidates, two Republicans and one Democrat to introduce themselves in advance of Tuesday’s primary. These stories are in their own words.

Pick up a copy of The Outlook on Friday to learn more about the candidates and see Saturday’s paper for copies of the sample ballots for all the races in Tuesday’s election.

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I am announcing today my candidacy in the Republican primary to be held March 1, 2016, for the position of District Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit of Alabama.

The Fifth Judicial Circuit is comprised Harris of Chambers, Macon, Randolph and Tallapoosa counties.

Damon Lewis is the Chief Assistant District Attorney for Chambers, Macon, Randolph and Tallapoosa Counties and has served in this position since August 2005.

He was hired as Assistant Lewis District Attorney for the District Attorney’s Dadeville office in 1998. In

Longtime Assistant District Attorney D. Jeremy Duerr of Alexander City has announced he will seek the office of District Attorney for The Fifth Judicial Circuit, which includes Tallapoosa, Macon, Randolph and Duerr Chambers counties. The elected position becomes available with

See HARRIS • Page A3

See LEWIS • Page A3

See DUERR • Page A3

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Page 2

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Young moms feeling pressure to succeed at parenting

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Directory Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com

Mia Osborn Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 mia.osborn@alexcityoutlook.com

Management Kenneth Boone Publisher, Ext. 218 kenneth.boone@alexcityoutlook.com Mitch Sneed Editor, Ext. 213 mitch.sneed@alexcityoutlook.com David Kendrick Circulation Manager, Ext. 204 david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com Lee Champion Production Manager, Ext. 220 lee.champion@alexcityoutlook.com

Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Kim Morse Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 kim.morse@alexcityoutlook.com Emily Guill Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 emily.guill@alexcityoutlook.com Debbie DeWildt Advertising Sales, Ext. 214 debbie.dewildt@alexcityoutlook.com

Accounting Angela Mullins Bookkeeping, Ext. 202 angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com Mary Lyman Boone Bookkeeping marylyman.boone@alexcityoutlook.com Newsroom

Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Robert Hudson Sports Editor, Ext. 228 robert.hudson@alexcityoutlook.com Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com David Granger Staff Writer, Ext. 210 david.granger@alexcityoutlook.com

Composing Audra Spears Composing Department, Ext. 219 audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com Alethia Russell Graphic Artist, Ext. 231 alethia.russell@alexcityoutlook.com Circulation Linda Ewing Asst. Circulation Manager, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com

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

Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011. © 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. ReproPOSTMASTER: Send address duction of any part of any issue requires changes to Post Office Box 999, written publisher permission.

Alexander City, AL 35011.

Postal

Information

Mr. Robert Lee Rogers July 25, 1938 – February 14, 2016 Robert Lee Rogers, of Griffin, GA, passed away on Sunday, February 14, at Spalding Regional Hospital.

Mr. Rogers was born on July 25, 1938 in Goodwater, AL. He is preceded in death by his father, Thomas Troy Rogers; mother, Wynell Livingston Rogers; and brother, Thomas Troy Rogers, Jr. Robert graduated from Goodwater High School in 1956 and joined the Army National Guard, serving three years of

Thursday, February 25, 2016

The Outlook

active duty and five years in reserve duty. He had many passions in life among the top were: Rogers Auburn football, Republican politics, Chevrolet cars, gardening, all things patriotic and collecting antique glass bottles and jars. Robert earned his Bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and pursued his passion for education by teaching the children of the Oceola Tribe in South

DEAR ABBY: Why is there so much angst today over raising children, especially in young mothers? I don’t remember my mother or my friends’ mothers being so concerned about whether or not they were doing a good job, and I certainly didn’t gather with my daughters’ friends’ moms to bemoan whether I was a bad mother.

Now there are all these blogs and workshops, etc. on how to be the “best” mom, and all these lifestyle gurus who constantly tell them not to worry, they’re doing a great job. It just seems like a bunch of nonsense to me.

I think it’s because a generation or so back, moms began to elevate their children to top priority in the family over their husbands. What’s your take?

-- PUZZLED GRANDMA IN THE SOUTH DEAR PUZZLED: The world is different today. Many women feel torn because they want or need to work, while at the same time feel pressured to help their children succeed in an increasingly competitive

DEAR ABBY Advice

world. (Is the child academically prepared for kindergarten?

Is the child able to work cooperatively with others? Is the school highly rated enough?

What and how many extracurricular activities will boost their child’s chances of excelling?)

While it may seem like nonsense to you, I assure you it does not seem like nonsense to them. Women of your generation didn’t second-guess themselves because parenting a generation ago was simpler.

If children seem to be the No. 1 priority these days it may be because both parents feel driven to succeed and are determined that their children will, too.

DEAR ABBY: I have been married to my husband for 11 years. We are financially

and emotionally stable. We recently became friendly with another couple who are newly married and not as financially secure as we are. They spend frivolously.

When we go on vacation, they invite themselves along and assume they are staying in our travel trailer without asking (they have their own trailer they could bring). They don’t offer to help pay for gas.

The last trip we took, the wife cooked only one meal, while I prepared the rest for a threeday trip. This upcoming trip, they haven’t offered to bring anything.

We don’t mind sharing what we have and helping our friends out, but what we are starting to resent is the assumption that because we make more money, we’ll pick up the tab for everything. Are we wrong to feel this way? My husband and I both see this the same way. -- STARTING TO RESENT THEM DEAR STARTING TO RESENT THEM: It’s not wrong to not want to be taken advantage of. This wouldn’t

be happening if you had established some rules in the beginning, but it isn’t too late to do it now.

Call the wife. Tell her what you expect her and her husband to bring on the next trip, and what chores they will be expected to perform. It isn’t fair that you are doing all the work and paying for everything while they are on your vacation.

