Jan. 12, 2018 Alex City Outlook

SPORTS, PAGE 9:

PAGE 7: COOSA RIVERKEEPER EXEC REFLECTS ON YEAR

FRIDAY

THE

Dadeville, Coosa face off in showdown

Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892

January 12, 2018 Vol. 126, No. 9 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢

City still weighing Russell Main Office Building options

By MITCH SNEED Editor

File / The Outlook

City officials are moving forward on what to do with the former Russell Main Ofice Building. Mayor Jim Nabors said the building is deteriorating every day and that he and other city officials need to make some decisions soon.

Alexander City Mayor Jim Nabors said no decision has been made of the future of the former Russell Main Office Building, but city officials are formulating a plan and gathering data to move forward.

The classic red brick building on Lee Street is now owned by the city and sits vacant, and Nabors said its condition is deteriorating every day. “We’ve had people in cleaning it out and

doing some estimates as to what needs to be done to preserve it until we decide what direction we want to go with it,� Nabors said last week. “That building means a lot to a lot of people in this community and to have it sitting like it is now is only allowing it to deteriorate further. You know as well as I do that the worst thing you can do to a structure is nothing, so we‘ve got some decisions to make.�

There have been moisture issues and problems with the electrical, heating and air systems.

A portion of the building had been rented out See RUSSELL • Page 3

Local Boys and Girls Club to hold teen conference

Kiwanians get fishing talk

By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

Jim Laws of Ahluring Angler University spoke to the Dadeville Kiwanis Club Thursday afternoon, giving the Kiwanians and Key Clubbers valuable information about the lures he makes and some of the things he has learned from fishing on Lake Martin since retiring to the lake in 2017.

Growing up in Texarkana, Arkansas, Laws had always had a passion for fishing, even while being good enough at golf to be a high school state See KIWANIS • Page 3

By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

The Boys & Girls Club of the Lake Martin Area is inviting all area teenagers to the Cooper Rec Center in Alexander City Saturday at 9 a.m. to take part in the first ever Teen Leadership Challenge Conference. The brainchild of Teen Director Crystal Freeman, the conference will feature several guest speakers to help encourage attendees to make positive decisions in life. “I started thinking about trying to do something for our teens,�

Freeman said. “My initial thought was to have a series of luncheons, one for boys and one for girls, and have guest speakers come and talk to them. As I kept going with this, I decided it would be better to bring them together as one and have the speakers talk to them all.�

Several guest speakers have been scheduled to See CONFERENCE • Page 3

Today’s

Weather

60 26 High

6

Above, Alexander City Middle School seventh-grader Elijah Allen, center, dances at the Snow Ball at the school Thursday night. Right, seventh-grader Carlson Richardson dances with prinicipal Tracie Blakely at the event.

Donald Campbell / The Outlook

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

As part of his presentation to the Dadeville Kiwanis Club, Jim Laws of Ahluring Angler University had a number of different types of lures on display.

Lake Martin Pizza Co. opens in downtown Alex City

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

Low

54708 90050

Students dance the night away at Snow Ball

8

USPS Permit # 013-080

Lake Martin

Lake Levels

483.90 Reported on 01/11/18 @ 1 p.m.

LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443

laceyshowell@gmail.com 5295 Highway 280, Alex City, AL

Post it and they will come.

Justin and Kira Woodall decided Thursday morning after months of construction to open the second location of their business, Lake Martin Pizza Co. “I just wanted to open the doors and let the smell permeate out there,� Kira said of the way she would like to open the Broad Street location wanting a quiet opening.

But her husband had a little different idea. “He (Justin) said we needed to put it out on Facebook,� Kira said. “I said it was not going to be a quiet opening.�

Kira posted the notice on the restaurant’s Facebook page about 8 a.m.

Thursday. “Sure enough, in an hour we had something like 100 likes and over 35 See PIZZA • Page 3

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Justin Woodall boxes up some lunch specials to go Thursday as Lake Martin Pizza Co. just opened in downtown Alexander City.

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Page 2

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Single mom puts real effort into socializing with couples

Saturday

39 21 Low

High Sunny and clear

Sunday

39 24 Low

High Sunny and clear

Staff

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

Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com Donald Campbell Staff Writer, Ext. 208 donald.campbell@alexcityoutlook.com Santana Wood Staff Writer/Pagination, Ext. 210 santana.wood@alexcityoutlook.com Advertising Sales Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Tabby Edwards Retail Sales Manager, Ext. 232 tabby.edwards@alexcityoutlook.com Scott Hardy Digital Marketing Coordinator, Ext. 231 scott.hardy@alexcityoutlook.com Rebecca Carlisle Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 rebecca.carlisle@alexcityoutlook.com Composing Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com Circulation Linda Ewing Office Clerk, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com

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

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

Postal

Information

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

Friday, January 12, 2018

The Outlook

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

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

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DEAR ABBY: I have an answer for a question from “Excluded in the East” you printed on Sept. 24: “Why do married couples exclude single people?”

As a single mother with three children for 15 years, I made the conscious decision to conduct myself as I always had when I was part of a couple. I hosted backyard parties and holiday dinners and invited my married friends. I initiated invitations for dinner and a movie.

At restaurants, I made sure to pick up my own tab. If a couple insisted on paying for my meal, I insisted on paying the tip and was prepared with cash.

Why? Because I was mindful that some men felt uncomfortable about taking money from a single woman.

If I wanted company for the evening, I drove to their house.

Sometimes I volunteered to be the designated safe driver. Most important, I never complained about my ex or vented about the difficulties of coping as a single mom.

Needless to say, there was

DEAR ABBY Advice

no flirting or inappropriate comments. I also avoided lengthy side conversations with one spouse. In short, I worked hard to make sure my married friends enjoyed my company as much as I enjoyed theirs, and it worked! -- LAURA IN NEW YORK DEAR LAURA: I’m glad it worked for you. After I asked for readers’ input on the topic, I received many interesting responses. Read on for a sample: DEAR ABBY: I suspect that married couples are afraid divorce is contagious. It could have something to do with the fact that some married people are no longer happily married and they fear if they include a divorcee, it might trigger a divorce. -- HAPPILY

UNCOUPLED IN OHIO DEAR ABBY: I have been married for 10 years. A lot of couples exclude singles because they don’t want them to feel like third wheels.

I remember when I was single feeling that way in some groups, and it was depressing.

Marrieds also have a different mindset than singles, which can lead to awkwardness. It can work, but it has to be the right group. -- MARRIED IN THE MIDWEST DEAR ABBY: We’re a gay male married couple. We have many friends -- singles and couples, gay and straight -- with whom we socialize, usually at restaurants. We often dine with single friends one at a time, because splitting the tab is simply a matter of two credit cards. If we’re with another couple, that’s two credit cards.

Three couples, it’s three cards, etc. But with five or seven people at the table, paying for the meal turns into an exercise in high finance. -- KEEPING IT SIMPLE IN PALM SPRINGS DEAR ABBY: I’m in my early

60s and still single. I actually PREFER to be left out of invitations to eat in restaurants, go on trips, etc. with my many coupled friends. It makes me somewhat depressed to be with those who have found their mates. “Excluded’s” friends may be sensitive about this, too.

I’m very comfortable at home with my menagerie, and I often invite people over -- married couples included. -- DOG LADY IN BIRMINGHAM, ALA. DEAR ABBY: Couples who tend to exclude their single friends, for whatever reason, need to remember that one day they, too, may be single and overlooked. My dear mom was left out a lot after her divorce, and I remember how sad it made her feel. -- ANDREA IN DENVER Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

Obituaries Mr. Steven Max Ficquette 1967 - 2018 Funeral Service for Mr. Steven Max Ficquette, 50, of Equality, Alabama, will be Saturday, January 13, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Rev. Bobby Anderson and Dr. R. D. Wood will officiate.

