LOCAL, PAGE 2: WAGON TRAIN STOPPING IN CAMP HILL SUNDAY
Weekend The Outlook
SPRING FORWARD Don’t forget to set clocks ahead one hour at 2 a.m. Sunday.
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March 10-11, 2018 Vol. 126, No. 50 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢
Benjamin Russell graduate to appear on Jeopardy By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
Submitted / The Outlook
Jeopardy’s Alex Trebek poses for a photo with Benjamin Russell High School graduate Zach Dark who will be appearing on the show Monday.
What local man will appear on Jeopardy for $200 Alex? Zach Dark, a 2004 BRHS graduate, will appear on Jeopardy Monday. The game show appearance is something he has been preparing for a lifetime. Much of Dark’s life has prepared him for his encounter with Alex Trebek, from playing games with family to taking part in extracurricular activities at Benjamin Russell. “I played Jeopardy with my dad growing up,� Dark said. “I was in scholar’s bowl at Benjamin Russell.� It was that time at Benjamin Russell on the scholar’s bowl that Dark took his passion for
games like Jeopardy to another level. “Gail Wilder was a great coach,â€? Dark said. “She was great in getting us motivated, getting us to tournaments and just making sure we did well. That was definitely an inspiration to pursue something like this.â€? Zach’s dad is partially responsible for the Jeopardy infatuation. “Every opportunity we got we would watch the show,â€? said Dr. Chris Dark, who is principal at Dadeville Elementary School. “We would challenge one another. We kept score. I think that started the interest. “It was a lot of fun until about the third grade when he started to beat me.â€? After graduating BRHS, Zach attended Samford See JEOPARDY • Page 3
Fiery crash prompts effort to help local fire department By MITCH SNEED Editor
There is often no better motivator than a personal experience and for one area family that was certainly the case. Boyd Landry was moving belongings in a U-Haul truck shortly after the December snowstorm when the road conditions, the weight of the truck and the curvy road led to an accident where the truck overturned. The truck, full of fuel, ignited and burst into flames. “People were following me and others came along to help and they called for help,â€? Landry said. “Firefighters from the Equality Fire Department got to the scene pretty quick, but they didn’t have any of their fire trucks.â€? Equality Volunteer Fire Department opened See FIRE • Page 3
CRIME OR ILLNESS? Legal system struggles with mentally ill offenders Cliff Williams photo illustration / The Outlook
Alexander City Police Department officers help stage an illustration that they face often in real life as they deal with people with serious mental issues who are involved in criminal incidents.
EDITORS NOTE: This is the second in a series of how law enforcement faces challenges when dealing with those who are mentally ill.
A
man armed with a knife that had a history of mental issues storms into a police captain’s office and asks to be killed. A known mentally challenged man is shot and killed by law enforcement after repeated commands to drop the handgun he was brandishing were ignored. See POLICE • Page 10
Graves, McDade selected as women of year
Benjamin Russell NJROTC receives $1,000 grant By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
Showing its support for the community and organizations that play an important role there, the Walmart Community Grant program recently awarded a $1,000 grant to the Navy JROTC unit at Benjamin Russell High School. “One of our student’s mothers works at Walmart and told us about the program,â€? Navy JROTC instructor Captain Matthew Leahey said. “When applying, we had to explain what we do as a unit, See NJROTC • Page 3
By MITCH SNEED Editor
Today’s
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By AMY PASSARETTI Staff Writer
Amy Passaretti / The Outlook
Last year’s Tallapoosa County Woman of the Year Barbara Sokol introduces Lyla Graves as this year’s recipient.
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Allison Black Cornelius has turned tragedy into triumph and shared her courageous, inspiring story with a room full of Tallapoosa and Coosa counties women from all walks of life. The fifth annual Lead Forward Women’s Conference, which encourages professional women to strive to success, was a packed house Friday at the Central Alabama Community College Betty Carol Graham Center. Cornelius challenged everyone in the room to find the courage to step up when the moment comes. “Wouldn’t it be great for all of us if we could wake up to societal issues ahead of See WOMEN • Page 10
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Teen daughter catches married dad texting with other women
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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
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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. 231 scott.hardy@alexcityoutlook.com Rebecca Carlisle Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 rebecca.carlisle@alexcityoutlook.com Erin Burton Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 erin.burton@alexcityoutlook.com Composing Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com Circulation Linda Ewing Office Clerk, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com
Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, Lake Martin Living, Kenneth Boone Photography and a commercial web printing press.
DEAR ABBY: My 14-yearold daughter caught her father, my husband, emailing and texting other women. He has been doing it for months. He says he went on dating sites because he was unhappy in our marriage and needed attention and to feel desirable. He claims he only emailed and texted these women discussing relationship troubles, no sex talk. I’m furious he was so careless that our daughter found the emails (in one he stated his sex drive was very high and asked how her sex drive was). I am devastated that he would do this to our family. He says he didn’t think it was cheating because it was only online and sex wasn’t discussed. Please advise. -FURIOUS IN THE SOUTH DEAR FURIOUS: Your husband isn’t being honest. At the very least there WAS “sex talk� as soon as he used that three-letter word in his emails/ texts to the women on the dating sites. You two are overdue
DEAR ABBY Advice
for a visit to a marriage and family therapist to determine if the damage your husband has done to his relationship with you and his daughter can be repaired. Please do not wait to schedule an appointment. DEAR ABBY: My ex-wife and I were together for five years (married for two). While she was with me I supported her financially and put her through college. She left me a year ago. I was the one who filed for divorce. After she left, I gave her half the money in my savings account to help her while she was trying to land on her feet. She has found a job now, but struggles to pay bills. Recently, she called and asked me to “lend� her money
to help with her power bill. I refused. While I understand that she’s no longer my financial responsibility, I still feel compelled to help her. What can I do to prevent her from putting me in an awkward situation (I have since moved on to a new relationship) without having to be a complete jerk? -- NICE GUY IN TEXAS DEAR NICE GUY: As you accurately put it, your ex-wife is no longer your responsibility. After she walked out on you, you did the right thing in filing for divorce. You are acting like you feel guilty for doing so. By paying for her education and enabling her to support herself, you were more than generous. The surest way to prevent yourself from being hit on for money would be to respond with a firm and final NO. DEAR ABBY: I’m a 9-yearold girl and my mom doesn’t spend a lot of quality time with me. What should I tell her to get her to spend time
with me? -- NEEDS TIME IN FLORIDA DEAR NEEDS TIME: What a sad letter. Not knowing why your mother isn’t giving you enough quality time, I can only suggest that you tell her you need more of her and hope she hears how important your message is. DEAR READERS: Once again, this is my annual reminder to those of you who live where daylight saving time is observed: Don’t forget to turn your clocks forward one hour tonight at bedtime. Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. tomorrow. It’s a ritual I love because it signals the coming of spring, with longer, brighter days and warmer weather. Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
Obituaries Ms. Nora Boleware Funeral service for Ms. Nora Boleware will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 12, 2018 at Great Bethel Missionary Baptist Church with interment following in Armour’s Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Sunday, March 11, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wright’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Charles Johnson
Mrs. Cynthia Lynette Elston
Mr. Marquael D. Russell
Mr. Charles Johnson of Rockford, Alabama passed away Friday, March 10, 2018 at his residence. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Wright’s Funeral Home.
Funeral service for Mrs. Cynthia Lynette Elston will be 2:00 p.m., Monday, March 12, 2018 at Pleasant Home Baptist Church with interment following in Pleasant Home Church Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, March 11, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wright’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Funeral service for Mr. Marquael D. Russell 30 of Phoenix City, AL; Monday, March 12, 2018; 1 p.m.; Early Rose Baptist Church, Alexander City, AL; Burial, Armour’s Memorial Garden, Alexander City, AL Final Arrangements Entrusted to Armour’s Memorial Funeral Home.
The Outlook is published five times a week, Tuesday through Saturday mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box Š 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 email at obits@alexcityoutlook. com. For more information, call (256) 234-4281. SOCIAL SECURITY FAYE EDMONDSON Attorney at Law 135 N. Tallassee Street • Dadeville, AL
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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This drawing of a stormy day was done by Jerkeyla Griffin, a Pre-K student at Jim Pearson Elementary School. The National Weather Service predicts a partly sunny morning today, which will give way to showers and a potential thunderstorm this afternoon, with a forecast high of 69 degrees.