They should provide -- or pay for -- half the groceries, half the gas, and share any housekeeping responsibilities.

Ditto if you go to a restaurant.

And the next time they tell you they are coming with you on your vacation, don’t hesitate or feel guilty when you reply, “We’d like some privacy this time, so it will just be the two of us.”

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. Betty Jo Nolen 1937-2016 Funeral service for Mrs. Betty Jo Nolen, 78, of Alexander City, will be Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Hillabee Baptist Church. Rev. Josh Sammons and Rev. Jerry Wheeles will officiate.

Burial will follow in the Hillview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Friday, February 26, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home.

Mrs. Nolen passed away on Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at Russell Medical Center. She was born on August 19, 1937 in Alexander City, Alabama to William Joseph Blankenship and Mae Belle Reed Carlisle. Betty Jo enjoyed keeping babies and children at ABC Daycare, and later at home on Old Dark Road. She worked at Russell Corporation as a receptionist in the Personnel Dept. and helped people to be hired. She enjoyed directing weddings for couples and working at Accent on Beauty on Saturday mornFlorida for three years, where Chief Oceola made him an honorary member of the tribe. In 1966, he moved to Cairo, GA, to work as a farm manager for the Campbell Soup Co, where he became a leader in the community. He was a Deacon for the Presbyterian Church, President of the Jaycees and the Lions. Cairo was quite possibly the single greatest influence on Robert’s life - because it’s where he met his future bride, Jan Faulk. Jan’s mother, the infamous Edwina Faulk, set them up on a blind date, as he was the hot new bachelor in town. Six weeks later,

ings with Darlene Betts. Betty Jo was a member of Hillabee Baptist Church where she was church hostess, loved being in the choir, and decorating the sanctuary and the social hall for speNolen cial events. Her favorite pastimes were watching Atlanta baseball games, attending out of town Auburn Football games for vacation, and loved to have her picture made with the Auburn players. She also loved politics and helping candidates get elected. Above all of her activities, Hillabee Baptist Church and serving God were her first priorities. No Sunday service was ever missed if any way possible. Her happiness was to lead people to God and church.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Jimmy Nolen of Alexander City; daughter, Christa Nolen

they were engaged – and three months later, they were married. In 1974, Robert was recruited by Pomona Products (Stokely Van Camp/Quaker Oats) for his expertise in growing pimiento peppers and peaches. When offered the opportunity to manage the operations in 12 states, he quickly decided to pack up the house, his wife and two young daughters and head to Griffin. Then, in 1985, Robert went to work for Goldkist/Southern States Farmer’s Co-op as a Manager. He loved working with the farmers and was happiest playing in the dirt. After retiring in

Leonard (David), of Land O’ Lakes, FL, Suzanne Nolen Brittendall of Acworth, GA, and Jamie Nolen Gandy of Yaphank, NY; grandchildren, Alison Aston (Dan), Dylan Leonard, Courtney Leonard, and Kaitlyn Brittendall; great-grandchildren, Tyler Rowe and Avery Rowe; sister-in-law, Brenda Nolen Ryals of Daviston; nieces, Shannon Clark and Donna Davis; and nephews, Shawn Dean, Rob Ryals, and Tracy Reed.

She was preceded in death by her father, William Joseph Blankenship; mother, Mae Belle Reed Carlisle; brother, Raymond Reed; and step-father, Paul R. Carlisle.

Family will accept flowers or memorial contributions may be given to Hillabee Baptist Church, 1781 Hialeah Circle, Alexander City, AL 35010.

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

Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

1995, his passion for gardening only grew. Robert and Jan created what he liked to call a food and flower ministry. Robert took what he grew and delivered it around town, often to people who had no idea they were getting anything. He was a worldclass canner, winning multiple blue ribbons at the Spalding County Fair. He was also Grand Champion at the Southeast Flower Show with over 50 horticulture awards to his credit. Some of his happiest times were teaching his grandkids about his garden, what he grew, and how they grew (he especially loved taking them for tractor rides).

Popsy, as they called him, was particularly proud of his roses, tomatoes and peppers – mainly because he could share them with anyone and everyone. He always carried small spicy peppers in his pockets, so when eating out, he could have something from home on his plate – and to test people to see if they could handle the heat. He always got a chuckle out of people starting to tear up after eating one of his peppers.

He never missed a parade or voting in an election.

We are quite confident he would be upset that he won’t be able to cast his vote against Hillary Clinton this year, but know he is resting well, certain that we have that covered

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for him.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Jan Faulk Rogers; daughters, Jana Lynn Rogers O’Neil (P.J.) of Lake Forest, IL, and Rebecca Lee Rogers Benincosa (Jason) of Griffin, GA; his adoring grandchildren; Georgia Margaret O’Neil, Patrick John O’Neil, Jr, Robert Logan Benincosa, Julia Raine Benincosa and Timothy Jacob Benincosa; brother, David Rogers of Red Bay, AL; sister Libby Rogers of Goodwater, AL; sisters-in-law, Ann Rogers of Goodwater, AL, and Catherine Faulk Dorn of Atlanta; brother- in-law, Leslie Faulk of Atlanta.

A Memorial Service was held on Wednesday, February 17, at 2:00 PM, at The First Presbyterian Church of Griffin, 1349 Macon Rd, Griffin, GA 30224. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: First Presbyterian Church of Griffin; Griffin Area Habitat for Humanity; and Snack in a Backpack in memory of Mr. Rogers.

Please join the family in honoring the life of Robert Lee Rogers by visiting www.conner-westburyfuneralhome.com and posting your tributes and memories.

Conner-Westbury Funeral Home, 1891 W. McIntosh Rd., Griffin was in charge of the arrangements.

