March 1, 2018 Alex City Outlook

PAGE 6: BADCOCK HOME FURNITURE HOLDS RIBBON CUTTING

THE LOCAL, PAGE 3 Kiwanis Club to host pancake breakfast

THURSDAY SPORTS, PAGE 10 Wildcats lose streak in loss to Smiths Station

Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892

March 1, 2018 Vol. 126, No. 43 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢

Arrest made in 11th Avenue shooting Police: investigation is active, more details could emerge

Area law enforcement officials investigate the scene after shots were fired Tuesday evening in an altercation that left one in stable condition at UAB hospital and another facing first-degree assault charges.

and was charged with firstdegree assault. Investigators believe that Young may have confronted the victim about his role in an altercation earlier Tuesday when words turned into gunfire.

“It does appear that this began with an earlier incident and spilled over to what we had on 11th Avenue,” See SHOOTING • Page 9

By MITCH SNEED Editor

One local man is facing first-degree assault charges and another is in stable condition at UAB after a bizarre altercation that led to a shooting Tuesday evening.

Young Joseph Lewis Young, 52, of Alexander City was arrested Tuesday shortly after the incident

Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

McDaniel jailed pending bond revocation ruling

‘R-E-S-P-E-C-T’

By MITCH SNEED Editor

Matthew Clate McDaniel will spend at least a few more days in jail while a McDaniel judge decides to reinstate his bond or keep him in custody until his June trial on murder charges.

See MCDANIEL • Page 9

CACC LPN program ranks fifth in state

By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

The Licensed Practical Nursing program at Central Alabama Community College is one of the best in the state, according to the organization PracticalNursing.org. In a recent study to examine LPN programs offered by community colleges, technical centers and private career schools, the group ranked the top 20 LPN programs in Alabama and released its findings on its website.

Among the schools ranked through this study, the LPN See NURSING • Page 3

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Local schools celebrate Black History Month Stephens Elementary School student MeKhel Ellis plays the saxophone while performing “Respect” at Wednesday’s program celebrating Black History Month. To see more photos from the program at Stephens, as well as programs from Radney Elementary School and Benjamin Russell High School, see Page 5 inside today.

Military vehicle rally set this weekend at Wind Creek

Dadeville City Council holds public hearing on nuisance property

By MITCH SNEED Editor

Some real-life pieces of rolling military history are coming to town.

The Dixie Division Military Vehicles Club is hosting the East Alabama Regional Spring Rally Friday and Saturday at Wind Creek Park.

Local military vehicle enthusiast Gary Poe said he expects a big crowd and all sorts of military vehicles to be on display, ranging from Jeeps to different cargo and all-terrain vehicles.

Many of the members also collect military memorabilia and will have that displayed as well.

“The will start rolling in at about 8 a.m. on Friday morning and they will be there See MILITARY • Page 9

Today’s

By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

File / The Outlook

Vintage military vehicles of all sizes from multiple eras in military history were on display at last year’s rally at Wind Creek State Park and event organizer Gary Poe said this year should offer even more for attendees to see.

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Property owner William Wilkerson said that a car sitting in his front yard does run, though it needs some work and the barrels in the back yard are used for growing vegetables, while his wife claimed several See DADEVILLE • Page 3

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Friday

Wife can’t watch as friend abuses husband’s generosity

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Staff

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

Postal

Information (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) The Outlook is published five times a week, Tuesday through Saturday mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011.

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

Thursday, March 1, 2018

The Outlook

Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com Donald Campbell Staff Writer, Ext. 208 donald.campbell@alexcityoutlook.com Santana Wood Staff Writer/Pagination, Ext. 210 santana.wood@alexcityoutlook.com Advertising Sales Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Katie Wesson Retail Sales Manager, Ext. 232 tkatie.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 husband loaned a “dear friend� some money a year ago. She has yet to pay back a penny.

When I ask him about it, he gets mad and tells me it’s none of my business. I have hinted to her about some large bills that we have to pay, to no avail.

Other than that, my husband and I have a great marriage and love each other very much. I just don’t like her taking advantage of his generosity. I know taking care of his friends gives him pleasure, but he has been burned before and I can see it happening again. I find it hard to ignore.

What do I do? -- SICK OF IT IN NEW HAMPSHIRE DEAR SICK OF IT: I wish you had mentioned whether you work and the money your soft-touch hubby gave his friend was partly earned by you. If that’s the case, I don’t blame you for being upset.

DEAR ABBY Advice

While I’m not sure you can prevent your husband from doing this, I do think you are within your rights to insist that before he does it he discuss it with you. If he will do that, perhaps the two of you can find an alternative for the person other than giving out money.

DEAR ABBY: My son passed away unexpectedly a little over eight years ago. He was 21. At the time, he had been dating a very nice young lady. We kept in touch for a while after the funeral -- letters and emails mostly, as I had moved out of state -- but things gradually tapered off.

I have been able to keep somewhat informed about her life because of the magic of social media and mutual friends she shared with my son who still contact me occasionally. I recently learned she’s being married within the next two weeks. I am wondering if it would be wrong or weird of me to send a congratulatory card to the happy couple. I wish only continued happiness for her and her future husband. -- WISHING HAPPINESS DEAR WISHING: I see nothing wrong or weird about sending her a nice card, and when you do, be sure to tell her not only that you wish her a happy future, but also that she will always have a special place in your heart.

DEAR ABBY: Would it be appropriate for someone to tell someone else’s children to stop doing something dangerous if the parent is not

around? I’m talking about kids holding scissors the wrong way or running with them, pushing others, etc.

My children are in their teens now and know that such behavior is wrong. If it were the other way around, I would be grateful if someone cared enough to tell my kids that a behavior is wrong and/or dangerous. -- GLAD IN THE MIDWEST DEAR GLAD: How else would the children know if they weren’t warned? To speak up would be an act of kindness, particularly if they were doing something that could cause harm to themselves or others.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby. com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

Obituaries Mrs. Wyvonne Andrews Watkins 1938 - 2018 Funeral Service for Mrs. Wyvonne Andrews Watkins, 79, of Alexander City, will be Friday, March 2, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Victory Baptist Church. Rev. Bobby Bates, Rev. Braxton Baker, Dr. Rick Worthy, Rev. Eddie Pierce, Rev. Chris Fuller will officiate. She will lie in state one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow in the Hillview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 1, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home.

