Jan. 4, 2018 Alex City Outlook

OPINION, PAGE 4: A SALUTE TO THOSE WHO SERVE OUR SCHOOLS

THE CLASSIFIEDS, PAGE 7 Looking for property to buy or rent?

THURSDAY

Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892

January 4, 2018 Vol. 126, No. 3 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢

SPORTS, PAGE 10 Jones is the spark of Coosa’s offense

DOG NOT GONE Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

If approved by the council, the fire retention pond on the former Russell campus could become city property that could eventually have recreational use.

City considers ownership of retention pond

By MITCH SNEED Editor

The Alexander City City Council will start 2018 Thursday evening with its first meeting of the year and will consider a move that could give the residents even more recreational opportunities.

Holding its first monthly meeting on Thursday rather than Monday due to the holiday, the council has just two items on its agenda. The first is a move that would accept See COUNCIL • Page 9

Camp Hill funeral home sees suspension overturned

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

Alabama Funeral Homes in Camp Hill saw a major part of state sanctions against it overturned on appeal after Judge Tom Young allowed fines to stand, but threw out a 30-day suspension of the home’s license.

The Alabama Board of Funeral Service had issued a ruling last spring claiming it See FUNERAL • Page 9

Firefighters bring family’s dog back to life after house fire

By MITCH SNEED Editor

A

young couple saw its Jefferson Street home badly damaged by fire Wednesday morning, but the devastation was wrapped in a silver lining as Alexander City Fire Department firefighters freed their beloved German Shepherd from the flames and brought him back to life.

A brick home in the 2300 block of Jefferson Street sustained heavy damage to the back corner of the home, but it could have been worse if not for an alert motorist passing by.

Ken Cowart, a former firefighter who is now with the Red Cross and the Tallapoosa County-Alexander City Rescue Squad, was traveling on Jefferson Street and spotted the smoke. “I had been up in Clay County assisting a family that had experienced a fire,� Cowart said. “I looked over and saw heavy smoke

Top, Alexander City Firefighter Todd Sassano comforts a German Shepherd named Adler after he was revived after being found lifeless in a house fire Wednesday.

Left, Adler was alert at Dadeville Animal Hospital as shown in this picture from ACPD’s Steve Morgan who rushed the dog for care.

Center, firefighters Andrew Baker, Trey Beeghly and Cole Patterson, inside the house, battle the fire.

See FIRE • Page 3

Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

Today’s

Lake Levels

35 17

483.96

Low

Officers respond to a scene where a passerby spotted a man lying badly injured on the ground Wednesday.

Police seek four suspects in Northside beatdown

Lake Martin

Weather High

Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

Reported on 01/03/18 @ 3 p.m.

We Care About You

By MITCH SNEED Editor

Alexander City Police Department investigators were searching Wednesday evening for four young men suspected of beating and robbing a Northside man.

Just after 3 p.m. officers were called to the See BEATDOWN • Page 9

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Page 2

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Ride in vintage car makes passenger fear for her life

Friday

38 20 Low

High Sunny

Saturday

44 25 Low

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

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

Thursday, January 4, 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 Tabby Edwards Retail Sales Manager, Ext. 232 tabby.edwards@alexcityoutlook.com Scott Hardy Digital Marketing Coordinator, Ext. 208 scott.hardy@alexcityoutlook.com Emily Gregg Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 emily.gregg@alexcityoutlook.com Rebecca Carlisle Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 rebecca.carlisle@alexcityoutlook.com

DEAR ABBY: Recently a friend came over and took me to lunch. She has a small, 50-year-old vintage car that was very popular in the ‘60s.

She had come from Marin County over the Golden Gate Bridge to my house.

As she drove us to the restaurant, her car stalled twice. It was very underpowered and, in my opinion, rickety. After she dropped me home, I sent her an email strongly expressing my concern that she is driving an unsafe car. I was worried for her safety. She took offense, so I apologized.

She has plenty of money to buy a safe used car like anyone else, but she says, “I like driving vintage.” I don’t want to get into her car again. Was I wrong to tell her I felt her car was unsafe? -- NERVOUS PASSENGER IN SAN FRANCISCO DEAR PASSENGER: You weren’t wrong to warn her.

However, you may have been wrong to assume that she

DEAR ABBY Advice

has “plenty of money to buy a safe used car.” Nobody has as much money as others assume they do. Because you don’t want to get into her car again, you should provide the transportation from now on or meet her at the restaurant.

DEAR ABBY: My acrossthe-street neighbor and I have become friendly. She has a 15-month-old and a newborn.

Not only is she not married to the baby’s daddy, but they don’t even live together.

She has been asking me to help her a lot now that the baby is born. I’m 10 years older and raising three kids, all in their teens.

Abby, I don’t want to raise

anyone else’s kids. How can I politely tell her that I have my own family to care for? She has a tendency to overreact.

-- KEEPING DISTANCE DEAR KEEPING DISTANCE: To tell your neighbor you “don’t want to raise anyone else’s kids” may be accurate, but it’s a bit rough.

When she asks you to do things for her, be pleasant and say -- consistently -- that you are busy, you don’t have time, you have other plans, etc. If you do, she will soon realize that you are not to be depended upon.

DEAR ABBY: My son has lived overseas on and off for six years. He’s being married to a wonderful young woman where they met, which was in Wales.

Needless to say, not everyone can attend, so we are having a reception for them here in the States.

My son already has a fully furnished house overseas and doesn’t need anything, plus the

cost of taking gifts back would be astronomical! Anyway, he is thinking of asking for monetary help with the honeymoon.

Would this be all right to do and, if so, how do you ask people for it? -- HELP FOR THE HONEYMOON DEAR HELP: Many young people today post requests like that on their wedding website.

Or, because friends and relatives may ask what they need after receiving invitations or announcements, the message can be conveyed verbally.

According to the rules of etiquette, however, requests for gifts or money should NEVER be included WITH the invitations or announcements.

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.

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, Kenneth Boone Photography and a commercial web printing press. © 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Reproduction of any part of any issue requires written publisher permission.

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Gas prices have been creeping up for a few weeks. GasBuddy says prices in 2018 could reach its highest levels since 2014.

Obituaries Mr. Willie Frank Strong Funeral service for Mr. Willie Frank Strong will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 5, 2018 at Great Bethel Missionary Baptist Church with burial following at Marrietta Baptist Church Cemetery, Goodwater, Alabama.

Professional service provided by Wright’s funeral Home.