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Thursday, February 25, 2016

The Outlook

Harris

continued from page 1

Over the past year, I have spoken with many people throughout the fifth circuit and have listened to their thoughts and concerns regarding the Office of the District Attorney. I believe that my work experience of over 25 years in law enforcement and the past 10 years as a practicing attorney, along with proven management skills, afford me a unique perspective as to what it takes to be an effective and efficient District Attorney.

During my law enforcement career, I have investigated and prepared hundreds of cases for prosecution in both state and federal courts. As a practicing attorney, I have handled cases in numerous jurisdictions, resulting in favorable outcomes for our clients.

Some of the issues that I intend to address are: Accessibility -As

District Attorney I will make myself available to ALL citizens of the Fifth Judicial Circuit.

Efficiency- No case should linger for years waiting for trial. With proper preparation, and effective management, cases can be brought to a conclusion in a timely manner.

Taking a fresh look at “Cold Cases”- There are far too many unsolved homicide cases in our circuit that have been forgotten or ignored. I will strive to find answers for the families of these victims and bring closure to these cases.

Remove all politics from the District Attorneys’ Office- All cases should be handled on the merits of the case, without any political motives Strengthen the relationship with law enforcement agencies- The District Attorneys’ Office should

Lewis

continued from page 1

2004, he chose to open his own Private Practice and in 2005 had the opportunity to came back on board with the promotion to Chief Assistant District Attorney. As the Chief Assistant, he has tried numerous Capital Murder cases in “every” courthouse of the circuit, has prosecuted hundreds of cases including felony drug, sex abuse, & child abuse cases in “every” courthouse in the circuit, and is the only candidate that has tried this range and number of criminal cases. Damon states, “With each case, I seek justice for our victims and the maximum sentence allowed by law for the crimes. As a prosecutor, I pride myself on the knowledge, experience, professionalism, honesty and fairness that I bring to this office.”

Damon, with the help of the circuit judges, has initiated a more aggressive approach in collecting the restitution for victims and court ordered fees. He helped

develop and implement a Pre-Trial Diversion Program for first time offenders all with the hope that victims could see justice sooner and has worked with the state ordered drug courts and the multiple Court Referral offices throughout the circuit. He is the President of the Board of the Tri- County Child Advocacy Center, another vital victim service program, and has served in that voluntary capacity for many years.

Over the last 18 years, Damon has worked with all law enforcement officers and agencies within the 5th Circuit and feels that these professional relationships based on his education, knowledge,and experience are important to the effectiveness of this office.

“I am the only candidate that has a true working knowledge of our budgets, dockets and programs (current and future). While managing the day to day issues of the office with over

Duerr resident of Alexander City and is married to the former Emily Stephens of Newsite who also serves in the court system as the Director of Court Referral Services for Tallapoosa and Randolph counties.

They have 2 children – Marley, age 12, and Stephen, 2.

As a lifelong Baptist, Duerr says, “I also thoroughly enjoy and I am blessed through service to my church - Hillabee Baptist – where I teach Sunday School to high school age students, grades 7 through 12. To me, these are crucial, challenging years when young people have so many temptations and the decisions they make may affect the rest of their lives. I feel it is important that they understand that there are consequences – good and bad – to these decisions.”

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twenty employees and prosecuting cases, I know the areas in our offices that need to be strengthened. As your Elected District Attorney I will make the District Attorney’s office an example of how hard work and experience can shape a better future for our communities. I have the experience, knowledge, and work ethic that you as a citizen of our circuit demand.”

Damon is married to Kathy, his wife of almost 22 years, and they have three teenage children.

He is a Youth Leader at Rocky Creek Baptist Church in the Cowpens Community. “We have an awesome responsibility to keep our families and our children safe and I will do my part as your District Attorney to bring justice to anyone that threatens the safety or wellbeing of our communities. Please visit our website for more information about me and our campaign www.

DamonLewis4DA.com.”

continued from page 1

the retirement of E. Paul Jones, serving two terms Duerr has served as an ADA for more than 12 years. He has filed as a Democrat and will face the winner of the March 1st Republican primary election. The District Attorney position will be on the November 8th general election ballot.

Duerr also stated that one of his goals will be to pursue all means available to provide enhanced training programs for all our law enforcement personnel. Our police officers, sheriff’s departments, assistant district attorneys, victim rights advocates and all officers of the court deserve to have the latest, most comprehensive knowledge, skillset and training to perform their duties, whether in the field or testifying in court.

Duerr is a lifelong +

stand ready to assist law enforcement in the investigation and preparation for trial of any crime occurring in their jurisdiction.

Professionalism- If elected, I can assure you that the staff of the District Attorneys’ office will always exhibit the highest standards of professionalism. All citizens will be treated with courtesy and respect.

I look forward to meeting with the people of the Fifth Judicial Circuit and discussing how we can improve the District Attorneys’ Office. I pledge to conduct our campaign with the highest standards of professionalism and decency. Please keep my family and I in your prayers as we enter into this effort to make the Fifth Circuit a safer and better place for all.

I sincerely ask for your vote and support on March 1.

For more information about Duerr and his campaign ideas, please visit his website: www. djeremyduerr4da.com.

Page 3

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Storms

continued from page 1

Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

A large oak tree at the home of Judge Tom Young fell early Wednesday morninhg as storms past through the area. There were minor power outages and only minor damage.

“It was a beautiful old tree, probably at least 150 years old,” Young said.

“But it was 12:15 and I heard it coming and then the crash. It took out the one column, damaged the roof there at the corner, but overall we were very lucky.

“It sure is going to change the view. I don’t know even know how to start repairing a column like that, the house was built in 1904.”

On the bright side, Young said he won’t have to worry about firewood and his cats were finding the tree on its side a great new place to play.

