Jan. 27, 2018 Alex City Outlook

Weekend

INSIDE:

PAGE 10: COUNTY GOP HEARS FROM LOCAL, STATE CANDIDATES

„ Obituaries, page 2 „ Arrests, page 2 „ Calendar, page 5 „ Religion, page 6 „ Classifieds, page 7 „ Local news, page 10 „ Sports, page 11

The Outlook

TRIPLE THREAT, PAGE 11

Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892

Sports a way of life for Shay Johnson

January 27-28, 2018 Vol. 126, No. 20 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢

No indictment coming in missing golf course funds case

By MITCH SNEED Editor

It appears that the mystery behind city funds from Lakewinds Golf Course that went missing will remain unsolved.

The office of Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall released a statement Friday indicating that they completed an investigation and presented

the information to a Tallapoosa County Grand Jury, but no indictment resulted.

Revelations of missing funds from the city’s Lakewinds Golf Course dates back to 2016.

Resident Wendell Scroggins raised questions about financial procedures at the course at a council meeting on Jan. 25, 2016. Scroggins alleged that a number of checks patrons had written

for goods and services at Lakewinds seemed to have been lost in the process, never clearing the patrons’ banks.

While the checks were never located, it was determined cash earmarked for deposit was missing after coming to city hall. The exact amount is unknown, but estimates range between $22,000 and $120,000.

Then-Alexander City Mayor Charles

Shaw asked for help in the investigation from then-Fifth Judicial Circuit District Attorney E. Paul Jones. After a short cursory investigation, Jones said on March 22, 2016 that “there was evidence of potential criminal activity,� in the missing funds case.

On April 18, 2016, Jones reported to Shaw he had requested assistance from See INDICTMENT • Page 3

ACPD awarded state grant funds

By MITCH SNEED Editor

Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

This sign at the Trinity Campus of First United Methodist Church created quite a buzz, but serves a purpose.

Exorcism sign at local church causes stir Electronic message meant to build interest in lesson on Mark 1:21-28

Alex City man killed in house fire

By MITCH SNEED Editor

The electronic marquee outside the Trinity Campus of First United Methodist Church on Highway 280 created quite a buzz.

In big yellow letters, the sign featured the word: “EXORCISM,� then “Sunday, 9 a.m.�

No, the church isn’t planning some veiled candlelight a ceremony to cast out demons and Linda Blair will not likely be in attendance. Instead, the sign is bringing attention to this week’s sermon based on scripture from the Book of Mark 1:21-28. In that scripture a story retold where Jesus drove out an impure sprit. “’Be quiet!’ said Jesus sternly. ‘Come out of him!’ The impure spirit shook the man See EXORCISM • Page 3

Space heater suspected in death of 86-year-old man

By MITCH SNEED Editor

Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

Above, Alexander City Fire Department Assistant Chief Craig Clark goes through rubble at the scene of a Booker Street house fire, top, that left 86-year-old Aleveston Dunn dead Friday morning.

An 86-year-old Alexander City man lost his life when his home burned early Friday morning.

Aleveston Dunn, 86, perished as the result of a fire at his home at 140 Booker Street Friday.

A 60-year-old man who was also in the home was badly injured in the fire, but managed to escape through a window. He remained at the University of Alabama-Birmingham Hospital Friday afternoon where he was being treated for what were said to be non-life-threatening injuries.

According to Alexander City Police Department Det. Riley Foshee, a call See FIRE • Page 3

Sewing spans the gap of generations as FCCLA members donate quilts

Today’s

Weather

60 52 High

Low

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

Lake Martin

Lake Levels

483.93 Reported on 01/26/18 @ 5 p.m.

LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443

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

Cliff Williams / The Outlook 6

54708

90050

USPS Permit # 013-080

8

The Alexander City Police Department has been awarded a grant to help purchase some much-needed traffic enforcement equipment.

The vehicle will be electric and ideal for officers to navigate through crowds at special events, ACPD Chief Jay Turner said. “We are so thankful for this grant,� Turner said. “We went to the council a number of months back and got approval to seek the funds. We will purchase things like new barricades, and portable signs that will help us regulate and restrict traffic as well.�

The grant was announced Friday by Gov. Kay Ivey, who awarded nearly $93,000 in grants to assist four law enforcement agencies in east Alabama to purchase equipment and improve public safety in their jurisdictions.

Alexander City will use its $21,453 grant to purchase traffic enforcement equipment and a utility task vehicle, that can be used at special events and to gain access to remote areas.

In addition to Alexander City, Valley and Lanett police departments in Chambers County and the Dadeville Police Departments also received grants. “I applaud our public safety officers who put themselves in harm’s way to serve and protect our communities,â€? Ivey said. “I am pleased to award these grants that will enable these law See ACPD • Page 3

Top, Bill Nichols State Veterans Home resident Patricia Cummings speaks with members of the BRHS FCCLA about her decision not to major in home economics.

We Care About You

Benjamin Russell FCCLA members did more than just drop off lap quilts for residents at the Bill Nichols Veterans Home in a recent visit.

They learned some of the residents stories. “Home ec – that would have been my major,� resident Patricia Cummings said. “But I went off and joined the Army.�

Cummings and mem-

bers of the club shared a few quilting stories after Cummings learned the girls had learned quilting last month. “This is just perfect,�

Cummings said of her quilt. “It fits just right across the lap in the chair.�

Kyla Stowes was able to spend a little bit of time showing off a quilt to a resident before presenting it to her.

FCCLA President Sarah Tilley took time to See QUILTS • Page 3

and Your Loved Ones!

•Home-like Environment • Specialized Dementia Care Unit •Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy Services

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Newly out teenager seeks dismissive mom’s support

Sunday

60 41

DEAR ABBY: I’m a 17-yearold girl and recently came out to my parents, who are stuck in the “it’s just a phase” mindset. I used to be able to talk with my mom about everything, but now when I talk about my sexuality, she gets quiet and dismissive.

It’s frustrating. I understand I’m still young and learning things about myself, but I feel like I don’t have their support as much as I used to. Help!

-- NEEDS SUPPORT IN NEW MEXICO DEAR NEEDS SUPPORT: What your mother may not realize is that children usually know they are gay long before they find the courage to talk about it. Young people who receive negative messages about what it means to be gay are -- not surprisingly -- less likely to be open about their sexuality because they don’t want to disappoint or be negatively judged.

You might be able to talk

Low

High

80 percent chance of rain

Monday

56 27 Low

High Mostly sunny

Staff

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

Postal

Information (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110)

Weekend Edition, January 27-28, 2018

The Outlook

Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com Donald Campbell Staff Writer, Ext. 208 donald.campbell@alexcityoutlook.com Santana Wood Staff Writer/Pagination, Ext. 210 santana.wood@alexcityoutlook.com Advertising Sales Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Katie Wesson Retail Sales Manager, Ext. 232 katie.wesson@alexcityoutlook.com Scott Hardy Digital Marketing Coordinator, Ext. 208 scott.hardy@alexcityoutlook.com Rebecca Carlisle Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 rebecca.carlisle@alexcityoutlook.com Erin Burton Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 erin.burton@alexcityoutlook.com Composing Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com

DEAR ABBY Advice

more effectively with your parents if you contact PFLAG and get some information. This is an organization whose mission is to help LGBTQ people and their families build bridges of understanding. The website is pflag.org.

DEAR ABBY: I have a problem saying no. I live 45 minutes from work, and because I’m a friendly person, people constantly ask me to give them rides. Today, two co-workers who live nowhere near me asked for rides home. (I already gave one a lift to work.)

Another asked me to take him to the grocery store. I like being helpful, but this happens all the

time and it’s too much. Tonight I’ll be more than an hour late getting home.

I was raised with a strong sense of moral obligation and good manners, but I’m tired and just want to go home. I feel guilty for even thinking this.

What do I do? -- YES-GIRL IN THE EAST DEAR YES-GIRL: You should not feel guilty for taking care of yourself. Saying no does not make you a bad person.

There are ways to get the message across without seeming heartless. One would be to tell the truth -- that you are too tired, you have something else planned or you don’t want to be an hour late getting home.

While it may seem uncomfortable in the beginning, with practice you will find it empowering.

DEAR ABBY: How do you deal with family members who

always insist they are right and you are wrong? If their beliefs are 180 degrees different from your own, must you just grit your teeth and keep your mouth shut? How do you get them to respect you for the adult you are (they are only five years older), or is it even worth it? -- FUMING IN FLORIDA DEAR FUMING: Sometimes the wiser course of action is to win the war by forgoing the battle. With people like this, steer the conversation toward subjects you can agree upon.

If you can manage that, family harmony will become easier to achieve, and respect will follow.

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.

A rainy weekend

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, Kenneth Boone Photography and a commercial web printing press.

The Outlook is published five times a week, Tuesday through Saturday mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box © 2011 Tallapoosa 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011.

Publishers, Inc. Reproduction of any part of any issue POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Post Office Box 999, requires written publisher permission.

Alexander City, AL 35011.