Annual spring wagon train stopping in Camp Hill Sunday By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
Residents of Tallapoosa County will have the chance to step back in time and see transportation from yesteryear as the Broken L Wagon Train comes down Main Street in Camp Hill Sunday on the way to Montgomery. “We are going to come right down Main Street,� said Jimmy Fetner, who has taken part in the annual event for a decade. “We are going to camp at the airport.� And they are not going to take freeways.
“We take all dirt roads if we can,� Fetner said. The wagon train is planned to make it to Main Street in Camp Hill about 3 p.m. Fetner explained Wednesday that the wagon train will leave Rock Mills Friday morning, stopping along the way in Mill Street, Buttson, Camp Hill, Tallassee before making it to Montgomery Thursday morning to join another wagon train. “We will be joining up with a wagon train from north Alabama,� Fetner said. “We will
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parade around the capital and head up to Garrett Coliseum to set up camp for the rodeo.� Fetner said the Broken L will have four to eight wagons and 30 to 50 horse riders. Not even weather will stop them. “It may cut us back to about four wagons and 20 horses,� Fetner said. “We put on the rainsuits and go on. We will stop for severe weather. Last year in Tallassee it was 29 degrees and the wind was blowing. It was the coldest I have ever been.� That cold can make the wagon train special.
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“Saturday we are camping in Buttston at Gerald McGill’s,� Fetner said. “They always have chicken and rabbit stew. A good hot soup is good after a cool day riding.� The retired Fetner said the reason for the wagon ride is to pass the tradition along to younger generations. “We take as many young people as we can to keep the tradition going,� Fetner said. “My grandson is about to turn 15 and he has been going since he was 10. It must be a good thing when a 15 year-old is looking forward to something.�
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NJROTC
continued from page 1
what we do in the community, our operating budget and how we would use the grant money, things like that. I had to submit an application online, and I also had to take a letter to the manager of our local store.” Grants given to community organizations can range from $250 to $5,000, according to the Walmart Foundation’s Community Grant program website. Grant funds can be awarded to a number of groups, including schools and organizations within a school, faith-based organizations that engage in community outreach efforts like clothes closets, food banks and soup kitchens, and governmental entities like fire and police departments that must use the money solely for public purposes. Recently, Leahey said he received an email from national grant program representatives, informing him the unit’s application had been approved, and would be awarded a grant of $1,000. “We were very excited to receive this money,” Leahey said. “We can definitely put it to good use for our cadets.” He added that the grant money will go into the unit’s general budget, where it can be used for things like travel to the annual Navy JROTC Gator Games competition in Pensacola, Florida, curriculum-enriching trips to military installations and college campuses throughout the area, as well as scholarships for cadets interested in attending leadership training camp over the summer and orienteering training camps in the fall. “We’re very appreciative for Walmart’s continued and generous support of the JROTC and the experiences this will help us provide for our cadets,” Leahey said. “The cadets and instructors send a heartfelt thank you to the local Walmart and national leadership for their generous support of the BRHS NJROTC unit.” While other grants from the Walmart Community Grant program have been awarded to the Alexander City School system, Leahey said this was the first time the Navy JROTC had applied for grant funds through the program in the past two years. “These grants show that Walmart is a big part of our community,” Leahey said. “This shows their support for our schools and the JROTC program here at Benjamin Russell.” To learn more about the NJROTC unit at Benjamin Russell High School and all of the events the unit participates in, feel free to visit the unit website at brhsnavyjrotc.weebly.com.
Submitted / The Outlook
Several cadets with the Benjamin Russell Navy JROTC unit pose with the ceremonial check of $1,000 from the Walmart Foundation’s Community Grant program. NJROTC instructor Captain Matthew Leahey said the unit will be able to use the funds for various events the unit takes part in throughout the year.
Fire a new firehouse recently after years of fundraising and planning. It’s a great facility that gives them a much-needed upgrade. The problem is that in the wake of the snowstorm, the electricity was off at the station and there was no generator to power the electric roll up doors that would have enabled them to get the trucks out and to the scene. Boyd’s wife Joy Johns explains how hard the guys worked, even though they couldn’t get the trucks on the road. “Billy Alexander and Mark Shaw were the two Equality VFD Firefighters who were first to arrive – even with fire extinguishers and hand implements to try to put the fire out until the Goodwater and Kellyton backup got there,” Johns said. “Those guys were just heartbroken about my husband’s belongings but the only thing that Boyd and I could think of is how lucky we were.” Johns said when they explained why they didn’t have the trucks, she felt so badly that she said she was going to try to do something about that.
continued from page 1
Submitted / The Outlook
Left, pictured at a check presentation for funds to help the Equality Volunteer Fire Department purchase a generator for the new fire station are EVFD’s and County Commissioner Paul Perrett, Joyful “Joy” Johns and EVFD Chief Wade Turner. Above, a U-Haul truck full of fuel ignited into flames in December causing a fiery accident.
“I told them I was going to do what I could to get them a generator. I honestly think they thought I was crazy,” Johns said. Alabama State Sen. Paul Sanford from Madison County witnessed the events personally. He and Boyd are friends and he was helping him move that day and even helped Boyd escape the burning truck. “When you see your friend in a burning
truck and firefighters who are in a situation where they couldn’t get their equipment to the scene – that sticks with you,” Sanford said. “Joy asked me what we could do and I started looking at ways that we may could help. Volunteer firefighters are the backbone of protection for so many communities in Alabama. They do a lot with a little, but this was something that was beyond their control so
Jeopardy University earning a degree in finance and has been working the past six years for Regions Bank in investments. But school and work did not stop Zach. “I tried out for the college show, twice,” Zach said. “I did not make it. And I have tried out as an adult a couple times too.” Zach’s application process started online to be selected for Monday’s show. “They do an online tryout,” Zach said. “Then I was invited to a regional tryout in Nashville last summer. I have been to a couple of those before. Then they called around Veterans Day and invited me out Los Angeles to be on the show.” Zach did not go to the City of Angels alone. “No one in the family has ever
we all wanted to help. It wasn’t going to change what happened here, but we didn’t want them to have it happen again. They work too hard.” In January, with Sanford’s help, a $5,000 grant check was secured for a generator that will operate the necessities for the department: bay doors, radios, heat and phones. Johns and Landry were on hand at an EVFD board meeting to make the presentation and they were very
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been to Los Angeles, so we made it a family trip,” Zach said. “It is something I have always to do.” “It was a lot of fun,” Dr. Dark said. “It was great. We were able to do a lot. We went to a Tony Bennett and Stevie Wonder concert, the Jeopardy experience, went to the Reagan Library and saw the Pacific Ocean.” When Zach got to the Jeopardy set, things were not quite as expected. “It was a little different than I expected,” Zach said. “It (set) was smaller than I expected. The set itself was cold. I am glad I took jackets and sweaters.” Zach said Jeopardy staff did a good job managing contestants and making everyone feel comfortable. “They did a very good job at keeping contestants at ease,”
Zach said. “They did a good job explaining all the rules and making sure we were comfortable with everything with things like the buzzer system. They brought us up three at a time to practice. They wanted us to relax.” Zach’s appearance on Jeopardy will air Monday at 9:30 a.m. on WAKA from Montgomery and at 2:30 p.m. on WIAT in Birmingham. Zach said there is one draw back to the way they film the show. “They film five shows a day,” Zach said. “If you are on a winning streak, it can make for a long day.”
appreciative of the efforts. “Our guys were just crushed that they couldn’t help them more that day,” Paul Perrett of the EVFD said. “Then all this happened, we were just blown away. That really meant a lot and we can’t thank them enough.” Johns, who comes from a family with firefighters in their
history, said she knew that she had to help. “I’m just extremely thrilled to help them,” Johns said. “I shop down there a lot in the flea markets and yard sales so the community is an adopted one for me and I couldn’t live with myself if the next fire during a power outage claimed the life of a child or a family’s home.”