Mrs. Watkins passed away on Tuesday, February 27, 2018 at her residence.

She was born on September 12, 1938 to William JC Andrews and Romie Lou

Thomas Andrews. She was an active member of Victory Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School for many years. She served alongside of her husband in the ministry for 48 years.

For 35 years, she taught Kindergarten at Victory Baptist Academy. She was the “World’s Greatest Cook� and made the best roast, peach cobbler, chicken and dumplings and green beans.

She loved her family very much and was always doing for others and putting others before herself.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Dr. John William Watkins, Jr. of Alexander City; son, Johnny Watkins, III (Tonya) of Pensacola, FL; daughter, Tammy Truett (Wayne) of Pulaski, TN; grandchildren, Kimberly Watkins, Bethany Barham (Zac), Brooke Willoughby

(Brent), Haley Taylor (Travis), Bradley Truett (Kara), Stefan Reynolds, Caleb Reynolds and Emily Brown; great-grandchildren, Logan Watkins, Bela Valdez, Adam Truett, Lauren Truett, Lexi Willoughby, Addisyn Willoughby and Trey Taylor; sisters, Ann Ficquette (Rex) of Kellyton, Nita Livingston (Gary) of Sylacauga and Kathy Dark (Tim) of Alexander City; brothers, Mike Andrews (Cherri) of Alexander City and Marty Andrews (Robin) of Sylacauga; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Mitchell Andrews.

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

Mr. Johnny Howard Spivey Funeral service for Mr. Johnny Howard Spivey 66 of Alexander City, AL; 1:30 p.m.; Friday, March 2, 2018; Early Rose Baptist Church, Alexander City, AL. Burial, Armour’s Memorial Garden, Alexander City, AL; Visitation: Thursday, March 1, 2018 12-7 p.m.

Final Arrangements Entrusted to Armour’s Memorial Funeral Home.

Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

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

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

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Thursday, March 1, 2018

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The Outlook

Nursing

File / The Outlook

The Alexander City Kiwanis Club is hosting its annual pancake breakfast March 10. The menu includes coffee, milk, orange juice, pancakes and Conecuh sausage. Tickets can be purchased from any member or by calling 356-414-3555.

Kiwanis to host annual pancake breakfast we raise for children,” Willis said. “We support Reading is Fundamental, scholarships to Central Alabama Community For those hungry for pancakes and Conecuh sausage, College, the JROTC program at BRHS, the special needs the Alexander City Kiwanis program at BRHS and the Club pancake breakfast is Alexander City Education coming up March 10 to satisfy Foundation. It is always child that craving.

It is not the first time the club focused, for activities and programs that impact children.” has hosted a pancake breakfast The Alexander City as the club owns large griddles Kiwanians will be getting to the to get the job done.

Benjamin Russell High School “I think we have been doing cafeteria well before the 6 a.m. it for decades,” Kiwanian David start time, but they will not be Willis said. “We have been alone. doing it for a long while.”

“The BRHS Key Club and The funds raised at the JROTC program will be there,” breakfast will be used to Willis said.

“The Builders Club support causes in the area. from the middle school will also “We always use the money

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

be there. They will assist us in cooking and serving.”

The breakfast will be March 10 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Tickets are $6 each and is all you can eat dine in. Carry out plates are also available.

Tickets are available from any Alex City Kiwanian, by calling Raymond James office at 256-414-3355, at Tapley Appliance or at the Alexander City Board of Education office.

The menu includes coffee, milk, orange juice, pancakes and Conecuh sausage.

“Louise Tapley has gone to Evergreen to get the Conecuh Sausage,” Willis said. “She will be going to pick up 260 pounds again this year.”

continued from page 1

program at Central Alabama Community College was rated fifth in the state, finishing ahead of fourteen other community colleges and technical schools across the state in order to reach this ranking.

“I’m very proud of the fact that our students have performed so well on the licensed practical nursing exam,” CACC President Dr. Susan Burrow said. “Ranking in the top five in Alabama is a great honor. We are looking forward to having continued success with our LPN students.”

“It’s a great honor,” said Dr. Melenie Bolton, the associate dean of health sciences. “Our students made it happen through their due diligence. The faculty contributes to this, but at the end of the day, it’s all about the students.”

In order to determine scores and rankings for each of the colleges selected, Practical Nursing first eliminated schools that have discontinued their LPN program, as well as schools that have either no pass rates over the last two years, or have fewer than two years of pass rates. Once these were weeded out, the group then examined the pass rates of each school’s program for as far back as data was available, with the rates weighted based on which year the rates came from.

After compiling and analyzing all the data available, the organization then graded each of the schools on their programs. For its efforts, the program at CACC scored a grade of 96.43, behind only Wallace State Community College (99.27), Lawson State Community College (99.26), Herzing University (98.48) and Northwest Shoals Community College (98.45).

Bolton said that, when compared to other community colleges around the state, the LPN program at CACC is relatively small, admitting an average of 48 new students each fall. Even so, the program has had a positive impact in the community.

“That’s how we contribute to our community, preparing qualified nurses,” she said.

Looking to the future, Burrow and Bolton both felt the LPN program at CACC continues to have a bright future ahead of it, with the need for trained nurses not diminishing as the population of both Alabama and the United States continues to age.

“The demand for practical nursing changes.

It seems to go in a cycle overall,” Burrow said.

“Right now, there continues to be a demand for licensed practical nurses, both here in Alabama and across the nation.”

“We’d like to have 100 percent passage of students taking the LPN exam,” Bolton said.

“We recently opened up an RN (registered nurse) facility in Alexander City, so there is definitely the potential for growth there.”