Burial will follow in the Hillview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Friday, January 12, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home.

Mr. Ficquette passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at his residence.

He was born on March 5, 1967 in Alexander City, Alabama to Max D. Ficquette and Ann M. Ficquette.

He was an active member of Rehobeth United Methodist Church. Steve was a very loving son, hardworker and was the caretaker of his family. He was always willing to lend

a hand to anyone in the community that may be in need of assistance. His hobbies included hunting and gardening. Many in the community referred to him as a “Good Ol’ Boy.” He is survived by his mother, Ann M. Ficquette of Equality; adopted sister, Rita Caldwell; aunts, Bessie Parrish (Lester), Polly Anderson (Bobby), Lucille Thompson and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Max D. Ficquette; grandparents, Grady and Bernice McManus, Irim and Georgia Ficquette; aunt, Glenda Smith and uncle, Larry Smith.

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

Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Mary Willie Jones Funeral service for Mary Jones, 93, of Dadeville, AL, will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 13, 2018, at Mt. Zion East Missionary Church, Still Water Drive, Dadeville, Alabama 36853 with interment in church cemetery, Reverend Jimmy Thomas will officiate.

Mrs. Jones, who passed away Saturday, January 6, 2018 at her home in Dadeville, Alabama, was born October 10, 1924 in Tallapoosa County, Alabama.

At the family request there will not be a public viewing.

Mrs. Jones will lie in repose at the church one hour prior to the service.

Survivors include: one daughter, Shirley Ann (George) Harris of Syracuse, NY; two daughters-in-law, Dorothy Johnson of Dadeville, AL and Levon Johnson of Wadley, AL; nine grandchildren, Eddra Crook of London, England, Ralph (Martha) Crook of Florence, AL, Adrain (Kimberlee) Crook

of Fort Lee, VA, Samuel (Toni) Crook (dedicated caregivers), Wade Johnson both of Dadeville, AL, Phillissa (Ronnie) Green of Roanoke, AL, Timothy (Amelia) Johnson, Vickie Washington both of Atlanta, GA and Carla (Kelvin) Williams of Montgomery, AL; eighteen great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; one brother, Willie Love of Opelika, AL; one sister, Ruthie (William) Greathouse of Dadeville, AL; one sister-in-law, Mary Carolyn Jones of Dadeville, AL; one brother-in-law, Bobby Jean Cox of Dadeville, AL; two nieces, Donna Foster and Lillian Moss both of Dadeville, AL; a host of other relatives and friends.

Harris Funeral Home is directing www.harrisfuneralhomeinc. com to view and sign registry

Mr. Jerry Lewis “Turbo” Thomas Funeral Service for Mr. Jerry Lewis “Turbo” Thomas will be 12:00 p.m. Saturday, January 13, 2018 at Wright’s Funeral Home Chapel with burial following Pleasant Home Baptist Church

Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, January 12, 2018 from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m.

Professional Service provided

by Wright’s Funeral Home.

Flu outbreak prompts Ivey to declare state of emergency STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey issued a State Public Health Emergency due to influenza Thursday.

The State Health Officer has reported that an outbreak of the flu has occurred in the State of Alabama and it poses a high probability of widespread exposure and risk of substantial harm to a large number of people.

The governor confirmed that the health care facilities and personnel of the State are overwhelmed by the number of ill patients and taxed to such an extent that care of patients may now no

longer be provided in the traditional, normal, and customary manner nor is the utilization of traditional, normal, and customary standards of care possible.

The number of cases reported by Russell Medical through the hospital, associated doctors and the new Urgent Care Clinic report more than 100 cases since Christmas.

This state public health emergency allows state officials to ask for federal assistance.

Emergency departments and outpatient clinics are also seeing very high volumes of patients. At this time, this is not a pandemic flu situation, but a major seasonal

flu situation, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health.

The ADPH issued these tips to help residents contracting the flu virus: • Get the flu vaccine, it is not too late • Stay at home if you have a fever • Wash your hands • Cover your cough and sneeze • Clean and disinfect • Learn home care UAB Hospital announced Thursday that it had rescheduled some non-emergency elective surgeries originally scheduled for Thursday and Friday due to the hospital being over capacity due to flu patients.

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The Outlook

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Pizza

continued from page 1

shares,” Kira said. “I am like here we go, I am glad we did. I am excited.”

And hungry eaters responded at lunch filling the renovated downtown building.

“I was scrolling Facebook and saw it,” one customer said. “I just decided to come on over and shop downtown.”

The Woodalls were ready for the rush and the unexpected surprises.

After cooking pizza Wednesday night for the police and fire departments, Justin decided the pizza oven was a little too hot.

“I turned it down a little too much,” Justin said. “When we came in this morning we had to turn it back up some. It led to some delays but not too bad for a first day.”

Opening the first location on Highway 34 in Dadeville a little over two years ago gave the Woodalls an idea of what to expect.

“It is not like when we opened Dadeville running around freaking out because we didn’t know what we were doing,” Kira said. “We brought the rhythm we learned there here.”

The Woodalls are somewhat new to restaurants but not food.

“We don’t have any children and we wanted a hobby,” Justin said. “It has turned out to be more than a hobby. We love pizza and thought it would be an easy

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Justin and Kira Woodall pose for a photograph outside of Lake Martin Pizza Co. The husbandwife team opened the second location of the business on Broad Street in Alexander City Thursday.

way to step into the restaurant business.

We are both passionate about food – any kind of food.”

After getting their feet wet in Dadeville the couple looked around where to go next.

“The intentions were to grow,” Kira said. “We did not know it would be here.

Everyone was wanting us to go to Auburn or Opelika.”

Kira said the growing market looked good but something was not right for

them.

“So the people of Alex City had been begging us to come for a while,” she said.

“Justin and I were driving around. We were peeking into this building and looking at it as Brooks was doing the basic renovations to it.

“He came to eat at Dadeville to ask us if we wanted to come. We just thought it was kind of meant to be that we were supposed to be here.”

The opening of the new location did not come as quickly as the Woodalls would have hoped for.

“We created quite the buzz when people first heard that we were going to here,” Kira said. “Then we said, May – October and just kept people hanging.”

“Construction took forever,” Justin said.

Opening Thursday, the couple still had smiles on their faces.

“It is a good way to start the new year,” Kira said.

There area still a few things left to be completed like a few high-top tables with chairs and stools for the bar area. In all Kira said the Alexander City location will be able to hold about 35-40 guests.

And they are looking for help.

“We have seen some great people that want to come work,” Kira said. “We will find good people, we always do.”

Kiwanis champion and play at the collegiate level.

“I was really good at golf, but my real passion was fishing,” Laws said.

“It was always something I really enjoyed doing.”

Since coming to Tallapoosa County and starting up Ahluring Angler University, Laws has spent time taking people out on the lake for guided trips and cruises, while also producing equipment for anglers to use while out on the lake.

“I guide people and I teach them how to fish on Lake Martin,” he said.

“There is a lot of water to figure all that out on.”

Much of Laws’ presentation revolved around descriptions of the various types of lures that he makes and sells, including light wire jigs, hair jigs,

Page 3

continued from page 1

slim jigs and bladed jigs, also known as chatterbait.

Along with fishing lures designed for use on the water, Laws also said he makes fishing lure jewelry and Christmas tree ornaments.

“I do sell my work on my website,” he said. “I also sell to a couple of local bait shops. If you know someone who is interested in something unique and original, I can custom-make lures as well.”