EMA officials opened seven shelters, including ones at the Alexander City Hall and at the Tallapoosa County Courthouse in Dadeville. At the courthouse about 40 people took advantage of the facility and rode out the storm.

It was a reunion of sorts Tuesday night in the basement of the Tallapoosa County Courthouse.

“We always come here when storms come through,” Jackson’s Gap

resident Earl Watkins said. “We see a lot of the same people here every time.”

Watkins was joined by his family as has spent a few nights in the shelters despite never having damage to his home.

“It is better to safe than sorry,” Watkins said. “It is better to be alive.”

Most of those who joined Watkins said that they had been there for previous storms.

Though he has never had damage to his home, Watkins said it has been near by.

“That March 2012 tornado came close,” Watkins said. “After I left the shelter, there were a lot of trees down. The road was blocked the first way I tried, then it was blocked another. Finally, I got behind a truck with a chainsaw and followed them home. There were trees down to just a few hundred yards away. I got lucky.”

Watkins is proud of where he lives as he takes advantage of the natural resources, often with his grandson.

Schools

“I have lived in the same area for 63 years,” Watkins said. “My grandson goes out with me. He is my fishing buddy. We go to the river a lot.”

Residents praised Moran, the EMA staff and all the volunteers who manned the shelters.

Many of those who took advantage of the locations lived in mobile homes, and wanted to make sure they were in a secure place.

Gov. Robert Bentley had declared a state of emergency to make all the alert tools available to the state’s EMA directors.

Plunge

continued from page 1 park entrance fee of $5 a person, 11 and under is $2 and 62 and older is $2.

Hadley says the park is even looking to expand it next year.

“Next year we might expand on it,” Hadley said. “We have some ideas but thought we would see how it went this year.”

continued from page 1

and approved a bid for the $42,557 purchase of 154 new uniforms for the Benjamin Russell marching band from Stanbury Uniforms.

In other action, the board: • Approved an amendment to the FY2016 budget; • Approved several personnel actions, including one transfer, one resignation, four retirements, two new hires (auxiliary pr-K teachers), one Family and Medical Leave Act request, six contracts, one supplement and one salary schedule change; • Approved 11 out-of-state field trips; and • Heard a presentation from Teresa Moten about the history of Nathaniel Stephens Elementary School.

programs. We exist because of academic programs. And I know he agrees with me.”

“I just want to say how thrilled I am that the board has chosen to extend my contract,” Cooper said after the vote.

“I do think we’ve done a lot of great things, not necessarily because of me, but because we have great leaders, great staff in our schools. We make a strong team, all working together for the common good of our kids in Alexander City.

“I just want you all to know that I am happy here. We enjoy the community and I love my job and I’m committed to and plan to stay here in Alex City until I retire or as long as you’ll have me.”

The board also voted unanimously to raise the price of all lunches by 10 cents

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editor@alexcityoutlook.com

EDITORIAL BOARD Kenneth Boone Mitch Sneed

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Page 4

Our

Opinion

Wanted readers with opinions, thoughts

W

hat do you think about gun control?

How about the presidential race or the city manager form of government plan?

Or how our national politicians had to be pushed to the edge of the fiscal cliff before making an agreement?

Do you have somebody you’d like to thank publicly?

How do you feel about Lake Martin’s seasonally swinging water levels?

Do you have thoughts on how Tallapoosa County can attract more new businesses and industry that will provide jobs for our residents?

Have you been on the receiving end of a good deed and would like to give credit where credit is due?

Do you have a bone to pick with any of the stories in this newspaper?

If you have something to say about any of these questions, then the answer is a letter to the editor or a guest column. This newspaper’s editorial page is an open forum for our community and we encourage you to write us and make your opinion known. It’s free.

If you need help writing, our editors will be happy to help you craft a letter. Our rules are simple: no cussin’, no libel, no slander. Basically, if you’d say it around the dinner table with your grandmother, it’s probably acceptable as a letter to the editor.

So let’s get the conversation started.

What’s on your mind?

Write us at editor@ alexcityoutlook.com or Editor, The Alexander City Outlook, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 25011.

Outlook The

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Group gets ready for first ‘Throw Away Day’

I

enjoy picking up trash, maybe a better way to say this is, I enjoy the feeling I have when I complete a “trash walk.” I can look back and view a beautiful clean landscape and I have a slight euphoric feeling that is reached during a vigorous healthy workout. The bags of trash that are removed from our littered highways to me represent a continuing uphill battle to win in the war against illegal dumping and littered highways in the Lake Martin Community. Thank goodness there are others who share these same feelings.

Small victories come when you see 40 plus volunteers out on a cold morning, dragging plastic bags while removing trash from the roadsides of their community; or you meet an acquaintance and receive information about their efforts to organize neighbors to maintain a litter free neighborhood. Most recently there was a successful “grass roots” effort in the New Site community that resulted in a cleanup of one of the most littered spots on the Tallapoosa River.

A local resident, Nick Askew, started the effort after viewing the unsightly and unsafe piles of trash, which included mounds of bottles that had accumulated over many, many years. Nick appealed to the community and with the support of Commissioner John

JOHN THOMPSON Guest Columnist

McKelvey, 50-plus community volunteers came together and completely filled a large dumpster with the trash. A boat trip on the Harold Banks Canoe Trail will now be much more enjoyable as you view “the beach” at Fox Creek.

Progress in the war against litter is evident but ever so slow, trash reappears within a very short time and it is easy to become very frustrated as this occurs. Trash comes from many sources and picking it up seems to be the only method to control this problem that has such a negative detrimental effect on our scenic community. I hear suggestions for more “anti litter” signs and for stricter law enforcement.

Some suggest it should be the responsibility of the State or the County to furnish the manpower for cleaning our highways and certainly there is some assistance available.