Dadeville appliances sitting in the front yard, which include a pair of deep freezers, are there because there is no room for them inside the house.

Michael Richardson with the building department reported that the proper steps had been followed in regard to the property, while also reminding the council he has photographs of the property. Some of the concerns included the car and appliances sitting in the front yard, along with various items scattered throughout the back yard.

Mayor Wayne Smith and members of the council voiced their opinions during the hearing.

“I know an attempt has been made to clean it,” Councilwoman Brownie Caldwell said.

“If we make an attempt, can we keep it?”

“Keep going,” Smith said. “It looks better, but we’re not there yet.”

Following the hearing, the council voted to table further action until the next meeting, giving the Wilkersons more

continued from page 1

time to continue making progress in cleaning up their yard.

The Dadeville City Council also handled the following matters: • Minutes from the Feb. 13 meeting were approved.

• Councilwoman Betty Adams said a handful of residents had approached her regarding stopped up gutters. The street department said this would be rectified soon.

• Sylvester Williamson with the Alabama Department of Revenue presented an issue that the department found when reviewing Dadeville’s sales tax ordinances. There had been some confusion regarding the ordinances and an amendment passed in 1998. The council passed a new ordinance that will work to clear up the confusion.

• Councilman Dick Harrelson said there are some old tires at the Firestone facility across from the library that are causing issues, including producing mosquitoes. Police Chief

David Barbour and the street department said the problem is being resolved.

• The city is currently taking new bids on the demolition grant project.

The window will close March 8 at 2 p.m. and action will be taken during the next council meeting.

• Smith said representatives from the paving company working on the Lafayette Street project were meeting Wednesday to look at the spot causing issues in order to deal with the problem and finish the project.

• The council approved a new agreement with ALDOT, where the city will pay for maintenance work to be done on the traffic lights on Highway 280, but the work itself would be handled by ALDOT. • Councilman Roy Mathis brought further information before the council about the recently ordered uniforms for city workers. The initial price, he said, did not include certain details to

the uniform, including names and a label saying “City of Dadeville.”

With a premium plan available for these uniforms, the annual cost will jump to $455 per employee. Despite some concerns raised, the council voted to approve this change in the uniform purchase.

• The council voted to join the state and a number of municipalities in the class-action lawsuit being filed against opioid manufacturers.

• Councilwoman Teneesha GoodmanJohnson said she had talked with Kingz United about getting the word out about starting up a Boys & Girls Club in Dadeville. During an event Kingz United will hold right before Easter, Johnson said the members would talk with parents about the program.

• The council passed a resolution to continue pursuing action against the property at 362 West South Street, a location some have registered complaints

with regarding the weed and nuisance abatement ordinance.

• Smith told the council and the audience that the city will be scheduling another cleanup day in March, and suggested taking a look at Keebler Park, now that the daffodil bulbs Dianna Porter recently planted are

beginning to bloom.

• Five recreation center rental requests were approved.

The next meeting of the Dadeville City Council is Tuesday, March 13, with a pre-council meeting beginning at 5:30 p.m. before the regular council meeting starts at 6 p.m.

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Opinion

MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213

editor@alexcityoutlook.com

EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed

Page 4

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Our

View More money needed at all aspects of judicial system

T

he issues facing the justice system in Alabama are well documented.

We have aging prisons that are overcrowded and offer substandard care for physically and mental ill inmates, a lack of funds for forensic sciences and law enforcement officers, and our court system is so backlogged that cases take way too long to reach a conclusion.

When you combine all those factors, you see we have circumstances that have created a cycle that makes being tough on crime is a pipe dream. Sentencing guidelines have tied judges’ hands on how long they give those convicted of many crimes.

In Tallapoosa County, we only have a total of four weeks a year set aside for criminal trials in Alexander City and four weeks in Dadeville.

In the last grand jury cycle for the Alexander City division, there were more than 400 indictments handed down. If even a fraction of those went to trial, it would take years to get them tried.

So what happens is charges are combined, deals are struck and pleas are taken just to clear dockets. In the Fifth Judicial Circuit, judges and prosecutors cover five counties and they all have the same kind of numbers we have in Tallapoosa County. They all work hard to do the right thing, but the workload is incredible. How can you realistically investigate, research and prepare for that many cases over five counties, spanning nearly 200 miles from end to end?

You can’t.

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.

When you put someone who genuinely has mental issues in the same population as hardened criminals, you end up with mentally ill criminals.

Where is all this going? It’s simple.

Until more money is dedicated to all aspects of the judicial system, criminals being put on the street despite breaking the law over and over again will continue. Is that what citizens want? Ask someone who has been victimized by a person who is out on probation or bond.

It’s time to get creative and give the state’s judicial system the resources it demands.

Outlook The

A special bond between brother and little sister

I

have a sister named Tammy. For 25 years California has been her home. She raised her three daughters there, where she is also an outstanding surgical nurse. She is two years younger than me, and we are close. The bond between a big brother and his kid sister is pretty intense.

There was a pesky side of having a little sister.

Tammy was the primary instigator in me ever getting in trouble with my parents.

She provoked me nonstop until I responded. Then, Tammy would immediately shift into the victim and accuse me of bothering her.

When my mom and dad would punish me, Tammy would make sure I saw her gloat. I would get so mad at her, but it would quickly fade. The trouble I got into was mild, so I learned with kid sisters sometimes you have to take the good with the bad.

Being the protective big brother was important to me. Saying anything unkind about my kid sister would put you quickly on my bad list. It was not allowed. I remember once, because of my dad’s job, we moved to New Jersey. I was in the 9th grade, and Tammy was in the 7th. We enrolled in an urban school that seemed much more dangerous than the suburban school we had

RAY WATERS Columnist

outside the home, so during our childhood if you saw one of us, the other one was nearby. I had a group of guys I played ball with every day. For us, it was football in the fall, basketball in the winter and baseball in the spring and summer. And because we had an odd number of players, we asked Tammy to play to even out the sides.