How to Submit Obituaries

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

This weather image of rain was created by Stephens Elementary School fourth-grader Dayshon Furrow in Debra Griffith’s art class. The National Weather Service predicts the weekend weather to be rainy with tempertures to be in the high 50s.

Police Reports Alexander City Police Department January 24

• Tara Lynn Wesson, 28, of Vincent was arrested for

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Obituaries Mr. Alveston Dunn Mr. Alveston Dunn 86 of Alexander City, AL died on Friday, January 26, 2018 at his residence.

Final arrangements pending.

Final Arrangements Entrusted to Armour’s Memorial Funeral Home.

domestic violence.

• Marcus Issiah Calhoun, 21, of Montgomery was arrested for receiving stolen property, possession of a concealed weapon without a permit and fleeing/ attempting to elude law enforcement.

• Vantavious Jauwonta Westbrooks, 18, of Alexander City was arrested for domestic violence.

• Domestic violence was reported on Fishpond Road.

• Harassing communications was reported on Daywell Street.

• Domestic violence was reported on Cherokee Road.

• Receiving stolen property and fleeing or

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attempting to elude law enforcement was reported on N Street.

• Failure to pay for gasoline was reported on Highway 280.

• Two counts of theft were reported on Broad Street.

• Possession of drug paraphernalia was reported on Court Square.

• Domestic violence was reported on 9th Avenue.

• Domestic violence was reported on N Street.

• A truck fire was reported on Tallapoosa Street.

January 23

• Amber Nicole Vinson, 26, of Jacksons Gap was arrested for two counts of possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Roger Samuel Robinson, 59, of Alexander City was arrested for two counts of possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and carrying brass knuckles.

• Tommie Fitzgerald Bailey, 53, of Alexander City was arrested for failure to appear.

• Brandon Rydell Russell, 44, of Alexander City was arrested for two counts of failure to appear.

• Utayus Lovell Brown, 27, of Alexander City was arrested for two counts of theft.

• Demetrious Tavon Harvey, 18, of Alexander City was arrested for aggravated assault and violation of a domestic violence protection order.

• Diandria Shanice Culpepper, 17, of Alexander City was arrested for possession of marijuana.

• Brezoki Keindae Smith, 18, of Alexander City was arrested for possession of marijuana.

• Possession of a controlled substance was reported on Highway 22 West.

• Assault was reported in Alexander City.

• Harassment was reported on K Street.

• Unlawful breaking and entering and theft was reported on Highway 280.

• Theft was reported on 13th Avenue.

• Domestic violence was

reported on Daywell Street.

• A violation of a domestic protection order and shots fired were reported on O Street.

• Theft was reported on Hillabee Street.

January 22

• Thomas Drake Sharpe, 29, of Alexander City was arrested for domestic violence.

Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department January 25

• Crystal Morris of Iris Avenue in Alexander City was arrested on a warrant for failure to appear possession of a controlled substance while incarcerated in the county jail.

January 24

• A resident of Churchill Road in Camp Hill filed a report for identity theft.

• Thomas Drake Sharpe of Thompson Ridge Road in Alexander City was arrested on a warrant for probation violation for possession/receiving a controlled substance while incarcerated in the county jail.

• A resident of Bob Lo Drive in Dadeville filed a report for harassment.

January 23

• Crystal Morris of Iris Avenue in Alexander City was arrested on an outstanding warrant for probation violation.

• Cortney Oneal of Armstrong Street in Anniston was arrested on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear theft of property second.

• A resident of Company Street in Dadeville filed a report for unauthorized use.

January 22

• Bobby Jarvis of Tallassee was arrested on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear fishing without a resident license.

January 21

• A resident of Lakeview Drive in Dadeville filed a report for theft from a residence.

• A resident of Post Oak Drive in Dadeville field a report for harassment.

Weekend Edition, January 27-28, 2018

Indictment

ACPD

the Attorney General’s office, which was occupied by Luther Strange at that time.

But Strange left office and was appointed to the U.S. Senate by then-Gov. Robert Bentley.

Virtually the entire city administration changed. Marshall took office and after working through the initial backlog, the investigation was restarted, officials said.

“In July 2016, after a referral from the local district attorney’s office, the Attorney General’s Office began an investigation into allegations of missing funds from Lakewinds Golf Course operated by the City of Alexander City,” the statement from Marshall’s office read. “Upon completion of the investigation, all evidence collected was submitted to a local grand jury with no indictments returned. The investigation is closed at this time but will be reopened pending receipt of additional information.”

Subsequent audits and reconciliation of the city’s books put the missing amount at about $24,000. In a recent audit of the 2014 city financials, accountants said it appeared that issues with monthly reconciliations of expenditures and lack of consistent policies and procedures existed in the city.

Alexander City Mayor Jim Nabors said the delay and the sloppy accounting made it virtually impossible to track where the money went or who may have been responsible for the loss or theft of the funds.

“Obviously we are not happy with the fact that taxpayer money was lost, but the lack of internal controls was such that it made it virtually impossible to pinpoint where it went or who was responsible,” Nabors, who was briefed by the AG’s office Friday morning, said. “There were just too many possibilities to return an indictment.

“We are working hard on our financial systems and internal controls to make sure that something like this isn’t possible in the future. The best thing we can do is get those systems in place and work to put these kinds of things in the rear-view mirror.”

enforcement agencies to obtain the proper equipment they need to perform their duties.”

Valley and Lanett were each awarded a $24,000 grant. Valley will use funds to purchase laptop computers to assist patrol officers. Lanett will purchase laptop computers, body cameras and electric stun guns with their grant.

Dadeville was awarded $23,951, will purchase an off-road vehicle,

continued from page 1

continued from page 1

body cameras and other equipment.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Justice Department.

ADECA administers an array of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management and recreation development.

Exorcism

continued from page 1

violently and came out of him with a shriek.”

Rev. Mike Densmore said the sign has gotten a lot of attention and he had a few calls, especially after a caller to the syndicated “Rick and Bubba Radio Show” reported seeing it as he commuted Friday morning.

“No we won’t be holding a ceremony to banish demons,”

Quilts go into great detail of the pattern for resident Mary Alice Row, who is blind.

“The side is zig zag with purple and gray,” Tilley explained to Row. “Then there are yellow, blue, red and green polka dots and in some stripes.”

“It feels just beautiful,” Row said. “It is just beautiful. Thank you.

The BRHS FCCLA spent a little bit of time in December making the quilts with the help of Kathy Roy who helps with the quilting club at the Alexander City Parks and Recreation Department’s 50+ pro-

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The Outlook

Densmore said. “But we will have a lesson on that scripture.

The idea is to talk about getting rid of what separates us from God and is unfruitful and getting closer to God and what is fruitful. The idea is to pique interest and use that curiosity to hopefully bring people in to see what it’s all about.”

Sunday’s service is set to begin at 9 a.m.

continued from page 1

gram.

With donated material, the girls set to work.

“We worked in groups,” Tilley said.

“We made groups of two and three and pieced them together. Some worked on backing and stuffing.”

The quilts are not the only projects the BRHS FCCLA has been involved in. They have helped collect food donations for the Jamie Dark Back Pack Project, raised funds for Sav-ALife and help with just about anything at the once a month HIPPY meetings with toddlers.

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Sarah Tilley explains the color arrangement of the quilt given to Mary Alice Row, a resident at Bill Nichols State Veterans Home who is blind.

Fire came in at 12:51 a.m. and first responders were dispatched to the white wood frame home with a black metal roof.

Firefighters saw flames and smoke upon arrival and worked to gain entry, extinguish the flames and search for anyone inside.

That’s when Dunn’s body was discovered.

Alexander City Fire Department Assistant Chief Craig Clark said that the fire started in the front, center bedroom of the home. A preliminary investigation found that the only source of heat was

continued from page 1

space heaters and that appears to be the cause of the blaze.

“It appears that a space heater in close proximity to combustibles is the cause,” Clarke said. “The space heater was about three feet from the bed, and whatever that ignited burned up in the fire. We don’t know if it was a bed sheet, a blanket, or an article of clothing because it burned in the fire. But right now that’s what it appears is the cause. Also, we didn’t find any working smoke detectors inside the home.”

Clark said this kind of trag-

edy underscores the need to stress some simple safety tips regarding space heaters.

“Recommendations are that a space heater never be closer than three feet from any combustible,” Clark said. “They should never use any extension cords with a space heater and even if you have some distance, be aware of items close by that that could be bumped into a heater or somehow come in contact with it.

“In this case we don’t know if in getting up in the night if maybe a bed sheet was thrown back and got too hot from the

heater or exactly what happened, but you can never be too careful when you are using one. You should always err on the side of caution.

“Plus, smoke detectors save lives. Having working devices almost doubles your chance of getting out of a fire alive.”

Foshee said that while the cause of the fire does not appear to be suspicious, Dunn’s body has been sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for an autopsy. The incident remains under investigation pending all reports in the case, Foshee said.