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2018 gas prices could be highest since 2014 STAFF REPORT GasBuddy.com

Motorists will be digging a bit deeper for the second straight year as the yearly national average will rise 19 cents versus last year to $2.57 per gallon, the highest since 2014, according to the 2018 Fuel Price Outlook released today by GasBuddy, the only smartphone app connecting 70 million drivers with their Perfect Pit Stop.

Some highlights from GasBuddy’s 2018 Fuel Price Outlook include: • The nation’s yearly gasoline bill will rise to $364.6 billion dollars, some $25 billion higher than what motorists spent last year as the average household sees their yearly gasoline bill rise to $1,898, up from $1,765 in 2017. Compared to 2016, motorists will be shelling out $62 billion more during the year, enough to buy a fleet of 670 Boeing 737s.

• GasBuddy’s forecast does not expect any record-breaking prices to be set in 2018, and most of the country will see prices peak under

$3 per gallon, but unexpected disruptions could push the national average close to $3.

• Metro areas including Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Sacramento, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington D.C. will likely see prices eclipse $3 per gallon. Cities such as Cleveland, Detroit, Miami, Minneapolis, Orlando, St. Louis and Tampa may get within arm’s reach of such prices.

• How accurate have past forecasts been? In 2017, the forecast called for a yearly national average of $2.49. Actual: $2.39.

In 2016, the forecast called for a yearly national average of $2.28.

Actual: $2.12.

“Many will be quick to ask why we’re expecting higher prices.

Ultimately, OPEC bears much of the responsibility for cutting oil production, leading oil inventories to begin 2018 nearly 50 million barrels lower than a year ago.

Yet, understanding many factors, including OPEC, fuel taxes, the economy and their impact on supply and demand is integral to providing a thorough and balanced

outlook on gas prices for 2018,” said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.

“Even one event can completely change trajectory of fuel prices for months. Look what impact Hurricane Harvey and Irma had on gas prices and availability.

No one could have expected the unexpected, but still, our forecast was less than a dime away from being spot on.”

“While gasoline prices overall remain affordable, one aspect that continues to worsen is the gap between what stations are charging.

It’s become nothing short of crazy how one station might sell gasoline 20-40 cents lower or higher than a nearby competitor. In addition to GasBuddy data showing spreads have risen to record levels, I’ve heard hundreds of complaints of motorists who get stuck at the pricier station, drive down the street and see it far cheaper. Always shop around when filling your tank. We spend thousands of dollars a year filling the tank, a dime or quarter per gallon adds up to hundreds of dollars,” he said.

Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room in the courthouse in Rockford. All meetings are open to the public.

Town Hall.

Public Meetings Alexander City Board of Education meets on the third Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in the board office at 375 Lee St. or local school at 5 p.m.

Alexander City Council meets on the first and third Mondays of each month. Meetings are held in the courtroom at the old city hall at 5:30 p.m.

Camp Hill Town Council meets the first and third Mondays of each month.

Meetings are held in town hall at 6 p.m.

Community Action Agency of Chambers, Tallapoosa, Coosa will holds its regular board of directors meetings every other month at the Central Office in Dadeville.

Get more feedback from buyers when you advertise in the Classifieds.

In Print & Online

CALL CLASSIFIEDS TODAY•256-277-4219

Coosa County Board of Education holds called meetings at least once a month.

Coosa County Commission meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in the Coosa County Courthouse in Rockford at 9:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday and at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday.

Coosa County Industrial Development Board will hold its regularly scheduled meeting the third

Dadeville City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. with a pre-meeting at 5:30 p.m. in city hall.

Daviston City Council meets the third Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Daviston Fire Department.

Goldville Town Council meets the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the town hall.

Goodwater City Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month.

Meetings are held at the Caldwell Center at 6:30 p.m.

Jackson’s Gap Town Council meets the second Tuesday of each month.

Meetings are held in town hall at 6:30 p.m., all Jackson’s Gap citizens are encouraged to attend.

Kellyton Town Council meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the community center in Kellyton.

New Site City Council meets the first and third Monday of the month at 5 p.m. in the Conference Room in the

Ray Water Authority meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Ray Water Authority Office.

All customers are invited to attend.

Rockford Town Council meets the second Tuesday of each month.

Meetings are held in town hall at 7 p.m.

Tallapoosa County Board of Education meets on the second Monday of each month. Meetings are held in the new central office at 679 East Columbus Street, Dadeville, AL 36853.

Tallapoosa County Commission meets the second Monday of the month at 9 a.m. in the courthouse in Dadeville, with a pre-meeting also open to the public 30 minutes before each regular session.

Tallapoosa County 911 Board will meet on the second Wednesday of each month at 5 p.m. in the 911 Administrative office at 240 West Columbus Street, Dadeville. Call 8258490 for more information.

Walnut Hill Water Authority meets the third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited. Call 825-9841 to inquire about the agenda.

Thursday, January 4, 2018

Fire

The Outlook

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Page 3

continued from page 1

Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

Above and left, Tim Jones, Ken Cowart, Todd Sassano, Craig Clark, Tommy Allen and DeWayne Rathel all work on reviving the dog after he was carried from the Jefferson Street home unresponsive. Below, Sassano comforts the dog after pulling the intubation tube from Adler’s throat.

coming out of some of the vents on the eaves there and I knew something wasn’t right.”

Cowart called for help, tried to see inside through the heavy smoke then alerted relatives who live in a home next door.

That’s when they learned that a male German Shepherd dog named Adler was inside.

Deputy Chief Jamey Johnson was one of the first in the home and actually located the dog.

“What we did was get inside as quickly as we could, looking for anyone or anything as we moved through, and knock down the flames,” Johnson said. “The smoke was so thick you could hardly see, but then we were able to find the dog in an area on the front of the house near the kitchen.

“He was all but dead. He took a breath, but he was lifeless.”

After getting Adler on the ground the personnel worked together, each playing a role. Todd Sassano intubated the dog, getting a tube in his airway to begin resuscitation, Deputy Chief Craig Clark started an IV and Lt. Tommy Allen began compressions on the dog. Tim Jones was close by, making sure that the dog was comfortable and all the needed supplies were there.

“When they put him down on the ground, he had a lot of soot on his mouth and snout and I blew in his mouth, but that was totally ineffective,” Clark said. “About the time I did that I thought this dog is going to wake up with me in his face and take a chunk out of me. That’s when Todd Sassano intubated him and compressions were started. I had never done an IV on a dog before, but it worked out today.”