I liked to act like this was a big deal for me to allow her to play with us boys.

The truth was she was a much better natural athlete than I was and held her own very well playing with the guys. We had a male code that wouldn’t have allowed us to pick her before one of us boys, you know, guys have to stick together. But, if we were truthful, she was an equal. Heck, she probably would have been picked in front of me.

Now Tammy and I are firmly in middle age, and I look back at those days and smile. We had a blast. We were partners through much of our childhood. We both remember the stories a little differently, but we both agree it was a lot of fun.

And we both agree there is nothing that could ever break our bond.

transferred from in Georgia.

Tammy saw me in the hall one day and told me a boy in her class was picking on her. I told her to tell him I’d have a word with him at the end of the day.

All day I thought of how I was going to intimidate the 7th grader who was bothering my sister. When the final bell rang, I headed to Tammy’s classroom.

“Where is he, Tammy?,” I remember asking. About that time, a 7th grader stood up from his desk. I am not exaggerating when I say he was six inches taller than me. He had muscles way bigger than mine, and he looked like a man. I said, “Excuse me, sir. Please let me know if my sister does anything to get on your nerves. I will try to keep her in check.” And I was out the door!

That was not a great moment for me, but I did live another day, so I am ok with it. My point is I wanted to be her protector, even when it didn’t turn out exactly as I’d planned.

Ray Waters is a minister, Tammy and I were a motivational speaker and together all the time. Our a regular columnist for dad and mom both worked Tallapoosa Publishers.

Officials

Bobby Tapley represents District 1. His phone number is 256-3920344. His address is 1821 LaVista Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Public Safety committee.

Jim Nabors

Bobby Tapley

Buffy Colvin represents District 2. Her phone number is 256-750-0663.

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

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

Buffy Colvin

Scott Hardy

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

Eric Brown

Tommy Spraggins represents District 5.

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

Tommy Spraggins

Tim Funderburk represents District 6.

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

Tim Funderburk

Today’s

Quote

“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.”

—William James

Today’s

Scripture

“God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.”

—2 Timothy 1:7

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Daily Poll Wednesday Question: Is too much emphasis put on party in local and state elections?

Yes — 81%, 22 votes No – 19%, 5 votes

Thursday Question: Have you cut your grass yet this year?

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

Thursday, March 1, 2018

Where is Traci? Pittmans, Peyton deserve an answer

S

tuff rattling in my brain …

Our president is a pistol ball.

Last week, he was all for raising the age at which an individual could buy a weapon such as an AR-15 from 18 to 21.

But after a meeting with the NRA’s Wayne LaPierre – that, interestingly, wasn’t included on his schedule made public to the media each day – he seems to have changed his mind. He no longer mentions that possibility, instead choosing to talk about arming teachers.

Now, that’s one of the dumbest ideas ever.

Teachers, many who have proved heroes, even lost their lives protecting their students in the classroom, are now supposed to not only keep their students calm and safe, but shoot it out with an intruder?

That’s asking a lot from individuals who are underpaid already and who dig into their own pockets to buy supplies for their classrooms.

And our president’s latest laughable vocalization was his insistence Monday that he felt that he would charge into a school after an intruder even if unarmed!

If that doesn’t speak to the president’s mental stability – or lack thereof

DAVID GRANGER Managing Editor – well, I don’t know what does. I can’t imagine Donald Trump, who once told shock-jock Howard Stern he had to turn away from a bloody scene that fell waaaay short of a mass shooting, charging into a school after a Nikolas Cruztype assailant. Trump’s a germaphobe, you know, and I sincerely doubt he’d want to brush up against that many children.

Our president! He never ceases to amaze.

But there’s news closer to home that we should think about. And, if you’re a praying person, please pray about it, too.

A huge law enforcement operation is underway near Tallassee in the Friendship community as authorities search for evidence in the 1998 disappearance of Traci Pittman Kegley.

Well, really, let’s be honest – they’re searching for Kegley’s remains.

And authorities are bringing many resources to bear – dogs, drones, divers, you name it, it’s likely parked near the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency

command post behind the Friendship Fire Department.

Most of you know the story of Kegley’s disappearance. She was last seen at a gas station at 231 and Redland Road. Her abandoned car was found the next day off the Old Georgia Road with her baby girl, Peyton, safe inside and her belongings there, too.

She was recently divorced and about to start a new job the next day.

But someone changed that and stole the light of Linda and Steve Pittman’s lives.

Finding her body would be a bittersweet relief for the Pittmans. But it would be a relief nonetheless.

There are many more families in the same position, families whose loved ones disappear without any warning. But, with the Pittmans it’s been 20 long years. They, along with Kegley’s now-grown daughter Peyton, deserve an answer to the question they’ve been asking themselves for way too long now.

Where is Traci?

David Granger is the managing editor of Tallapoosa Publishers’ Elmore County newspapers.

He can be reached at david.granger@ thewetumpkaherald.com

The subscription rate is $136.00 per year in Tallapoosa and Coosa counties and $177.99 outside the area. Periodicals paid at Alexander City, AL. Newspapers are available at 100 news racks in our area at 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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Opinion?

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

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Thursday, March 1, 2018

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Page 5

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH Photos by Cliff Williams and Donald Campbell

Several area schools, including Stephens Elementary School, Radney Elementary School and Benjamin Russell High School, celebrated Black History Month Wednesday afternoon by holding special programs, complete with musical performances, choreographed dances, special speeches, games and more. Top left, members of “The Studio” Cheernastics Divas perform as a part of Radney’s program. Top right, BRHS choir member Xeanna Dillard performs Etta James’ “At Last” as part of the BRHS choir concert Wednesday afternoon, recognizing the impact African-American music and musicians have had on American culture. Above left, Stephens students stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. Far left, Stephens students Zy Calhoun, left, and Moncerrat Guadalupe perform “Respect.” Left middle, Chaden Allen, Radney student and one of the six Black History Month essay winners, ttalks about his essay on Barack Obama.