But at the end of the day, there is only one solution and that is for neighbors to do exactly what Nick Askew did, rally the citizens, call for the neighbors to work together, take pride in maintaining trash free community. It can be done; there are many

examples of successful efforts throughout the Lake Martin Community.

Along with the annual “LMRA Renew our Rivers Clean Lake Martin Community” and the monthly “PATH Trash Walks,” there will be another opportunity for communities within Tallapoosa County to work together toward the goal of controlling roadside litter and eliminating illegal dumps. Tallapoosa County Commissioners have approved a plan that calls for the placement of one roll off dumpster in each district twice a year in the spring and fall. Residents will be asked to take advantage of the dumpsters and use them for the disposal of large items such as mattresses, chairs etc.

Additionally volunteers will be working on organizing community efforts to remove roadside litter for disposal in the dumpsters. The first “Throw Away Day” will be on Saturday April 23.

Tallapoosa County has been named the “Most Scenic” county in Alabama and visitors along with potential investors deserve to travel litter free highways as they enjoy all we have to offer.

Now is the time for us to show pride and set a high standard for all to see.

John Thompson is president of the Lake Martin Resource Association.

Robert Bentley Luther Strange was elected Alabama’s 49th Attorney General first elected in 2010, and serves as the State’s chief law enforcement officer. He can be reached at 334242-7300, and his office is located at 501 Washington Avenue, Luther Strange Montgomery.

Mark Tuggle (R) represents the 81st District covering Coosa, Chilton and Tallapoosa counties. He can be reached by phone at 256-392-2006 or by email at tughd81@ gmail.com. His office is located at 110 Mark Tuggle Calhoun Street, Suite 108, Alexander City.

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.

“Remember that the most valuable antiques are dear old friends.”

– H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Today’s

Scripture “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united his wife, and they will become one flesh.”

– Genesis 2:24

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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.

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Governor Robert Bentley represents the state of Alabama and its 67 counties. He was elected to office on Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334242-7100. His office is located at the State Capitol at 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama.

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Today’s

My animals are a pain in my backside

M

y animals are a pain the backside.

Wherever I go, there they are. I mean, wherever I go, there they are. Know what I mean?

I wake up most mornings with Abby, the cat, sitting on my chest, and Ruby, the dog, sitting next to me staring a hole through me, each trying to use their telepathic powers to encourage me to get up to feed them breakfast. Per the norm, I feed them before I feed myself.

Their activity level is feast or famine so to speak. They are wide open or nothing at all. In fact, as I sit at my desk writing this article, Ruby is at my feet sound asleep and Abby is just a few feet away in Ruby’s crate. She, too, is sound asleep. Both are snoring; thus interrupting my train of thought, hence just one reason for being a pain in my backside.

As I look out into the hallway, I see where Abby has scratched up my doorframe.

She’s done this to every doorframe in the house. You’d think they’d shot a “Beavers Gone Wild” spring break edition in here or something with all the wood shavings on my carpet. If I was ever moving again, I would worry about it, but since I’ll live here until the day I die, it doesn’t faze

JODY FULLER Columnist

me. Besides, I would never even think of declawing her.

It’s one of the most inhumane things we can do to our cats.

Would you want your fingernails ripped out?

Every time I pick up my car keys, Ruby jumps up and down like a Mexican jumping bean. She loves to go for rides. As I’ve mentioned in my column before, Abby is not much on riding in cars.

It’d be about like me attending a game at Bryant-Denny.

They both leave fur all over my house. There is fur all over my carpet, my bed, and my clothes. I use a brush on them occasionally but it really does no good, but when I think about it, I leave my own share of fur around the house, too.

When they are ready for evening chow, they look at me with their big eyes or Abby starts to rub against my leg.

When Ruby needs to go outside, she sits by the back door and stares a hole through me once again using those telepathic powers.

When it’s time for bed, Ruby usually knows and

oftentimes has that sixth sense that leads her there a few minutes before me. Abby gets up and stretches, then heads that way when I do. After I do what I need to do I get into the bed and Ruby jumps down for about three seconds—just long enough for me to get settled and then jumps back up and curls up next to my left side.

She couldn’t be happier.

A few minutes later, Abby, after a final late snack from her bowl on my dresser, springs into bed. She lies alongside my right hip. She’s a happy cat.

I’m stuck in the middle and cannot move. Within minutes, both are comfortable. Both are safe. Both are sound asleep.

Both are snoring. Loudly.

They depend on me for everything.

My animals are a pain in my backside, but the joy and unconditional love they give me far exceeds any chore that I, as a responsible pet owner, can ever do for them, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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

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

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

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PART-TIME MAILROOM SUPERVISOR Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. seeks a Part-time Mailroom Supervisor for the TPI Of¿ce in Alexander City.

Must be able to work 6pm - Until.

JOBS

Job Includes: Being responsible for daily circulation of papers and inserts and managing of mailroom staff.

Ideal candidate must have good organizational skills, friendly attitude and self-motivation.

Please come in and ¿ll out an application at:

Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. 548 Cherokee Road Alexander City, AL

No Phone Calls Please Drug-free Workplace TPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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Thursday, February 25, 2016

CommunityCalendar Today is February 25, 2016

Page 7

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The Outlook

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

Today’s Birthdays

Lois Harmon, Calandra Harris, Bentlee Reynolds, Jennifer Knox, Ricky Galloway, Donna J Baker, Devon Trong, Linda Giambrone, Riley Jackson, and Laroy Grimmett are celebrating birthdays today.

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Talk show host Kenny Dean recently held an interview with country music legend Ronnie McDowell for his “At Home WIth Kenny Dean Show.� The interview will be featured on the Friday version of the show which airs Friday at 6 p.m.