Some of the members in attendance had questions for Laws, including his opinion on fishing since the blueback herring appeared in the lake, is it good to place brush under a fishing dock and if the issue with jumping carp could become a problem in the area.

Russell to a tenant, but that lease ended last year and the entire structure is now vacant. The building is currently not climate controlled and while there is power to the building, the meters have been pulled.

Nabors said it was too early to say for sure what the use could be, but there has been discussion about city use of that building as well as a portion of the 17-acres adjoining it that the city purchased last year.

At one time, talk of moving police operations there was discussed. But in the current configuration it wouldn’t be an ideal fit.

Last August, Nabors, Community Development Director Al Jones and City Engineer and Public Works Director Gerard Brewer got a look at a proposal by Auburn-based Stacy Norman Architect. The presentation included what could be done to pre-

Conference come and address conference attendees.

These guests include Lt. Bill Hough of the Alexander City Police Department, Celeste Gaddis and Demetrius Fleetion, as well as a surprise guest speaker.

Freeman said the main purpose of holding this conference was to bring area teenagers together and listen to positive role models from the community speak about issues that these teenagers may face in their daily lives.

“Anyone who visits Alexander City can recognize the need for programs for our teens,” Freeman said. “We need a program that meets the education and fun recreational needs of our teen population, while still making them comfortable with their environment. The Teen Leadership Challenge Conference meets those needs.”

As the Teen Director for the Boys & Girls Club, Freeman works with “The Club,” a teen-specific program within the larger organization that promotes self-worth through constructive activities. “The Club” provides a safe place to go after school where teenagers can be involved in various programs that make them more productive citizens.

Along with the conference, Freeman

fish.”

Laws felt that the fishing in Lake Martin has gotten somewhat better since the blueback herring, a species classified as invasive by the Alabama Department of Wildlife, was first found in the lake. He also believed that jumping carp, causing such a problem in more northern waters, would not be a serious concern in the lake.

Laws also had some Donald Campbell / The Outlook Jim Laws with Ahluring Angler University demonstrates a lure sound advice for those in attendance. which mimics the movements of a live bait fish to the Dadeville “You can have a pasKiwanis Club Thursday afternoon. sion and be good at things.

Don’t give up on your pasAlgae will grow in the “Brush is good, yes,” sions,” he said. “Fishing is he said. “Hardwood is the rough spots, which will like life. Sometimes you attract minnows, and the best for this and recycled have to adapt to the situaminnows will attract larger tion. Read what’s in front Christmas trees can be good. Lately though, I’ve been using PVC pipe.

Before you put it down though, rough it up first.

continued from page 1

serve the historic building and possibly enhance it to serve a purpose in the future.

The Alexander City City Council approved $7,500 to fund the study.

Norman, the architect who spearheaded the study, said he understands the historical significance of the building. He put together a preservation plan that included some demolition and an addition that could be used for many different purposes, depending on what entity occupies the building.

Nabors said that time is of the essence and the recent activity is again looking at options and finding the most cost-effective way to start the process.

“We have to make a decision or lose it forever,” Nabors said. “The building is deteriorating. We have a lot to think about, but we have to make a decision quickly. We are at that point where we can’t wait much longer.”

continued from page 1

said she wants to continue adding new programs and events like this for club participants.

“My goal with the Teen Center is simple, yet complex at the same time.

I want to show our youth that there is so much more to life than social media,” Freeman said. “The role of ‘The Club’ is to add in molding the teen population in our community to be successful members of the community. We are here to enhance their educational goals through programs such as Diplomas2Degrees, strengthen financial goals with our Money Matters program, and mold their self-expression through our art programs, and the TLC Conference is the first step.”

Starting at 9 a.m. and running into the afternoon, there is no cost for anyone to attend the conference. Freeman encouraged local teenagers to come out, listen to the speakers and hopefully become difference makers in the world around them.

“I’m hoping they receive some encouraging words and learn to make better decisions so they can be a leader in their school and community,” she said.

of you, then adjust and adapt your approach.”

During his introduction, it was mentioned that Laws was interested in taking two members of the Dadeville Key Club out on the lake for a fishing trip at no cost to the Key Clubbers, leaving the high schoolers talking amongst themselves about who in the club would be most interested in taking part.

Following Laws’ presentation, the Kiwanians were able to ask him more questions, examine some of the lures he had brought with him on display and take a look at printed information about the various events Ahluring Angler offers to the public.

MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213

editor@alexcityoutlook.com

EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Page 4

The

Friday, January 12, 2018

Christ can only be seen through faith

Opinion

Our View

Judge how students T are doing for yourself

R

ecently, The Outlook published statistical data compiled by the federal government released by the Alabama Department of Education, detailing the percentage of students in schools across the state that were rated proficient in the three core subjects of math, science and reading. According to these numbers, none of the city or county schools were effectively educating their students in these subjects.

Reading these numbers by themselves would suggest that schools in both the Alexander City and Tallapoosa County systems are struggling. While these numbers may be telling in one aspect, they are far from revealing the full story.

Looking at the data while trying to compare Benjamin Russell with the county schools can be tricky. The only data used was the Aspire tests taken by 10th graders at Benjamin Russell, because the school houses just grades 9-12. But at Dadeville and Reeltown grades 7-12 are included and Horseshoe Bend is a K-12 school. Tests are given at multiple grade levels in those schools and those numbers all fell under the label of the corresponding high school, so you really aren’t comparing apples to apples. Parents and educators alike want to gauge how their schools are doing and where they need work, but to truly compare, the data set needs to be the same across the board.

Now the state is planning to use the same data to give schools letter grades, a practice that was never the intent of these tests.

In order to truly understand what students in our area are accomplishing while at school, it is best to look past the numbers and into the classrooms themselves.

At Benjamin Russell, teachers across the campus find interesting ways to engage students. The science department holds a “Dia de los Muertos” celebration every year to help reinforce lessons on the human body, simple machines and biology. Before the end of semester exams in December, government classes conducted an exercise combining textbook learning with current events, as students were broken into small groups and had to present a plan for the future government of the fictional country of Xlandia.

Students at all three county high schools have the opportunity to take classes at the Edward Bell Career Tech Center, learning skills like welding and industrial maintenance. Technology has been expanded in the county schools as well, with brand new Google Chromebooks ready to be handed out to students at the high school level.

Where do theses scores take into consideration vocational programs, fine arts advancements, scholarships, graduation rates, character training and life skills that are so important in today’s world? For the most part, they don’t.

So take the most recent release of data for what it’s worth, but if you really want to know how local schools are doing, visit them. Talk to educators and students and judge for yourself. We feel that may be more informative and a more accurate comparison of real progress.

Know Your

Officials

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

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

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

Outlook

Ivey

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

He can be reached by phone at 256392-2006 or by email at tughd81@ gmail.com. His Mark Tuggle office is located at 110 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, Tom Whatley and can be reached at 334-242-t7865. His office is located at 337 East Magnolia Drive, Auburn.

his world is getting weirder and weirder. I saw on the national news where a lady found a deformed peanut M&M that had the face of Jesus on it. She was showing it around as though it was on the order of divine revelation. I’m just glad John on the Isle of Patmos didn’t have to depend upon candy for his inspiration. On top of everything else this lady was offering it for sale on EBay, but the final bid was only 74 cents so I suppose the Bible is safe for another day. I’m presently looking through my jar of M&Ms for a revelation. I think the Lord has revealed to me that I don’t have to eat them as I look. I just hope He reveals where I left my Rolaids.