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Our
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Sunshine Week underscores importance of transparency
T
his week is 2018 Sunshine Week, a time that we in the media work to raise awareness and remind the people of our area that this week is not for the media – it is for the people. The laws that are on the books are designed to assure free flow of government information – information that can help citizens understand government and make sure that leaders are being good stewards as they handle our business and our money. The laws are on the books for good reason – to make sure that the public is not left in the dark. The Outlook has featured several stories in recent weeks and months that are the direct result of the use of the state and federal open records and meetings laws. We’ve even been awarded by our peers for our work using Sunshine Laws to get information that was vital to our readers. The issue of alleged speed traps, discussion of elected officials outside open meetings, budgetary issues, unapproved pay increases at the city in past years, the search for answers to checks unaccounted for at the city golf course and the latest developments in a murder investigation are just some examples of where the laws made it possible to keep area residents informed. We often hear residents complain that they didn’t know what lawmakers were doing or claim that they “pulled a fast one.” That can only happen when we don’t pay attention and ask questions. The Outlook pledges to let this week renew our mission of keeping the public informed by using the tools that the current laws allow to get information out. We must say that over the last four years, our governments have worked to become more transparent and they should be commended for that. We also charge citizens to do their part as well. This week should serve as a reminder as a time for Americans to educate ourselves and remember that public information doesn’t belong to the government, nor does it belong to the press – it belongs to the people. If you have a question or want to know ‘why,’ ask your government for the information. It is that simple. There are minimal costs associated with the production of the information in some cases, but if you want to know, it is worth the nominal fee.
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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 T.C. Coley community. His phone number 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 Steve Robinson is 256-654-0047. His address is 300 Heritage Drive Alexander City. John McKelvey represents District 3, which includes Jackson’s Gap, Hackneyville, New Site and Daviston. McKelvey currently serves as chairman. His phone number is 256-794-4405. His address is 1285 Freeman John Road, Dadeville. 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.
McKelvey
Emma Jean Thweatt
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 Road, Dadeville.
George Carleton Jr.
Outlook The
Weekend Edition, March 10-11, 2018
Open records assure fair treatment of all
I
played the role of Atticus Finch for you by taking on an unpopular cause in court. I sued Harper Lee. But unlike the attorney in Lee’s famed To Kill a Mockingbird, I emerged on the winning side in a case that underscores the need for equal treatment under the law. It matters today as we recognize Sunshine Week, which highlights the need for public records to be open for the public good. Officially, I was the Alabama citizen who sought access to Lee’s will, which Monroe County Probate Judge Greg Norris sealed from public view in February 2016 at the request of Lee’s estate. Alabama law says “every citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of this state,” but we’ve found that some state agencies sneak in the word “state” in front of “citizen” as a way to deny information to out-of-state residents and news organizations. Multiple state agencies have done this to avoid national scrutiny or stateby-state comparisons, slowing down the reporting process for organizations that include The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, ESPN and the Center for Investigative Reporting. It may take another lawsuit to close that invented loophole. That invented loophole is why The New York Times asked me to attach my name to its March 2016 lawsuit asking that the case file be unsealed. The argument made on behalf of The Times by Alabama-based lawyer Archie Reeves: Public records are public records, whether you’re a private citizen few people know or the state’s most famous private person. It took nearly two years before the estate dropped its defense in February. Lee’s estate argued that her will needed to be sealed because the judge was “no doubt aware” that Lee “highly valued her privacy.” The Times called that a crummy argument, saying her estate “is no different from every other estate when it comes to the public’s right of access.” Lee’s estate also argued that people named in it might be open to harassment, but it provided no evidence why that protection might have been
DR. CHRIS ROBERTS Columnist needed. Indeed, open access provides information that may be sensitive or embarrassing. That includes wills, which spell out how dead people give away their worldly possessions. Wills are open for public inspection to give people “who may have claims against the estate an opportunity to make those claims within the time specified by the laws of each state,” Alabama Press Association lawyer Dennis Bailey said. Public records also can yield important news, even though they may not have in this case. The Times’ Feb. 27 story — “Harper Lee’s Will, Unsealed, Only Adds More Mystery to Her Life” — provided little new information beyond further knowledge that Lee sought privacy and another turn in the screw in showing how Lee’s lawyer tightly manages her finances. (In fact, having such little new information actually argues against any need to have hidden it in the first place.) The document showed that her estate was placed in a trust that will remain secret. It named family members and others who will control the estate, all of whose names have been in the public eye before. (In fact, that is another reason it should not have been hidden in the first place.) And we saw Lee’s unsteady hand as she signed it eight days before she died, maybe the last thing Alabama’s most famous author ever wrote. Some critics called The Times’ lawsuit a fishing expedition, and its story proof that The Times didn’t catch anything. But there’s nothing wrong with a fishing expedition when it comes to public records and journalism. Anyone who has ever wet a line knows that fishing and catching are not the same thing. A fishing trip isn’t wasted just because little ends up in the frying pan. The experience and the principle matter. And so it is with public access to public records, which journalists
(and anyone else) can use to understand their communities and how their governments work. Efforts by the powerful to exempt themselves from court rules that everyone else must follow is a bad thing. The biggest example comes from the criminal conviction of former Gov. Robert Bentley, whose efforts to lie and conceal included having a judge he appointed seal his divorce records. A collection of statewide news organizations had to sue before the records were open in September 2015. The filing showed the governor gave up more than a 50-50 split. That insight made more sense as more information became known about the relationship he lied about and ordered others to lie about. He quit following a conviction 11 months ago, just the latest Alabama governor with a criminal record. Sure, there’s a difference between Lee’s will and Bentley’s divorce, but not in principle. In both instances, they cited family privacy as a reason. As the documents and later reporting showed, the arguments did not hold up. But without access to public records, we would never know. • It took news organizations going to court. • Some criticized those organizations who fought powerful people seeking special treatment. • News organizations won when the other side gave up before going to trial. • People who sought to hide information knew they could not win. • Former Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis’ statement proved correct: “Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants; electric light the most efficient policeman.” And in both cases, the power of open records laws meant that everyone was treated equally under the law. Atticus Finch might be proud. Dr. Chris Roberts is an associate professor in the Department of Journalism and Creative Media at the University of Alabama. He was a reporter at multiple weekly and daily newspapers in the state. He can be reached at croberts@ua.edu.
Today’s
Quote
“A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.” —Nelson Mandela
Today’s
Scripture
“God has saved us and called us to a holy life — not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.” —2 Timothy 1:9
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Daily Poll Friday’s question: Do you think the government should put more funding into mental health?
Yes – 87%, 20 votes No – 13%, 3 votes
Weekend question: Have you ever made an FIOA (Freedom of Information Act) request to the government?
To participate in this daily poll, log on each day to www.alexcityoutlook.com and vote. Find out the vote totals in the next edition of The Outlook and see if your vote swayed the results.
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Mission
The Outlook strives to report the news honestly, fairly and with integrity, to take a leadership role and act as a positive influence in our community, to promote business, to provide for the welfare of our employees, to strive for excellence in everything we do and above all, to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves.
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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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Weekend Edition, March 10-11, 2018
The Outlook
CommunityCalendar Need Insurance? Call me.
256.234.3481 KarenChannell.com
This weekend is March 10-11, 2018 Today’s Events
PANCAKE BREAKFAST: The Alexander City Kiwanis Club is hosting a pancake and Conecuh sausage breakfast March 10 from 6 to 10 a.m. at the Benjamin Russell High School cafeteria. Tickets are $6 and include all you can eat. Carry out is also available. FLEA MARKET: The Town of Camp Hill Flea Market will start back up March 10 and continue on the second Saturday of each month through Nov. 10. The hours of operation are 30 minutes after
day break until 2 p.m. Spaces are for rent for $10 and are 20 feet by 20 feet. For more information contact James Woody at 256-7498270. SINGING: Family Worship Center at 1676 Sewell Street will be hosting “Singing with the Walkers” Saturday, March 10 at 6 p.m. The pastor of Family Worship Center is Tony Harris.
Today’s Birthdays
Mona Howard, Cam Lankford, Demetria M. Heard and Mary Ann Heath are celebrating birthdays today.
Sunday’s Birthdays
Janice Kelly, Kasi Lamberth,
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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/. Chloe Bagley and Frederian “Zae” Milner celebrate their birthdays Sunday.
Sunday’s Anniversaries
Bobby and Mary McGuire celebrate their anniversary Sunday.
Monday’s Birthdays
Tammy Clark, Matthew Oliver, Ruth A. Johnson, Justin Petruff, Jessie Foster, Shenika Ford and Audrey (Buffy) Colvin celebrate their birthdays Monday.
Monday’s Anniversaries
Shawna and David Sanford, Tracy and Sammy Teel and Randy and Ellison Holley celebrate their anniversaries Monday.