FFar left, the BRHS gospel choir sings ““My Girl.” Left, the Stephens Elementary S School Choir performs “Free at Last.”

Below left, the Radney Elementary School B Singers perform “Lean on Me.” Below, S Stephens student Jacorbin Wright makes a St presentation about African-American artist pr Mose T. Bottom left, members of the Theta Mo Nu Pi High School Fraternity from BRHS lead by Thomas Leonard perform a step lea from Omega Psi Phi. Bottom right, Radney fro teacher Kenyatta Simmons and “Steve Hartea vey” (school counselor David McCall) pose vey after a game of Family Feud with categories afte on ffamous African-Americans.

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CommunityCalendar Need Insurance?

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Today is

March 1, 2018 Today’s Events

CHURCH REVIVAL: The Family Worship Center at 1676 Sewell

Thursday, March 1, 2018

The Outlook

Street is hosting revival services March 1 and March 2 at 6:30 p.m. with Evangelist Apostle W.T. Traylor.

Everyone is welcome.

Today’s Birthdays

Dillan Ray Strickland, Morgan Sanford, Earl Burnett, David Hare, Connie Jackson, Kenny Fuller, Debbie Oliver, Vanessa Walls, Bailey

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/.

Waston, Vivian Norwood, Andrew Bolt, Addison Booth, LaTonya Renee Smith, Cindy Alford, LaDerian Glenn, Lucille Baker, Rita Tuck and Emily Williams are celebrating birthdays today.

Today’s Anniversaries

Brandi and Ricky Morgan are celebrating their anniversary today.

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25 Years and still going, Selling quality kitchen & bath cabinetry at reasonable prices.

Ben & Peggy Smith, Owners Thur & Fri 9-4 | Sat 9-1 256-675-0176 1222 Hwy 280, Kellyton, AL

AL 96175

Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook

Store manager Richard Metcalf does the honors at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Badcock Home Furniture & More in Alexander City Wednesday afternoon. Members of the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce, community leaders and out-ofstate Badcock corporate staff were on hand for the ribbon cutting. Badcock is located at 1227 Cherokee Road in Alexander City.

March 2-4

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256-234-0019 CA RLISLE AC.COM

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

PASTOR APPRECIATION: Pleasant Home Baptist Church in Goodwater is hosting the 21st Appreciation services for Apostle Thomas E. Bullock Sr. and Prophetess Margie N. Bullock March 2-March 4.

Bishop Mary Ann Wilson will be the guest speaker March 2 at 7 p.m.

Apostle Wayne Davis will be the guest speaker March 3 at 7 p.m.

Bishop Demetrius Griffin is the guest speaker March 4 at 11 a.m. and Rev. Arthur Smith is the guest speaker March 4 at 3 p.m.

March 2-3

MILITARY VEHICLE DISPLAY: The Dixie Division Military Vehicles Club will host its East Alabama Regional Spring Rally March 2 and 3 at Wind Creek State Park.

There will be military vehicles, equipment displays and a swap meet.

If you have questions please call 256-329-3292.

Saturday, March 3

CHURCH RUMMAGE SALE: The Alex City Methodist Church at 1020 11th Avenue North is holding a rummage sale March 3 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.

BENEFIT SINGING: All for Him will be singing and praising Jesus Saturday, March 3 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kellyton Revival Center to help Shane Welcher with medical expenses and bills. Welcher has been hospitalized since Jan. 3 with his wife by his side. Refreshments will be served afterwards.

Sunday, March 4

PASTOR ANNIVERSARY: New Style Baptist Church on Coosa County Road 20 in Equality is celebrating Pastor Richard Ellis Taylor’s third anniversary Sunday, March 4. Rev. Yeasive Ware of Opelika is the featured speaker at 11 a.m. and Pastor Robert L. Harbrove III of Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in Alexander City is the featured speaker at 2 p.m.

PASTOR ANNIVERSARY: Corinth Baptist Church in Kellyton is hosting the 26th Pastoral Celebration for Pastor Jimmy Brooks Jr. and wife Patricia March 4 at 11 a.m. The guest speaker will be Pastor Jeffrey Wilson of First Baptist Church in South Pell City.

CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: The Bread of Life Apostolic Church of Promise is holding an anniversary observance Sunday, March 4 at 3 p.m. Elder Netherland Tuck is pastor.

Tuesday, March 6

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Lawn Care Darrell Brooks, Owner Cutting •Edging Weed Eating •Mulch Weed Control

256.267.0518

BANQUET: Sav-A-Life is hosting is annual fundraising banquet Tuesday, March 6 at the First Baptist Church. Rick and Mick Vingeulle will be the featured speakers. Call Sav-A-Life at 256-329-2273 to make reservations.

Wednesday, March 7

Team United Campaign Celebration March 8 at Valley National Bank, formerly USAmeriBank. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served starting at 5:30 p.m. with an awards presentation at 6 p.m.

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.

DEMOCRATIC PARTY Saturday, March 10 MEETING: The Tallapoosa County PANCAKE BREAKFAST: The Alexander City Kiwanis Club is host- Democratic Party will be hosting 3rd ing a pancake and Conecuh sausage Congressional District Candidates breakfast March 10 from 6 to 10 a.m. Mallory Hagan and Dr. Asia at the Benjamin Russell High School McClellan Winfrey Thursday, March 22 at 6 p.m. at the Bud Porch Center cafeteria. Tickets are $6 and include in Alexander City. all you can eat. Carry out is also The Tallapoosa County available.

Democratic Party meets every third FLEA MARKET: The Town of Thursday. For more information Camp Hill Flea Market will start please call Interim County Party back up March 10 and continue on Chair Carol Gowan at 256-794-7432. the second Saturday of each month through Nov. 10. The hours of operation are 30 minutes after day break Now-March 23 until 2 p.m. Spaces are for rent for PRE K REGISTRATION: $10 and are 20 feet by 20 feet. For Alabama’s Voluntary Pre-K Program more information contact James is taking pre-registration. Forms can Woody at 256-749-8270. be found at https://alprek.asapconSINGING: Family Worship Center nected.com. at 1676 Sewell Street will be hosting Acceptance is through a random “Singing with the Walkers” Saturday, drawing to be held April 15 at 10 March 10 at 6 p.m. The pastor of a.m. at the V. Robinson Head Start Family Worship Center is Tony Center.