Opinion

MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213

editor@alexcityoutlook.com

EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed

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Opinion

Outlook The

Weekend Edition, January 27-28, 2018

Today’s

Our View

Quote

Schools deserve praise for student exposure

“A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.”

—Elbert Hubbard

A

group of approximately 50 students from Radney Elementary School traveled to Montgomery Thursday for a showing of the Hans Christian Andersen play “Snow Queen” at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Another 61 will be going on the same trip Tuesday, while 151 more will be in the capital on Feb. 8 for the ASF show “Fly,” about the Tuskegee Airmen. Following the show on all three trips, the students will then have the chance to tour the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts before returning to the school.

No matter which trip the students chose to go on, the opportunity of having this experience is the most important part.

Exposing them to the arts in multiple ways, including theater and visual arts, is a valuable experience for these students. Art has long been an effective way to be able to represent the world around us, visualizing and gaining a greater understanding of what we see in nature and in everyday objects. By seeing the play and then slowly browsing the various artworks on display at the museum, the participating students are getting the chance to see how others interpret the world, giving them a better understanding of the many perspectives that are possible in the world of art.

Similarly, the students at Benjamin Russell High School took part in a career fair Thursday morning, going from classroom to classroom learning more about many of the potential job opportunities that await them. From the military to medicine, architecture to public service, the high schoolers had the chance to gain a greater sense of understanding for what lies beyond high school graduation.

Art teacher Hannah Hawk said she has worked hard in getting grant money for the art program at Radney. Some of the funds went to help pay for these trips, while some have been used for supplies to allow students to create their own works of art in class to go on display at the school.

Since she took over the art program at Radney two years ago, Hawk has grown it tremendously, adding in trips like this and a host of projects for the students to work on.

For the students participating in this field trip, there is the chance it may help awaken the next Vincent van Gogh, Georgia O’Keeffe or Laurence Olivier in one of them. Being exposed to the world of art can inspire creativity and imagination in every single one of these students, whether they become an artist or a mechanical engineer after high school.

We feel that giving the students at Radney taking part in the field trip the chance to explore the various forms of art and the students of Benjamin Russell experiencing the multitude of potential career options after high school should be recognized and applauded.

Know Your

Officials

T.C. Coley represents District 1, including half of Coley Creek, the Andrew Jackson subdivision, the southern part of Indian Hill, North Central Avenue, part of Pearson’s Chapel Road, the Northside community and portion of Spring Hill community. His phone num- T.C. Coley ber is 256-212-9316. His address is 2316 North Central Avenue, Kellyton.

Steve Robinson represents District 2, which includes the southern part of Alexander City, the Cedar Creek area, Ourtown and Willow Point. His phone number is 256-654-0047. His address is 300 Heritage Drive Alexander City.

Steve Robinson

John McKelvey represents District 3, which includes Jackson’s Gap, Hackneyville, New Site and Daviston. McKelvey currently serves as chairman. His phone number is 256-7944405. His address is 1285 Freeman Road, Dadeville.

John McKelvey

Emma Jean Thweatt represents District 4, which includes Dadeville, Pace’s Point, northern Camp Hill, Buttston, Dudleyville and part of Eagle Creek. She can be reached at 8254207. Her address is 585 Brookwood Circle, Dadeville.

Emma Jean Thweatt

Today’s

Scripture

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”

—James 4:10

alexcityoutlook.com

Daily Poll Friday’s question: Will you be attending Saturday’s trash walk?

Time to address the educrats’ college monopoly

B

ecause it is largely government-funded, higher education has become an overpriced failure full of left-leaning political cronies.

Bloated colleges with tenured professors who seek to indoctrinate, rather than educate, diminish our country. Kids leave college under-educated and frustrated, espousing illogical social causes that cause them to be humorless and angry.

If being perpetually offended paid, they would be able to pay off their massive student loans. These wrongly educated folks show up to a Confederate statue protest in a Volkswagen, shouting “Resist the Nazi extremists!” — and don’t see the irony.

The gig is up.

The fraud of higher education is built on student loan debt. Since any 18-year-old who can fog a mirror can now get a Sallie Mae loan, our nation has more student loan debt than credit card debt ($1.3 trillion, with 6 million debtors in default).

Millennials who do not feel they are adults until age 26 dutifully take out student loans for inane degrees that land them bitter, broke and working at Starbucks. At 18, most of these kids would finance a tattoo; it’s almost loansharking to make them sign away their futures at that age. But government does it, so it must be OK — right?

Parents’ basements are full of millennials with tons of debt. And employers, even in a much-improved job market, are unwilling to hire knuckleheads. If the tenets of free market economics were applied to education, kids would not be tenants in their parents’ basements rent-free. The arrogance of some of these kids — they walk around their parents’ basements

RON HART Columnist like they rent the place!

Millennials are so misled in college that real life can depress them. They turn to opioids. But they would never snort cocaine, because the powder on the mirror would obscure their view of themselves.

Uber has caused these kids’ drunk driving acumen to atrophy. Smart phones at the Google-ready weaken them. In my day, if you lost someone at the mall, he or she was just gone.

A USA Today poll showed that 26 percent of college grads move back home. Upon hearing the poll news, their parents did something special for their snowflakes because they were so proud of them for completing that threequestion survey.

Trump saw something missing in this racket of a government-funded education system: He wasn’t getting a cut.

He tried to get into the business, doing a better job at it for a lower price than most universities. The students, including the lead plaintiff in the politically motivated case against his Trump University, gave him positive reviews.

Partisan prosecutors in NYC blasted Trump University as a scam. But say what you will, a degree from Trump U. was worth more than a Gender Studies degree from Wellesley.

What the media are not telling you about is how the Clintons, smelling money, shook down the “higher education” system with the grift teamwork for which they are so well known. While Hillary tried to paint Trump as a greedy businessman, the Clintons wet their beaks in the

higher education scam.

The Daily Caller (and a few other organizations still willing to practice journalism) offered a detailed report on how Bill Clinton was paid $16.5 million from a company that runs for-profit colleges.

It is further purported that Hillary Clinton’s State Department funneled $55 million in tax dollars to that company. All of this is detailed in Peter Schweizer’s book “Clinton Cash.”

“Charities” fit liberals perfectly. It’s like being a Democrat: You act like you are doing for others, when in fact you are taking from others to do for yourself. The Clinton Family Foundation was no more than a shakedown vehicle to launder money for funding the Clinton lifestyle. Uranium One is the real “Russian collusion.”

The education game is easy. Like Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae’s governmentbacked loans, which caused the great recession and the housing meltdown, easy federal money fuels the disaster. You just get regulators (government cronies) to approve your school. The feds then feed loan money to any stoner whom the college can talk into enrolling. There is no accountability as to your outcome. You keep the money, and the student and government (i.e., taxpayers) take the loan risk.

Many universities seem like such shams that their commencement speaker should be Bernie Madoff.

For most expensive colleges, especially the one the Clintons were involved with, the school mascot should be a pigeon.

Ron Hart is a libertarian op-ed humorist and awardwinning author. Contact him at Ron@RonaldHart. com or @RonaldHart on Twitter.

No – 75% Yes – 25%

Weekend question: Do you think the millennial generation has more debt than others?

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

Our

Mission

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

How to

Subscribe

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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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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George Carleton Jr. represents District 5, which includes southern Camp Hill, Red Ridge, Walnut Hill, Union and Pleasant Ridge. His address is 630 Turner Road, Dadeville.

George Carleton Jr.

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Weekend Edition, January 27-28, 2018

The Outlook

CommunityCalendar This weekend is Need Insurance? January 27-28, 2018 Call me.

256.234.3481

Today’s Events

FAMILY GAME NIGHT: Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends in Millerville will have Family Game Night Bingo Saturday, Jan. 27 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.

It will begin with hot dogs, pizza, chips and soft drinks.

BENEFIT SINGING: A benefit for Matt and Julie Vernon will be held at Kellyton Revival Center Jan. 27 at 5 p.m. All for Him, Danny Hutcherson, Jimmy Edwards and the Russell Family will be leading

the worship in song. The Vernons lost everything in a house fire. A chili supper will follow.

Today’s Birthdays

Timothy Phurrough, Shani Brasher, Cheryl Thornburg, Nelda Hayes, Kerry Thomas, Andy Burns, Jude Goodwin, Barry Stone and Chasity Magouyrk are celebrating birthdays today.

Today’s Anniversaries

Mr. and Mrs. Aubrey Lett celebrate their anniversary today.

Sunday’s Birthdays

Wendy Henley, Janice Adair,

Page 5

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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/.

Bobby Vickers, Gary Daniel, Chasity Magouyrk, Tracey Galloway, Tyler Sasser Cook, Randy Hardman, Joseph Andrew Fuller, James Austin Woodham, Danny Rooks, Janelle Gaddis and James Carlton celebrate their birthdays Sunday.

Sunday’s Anniversaries

Mr. and Mrs. Roy Stroud celebrate their anniversary Sunday.

Monday’s Birthdays

Lisa Morgan, Joycelyn Leonard, Debra Causey, Bailey Ann Woods, Paul Trong II, Ryan Patterson, Rachell Patterson, Thomas Smith, Charles Newman and James McDow celebrate their birthdays Monday.