On this theme of weirdness do you remember the lady in New Mexico finding an image of the Virgin Mary on a taco shell? People for miles around came and lit candles to this burnt pastry shell. Now I’ll admit that I’ve eaten too many spicy tacos and seen images from those tacos in my nightmares. However, the monsters that chased me all night didn’t resemble the Madonna. No sir, those things play on the other team.

The last time I was in Jerusalem I visited Caiaphas’ house where Jesus was imprisoned before going to Pilate.

Supposedly there is an image

DR. GERALD HALLMARK Columnist

of Christ on the dungeon wall.

I looked at that wall from every possible angle and I ain’t seen a thing to this day! But, because I didn’t want to look unperceptive I agreed with everyone that the image was as plain as day.

What was even weirder was that archeologists weren’t even sure the location was Caiaphas’ house.

I once saw the Shroud of Turin and that thing is not only weird, but spooky. It had a negative image of a man that had been crucified. After looking at that image for a while I was ready to light a candle and offer up my M&Ms on the altar. I even did penance and swore off of spicy tacos for a while. If that image had been on the wall at Caiaphas’ house I might have joined a monastery right there on the spot.

Another unusual thing I saw was on the Mount of Olives.

There is a rock that has an indention that is supposed to be the last place Christ stepped before ascending into heaven.

If this is a true relic then Jesus had a size 14 EE sandal on when He left. Now that is pretty weird considering the

average height of a first century man was only 5-feet, 8 inches.

People have always wanted to see so that they can believe.

Jesus reminded the disciples that the people that believed without needing visible proof were blessed. Yet, we are no different from those men of old. In our scientific age we demand proof and reasonable explanations of everything. It is a difficult time to walk by faith and not sight.

Throughout history people have seen images and visions of Biblical characters and these revelations are an affirmation of faith for many. However, the scriptures tell us we will see Jesus face to face on His return.

So it isn’t the incidental visions we need to concern ourselves with, but the ultimate revelation of Christ when He returns in glory.

OK, I’ve sorted through two pounds of M&Ms and found maybe one piece that might have an image. After looking it over I decided it looked more like Captain Kangaroo, so I ate it. Maybe all that sugar will give me a revelation later today.

Dr. Gerald Hallmark is a retired minister who lives in Alexander City. He is currently serving First Baptist Church of Dadeville as interim pastor.

His column appears here each Friday.

Today’s

Quote

“Asking a working writer what he thinks about critics is like asking a lamppost how it feels about dogs.”

—Christopher Hampton

Today’s

Scripture “In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and he answered by setting me free. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.

What can man do to me?”

—Psalm 118:5-6

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Celebrity award season begins on a smug, self-congratulatory note

S

eth Meyers personified the predictably smug and self-congratulatory Golden Globe Awards Sunday.

The Golden Globes ceremony is the January ritual that kicks off the actors’ awards season, when actors give each other awards and which lasts through November.

It is good to see these stars finally getting some recognition.

These award shows are the only way to see that many Hollywood stars together eating, drinking and mocking Middle America without donating to a $25,000-a-plate Harvey Weinstein Democrat National Committee fundraiser.

From the way celebs attack President Trump in lockstep, I am not entirely sure that the statuettes they hand out this awards season do not depict John Wilkes Booth.

For being part of an industry that lauded and harbored Harvey Weinstein for 30 years, they seem so happy with themselves. They admire their own courage for the hash tags they re-tweeted this year: #MeToo. They all got together and wore black, which was a huge personal sacrifice because some of them look better in red couture.

There is nothing heroic or noble about kicking Harvey Weinstein now that he’s down.

The real cowardly act was doing nothing for decades about this “open secret” in Hollywood. If they want to be like sports, take away the Oscars and other awards from actresses who slept with Weinstein to get roles.

The entertainment business

ably a political hit job given the timing) and George Herbert Walker Bush, the 90-something-year-old former president who is accused of groping a woman from his wheelchair, RON HART by my calculations 90 percent Columnist of those accused of sexual misconduct are leftist Democrats. should apologize for Harvey It is their proud history of Weinstein. the Party of Ted Kennedy Besides getting the memo (the Chappaquiddick swim to wear black, actors who prechampion), Bill Clinton and dictably and viciously attack Anthony Weiner that they can Trump in their self-righteous see that women took a backseat tone pre-planned not to trash Trump too much at this awards to men. The narrative the leftists advance is that their GOP ceremony. The calculus was opponents wage a “war on that the late-night comics women.” Recent events add viciously forgo humor and to the long list of reasons that attack the president every night in their monologues, and this “war on women” narrative because we expected that most is simply manufactured leftist dogma. would feel sorry for Trump, In fact, there are so many they didn’t attack too much. lefties caught up in last year’s If there is a Best Actor tidal wave of the trendy worry Award, it should be for all the of #MeToo, I thought the “In late night comics like Seth Memoriam” section of the Meyers, who “act” as if they are not some DNC Super PAC awards show would list all using the public airways to pro- the actors and directors whose mote their political agendas and careers died over sexual misconduct allegations. savage the GOP. Sadly, there All this light being shined on is no way to not be bombarded sexual harassment and “casting with smug Trump- or GOPcouches” in Hollywood is good bashing propaganda on TV for women. It is just the smug, these days. self-laudatory way stars did it When you hate and call 51 percent of the country “stupid,” on Sunday that makes me feel not so good about the way they even Hollywood knows it is getting tiresome and chose not deflect this.

Stars have always been held to do it on prime-time network to a different standard; there are TV. Perhaps seeing what has happened to the NFL ratings of two sets of rules — one for us late, they made a business deci- and one for them. sion on this one.

Ron Hart is a libertarian I get that Hollywood, the epicenter for sexual harassment, op-ed humorist and awardhas a much-needed platform for winning author. Contact him at addressing this problem. Except Ron@RonaldHart.com or @ RonaldHart on Twitter. for Judge Roy Moore (prob-

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.

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Coosa Riverkeeper exec reflects on year

By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

The Coosa River flowed all 2017 long providing electricity, tap water, a habitat for aquatic life, a boon for local tourism and recreation for fishermen and kayakers alike.

And all year long a water protection group worked to keep the river’s water clean for swimmers and safe for fishermen. That in turn meant clean water for the marine species that inhabit Elmore County’s stretch of the Coosa River.

It was a relationship Coosa Riverkeeper Executive Director Justinn Overton spelled out, “There’s an inherent connection between the economy and the environment and Wetumpka is a fantastic example of that because your downtown is going through this renaissance.”

Last year was the first year for the official partnership between economic development entities in Wetumpka and Coosa Riverkeeper.

“I feel really fortunate because it seems like a natural alliance obviously the Coosa running through Wetumpka and being such a force for local businesses,” Overton said. “Wetumpka’s such a beautiful place to really see how the river moves through the landscape before it meets the Tallapoosa to form the Alabama.”

Overton’s organization oversees water quality monitoring projects at points along the river in its entirety and advocates for its health in the state legislature.

“We had a really great year,” Overton said. “We successfully advocated for stricter bacteria limits that protect swimmers as well as (working) on sewage right-to-know legislation.”

Looking back on 2017, Overton said of the group’s growth, “We actually had a really fantastic year. We set out to increase our reach to the community across our watershed by 10 percent and ended up surpassing it and exceeding that goal by increasing our reach by 70 percent.”

She said that translated into about 672,000 people following on social media during its active Swim Guide season and a 220 percent growth in text message subscribers plus 120 new members joining its swim club, which supports its bacteriological testing program.

With numbers like that it is not too surprising Coosa Riverkeeper was awarded “2017 Group of the Year” by Alabama Rivers Alliance.