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Brown Nursing and Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Services •Physical Therapy •Occupational Therapy •Speech Therapy 2334 Washington Street Alexander City • 256-329-9061 www.crownemanagement.com
Come Visit Us! Cecily Lee, Administrator Angela Pitts, Director of Nursing
Submitted / The Outlook
Tallapoosa County native Kenneth Cory Guice met with Congressman Mike Rogers this week in his Washington D.C. office. Guice was in D.C. with the American Osteopathic Association and is a student at Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Tuesday, March 13
GREATER TUNA: Alexander City Arts is hosting “Greater Tuna,” Tuesday, March 13 at 7 p.m. at the BRHS Auditorium. It is a hilarious comedy about Texas’ third smallest town where the Lion’s Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies. BINGO FUNDRAISER: The TallaCo K-9 Unit is hosting a bingo night Tuesday, March 13 at 6 p.m. at Niffer’s. Proceeds will be used for TallaCo’s search dog Spanky Possum to get a much-needed surgery to heal an injury.
Wednesday, March 14
THE CASE FOR MIRACLES: River of Life Church will be a host site for the global simulcast of “The Case for Miracles,” Wednesday, March 14 at 7 p.m. The church will be serving a meal from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The church is located at 1715 Tallapoosa Street (Highway 22) in Alexander City about a half mile past Buck’s restaurant.
Thursday, March 15
DEMOCRATIC PARTY MEETING: The Tallapoosa County Democratic Party will be hosting 3rd Congressional District Candidates Mallory Hagan and Dr. Asia McClellan Winfrey Thursday, March 15 at 6 p.m. at the Bud Porch Center in Alexander City. The Tallapoosa County Democratic Party meets every third Thursday. For more information please call Interim County Party Chair Carol Gowan at 256-794-7432.
March 14-16
CHURCH REVIVAL: GAP Fellowship Church at 721 Robinson Road is hosting spring revival services March 14-16 at 7 p.m. nightly. Pastor Betty Hoyett will speak Wednesday, Evangelist Shamika Thomas Thursday evening and Evangelist Joanne Shealey on Friday. Lou and Marilyn Benson are pastor of GAP Fellowship Church.
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Lawn Care Darrell Brooks, Owner Cutting •Edging Weed Eating •Mulch Weed Control
March 14-18
ANNUAL MINISTER’S COUNCIL: The New Covenant Ministries of the World is hosting its annual ministers council March 14-18 at the Liberty Life Christian Center at 243 S Street in Alexander City. There will be a daily prayer at 9 a.m., worship and praise at 11:45 a.m. daily and at 7 p.m. will be keynote speaker Pastor Dwight Hunt of Beth-El Church of God in Christ in Poughkeepsie, New York. The speaker on Sunday, March 18 is Chief Apostle W.T. Traylor, founder and CEO of New Covenant Ministries of the World.
March 15-16
256.267.0518
CLOTHING EVENT: The Russell Medical Center Volunteer Auxiliary is hosting a Women’s and Children’s
Clothing Event Thursday, March 15 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday, March 16 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Community Room at Russell Medical.
March 16-17
SPORTING CLAY SHOOT: The 12th annual Ronald Koon Sporting Clay Classic benefiting the Boys and Girls Club of the Lake Martin Area will be held March 16 and 17. Friday night there will be a Calcutta and steak dinner at the Alexander City Elks Lodge and the shoot will be Saturday at the Lower Wetumpka Shotgun Sports Club. If you would like to participate or sponsor a sign please contact Stacey Jeffcoat by calling 256-234-4757 or emailing at staceyj1229@gmail.com.
Saturday, March 17
PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Comer Methodist Men’s Club is hosting a pancake breakfast Saturday, March 17 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. It is eat in or carry-out and is $6 a plate. FISHING TOURNAMENT: The Benjamin Russell High School Cheerleaders fishing tournament will be March 17 at Wind Creek. EASTER EGG HUNT: Mt. Zion Church on Highway 63 South will be hosting an Easter egg hunt Saturday, March 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will begin with a lunch and an Easter presentation. There will be a prize egg for toddlers, grade school and middle school. TRADE DAY: Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends Monthly Trade Day in Millerville on Highway 9 between Ashland and Goodwater will be held on March 17 from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. Refreshments are also available.
Thursday, March 22
KIWANIS STEAK DINNER: The Alexander City Kiwanis Club is hosting its annual Auction and Steak Dinner March 22 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Russell Medical Event Venue. Tickets are $50 and include drinks, dinner, live music, a silent and live auction. SENIORX: Deborah Jones SeniorRx Coordinator will be available March 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce to help seniors see if they are eligible for assistance with diabetic supplies, liquid supplements and medications. For more information Jones can be contacted at 1-800-361-1636 or 256-761-3575. This is sponsored by the Area Agency on Aging.
Now-March 23
PRE-K REGISTRATION: Alabama’s Voluntary Pre-K Program is taking pre-registration. Forms can be found at https://alprek.asapconnected.com. Acceptance is through a random drawing to be held April 15 at 10 a.m.
at the V. Robinson Head Start Center.
Saturday, March 24
EASTER EGG HUNT: Wind Creek State Park is hosting an Easter egg hunt Saturday, March 24 at 10 a.m. Most eggs will have small prizes and prize eggs will be hidden for each age division. The age divisions are 0-2 years old, 2-4 years old, 5-8 years old and 9-12 years old. The event will take place in the north picnic area across from the beach. There is a park entry fee for non-campers. ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF HORSESHOE BEND: Horseshoe Bend National Military Park is hosting the 204th anniversary of the Battle of the Horseshoe Saturday, March 24. There will be demonstrations of Indian and frontier life in the year 1814. The program is free to the public.
SEE ME FOR INSURANCE
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March 26-30
HOLY WEEK SERVICES: First Baptist Church Dadeville is hosting Holy Week Services March 26-30 at 11 a.m. daily in the fellowship hall. LENTEN LUNCH: St. James Episcopal Church is hosting a Lenten Lunch series Monday, March 26 through Friday March 30 at noon with food and fellowship afterwards. Speakers are: March 26 Rev. John Versiglio of First United Methodist Church, March 27 Rev. Robert Iler of St. James Episcopal Church, March 28 Rev. Dr. Emerson Ware of Great Bethel Baptist Church, March 29 is Rev. Scott Railey of Hillabee Campground United Methodist Church and March 30 is Rev. Wayne Cowhick of Alex City Methodist Church.
March 28-30
HOLY WEEK REVIVAL: Haven Memorial United Methodist Church is hosting a Holy Week Spring Revival March 28-30 at 6 p.m. nightly. Pastor of Haven Memorial is Percy L. Nolan Jr.
haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com
Tony Guy, Owner Over 40 Years Experience
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Wednesday, March 29
VIETNAM VETERANS WELCOME HOME: The Auburn Veterans Project is celebrating and reflecting on the service and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans March 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Auburn High School auditorium. Speakers will be Joe Galloway and Medal of Honor recipients Bennie Adkins and James Livingston. Family is welcome to accompany their veteran and there will be a light reception afterwards. Visit auburnveteransproect.weebly. com/east-alabama-vietnam-veterans-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.
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 Shatia Carr (334) 252-0025, Ext. 101 Email: Scarr@learning-tree.org
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Weekend Edition, March 10-11, 2018
The Outlook
In Community, We Share Tallapoosa County Devotional Page
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Sprint to Christ in race called life Christians are weighted down in I have been very bored their walk with Jesus. The weights the past two weeks with are called sin. There are many no television to watch. The types of sins, including the “things XXXIII Winter Olympics in we know to do and just do not Pyeongchang, South Korea are do them” and the sins of “things over. The ABC Wide World we know not to do and do them of Sports always opened its anyway.” programs showing photos of JACKIE We have to put our sinful ways athletes’ successes and failures and the late Jim McKay uttering WILBOURN behind us as we run our race each the words, “the thrill of victory Faith columnist day. We must look to Jesus who did not know sin but He finished and the agony of defeat.” The His race by enduring the cross. Olympics were much the same Part of the game plan in a Christian life this year. The United States medal count is to pace ourselves and not “run all the placed us in 4th place overall as our male gas out of our tanks” as we “sprint” from and female athletes experienced victory one thing to another in this race called and defeat. Many participants pushed life. We must always keep our eyes on the their bodies to the absolute limit in the course set before us and not get off track. contests. The first ever team “free cross I wonder if the Apostle Paul ever gave country” gold went to United States. The thought of automobile drivers letting their elation was an unbelievable celebration eyes drift from the road as they text and full of joy. drive, losing focus. All the speed skating events were A Christian must be fully committed to exciting but the endurance races were giving up his or her life to live for Jesus. challenging. The more I watched these Not only should we read our Bible and events, the more I thought about my pray daily, but we have to be Christ-like Christian walk. In the Book of Hebrews in both our talk and in our walk. 12:1, the writer tells us to run with endurance the race set before us. We are Jackie Wilbourn is a member of Bethel never told to sprint to the finish line. Baptist Church, a chaplain with the Scripture relates that we are to lay Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief Team aside every weight. The cross-country and a regular faith columnist for The skiers would not have won their event with heavy weights strapped to their legs. Outlook. This devotional and directory made possible by these businesses who encourage all of us to attend worship services!