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Alexander City Outlook Dadeville Record Wetumpka Herald Eclectic Observer Tallassee Tribune

Submitted / The Outlook

Dressing up for the 100th Day of School at Faith Christian Academy are: front row left to right Kiley McDonald, Abby Long, Ridge Tomlin, Jenna Kim, Ainsley Champion, Brooklyn Dark, Riley Peters, Elizabeth Davidson and Brice Dodson. Second row left to right: Harrison Jones, Gracie Claire Keel, Dylan Tapley, Amelia Moore, Aubrie Dark, Callista Bishop, Alyssa Channell and Emmett Chappell. Third row left to right: Kadie Stark, Eli Long, Cohan McDonald, Grace Peters, Kate Kohls, Gabrie Wright, Mackenzie Deas, Morgan Jones, Tomlin, Will Kohls and Seraphina Bishop. Fourth row left to right: Zoe Johnson, Natalie Durden, Austin Moore, Teddy Herrmann and Dani Smith. Back row left to right: Noah Long, Seth Davidson, Anna Claire Stark, Maria Moore and John Paul Boles.

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.

Wednesday, January 31

GRIEF SHARE: A session of GriefShare will be starting soon at the Trinity Campus of First United Methodist next to Russell Medical.

GriefShare helps those who have experienced the death of a loved one to realize that there is hope amidst the pain and uncertainty of grief. The journey can be made lighter when shared with others who are trained to listen with compassion and are able to provide guidelines on how to move forward.

There will be two separate groups meeting at the same location on the same days, one at 10 a.m. and the other at 6 p.m. Both are identical material. Meetings will start Jan. 31 and continue each Wednesday through April 25.

The facilitators are Dr. Tomeka McGhee and Patsy Coe Densmore.

For more information call 256-2342455 or 256749-9354.

January 31 - February 2

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

Friday, February 2

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

dB

Lawn Care

Saturday, February 3

256.267.0518

BOSTON BUTT FUNDRAISER: Meals on Wheels is having a Boston Butt fundraiser. They are selling tickets for a Feb. 3 delivery of a Firetruck Boston Butt at the Meals on Wheels office at Russell Medical

or by calling 256-329-7382. Tickets are $35.

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

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

Sunday, February 4

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.

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

Monday, February 5

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

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

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

Tuesday, February 6

CHARITY BINGO: Niffer’s will be hosting charity bingo on Tuesdays in February to benefit the Lake Martin Area United Way. Cards are $1 each. The first seven rounds are for Niffer’s dollars and the final round is for the jackpot. Niffer’s is located at 7500 Highway 49 South in Dadeville.

Wednesday, February 7

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

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

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

Friday, February 9

VALENTINES CELEBRATION: The Equality Performing Arts Center is hosting a Royal Valentine’s

Monday, February 12

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!

Friday, February 16

PAGEANT: God’s Beautiful Creations Pageant will be Friday, Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. at Sardis Missionary Baptist Church in Dadeville in the Fellowship Hall. The event is sponsored by the music ministry. There will be five categories and all ages are welcome to participate. There will also be an Outstanding Couple category. To participate please contact any of the Sardis Missionary Baptist Church choir members.

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com

Tony Guy, Owner Over 40 Years Experience

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.

H&A Installation, Charge Outs and Repair Sheet Metal Work

FREE Estimates on NEW installations Service a 30 mile radius of Alexander City Licensed and Bonded #:84887

Saturday, February 24

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

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

Monday, February 26

HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Dr. James Hansen will present “Neil Armstrong” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Feb. 26 starting at 1:30 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education.

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

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

guysheating@live.com 256–234–4198 196 Thompson Ridge Road Alexander City, AL

Page 6

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Weekend Edition, January 27-28, 2018

The Outlook

In Community, We Share Tallapoosa County Devotional Page

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Be a child of God

and take care of Him, feed and really enjoy looking at old clothe Him and teach Him right photographs, the kind that from wrong. Matthew 3:17 is an are printed on a piece of account of Jesus being baptized paper. Over the years, I have

by His cousin John. Immediately kept all 12 of my high school when Jesus came up from the yearbooks and I enjoy going water, the Heavens opened up back and looking at pictures “and a voice from Heaven said, of my former classmates.

JACKIE ‘This is my Son, whom I love Most of them have changed WILBOURN and I am very pleased with considerably but a few can Bethel Baptist Him.’” still be recognized. Even Church Mary, Jesus’ mother, probably looking at baby pictures of told Jesus He was God’s son my two children or my two and of course there is a possibility grandchildren are often confusing as Jesus knew from the moment He was to which one of them is actually in the born! No one knows, but God made it photo. But since all babies are cute, in perfectly clear at the baptism that Jesus their own strange ways, I still enjoy was his beloved Son. looking at their pictures.

1 John 4:16 reads, “We have known I began to think what the sweet little and believed that God loves us. God is faces in these pictures thought about love. Those who live in God’s love live me as their parent. I think each of them in God, and God lives in them.” knew I loved them and that I would Jesus has given us opportunities to take care of them. Each of them knew accept Him as our Lord and Savior. God I would feed and clothe them. As they sent his Son to live and die for us so we grew older, each of them knew I would can have life with Him forever. Each one teach them right from wrong.

When my son was small, I asked what of us should want to be a child of God just like Jesus! he had learned in Sunday school and he proudly told me he learned “Jesus was Jackie Wilbourn is a member of God’s little boy.” But have you ever Bethel Baptist Church, a chaplain with wondered how Jesus knew that He was the Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief God’s son?

Team and a regular faith columnist for Jesus knew God had given Him The Outlook. earthly parents who would also love This devotional and directory made possible by these businesses who encourage all of us to attend worship services!

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St. John A.M.E. Off Hwy. 280 on Hwy. 9 Socopatoy, (256) 215-3532 ASSEMBLIES OF GOD Cedar Street Church of God 703 E. Boulevard, Alex City Faith Assembly of God 590 Horseshoe Bend Rd., Dadeville 256-825-7741 River of Life Worship Center 407 Hillabee St., Alex City, 256-329-9593 INDEPENDENT BAPTIST Liberty Baptist 1365 Hillabee St., Alex City 256-329-8830 New Life Baptist County Road 14, Alex City, 256-329-2635 Victory Baptist 280 By-Pass, Alex City West End Baptist Off 280 West, 256-234-2130

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Whirlpool • Kitchen Aid Maytag • Amana Holland Grills Full Service Department

Tapley Appliance Center 574 S. Central Avenue Alexander City, AL 256.329.9762

SOCIAL SECURITY FAYE EDMONDSON Attorney at Law

135 N. Tallassee Street • Dadeville, AL

256-825-9559 No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

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256.234.2007 256.749.8804

Mountain Springs Baptist Off Hwy. 22, Daviston

Pleasant Grove Church of Christ 1819 Bay Pine Rd, Jackson’s Gap

Pleasant Valley Missionary Baptist 835 Valley Rd., Camp Hill 334-257-4442

Mt. Carmel Baptist 3610 Dudleyville Rd., Dadeville

Southview Church of Christ 2325 Dadeville Rd., Alex City 256-329-0212

Ridge Grove Missionary Baptist Alexander City, 256-234-6972

Mt. Zion Baptist Hwy. 63 South, Alex City 256-234-7748

Rocky Mt. Baptist New Site community

New Beginning Baptist 1076 Coley Creek Rd.

Seleeta Baptist Booker St., Alex City 256-329-2685

CHURCH OF GOD Alex City No. 2 A.C.O.P. Church of God Local Street, Alex City Bread of Life A.C.O.P. Church of God Hwy. 280, Kellyton

New Concord Baptist Off hwy. 49, Dadeville, 256-825-5390

Cedar Street Church of God 711 Martin Luther King Blvd.