However it is the group’s work both on the river and online that won the

Submitted / The Outlook

Coosa Riverkeeper Executive Director Justinn Overton recently spoke in an interview about the group’s accomplishments in 2017 and its firstyear partnership with Wetumpka economic development entities. Pictured, Overton guides a boat into the river.

award.

It was work Overton said the organization had been performing in Elmore County long before their young partnership with Main Street Wetumpka and the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce.

Overton said before her organization launched Swim Guide, a free service and app that provides data updated weekly on water safety during the summer months, it monitored the water in Wetumpka and Elmore County for harmful bacteria like E. coli.

“We’ve had a test point below Jordan Dam every single year,” Overton said.

Recently she said they began monitoring at other local points like the lock across from Gold Star Park as well as at the park itself.

“So we always try to make sure we have some water quality data since there are so many people that recreate on that

stretch of the river,” Overton said.

Its monitoring projects expanded to include a Fish Guide that provides data on where on the Coosa it is safest to catch and eat fish, and what places to avoid due to chemical contaminants.

More recently still it was integral in legislative efforts to ensure the Alabama Department of Environmental Management provided publicly accessible information on where and when sewage spills have occurred.

This time of year, like with most nonprofit organizations, Overton said her organization is finishing out their yearend funding campaign.

Overton said the group’s most expensive program was the one they provided for free — the Swim Guide.

“Our Swim Guide data, although it’s free to the public, is our most expensive program, but our greatest asset for com-

municating with the public about what we do,” Overton said.

At $10 per bacteria sample collected Overton said altogether over 600 were samples collected in 2017 totaling $6,000.

She said Coosa Riverkeeper was about one-third funded through individual contributions.

However those individual contributions helped with more than just funding, she said.

“The really important thing about individual giving that means the most to us is that there (is) strength in numbers so when we do find ourselves advocating for the river, whether it be stricter policies or these right-to-know issues, that we really focus on with fishermen and sewage. There’s power in being able to say we have hundreds of people behind us that believe in this work.”

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Today is January 12, 2018

Friday, January 12, 2018

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Today’s Birthdays

Varner Edwards, Benita Stowes, Margaret Cleveland, Sara Ward, Aulene Scott, Logan Johnson, Julie Van Pelt, Laura Hume, Wilma Jinks,

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/.

Linley Logan, Adam Wade, Brandi Morgan, Woodrow Trimble II, Jackson Hugh Burns, Marlee Sanderson and Paisley Brook Shanahan are celebrating their birthdays today.

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The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration will be Monday, Jan. 15. It will start with a parade at 9 a.m. beginning at Stephens Elementary School and a program at the Stephens Elementary School gym at 11 a.m.

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

Saturday, January 13

BOOK SALE: The Friends of the Dadeville Public Library will host a book sale on the lower level of the Dadeville Library Saturday, Jan. 13 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fill a grocery bag for $5 or three bags for just $15.

MLK PRAYER BREAKFAST: The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer breakfast will be Saturday, Jan. 13 at the Stephens Elementary School gym at 8 a.m. Tickets are $10.

FAMILY GATHERING: The Norris, Holley and Edwards families are gathering at the Bud Porch Building in Alexander City Saturday Jan. 13 from noon to 5 p.m.

Bring a dish. There will be door prizes. Contact Linda Nix for more information at 256-786-9279.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST: The Comer Methodist Men’s Club is hosting a pancake breakfast Jan. 13 from 6 to 10 a.m. It is eat in or carry out for $6 a plate.

Monday, January 15

MLK CELEBRATION: The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration will be Monday, Jan. 15. It will start with a parade at 9 a.m. beginning at Stephens Elementary School and a program at the Stephens Elementary School gym at 11 a.m.

MLK SERVICE: God’s House of Prayer Holiness Church in Camp Hill is hosting its 11th Annual Community Wide Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Monday, Jan. 15 from 10 a.m. to noon. The guest speaker is Pastor Corey Huguley of Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in Waverly.

There will be a fellowship lunch to follow at noon.

School Alumni and Friends Monthly Trade Day in Millerville on Highway 9 between Ashland and Goodwater will be held on Jan. 20 from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. Refreshments are also available.

Sunday, January 21

HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEETING: The Tallapoosee Historical Society will meet at the Historical Museum on the square in Dadeville on Sunday, January 21, 2018 at 2 p.m. Dr. Charles Mitchell will be the speaker. He will present “A Pictorial History of Alabama Agriculture.”

While working at Auburn, Dr. Mitchell accumulated lots of old photographs related to Alabama agriculture. Several years ago, he began organizing them and realized that these old pictures could actually tell the chronological story of Alabama’s agriculture from the Creek Indians to modern production. He will share these photographs with the Tallapoosee Historical Society.

Please make plans to attend.

The meeting is open to the public, there is no admission fee and free refreshments will be served.

Monday, January 22

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

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

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

Tuesday, January 23

Tuesday, January 16

BEEKEEPING COURSE: The 2018 Beginner Beekeeping Course will start Jan. 16 and will be on Need your business to Tuesdays through Feb. 20 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Dadeville Recreation Center. Cost is $45 for adults and $35 for students. Call the from the crowd?

Extension Office at 256-825-1050 for more information. The deadline Call us, we can help!

256.234.4281 for registration is Jan. 11.

COMPUTER CLASSES: The Adelia M. Russell Library is offering computer classes in 2018. One program is for beginners, with a • Alexander City Outlook separate advanced program for indi• Dadeville Record viduals seeking to move beyond the • Wetumpka Herald basics.

• Eclectic Observer • Tallassee Tribune The advanced class is aimed at anyone wanting to improve their skill set and/or enhance their employment opportunities. The basic classes will begin Jan. 16 and the advanced classes will begin Jan. 18.

Each session will last approximately one hour from 3 to 4 p.m. and will meet for four straight weeks.

Classes will be small and the atmoDarrell Brooks, Owner sphere will be relaxed.

To sign up, simply visit the Adelia M. Russell Library. For more inforCutting •Edging mation, call 256-329- 6796. There is Weed Eating •Mulch no cost to attend.

Weed Control RETIREE MEETING: The Tallapoosa County Education Retirees Association (TCERA) will meet Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 10 a.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education. The program will be Pre-K Programs in school.

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Saturday, January 20

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TRADE DAY: Bibb Graves High

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP: A new support group for cancer patients and families is starting up to help with support through the process. A kick-off dinner is planned for Jan. 23 at 6 p.m. at the Trinity Campus First United Methodist Church next to Russell Medical. If interested please make reservations by contacting Andrea Peacock by phone at 256-749-1134 or by email at andreapeacock60@gmail.com.

Monday, January 29

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

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

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

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.

Monday, February 5

HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Glen Willis will present “Forgotten Alabama” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Feb. 5 starting at 1:30 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education.

Horizons Unlimited membership

is $20 per person or $30 per couple.

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

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 starting 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.

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

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

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.

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com

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.

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.

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.

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Friday, January 12, 2018

Page 9

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Game of the Week

Dadeville, Coosa face off in showdown

DAVID RAINER Columnist

Sporting Chef shares tips for tasty venison

W

ith Alabama in the peak of deer season, freezers are getting full, which means it’s time to prepare some tasty venison.

As a buddy and I were discussing on a trip home from a hunting excursion, venison got a bad rap back in the day because of several reasons. Most deer hunting in the mid-20th century was done in front of a pack of hounds on a hot deer trail. Plus, it was verboten to shoot a doe back then. Hence, bucks replete with rutting hormones or lactic acid from being chased by the hounds made some of the meat less than palatable.

There was also the practice of hauling a nice deer around in the back of the truck to show all your buddies that contributed to the venison stigma.

