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Law enforcement gets lesson in PTSD Editor’s note: This is the first in a two-part series professional once a year. “When we first started it, there was a lot of on law enforcement, the justice system and mental groaning and complaining at first,â€? Turner said. health and how the three often go hand in hand. “But now that we are into it, 40 percent of those By MITCH SNEED who have had their visit have scheduled follow-up Editor visits. There is a lot of stress in this job. It’s tough on relationships, marriages, finances and every lexander City Police Chief Jay Turner has aspect of your life. That’s aside from how tough just been in law enforcement long enough to know that it’s not a job that is easy to leave the day-to-day things we deal with on the job take a toll on you. at the end of a shift. “You need to find a way to let that stuff go before That’s why Turner has initiated new policies and it’s too late. I call it emptying the trash can. You started offering training he hopes will enable the know as well as I do if you leave trash sitting in the brave men and women who serve and protect to can too long it rots and stinks up the whole house. “empty the trash canâ€? on a regular basis. After Turner and Deputy Chief James Easterwood You can’t let the baggage you pick up on the job mess up all of the things that are important in life. attended a conference where the importance of That’s why we started it and we think it can have a proactive mental health care for law enforcement was stressed, the department adopted a policy where positive impact on the morale, the department and every staff member must meet with a mental health See PTSD • Page 9

A

Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

Speaker Silouan Green leads a discussion Thursday with area law enforcement personnel on understanding the development of posttraumatic stress and tools to deal with its impact.

Edward Bell students place at district competition

Loftus talks bed and breakfast Dadeville Kiwanis learns about new facility on the shores of Lake Martin By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

The brand-new Paradise Bed & Breakfast will be holding its ribbon-cutting event this afternoon at 5 p.m., complete with appetizers, drinks and tours of the home. Thursday afternoon, owner Kathy Loftus gave a special presentation to the Dadeville Kiwanis Club, telling the group more about the new facility and how she and her husband went about turning a lakeside cabin into the only bed and breakfast located directly on the shores of Lake Martin. “Between last Christmas (2016) and spring break, we looked at 30 houses around the lake,â€? Loftus said. “Finally, the 30th house we looked at, we knew that was the one.â€? Moving to the area from central Texas in June 2017, Loftus and her husband began redoing the house almost immediately. The work was finally completed just before Thanksgiving, and the two have spent the last few months putting in furniture and decorations, giving each room somewhat of a theme and a name to fit. See KIWANIS • Page 9

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LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443

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Students ready for state in April By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Sandra Fuller tosses Lifesavers to the crowd. United Way met their $550,000 goal for 2018 and announced its theme for next year, “Lake Martin Lifesavers.�

GOAL ACHIEVED United Way surpasses 2018 goal, announces 2019 campaign theme

By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

In front of a crowd of over 100 members of the community Thursday evening, Lake Martin

See UNITED • Page 2

County band students get indoor marching band opportunity

Central Coosa band slowly forming a tradition

By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

Giving students from all three marching bands in the Tallapoosa County School system another extracurricular activity option in the spring, the system began its first year of competing in the Winter Guard International (WGI) Winds indoor marching band series. “We do march, but it’s supposed to be much more theatrical and more themed than a traditional outdoor marching band show,â€? See INDOOR • Page 3

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Members of the Central Coosa band perform at the Alabama Bandmasters Association district competition in Alexander City Thursday.

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Area United Way Director Sharon Fuller and the rest of the United Way staff were proud to announce the 2018 fundraising campaign, “Team United,� was able to meet its goal of $550,000.

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The tradition is a limited one but a proud with the band at Central High School of Coosa County. The program has only been around 16 years with Darryl Ingram as band director the last 13. Former Central Coosa band member Brent McVey is behind the program all the way. “I was there the first See COOSA • Page 6

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Teams of students representing the law enforcement, robotics and welding departments at the Edward Bell Career Technical Center recently competed against other tech school students from around the region at the 2018 Skills USA Alabama Southeast District Competition. After the judges had tallied their scores and reviewed everything being presented by the students, a number of these students and teams placed in the top three in their respective categories, allowing them to qualify for the statewide Skills USA Competition. Kevin See COMPETITION • Page 3

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Granddaughter blind to signs of fiancé’s abusive potential

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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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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

DEAR ABBY: My granddaughter is getting married in seven months and I’m worried for her. I see many red flags she’s ignoring. Because I’m old, I don’t think she will believe me. You have printed a list of warning signs of an abusive mate. Can you print it again so I can give it to her? -- PERCEPTIVE IN PENNSYLVANIA DEAR PERCEPTIVE: Gladly, because it could be a lifesaver. (1) PUSHES FOR QUICK INVOLVEMENT: Comes on strong, claiming, “I’ve never felt loved like this by anyone.” An abuser pressures the new partner for an exclusive commitment almost immediately. (2) JEALOUS: Excessively possessive; calls constantly or visits unexpectedly; prevents you from going to work because “you might meet someone”; checks the mileage on your car. (3) CONTROLLING: If you are late, interrogates you intensively about whom

DEAR ABBY Advice

you talked to and where you were; keeps all the money; insists you ask permission to go anywhere or do anything. (4) UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS: Expects you to be the perfect mate and meet his or her every need. (5) ISOLATION: Tries to isolate you from family and friends; accuses people who are your supporters of “causing trouble.” The abuser may deprive you of a phone or car, or try to prevent you from holding a job. (6) BLAMES OTHERS FOR PROBLEMS OR MISTAKES: It’s always someone else’s fault if something goes wrong. (7) MAKES OTHERS RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS OR HER FEELINGS: The

Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, Lake Martin Living, (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) Kenneth Boone The Outlook is published five times Photography and a week, Tuesday through Saturday a commercial web mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, printing press. Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011.

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involve sleep deprivation, waking you with relentless verbal abuse. (12) RIGID GENDER ROLES: Expects you to serve, obey, remain at home. (13) SUDDEN MOOD SWINGS: Switches from sweet to violent in minutes. (14) PAST BATTERING: Admits to hitting a mate in the past, but says the person “made” him or her do it. (15) THREATS OF VIOLENCE: Says things like, “I’ll break your neck” or “I’ll kill you,” and then dismisses them with, “Everybody talks that way,” or “I didn’t really mean it.” Anyone at risk should contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233 or thehotline.org. 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 William “Buford” Fincher December 4, 1945 - March 7, 2018 William “Buford” Fincher, age 72, of Dadeville, Alabama died March 7, 2018 at his home. He was born December 4, 1945 in Lee County, Alabama to the late Lonnie and Lois (Delee) Fincher. William moved to Dadeville in 1974 where he resided beside a very special neighbor, Mildred Price and children until his death. He loved hunting with his friends, Larry and Scottie Freeman, Glen Hendrix and Steve Willingham. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Cheryl; son, William Grady Fincher, Jr.; 8 sisters, and 4 brothers. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Carolyn Fincher; children, Jane (Rocky) Blackburn, Paula (Troy)