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Church Directory
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256-234-6366
Tolbert’s Elite Mobile Detailing “Taking care of your vehicle as if it were my own.” Owner/Operator: Cameron Tolbert
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
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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
256-234-2511 1-800-285-3881
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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
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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.
Season
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Pleasant Home Baptist Clay County
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
New Concord Baptist Off hwy. 49, Dadeville, 256-825-5390
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 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 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 First Baptist Tallassee St., Dadeville, 256-825-6232 Good News Baptist Church 10493 Hwy. 280, Jackson’s Gap 256-825-2555 Hackneyville Baptist Hwy. 63 N., Hackneyville Hillabee Baptist Hillabee Rd., Alex City 256-234-6798 Horseshoe Bend Baptist Hwy. 280, Dadeville Jackson’s Gap Baptist Jackson’s Gap, 256-825-4951 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
Perryville Baptist Perryville, 256-234-3588 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
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 1515 Worthy Road, Alex City (Corner of Worthy Place and Dadeville Road)
First United Methodist 310 Green St., Alex City 256-234-6322 First United Methodist Dadeville, 256-825-4404
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 Liberty United Methodist Liberty Rd., Hackneyville Mt. Godfrey New Site New Site U.M. New Site, 256-234-7834 Pearson Chapel U.M. Pearson Chapel Rd., Alex City Red Ridge United Methodist 8091 County Road 34, Dadeville 256-825-9820 Sunnylevel United Methodist 3202 Hwy. 63N, Alex City 256-234-6877 Trinity United Methodist 280 By-pass, Alex City, 256-234-2455
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1218 Cherokee Road | Alexander City, AL
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R H O D E S /K E Y CONSTRUCTION Chris Key
256-749-0179
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
Sixth Street Baptist Sixth St., Alex City, 256-234-2408
Fellowship Revival Center Mission 316 6th Ave., Alex City 256-329-1510 weekends
Sunny Level Baptist Church Sunny Acres Subdivision Sewell Street
Kellyton Revival Center Co. Road 87 South Kellyton
Town Creek Baptist Camp Ground Rd., Alex City
Liberty Life Christian Center 321 “S” Street, Alex City
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
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
Sales •Service •Installation
(256) 329-8488
256.234.2007 256.749.8804
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FULL GOSPEL Dadeville Foursquare Gospel Church Old 280 By-pass
Meadows St. Church of Christ 306 Meadows St., Alex City
Fire Pits | Stone Work | Shrubs & More
METHODIST – INDEPENDENT Daviston Independent Methodist Daviston, 395-4207
Sandy Creek Baptist Alex City
Dadeville Church of Christ East LaFayette St., Dadeville
LANDSCAPE For An Effortlessly Beautiful Yard
RESTORATIONS•ADDITIONS KITCHENS•BATHS•REMODELING
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
JOWERS
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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
Now Serving Breakfast!
Flint Hill U.M., Alex City 256-234-5047
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Weekend Edition, March 10-11, 2018
The Outlook
www.alexcityoutlook.com
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The Outlook
Weekend Edition, March 10-11, 2018
Weekend Edition, March 10-11, 2018
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Police Reports Alexander City Police Department March 8
• Corzavious Dontae’ Dreshon Johnson, 21, of Alexander City was arrested for using false identity to obstruct justice. • Reginald Wayne Baker, 50, of Alexander City was arrested for domestic violence and disorderly conduct. • Using false identity to obstruct justice was reported on Christian Street. • Criminal trespass and criminal mischief was reported on K Street. • Domestic violence was reported on County Road. • Harassing communications was reported in Alexander City. • Harassment was reported on Dadeville Road. • Domestic violence and disorderly conduct was reported on Barrett Road. • Criminal mischief was reported on Boyd Street.
March 7
• Johntavious Tyjnan Doss, 24, of Camp Hill was arrested for failure to appear. • James William Welch, 24, of Alexander City was arrested for bail jumping. • Lashonnda Patreece Glenn, 35, of Alexander City was arrested for domestic violence. • Harassment was reported on Locust Street. • Burglary was reported on Central Avenue. • Domestic violence was reported in Alexander City. • Harassment was reported on Willow Point Road.
March 6
• Theft was reported on Jefferson Street. • Harassment was reported on Coley Creek Road.
March 5
• Arthena Lakeithia Thomas, 25, of Alexander City was arrested for four counts of failure to appear. • Natalie Dawn Wyckoff, 39, of Alexander City was arrested for financial abuse of the elderly. • Damien Quintez Calhoun, 23, of Alexander City was arrested for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. • Emma Paige Beck, 25, of Titus was arrested for theft. • Scotty Perez Marbury, 45, of Alexander City was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia and theft. • Possession of marijuana was reported on Daywell Street. • Theft was reported on Cedar Creek Lane. • Leaving the scene of an accident was reported on Highway 280. • Theft was reported on Washington Street.
March 4
• Paul Leono Brooks, 51, of Alexander City was arrested for failure to appear. • Shadowskia Oshea Edwards, 40, of Alexander City was arrested for domestic violence and public intoxication. • John Patrick Johnson, 31, of
Alexander City was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and unlawful possession of a firearm. • Jamicheal Alvin Leonard, 19, of Alexander City was arrested for possession of marijuana. • Possession of drug paraphernalia was reported on I Street. • Theft was reported on Oak Street. • Domestic violence was reported on North Central Avenue. • Menacing was reported on Washington Street. • Burglary and theft was reported on North Central Avenue. • Possession of marijuana was reported on Central Boulevard. • Possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana was reported on Highway 280.
March 3
• LeCorthney Drelle Jackson, 33, of Jacksons Gap was arrested for theft and domestic violence. • Tony Ostelle Calhoun, 33, of Alexander City was arrested for unlawful possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. • Markevious Jamon Scroggins, 21, of Tallassee was arrested for possession of a concealed weapon without a permit. • Stephen Antonio Huntly, 34, of Sylacauga was arrested for giving false information to law enforcement. • Burglary and theft was reported on Gamble Place. • Domestic violence was reported on Montgomery Street. • Assault was reported on Smith Street. • Harassment was reported on Mason Street. • Possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia was reported on Washington Street. • Harassment was reported on Tallapoosa Street. • Giving false identification to a law enforcement officer was reported in Alexander City.
March 2
• Joshua Andrew Tapley, 30, of Alexander City was arrested for possession of a controlled substance. • Possession of a controlled substance was reported on 10th Avenue. • Theft was reported on Carver Street. • Domestic violence was reported on Town Creek Road. • Criminal trespass was reported on South Road Court. • Domestic violence was reported in Alexander City. • Burglary and theft was reported in Alexander City.
March 1
• Wendy Erlene Gortney, 48, of Alexander City was arrested for possession of a substance and driving under the influence of a controlled substance. • Justavian Tyrick Norris, 21, of Alexander City was arrested for bail jumping. • Katrina Yvonne Russell, 26, of
Goodwater was arrested for bail jumping. • LaJarvis Dashun McKinney, 26, of Alexander City was arrested for failure of adult sex offender to register with law enforcement. • Arthur Deon Daniel, 40, of Alexander City was arrested for terrorist threat. • Scotty Joe Woodard, 41, of Kellyton was arrested for two counts of failure to appear. • Harassment was reported on Airport Drive. • Possession of a controlled substance was reported on Highway 280. • Unlawful breaking and entering and theft was reported in Alexander City. • Unlawful breaking and entering and theft was reported on Highway 280. • Theft was reported on Highway 280. • Domestic violence was reported in Alexander City. • Terrorist threat was reported on Court Square.
Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department March 8
• Carlisa Baggett of Mohogo Road in Alexander City was arrested on an outstanding warrant for probation violation.
March 7
• A resident of Harbor Road in Dadeville filed a report for burglary of a residence. • Bryan Curlee of Farm Loop Road in Alexander City was arrested on a warrant for failure to appear escape second degree and transported to the county jail.
March 5
• Brian Trammell of Houston Street in Alexander City was arrested on an outstanding warrant for grand jury indictment receiving stolen property, possession of meth, possession of marijuana second and drug paraphernalia.