Chief Reese McAlister said that as part of EMS training, firefighters and EMS personnel spent time at the Animal Ark Rescue, doing intubations on cats and dogs. Sassano said that training paid off for Adler.

“This is something we had trained for,” Sassano said. “The same tube we use on humans works for dogs too. We didn’t know how much damage had been done, but we knew we have to get him some air and do everything we could. After we did that he started come around, but you never know.”

Alexander City Police Department Code Enforcement Officer Steve Morgan transported Adler to Dadeville Animal Hospital where he was stabilized and later transferred to Auburn University for further treatment. Family members say the dog isn’t out of the woods yet, but is stable.

Homeowners Brad and Shannon Mullins arrived on the scene after the dog had been stabilized and firefighter began assessing the damage and searching for the cause. It was an understandably emotional time for them and their entire family who gathered in support.

“Thank you to the firemen, police officers, friends and family for the care and support during this time,” Brad Mullins said. “All the prayers and kind words are greatly appreciated.”

McAlister said the save of the family’s dog is the kind of moment that firefighters live for, something positive in a time that is tough enough in ideal circumstances.

“Capt. (Chris) Queen isn’t the kind who is going to take a lot of the credit, but the reason it went so well was all because of him,” McAlister said. “All of our guys train hard and just react, but in situations like this he goes out first, ahead of everyone else. He gets on the scene and assesses the situation and radios back to everyone. He tells them what they will find, what equipment they will need and who will do what when they get there. That’s exactly what you saw there today.”

McAlister said it wasn’t as simple as all those on scene made it look.

Firefighters had to run lines from a hydrant that was almost a half-mile away. When Queen first arrived on the scene, the home was locked up tight and loud pops, later found to come from bullets stored in a gun safe, were going off with regularity.

“You never really know what you will encounter, but that’s just what we do,” Queen said.

“You have to get in, make sure everyone is safe and stop the fire. Everyone has a job to do and they know that going in. Today is just one of those days when you were there to see it.”

Clark said the cause of the fire is still under investigation, but it appears as though an electrical shortage in the cord on a bed-side lamp in a back bedroom may have been responsible for the fire.

“He was all but dead. He took a breath, but he was lifeless.”

— Jamey Johnson Deputy Chief

Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

Residents, family and friends assess the damage and thanked firefighters who battled the blaze Wednesday morning. Deputy Chief Craig Clark and Todd Sassano check for vital signs. Left, smoke pours out of the roof line as firefighters begin knocking down flames inside a back bedroom of the home.

MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213

editor@alexcityoutlook.com

EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Page 4

Our

View

Salute to those who serve our schools

A

lexander City Schools and the Tallapoosa County Schools will join school systems throughout the state to salute their local education leaders during Alabama’s annual School Board Member Recognition Month in January.

The commemorative month is designed to recognize the contributions made by Alabama’s more than 800 local school board members, including the members of the Alexander City Board of Education, who are charged with governing public education under state law.

Alabama school board members are chosen by their communities through election or appointment to manage local schools. In our area there is no salary for these jobs, but yet they oversee multimillion-dollar budgets, which fund education programs for more than 744,930 Alabama schoolchildren.

Your local school board members are part of a statewide team that supervises 91, 277 employees, including 46,539 teachers, 3,110 administrators and 35,712 support workers and others in 1,467 schools.

These volunteer leaders also are responsible for formulating school system policy, approving curricula, maintaining school facilities, and adhering to state and federal education law. Legal concerns and the complexities of school finance, including budgeting and taxation require them to spend many hours in board training programs and personal study to enhance their understanding of these issues.

Our deepest appreciation is extended to the dedicated men and women who make it possible for local citizens to participate in education in our community.

We salute the public servants of the Alexander City and Tallapoosa County school systems whose commitment and civic responsibility make local control of public schools in our community possible: In Alexander City: David Sturdivant, Michael Ransaw, Denise Bates, Dorothea Walker and Kelly Waldrop.

In Tallapoosa County: Matilda Woodyard-Hamilton, Martin Johnson, Michael Carter, Carla Talton and Betty Carol Graham.

Please join us by saying “thanks” to our school board members during Alabama’s 25th School Board Member Recognition Month.

I

Thursday, January 4, 2018

Oh, to be warm again!

t’s c-c-c-c-cold outside.

And, in some cases, like here at our Wetumpka Herald offices, it’s cold inside, too.

I don’t have a thermometer in my office, but I know that from my thighs to my toes, my legs are cold as the wind off a glacier’s face.

The central heat doesn’t appear to be working. I do have a portable heater in my office and, while I can feel an inkling of heat emanating from it, it’s certainly not enough to prevent what feels like frostbite forming in my legs.

And while we’re experiencing a cold snap – in duration and degree – that ranks with some of the coldest weather we’ve had in some time, do we really want to compare ourselves with others who have it much worse?

Take the New Year’s Eve revelers in New York’s Times Square for example.

The temperature eventually fell before the broadcast went off the air to right around 10 degrees. Some of those people came to Times Square not only from around the country but from around the world.

They were warned to drink and eat minimally because bathrooms would not be available to the massive crowds.

Yes, it’s cold here in central Alabama this morning, but I like to think we’re not stupid enough to seek out a deep freeze where we won’t be able to

DAVID GRANGER Managing Editor

perform necessary bodily functions for hours on end.

But if you really want to be chilly, perhaps a trek to Whitefield, New Hampshire is exactly what your doctor would order. The temperature in Whitefield, located on the Johns River in the Great North Woods near Mount Washington (the northeast’s highest peak), bottomed out this morning at 33 degrees below zero.

Can you imagine the out-and-out panic that such temperatures would cause in the Great South Woods of Alabama?

But, like they say about Texas, if you don’t like the weather, wait long enough in Alabama and it will change. On Sunday, the National Weather Service says it will be sunny and 51 degrees here.

On Monday, we get some rain, but we also get more warmth with a high of 59 predicted.

I was really glad to see the calendar page turn on 2017. It was not my best year what with the death of my father-in-law, a dislocated elbow and the doctor’s appointments and physical therapy that have accompanied that injury, my wife’s nasty,

lengthy bout with the flu, a long stint of time without a sports editor, ad nauseum (and I do mean ad nauseum), but goshdarn it, 2018 ain’t starting off that much better.