Circulation Linda Ewing Office Clerk, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com

abuser says, “You make me angry” instead of “I am angry,” or says, “You’re hurting me by not doing what I tell you.” (8) HYPERSENSITIVITY: Is easily insulted, claiming hurt feelings when he or she is really mad. Rants about the injustice of things that are just a part of life. (9) CRUELTY TO ANIMALS OR CHILDREN: Kills or punishes animals brutally. Also may expect children to do things that are far beyond their ability (whips a three-year-old for wetting a diaper) or may tease them until they cry. Sixty-five percent of abusers who beat their partners will also abuse children. (10) “PLAYFUL” USE OF FORCE DURING SEX: Enjoys throwing you down or holding you down against your will during sex; finds the idea of rape exciting. (11) VERBAL ABUSE: Constantly criticizes or says blatantly cruel things; degrades, curses, calls you ugly names. This may also

Bennett, Jimmy Fincher and Jennifer (Brandon) Crain; grandchildren, Justin Blackburn, Troy Bennett, II, Jacob Blackburn, Lexi, Shea, Brayden and Karter Crain; great grandchildren, Troy Bennett, III, and Hayden Bennett; best friends, James Thrift, Jackie Spell, Jeffery Simon and Glen Hendrix. Visitation will be held Saturday, March 10, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Alabama Funeral Homes & Cremation Centers. Funeral service will be held in the Chapel at Alabama Funeral Homes & Cremation Centers at 12:00 p.m. with speakers Jeffrey Simon and Glen Hendrix officiating and special songs by Olivia Thrift. Interment will follow in Farmville Cemetery. Alabama Funeral Homes & Cremation Centers is directing.

Information

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

Ms. Nora Boleware

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

Ms. Nora Boleware passed away Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at East Alabama Medical Center, Opelika, Alabama. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Wright’s Funeral Home.

Mrs. Cynthia Elston Mrs. Cynthia Elston passed away Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at Russell Medical. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Wright’s Funeral Home.

Mr. Marquael D. Spivey Mr. Marquael D. Spivey 30 of Phenix City, AL. died on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018. Final Arrangements Entrusted to Armour’s Memorial Funeral Home.

How to submit obituaries United

continued from page 1

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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With the United Way holding a handful of fundraisers including a fashion show and quail fry, contributions from a multitude of businesses and other giving individuals, the 2018 campaign reached a total of $554,382, allowing United Way to provide its 28 member agencies with a significant financial contribution for the upcoming year. “I was out delivering for Meals on Wheels Tuesday when I got a text telling me we had reached our goal,” Sandra Fuller with the United Way said. “I was checking it and almost ran into the back of

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somebody. “We just want you to know how much we appreciate all of you.” The board gave special recognition to the 643 volunteers who gave their time during various United Way events, as well as simply working around the office, including the student body at Benjamin Russell, the Ambassadors at Central Alabama Community College, Sherri Carter and Stacy Jeffcoat. A special “Volunteer of the Year” was also given out to Laurie Sturdivant and Leanne Calhoun for all of their efforts during the campaign. It was announced that the 2017 Fashion Show raised $13,544 and the annual Quail Fry had raised $15,291, while the crowd was reminded the 2018 quail fry will be Saturday, April 7 at the Stables at Russell Crossroads beginning at 5 p.m. To wrap up the night, the 2019 campaign theme was announced. While other board members donned life jackets and held life rings, current Allocations Chair James Dodwell said the 2019 campaign will be called “Lake Martin Life

Savers,” comparing the work the United Way does with both personal floatation devices and Life Savers candy. Other announcements included: • Make a Difference awards were given out to Gabby Witherington for his 100-hole golf marathon, the Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce for the Denim & Diamonds Charity Ball, River Bank and Trust for the Holiday Fashion Show, Lake Broadcasting for allowing all 28 agencies on “The Front Porch” with Kenny Dean and the Give Day radiothon, and Tallapoosa Publishers for coverage in The Outlook and Lake Martin Living. • Plaques were given to 17 local organizations for having an outstanding workplace campaign: Russell Lands-$56,489 in cash, $14,385 in-kind donations; Russell Medical Center- $45,393; US Ameribank- $33,867; Russell Brands- $30,406; Alexander City Board of Education- $22,864; KwangSung America$19,887; City of Alexander City- $19,000; Pediatric Associates of Alexander City$16,082; Alabama Power- $15,452; Madix-

$12,826; Tallapoosa County Schools- $11,685; Morris & Haynes Law Firm- $8,744; Tallapoosa Publishers- $8,371; Radiology and Imaging$5,222; Tallapoosa County Commission- $4,598; River Bank and Trust$4,291; and Coosa County Commission- $3,615. • Special thanks were also given to the Red Feather Society, comprised of 129 members in five separate categories, who donated $209,422 to the 2018 campaign. These donations were led by Dr. and Mrs. John James, Dr. and Mrs. Eric Tyler, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Russell, and John Russell and Claudia Thomas. • Helping to underscore some of the other work the United Way does in the community, Courtney Layfield briefly discussed four of the agency’s Community Impact Initiatives: the summer reading program held at Stephens Elementary School in June, the annual Day of Action, a partnership with Prosperity Again Through Health (PATH) to promote healthy lifestyles in the community and a partnership with Home Depot to work repairing the homes of local veterans.

Friday, March 9, 2018

The Outlook

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Competition Crabtree took home a gold in the field of Related Technical Math and the team of Arlisha Brooks, Daniel Montgomery and Parrish Davis also claimed first place in the Chapter Display category. Zach McCormack earned a silver medal for his Action Skills demonstration on lifting latent fingerprints from crime scene evidence, while Aaron Dawson, Madison Skipper, Kody Patterson and Donte Byrd also won second place as a Quiz Bowl team. Bringing home bronze medals for their third place finishes were the Quiz Bowl team of Hunter McCullars, Jaric Johnson, LaQuarious Lockhart and Raechel Simpson, Russell Sapp for Customer Service, Hayley LaComb in the field of Promotional Bulletin Board, Sabrina Clark for her Prepared Speech, and Broadie Easterwood for his Action Skills demonstration on how to properly inspect an angle grinder. While not having to go through the district competitions, instead having to pre-qualify for the state level, Emma Foster also earned a spot at the state competition in the category of Medical Terminology. Welding instructor Joe Abercrombie added that he hoped two of his welding teams, one in Welding Art and one in Welding Fabrication, would be able to attend the state competition as well. “These students decide on their own what areas they want to compete in,” Edward Bell Director of Career Technical Programs Fred Ford said. “Overall for the center, it’s mostly the chance for students to gain exposure to different programs and opportunities. This gives them a chance to find themselves, and these competitions give them several avenues to accomplish that. “This may also open up other

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students in the schools and get them interested in coming down here.” “This is another opportunity for our kids to succeed,” law enforcement instructor Todd Griffith said. “They are having fun, but they are also making connections with other students. Some of these judges could also be future employers.” A handful of Edward Bell students also competed in other similar events, including an FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) competition at Southern Union. During this contest, Amber Wilson placed second in the category of Business Communication. “She’s going to be a success story,” Business Marketing instructor LuWina Hand said. “She’s got a successful work ethic. She’s a real down-to-earth student.” Now that the district competitions are over and the group of Edward Bell students who qualified for the state competition in April prepare to take on the challenge at the next level, they know what it will take in order to succeed and potentially win at state, allowing them to continue on and compete against other tech school students at the national level. Whether or not they come home with top finishes, the

Several teams and individuals from Edward Bell placed at a district competition and some will be advancing to the state competition in April.