March 4
• Bernard Russell of U.S. Highway 280 in Alexander City was arrested on grand jury indictments of possession of synthetic marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia and transported to the county jail. • A resident of Girls Ranch Road in Camp Hill filed a report for criminal mischief.
March 3
• Pretis Sanders of 3rd Street in Montgomery was arrested on a grand jury indictment for theft of property first and was transported to the county jail. • A resident of Churchill Road in Camp Hill filed a report for theft of property. • A resident of Alabama Highway 120 filed a report for domestic violence.
March 2
• Courtney Drake of Senator Claude Pepper Drive in Camp Hill was arrested on failure to appear order and attempt to elude and was transported to the county jail. • James Phillips of 16th Street of Phenix City was arrested on three outstanding warrants for probation violation, probation revocation and failure to pay child support. • Curteze Avery of County Road 62 in
Lafayette was arrested on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear child support. • Richard Gaither of Highway 63 North of Goodwater was arrested on an outstanding warrant for domestic violence third harassment.
March 1
• A resident of Highway 63 North in Goodwater filed a report for domestic violence harassment. • Travis Jones of New Hope Trail in Jacksons Gap was arrested on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear child support and an outstanding failure to appear bench report. • Daunte Potts of Potts Drive in Tallassee was arrested on an outstanding warrant for probation violation. • Roderick Toles of Pine Avenue South West in Birmingham was arrested on an outstanding warrant for probation violation.
February 28
• A resident of Highway 63 North in Goodwater filed a report for domestic violence harassment. • Travis Jones of New Hope Trail in Jacksons Gap was arrested on outstanding warrant for failure to appear child support and an outstanding failure to appear bench warrant. • Dauntae Potts of Potts Drive in Tallassee was arrested on an outstanding warrant for probation violation. • Roderick Toles of Pine Avenue South West in Birmingham was arrested on an outstanding warrant for probation violation.
Dadeville Police Department March 6
• An Alexander City woman, age 44, was arrested on a warrant for assault third.
March 5
• A Jackson’s Gap man, age 45, was arrested on three warrants for failure to appear. • A report was filed for assault third that occurred on Highway 280. • A Dadeville man, age 42, was arrested for theft of property second on Columbus Street. • A Dadeville woman, age 25, was arrested for theft of property second on Columbus Street. • A report was filed for theft by deception fourth that occurred on East South Street. • A Dadeville man, age 22, was arrested for domestic violence third and making a terrorist threat.
March 4
• A Waverly man, age 49, was arrested for receiving stolen property fourth and five warrants for failure to appear. • A Dadeville man, age 41, was arrested on a warrant for failure to appear.
March 3
• A Dadeville woman, age 22, was arrested for possession of marijuana second on Highway 280.
March 2
• A report was filed for burglary third and theft of property fourth that occurred on Herren Street.
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Weekend Edition, March 10-11, 2018
The Outlook
Women time?” asked Cornelius. “Why can’t we get personal with our purpose a little quicker?” Cornelius is the founder and president of blackfish. org, which is grounded in the principles of being an effective leader through inspiration, being a good steward of human and cash resources and being a problem solver. At a very young age, Cornelius faced adversity and was raped by her Sunday school teacher. Years later, when she was working for Birmingham Business Journal, her attacker was brought back into her life. After a long legal journey, she helped put the man who attacked more than 50 other victims, behind bars. Never believing she would find herself in the nonprofit world, Cornelius said she fell in love with the sector and found her calling assisting others while actively volunteering in her hometown of Birmingham. “My vision as a blackfish is to challenge others and show the courage to listen to different sides of an opinion,” said Cornelius, who makes nearly 150 presentations a year and uses her philosophy to train audiences to use leadership to light people’s lives. “If someone tells you not to do it, do it anyway. Life is short, and if you’re in favor, answer the calling and do it,” Cornelius explained. After a standing ovation from the room for the keynote speaker, last year’s Tallapoosa County Woman of the Year
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recipient Barbara Sokol asked the room to pause and take a moment to remember the impact everyone can make in the world. While reciting the many beautiful, kind words people in town submitted for the 2018 Tallapoosa County Woman of the Year, Sokol announced this year’s recipient as local artist Lyla Graves. “She is encouraging, mentoring and presents Lyla’s life nuggets,” read Sokol. “Her spirit and zest for life and her ability to see the good in all people inspires those around her to be the best they can be.” Using words such as selfless, influential and compassionate, Sokol said Graves’ involvement with the community and candid ability to share her struggles to support others, made her more than qualified to receive this year’s award. Kathy Fulmer presented the 2018 Coosa County Woman of the Year award to Jodi McDade for her commitment to the community, even as a transplant to the area. “She has bold new ideas for Coosa County and volunteers willingly every chance she gets. The energy she pours into improving county practices shows that she practices what she preaches,” said Fulmer. Even though McDade is now retired form the Alabama Department of Revenue, she spends countless hours volunteering in town and belongs to numerous civic organizations.
Police Local police respond to more than a dozen calls in a week’s time of people acting erratically due to the use of synthetic marijuana. A woman living in a tent believes people have implanted a device in her head to control her mind calls police regularly. Those are not national stories, those are just a few of the high-profile examples of issues law enforcement right here in Tallapoosa County have dealt with in recent years. Alexander City Police Department Chief Jay Turner said there is rarely a day when they don’t have a situation where someone they encounter isn’t dealing with some type of mental issue. “More and more we are being forced to deal with people with these issues,” Turner said. “The options for them to get help just aren’t there. Family members try hard, but at times it just gets to be more than they can handle and we are forced to deal with them. I hope in time that we can see some resources put towards mental health options. We have worked very hard and offered all sorts of training on identifying problems and educated officers of people in the community that we know have that kind of history. The best work I can think of to describe the entire issue is challenging.” Turner said that more times than not, instead of getting people help, they are forced to arrest them for crimes they probably wouldn’t have committed had they had the proper care, medication and treatment. “The options are very limited and how do these people get matched up with help when it’s not an easy process even for a person who isn’t struggling,” Turner said. “Unfortunately the only time you do is when the person themselves get to the point when they seek it on their own. So most of the time we are left to deal with the same people over and over again.” Tallapoosa County Probate Court Judge Leon Archer said that without a doubt, mental health commitments are the hardest part of his job. He said that getting someone help is a multi-layered process that has several working parts. “By the time we get a call, many times it has escalated to a point where it is a crisis,” Archer said. “At that point the family and often times law enforcement is out of options and desperate. They call and try to get them committed. We get on it, but it’s not as easy as looking at the facts and signing a piece of paper and they get help. You have to have an assessment from a mental health professional. You have to make sure that they have a place to go, that the family is on board and you have the means to transport them. If all that lines up, then they can get help. You can see with all that, it’s rarely easy.” On the other end, judges in the court system are often left to deal with what to do with those with very real mental issues who have violated the law. Circuit Court Judge Tom young saw the problem as so severe that he held a “mini summit” recently to get people from all
Amy Passaretti / The Outlook
Allison Black Cornelius speaks at the fifth annual Lead Forward Women’s Conference at the Central Alabama Community College Betty Carol Graham Center Friday morning.
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aspects of the process together to make sure everyone understood the options and the process if a person is believed to need mental help. “It is like putting a puzzle together,” Young said. “When it involves so many different agencies on the local and state level, private medical facilities in some cases I felt it was important that everyone get on the same page.” Young said law enforcement shouldn’t be the ones making the decision of someone’s stability. But they need the tools to know that a person needs to be assessed and Alabama falls short in that category, according to studies and even a federal lawsuit. The Pew Charitable Trusts released a report last fall on medical care in prisons, a national overview of a state responsibility that is posing major challenges in Alabama. The report says in 2015 Alabama spent $3,234 per inmate on health care, which included mental health, less than any other state except Louisiana. Indiana, Nevada and South Carolina were the other three states that spent less than $3,500. According to U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson’s late June ruling, the percentage of Alabama prisoners with mental illness is 14 to 15 percent, while the national average is 20 to 30 percent. Judges who try to get people charged with crimes who have mental issues and addiction problems have other hurdles. The wait to get a person a bed at a mental health facility or in a substance rehabilitation center is so long that they often have to hold someone in prison until a spot opens up. “Because there are few options and less than 300 beds statewide for people who need inpatient mental care, law enforcement and courts either have to deal with these people over and over again or warehouse them in prisons,” Young said. “When you put someone who genuinely has mental issues in the same population as hardened criminals, you end up with mentally ill criminals.” Turner said until money is dedicated to this issues, they are working to better understand the issues and train their people on the process. “The problem we have is that there is no real place for them to go often times,” Turner said. “If we get cooperation, and there is a bed at a facility and they consent, we can get them some help. But there they get medicated and even out and are released. But once they are back on their own, who is going to make sure they take their medication? Who is going to make sure they have everything they need? The lucky ones have families who help. But we run into so many who don’t. Those are the ones we deal with time and time again. “It’s tough, because we just don’t have a lot of options. All those things take money. Just like we are seeing in the prison system, you can pay for it up front, or the courts will make you deal with it later.”