Why? Can’t you hear? I said it’s COLD! New York and Whitefield be damned, it’s cold enough to kill a big, strapping hog in my office with no worries of spoilage.

By the way, where’s Al Gore when you need him, because I could sure use some global warming right about now. I’m no non-believer. I believe the science that says our planet is warming and it’s largely our (man’s) fault. I just need someone to prove me and Al and every other scientist in the world worth his or her salt right and start with an illustration that features my scrawny little frostbitten legs beginning to globally de-ice.

If that ain’t personal sacrifice for the better scientific understanding of our climate, then I don’t know what is.

I’m just a living congressional exhibit waiting – and wanting – to happen.

Oh, to be warm again!

I guess there’s always later this week.

David Granger is the managing editor of Tallapoosa Publishers’ Elmore County newspapers. He can be reached at david.granger@ thewetumpkaherald.com

Jim Nabors

Buffy Colvin

Letters to the Editor

Can you have a socialist governerment and have a car?

Scott Hardy

Eric Brown

Tommy Spraggins

Tommy Spraggins

Tim Funderburk represents District 6.

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

alexcityoutlook.com

Daily Poll Wednesday Question: Who is going to win the national championship?

Alabama – 9 Georgia – 7

Thursday Question: Do you think it would be a good thing for the city to acquire the pond in the Russell campus for recreational purposes?

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

Opinion?

Eric Brown represents

represents District 5.

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

“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “no” to ungodliness and and worldly passions, and to live self-contolled, upright, and godly lives in this present age.”

– Titus 2:11-12

What’s your

Bobby Tapley

Scott Hardy represents

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

Scripture

Subscribe

Buffy Colvin represents

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

Today’s

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.

Bobby Tapley

District 2. Her phone number is 256-750-0663.

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

“To succeed in your mission, you must have singlemindd devotion to your goal.”

– A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

How to

Officials

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

Quote

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.

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

Today’s

Tim Funderburk

Dear Editor, Are you afraid that one day you’ll discover that European style socialism has replaced the red, white and blue oligarchy that we have come to call, “our system?” Rest easy – it ain’t gonna happen. Why? Our love of cars will put a stop to such nonsense.

In Europe, space is limited and because Europeans are serious about limiting carbon footprints, they’re doing what they can to get cars off the roads. Buddy, they ain’t playin. In Denmark, a 100 percent tariff is tacked on car purchases.

An you can’t buy a car unless you can prove you have a place to park it. In neighboring Sweden, a drivers license costs $2,500. In Norway, another Scandinavian gem, even though they’re awash in oil, gas costs over $18 per gallon.

With the attitude these extremists have about cars, do they really expect Americans to embrace their style of socialism? Haven’t these nuts heard that, even ahead of guns, Americans are a car

culture? We’ve got car songs; Little ducee coupe, Mustang Sally, G.T.O. We’ve got car movies: Cruzin, Amrican Graffiti, Gone in 60 Seconds. We give our cars nick names. We conceive our children in cars. Have these subversives ever made a trip down old Route 66 with the top down and American freedom blowing through their hair? Not likely.

So I talked to my Swedish cousin about how we Americans feel about our cars and European socialism. I told him, sure, we’d like free health care, free college, a better legal system, a better system of living, etc. etc. But, not if we had to give up our cars. My cousin thought a bit and said, “What if you Americans could keep your cars and have socialism too? Would you be willing to drop the oligarchy you have now?” I didn’t have to think long, “Yeah of course we’d switch, you think we’re stupid?”

Art Walker Alexander City

Reader upset over AARP donation request Dear Editor, I find it appalling the letter my 84-year-old mother received from AARP Ms. Jo Ann C. Jenkins, CEO, asking her to send a donation to Luther Strange, who will be out of office soon, Richard Shelby and Mike Rogers. This after they just voted away the mandatory enrollment tax bill.

Her Medicate Part D premiums are now going up in cost.

Why did Ms. Jenkins not ask for support of healthcare for all?

Greed!

Daniel Storey Dadeville

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Thursday, January 4, 2018

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Troopers investigate 23 traffic fatalities during 17-day holiday travel period STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

While Tallapoosa County escaped the holiday travel period without a fatality and just two DUIs over the New Year’s holiday, it was a busy time for state law enforcement.

Alabama State Troopers investigated 23 traffic deaths during the Christmas and New Year’s Day holiday travel period, which was from 12:01 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017, to midnight Monday, Jan. 1, 2018. The total is significantly lower than the total from the same period in 2016, when Troopers investigated 31 traffic fatalities.

The fatal traffic crashes occurred in Autauga, Baldwin, Calhoun, Choctaw, Colbert, Coosa, Crenshaw, Cullman, Dallas, DeKalb, Escambia, Geneva, Limestone, Mobile, Russell, St. Clair, Shelby and Washington counties. Those killed were 16 drivers, four passengers, two pedestrians and one bicyclist. Of those who died in these traffic crashes, 20 were traveling in vehicles equipped with seat belts, but 11 of them were not using them. Nothing further on these crashes is available as Troopers continue to investigate.

Troopers did see five zero-fatality days during this holiday travel period – including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. In addition, Troopers wrapped up 2017 with fewer traffic fatality investigations than the previous year. In 2017, Troopers investigated 598 traffic deaths, 73 fewer than 2016’s 671 traffic deaths. Still, the motoring public is encouraged to drive responsibly: Buckle up, obey speed limits, avoid driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs, and avoid driving when distracted. Do pay attention to the task of driving, and #arrivealivealabama.

File / The Outlook

The Courthouse Annex in Alexander City is one of the locations for the upcoming Throw Away Day.

Throw Away Days event set next Monday and Tuesday seen along the sides of a number of less traveled roads in the county.

He is so sold on the effectiveness of Throw Away Days that two sites will An initiative to help citizens be offered in his district. maintain clean homes and a clean “My district is very spread out so environment is set to take place I felt like it may serve us better to through another Throw Away Days have it in two places,” McKelvey event held at locations in districts said. “Our crews run into illegal throughout the county is set for dumpsites on a regular basis.

Monday and Tuesday.

Anything we can do to help offer an Tallapoosa County alternative that cuts down on that is a Commissioners have teamed up good thing.” with the Middle Tallapoosa Clean Sabrina Wood of the Alabama Water Partnership (MTCWP) on the project, which now include quarterly Clean Water Partnership said the event was desperately needed. days for the community to clean “This time of year after the up and rid themselves of unwanted holidays there is always a lot of items.