Submitted / The Outlook

students at Edward Bell can still take pride in knowing the education they receive there can only benefit them more in the long run.

“Our students may go in at state used to the equipment and setup here, but there, they have to prove what they have learned in a different environment,”

Indoor Reeltown band director Tyler Strickland, who is also directing the county WGI Winds band, said. “Unlike an outdoor show, where you may have several 80s rock songs grouped together and called an 80s show, you have one song in the show that is composed of two or three major movements.” Initially started as a way to give color guard members the chance to continue working with flags following the end of the traditional marching band season, WGI Winds added a drumline component in the 1990s, before also adding wind instruments to the ensemble within the past few years, according to Strickland. Like an outdoor marching band, the members wear uniforms and perform a routine that matches with the music being played. However, since the movement within an indoor marching band performance is more theatric and athletic than an outdoor marching band, the uniforms are of a more athletic nature than traditional band uniforms, and are specific to the show, meaning the band will wear a new uniform each

Abercrombie said. “As an instructor, I love to see the pride they take in their work and the feeling of accomplishment they get from it.”

continued from page 1

indoor season. Each group’s show also includes a highly decorated vinyl tarp that the band members perform on, which covers the entire gym floor. For its first time participating in the WGI Winds series, the Tallapoosa County Schools WGI Winds band is putting on a show entitled “Codes,” which draws inspirations from Morse code and certain works by German composer Ludwig van Beethoven. This year’s band is made up of 27 members from Dadeville, Horseshoe Bend and Reeltown, who come together both during the week and on weekends at Councill Middle School in Dadeville for rehearsals. “We held video auditions for this back in the fall,” Strickland said. “I gave them some of the music from the show, and this is the music they played for their auditions. “I’m definitely not disappointed with the number participating this year. I do anticipate it growing next year.” Since the Tallapoosa County Schools WGI Winds band only practices a couple times a week, Strickland said

this requires students to have a greater sense of self-discipline, as they also need to spend plenty of time practicing at home to be better prepared at official rehearsals. Despite this, Strickland said all of the participants have been enjoying being a part of the indoor marching band. “It’s a high energy thing, and they’ve bought into it really well,” he said. “To continue doing something like this has been exciting for them. The response has been great.” During the 2018 indoor marching band season which began in late January, Strickland said his students will be taking part in two competitions later this month. On March 17, the group will be at a competition at North Paulding High School in Dallas, Georgia, while they will be at Lambert High School in Suwanee, Georgia on March 24. In addition to the two competitions the Tallapoosa County Schools WGI Winds band will participate in later this month, the group will also perform at all three of the county schools on

Friday, March 23 in order to introduce more students to what WGI Winds is, and hopefully recruit more elementary school students into joining the band as a whole. “We’ll start at Horseshoe Bend in the morning, then perform at Dadeville late morning or early afternoon before playing at Reeltown around 1 or 1:30 in the afternoon,” Strickland said. As the group starts to grow in future seasons, Strickland said he wants the group ready to participate in more competitions, including the WGI Winds circuit championships held in early April, with an ultimate goal of reaching the 2020 WGI Winds World Championships in Orlando, Florida. “This is another way for our kids to be involved,” Strickland said. “I feel it’s been very successful so far. It’s actually exceeded my expectations for this year.” For those who are interested in following the Tallapoosa County Schools WGI Winds band, Strickland said the group has an Instagram page, TCSWGIWinds.

Submitted / The Outlook

Twenty-seven band students from Dadeville, Horseshoe Bend and Reeltown rehearse in the old Councill Middle School gymnasium. These students are the first group of band students from the county system to participate in the Winter Guard International (WGI) Winds indoor marching band competition series.

Opinion

MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213

editor@alexcityoutlook.com

EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed

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hen you read the opinion page of this newspaper we hope that there is something here that makes you think. We know you won’t always agree with what is written and there are probably times that you think that the commentary here is out of step with the way that most in our community feels. While we strive to be representative of the community we serve, we here at Tallapoosa Publishers sometimes think we have our fingers of the pulse of the area we serve, only to find that we have been hearing the bass thump of the loudest voice rather than the silent majority. That’s where you can help. We are looking for people who have an opinion. We are seeking people who are connected, residents with a cause and a perspective on what is happening here in our community. We are looking for people who can put their opinions into words and help us make this community think. The Outlook is seeking community columnists to help add a local feel and flavor to the content here on our editorial page. We are hoping to find people who can submit guest columns of 600 words or less, columns that will touch on a topic or issue in an effort to inform the community. We are also seeking people who would be willing to write a weekly piece from area communities like Jacksons Gap, New Site and Daviston. Over the years the columnists who did that for us have found themselves no longer able to hand it. But we feel like we need those voices in the paper. We are not seeking to push any one agenda, or bang the drum of a political campaign. Instead, we hope that some of the insightful residents who call our area home will share their knowledge and wisdom in an effort to make us all smarter. If you are interested in being a community columnist or submitting a column for consideration, please contact our editor Mitch Sneed at 256-234-4281, ext. 213 or by email at mitch.sneed@alexcityoutlook.com in the coming days. Our goal is to further this page’s role as a public forum for local ideas and perspectives and we feel you can help us with that mission.

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

Steve Marshall was appointed Alabama’s 50th Attorney General. He was appointed in 2017 and serves as the State’s chief law enforcement officer. He can be reached at 334-242-7300, and his office is located at 501 Washington Avenue, Montgomery. Mark Tuggle (R) represents the 81st District covering Coosa, Chilton and Tallapoosa counties. He can be reached by phone at 256392-2006 or by email at tughd81@gmail.com. His office is located at 110 Calhoun Street, Suite 108, Alexander City. Tom Whatley represents the 27th District covering Lee, Russell and Tallapoosa County. He was elected to the Alabama Senate on Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334-242-7865. His office is located at 337 East Magnolia Drive, Auburn. Clyde Chambliss Jr. represents Senate District 30, which includes portions of Elmore, Autauga, Chilton, Coosa and Tallapoosa counties. He can be reached at 334-343-7883 or at clyde. chambliss@alsenate.gov

The

Things aren’t always as they seem

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Governor Kay Ivey represents the state of Alabama and its 67 counties. She was sworn into office on April 10, 2017, and can be reached at 334242-7100. Her office is located at the State Capitol at 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama.