That last practice is what really irks Scott Leysath, aka The Sporting Chef, when he See RAINER • Page 10

By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

Although tonight’s basketball games between Central Coosa and Dadeville don’t have any playoff implications, it should be a showdown in the Tigers’ gym, especially on the boys side.

Central Coosa has been dominating lately. After falling in its first two games of the season, Coosa has found its stride, recently building up a 10-game win streak and earning the title at the Coosa River Classic over the holiday break.

Dadeville, on the hand, has a lot to fight for after dropping two straight following such a hot start.

The teams haven’t faced off yet this season, but looking at the common opponent of Benjamin Russell — which Coosa beat by three points and which also beat Dadeville earlier in the week — the Cougars seem to have the edge.

But as usual, Coosa knows it’s going to be up against a tough rebounding team that has a lot of size inside, something the Cougars are lacking.

“We know they have the big guy in the middle (freshman

CENTRAL COOSA VS. DADEVILLE

Game data: Central Coosa Cougars at Dadeville Tigers …

Non-area game … Friday night, girls at 5:30 p.m., boys at 7.

Media coverage: Follow @liziarbogast for live updates on Twitter. Check out Inside the Lines Live on our Facebook page beginning at 5 p.m.

Teams: Central Coosa girls are 7-3 after coming off a loss against Childersburg last night, while Dadeville (2-5) defeated Holtville on Thursday. On the boys side, the Cougars (10-3) saw a 10-game win streak end Thursday, while Dadeville is 5-3 and has lost three straight.

Series: The teams have not met yet this season.

Outlook prediction: Central Coosa girls by 17. Central Coosa boys by 6.

P.J. Eason), and we just don’t have the size to match up with him,” Central Coosa coach Jeremy Freeman said.

“Collectively, we need to do our thing, and we’ve got to guard them. We need to press on the perimeter and make sure the inside is protected as best we can.”

While Dadeville has found a wide range of scorers — point guard Jamarion Wilkerson has become a nice complement to Eason, as well as Tykeem Holley and Jalen Sullivan — the Cougars are still trying to find their niche offensively.

Noel Jones has led them in scoring nearly every night, but Coosa finally got some nice offensive distribution in a 52-34 win over Randolph County on Tuesday.

“We certainly have five guys out there for a purpose, and each of them have a job to do,” Freeman said. “If teams are going to key in on Noel, then the opportunity for someone else has arrived because he creates a mismatch.

If there’s a double team, that means someone is open.”

The girls game may be less intense, as Dadeville has such a young roster and is still struggling to find its identity.

The Tigers began with just seven players on the roster then suffered three injuries, causing them to bring up six from the JV squad.

“I’m looking for a lot of improvement because for us, we’re pretty much starting over,” Dadeville girls coach Pam Holloway said. “Most

teams started before the season, and that’s where we are realistically. I still have high expectations, though, because I see a lot of potential.

We just need to learn how to play together a little bit better, and we’re working on having a little bit more intensity.”

Quanesha Presley is the biggest offensive threat, and Holloway said she also has seen good things from Makya Johnson.

“She hasn’t scored a lot, but she’s a really good leader on the floor and she works hard,” Holloway said.

The Cougars, on the other hand, play a high-octane defense, and have players like Eunique McKinney and Ryesha Whetstone who can pour in the points at will.

Wildcats post pair of wins over Elmore County BRHS girls overcome mistakes in victory

By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

Although Benjamin Russell’s girls basketball team never found its offensive flow and had an uncharacteristic 18 turnovers, it still managed to pull out a big win Thursday night against Elmore County, 50-29.

The biggest issue for the Wildcats (10-4) was their inside game, which is usually their bread and butter. Leading scorer Jaaliyah Caldwell still managed a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds, but was well below her typical offensive output.

“We were having a hard time scoring inside and out,” BRHS coach Latreisha Moon said. “I don’t know what was going on with my post players. They didn’t play the way they normally play. I felt like the effort wasn’t there tonight.”

But what Benjamin Russell lacked offensively, it made up for it defensively. Elmore County struggled to break through any of the Wildcats’ pressure, ending up with a staggering 32 turnovers.

While several of the Panther miscues were forced, many of them were passes that went awry. Aaliyah Thomas did lead BRHS with three steals.

“Defense has been a big factor to our team,” Thomas

said. “When we’re in transition, it’s better than just setting up a play. I like our 1-3-1 and how we’re playing in that.”

Thomas did a nice job of directing traffic offensively.

With the struggles of Caldwell and fellow forward Brooklyn Edwards, Thomas started to find Bre Smith, who had the hot hand Thursday night.

Smith came off the bench to score 15 points and also added seven rebounds.

“Bre ran the floor,” Thomas said. “I was just giving it to her, and she played one of the better games she’s played in a while.”

Thomas finished the night with eight assists.

“I feel like she’s doing really well,” Moon said. “She can handle the ball and she sees the floor well. She was feeding it to Bre tonight, and that’s just how she is. She can pass the ball real well, and I told her to just stay with her strengths.”

Edwards notched a layup at the end of the first quarter to put the Wildcats ahead, 17-6 — their first double-digit lead of the night. Benjamin Russell’s lead stayed at eight points or more for the rest of the game. Elmore County pulled within 32-24 midway through the third quarter, but that was as close as they got.

See GIRLS • Page 10

Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook

Bre Smith (4) had one of her best games of the season in Benjamin Russell’s 50-29 win over Elmore County on Thursday.

Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook

Benjamin Russell’s Jaikobee Gamble, center, is swarmed by Elmore County defenders on Thursday night.

Offense gels in Wildcats’ big win whole lot more on the offensive side and turned up the intensity, which we always have, on the defensive side. The Dadeville game and tonight, we were just more patient and watched For the first time this season, Benjamin our cutters go through and actually running the Russell’s boys basketball team scored more than 70 points. It jumped out to a lead early on offense how it should be run.”

One thing Benjamin Russell has struggled and seemed to finally find its offensive flow with all season is turnovers, and it had just four in a 71-53 victory over Elmore County on miscues in the first half, allowing it to build up Thursday night. a 36-25 lead at halftime. It continued to play A team that usually has a couple of assists here and there, Benjamin Russell finished with smart ball and eventually got the lead to 21 points on a Richard Heard putback. But then a total of 10 assists, including four from Za it slipped back into some of its old way, and Stowes and three from Alex Doss, showing Elmore County pulled within 51-40 at the end off their newfound chemistry and offensive of the third. patience.

“I think that had to do a lot with them just “When you see it work in situations with being excited and want to be creative, which is different personnel, I think it does foster that OK in a sense,” Daniel said, “but I also called confidence,” Benjamin Russell coach Lewis Daniel said. “I’m a visual guy, so when you see a timeout and told them not to discredit what they’ve done for three quarters.” it and see how it works for you, I think it’s a The excitement on the Wildcats’ faces was lot easier to concentrate on doing it instead of second- or third-guessing it or not quite feeling evident, and they pushed the lead back out to as many as 25 points in the fourth quarter. comfortable in it.”

Starting out as a young team with a new Benjamin Russell put three in double figures, coach, Benjamin Russell is starting to develop including 17 from Jaikobee Gamble and 12 some chemistry on the court. apiece by Nick McGhee and Stowes, and had “Everybody is starting to be able to add point contributions from all 10 Wildcats who some little inkling to put their mark on the played. Jaden Tuck had seven points, Kobi game,” Tuck said. “Whether it’s steals or Crabb added six and Doss scored four.