Tallapoosa County Commissioner things that people want to get rid of,” District Three John McKelvey said it Wood said. “Unfortunately that often means more illegal dumping, usually was a good way for residents to get rid of items they normally could not along creeks and the river. Hopefully this alternative will help with that through regular trash pickups. problem. We are so grateful to the He said it was also a way to rid commissioners for their commitment the county of illegal dumpsites, and to this program. We feel like it is said any amount of debris could be

STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

making a difference.”

She said their collaboration has been overwhelmingly successful with roughly more than 45 tons worth of refuse collected at each event.

Dumpsters will be at the following locations from 8 a.m. on Jan. 8 through Jan. 9.

District 1: Alex City Annex- 395 Lee Street District 2: Double Bridges on Highway 63 District 3: Old Daviston School, Highway 22 in Daviston District 4: Camp Hill Town Hall, 309 Holley Avenue in Camp Hill District 5: Union Community Center- 4191 Highway 50 The following items are not allowed: liquids (including paint, paint thinners, pesticides, etc.), appliances with compressors, tires, batteries, light bulbs, TVs, computers, propane tanks, hazardous/medical waste.

Dadeville CACC student awarded manufacturing scholarship

By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Chromebooks will soon be delivered to students in Tallapoosa County Schools. Currently staff are making sure the computers are setup and ready for students later this month.

County schools preparing to issue Chromebooks to students

By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

Working towards a goal of having technology available for every student in every grade at all four schools in the system, the Tallapoosa County School System recently took receipt of a number of Google Chromebooks for all high school students in the county system.

“All of our schools have received the Chromebooks,” Director of Student Services Casey Davis said. “Right now, they are being housed by the school librarians.

“We are very excited to be providing this opportunity to our students. We want to be able to offer them the tools they need to be competitive in today’s world and today’s job market.”

Davis said the schools are currently hoping to distribute all of the devices to students in grades 9-12 by the end of January, though this would be partially determined by certain protocols the school board must meet.

“The board of education has to pass an Acceptable Use Policy,” he said. “Once the policy is passed, the next step will be to have parent-student meetings at each of the schools. At these meetings, we will go over the plans for these devices, acceptable use, the capabilities of the Chromebook and the long-range plans we have.”

The Chromebooks began to arrive around Thanksgiving, but it was only recently that the last ones

were delivered. However, teachers at all of the county schools were receiving training on their usage beginning at the start of the school year, according to Davis.

When beginning this one-toone initiative (where each student has his or her own individual technology device), Davis said they looked at schools which had achieved their own one-to-one initiatives, reviewing the devices used and how well everything had been received there.

“We thought the Chromebook was the most flexible device and was most compatible with what we wanted to offer,” Davis said.

Moving forward, the Tallapoosa County School System wants

to fully achieve a one-to-one technology initiative, but will be doing so one step at a time.

“The next phase of our plan is to start bringing technology into the lower grades as funding is available,” Davis said. “Any journey begins with a single step.”

With the Chromebooks having been delivered and essentially ready to be distributed to the high school students of Dadeville, Horseshoe Bend and Reeltown, the Tallapoosa County School System has made a strong move forward to help it students be even better prepared for the world outside of school.

“We are really excited for this initiative,” Davis said.

Nuts, Bolts and Thingamajigs, The Foundation of the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association recently awarded 17 scholarships, totaling $30,500, to university students studying in fields that will allow them to pursue a career in manufacturing after graduation.

Among these 17 worthy individuals was Dadeville’s own Wyatt Martin, currently enrolled at Central Alabama Community College studying machine shop technology. To help Martin reach his dream, the foundation awarded him a $1,500 Nuts, Bolts and Thingamajigs Communnity/Technical College Scholarship.

“These scholarships are given out twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall,” Daunel Zarnecki with the association said. “Those we recently awarded will be for the spring semester.”

In order to apply for one of these scholarships, interested applicants can go online and submit an application through the Nuts and Bolts website.

Along with the application, which includes two essay questions to be answered, students must have transcripts from their most recently completed semester and have maintained a 2.5 GPA (for a scholarship to a two-year institution) or a 3.0 (when attending a fouryear university). Scholarships can be used for tuition, books and certain school fees.

“The number of scholarships we are able to offer varies based on the money available in our endowments,” Zarnecki said. “The number of applications we receive also varies, but we usually see more in the fall than in the spring. Last fall, we received around 900 applications, and this spring, we only had about 390 come in.”

Once all applications are in, Zarnecki said there are at least eight volunteer reviewers who look over every single submission. Each application is graded based on the school a student is attending, the major he or she is entering and the answers provided to the two essay questions. Once the winning applications are chosen to receive a scholarship from the foundation, the total financial aid amount awarded is determined using criteria such as if the student received one of the endowed scholarships offered and if the student is attending a two-year or four-year institution.

“We are pleased to award scholarships to these deserving students and are happy to assist them in reaching their academic goals,” Nuts, Bolts and Thingamajigs President Edward Youdell said. “They recognize that skilled manufacturing careers can be rewarding financially and fulfilling personally. The knowledge and skills they obtain will help them be more competitive in the current job market.

“The most difficult jobs to fill today are those in the skilled trades and engineering. With majors in machine tool and CNC technology, structural and pipe welding, sheet metal fabrication, engineering, and precision machining technology, these students will be prepared for the skilled labor openings that American manufacturers must fill.”

For students pursuing a manufacturing career and are interested in applying for a Nuts, Bolts and Thingamajigs scholarship, the application window for fall 2018 is open and will be open until March 31. The application and other important information can be accessed at www.nutsandboltsfoundation.org/ Scholarships.

Page 6

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January 4, 2018

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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/.

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Cliff Williams / The Outlook

The Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual meeting and awards banquet Jan. 25 at 6 p.m. at White Acres in Camp Hill. Tickets are $40. For more information call 256-825-4019 or email chamber@dadeville.com. 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 January 8-9 Tallapoosee Historical Society THROW AWAY DAYS: The Middle Please make plans to attend. The Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership meeting is open to the public, there and the Tallapoosa County is no admission fee and free refreshCommission are holding Throw Away ments will be served.

Days January 8-9. Dumpsters will be located at the Alex City Annex Monday, January 22 at 395 Lee Street, Double Bridges HORIZONS UNLIMITED: E. on Highway 63, the Old Daviston Paul Jones will present “Reverend School on Highway 22, the Camp Maxwell” to Horizons Unlimited Hill Town Hall at 309 Holley Ave. Monday, Jan. 22 starting at 1:30 and the Union Community Center at 4191 Highway 50. Dumpsters will be p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education. available at no charge to residents.