Harris.

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.

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.

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.

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 256-2344757 or emailing at staceyj1229@ gmail.com.

MONTHLY LUNCHEON: Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends in Millerville will have their Saturday, March 17 Monthly Luncheon on Wednesday, PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Comer March 7 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Please bring a covered dish and Methodist Men’s Club is hosting a pancake breakfast Saturday, March a small donation.

17 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. It is eat in or carry-out and is $6 a plate.

Thursday, March 8 ANNUAL MEETING: The Lake Thursday, March 22 Martin Area United Way is holdKIWANIS STEAK DINNER: The ing its annual meeting and 2018

SEE ME FOR INSURANCE

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.

Wednesday, March 29

VIETNAM VETERANS WELCOME HOME: The Auburn Veterans Project is celebrating and reflecting on the service and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans March 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Auburn High School auditorium.

Speakers will be Joe Galloway and Medal of Honor recipients Bennie Adkins and James Livingston.

Family is welcome to accompany their veteran and there will be a light reception afterwards.

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

Saturday, March 31

FULL MOON HIKE: Wind Creek State Park is hosting a full moon hike Saturday, March 31 at 7 p.m. The hike will begin at dark in the north picnic pavilion. There is a fee for non-campers.

NIGHT OF PRAISE AND WORSHIP: Centerview Baptist Church on County Road 89 in Camp Hill is hosting a Night of Praise and Worship featuring all male choirs and groups. For more information call 256-896-2974.

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com

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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

Thursday, March 1, 2018

The Outlook

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Page 7

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The Outlook

Thursday, March 1, 2018

Thursday, March 1, 2018

The Outlook

Military until probably about 3 p.m. on Saturday,” Poe said. “The only admission is the cost of admission to the park.

We have members from all over the state of Alabama and there’s no telling what some of them will bring in here. We’ve talked to a lot of people and the weather is supposed to be nice, so it should be a great weekend for it.”

The event includes convoys, equipment displays and a swap meet as well.

Poe said that anyone with

Doing business without advertising is like winking at a girl in the dark.

You know what you are doing, but nobody else does.

continued from page 1

any interest in military history would enjoy coming out and visiting with the collectors.

Poe said the weekend rally is family friendly and hopes local folks come out and enjoy the fellowship and fun.

“You get to see all kinds of things and part of the fun are the stories behind the vehicles,” Poe said. “We all love talking about this stuff, so we hope that people come out look around and hear what we are all about.”

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McDaniel Fifth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Tom Young heard arguments on a bond revocation for McDaniel, who is accused of murder in the Jan. 17, 2016 shooting death of Norman Dean Crayton. McDaniel was out on bond awaiting trial, but for the second time since he was charged, he got in trouble with the law which was a violation of his bond conditions.

Young said he would make a decision on his bond in a couple of days.

McDaniel has been jailed since he was stopped by Alexander City Police Department officers on Jan. 17 and charged with running a red light, improper tag, driving while suspended and arrested for attempting to elude law enforcement. New criminal charges prompted Young to revoke bond.

While McDaniel was found not guilty of attempting to elude, McDaniel was found guilty by Alexander City Municipal Judge

• Alexander City Outlook • Dadeville Record • Wetumpka Herald • Eclectic Observer • Tallassee Tribune

continued from page 1

Randy Haynes of running a red light, driving with improper tag and driving without a license.

Defense attorney Davis Whittelsey argued that the convictions in Alexander City “weren’t crimes, they were instead violations.”

“To revoke the bond for a man who has never failed to appear and complied with some strict bond conditions up until this point in a murder case that has several meritorious defenses would serve the public policy no good,” Whittelsey said. “This is not a situation where him being out would be of any peril to the public.”

Assistant District Attorney Michael Weldon disagreed.

“This is the second time we are here on issues of Mr. McDaniel’s behavior while out on bond,” Weldon told Judge Young. “The first time we had the issue in Auburn at the Houndstooth Bark and Grill and some damage he did in a parking lot. He

was able to work with officials there and resolve that. This court revoked him at that time and set up some very specific conditions. ...This is Round 2 of breaks your honor. Mr. McDaniel knows what he’s charged with.

“He knows that the court doesn’t take kindly to having someone ignored its orders. But yet he is out there driving without a license and displaying behaviors that gives the appearance that he just doesn’t seem to care.”

Young listened to both attorneys go back and forth, but then made it clear that he wasn’t pleased with having a second case where bond conditions appeared to have been violated.

“It’s not just a violation – it’s the totality of it,” Young said. “The idea is to protect the public and I’ve got someone here who seems to want to keep offending. I know we don’t normally revoke people for traffic offenses, but this kind of thing just keeps happening.”

Shooting Alexander City Police Department Detective Cpl. Michael Howell said.

“I can’t comment on specifics of what may have transpired, but what it led to is a 27-year-old black male being shot in the abdomen. It’s still an active investigation and there could be more details that emerge as that is completed and the legal process moves forward.”

Page 9

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Young said he would consider all that was said and issue a ruling soon, “probably in a couple of days.”

The court was also scheduled to consider several other motions, but after some discussions, no decisions on those issues.

Young gave the defense and prosecution 14 days to submit briefs on a motion for immunity based on the stand your ground provision of Alabama law. Whittelsey said he wanted also to have the court consider autopsy results on the victim and statements about Crayton’s violent and criminal past. Weldon objected and Young said he would consider that after he received the additional information.

All parties also agreed to have a change of venue motion, and two separate motions to suppress evidence and certain statements heard prior to the beginning of trial that is tentatively set for the June term in Dadeville.

continued from page 1

Alexander City Police Department units were called to 11th Avenue North at about 6:30 p.m. Tuesday after an altercation between several parties led to gunfire.