Alex City

Shady Grove Baptist Jackson’s Gap Community

New Elkahatchee Baptist Elkahatchee Rd., Alex City 256-329-9942

The Great Bethel Missionary 520 Christian St., Alex City 256-234-5513

New Hope Baptist Lake Martin, off Hwy. 63 256-329-5218

Dadeville Church of God 425 Horseshoe Bend Rd. (Hwy. 49 N.) Dadeville 256-825-8820

Unity Baptist Robinson Rd., Alex City

New Life Baptist Jackson’s Gap, 256-825-6190 / 256-329-2635

Marshall Street Church of God 428 Marshall Street, Alex City 256-234-3180

New Pine Grove Baptist Off Hwy. 22, Perryville

New Faith Tabernacle A.C.O.P. Church of God “J” Street

Zion Hill Missionary Baptist 583 S. Broadnax St., Dadeville BAPTIST – SOUTHERN Bay Pine Baptist 1480 Bay Pine Rd. Jackson’s Gap, 256-825-4433

New Providence Baptist Pearson Chapel Rd., Alex City

New Harvest Ministries Church of God Hwy 280 & Coosa 28 256-329-2331

BAPTIST – MISSIONARY Bethlehem Baptist New Site

Bethany Baptist Church Bethany Road

New Rocky Mount Baptist 670 Peckerwood Rd., Jackson’s Gap 256-794-3846

Cross Key Baptist Hackneyville, 256-329-9716

Bethel Baptist Smith Mt. Rd., Jackson’s Gap 256-825-5070

New Salem Road New Site Rd., New Site, 256-234-2932

Darian Missionary Baptist Church Pearson Chapel Rd., Alex City 256-329-3865

Beulah Baptist Smith Mt. Rd., Jackson’s Gap 256-825-9882

Old Providence Baptist Off Hwy. 63 N., near Hackneyville

The Church of God 13th Ave. N., Alex City 256-329-1696

Old Union Baptist 1106 Davis Circle 256-596-1873

Washington Street A.C.O.P. Church of God Washington Street

Orr Street Baptist 1000 “O” Street (Hwy. 63N) Alex City, 256-234-3171

CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY Church of God of Prophecy 303 Poplar Rd., Alex City, 256-234-6941

Elam Baptist Robertson Rd. Alex City Early Rose Baptist 201 E Street, Alexander City

Calvary Baptist 819 Main St., Dadeville, 256-825-5989

Flint Hill Baptist Hwy. 280, Dadeville

Calvary Heights Baptist Elkahatchee, Rd., Alex City 256-234-7224

Friendship Baptist Our Town Community, 256-329-5243

Camp Hill Baptist Downtown Camp Hill, 256-896-2811

Hollins Springs Baptist Hwy. 280, Goodwater

Comer Memorial 941 E. Church St., Alex City 256-234-2236

Jackson’s Gap Baptist Church 21 East Church St. 256-825-6814

Daviston Baptist Daviston, 395-4327

Liberty Church 1034 Liberty Church Rd. Willow Point Alex City

Our Business Is God’s Business

Pleasant Home Baptist Clay County

Macedonia Baptist Macedonia Circle, Goodwater 256-839-5793 Marietta Baptist Goodwater Miracle Missionary Baptist 1687 “I” Street 256-215-9788, 256-215-9787 Mt. Calvary Baptist 329 King St., Alex City, 256-234-5631 Mt. Olive Baptist Hwy. 280 & Jct. 49, Goodwater Mt. Sinai Baptist Fish Pond Rd., Coosa County 256-329-2337 Mt. Zion Baptist Hwy. 22, New Site Mt. Zion East StillWaters Dr., 256-825-4991 Mt. Zion West Our Town Community, 256-234-7748 New Elam Baptist Hwy. 9, Burtonville, 256-234-2037 New Bethel Baptist Rock St., Dadeville, 256-825-7726 Peace & Goodwill Baptist Cottage Grove Community Alexander City, 256-377-4634 Pine Grove Baptist Eagle Creek Rd., Dadeville

Eagle Creek Baptist Hwy. 49, Dadeville, 256-825-6048 Fellowship Baptist Buttston Community Fellowship Primitive Baptist Church on Claybrook Drive, Alex City 256-839-5339 First Baptist Court Square, Alex City 256-234-6351

Perryville Baptist Perryville, 256-234-3588

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 1515 Worthy Road, Alex City (Corner of Worthy Place and Dadeville Road)

Pine Grove Baptist Camp Hill Ray Baptist Rockford Hwy., Alex City, 256-234-7609 River Road Baptist 148 Dean Rd., Alex City, 256-234-6971 Rocky Creek Baptist Samford Rd., Cowpens Community Rocky Mount Baptist Hwy. 22 E., Alex City, 256-329-2327 Rock Springs Baptist Jackson’s Gap, 256-839-6263 Russell Farm Baptist Hwy. 63 beyond Our Town

Pentecostal Church of God 163 Franklin Street, Alex City 256-215-4055

First United Methodist 310 Green St., Alex City 256-234-6322

Flint Hill U.M., Alex City 256-234-5047 Goodwater U.M. Main St., Goodwater, 256-839-6661 Haven United Methodist 354 Christian St., Alex City 256-329-8394 Hillabee Campground UMC 120 CC Road, Alex City Sunday School 10am Sunday Service 11am Kellyton U.M., Kellyton, 256-329-1681

Sunnylevel United Methodist 3202 Hwy. 63N, Alex City 256-234-6877 Trinity United Methodist 280 By-pass, Alex City, 256-234-2455 Union United Methodist 4428 Hwy. 50, Dadeville 256-825-2241 METHODIST – INDEPENDENT Daviston Independent Methodist Daviston, 395-4207 PENTECOSTAL Pentecostals of Dadeville 115 West Columbus Street Dadeville, 256-596-3411

EPISCOPAL Saint James Episcopal Church 121 South Central Ave., Alex City 256-234-4752

First Presbyterian Okefuske, Dadeville, 256-825-4081 Robinson Memorial Presbyterian Robinson Rd., Alex City UNITED PENTECOSTAL Alex City Apostolic 3708 Robinson Rd., Alexander City, 256-329-1573 INDEPENDENT Faith Temple Franklin Street, Alex City, 256-234-6421

Fellowship Revival Center Mission 316 6th Ave., Alex City 256-329-1510 weekends

Hackneyville Baptist Hwy. 63 N., Hackneyville

Sunny Level Baptist Church Sunny Acres Subdivision Sewell Street

Kellyton Revival Center Co. Road 87 South Kellyton

Hillabee Baptist Hillabee Rd., Alex City 256-234-6798

Town Creek Baptist Camp Ground Rd., Alex City

Liberty Life Christian Center 321 “S” Street, Alex City

Horseshoe Bend Baptist Hwy. 280, Dadeville

Wayside Baptist 21 Wayside Circle, Alex City 256-234-5564

Passion Church 3340 Hwy. 63 N., Alex City 256-409-9590

Zion Hill Baptist Hwy. 79, near Horseshoe Bend

The Family Worship Center 365 Scott Road, Alex City

CATHOLIC St. John the Apostle 454 N. Central Ave., Alex City 256-234-3631

METHODIST – UNITED Alexander City Methodist 11th Ave. N., Alex City 256-329-1284

CHURCH OF CHRIST Alex City Church of Christ 945 Tallapoosa St., Alex City 256-234-6494

Bradford Methodist Hwy. 9, Goodwater

New Bethel Fellowship Church 5474 Rock Springs Road Jackson’s Gap 256-825-3367

Comer Memorial U.M. 427 East Church St., 256-329-3467

The Baha’I Faith 740 Newell Street, Camp Hill 256-896-4007

Duncan Memorial U.M. 3997 Hillabee Rd., Alex City 256-234-6708

The Word Bible Church 161 Main St., Alex City, 256-215-5646

Kellyton Baptist Kellyton, 256-329-1512 Kendrick Baptist Church Nixburg Lake Martin Baptist Hwy 34, Dadeville 256-825-7434 Lake Pointe Baptist 8352 Hwy. 50W, Dadeville Lebanon Baptist Mt. Carmel Rd., Dadeville, 256-234-7541

Dadeville Church of Christ East LaFayette St., Dadeville Meadows St. Church of Christ 306 Meadows St., Alex City

Tolbert’s Elite Mobile Detailing “Taking care of your vehicle as if it were my own.”

Owner/Operator: Cameron Tolbert

(256) 786-1007 @ Email: camtoll2 gmail.com

256.307.9087

Red Ridge United Methodist 8091 County Road 34, Dadeville 256-825-9820

Sixth Street Baptist Sixth St., Alex City, 256-234-2408

Jackson’s Gap Baptist Jackson’s Gap, 256-825-4951

For An Effortlessly Beautiful Yard

Fire Pits | Stone Work | Shrubs & More

Pearson Chapel U.M. Pearson Chapel Rd., Alex City

FULL GOSPEL Dadeville Foursquare Gospel Church Old 280 By-pass

Good News Baptist Church 10493 Hwy. 280, Jackson’s Gap 256-825-2555

LANDSCAPE

New Site U.M. New Site, 256-234-7834

Sandy Creek Baptist Alex City

First Baptist Tallassee St., Dadeville, 256-825-6232

JOWERS

Mt. Godfrey New Site

PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian 371 Jefferson St., Alex City 256-329-0524

House of Restoration Holiness 519 Slaughter Ave., Camp Hill, 256-749-2373, 256-896-2904

256.329.7400

Liberty United Methodist Liberty Rd., Hackneyville

CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE Dadeville Church of the Nazarene Corner Hwy. 280 and 49, 256-825-8191

HOLINESS Alex City Emmanuel Holiness Hillabee St., Alex City

BANKING ON VALUES

First United Methodist Dadeville, 256-825-4404

Family Worship Center 1676 Sewell Street 256-839-6895 First Congregational Christian 11th Ave. South, Alex City GAP Fellowship Ministries P.O. Box 1571, Alex City God’s House 9334 Hwy 63N, Alex City Roger Green Sun. Service: 11:00 & 6:00 Wed. Bible Study: 6:30 Jehovah-Jireh Ministries 252 Tallapoosa St., Alex City 256-215-4211 Leap of Faith Outreach Ministry 886 Terrance Drive, 256-234-7119

G. Daniel Brown ATTORNEY AT LAW 926 Cherokee Road Alexander City, AL

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Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce announces yearly awards

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

Dadeville native and businesswoman Peggy Bullard was named Business Person of the Year at the Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet Thursday.