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

Saturday, January 13 Registration for winter quarter begins BOOK SALE: The Friends of the 1 p.m. Jan. 8.

Dadeville Public Library will host a book sale on the lower level of the Monday, January 29 Dadeville Library Saturday, Jan. 13 HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Marilee from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fill a grocery bag for $5 or three bags for just $15. Tankersley will present “Wetumpka MLK PRAYER BREAKFAST: The Impact Crater” to Horizons Unlimited annual Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Monday, Jan. 29 starting at 1:30 breakfast will be Saturday, Jan. 13 at p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education. the Stephens Elementary Gym at 8 Horizons Unlimited membership a.m. Tickets are $10.

FAMILY GATHERING: The Norris, is $20 per person or $30 per couple.

Registration for winter quarter begins Holley and Edwards families are 1 p.m. Jan. 8. gathering at the Bud Porch Building in Alexander City Saturday Jan. 13 Monday, February 5 from noon to 5 p.m.

HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Glen Bring a dish. There will be door Willis will present “Forgotten prizes. Contact Linda Nix for more Alabama” to Horizons Unlimited informaiton at 256-786-9279.

Monday, Feb. 5 starting at 1:30 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Monday, January 15 MLK CELEBRATION: The annual Education.

Horizons Unlimited membership Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration is $20 per person or $30 per couple. will be Monday, Jan. 15. It will start with a parade at 9 a.m. beginning at Registration for winter quarter begins 1 p.m. Jan. 8.

Stephens Elementary School and a program at the Stephens Elementary Wednesday, February 7 School gym at 11 a.m.

SITE REVIEW: Central Alabama Community College will host a site Tuesday, January 16 review for continuing accreditation BEEKEEPING COURSE: The of its Associate Degree in Nursing 2018 Beginner Beekeeping Course program by the ACEN on Feb. 7 at 3 will start Jan. 16 and will be on Tuesdays through Feb. 20 from 6:30 p.m. in Building J of the Childersburg Campus. For further information go p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Dadeville to the CACC homepage at www.

Recreation Center. Cost is $45 for adults and $35 for students. Call the cacc.edu ENGLISH LEARNER’S CLUB: Extension Office at 256-825-1050 The Adelia M. Russell Library is and the deadline for registration is hosting the English Learner’s Club Jan. 11. starting Wednesday, Feb. 7 from COMPUTER CLASSES: The 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Registration Adelia M. Russell Library is offerstarts Jan. 3. The club will help ing computer classes in 2018. One speakers of other languages learn, program is for beginners, with a separate advanced program for indi- develop and improve English skills, learn American slang, idioms and viduals seeking to move beyond the other useful phrases and work on basics. fluency activities and interview quesThe advanced class is aimed at anyone wanting to improve their skill tions.

For questions call 256-329-6796 set and/or enhance their employment or visit the Adelia M. Russell Library. opportunities. The basic classes will begin January 16, 2018, and the Monday, February 12 advanced classes will begin January HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Peggy 18, 2018; each session will last Shores will present “Songs from approximately one hour (3 p.m. to 4 the Heart” to Horizons Unlimited p.m.) and will meet for four straight weeks. Classes will be small and the Monday, Feb. 12 starting at 1:30 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of atmosphere will be relaxed.

Education.

To sign up simply come by the Horizons Unlimited membership Adelia M. Russell Library. For more is $20 per person or $30 per couple. information, call 256-329- 6796.

Registration for winter quarter begins There is no cost to attend.

1 p.m. Jan. 8.

Monday, January 8

HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Craigger Browne will present “Tribute to Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Jan. 8 starting at 1:30 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education.

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

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

Sunday, January 21

256.267.0518

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

Monday, February 26

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

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

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

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 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Auburn High School Auditorium. Speakers will be Joe Galloway and Medal of Honor recipients Bennie Adkins and James Livingston. Family is welcome to accompany their veteran and there will be a light reception afterwards.

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

April 9-10

THROW AWAY DAYS: The Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership and the Tallapoosa County Commission are holding Throw Away Days April 9-10. Dumpsters will be located at the Alex City Annex at 395 Lee Street, Double Bridges on Highway 63, the Old Daviston School on Highway 22, the Camp Hill Town Hall at 309 Holley Ave. and the Union Community Center at 4191 Highway 50. Dumpsters will be available at no charge to residents.

July 16-17

THROW AWAY DAYS: The Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership and the Tallapoosa County Commission are holding Throw Away Days July 16-17. Dumpsters will be located at the Alex City Annex at 395 Lee Street, Double Bridges on Highway 63, the Old Daviston School on Highway 22, the Camp Hill Town Hall at 309 Holley Ave. and the Union Community Center at 4191 Highway 50. Dumpsters will be available at no charge to residents.

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!

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October 15-16

THROW AWAY DAYS: The Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership and the Tallapoosa County Commission are holding Throw Away Days October 15-16. Dumpsters will be located at the Alex City Annex at 395 Lee Street, Double Bridges on Highway 63, the Old Daviston School on Highway 22, the Camp Hill Town Hall at 309 Holley Ave. and the Union Community Center at 4191 Highway 50. Dumpsters will be available at no charge to residents.

Ongoing Events

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: Red Ridge United Methodist Church in Dadeville hosts an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting every Sunday at 6 p.m.

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS: The Bill Nichols Chapter 13 meets every third Monday at 5:30 p.m. at the Charles T. “Bud” Porch Center in Alexander City. Chapter Service Officers are available every second and fourth Wednesday from noon to 5 p.m. for claims assistance.

VOLUNTEER: Southern Care Hospice is seeking volunteers.

Please call Lizz Gillenwaters at 256234-1134 or 256-749-3717 for more information.

WOMAN MEETING: Every first Sunday, Victory Temple Holiness Church hosts a women’s meeting, at 237 Aster St. in Dadeville. Everyone is invited. The meeting starts at 2 p.m.

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Thursday, January 4, 2018

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Thursday, January 4, 2018

Thursday, January 4, 2018

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Council

continued from page 1

property on the former Russell Campus that includes the old fire retention pond, making it city property.

Mayor Jim Nabors said there are some things to consider such as liability, but outlined a few concerns.