One witness on the scene said that Young had confronted the victim about the previous incident that occurred on South Street in the Spring Hill Community. Then other

subjects got involved and Young allegedly fired shots at the victim.

From there it became a very hectic situation with vehicles coming to and leaving the scene. The victim was first taken to Russell Medical by private vehicle, but was quickly transported to UAB for additional treatment.

A female was also detained at

the scene, but no information was released on why she was detained.

A check of Young’s criminal history only shows some minor traffic violations. The victim in the case does have a length criminal history including drug and armed robbery charges.

A bond amount for Young had not been set as of Wednesday afternoon.

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

Page 10

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Sports Outlook The

Put down your pride and sing the fight song

Thursday, March 1, 2018

I

don’t want JOE to hear the band. I MCADORY don’t want Columnist to hear music and singing piped in over the loudspeakers. I don’t even want to hear thousands in attendance chant the fight song in harmonious accord.

I want Alabama’s SGA president all alone, microphone in hand, singing “War Eagle!” with passion in front of thousands at Auburn Arena. I want Auburn’s SGA president all alone, microphone in hand, singing “Hey, Alabama!” with passion in front of thousands at Coleman Coliseum. Part humility. Part fun.

100 percent tradition.

Some of us aren’t about tradition anymore.

How sad.

You probably already know that the winner of the annual Iron Bowl football game is presented with the ODK-Foy Sportsmanship Trophy at halftime of the winning school’s home basketball game against its rival. That said, Auburn was presented with the trophy Wednesday night.

The tradition, started by the beloved James E. Foy, an Alabama alumnus who was later dean of students at Auburn, goes further than a simple trophy presentation. Oh no. Warm up those vocal chords, bud. You see, the losing team’s sitting SGA president is also expected to sing the rival’s fight song before thousands of rival fans.

Humility comes with losing, and few things are more humiliating than singing like an outof-tune oboe.

It’s one thing to sing a solo in church, or karaoke at your favorite watering hole. It’s another thing to have 9,000 sets of eyes and ears focused on you and your crackling, nerveinfested voice. Tough challenge. Almost as tough as Cade Foster splitting the uprights at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Did you know a sitting Alabama SGA president has not sung at Auburn Arena in seven years? That’s right. Alabama SGA president Jimmy Taylor didn’t show for the 2014 trophy presentation, citing unsafe, wintry travel conditions. I respect highway safety.

But if the roads were that treacherous, then the basketball team and staff should not have made the trip. The tradition should have been respected enough to allow this young man to travel with the team and fulfill his obligation.

Angst was felt again last Wednesday night in Auburn when Alabama SGA president Casey Nelson didn’t sing, but instead clapped along as “War Eagle!” was played. The young lady delivered a worthwhile message about the importance of both schools and sportsmanship, and I’m sure she’s got a great future in front of her. But I don’t care if she isn’t the next Pat Benatar — give her the mic and let her sing!

I can’t put this all on Alabama. After watching a replay of the 2017 trophy presentation at Coleman Coliseum, Auburn SGA president Jesse Westerhouse did not make the trip. Instead, Auburn SGA treasurer James Beauchaine congratulated Alabama’s fans and team on the 2016 Iron Bowl victory.

Music was piped into the arena and most in attendance sang “Hey, Alabama!” in unison.

Beauchaine moved his lips and clapped with the masses. He could have been singing an old Frank Sinatra tune for all I know. Point is: he should have sung alone.

Trophy presentations remain intact. Fight songs remain intact. But, darn it, these elected student government leaders can no longer neglect the most entertaining part of the halftime presentation. It’s a slap in the face of all prior SGA presidents who embarrassed themselves and enjoyed a good laugh with a few new friends.

If these kids won’t sing, then tradition is dead and its blood is on their hands.

Joe McAdory is communications editor at Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business.

LOCAL SPORTS CALENDAR Thursday, March 1 High school baseball Benjamin Russell at Beauregard, 4 p.m.

Valley at Dadeville, 4 p.m.

LaFayette at Reeltown, 4:30 Winterboro at Central Coosa, 7 High school softball Auburn at Benjamin Russell, 5 Holtville at Horseshoe Bend, 4:30 p.m.

Reeltown at Dadeville, 4:30 High school girls soccer Prattville at Benjamin Russell, 7 High school girls golf Benjamin Russell at Smiths Station Invitational, TBA High school tennis Benjamin Russell at Smiths Station, 4 p.m.

College baseball Central Alabama at Bishop State, 1 p.m.

College baseball Coastal Alabama East at Central Alabama, 2 p.m.

File / The Outlook

Benjamin Russell’s Joe Young, right, makes a throw toward third base last week. The Wildcats suffered a 4-2 loss on Tuesday night.

WIN STREAK BROKEN Wildcats’ offense slows in loss to Smiths Station

By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

After winning three games in a row, Benjamin Russell’s streak came to a halt on Tuesday night in a 4-2 loss on the baseball diamond to Smiths Station.

The Panthers led 4-0 for most of the game, before BRHS finally put a pair of runs across in the top of the sixth, but it wasn’t enough. The Wildcats (3-2) managed only two hits with singles from Wilson Hays and Tanner Beckett.

With two outs in the sixth inning, Hays notched his single and he advanced to second on a wild pitch. Brett Pitts joined him on the bases as he was hit by a pitch, and Beckett capitalized on Hays’ scoring position with an RBI single. Pitts scored when Nick McGhee hit a groundball to the shortstop and reached base on an error.

Brock Elliott and John Hayden Johnson split time on the mound, scattering five hits and four earned runs.

Elliott struck out four, but also walked four, and Johnson struggled with three walks and only one strikeout.

Reeltown nabs ECHS with explosive sixth inning

Trailing by a pair of runs heading into the sixth inning, Reeltown’s baseball team scored four runs in the bottom of the frame to capture a 10-8 win over Elmore County. Although the Rebels notched only five hits, they jumped on seven Panther errors.