Outlook

Kay Ivey

Steve Marshall

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Clyde Chambliss

he Lake Martin area is certainly plagued with fog in these quickly changing weather seasons. Visibility can get down to a matter of feet in a short period of time. Bridges, low lying areas and the lake are real problem places for fog. Some people will not even venture out on the lake in these conditions. However, there are some of us that aren’t sissies. What’s a little fog to a real boater and fisherman? Just back the trailer down the ramp, unload the boat and fire the old Mercury right up. After all, everybody knows that real men have a built in compass and never need to ask directions, even in a fog. The most difficult thing about fishing in this kind of environment is hearing your wife’s opinion. You have to get through the entire sweet name calling such as “idiot, dummy, crazy and stupid” before you get out the door. You would think there were seven dwarfs going along with names like those. Come to think of it, I believe dwarf was mention in relationship to my brain. That was alright because I had already decided my true name should be Braveheart! Anyway, once you are on the water just put the pedal to

added Dizzy to those dwarf names. GERALD Proverbs states, “there is a HALLMARK way that seemeth right unto man, but the way there unto Columnist leads to destruction.” I could have sworn I was on the right track and headed in the right the metal and plane that baby direction. I knew the lake, flat out. One advantage of the knew my boat and understood water still being low is that the the basics of navigation. Yet, I piers are high out of the water. wound up right back where I The first one I ran under only started. Go figure. Too many snatched my hat off my head. people go through life in a I’ll have to admit the next two self-deluding fog thinking did startle me a little and they know all the answers I’m still not sure what the and are exempt from any big bump was when I rounded consequences. When the Holy an island. Least wise I think it Spirit lifts the fog of sin from was an island. Being airborne their eyes there is a first time in a bass boat doing 45 mph recognition of where they really doesn’t give a fellow a lot of are in life. They have only been time to examine floating debris. traveling in circles convincing It was enough to make me put themselves they were headed on my life jacket and hook up in the right direction. May the the kill switch on the engine. Lord deliver all of us from the Of course some people deluding fog of Satan with the have trouble navigating in the sunshine of His love. fog, but I know with uncanny By the way, I decided to accuracy where I am and where load my boat, go home and tell I am going. I soon arrived at my wife the fish weren’t biting. my honey hole to start landing Later I am going to try and find the lunkers when the fog began that pier that has my hat on it. I to lift. What a surprise! I had guess I was lucky it didn’t have run for 30 minutes flat out and my head on it! wound up within 50’ of where I had started. All this time I had Dr. Gerald Hallmark is a been running in a slow circle retired minister who lives in and never realized it. Alexander City. His column Maybe my wife should have appears here each Friday.

Friday, March 9, 2018

Today’s

Quote

“Give light and people will find the way.” —Ella Baker

Today’s

Scripture

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all of our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” —2 Corinthians 1:3-4

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Yes — 57%. 12 votes No — 43%, 9 votes

Friday’s Question: Do you think the government should put more funding into mental health? To participate in this daily poll, log on each day to www. alexcityoutlook.com and vote. Find out the vote totals in the next edition of The Outlook and see if your vote swayed the results.

Our

Mission

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

Alabama can do more for its military families

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ccording to a recent survey, a majority of military family members do not feel that they belong in their local civilian communities. This means that less than half of military families that live in our neighborhoods, shop at our malls, and attend our places of worship feel at home with us. Why is this the case? Perhaps it is because of one of the staples of military life— regular mandated relocation. Members of our military often have little to no say in where they live or how often they move, something they do an estimated 10 times more than civilian families. Nevertheless, they choose to sacrifice their desires and expectations for the good of our country. Anyone who has moved will readily admit that it is rarely an easy task. Along with the logistics of relocating from one area of the country to another, families grapple with leaving friends, schools, and communities they are familiar with for the unknown. Additionally, even though military families move, on average, once every three years, the effects of compulsory relocation are felt yearly. Morgan Kistler, a mother of three and wife to a member of the Coast Guard, quickly learned that “during those three to four years when your family is planted, everyone else around you is not.” Every year, children and parents alike repeat the painful season of goodbyes, regardless of whether or not they are the ones leaving. Clearly, military families face struggles that many families do not. Here in

PARKER SNIDER Guest columnist Alabama, we host roughly 8,700 active duty members of our nation’s military and their families. In a state that rightfully respects and reveres our military, one would expect our laws to reflect an intentional attempt to ease the burden of relocation on these families. Unfortunately, there are sections of our code in which that is not true. If we want to ease the burden of relocation on military families, Alabama should reform its occupational licensing laws. In the survey cited previously, 77 percent of military spouses said that having two incomes is “vitally important” to their family’s well-being. 52% of those same spouses, however, did not earn any income. A good portion of the blame for this disparity lies in the difficulties of getting state-sanctioned licenses to work. When military families move, the occupational licenses of spouses do not always transfer. Many states require spouses with licenses from other states to jump through a variety of hoops and pay a collection of fees, a process that takes a considerable amount of time and discourages entry into the workforce. This session, Alabama lawmakers are considering legislation that would require licensing boards to recognize

professional licenses of military spouses from other states, assuming the licensing criteria is similar or greater than Alabama requirements. For military spouses whose state license does not meet Alabama requirements, boards would be required to provide temporary licenses and allow spouses to work while they complete the requirements for full licensure. Furthermore, military families would not bear the burden of licensing fees. As entering the workforce inherently increases connection and interaction with the community, these are meaningful changes that should be supported by all who back our military. Although we cannot remove every challenge military families face, we must eradicate the state’s contribution to these challenges. Eliminating barriers and making it less complicated for spouses to enter the civilian Alabama workforce will promote greater integration, helping military families feel like they belong to their communities, even if for only a short time. Parker Snider is Policy Relations Manager at the Alabama Policy Institute (API). API is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit research and educational organization dedicated to strengthening free enterprise, defending limited government, and championing strong families. If you would like to speak with the author, please e-mail communications@ alabamapolicy.org or call (205) 870-9900.

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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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Friday, March 9, 2018

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CommunityCalendar Need Insurance?

Today is March 9, 2018

Call me.

Today’s Birthdays

Donna Mask, Thomas “Tu Tu” Marbury Jr., Kayla Beasley, Jackie Cunigan, Burnon Gravette, Laverne Bice, Ruby Williams, Jennifer Pearson and John Douglas Sherum are celebrating their birthdays today.