Tallapoosa County Schools Superintendent Joe Windle introduced Bullard as the winner but roasted her a little first, joking that she was as old as he was and needed to take a little time reenergize in the afternoon.

Windle walked into the crowd to pull her from the 150 gathered at White Acres in Camp Hill.

“Can you show us the dance you do?” Windle asked. “You know that

energizer bunny dance you do to get through the afternoon.”

The two walked back to the podium arm and arm with a little bounce to their step.

“Thank you,” Bullard said.

Bullard was not the only one to receive an award as Kurt Pfitzner was recognized as the Laeman Butcher Citizen of the Year and the City of Dadeville was awarded Business of the Year.

“This is a surprise,” Dadeville Mayor Wayne Smith said. “This goes to all of our council members and employees.”

Michael Carter was once again reinstalled as president of the Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Top, the Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce donated the proceeds of its annual Denim and Diamonds Ball to the Lake Martin Area United Way. Above left, the chamber presents proceeds from the Dadeville Christmas parade to Dadeville Elementary School. Above middle, Kurt Pfitzner was awarded the Laeman Butch Citizen of the Year Award. Above, Bubba Gibson introduced The City of Dadeville as the business of the year and was accepted by Dadeville Mayor Wayne Smith and council person Brownie Caldwell. Far left, Peggy Bullard and Joe Windle pose for a photograph after Windle introduced Bullard as Business Person of the Year. Left, guests mingle at the banquet held at White Acres in Camp Hill Thursday night.

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Page 10 Your community, your news ...

Local news Outlook The

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Rogers thanks Russell Lands for showing others the way

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

Congressman Mike Rogers used Ben Russell’s Birthday as a reason to thank him for being the first in his district to show the results of the recently passed tax plan.

From Starbucks to Walmart, Rogers said Russell showed them the way.

“Well they are taking the lead from Ben Russell,” Rogers said. “He is the first employer in my congressional district to do this. To recognize it, we had a Congressional Record acknowledgment read into the record. I think it is a indicator of the leadership here in East Alabama and how much they value you as employees.”

The Congressional Record acknowledgement was to draw attention to Russell’s 80th birthday that was Jan. 18 and provides a brief biography of Russell and his honors and awards.

Just before Christmas Russell announced at the Russell Lands Christmas Party that every fulltime employee would receive a $500 bonus as a result of the Republicanbacked tax plan and the company’s great year. The company employs nearly 500

full time employees so the bonus amounted to $250,000 being put in the hands of employees.

Rogers said Russell’s gesture showed the public what was really in the tax plan.

“They (national media) had spun this thing as the only people who were going to benefit was the rich folks,” Rogers said. “It was only going to be one-sided. What folks have found out since it passed is that is not true.”

Rogers said others will soon discover what the tax plan holds as many businesses have.

“You will find out next month too,” Rogers said as tax deductions will be lower.

“Over 95 percent of taxpaying Americans are going to see relief under this plan.

The businesses around the world know exactly what this means. You are seeing major companies giving cash bonuses and businesses like Walmart voluntarily raising their minimum wage.”

Russell thanked Rogers with a smile and handshake in front of Russell Lands employees Friday afternoon. And Russell hopes Rogers is able to keep bringing back good news to Central Alabama.

“You guys are the ones who

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Ben Russell, center, jokes with Mike Rogers as Tom Lamberth and Steve Forehand look on Friday afternoon at Russell Lands.

got this guy,” Russell said.

“Keep on doing what your doing because we need more.”

Russell Land’s Steve Forehand agrees with his boss.

“He (Rogers) does a great job for us,” Forehand said.

“He is gaining influence there (Washington D.C.) as long as we keep sending him back.”

Rogers went on to explain

some recent successes and what to expect on the horizon in Washington D.C. before things slow down for elections in the summer.

He said the area will see an impact from the F35 project in Montgomery and a possible defense project at Moten Field in Tuskegee.

“We are going to be

working on getting the budget done,” Rogers said. “We had an agreement on spending and the Democrats held it hostage on the DACA issue.

“The next big thing is the infrastructure bill. It is big because that is how our goods are transported. And it is also big because it is $1 trillion in the economy.”

Tallapoosa County Republicans hears from local, state candidates

By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

A crowd of around 40 people made their way to the south end of the county Thursday night for the monthly meeting of the Tallapoosa County Republican Party in the lunchroom of Reeltown High School to learn more about some of the candidates on the ballot in 2018.

Joining party chair Denise Bates during the meeting were a number of candidates seeking local and state offices, including Alice Martin for Attorney General, Lee Hamilton for Probate Judge, Patrick Craddock for Circuit Clerk, Jimmy Abbett for Sheriff and Derrick Blythe for District 81 of the Alabama House of Representatives. Some of the candidates gave short speeches about themselves and why they chose to run for office, while others simply thanked their supporters and asked for continued support as they continued to push towards the June 5 primary.

“I grew up on faith, family and friends for support, not the government,” Martin said as she explained why she was a Republican and the most qualified candidate to be Attorney General.

“In my 37 years of practicing law, I’ve been in just about every seat in the courtroom except for the jury box.”

Having served as a

Donald Campbell / The Outlook

Alice Martin, who is running for attorney genernal as a Republican, spoke to members of the Tallapoosa County Republicans Thursday night along with several other candidates seeking office.

United States District Attorney during the administrations of Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, and having secured convictions against 140 individuals for ethical violations, including former Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford and former Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard, Martin said she was not only the most qualified to be Attorney General, but had a backbone in going after corruption in the state government.

Ag Commissioner hopeful Rick Pate also gave his background,

explaining how his parents were former presidents of both the state cattlemen’s and cattlewomen’s associations, and how as mayor of the town of Lowndesboro, he has managed to build what he believes to be one of the largest percapita financial reserves for a town anywhere in the state. After gaining endorsements from the cattlemen’s association and other organizations, Pate said he felt he has the wind at his back, while he continues working to secure other endorsements.

Following these two

major candidates for state office, those running for more local positions had the chance to address the crowd about their campaigns for office.

Some had more to say than others, but all of the hopefuls expressed their opinion on why they would be the best candidate to vote for.

“There are issues that have been dealt with, but there are also a lot of issues in the count that haven’t been addressed,” County Commission District Two candidate Tony Harris said.

“I think we’ve made a lot of progress, but there

1 injured in 49 wreck Highway 49 was blocked for a time Friday after a truck overturned near Goldville. The truck was the only vehicle involved and the driver was transported to Russell Medical with what were called non-life-threatening injuries.

is still more progress to be made,” Circuit Clerk Patrick Craddock said.

“We’ve come a long way,” Sheriff Jimmy Abbett said. “We strive to make this a safer community, and with your support, we can continue to make the county safer.”

Probate Judge hopeful Lee Hamilton said, if elected, he wanted to continue working to build positive law enforcement relations, while also working to make the county courthouse annex in Tallassee more accessible for everyone.

“I have practiced law in Alexander City and I’ve been very active in my community,” Alabama House District 81 candidate Derrick Blythe said. “I want to go to Montgomery to represent you.”

“If we don’t have quality, moral candidates to occupy these seats, someone else will,” Probate Judge candidate Tal East said.

Other guests included Frank Dillman running for a seat on the Macon County Commission, who has also been spearheading a movement to allow for an initiative and referendum measure for the entire state, where the people would have a say on virtually anything to come before the legislature.

A small handful of those in the crowd have expressed interest in running, but have not yet filled out the necessary

paperwork to officially qualify. One of the biggest names among these was Mark Allen Treadwell.

“Running as a circuit judge has been on my mind,” he said. “I still have two more weeks to make my decision on this.”

Following the main presentations from the candidates in attendance, the meeting then switched gears to cover the regular business of the county party, though there was also a short break in between for the audience to have one final brief meet and greet with the candidates in attendance.

Bates and the party also took a moment to thank Reeltown High School Principal Tom Cochran for allowing the party to have its meeting in the high school lunchroom.

Along with having guests at Thursday night’s monthly meeting, Bates said she hopes to have a larger event at the March meeting, bringing in more candidates in a sort of “candidate fair,” where attendees would be able to hear from multiple candidates at the same time. While this would prove useful in helping everyone become more educated and well aware of the candidates they feel the best about, the small crowd who made it to Reeltown Thursday night left with a better understanding of some of the Republican candidates available to them on the June 5 ballot.

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

Weekend Edition, January 27-28, 2018

LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

Sports Outlook The

Page 11

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TRIPLE THREAT

Schools should Sports are a be a safe place for way of life for student-athletes Shay Johnson

A

mid the #MeToo movement, the stories of sexual abuse and harassment continue to get more and more worrisome. First, it’s Harvey Weinstein and his disturbing treatment of women who felt he had power over them. Then, it’s actors, musicians and even politicians.