Reed Baker led Reeltown with three hits and four RBIs, while Hayden Solomon smacked a double and drove in one run. None of Reeltown’s 10 runs were earned.

Kolby Coan, Baker and Drew Favors combined for 14 strikeouts and only two runs on the mound.

SOFTBALL Generals earn 1st win of season

Sierra Easterwood finished the way with five hits and six RBIs, while Kristen Tolbert and Shatima Smith had four hits apiece. Courtney Ray, Sawyer Martin and Ashley Fielding each contributed three.

Fielding drove in four total runs.

Both pitchers for CACC (13-7) had strong outings. In the opener, Easterwood threw all five innings and allowed just one hit. She struck out three and walked one. Amber Parker followed her with a five-inning complete-game victory. She scattered a trio hits while striking out four and walking one.

A staggering 16 hits were just what the doctor ordered for Horseshoe Bend’s softball team, which picked up its first victory in an 11-6 defeat of Childersburg on Tuesday.

The Generals (1-5) scored at least two runs in each of the first four innings en route to the victory. Cheyanna Howard led the way with four hits and three RBIs, SOCCER while Lilly Combs contributed three singles. Sydnie Catrett, Danielle Mitchell BRHS’ offense can’t and Abby Cheatam each had a pair of overcome Stanhope Elmore hits, and Ivy Vickers drove in two runs.

Scoring opportunities were hard to Mitchell went the distance on the come by for Benjamin Russell’s boys mound, and although she allowed 13 hits, soccer team on Tuesday night in a 2-0 she gave up just two earned runs and loss to Stanhope Elmore. struck out eight. She walked only two.

“We did really well on defense and did well in the goalkeeping as well, but our offense has got to start clicking,” BRHS Reeltown meets its match in coach Austin Teel said. “We need to Holtville’s Dismukes Kaylyn Dismukes fired a two-hitter for start putting things together and putting Holtville, which defeated Reeltown, 3-1. the ball in the back of the net. We need Rebel ace Ayriana Stoneback did work of to create more chances to have scoring her own, allowing the Bulldogs just three opportunities.”

Teel said centerback Elliott Evans hits and no earned runs, but her offense played a fine defensive game, and couldn’t back her.

Kenzie Hornsby and Kelsey Jaye were Campbell Woods did well in goal.

“Campbell Woods had some big-time the only Rebels with hits, and Katlyn saves to keep us in the game because it Jaye notched the team’s only RBI. Reeltown is now 5-2-1. was 0-0 at halftime,” Teel said. “Evans prevented a lot of goals from happening as well, but there’s only so much your CACC dominates doubleheader defense can do if your offense isn’t Heavy hitting was the name of the scoring.” game for Central Alabama Community Benjamin Russell plays its first area College in a doubleheader sweep of game when it travels to Wetumpka at 1 Chattahoochee Valley on Tuesday. The p.m. Saturday.

Trojans won, 9-1 and 11-2.

AHSAA hoops finals celebrates 25 years as combined event STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

A groundbreaking idea 25 years ago changed the face of Alabama High School Athletic Association basketball. Why not bring the girls’ and boys’ state semifinals and finals to one site for a week of the best basketball in the state? It had never been done in Alabama and the format proposed for that 1994 championship tournament was likely the first ever in the nation.

The AHSAA would crown its champions at one site, all classifications, with girls’ and boys’ games alternating until all the nets had been cut down.

“I think everyone will agree it’s been a great 25 years for basketball in our state,” AHSAA Executive Director Steve Savarese said.

“Having all the teams playing at one site makes for a special environment to showcase our student-athletes, their coaches and all the fans. The tournament has been a great success for the AHSAA and for the city of Birmingham.

We are grateful for all of our partners who make it such a

memorable event.”

The genesis of the tournament finals coming to the state’s largest city came from the Birmingham Tip Off Club’s then-president John D. Clements and then-AHSAA Executive Director Dan Washburn in 1993. Clements’ idea was to bring the six prep champs to the BirminghamJefferson Convention Center for a “Tournament of Champions” to create an extra buzz for the sport. Washburn rejected that idea, but offered a different plan — why not crown all the champions in an event in the Magic City to generate a next level of excitement?

Clements and his fellow Tip Off Club members leapt into action, creating the Alabama Basketball Foundation to serve as the organization to administer the tournament, securing sponsors, housing at the

Sheraton Civic Center hotel for the teams and officials and creating a volunteer program that rallied the community around the teams and the event.

Former Tip Off Club president Jim Conrad prepared a tournament manual that has served as a blueprint for conducting the event. A logo and marketing theme was put into place — “State Finals, 48 Teams, 1 Dream” — that was used for many years.

Clements said the consolidation and move of the tournaments to Birmingham had its risks for the AHSAA, including the end of the long tradition of having eight boys’ teams advance to the finals. The makeup of the first Alabama Basketball Foundation board helped smooth the transition.

The agreement that combined the two tournaments into “Final Four” extravaganzas also started the four regional tournaments, dubbed collectively as the “Road to Birmingham.” The first year the regionals were played at Alabama State University, Jacksonville State University, Wallace

State Community College and Faulkner Community College. Along the way, the south site moved to Troy University, the University of South Alabama and is currently held at Dothan Civic Center. Since that first season, approximately two million spectators have watched the state championship qualifier tournaments.

Edgar Welden, a Birmingham businessman and longtime supporter of high-school athletics, told the Over The Mountain Journal in a 2016 interview: “I really think putting the boys and the girls in the same venue was one of the best things that ever happened for girls’ basketball in the state. We put them on equal footing with the boys and gave them a showcase they hadn’t had previously.

Other states have followed our format.”

That unique concept has been copied by other several other states since then.

That first year at the BJCC, the girls’ Class 2A matchup between Lauderdale County and top-ranked Fyffe drew the largest crowd with a recordbreaking 6,500 in attendance.