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Today’s Anniversaries

Frank and Betty Tapley, Jeff and Misty Tapley and Mr. and Mrs. Terry East celebrate their anniversaries today.

–Since 1978–

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Coosa Kitchen & Bath Cabinetry Designing & Selling Quality Cabinetry since 1991 • Granite • Quartz • Cultured Marble • Laminate Counter Tops

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

Donald Campbell / The Outlook

Cadets with the Benjamin Russell Navy JROTC unit practice marching drills Thursday afternoon in front of the school. The drills included pivoting on the march, shifting from columns of three abreast to single-file, and marching at the oblique.

AL 96175

Saturday, March 10

CARLISLE HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 367 US H W Y . 280 A L E X A N D E R C I T Y , AL

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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 256-749-8270. 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.

Tuesday, March 13

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

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.

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 256761-3575. 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.

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.

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.

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. LORDS SUPPER: Red Ridge United Methodist church will present a re-creation of the Living Lord’s Supper inspired by Leonardo daVinci’s world famous painting of the Last Supper with 13 living characters. Rev. Ernest K. Emurian, a Methodist minister from Virginia, wrote the soliloquies for the Twelve Apostles as they might have expressed themselves immediately after hearing the Lord Jesus say “One of you will betray me” where each man cried out “Lord is it I?” This was the moment daVinci said he wished to capture in the painting. Mr. Harlan Burton of Union will be the guest pianist and sololist. Holy communion will be offered at the conclusion. Red Ridge is located at 8091 County Road 34, Dadeville, 256-8259820, redridgeumc.org.

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 noncampers. 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 256896-2974.

April 6-8

GREASE: The Dadeville High School Theater program is producing “Grease” April 6 at 7 p.m., April 7 at 7 p.m. and April 8 at 3 p.m. at the Dadeville High School auditorium.

April 7

BIANNUAL MEETING: Holly Springs Baptist Church Cemetery Association of Coosa County will have their bi-annual meeting at 10 a.m. at the church. All members please attend.

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Coosa year,” McVey said after the band competed at the Alabama Bandmasters Association district competition in Alexander City Thursday. “It was rough but has come a long way.” McVey credits Ingram with the continued success of the program. “This guy is the man,” McVey said. McVey has no child in the program yet. “I have a son who is four and a half months old,” McVey said. “He will be there some day.” “We just teach,” a humble Ingram responded. In the mean time, McVey is helping out where he can with program shuttling equipment around from building to building or driving the bus. “I drive his (Ingram’s) bus,” McVey said. “I am technically, I am a substitute driver.” McVey along with a few other supporters helped the band get into the auditorium to perform Freedom City March arranged by King and Swearingen, As Tears Fall on Dawns New Light by Richard L. Saucedo and The Tempest by Robert W. Smith. The most stressful part of the day was with sight-reading where students and Ingram only had seven minutes to prepare to play an unknown piece of music. Judge Lori Hart tried to put everyone at ease. “Everyone has walked out of here,” Hart told the group as she passed out the music they would play. “Don’t worry you will do fine.” Ingram quickly went to work guiding the students through the work. Afterwards, Ingram was relieved as he signaled to his students it was time to go eat and celebrate the groups efforts this year. “We did well today,” Ingram said. “We had a tuba player here today that was selected to the All-State Middle School Honor Band. Being small means everyone is involved. “We have seventhgraders all the way up performing,” Ingram said. Thursday’s efforts were a long way from where Ingram started with in Hanover. “Basically there were no instruments, no uniforms,” Ingram said. “There was $600 in the bank. That was it.” Even with the small budget Ingram hopes his students learn to love music and to be able to apply skills learned in band. “You teach how to be a musician,” Ingram said. “And how to be a leader.” But that small beginning has not stopped Central Coosa band students. “I have had a clarinet player at Auburn and Troy,” Ingram said. “Some on scholarship. They are going everywhere.”

www.alexcityoutlook.com

The Outlook

Friday, March 9, 2018

continued from page 1

Members of the Central Coosa Band took the stage of Benjamin Russell High School to take part in the Alabama Bandmasters Association District VI Music Performance Assessment Thursday morning. Left, Central Coosa changes the note of the timpani drum while performing at the competition. Below, band director Darryl Ingram gives his students instructions before performing a sight reading piece. Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Friday, March 9, 2018

The Outlook

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Friday, March 9, 2018

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PTSD more importantly, the quality of life for our people.” Thursday, Turner and the Alexander City Police Department hosted two training sessions with renowned posttraumatic stress educator Silouan Green with The Ladder UPP. Officers from the ACPD and the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department attended the afternoon session. Green is a former Marine jet pilot who found himself in the grips of PTSD after plane crash that killed a fellow marine and left him badly injured. He talked candidly about his own depression, suicidal impulses, long-term pain and “a completely shattered life.” “As a marine we were taught to suck it up,” Green said. “And when someone asked you how you were doing, the right answer was ‘I’m good.’ That’s just the way we are supposed to be. That one phrase has probably killed more military men and police officers that any other – I’m good. “The military and law enforcement have a 13 percent suicide rate. That’s higher than any other career field there

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is. Why? Because the nature of the job isn’t normal and no matter how big and bad you are there are things about the job that make it impossible to be ‘good.’ Those are careers that no matter how much you train, how smart you are or how tough you are – the stupidest little thing can kill you.” There were plenty of officers nodding their heads as Green made point after point. “Doing what you do is important,” Green told the officers. “So it’s easy to take the attitude that what I do is so important that it makes up for all the other things I neglect or mess up in life. But the objective is to get through life and retire from this career and still have a life that is full. If you have let the job and all the things that have filled your head poison your time with your spouse, your kids and prevent you from having any hobbies or things you like to do away from the job – the chances of that happening are not good. That’s even if you get to retirement.” Green talked about the importance of finding an outlet to address the issues

that linger inside an officer’s head. He said thinking there is someone on the job they can talk to may not be the right outlet. “They are dealing with the same things you are,” Green said. “And because you do what you do and have to suck it up and you have to be tough, chances of you being open and telling a co-worker what all is in your head or heaven forbid that your are frightened, are not good. “But you have to do it. Be proactive. Do it before it’s too late to do any good.” Green also spent time telling those in the training on how to deal with those they encounter on the job that have mental issues, including residents who have PTSD. “If you know what has worked for you and what has helped you with those triggers, you will have a better chance to help someone who is going through the same thing,” Green said. Green has worked at Walter Reed, with the US Marines, the Army, the National Guard, Willow Creek