“As far as the first couple games of the year, whether it’s knocking down free throws, offensive or defensive rebounds, assists, I think we were just rushing and trying to get somebody is getting a notch in every category into our system and seeing how all the pieces now. We’re gelling real good.” fit,” Tuck said. “Tonight, we slowed down a

By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

Page 10

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Friday, January 12, 2018

The Outlook

Late run lifts Bulldogs over Tigers

LOCAL SPORTS CALENDAR Friday, Jan. 12 High school boys basketball Benjamin Russell at Opelika, 7:30 p.m.

Central Coosa at Dadeville, 7 p.m.

Horseshoe Bend at Wadley, 8 p.m.

Reeltown at Beulah, 7 p.m.

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

Central Coosa at Dadeville, 5:30 p.m.

Horseshoe Bend at Wadley, 6:30 p.m.

Reeltown at Beulah, 5:30 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 15 High school boys basketball Wadley at Reeltown, 4:30 p.m.

High school girls basketball Wadley at Reeltown, 3 p.m.

High school wrestling Benjamin Russell, Reeltown at Opelika duals tournament, 9 a.m.

Dadeville in Region 2 duals at Prattville Christian, 9 a.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 16 High school boys basketball Auburn at Benjamin Russell, 7 p.m.

Dadeville at Tallassee, 7 p.m.

Horseshoe Bend at Lanett, 6:30 p.m.

Reeltown at Loachapoka, 7:30 p.m.

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

Dadeville at Tallassee, 5:30 p.m.

Horseshoe Bend at Lanett, 5 p.m.

Reeltown at Loachapoka, 6 p.m.

High school wrestling Benjamin Russell, St. James at Beauregard, 5 p.m.

By GRIFFIN PRITCHARD For The Outlook

A 14-1 fourth-quarter run lifted the hometown Holtville Bulldogs over the visiting Dadeville Tigers in Class 4A Area 5 boys basketball Thursday night. The Bulldogs, led by the trio of Drake Baker (23 points), Dajon Reeves (17 points) and Jadarius Carter (15 points), swung the momentum in their favor with under 4:30 left to go in the game, and turned a one-point lead into a 14-point lead advantage en route to the 71-62 victory.

“This was a huge win, it’s the biggest we’ve had this season,” Holtville coach Michael Collins said. “We played our game, and we did what we were supposed to do.

We executed. They used their speed. They played like we are

supposed to do and it paid off.”

Baker scored to put Holtville (6-7) up 57-54 to start the fourth period. Another basket moved the tally a little further along, 59-54. Baker blocked Kevin Walker’s shot and the turnover was turned into points forcing Dadeville coach Jesse Foster to call a timeout as the kelly-green clad crowd roared to bleacher-stomping life.

“We’ve got to get a little more confident,” said Foster after the loss. “We aren’t playing as a team right now. I told the guys we’ve got to pick it up. They are at home and they are going to play better here. We’ve got to be more intentional on defense. And we didn’t do that.”

P.J. Eason led the Tigers (5-3, 4-1) with 13 points.

Lady Tigers beat the

bark out of host Lady ’Dogs for the score.

This one got ugly early as the visiting Lady Tigers scored the 69-16 victory.

Dadeville — led by Quanesha Presley’s 20 points — raced out to an 18-0 first-quarter lead. The Lady Tigers pushed to 20-0 forcing Holtville to call a timeout at the 7:37 mark of the second period.

Coming out of the benchside conference, Dadeville tacked on another hoop and a scoop and score by Makya Johnson. They then added another when Ranikia Cox rebounded and scored of the outstretched arms of the starting five Lady Bulldogs under the hoop.

Holtville, trailing 26-0 at this point, got its first point of the game with 5:40 left before the intermission. Skyila Bearden (6 points) passed to her teammate

Girls

continued from page 9

The win gives BRHS three victories in a row heading into tonight’s Class 6A Area 6 opener at Opelika. Although the score indicates a dominating win over the Panthers, the Wildcats know they’ll

have to play much better to beat the Bulldogs.

“We have to step it up,” Moon said.

“After (Thursday’s) game, I don’t know how I feel. If we play like we did

(Thursday), it’s going to be terrible.”

Shay Johnson returned after missing Monday’s game against Dadeville. She finished the game with three points, four rebounds and a pair of assists.

Rainer hears people complain about the taste of venison. Leysath, who has roots in Grand Bay and once produced the “Hunt, Fish and Cook” show out of Huntsville, said the care of the deer carcass right after it is harvested is a crucial step to tasty venison.

“Despite this recent cold spell, it can be a little warm during deer season,” Leysath said. “When I see people driving around with deer in the back of their trucks before it has been field-dressed, it makes me cringe. As with any animal, you need to get deer cleaned and cooled as fast as possible.

If you ride around with the deer in the back of the truck, it’s not going to encourage it to taste good when it’s cooked.”

The best-case scenario, according to Leysath, is to have access to a walk-in cooler where the skinned deer carcasses can be hung for at least a week. He hangs larger animals for up to two weeks.

The failure to properly age the venison can lead to a chewy meal.

Leysath said venison that is frozen soon after harvest can still benefit from the aging process. If you don’t have access to a walk-in cooler but have room in a refrigerator, you can put the meat on a rack above a pan and let it age. Another option is to use a large ice chest, but don’t

Dadeville, with its lead suffering a mild abrasion, went back on the attack and added another nine points to the board.

Kiera Bozeman (6 points) scored twice as the horn blew sending the teams to the locker room. Dadeville, which had begun to phase out the starters in lieu of its bench, led 40-6.

The Lady Bulldogs opened the scoring in the third period, sinking a jumper early. But they were held to five third-quarter points as Dadeville expanded the lead to 53-11 while the clock constantly ran.

With the younger players now the primary offense, Dadeville ended the Thursday night tilt outscoring Holtville 16-5 in the final period. The win broke a five-game skid for the Tigers (2-5, 2-3).

continued from page 9

put the venison in the ice.

Arrange some method to keep the venison elevated above the ice and ensure the temperature inside the ice chest doesn’t get above 40 degrees.

“You’re going to lose some crusty bits that aren’t going to look all that pleasant after a week or two, but the rest of it is going to be a lot more tender,” he said. “After a couple of weeks, the meat will lose about 20 to 25 percent of its weight, but what is left is good stuff.

The dry-aging and hanging makes all the difference in the world.”

Leysath also has a pet peeve about trying to mask the flavor of wild game. He has a friend in Alabama who claims snow goose is by far the best-eating goose. His friend cuts the goose breasts into little strips and marinates them in teriyaki for 48 hours. Then cream cheese and jalapeno are added before being wrapped in bacon.

“That’s the universal recipe with wild game,” he said.

“You marinate in who knows what, add jalapeno, some kind of cheese and bacon. Then it doesn’t taste like deer, duck or snow goose. What’s the point of that?”

Leysath said he has noticed cooks in some parts of the country are predisposed to overcooking and are convinced wild game must be done all the way through. He gave a venison

cooking demonstration at the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association conference last fall, and the venison didn’t stay in the frying pan long before he was slicing it into bite-size pieces.

“If the internal temperature is beyond 140 degrees, it starts to get tougher,” Leysath said.

“Some folks can’t get past eating medium-rare venison. If I’m doing a seminar, I’ll cover it up with a dark sauce, and they talk about how tender it is.”

Obviously, Leysath does not apply the medium-rare rule to all venison.

“Sometimes, you want to go low and slow,” he said. “If you’ve got a venison shoulder, leave the bone in. Give it a good rub with olive oil and whatever seasoning you prefer.

I’m going to brown it and then braise it in a roasting pan with a can of beer, celery, onion and carrots at a low temp. I’m going to let that moist heat do the work for me. After a few hours, the meat is falling off the bone.