“I have always thought that it was just a beautiful place and Russell Brands is willing to essentially give it to the city,” Nabors said. “We are

still looking at things like liability and what it would take to satisfy those concerns, but Sonny Wilson with Parks and Recreation sees all sorts of possibilities there for recreational uses.”

A proposed deed shows the price as just $10.

Nabors mentioned uses that include fishing by special needs children for fishing and other outdoor education

activities as well as casual outings for the public. Some of the concerns are how to restrict the use and secure the pond to prevent potential hazards and accidents.

“We see programs like what is being done with Outdoor Friends Forever up in Coosa County and I could see that kind of thing happening there,” Nabors said. “All that is preliminary, but we felt like it was definitely

Funeral

intersection of K and N Streets off Jefferson as a passerby spotted a man lying badly injured on the ground.

Alexander City Police Chief Jay Turner said that they were still sorting out details and trying to identify the people responsible.

“The preliminary information we have is that a male subject was assaulted by at least four juvenile offenders wearing hoodies,” Turner said. “The victim has injuries to his face and cuts and wounds on his hands. Wounds to his hands were consistent with what would be caused by a knife. The facial wounds were consistent to what would be causes by fists or feet, having been punched and kicked.

“All indications are that they jumped him and gave him a pretty severe beatdown.”

The victim was taken by

worth exploring. There’s just a lot of potential there.”

Also on the agenda is a resolution to accept funds from CACCTC Headstart for repairs to a water heater and upgrades to the grease trap at Cooper Recreation Center.

The meeting is set for 5:30 p.m. in the upstairs courtroom at the Public Safety Building at One Court Square in downtown Alexander City.

continued from page 1

found irregularities in the cremation process during a surprise inspection.

The ruling included a fine and a suspension of the license. But Alabama Funeral Homes and its owner Carl Pritchard filed a motion and received a stay of the order while appealing the decision.

According to court records, Young issued a ruling last week removing the 30-day suspension of the license but leaving other fines and decisions by the board in effect.

Young held a hearing in December

Beatdown

Page 9

on the appeal, hearing arguments from Pritchard through his attorney Charles Gillenwaters and from the funeral board’s representative Cameron McEwen, who argued over Young’s authority to modify the board’s decision.

“I think you do have the authority to modify punishment,” Gillenwaters said. “There are incidents by this board that have been modified and by other boards too. That rule (appeal to circuit court) would not be there if you could not modify.”

McEwen told Young that the board wanted this punishment to keep others from falling into the same habit. It was in May that the board fined the funeral home and Pritchard $7,500 and placed them on three years of probation. The board also sought to suspend Alabama Funeral Homes’ ability to operate as a funeral home for 30 days.

“They (Funeral Service Board) want this punishment to set an example,” McEwen said at the December hearing.

Gillenwaters also claimed that the board acted improperly, voting without having an the required quorum present.

Alabama Funeral Homes and Creation Center has been operating in the area for 50 years, serving families in their time of need.

Pritchard, who was not available for comment Wednesday, said previously that the funeral home had done nothing wrong and felt that the court rule would in the business’s favor in time.

continued from page 1

ambulance to Russell Medical Center for treatment. As of Wednesday evening the victim remained hospitalized, but was said to be stable.

Turner said that robbery appeared to be the motive as a small amount of cash and a cell phone were taken from the victim.

Investigators worked throughout the late afternoon and evening interviewing the victim and others with information to positively identify the suspects, described only as “young black males, wearing dark hoodies, some wearing sweatpants.”

Scanner traffic had officers responding to residences across the city, after reports that the suspects had been spotted in various locations. A foot chase with one man believed to be a Mitch Sneed / The Outlook suspect was also reported. But as of 6:30 p.m., no arrests had been Officials respond to a scene where a man was spotted by passerby lying badly injured on the ground. As of 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, no arrests had been made. made.

LIZI ARBOGAST SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228

lizi.arbogast@alexcityoutlook.com

Page 10

Thursday, January 4, 2018

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Outlook Athlete of the Week ANDY GRAHAM Columnist

Disappointing end to 2017 football season

T

he Auburn Tigers’ season came to an end Monday with a very disappointing 34-27 loss to the University of Central Florida.

The undefeated Golden Knights played like a team out to prove they belonged among the elites in college football. For all the talk about this being a business trip for Auburn, the Tigers played like their season ended in the SEC championship game. I give all the credit to UCF. The Knights wanted it more and it showed on both sides of the ball.

The Auburn defense held the nation’s highest scoring offense well below its average, but it wasn’t enough and that was the most disappointing thing. The Tiger offense could muster only six points in the first half against a defense that had surrendered 97 points in its previous two games combined.

Quarterback Jarrett Stidham ended up passing for 331 yards, but threw two very costly interceptions.

However, it was Auburn being held to 90 rushing yards that was a total surprise. Kerryon Johnson looked far more healthy than he did against Georgia and it didn’t seem to matter.

Central Florida defensive end Shaq Griffin looked like the best player on the field and was seemingly in on every tackle.

Overall, the Knights defensive line whipped Auburn’s offensive line pretty much the entire day.

Gus Malzahn is now 1-4 in bowl games.

I’m not sure at the moment how we’ll all look back and ultimately feel about the year of 2017, but a lot of it depends on what the Tigers do in 2018. It would’ve been nice to end the season on a positive note, but I’m not a big believer in carrying momentum over from one year to the next.

It will be two different teams even though a lot of the faces are the same.

Underclassmen have until January 15th to declare for the NFL draft, but there are only a handful of guys even considering the possibility. I think it’s a safe bet that defensive back Carlton Davis will be gone and it’s likely that running back Kamryn Pettway will not be back. Kerryon Johnson declared for the NFL Draft on Tuesday, but the only other player really pondering the decision is defensive end Jeff Holland.

Holland has made a significant impact in 2017, and I think it’s probably a 50/50 chance on whether he’s wearing an Auburn uniform next season.

The other big losses will be on the offensive line. The Tigers lose four seniors of that unit and need to rebuild up front. Judging by their performance in the Peach Bowl, they needed to rebuild before the game.

The defense will miss seniors Tray Matthews and Stephen Roberts in the defensive backfield and linebacker Tre Williams as well.

Those are some pretty important pieces to the puzzle, but are replaceable.

Everyone else should be back including Stidham. His second year in the offense should be even more productive especially with the entire receiving corps returning.