Kiwanis “Three of the bedrooms have their own private bath,” Loftus said. “We have the Garden Room, the History Room and the Lake Room. There is also the Treehouse, which is more of a loft room, but it doesn’t have its own private bath.” Adding to the luxuriousness of the facility, the Lake and History rooms have their own private balconies, which Loftus said there are also three different places guests will be able to enjoy breakfast during their stay. On nicer days, breakfast can be served either above the boat lift or on a screened-in porch, while the kitchen is also available for dining on days with more inclement weather. “We brought a real Texas smoker with us, so we can make brisket which I like to put in things like eggs,” Loftus said. “We’ll still have things like bacon and all, but we’ll be able to smoke pork and beef for breakfast as well.” Other amenities at Paradise Bed & Breakfast include a bar with complimentary happy hour during check-in, a paddleboat and a pair of kayaks to take out on the lake, and a small set of fishing equipment for guest use. For an additional charge, Loftus said guests could also schedule an evening cheese and wine cruise on the lake. Guests will also be able to bring their own boats to the bed and breakfast, as the facility has a dock where they can be tied down, but the bed and breakfast does not have

Community Church and various other groups, organizations and mental health professionals. He also speaks to police and other first responders around the country as a national lecturer for the Public Agency Training Council. Turner said he thinks hearing the message from counselors and people like Green will help stress the importance. “No matter how good you are at turning it off and compartmentalizing, there are certain things that will stick with you,” Turner said. “We all need to get rid of that and start fresh. We hope what we are doing helps them do that.” Tallapoosa County Sheriff Jimmy Abbett thanks Turner for including the county in the training and said he walked away with some important takeaways. “Recognizing the signs of PTSD in people you encounter, as well as inside yourself, is something we all needed to hear,” Abbett said. “Plus we all need to know what to do and how to get people the help they need when they are having those issues.”

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a boat launch for larger boats. Nightly rates at the bed and breakfast will be reasonable as well, according to Loftus. Being the largest rooms in the house, the Lake and History rooms will be available for $150 per night, the Garden Room can be rented for $125 a night, and the nightly rate for the Treehouse is $100. At the same time, the bed and breakfast will not be allowing children under the age of 10 to stay, unless a party was renting out the entire facility, and the bed and breakfast will also be pet free. Having held an open house event Sunday, and welcoming more potential guests to the bed and breakfast today for the ribbon cutting, Loftus said she and her husband were thrilled to see their plans for Paradise Bed & Breakfast coming to fruition. “We really want people to come out and take a look,” she said. “We want people to see it so they can recommend it to their friends.” Located directly on the shores of Lake Martin, Loftus said Paradise Bed & Breakfast can be reached by taking Highway 49 out of Dadeville, then turning right onto Highway 34. The bed and breakfast is located on Rainbow Road, directly off of Cricket Road past the Rodeo Club. “We’re very excited for this,” Loftus said. “I feel we will be successful.”

Donald Campbell / The Outlook

Paradise Bed & Breakfast owner Kathy Loftus speaks with the Dadeville Kiwanis Club Thursday afternoon about the new bed and breakfast facility she and her husband are opening. Paradise Bed & Breakfast is currently the only bed and breakfast directly on the shores of Lake Martin.

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The Outlook

Lake Martin Home Improvement Directory 6

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Nancy Pemberton 256.794.6700

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1 11. DOCK 12. CLEANING SERVICE 13. REAL ESTATE 14. LAWN MAINTENANCE 15. GUTTERS 16. LANDSCAPING 17. PAINT 18. PLUMBING 19. POOL 20. TREE SERVICE

1. PEST CONTROL 2. GENERATORS 3. HOME SECURITY 4. SELF STORAGE 5. WINDOW TINTING 6. METAL ROOFING 7. HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 8. INSURANCE 9. CONSTRUCTION/BUILDER 10. PRESSURE WASHING

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Complete Pest Control Mosquito Control Complete Termite Control Residential • Commerical • Industrial

1-800-762-5904 205 Park South Blvd, Lineville AL Serving 15 counties in East Central AL

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HEATING &

AIR 256.825.4161

RHODES BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION

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AL HVAC #92120 AL Refrig #51037

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(256) 268-8309 customdocksllc.com

334.737.8600

LeĖ čĒĒ ĖďčĖ ěoė Ďo be ĎoĔe ĐĔ Ēove. CoĕĐĔĖďĐčĔs 16:14

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Williams Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning Inc.

Mike Coker 905 Cherokee Road Alexander City, AL

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256-329-8488 256-267-5021 mobile 3875 Dadeville Road, Alexander City, AL 35010

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

Friday, March 9, 2018

JOE MCADORY Columnist

Co-champions? AU beat the Vols to settle the issue

Sports Outlook The

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NATIONAL STAGE

A

uburn and Tennessee share the best regular-season records in the SEC. Auburn beat Tennessee, 94-82, Jan. 2 in the teams’ only meeting. I don’t care what the league office in Birmingham or the SEC Network talking heads try to tell you, there are no co-champions. The issue was settled head to head, mano y mano, on the basketball court two months ago — on the Volunteers’ home floor no less. When a basketball game is tied at the end of regulation, play continues in a tie-breaking overtime. If it’s still tied after the first overtime, then another one is played. When baseball teams are tied through nine innings, they don’t clean the dugouts and hit the showers. No! They trot back on to the field and play until we have a winner. Even in golf, Phil Mickelson beat Justin Thomas in a sudden death playoff on Sunday — overtime after they posted identical scores through 72 holes. Season-long standings are often the same, except of course in SEC basketball. Championships in conferences, regions, divisions, whatever, from high schools to professional-level sports are decided based on overall records, then a tie-breaking procedure usually beginning with head-to-head play. Tommy Tuberville proclaimed Auburn as SEC West co-champions in 2001 after the Tigers and LSU finished the regular season with 5-3 conference records. LSU beat Auburn convincingly and was awarded a trip to the SEC Championship Game, where it shocked Tennessee. Tommy’s a pretty cool guy, but c’mon dude. There was no co-championship. For what it’s worth, Auburn and Tennessee will not share the SEC Tournament’s No. 1 seed. That distinction belongs to Auburn by virtue of the season tie-breaking win over the Vols. One is the top seed. The other is the No. 2 seed. Both are champions. Logic tells me the winner on Jan. 2 is the champion, like in every other tie-breaking procedure in the civilized sports world. Those two letters “co” seemingly tarnishes what should be a rare and special league championship. If Kentucky had to share, it probably wouldn’t matter as much as the Wildcats have enough titles to go around. This is like a father finally giving his hard-working 19-year-old son an automobile, then telling him he must share the keys with his little brother. Let’s see … Auburn swept Georgia. Tennessee and Georgia split. Auburn beat Kentucky in the team’s only meeting. Tennessee swept the Cats. Tennessee beat Florida. Florida beat Auburn. Alabama destroyed Tennessee. Alabama split with Auburn. Auburn won at Missouri. Tennessee lost at Missouri. Auburn lost to Texas A&M. Tennessee beat Texas A&M. Enough! Auburn beat Tennessee in Knoxville and that’s good enough for me. It is amazing both schools were picked by the media to finish near the bottom of the conference and now enter the tournament as the SEC’s No. 1 and 2 seeds. You’ve got to give credit to Tennessee coach Rick Barnes for rallying his team after an 0-2 conference start and close the season with four consecutive wins. You’ve got to give credit to Bruce Pearl for bringing Auburn basketball to heights it has not seen in 20 years despite the cloud of controversy that hovers over the program. Now that the standing ovation for a job well done is complete, there’s only one regular-season champion. Joe McAdory is a communications editor at Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business.