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Weekend Edition, March 10-11, 2018
LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor
Sports Outlook The
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HITS GALORE FOR GENERALS
Join us for the madness that is March I
t feels like just yesterday I was writing about the opening day of the college basketball season, one of my favorite times of the sports year. I can never seem to get behind the NBA, but there’s something so pure about college basketball. It’s like high school basketball — everyone is fighting for something. The names of the front of their jerseys mean more than the names on the back (not that all high school and college basketball teams have their names on the back, but just go with me.) What’s especially great about college basketball is the NCAA Tournament. It’s a time where everyone can get involved, because who knows what’s going to happen. I’m never going to write a college basketball column without at least briefly reminiscing about VCU in the Final Four in 2011, and this one won’t be any different. If any team was a Cinderella team, VCU was it. People were upset when the Rams were selected to a First Four game — it was the first year of the First Four, by the way — and yet they made it all the way to that final game. And with each round, it became more and more unlikely. VCU was a 11-seed after beating USC in the First Four. After that, the Rams faced Georgetown and blew the pants off the Bulldogs. Then came No. 3 Purdue, and, eternal pessimist that I am, I thought, “No way they beat Purdue.” VCU beat Purdue by 18 points. Up next was Florida State, and everyone thought, “OK, the fun ends here for VCU.” ESPN analysts counted us out from the beginning. We beat FSU in overtime. Then came Kansas. “Kansas?!” I thought, “Yeah, right.” Not only were the Jayhawks a No. 1 seed, they were tournament proven, and a victory would’ve meant a trip to the Final Four. I don’t root for winners. There was just no way. Then the unthinkable happened, as VCU took down Kansas, 71-61. Of course the fun finally did end in a loss to Butler. But alas, it’s something I’ll never forget. And the great thing about college basketball? That exact story could happen to anybody. And this year, I’m hoping to add one more element to the fun, as The Outlook will be hosting a bracket contest, sponsored by Papa John’s, and you — along with whatever team you choose — could be a winner. The rules are simple: On Tuesday, The Outlook will publish the bracket in our sports pages, and we want you to fill it out and become a winner of a prize package, which will include but not be limited to a Papa John’s giftcard and a pass to Playhouse Cinemas. We’ll release more on the prize next week. Because of the timing of our paper, the First Four games will not count, so just bring your bracket to The Outlook before 5 p.m. Wednesday, and you’ll be entered. The only catch: Your bracket must be the one published in our paper. For each correct first round game, you’ll get a point. Two points for second-round games, five for Sweet Sixteen, 10 for Elite Eight, 20 for Final Four and 50 for having the national champ right. We’ll publish a leaderboard after each round, so you can see if you’ll be this year’s Cinderella story. Lizi Arbogast is the sports editor of The Outlook.
Horseshoe Bend’s Lee Norrell, left, slides back into first base against Central Coosa’s Tadarius Parker on Friday afternoon.
Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook
Horseshoe Bend racks up 14 hits in win over Coosa By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor
Central Coosa did a lot of things well in Friday night’s baseball game against Horseshoe Bend. It finished with eight hits and cut down its errors to only four, two of which came in the first inning, and it got some great pitching early on
from Bailey Harris. But none of that was enough to overcome the Generals’ offensive prowess. Horseshoe Bend collected 14 hits of its own, and walked away with a 14-4 victory in six innings. “We’ve been hitting all year long with these guys; it’s just defense that has been our struggle,” Generals coach Jason
Johnson said. “Tonight we made a few good plays and cut down the errors a little bit, so we’re heading in the right direction.” After sitting the Cougars down in order in the top of the first, the Generals immediately got their bats going with a twoout rally to take a 4-0 lead after one inning. With two outs on the board, Jace Rodriguez got things
WILDCATS HONORED AT CEREMONY Photos by Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook
started with a single, and Lee Norrell followed with a single of his own. Grant Taylor drove both of them with a double straight down the third baseline, and a pair of Coosa errors allowed two more runs to score before the inning’s end. Horseshoe Bend scored four runs in three of its six innings, See GENERALS • Page 12
Benjamin Russell’s wrestling team was honored Friday afternoon at an assembly and presented its runner-up trophy for placing second at the Class 6A State Championships earlier this Year. Below left, Kraig Abercrumbie raises up the trophy as Bobby Charsha, left, and Cam Bucker look on. Below right, AHSAA Executive Director and former BRHS coach Steve Savarese presented the trophy.
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BRHS battles back to defeat Wetumpka in extra innings By DAVID BERRY Herald Sports Editor
The Benjamin Russell softball team came from behind to defeat host Wetumpka 11-8 in nine innings to start Class 6A Area 6 play. Wetumpka led by as many as four runs in the game on two separate occasions, but could not close it out. “The girls stayed focused,” Benjamin Russell coach Jessica Johnson said. “They made adjustments in the box. They stayed focused on the field and they didn’t quit. I’m proud of them, that’s a huge team win. Everybody on the team played at some point, and they pulled it out. So I’m proud of them. The Wildcats fell behind early as Wetumpka struck with a four-run second inning, highlighted by a run-scoring double from Alexis Austin. Benjamin Russell cut Wetumpka’s lead in half in the next inning thanks to an RBI single by Asia McWaters and a bases-loaded walk drawn by Taylor Latham. The Wildcats cut Wetumpka’s lead to 4-3 in the fourth inning on an RBI groundout to from McWaters. The score stayed that way until the bottom of the fifth inning when Wetumpka re-gained control of the game, scoring four runs thanks to an
error and a two-run double by Markie Hicks. But just when it seemed that Wetumpka had everything in control, things went sideways for the Indians in the next inning. Wetumpka committed two errors that resulted in four Benjamin Russell runs to tie the game up at 7-7. “I told (the team) we can hit with anybody, we can pitch with anybody, but we can’t field very well right now and it’s killing us,” Wetumpka head coach Randy Belyeu said. “They know it. I don’t have to keep telling them that. That was a hard loss there. But they’re going to rebound. They’re beating themselves up. Tomorrow is a new day.” The game went to extra innings and both teams scored a run in the eighth inning. But in the ninth, back-to-back doubles to open the inning by Taylor McVey and Baylee Adkins gave Benjamin Russell a lead it didn’t relinquish for the rest of the game. The Wildcats added on two more runs in the inning. With one out and a runner on first, Shay Johnson got things started again with a single to rightfield before McWaters loaded the bases with another single. Bailey Underwood then earned an RBI single, and Jayme Marbury kept things
going with single to play Johnson before the inning’s end. The Wildcats then retired Wetumpka in order in the bottom of the ninth to earn the victory. McWaters earned the win in relief for Benjamin Russell. She threw the final two innings, allowing no hits and only one run, which was unearned. She struck out two of the final three Indians’ batter. Taylor Harris fired the first seven innings, and although she scattered 11 hits, she gave up only four earned runs. Leading the offense was Johnson, who went 3-for-4 with two RBIs and three runs scored. McWaters helped her own cause with two singles and three RBIs, and Marbury equaled that total. Both of Adkins’ two hits went for extra bases. The loss is Wetumpka’s first in area play since 2014. As tough as it was for the Indians, it was that much greater for Benjamin Russell, who have won five outs of its last six games. “That was a huge win,” Johnson said. “Wetumpka has always been a very good opponent and we’ve always gone tit-for-tat with them. But that’s a big win, so we’re proud.”
Generals and although Central Coosa was relatively consistent at the plate, it wasn’t until the top of the sixth that the Cougars finally got things started. “I think confidence is the big thing,” Central Coosa coach Dave Stover said. “Everybody is going to make errors, but if you’re not hitting, that makes the difference. Today was kind of a eye opener for them when they started jumping on it and I could see that. The score wasn’t a positive, but I think they learned something today and got a little bit of confidence. There are some of them that hit that haven’t been hitting.” Trailing 10-1, Coosa started to make a game out of it in the top
Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook
Benjamin Russell’s Taylor Harris pitches against Wetumpka on Thursday night. The Wildcats came back to win, 11-8 in nine innings.