February 27

FAMILY BINGO NIGHT: The Bibb Graves School is hosting a family bingo night Feb. 27 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

POLAR PLUNGE: Wind Creek State Park will host its Polar Bear Leap for Leap Year Feb. 27 at 2 p.m.

Participates should meet at the beach. Park entrance fees apply to non-campers.

For more information call 256-3290845.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Faith Christian Academy will host a pancake breakfast on Saturday, February 27 from 6:00 a.m. til 11:00 a.m. in the Faith Temple Gym on the corner of Franklin and Gorgas Streets.

The proceeds will benefit the FCA Robotics Team who will go to New Orleans for Competition. All you can eat (in house) or take out is available.

Price is $6. Plates include Pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee. Tickets are available from FCA students or at the door.

PRO WRESTLING: The Weogufka Center at 145 Memorial Loop is hosing Saturday Nitro Live Feb. 27 at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $10 and kids 5 and under are free. For advanced tickets call 256-223-2021 or 205-5855449 or order via credit card at www.10dollarrasslin.com.

February 28

FRIENDS AND FAMILY DAY: Kellyton Chapel United Methodist Church is hosting its annual friends and family day Feb. 28 at 2 p.m.

Special guest pastor and church is Rev. Stanford Benson pastor of First Baptist Church of Rockford.

February 29

HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Jerry Armor will be the speaker for Horizons Unlimited Feb. 29 at the Alexander City Board of Education from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

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March 6

PASTOR ANNIVERSARY: Corinth Baptist Church in Kellyton will honor the 24th anniversary of Pastor of Jimmy and Sister Patricia Brooks Sunday, March 6 at 11 a.m. Guest Minister will be Pastor Billy Simmons of Freewill Worship Center.

PASTORAL APPRECIATION: Pine Grove Missionary Baptist Church is hosting its 35th pastoral appreciation of Rev. G.H. Pulliam Sunday, March 6 at 2 p.m.

March 7

HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Susan Webb will be the speaker for Horizons Unlimited March 7 at the Alexander City Board of Education from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

March 12

CLASS MEETING: The Laurel High School Class of 1969 is meeting Sat. March 12 at 10 a.m. at Cooper Recreation Center.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Comer United Methodist Church is hosting a pancake breakfast March 12 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Plates include pancakes, bacon and or sausage for $6. It is all you can eat dine only with to go plates available.

PLANT A FLOWER: Wind Creek State will be hosting a plant a flower day at 10 a.m.

March 15

March 1

MEETING: The Artist Association of East Alabama will meet March 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the United Way Conference Room.

March 2

ST. PATRICK’S DAY: Mamie’s Place Children’s Library will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at story time.

MOVIE TIME: Mamie’s Place Children’s Library is showing a movie March 1 at 9 a.m.

MONTHLY LUNCHEON: The Bibb Graves School is hosting its monthly luncheon March 2 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring a covered dish.

DR. SEUSS BIRTHDAY: Mamie’s Place Children’s Library will celebrate Dr. Seuss’s Birthday March 2.

March 4-5

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much more.

The proceeds will benefit our annual mission trip to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation this summer.

PASTOR ANNIVERSARY: New Style Baptist Church in Equality is hosting a first pastoral anniversary celebration for Rev. Richard Taylor Sat. March 5 at 4 p.m.

MILITARY VEHICLE SHOW: Wind Creek State Park will host a military vehicle show March 4 and 5 all day.

March 4-6

PASTOR APPRECIATION: Pleasant Home Baptist Church is hosting its 19th Appreciation services for Apostle Thomas E. Bullock, Sr. and Prophetess Margie N. Bullock March 4-6.

March 4 at 7 p.m. Bishop Mary Ann Wilson will speak. March 5 at 7 p.m.

Rev. Brian Thomas will speak. March 6 at 11 a.m. Bishop Douglas L. Varner Sr. and at 3 p.m. Rev. Anthony Anderson.

March 5

BOSTON BUTT SALE: There is a Boston Butt sale to benefit Carley Blankenship and family with pick up March 5 at Alex City Methodist Church from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $30 each and can be purchased by calling or texting Kristi at 256-596-2171 or Celia at 256-496-2745 and at JR’s Sports Bar and Grill or see Ashley Barker at City Hall.

Cash or check only.

RUMMAGE SALE: The Pine Ridge Mission team of the Alexander City Methodist Church will hold its annual Rummage Sale on Saturday March 5 from 6 a.m.- 10 a.m. in the church fellowship hall. We will have furniture, household items, clothes, toys and

March 16

March 17

WINE TASTING: Emporium Wines in Alexander City welcomes Rush Wines features wines from Cannonball Wine Company of Healdsburg, California from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, call 256-212-9463.

March 18

MOVIE UNDER THE STARS: Wind Creek State Park is hosting a movie under the stars March 18 at 6 p.m.

March 18-20

WIZARD OF OZ: The Dadeville High School Drama program is presenting the Wizard of Oz March 18 at 7 p.m., March 19 at 7 p.m. and March 20 at 2 p.m. at the Dadeville High School Auditorium.

March 19

EGG HUNT: Wind Creek State Park will host an Easter Egg Hunt March 19 at 10 a.m. in the North Picnic area.

There will be prize eggs.

For ages under 2, 2 to 4 5 to 8 and 9 to 12.

For more information call 256-3290845.

PATH TRASH WALK: The March PATH Trash Walk is scheduled for Saturday March 19 from 9 a.m. to noon. The event will be hosted by New Water Ministries which is located on Lake Martin at 460 Civitan Road (newwater.com).Volunteers can register on line or on site at New Water campus the day of the event. Volunteers will also be able to meet and register at Siggers grocery crossroads on Young Ferry Road where they will receive supplies and road assignments.