Stacey Wylie / Limestone College Athletics

Benjamin Russell graduate Daniel Bland, right, has qualified for the Division II National Championships as a heavyweight wrestler for Limestone College in South Carolina. The national championships begin today.

Bland advances to Division II National Championships “I’m looking forward to shocking the world.” he’ll be bumped down to the consolation brackets. But even if that happens, Bland knows anything is Benjamin Russell possible if he keeps his mind graduate Daniel Bland is right. about to be on the national — Daniel Bland “I’m looking forward to stage, as he’ll compete in Benjamin Russell graduate honestly shocking the world the Division II Wrestling because I came off a loss at National Championships for regionals,” Bland said. “I lost Over the course of two Limestone College beginning good, but I’ve sharpened my first match and ended seasons, Bland has realized them over the year and I’ve today. up beating that guy in the the level of competition is a matured a little bit toward Since graduating from tournament to go nationals. I lot higher in college than it the competition.” BRHS in 2016, Bland has honestly felt like I should’ve was at high school. But he’s Bland has racked up a been competing in the 285gotten there my freshman used to it now and is ready 20-14 record this season, pound weight class for year. I have the same talent to take on the best in the and placed fourth in his the Saints, and after just and same mindset, I just need regional to earn a spot at the country. missing out on a spot in the to get a feel for it.” In his first match today, championships, which take national championships as a Bland said his ultimate freshman, Bland checked off place in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Bland will face Mitchell goal is to win a national “On the mat, it’s just about Eull, of Minot State. If he one of the goals on his list championship, but he’d settle wins, he’ll take on either focusing on my next move this season. for All-American status, “I feel like my confidence and not getting tired easily,” the winner of Caleb Cotter, which is awarded to the Bland said. “Really listening of Central Oklahoma, level is better this year,” to my coaches has been a big and Terrance Fanning, of top eight wrestlers in each Bland said. “I feel like my Wheeling Jesuit. If he loses, weight class. key for me.” skills have always been By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

Game of the Week

Generals, Cougars both searching for consistency By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook

Tallassee’s Sinclair Cole, left, leads off third base against Dadeville’s Pearl Huff on Thursday.

Errors plague Dadeville in big loss ready to play, and it’s just mental,” Dadeville coach C.J. Ford said. “We Tallassee’s softball team have to be more mentally seems to have hit its stride, consistent. We’ve shown that we can do it. When and its eighth straight victory came at the expense we’re good and momentum is on our side, we’re pretty of Dadeville in Class 4A good, but when something Area 5 action. Tallassee hit the ball extremely well, bad happens, we can’t seem to make something racking up a total of 14 good happen.” hits. Momentum was not Dadeville didn’t help its in Dadeville’s favor on own cause, though, with Thursday evening, as nine errors, and it resulted Tallassee (11-4, 1-0) in an 19-3 defeat in five immediately got things innings. started in the top of the “We just didn’t come By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

first. Belle Haynes led off by drawing a walk, and Chloe Baynes followed with a bunt single. Jordan Walters then drove both in with a two-RBI single, and scored herself on a throwing error. Sinclair Cole kept the run going by reaching on an error, and Lexi Love joined her on the bases with a single. Sally Shipman and Lulu Isbell each picked up RBIs before the inning’s end to take a 5-0 lead before Dadeville See DADEVILLE • Page 12

Ups and downs have defined Horseshoe Bend’s baseball team to start the season, and although Central Coosa hasn’t had many ups, there have been some improvements for the Cougars. But the biggest thing both teams will be looking for when they meet up this afternoon for the Game of the Week is consistency. “We’re head and shoulders better than we were this time last year,” Generals coach Jason Johnson said. “We’re getting better; consistency is just our problem right now, and being able to make plays when you have to. It’s easy to make plays when you’re up by a lot or down by a lot, but when it’s a close ballgame and you’ve got to make plays, that’s where we’re struggling.” Horseshoe Bend (5-4) is coming off a 17-7 loss to Handley, but it was trailing just 8-7 heading into the bottom of the sixth when things imploded. Errors continue to haunt the Generals, and Johnson said the miscues are coming all around the diamond. “We just continue to make defensive errors that are killing us,” See GAME • Page 12

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Friday, March 9, 2018

The Outlook

Game

continued from page 11

Johnson said. “We’re hitting the ball well, and when you score seven runs, you should have a chance to win in baseball, so defense is definitely going to be the focus.” Chandler Lewis, Jace Rodriguez and Grant Taylor have all been hitting the ball consistently, and Luke Yarbrough produced three hits in the loss to Handley. “Lee Norrell is slinging it pretty well, too,” Johnson said. Yarbrough is expected to start on the mound after missing his last scheduled start due to some shoulder soreness. Offense has been a bit of a struggle for the Cougars (1-6), who are hoping they can jump on some Horseshoe Bend errors. “We’re making contact but people are either making a good play or it’s going right at people,” Central Coosa coach Dave Stover said. “We’re maybe not hitting it as hard as I want to cause people to make errors, but we’re working at it.”

Dadeville takes 7th, BRHS 14th at Lake Eufaula Davis and Buster Coker, whose five fish totaled 9.05 pounds, which was good enough for 26th Last weekend, place. Dadeville and Benjamin Although Eli Vernon Russell’s fishing teams both had strong showings and Michael Bowers caught only three fish, at the Alabama Student their weight totaled 7.90 Angler Bass Fishing pounds and earned them Association tournament 33rd place. on Lake Eufaula. For Benjamin Russell, The Tigers placed seventh overall as a team, the top finishers were Mary Beth Coker and while BRHS was 14th, Haley Forbus, who and both are sitting in caught three fish for 5.91 good position with one pounds and 46th place. tournament left before Following closely behind the state championships. were Rachel Sanford and Dadeville and Benjamin Russell will compete in a Jacob Jones in 49th place. Sanford and Jones caught tourney this Saturday on four fish with a total Lake Martin along with weight of 5.39. Reeltown. One hundred Although BRHS’ other eighty boats will launch two teams that caught fish from Wind Creek State Park at 5:45 a.m. with the bagged only one each, they still contributed to weigh-in beginning at 2 helping the Wildcats in p.m. Dadeville got three top- the team standings. Will Cush and Garrett Jones’ 50 performances to earn fish weighed 2.04 pounds its seventh-place overall. to give them 72nd place, Luke Keel and Gauge and Denver Benton and Daniel bagged five fish totaling 11.45 pounds for Will Coats earned 82nd 16th place. Also bringing place with a fish weighing 1.49 pounds. in the limit were Slade STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

File / The Outlook

Nalijah Heard, left, and the Horseshoe Bend Generals will host Central Coosa today at 4 p.m. in the Game of the Week.