Please don’t read this wrong and think an accused person is immediately guilty in my eyes because that’s far from the truth. But no one seemed safe from accusations, and many of them seemed willing to admit wrongdoing.

But none of the accused in the recent months has disturbed me more than the Larry Nassar case, which came to a head earlier this week, as he was sentenced to 40 to 175 years in prison for his sexual assault of more than 150 underage girls.

One hundred fifty.

Let that sink in.

If you’re unfamiliar with the case, Nassar was the USA Gymnastics team doctor and also a physician at Michigan State University. This was a man who was in charge of keeping girls from a very young age medically safe, and he abused them. The stories were horrifying. From hearing about parents in the room — a form of unthinkable manipulation because young girls thought, “If my mom is with me, he must not be doing anything wrong” — to knowing this person was supposed to keep girls safe from injury, my stomach turned for most of the 156 victim statements.

One hundred fifty-six.

Please let that sink in again.

And here’s the thing: When a person has abused at least 156 girls over the course of two decades, there’s no way someone didn’t know. It’s just like the Jerry Sandusky, Penn State scandal a few years ago — the public called for someone’s head, and they had every right to do so.

Probably the most powerful victim See ARBOGAST • Page 12

Editor’s Note: This story is part of the series Triple Threat, which will focus on athletes in the area who are starters in three sports. If you or someone you know fits this description, contact Lizi Arbogast at lizi.arbogast@ alexcityoutlook.com.

By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

During her sophomore and junior years, Benjamin Russell’s Shay Johnson was only a two-sport athlete. But part of her missed her freshman days of being on the volleyball court, too. So this year, Johnson picked up right where she left off, earning a starting spot for the volleyball team and rounding out her resume which already included basketball and softball.

“What made me go back is with it being my senior year, I felt like it was something I wanted to do again,” Johnson said. “Ninth-grade year, I thought it was fun, but I felt like I needed to work on my basketball skills because that’s what I want to go to college for. I played around with some travel teams, then after I did that, I came back my senior year. I felt like I wanted to ’cause it was my last ride here.”

Being a year-round athlete isn’t easy. Like other three-sport starters, Johnson has the struggle of balancing schoolwork on top of her athletics and also has the challenge of going right from one sport to the next with very little transition time.

“I’m always a little tired,” she said with a laugh. “But it’s part of being a student-athlete. You go from staying up late at night to waking up early in the morning to try to catch up on a little work, but I try to be a student first. If I want to be an athlete, there’s just no days off.”

Because of Benjamin Russell’s current success on the basketball court, there’s a good chance Johnson will get little to no time between seasons.

Area tournaments for basketball, where Johnson is a starting guard, begin Feb.

File / The Outlook

Benjamin Russell’s Shay Johnson is a starter in volleyball, basketball and softball.

9, and softball, for which Johnson starts at second base and leftfield, has its first game set for Feb. 20.

“I think it’s very difficult,” BRHS girls basketball coach Latreisha Moon said. “When the seasons change and when you leave out of basketball, she’ll go straight into softball. The workouts are totally different, and I know volleyball is different too. I think she can do it because of the athlete that

Shay is.”

Benjamin Russell volleyball coach Pam Robinson, who is also the Wildcats’ athletic director, was definitely happy to have Johnson back on the court, and encourages all students to play multiple sports.

“I’m a huge proponent because every sport will bring something to the table,” Robinson said. “In every sport, See JOHNSON • Page 12

Benjamin Russell splits area contests Third quarter dooms BRHS girls

By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook

Benjamin Russell’s Jaden Tuck (10) puts up a shot against Opelika.

Wildcats score big win

By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

This boys basketball season has been one of ups and downs for the Benjamin Russell Wildcats. There have been some really high points and some really low points.

But there’s no question, the Wildcats finally put it together — at least for a half — on Friday night, and it came at the perfect time. With the Class 6A Area 6 top seed still up for grabs, the Wildcats got one step closer by putting together a nearly-flawless first half and holding off Opelika for a 62-49

victory.

After being tied 4-4 early in the first quarter, Benjamin Russell exploded for a 17-2 run that lasted until midway through the second quarter. It held Opelika off the scoreboard for more than half of the second frame, giving itself time to build up a 21-8 lead.

“I felt like we played a lot better (than the first meeting), and we played as a team today,” Wildcat forward Jaikobee Gamble said. “We started well, and that was important because we really needed it.”

It needed every minute of it, See BOYS • Page 12

After such a promising first half, things got away from Benjamin Russell’s girls basketball team in the third quarter of Friday night’s Class 6A Area 6 game against Opelika.

Leading by just nine points at halftime, the Bulldogs instilled a full court press in the second half, and the Wildcats were overwhelmed by the pressure.

They totaled 27 turnovers and suffered a 78-51 loss.

“I think fatigue set in,” Benjamin Russell coach Latreisha Moon said. “My bench wasn’t working tonight. I don’t care who I put out there, it just wasn’t working. Even though I had called a lot of timeouts, I think the kids were just tired.”

Having already lost to Opelika by 38 points the first time around, Benjamin Russell (11-6, 0-2) looked especially intense in the opening two quarters. It even led 14-13 at the end of the first when Brooklyn Edwards hit a lastsecond layup to take the lead.

The first part of the second half featured a seesaw battle with five lead changes in the opening three minutes of the frame, but Opelika slowly but surely started to pull away. Benjamin Russell seemed to have the answer for a while, though. Midway through the second, the Bulldogs had pushed their lead out to 25-20, but BRHS kept clawing and Edwards once again hit a layup to seize the lead, 28-27 with 1:58 left in the second.

But Opelika closed out the half

Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook

Benjamin Russell’s Brooklyn Edwards (15) goes up for a hard shot against Opelika on Friday.

on a 9-1 run and never trailed again.

“I think we did good in the first half, but the last two minutes of the first half, we went nuts,” Moon said. “Then they had an 11-0 (to open the second), and we just had a bunch of turnovers.

I knew they were going to press us, and I don’t know why we just kept trying to run the ball back to the middle instead of catching the ball, going and dribbling it back to the middle.”

Moon had to call on her bench

early, as starting guard Shay Johnson got into foul trouble early. She had three fouls to her name by the second quarter, and the Wildcats’ bench players couldn’t quite fill her shoes.

“That changed a lot because it didn’t matter who I put out there, they just couldn’t do it,” Moon said. “I don’t know if they were just nervous or scared, but they just didn’t play well.”

Benjamin Russell actually won the rebound battle, edging See GIRLS • Page 12

Page 12

Johnson

www.alexcityoutlook.com

continued from page 11

Weekend Edition, January 27-28, 2018

The Outlook

Dadeville girls suffer near-miss

By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

File / The Outlook

Shay Johnson said her favorite sport is basketball, but her best is probably softball.

you’ll get something skill-wise that will help you in your other sports, and it helps with recruiting too. I saw a legendary NFL coach speak about recruiting and he said, ‘If you’re recruiting a quarterback, go watch him play basketball.’ You’ll see things in one sport that you won’t see in another.”

Johnson hopes to continue her multi-sport career at the next level. She plans to play basketball at Faulkner University and also would like to play softball there too.

“Basketball is my favorite, but I feel like I’m best at softball,” Johnson said.

Not only has playing three sports potentially helped Johnson get to the next level, it’s also been a benefit to her school spirit.

“I feel like in the beginning, I just thought, ‘Hey, I go to Benjamin Russell so I’m a Wildcat,’” Johnson said. “Once you get onto varsity, you have area and you wanna bring home that trophy. I feel like once you go all the way from ninth to 12th grade, deep down, it really means something to be a Wildcat.”

Arbogast

continued from page 11

statement I watched was that of Rachael Denhollander. Not because her story was any more or less horrifying than anyone else’s and not because she deserved more sympathy than the other 155 survivors, but because she called for people’s heads and she called them by name.

For years, Nassar worked at Michigan State University, a place where hundreds of student-athletes choose to bring their talents and assume they will be kept safe by those in charge. According to an article on AOL. com, there are more than a handful of times people reported Nassar’s abuse to coaches or athletic trainers at Michigan State, a fact Denhollander discussed in-depth during her victim statement.

How did no one do anything?

“You issue a press statement saying there is no cover-up because no one who heard the reports of assault believed that Larry was committing abuse,” said Denhollander during a portion of her statement when she addressed MSU directly. “You play word games saying you didn’t know because no one believed.

I know that. And the reason everyone who heard about Larry’s abuse did not believe it is because they did not listen.”

If you’re reading this and thinking I’m just on a soapbox, please read the fourth sentence of this column. In all of the #MeToo accusations, I’ve said it’s important to step back for a second and think through things clearly before making a judgment call.

But with the #MeToo movement, I’ll reiterate what Denhollander so eloquently said.

We need to listen.

Lizi Arbogast is the sports editor of The Outlook.