Auburn won 10 games and defeated the No. 1 team in the country twice, yet ended the season losing two games in very disappointing fashion. I’m certainly impressed the Tigers defeated the two teams that will be playing for the national championship in 2017.

I’m also disappointed this Auburn team is sitting at home watching the game.

Andy Graham is a regular columnist for The Outlook.

Jones is the spark of Coosa’s offense

By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

NOEL JONES, CENTRAL COOSA

Because it’s so defensively-minded, Central Coosa’s boys basketball team has struggled to find its edge on the offensive side of the court. Although the Cougars are now on an eight-game win streak, they haven’t quite found their offensive flow.

But one person that’s been holding down the fort offensively is Noel Jones, who averaged nearly a double-double at the Coosa River Classic. Jones is the Outlook Athlete of the Week.

“I just see the lane and take a shot,” said Jones, a humble sophomore for the Cougars. “On the rebounds, I just really time the ball. I also know I can jump real high, so that really helps me.”

Despite averaging nearly 20 points per game so far this season, Jones really seemed to take off after a buzzer-beating shot to lift the Cougars over Sylacauga.

Since then, Jones has been

Sport: Basketball Position: Guard/forward Grade: Sophomore Height: 6-foot-2 Parents: Dickey Leonard and April Jones Other interests: Jones hopes to play football for the Cougars next season Favorite team: Cleveland Cavaliers Athlete most admired: Lebron James Statistics: Jones averaged 18.0 points per game and 8.0 rebounds per game during the Coosa River Classic. on fire.

“He just has the ability to take over the game, and it comes naturally,” Central Coosa coach Jeremy Freeman said. “There’s just a moment when Noel just gets in a groove, and when you have somebody that gets in a groove, you just let him go and ride it out. It’s knowing when somebody is feeling good enough to make the shot.”

Jones has been playing basketball for just five years, but with such a young talent, the sky seems to be the limit.

“One great thing that he does often during the course of the game is he’s getting rebounds off the board and pushing it the length of the court,” Freeman said.

“He can then pull up for a midrange jumper, which is a lost art. That’s college-level moves to be able to get the rebound, push it up the court and finish it.”

Although Jones is only a sophomore, Freeman said he expected his young guard/ forward to excel, even this early in the season.

Defensively, Jones also

averaged 3.0 steals per game during the Coosa River Classic, making him a more well-rounded player.

“Defensively, we did really good, and I think our defense has come a long way,” Jones said. “We’re still just figuring out how to play together and how to do things more together.”

Freeman said, “He’s young, and he’s in the development stages. But with only a year and half under his belt at the varsity level, who knows where he’ll be this time next year?”

File / The Outlook

Horseshoe Bend’s Parker Branch (14) has been named as a finalist for the ASWA Class 2A Lineman of the Year.

Parker Branch named Lineman of the Year finalist 49-48, on Tuesday night.

The back-and-forth game was tied, 27-27, at halftime, and the Wildcats (5-7) finally took a lead with about three minutes Although Horseshoe Bend’s football team might not have had the team success left in the game.

“We did a really good job of playing it was hoping for this season, there is one defense, and we made some big baskets individual who just keeps standing out. and some key free throws down the After being named to the Alabama stretch,” BRHS coach Lewis Daniel said.

Sports Writers Association All-State First “We finally played a good defensive game, Team, Generals linebacker Parker Branch is up for yet another accolade, as he’s been and we cut our turnover ratio down quite a nominated for the Class 2A Lineman of the bit. That was a plus for us. We also forced them to take bad shots, and we rebounded Year. well down the stretch, which really Branch, who was an offensive lineman helped.” up until this season, led the entirety of Benjamin Russell had just 13 turnovers.

Class 2A with 183 tackles, and he topped The girls team wasn’t so lucky, suffering the Generals with 13 tackles for a loss and a loss and dropping to 7-4 on the season. six sacks.

He’ll be up against Lanett defensive lineman Baraskious Dowdell and Anfernee Jennings to miss Leroy offensive lineman John Karr National Championship for the prestigious award, which will After such a successful game at the be announced Jan. 17 at the ASWA’s Allstate Sugar Bowl, Alabama’s Anfernee annual Player of the Year luncheon Jennings, a Dadeville graduate, won’t have in Montgomery. All finalists are also a chance to repeat the performance. It nominated for the stat’s Mr. Football was announced Wednesday that Jennings award. underwent knee surgery, and he will be forced to miss Monday’s game against Benjamin Russell boys oust Auburn Clemson.

For the first time this season, Benjamin “Surgery was a success,” Jennings Russell’s boys basketball team is on a tweeted Wednesday. “Still have to wait and winning streak after defeating Auburn, see what the MRI will determine Friday.

STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

Unfortunately I’ve played my last game this season but I will be back stronger than ever next season because i (sic) know that God makes no mistakes. But through it all I am trusting and depending on him and I know that my Greater is coming. Now let’s finish and Win this Natty.”

Auburn also said goodbye to a cherished player Tuesday, but for different reasons.

Leading rusher and fan favorite Kerryon Johnson declared his intentions to enter the 2018 NFL Draft.

Terrell Owens named Hall of Fame finalist

Third time is hopefully the charm for Benjamin Russell graduate Terrell Owens, who was named as a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame for the third year in a row.

Just 14 others join Owens as Hall of Fame finalists, and the induction class will be announced in August.

Owens has the numbers to deserve a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He ranks second only to Jerry Rice in NFL career receiving yards with 15,934. He also is third in touchdown receptions and fifth overall with 156 career touchdowns.

Owens is eighth in NFL history with 1,078 career receptions and was named to six Pro Bowls.

LOCAL SPORTS CALENDAR Thursday, Jan. 4 High school boys basketball Dadeville at Loachapoka, 6:30 p.m.

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

Central Coosa at Beulah, 7 p.m.

High school girls basketball Dadeville at Loachapoka, 5 p.m.

Horseshoe Bend at Reeltown, 5 p.m.

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

High school wrestling

Benjamin Russell at Tallassee, 2 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 5 High school boys basketball Benjamin Russell at Sylacauga, 7:30 Dadeville at Reeltown, 7 p.m.

Horseshoe Bend at Ranburne, 7:30 p.m.

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

Dadeville at Reeltown, 5:30 p.m.

Horseshoe Bend at Ranburne, 6 p.m.

High school wrestling Benjamin Russell at Hoover tournament, 5 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 6 High school wrestling Benjamin Russell at Hoover tournament, 5 p.m.