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of the sixth. Ryan Payne led off with a single, and he was followed by a Caleb McCain single. As McCain was attempting to steal second, there was a Horseshoe Bend error that gave Payne time to score, and Dawson Duncan reached on an error that scored McCain. With two outs, Bailey Harris then hit a hard groundball that was misplayed, giving Coosa another run. “They feed off of each other,” Stover said. “We’re just practicing hitting and staying on them. Really, it doesn’t matter until we play Randolph County. That’s what we’re playing for. I moved some guys around today to try to figure out some of those
holes.” Unfortunately for the Cougars, Horseshoe Bend immediately responded with four runs of its own in the bottom of the frame. Rodriguez led off with a double and was scored on a single by Norrell. Grant Taylor then added a run with a double to center field, and after Horseshoe Bend got the bases loaded with some wild Coosa pitching, Cole Johnson notched an RBI single to set the final score. “We just kinda lost focus there (in the top of the sixth),” coach Johnson said. “You get up big, and you kinda quit playing. We didn’t make a couple plays right there, but we were able to respond and hit it the next
inning.” Rodriguez, Norrell and Taylor all finished with three hits, and Luke Yarbrough helped his own cause by going 2-for-3 with two RBIs. Cade Worthy, Chandler Lewis and Johnson all added singles. Yarbrough threw the complete game, scattering eight hits and allowing just two earned runs. He didn’t walk any and struck out seven, including four in the opening two innings. “I felt like my fastball was all right,” Yarbrough said. “My curveball worked every now and then but not when I wanted it to. I just knew if I pitched well, the defense would have my back no matter what.”
Wildcats pick up another thrilling victory Catrett each had three. Danielle Mitchell, Hannah Adcock and Rebecca Anderson had two hits apiece. Kennedy Templeton also added a three-run homer in the top of the sixth. Mitchell and Caly Carlisle combined for the victory in the circle. Mitchell went four innings, allowing four hits and two runs. She struck out two and walked two. For Carlisle, she fired two innings and gave up two hits and a run. She struck out one and walked none.
STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
With its back against the wall, Benjamin Russell’s boys soccer team fought to the bitter end with Opelika on Thursday night and came away with its second straight thrilling win. The game was tied 0-0 at the end of the second overtime period, but when Luke Harvey, Lucan Yates and Lucas Roberts all converted on penalty kicks in the shootout and the Bulldogs scored none, BRHS was awarded the victory. “Luckily, we took care of business,” BRHS coach Austin Teel said. “We work on PKs, especially during practice before section games because you never know if you’re going to need them. When you’re playing a good team like Opelika, we kinda figured that might be the outcome.” Harvey went up first, hitting his shot, and Opelika’s first shooter kicked it over the goal. Yates made his goal, and Opelika’s second kicker hit the crossbar. Roberts nailed his shot, and it all came down to the Bulldogs’ third shooter versus BRHS freshman goalkeeper Campbell Woods. “Campbell Woods came up and made a bigtime save to seal the victory,” Teel said. “As a coach, it’s very nervewracking, and I was very proud of him for making those big saves for us. Luke, Lucan and Lucas were all very calm and collected, and that’s what it takes to kick these PKs. Don’t let the nerves set in, kick it low and to the corner, and they all hit the right lower corner.” Teel also said he thought Jesus Velasquez had one of his best games of the season, controlling the center midfield. Elliott Evans and Alex Law combined defensively to shut down Opelika’s playmaker. The victory increases BRHS’ record to 6-5 and puts it at 1-1 in the area.
File / The Outlook
Benjamin Russell’s Lucan Yates, right, was one of three goal scorers in a shootout victory over Opelika on Thursday night.
“This evens our area record, and of course now we want to win out so we can try to win the section,” Teel said.
BASEBALL Clay Central dominates BRHS
Benjamin Russell finally got its bats going again, picking up 12 hits against Clay Central, but it still wasn’t enough, as the Volunteers had 15 of their own. Combine that with seven Wildcats errors, and it resulted in a 20-8, five-inning loss on Friday night. Things started well enough, as BRHS (3-7) took a 5-3 lead after the first inning, but Clay Central tacked on four runs in the top of the second and the Wildcats couldn’t respond. The Volunteers broke the game open with seven runs in the fourth and five in the fifth to close out the game. Cade Brooks led BRHS’ offense by going 3-for-4, while Wilson Hays, Sam Hendon and Colby Riddle each had two hits. Tanner Beckett drove in three runs. BRHS went through three pitchers, who did well enough. Although they allowed a combined 15 hits, they gave up only eight earned runs as errors
plagued the Wildcats all night. Huel Lumpkin led the way with a pair of strikeouts, while Nick McGhee and Bradley Stewart each had one.
CACC swept by Shelton St.
Central Alabama Community College suffered a pair of losses to Shelton State on Thursday evening, and both of them came by two runs. The Trojans (9-12) lost 8-6 in the opener and 2-0 in the nightcap. In the first game, CACC was led by Emilio Morales, who had a single and a double. Matt Muhliesen and Gage Herring each plated a pair of runs. Central Alabama had just one hit in the second game, a single by Muhliesen.
SOFTBALL Horseshoe Bend picks up much-needed win
After losing two games in a row, Horseshoe Bend got back on the winning side of things with a 19-3 victory over Verbena in six innings. The Generals (4-8) collected a staggering 26 hits, as Ivy Vickers went a perfect 5-for-5 at the plate. Abby Cheatam smacked four hits, while Cheyanna Howard and Sydnie
CACC ousted by Lansing Community College
Despite putting up 10 hits and six runs, Central Alabama Community College couldn’t overcome Lansing Community College in a 10-6 loss on Friday night. Lansing scored three runs in the top of the seventh to put the game out of reach. Sierra Easterwood, Shatima Smith, Ashton Fielding and Loren Bishop each had two hits for the Trojans (15-8), but the defense struggled with a trio of errors. In the circle, Easterwood pitched the complete game, and although she allowed 15 hits, only seven of Lansing’s runs were earned. Easterwood struck out three and didn’t walk any.
GOLF BRHS takes 3rd at invite
On Thursday afternoon, Benjamin Russell’s boys golf team traveled to Phenix City for an invitational, and placed third out of 13 teams. The Wildcats were behind only Enterprise and Auburn. Matthew Cush was the low medalist for the entire tournament, as he carded a 76. Also competing for BRHS were Sawyer Scott, Dylan Moncus, Kylee Reeder, Sawyer Parks, Trey Shockley, Caziah Gilmore, Spencer Gilliland, Jacob Booker and Dawson Self.
SCOTT HARDY Digital Marketing
Kevin Smith’s loyalty to BRHS was rewarded
W
ebster’s Dictionary defines the term loyal as “unswerving in allegiance.” Someone who has embodied that denotation to its core is new Benjamin Russell football coach Kevin Smith. Prior to being named to his new position, Smith spent 22 years — the entirety of his coaching career — as an assistant on the BRHS staff. Although this is his first head coaching gig, there have been other opportunities that could have provided the same title. However, he maintained his commitment to the “maroon and gray” and remained on the Wildcat sideline. In my mind, Kevin’s faithfulness to the school and area is twofold. It speaks to the type of person he is and provides some insight into the caliber of program Ben Russell houses. Although a transplant, his genuine admiration and fondness for Alexander City is mirrored by very few. Whether he’s roaming the halls of BRHS or out in the community, he’s talking about the Wildcats. That’s the kind of ambassador and leader you want as the face of your team. Often times when a position becomes vacant, there is a desire to go after the next big thing. This is an attitude that is not exclusive to sports. It happens on a professional basis quite often. While I am not dismissing that mindset, there’s something to be said for hiring within, especially when the opportunity presents itself and it makes sense. For a profession that sees more turnover than our current President’s Oval Office staff, it’s encouraging to see someone’s unwavering loyalty be rewarded. On that note, the last time Benjamin Russell repaid an assistant’s steadfastness, a state championship was brought back to Alex City. I’m not saying, I’m just saying. As we’ve seen with The Outlook’s “Weekend Football Forecast” predictions, I’m not the best prognosticator. So, I won’t guarantee a certain amount of victories or playoff runs for coach Smith. But I can say without any uncertainty, regardless of the wins and losses, our administration, players and fans will be proud to say Kevin Smith is the head coach of the Benjamin Russell Wildcats. Scott Hardy is a digital marketing coordinator for Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.