At noon, all volunteers will be treat-

ed to lunch at New Water contact John Thompson at jthompson@lmra.info for more information TRADE DAY: Bibb Graves School is hosting a trade day March 19 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

from the crowd?

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256.234.4281

• • • • •

Alexander City Outlook Dadeville Record Wetumpka Herald Eclectic Observer Tallassee Tribune

March 26

FAMILY BINGO NIGHT: Bibb Graves School is hosting family bingo night March 26 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

April 16

THREE ON A STRING: The Dadeville First United Methodist Church presents Three on a String, Saturday, April 16 at White Acres in Camp Hill.

Dinner of beef filet or chicken will start at 6 p.m. and Three on a Sting will play immediately after.

Tickets are $50 per person and $100 a couple.

For tickets call 256-825-7408 or 256-825-3985 and all proceeds will go towards local missions and support organizations such as Camp ASCCA and the Girls Ranch.

May 14

CLASS REUNION: Union Academy, Dadeville, AL, Senior Class of 1974 is hosting a School Reunion BBQ on Saturday, May 14, 2 p.m. until at University Station RV Park, Hwy 14, Auburn. All students, faculty, their families, and anyone associated with Union Academy are invited. Contact Eddie Hughes, 334-257-3826, email hughesautoparts@centurytel.net; Priscilla Hammonds, 334-283-2233, email steven505@centurytel.net; Carolyn Hood, 334-319-3434, email auburnhood@aol. com; or Genice Fuqua, 256-508-1768, email gfuquaret@gmail.com for more information. Assistance will be provided for those with mobility problems.

May 28

ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL: Bibb Graves School is hosting an arts and crafts festival May 28. There will also be a car show.

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June 21

MEETING: The Artist Association of East Alabama will meet June 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the United Way Conference Room.

We will deliver the Lake Region’s News to your door

Ongoing Events

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SCHOOL REGISTRATION: Faith Christian Academy, a ministry of Faith Temple Church, is accepting applications for the 2016-2017 academic year for grades K3 and up. Applications may be obtained at the Church office at 425 Franklin Street (256-234-6421).

Tours of the school are available upon request.

TAX FILING ASSISTANCE: Starting Jan. 25 there will be free tax and electronic tax filing assistance at Volunteer Connections of Central Alabama.

IRS certified volunteers will provide free assistance to seniors over 60 with no income limit and those under age 60 with incomes less than $54,000.

Taxpayers will be assisted in the order they are registered.

You need to bring last year’s tax return, photo ID Social Security Cards, W-2’s, 1099’s and SSA. If you have insurance through the government marketplace, bring your 1095-A. All employed taxpayers should bring a copy of their year end pay stub.

Dates for VCCA are Jan. and Feb. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., March on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and April 1 to April 18 Mondays Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

DISNEY WORLD TRIP: The Learning Community Outreach Initiative is sponsoring a trip to Disney World March 20-24. All who are interested should contact Rico Kelly at 256-7940397 or Wanda Zachery at 256-7943365.

Daily, Weekly or Monthly Take advantage of our Magazine Subscription Special and get both LAKE Magazine and Lake Martin Living for the low price of . . . $4500

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ROBERT HUDSON SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228

sports@alexcityoutlook.com

Page 8

Thursday, February 25, 2016

www.alexcityoutlook.com

WILDCATS ON THE MEND Benjamin Russell battling injury bug early in 2016

By ROBERT HUDSON Sports Editor

BRHS steps up efforts to inform student-athletes about next level

By ROBERT HUDSON Sports Editor

Benjamin Russell High School is stepping up its efforts to keep parents informed and educate student-athletes on what they need to know to make it to the next level.

Tal Morrison, assistant football coach and recruiting and video coordinator at Benjamin Russell, said a part of those efforts include keeping fans, parents and collegiate coaches up-to-date about BRHS athletes through Twitter.

“It’s a multi-pronged setup that we’re going to try to do here at Benjamin Russell with our student-athletes and recruits. Part of that is getting information out to the general public,” Morrison said. “That’ll be done through our twitter account, which is ‘Ben Russell Recruits’ and the address is @BenRussell_Ath. It’s a place where we’ll post our studentathlete’s highlight films, to tweet out links to different camps that are coming up and clinics and combines and those types of things.”

Morrison invites fans and athletes to follow @BenRussell_Ath as a good way to stay up-to-date on upcoming events for BRHS student-athletes.

“We’re trying to get that out, not only to our student-athletes, but our student-athletes’ parents as well. Also, it’s a great way to highlight our studentathletes,” Morrison said. “It’s also a good way for fans to keep up with our returning athletes. Also the more followers we get, the more contacts we make.

We already have a number of college coaches that are following as well.”

Another part of helping student-athletes, Morrison said, is upcoming meetings for all athletes with information on what they need to know regarding eligibility for the collegiate level.

“The other thing we’re going to do is a student-athlete meeting where we kind of go over what’s required on their end as far as the NCAA Clearinghouse; GPAs, ACT scores and the changing rules,” Morrison said. “We’ve got to get that information out to our student athletes and we’re looking to host that meeting in March.”

A key portion is helping student-athletes understand the importance of core GPA, Morrison said.

“We’re trying to schedule a time where we can get our underclassmen together and go over with them their core GPA because a lot of students don’t understand that,” Morrison said.

“They may look at their GPA and say they have a 3.0, but whenever you put it into NCAA Clearinghouse, it comes back and it may be a 2.0 because students aren’t calculating their core GPA. We’re going to show them how to calculate that and let them see what colleges are looking for. We also want to stress the importance of correct contact information. A number of the collegiate contacts we have say one of the biggest challenges is having the correct contact information.”