I wish deer had more than four legs, because those shanks are some of the best eating when you cook them low and slow.”

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

Submitted / Dept. of Natural Resources

Scott Leysath, The Sporting Chef, slices seared venison hind quarter to prepare a dish for those in attendance at the SEOPA conference last fall.

ASWA BASKETBALL RANKINGS GIRLS CLASS 7A 1. Hoover (19-0) 2. Spain Park (19-3) 3. Sparkman (19-3) 4. Hewitt-Trussville (16-2) 5. James Clemens (15-6) 6. Davidson (13-7) 7. Huffman (11-9) 8. Alma Bryant (17-5) 9. Mountain Brook (15-5) 10. McGill-Toolen (13-7) Others nominated: Buckhorn (11-10), Huntsville (10-10), Lee-Montgomery (13-7), Oak Mountain (13-5), Tuscaloosa County (13-6).

CLASS 6A 1. Hazel Green (22-2) 2. LeFlore (21-1) 3. Ramsay (15-3) 4. Hartselle (16-3) 5. Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa (14-2) 6. Brewer (15-4) 7. Southside-Gadsden (15-1) 8. Austin (16-3) 9. Selma (14-4) 10. Blount (15-2) Others nominated: Athens (137), Carver-Birmingham (15-6), Center Point (12-8), Dothan (135), Homewood (16-7), Muscle Shoals (10-7), Northview (11-5), Shades Valley (12-4).

CLASS 5A 1. Charles Henderson (20-3) 2. Wenonah (15-6) 3. Eufaula (14-4).

4. Talladega (17-2) 5. Scottsboro (16-2) 6. Central-Tuscaloosa (14-4) 7. Faith Academy (12-6) 8. Sumter Central (17-5) 9. Mae Jemison (8-8) 10. Shelby County (14-2)

Others nominated: Brewbaker Tech (8-10), East Limestone (14-5), Fairview (14-6), LeeHuntsville (11-9), West Point (15-7).

CLASS 4A 1. Deshler (19-2) 2. Madison Academy (17-4) 3. Sipsey Valley (15-1) 4. Priceville (15-5) 5. Anniston (12-3) 6. Hokes Bluff (15-4) 7. Cherokee County (11-5) 8. Greensboro (13-1) 9. Madison County (16-6) 10. Danville (16-4) Others nominated: DAR (118), Montgomery Catholic (11-4), Oneonta (13-7), Rogers (14-6), St. James (11-4).

CLASS 3A 1. Lauderdale County (19-2) 2. Pisgah (15-1) 3. Midfield (16-8) 4. Locust Fork (17-2) 5. Plainview (14-4) 6. Clarke County (17-0) 7. Montevallo (17-3) 8. Geneva (11-5) 9. Prattville Christian (14-4) 10. Susan Moore (14-4) Others nominated: Colbert County (12-6), Daleville (10-6), Glencoe (12-5), Montgomery Academy (13-3), North Sand Mountain (10-4), West Morgan (14-7).

CLASS 2A 1. Samson (18-2) 2. Collinsville (14-5) 3. Geneva County (12-6) 4. Section (9-7) 5. Fyffe (10-3) 6. Ariton (7-1)

7. Chickasaw (14-1) 8. Mars Hill (16-5) 9. Tanner (8-9) 10. Phil Campbell (11-5) Others nominated: Abbeville (8-5), Falkville (11-7), Sand Rock (11-7).

CLASS 1A 1. Spring Garden (15-2) 2. Phillips (15-2) 3. Pleasant Home (15-4) 4. Linden (9-2) 5. R.A. Hubbard (9-5) 6. Loachapoka (12-2) 7. J.F. Shields (14-1) 8. Skyline (15-4) 9. Westminster-Oak Mountain (7-5) 10. Holy Spirit (12-1) Others nominated: Appalachian (11-2), Belgreen (11-5), Cedar Bluff (10-7), Coosa Christian (13-7), Covenant Christian (13-4), Isabella (9-3), Meek (12-6), Notasulga (8-3), Vina (19-5).

BOYS CLASS 7A 1. Huffman (19-1) 2. Mountain Brook (19-5) 3. Sparkman (20-3) 4. Buckhorn (20-2) 5. Hoover (16-4) 6. McGill-Toolen (15-5) 7. Lee-Montgomery (14-4) 8. Vestavia Hills (16-5) 9. Alma Bryant (16-3) 10. Hewitt-Trussville (13-3) Others nominated: Baker (139), Enterprise (13-5), Grissom (11-9), James Clemens (11-8), Oak Mountain (11-5).

CLASS 6A 1. Carver-Montgomery (15-6)

2. LeFlore (19-5) 3. Helena (19-2) 4. Muscle Shoals (12-3) 5. Hazel Green (12-7) 6. Pinson Valley (13-7) 7. Ramsay (15-8) 8. Daphne (14-4) 9. Blount (12-8) 10. Florence (15-6) Others nominated: Albertville (14-4), Columbia (15-6), Cullman (13-9), Parker (10-7), Shades Valley (13-6).

CLASS 5A 1. Lee-Huntsville (6-11) 2. Wenonah (16-5) 3. Sumter Central (23-3) 4. Pleasant Grove (16-3) 5. Guntersville (14-7) 6. Faith-Mobile (14-7) 7. Talladega (12-6) 8. Sylacauga (16-4) 9. Eufaula (13-9) 10. Brooks (17-0) Others nominated: Calera (144), Demopolis (15-3), Etowah (15-4), Fairfield (17-6), JemisonHuntsville (11-8), Valley (10-6), Woodlawn (14-6).

CLASS 4A 1. Oneonta (20-1) 2. Cordova (12-7) 3. Escambia Co. (17-4) 4. Westminster-Huntsville (7-8) 5. Madison Academy (11-7) 6. Andalusia (14-2) 7. Monroe Co. (13-5) 8. West Limestone (14-5) 9. Deshler (15-5) 10. Catholic-Montgomery (14-4) Others nominated: Ashford (13-8), Cherokee Co. (7-8), Dale Co. (13-6), Haleyville (13-4), Hokes Bluff (14-4), LAMP (114), UMS-Wright (15-5).

CLASS 3A 1. Plainview (20-1) 2. Houston Academy (16-1) 3. Midfield (14-8) 4. Prattville Christian (15-3) 5. Mobile Christian (12-5) 6. Pisgah (11-5) 7. Lauderdale Co. (12-6) 8. Hillcrest-Evergreen (9-3) 9. Holly Pond (17-3) 10. Central Coosa (10-2) Others nominated: American Christian (13-5), Clements (119), Cottage Hill (11-6), Geneva (13-6).

CLASS 2A 1. Section (13-4) 2. Barbour Co. (10-5) 3. Abbeville (14-4) 4. Vincent (14-5) 5. Lanett (8-5) 6. Keith (8-4) 7. St. Luke’s (11-5) 8. Mars Hill Bible (13-5) 9. LaFayette (12-5) 10. Westbrook Christian (11-6) Others nominated: Collinsville (11-7), Red Bay (13-5), Reeltown (6-4), Sand Rock (7-10), Tanner (9-9).

CLASS 1A 1. Sacred Heart (10-10) 2. Decatur Heritage (15-3) 3. Georgiana (17-1) 4. Ellwood (13-5) 5. Lindsay Lane (18-2) 6. Spring Garden (13-3) 7. R.A. Hubbard (14-5) 8. Meek (14-4) 9. Belgreen (14-3) 10. Skyline (10-6) Others nominated: Brantley (7-4), Cedar Bluff (9-7), Coosa Christian (8-7), South Lamar (9-2), Winterboro (10-4).