SPORTS CALENDAR Saturday, Jan. 27 High school boys basketball Dadeville at Benjamin Russell, 2:30 p.m.

High school girls basketball Dadeville at Benjamin Russell, 1 p.m.

High school wrestling Benjamin Russell at Mortimer Jordan tournament, TBA Dadeville, Reeltown in Hornet Slam 4 at Beauregard, 8 a.m.

Monday, Jan. 29 High school boys basketball Wetumpka at Benjamin Russell, 7 p.m.

Woodland at Horseshoe Bend, 5:30 p.m.

High school girls basketball Wetumpka at Benjamin Russell, 5:30 Woodland at Horseshoe Bend, 4 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 30 High school boys basketball Benjamin Russell at Wetumpka, 7:30 Central Coosa at Clay Central, 7 p.m.

Beulah at Reeltown, 7 p.m.

High school girls basketball Benjamin Russell at Wetumpka, 5:30 Central Coosa at Clay Central, 4:30 p.m.

Beulah at Reeltown, 5:30 p.m.

High school wrestling Opelika, Holtville at Benjamin Russell, 5:30 p.m.

Reeltown at Elmore County, TBA

Despite suffering a narrow loss at the hands of Elmore County on Thursday night, Dadeville’s girls basketball team is showing obvious improvement. The Panthers’ lead hovered around eight to 10 points for most of the game, but Dadeville chipped away at it late, pulling within three points with a minute remaining.

Eventually, though, Elmore County earned a 46-41 victory, but it certainly wasn’t as easy as the first meeting, which it won, 51-34.

“I think they’re learning how to play better with one another in a short period of time,” Dadeville coach Pam Holloway said. “Second half, they picked up the intensity a little bit; I wasn’t pleased with that in the first half.

They moved the ball a lot better. We still had turnovers we shouldn’t have had in the second half, though.”

Elmore County looked to have a stranglehold on the game, leading 41-33 with 3:11 left, but over the course of the next minute, Dadeville scored five straight to pull within three.

The Panthers nailed a 3-pointer, but Dadeville once again made it a onepossession game. It scored a free throw out of a timeout, but missed the second.

It didn’t matter, though, as D’Aja Caldwell scooped up the rebound and nailed a putback with under a minute remaining.

“I think some of them are young and

Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook

Dadeville’s Makya Johnson takes a shot against Elmore County on Thursday.

they just want to play, which is a good thing because it doesn’t unnerve them as much,” Holloway said. “Some of the older players, it’s so intense for them because it’s so important. I just told them to keep composure, make good passes and take good shots. We had to make sure we picked up our man and be ready to help on defense.”

Unfortunately for the Tiger faithful, a final layup by Elmore County’s Emerald Britt put the game out of reach for Dadeville.

Rebounding was one thing that kept the Tigers in the game for so long. The Tigers out-rebounded Elmore County, 40-25. Quanesha Presley led the way with 12 boards to go along with her 17 points, and Caldwell also grabbed 11 rebounds.

“I get on them all the time about not blocking out,” Holloway said. “To me, I feel like we don’t do a good job on the boards. If we would just block out, we would be even better. We do get a lot of rebounds, but I just want them to block out. I am pleased with the improvement, though.”

Dadeville’s biggest issues were once again turnovers and free throws, though.

The Tigers finished with 34 turnovers, but a big part of that was due to Elmore County’s Madison Traylor, who racked up 10 steals.

The charity stripe also haunted the Tigers, as they went 9 of 23 on the night and 5-for-11 in the fourth quarter of the five-point game.

Although Dadeville now sits at just 2-8 (2-5 Class 4A Area 5), it has shown serious improvement since bringing up six JV players after the winter break.

And with all five teams entering the area tournament and the top two advancing, there’s still a chance the Tigers could pull off a big turnaround.

“You never know,” Holloway said.

“I feel like (we’re peaking at the right time), and I’m trying to get them to feel that way too. We may be next to last in the area, but anything is possible. It’s a new season then.”

Strong start, finish lead Tiger boys to win

By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

Dadeville’s boys basketball team went into Thursday night’s game against Elmore County with a desperate desire to win. After reeling off five straight victories to start the season, the Tigers had seen their record plummet to .500 with five consecutive losses.

Moreover, they needed a win to stay in the hunt for the No. 1 spot in Class 4A Area 5.

In spurts, the Tigers showed just how much they wanted the win. They jumped out to a 16-2 lead and scored the game’s last eight points to secure a 66-41 victory.

“That’s been one of our downfalls,” Elmore County coach Warren Brown said.

“We start so slow. But they’re a really good team. I thought my boys played as hard as they could and probably ran out of gas a little bit at the end.”

Thursday’s game saw the return of Dadeville’s Qua Tucker, whose presence was immediately felt. He scored the first five points of the night to rocket the Tigers out to a 5-0 lead in just 38 seconds.

“He’s just an athlete,” Dadeville coach Jesse Foster said. “He helped us out on the defensive side tremendously.

He’s just athletic and he’s going to put pressure on

Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook

Dadeville’s Jay Patrick, right, streaks out in front of Elmore County’s Will Jackson on Thursday.

the ball, and that gives us a chance to get some steals. I’m glad we got him back.”

Dadeville (6-5, 5-3) didn’t let off the gas, either.

It built up a 16-2 lead just 3:35 into the game, but then its offensive prowess came to a grinding halt. The Tigers scored just 14 points throughout the rest of the first half, allowing Elmore County to pull its deficit to 30-25 at the break.

“We only scored 14 points in the second quarter and turned the ball over 13 times to let them get back in the game,” Foster said. “I told

them we just needed to settle down and don’t turn it over, then we’d be fine.”

Dadeville had just six turnovers in the second half and slowly began to pull away again. The Panthers put up a strong fight, though, and trailed only 53-44 with 4:04 left when the sparks started to fly for the Tigers again.

Dadeville’s lead could’ve been even larger if it weren’t for a difficult time at the freethrow line. The Tigers were 11-for-22 from the line.

“We didn’t control the ball on offense,” Tucker said.

“We had too many turnovers

Boys as Opelika started to pressure the Wildcats (8-10, 1-1) in the second half. After having just two turnovers in the first half, Benjamin Russell had nine in the third quarter alone.

“We didn’t necessarily struggle with (the press); I think we were just too amped about where we were in the game that we didn’t concentrate on it,” BRHS coach Lewis Daniel said.

“I think they were kinda already finished the game before the fourth quarter expired, then once we settled them and made them realize we had another quarter to play, that helped. We have struggled against the press in the past, but I think tonight we were just a little antsy.”

Trailing 37-16 midway through the third, Opelika cut its deficit to as little as 13 points in the fourth but never got under the single-digit plateau.

Benjamin Russell’s defense had a fantastic outing, but the thing that really helped the Wildcats to a win was their work on the boards. They outrebounded Opelika, 38-23, and that was something Daniel was looking for entering the game.

and didn’t make a lot of free throws, but we played good overall. We’re going to finish (the regular season) strong.”

P.J. Eason led the Tigers with 22 points and 11 rebounds; he also grabbed six steals. Tucker was stellar in his return, stuffing the stat sheet with 12 points, four rebounds and three assists.

The Tigers were all over the boards, dominating Elmore County, 41-24. All nine Tigers had at least two boards. Jamarion Wilkerson grabbed six and had five assists, and Jamauri Chisolm added five rebounds.

continued from page 11

Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook

Benjamin Russell’s Alex Doss puts up a shot against Opelika.

The Wildcats continued to play around with their lineup Friday, but unlike Monday, their lineup combinations weren’t to try to find the right combination, but to throw the Bulldogs off their game.

“Tonight, it was more strategic because of what kind of disadvantages we wanted to potentially create,” Daniel said.

“We put a little more speed in, and we played with some of our big rebounders. If we could keep them off balance that way, we could hone in on our skillsets, which are perimeter shots, layups and thank God we hit

free throws tonight.”

The rebounding gave Benjamin Russell multiple second-chances, and the effort came from a myriad of sources.

Quin Burroughs led the way on the boards with nine rebounds, while Gamble and Jaden Tuck split 14 evenly. Alex Doss added six rebounds, and even point guard Za Stowes grabbed five.

Moving forward, the Wildcats still have a tough road ahead.

They host Dadeville today before taking on Wetumpka on Monday and Tuesday then hosting rival Central Coosa next Friday.

Girls

continued from page 11

Opelika, 35-34, on the boards, but most of those were grabbed by forwards Jaaliyah Caldwell and Edwards, both of whom had double-doubles.

Caldwell scored 17 points and added 16 rebounds, and Edwards had 16 points and 10 boards. But the rest of the team combined for just 18 points and nine rebounds.

Aaliyah Thomas continued to do well dishing the ball out; she picked up six assists.

The loss puts Benjamin Russell in an 0-2 hole with games against Wetumpka on Monday and Tuesday; the Indians are also 0-2 in the area, so the No. 2 spot is still up for grabs.

“We just gotta handle our business against Wetumpka both here and there,” Moon said. “We have to beat them.”