Stover said so far, Caleb McCain and T.J. Lamberth are the top hitters, and on the mound, he’s expecting Bailey Harris to get the nod for at least the start. Stover said because Coosa is such a small school without a feeder program, pitching can be difficult if someone is having an off day.

“The pitching is always an issue,” Stover said. “We’ve got a couple guys that can get it over the plate, but there’s always that time when it’s just an off day. Sometimes you just can’t pitch strikes, and it’s tough for us to have an abundance of pitchers. When your key Nos. 1 and 2 guys are

Dadeville

hitting strikes, you’re in a rock in a hard place.” On the plus side, Stover said his defense is much improved from last season, and he’s hoping to see continued improvement before the Cougars begin their area schedule in two weeks. Tonight’s game will be hosted by Horseshoe Bend starting at 4 p.m.

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ever stepped up to bat. “We’ve started seeing the ball well, and we’ve actually gotten better as the season has gone on,” Tallassee coach Pat Love said. “We really started to hit the ball well on Saturday. As we came in today, we got our pitch early in the count. We got what we wanted to hit, and we were smart hitting. We weren’t chasing a lot of bad stuff early.” Offensively, Dadeville couldn’t match Tallassee early on. With one out, Pearl Huff drew a walk in the bottom of the first, but it couldn’t move her around as Tallassee converted on a double play. Over the course of the next two innings, Tallassee tacked on eight more runs on seven hits and five errors. Dadeville did a decent job hitting the ball with eight hits, including two from Zoe Veres, but it just couldn’t compete with Tallassee. Walters had a stellar day at the plate, going 4-for-5 with a double, five RBIs and three runs scored. Love and Baynes were both perfect, going 3-for-3. Love had three RBIs, and Baynes also drew

Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook

Dadeville’s Brittany Claybrook leads off from second base against Tallassee.

two walks and scored four times. “I choke up and just try to put the ball in play somewhere in the outfield,” Walters said. “I think our communication was better in the dugout, and we didn’t have many errors. We just hit the ball really well. We’re at a high point right now, so I hope it stays that way.” Tallassee’s only error came in

the third inning, but its defense erased the mistake by catching the Dadeville runner stealing. “One goal we’ve had as a team is to try to keep it down between one error or less a ballgame,” coach Love said. “That was rough early on, and that’s why we lost a few ballgames. Now we’re cutting it down and making them earn it. If we do that, we’re in good shape.” Dadeville did earn all three of its runs, with two RBIs from Veres and one from Brittany Claybrook. Makya Johnson, Tiffany Rice and Huff each had singles as well. Although the Tigers are now 1-1 in area play, Ford remains positive about the rest of the season. “With the area tournament, I always tell my girls the most important game is the last game,” Ford said. “It could be anybody on any given day. We can be that dangerous kind of team because we can show up to play and catch somebody off guard. I would just say we’ve gotta be more consistent. As coaches, we gotta keep working them and hope that lightbulb comes on.”

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Wildcats fall in another close one STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

For the fifth game in a row, Benjamin Russell’s baseball team suffered a loss by three runs or fewer. The Wildcats were defeated by Russell County, 3-0, on Thursday afternoon. BRHS (3-6) was in good position early on. With one out in the top of the first, Wilson Hays got things straight with a single, but his courtesy runner, Huel Lumpkin, was picked off at first for the second out. Brett Pitts also got on base with a double to right field, but the Wildcats couldn’t move him around. Once again, Benjamin Russell showed promise in the second inning by drawing two straight walks after a strikeout. Both runners were moved to scoring position on a sacrifice bunt by Brooks Vardaman, but that was as far as they got. Pitts led off the sixth inning with a single, but he never got farther than second base, and

Vardaman started seventh with an infield single. The Wildcats also couldn’t capitalize on that leadoff single. Benjamin Russell continued to get strong pitching, as Brock Elliott, Cade Brooks, John Hayden Johnson and Pitts combined to scatter five hits and allow only two earned runs. Elliott struck out four in three innings pitched, and Pitts got two of his three outs via strikeout. Russell County’s Hunter Milam was on fire from the mound, striking out 16 in the completegame shutout.

Reeltown scores late victory Reeltown’s baseball team scored a run in the bottom of the seventh inning to take down Robert E. Lee, 7-6, on Wednesday night. Logan Hunt led the way by going 3-for-4, while the Rebels also got hits from Landon Hunt, Drew Favors and Nelson Whaley.

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Friday, March 9 High school baseball Clay Central at Benjamin Russell, 4 p.m. Central Coosa at Horseshoe Bend, 4 p.m. Reeltown at Prattville Christian, 6 p.m. High school softball Wetumpka Invitational Tournament Pool C Prattville vs. Wetumpka, 4 Rehobeth vs. Reeltown, 5:30 p.m. Pool C winners game, 8:30 Pool D Prattville Christian vs. Dadeville, 4 p.m. Eufaula vs. Robert E. Lee, 5:30 p.m. Pool D winners game, 8:30 Other games Benjamin Russell in Buccaneer Round Robin at Hoover, TBA Horseshoe Bend vs. Clay Central in Woodland Round Robin, 3:30 p.m. High school tennis Benjamin Russell vs. Northview, Dothan at Lagoon Park (Montgomery), TBA College softball Central Alabama in Jimmie Stewart tournament at Fort Walton, Florida Saturday, March 10 High school baseball

Cleburne County at Benjamin Russell (2), 11 a.m. Horseshoe Bend vs. B.B. Comer at Fayetteville, 2 p.m. Horseshoe Bend at Fayetteville, 4 p.m. Russell County at Dadeville, 11 a.m. Reeltown at Jeff Davis, noon Central Coosa at Billingsley, 4:30 p.m. High school softball Wetumpka Invitational Tournament Pool C losers game, 9 a.m. Pool D losers game, 9 a.m. Tournament play begins at 10:45 a.m. Championship, 7:45 p.m. Other games Benjamin Russell in Buccaneer Round Robin at Hoover, TBA High school track & field Benjamin Russell, Reeltown at Auburn College baseball Central Alabama at Shelton State (2), 3 p.m. College softball Central Alabama in Jimmie Stewart tournament at Fort Walton, Florida College tennis Central Alabama at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (Tifton, Georgia), TBA