Morrison added that the meetings and information apply to all sports at BRHS. “This is for all of our student-athletes, no matter what sport they’re in. All of the coaches are involved in this as far as getting this information to the students,” Morrison said. “It’s a combined effort by the whole athletics department.”

The Benjamin Russell Wildcats have been battling more than their opponents early in the 2016 season.

After losing their road doubleheader to Beauregard, the Wildcats bounced back this past weekend to defeat Sylacauga 3-1 and put their record at 2-2 on the season.

Benjamin Russell Coach Richy Brooks said the Wildcats got great pitching, but would like to see improvement in the batter’s box.

“We got an excellent pitching performance Saturday from Corley Woods and we played pretty good defense behind him,” Brooks said. “We hit just good enough to score enough to win.

Sometimes you do that, but we’re going to like it more when we’re swinging a little better.”

But along with their opponents, Brooks said the Wildcats have been battling the weather. All of Benjamin Russell’s games from Monday through Wednesday were cancelled due to inclement weather, which Brooks said cost the Wildcats some valuable time getting at-bats against real competition.

“We’re not hitting (well) but no one else is really hitting right now. We need a lot of at-bats and we’re not getting them. The weather this week didn’t help that,” Brooks said.

And along with the weather, the Wildcats have been fighting the injury bug. Brooks said the pitching staff in particular has been banged up early in the season.

“I would like where we are if we weren’t so banged up. We’re very injured right now,” Brooks said. “A couple of our pitchers that we know we’re going to have to count on, they’re down right now,” Brooks said. “They can’t throw. Hopefully, we’re going to mend them and try to get them back, but it won’t be this week and it probably won’t be next week when we get them back.”

Brooks said the result has been the

Robert Hudson / Outlook File Photo

Benjamin Russell’s Corley Woods delivers a pitch during the Wildcats’ season opener earlier this month at home against Park Crossing.

Wildcats using younger pitchers. He said he has been pleased with the work put in by the young hurlers.

“We’re having to throw some young arms out there. They’re doing really well, our young arms have, and we threw a couple freshmen last week who did a good job,” Brooks said. “We’re a work-in-progress, but I still feel like we can be a good team if we just keep working.”

If the weather holds up, the Wildcats

are set to play Horseshoe Bend in Tallassee’s Field of Dreams Tournament today, followed by Dadeville on Friday and Holtville on Saturday.

“We’ve got three games in three days, so we’ll need all hands on deck pitching for sure,” Brooks said. “Like I said, we’re down in arms right now and we’re going to need a little help.

That’s what we’re going to make sure we cover our bases is pitching because those injuries are hurting us.”

Examining the questions facing Auburn this spring

W

ho doesn’t open spring football practice without question marks? Everyone has them, whether you win the national championship or the Birmingham Bowl.

The difference often lies in how many questions marks, and where.

Auburn, fresh off a disappointing 7-6 season, begins practice next week. Who is the best read option (pun intended) at quarterback?

Will the upperclassmen receivers finally live up to their potential? Will Auburn actually incorporate a tight end into the offense? How tough will it be to replace offensive linemen Chad Slade and Avery Young?

What about that linebacker depth chart after graduation took its toll? Is Byron Cowart ready to become a factor? Will Carl Lawson be limited in hopes of avoiding injury?

What about Kevin Steele?

Can he fill Will Muschamp’s shoes as defensive coordinator? And then there’s the loss of Dameyune Craig.

The last time he left Auburn, the Tigers went 3-8 the next season. But that was 1998 and his eligibility was used up as a player. Can Kodi Burns pick up where Craig left off as wide receivers coach? For what it’s worth, I expect Craig to return to Auburn again one day.

Let’s see … there’s a new defensive coordinator, new linebackers coach, new offensive line coach and new wide receivers coach. It’s tough to lose good players.

It’s also tough to have a new staff. Then again, maybe fresh faces will provide some energy. Who knows?

New coaches must

JOE MCADORY Sports Columnist

become familiar with personnel and new personnel must become familiar with coaches. Off-the-field relationships are one thing. On the field relationships can be another, particularly when either a player isn’t used to being yelled at by their new coach, or the new coach doesn’t like the effort given by a player.

Once everyone gets cozy with one another, they can get down to playing football.

Naturally, the big story of spring practice at Auburn is the “wide-open” race for quarterback. Whether the starter is junior college transfer John Franklin III, rising senior Jeremy Johnson or rising sophomore Sean White, I have a funny feeling that person won’t be named internally or externally until August.

Many feel that Franklin, a speedy athlete cut in the mold of Nick Marshall, will be the guy. Why? First, neither Johnson nor White moved the offense with consistency. Second, there’s a feeling that Auburn wants to get back to a true read option, where the quarterback is a serious running threat. Franklin could be that threat. Neither of the incumbents were running threats in 2015.

But can Franklin pass?

And can a junior college quarterback who isn’t as big as Marshall (who was no giant) take a pounding? If

Cliff Williams / Outlook File Photo

The status of Jeremy Johnson and the Auburn quarterback race is one big question facing the Tigers this spring.

the answer is yes to both questions, then Auburn has its quarterback. If no, then … well … I don’t know.

Another key this spring is developing linebackers. Junior Tre Williams is the most seasoned returnee there, but there’s little experience after him this spring.

Darrell Williams, Richard McBryde and Jeffrey Holland were highly-touted in high school. What about Cameron Toney? Illinois graduate transfer T.J. Neal, a tackling machine, joins the linebacking corps this sum-

mer and figures to be an immediate contributor once he arrives this summer. But the rest of the rotation must be resolved.

Sure, there are other positions of interest, but quarterback and linebacker stick out to me. Perhaps by A-Day, on April 9, we’ll have some answers.

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