Sept. 29, 2017 Alex City Outlook

SPORTS, PAGE 9:

PAGE 2: DADEVILLE MAN CHARGED WITH ANIMAL CRUELTY

THE

FRIDAY

Franklin returns to Horseshoe Bend

Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892

September 29, 2017 Vol. 125, No. 194 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢

Russell gets out of uniform business File / The

News called heartbreaking and ‘a shock’ by former Russell execs

Outlook

Benjamin Russell’s Keedon Young runs the ball in a game this season, wearing the Russell Athletic ‘R’ on his shoulder.

of play,” Green said in a released statement. “We are proud of our heritage, but to build lasting relationships with a new generation of athletes, we will need to Fruit of the Loom, the parent company to Russell focus our efforts and play to our strengths.

Athletic & Activewear, announced Thursday it was “Today, we will begin to transition away from the getting out of the team uniform business. team uniform business to allow greater emphasis on In a statement from Senior Vice-President for Brand the consumer retail market. With this shift, we will Management with Russell Athletic & Activewear Scott continue to offer high quality athletic lifestyle and Greene the immediate discontinuation of team uniform performance apparel for distribution through multiple production was confirmed. retail and wholesale channels, including continued “For over 115 years, Russell Athletic has provided See RUSSELL • Page 3 quality apparel for athletes both on and off the field

By MITCH SNEED Editor

COUNTY COMMISSION

ONE DEAD, ANOTHER INJURED IN DADEVILLE SHOOTING

Voters to get say on property tax for schools

By MITCH SNEED Editor

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Crime scene tape marks the scene of a double shooting on Jah Street in Dadeville stretches along for 100 yards Thursday morning.

Police looking for killer, case still being investigated

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

Dadeville Police Department investigators are looking for a killer after one victim died from gunshots in a Jah Street incident early Thursday morning. A second victim is recovering from gunshot wounds in a Columbus hospital.

John Farrell Adamson, 27, of Jacksons Gap passed away at Lake Martin Community Hospital following the incident and Gerald A. Haggerty, 37 of Jacksons Gap was airlifted to Columbus Regional See SHOOTING • Page 3

Tallapoosa Ford offers Drive 4Ur School event

By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Joshua Cherman of Carrollton, Georgia gives a demonstration of spray paint See ARTIST • Page 3 art to students at Radney Elementary School Thursday.

and Your Loved Ones!

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

A DAMS HEALTH & REHAB 1555 HILLABEE STREET • (256) 329-0847

County approves $16.1 million budget The Tallapoosa County Commissioners passed a $16.12 million fiscal year budget which includes a 5 percent cost of living adjustment for all eligible employees.

The vote to approve the budget was unanimous and came in a meeting that was postponed from Sept. 11 when the remnants of Hurricane Irma came through Tallapoosa County.

See BUDGET • Page 9

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

We Care About You

Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

Windle explains the challenges in school funding and said the collection of a 1-cent sales tax for schools by the commissioners likely saved the system from financial doom.

By MITCH SNEED Editor

15-year-old artist inspires students Students at Radney Elementary School got to see an artist in action Thursday only Joshua Cherman was a little different.

“He is 15 and he is an awesome artist,” Radney Art Teacher Hannah Hawk said.

“He is going to demonstrate what he does.”

Cherman is a 10th grader at Central of Carroll County High School in Carrollton, Georgia and is just a few years older

A proposal to initiate an additional 3 mil property tax for those who own property in the Tallapoosa County School District will be placed before the voters in the Dec. 12 Special Election for the U.S. Senate.

The move to let the people decide was made possible after a 3-2 vote of the Tallapoosa County See TAX • Page 9

For the seventh year in a row, Tallapoosa Ford is partnering with Benjamin Russell High School during the Drive 4Ur School event Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. This year, the football team and cheerleaders will be the recipients of the funds raised through this event.

“This is a good way for the school to raise money,” Tallapoosa Ford General Manager See FUNDRAISER • Page 9

Today’s

Weather

87 64 High

6

Low

54708 90050

8

USPS Permit # 013-080

Lake Martin

Lake Levels

490.71 Reported on 09/28/17 @ 4 p.m.

Starting Friday: IT – R LEGO Ninjago – PG

Kingsman: The Golden Circle– R

LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443

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

Page 2

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Marriage recovers from affair, but wife can’t forgive herself

Saturday

81 61 Low

High Mostly sunny

Sunday

78 59 Low

High Mostly sunny

Staff

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

Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com Donald Campbell Staff Writer, Ext. 208 donald.campbell@alexcityoutlook.com Santana Wood Staff Writer/Pagination, Ext. 210 santana.wood@alexcityoutlook.com Advertising Sales Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Tabby Edwards Retail Sales Manager, Ext. 232 tabby.edwards@alexcityoutlook.com Emily Gregg Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 emily.gregg@alexcityoutlook.com Scott Hardy Advertising Sales, Ext. 231 scott.hardy@alexcityoutlook.com Rebecca Carlisle Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 rebecca.carlisle@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, (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.

Postal

Information

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

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

Friday, September 29, 2017

The Outlook

SOCIAL SECURITY FAYE EDMONDSON Attorney at Law

DEAR ABBY: About 12 years ago, I made a terrible mistake and had an affair. My husband loved me enough to forgive me, and our marriage has been fine ever since.

The problem is, I can’t forgive myself. I hate myself!

I could have lost everything, including our two kids. I think of all the time I wasted when I could have shared that time with them, and I beat myself up daily over this.

I have been depressed for so long. How do I get over this? I’m on meds, but it’s deeper than that. I feel I have a seat waiting in hell because of it. So -- no chance for heaven -- what’s the point in trying to be happy?

I can’t afford counseling, and I don’t have a priest to talk to. Is there some kind of counseling group online I could join? -- MISERABLE IN COLORADO DEAR MISERABLE: It appears that, not satisfied with waiting for hell in the hereafter,

DEAR ABBY Advice

you have managed to create one for yourself right here on Earth. As far as I know, there’s no “Jezebels Anonymous” support group.

It would be appropriate to find a priest who could give you absolution. However, because there isn’t one and it appears you’re having a crisis of the soul, confide in a member of the clergy of another faith, if there’s one nearby.

Trust me, it won’t be the first time he or she has heard a story like yours, and it may bring you comfort.

DEAR ABBY: I have a fear of “threes.” My brother, whom I never met, died at 3 months because he had a hole in his

heart. My dad died at 43, the day before his 44th birthday.

My other brother also died at the age of 43. Mom died in the third month (March) when she was 63 years old, and that’s just immediate family. Other family members and a couple of friends also had the number three connected to their untimely deaths.

Whenever the number three comes up, it drives me crazy. I just turned 40 and was miserable during my 30s, anticipating that I would be next. I’m sure I’ll be fine for another two years, but knowing my dad and brother died at 43 will make me fearful for the whole year. Am I cursed?

-- NUMBERS PHOBIA DEAR NUMBERS PHOBIA: You have experienced more loss in your life than the average person. For that I can only offer my sympathy. However, you are viewing this the wrong way. Three isn’t YOUR unlucky number -- it was the unlucky number of the people who DIED. Because a particular fate befalls

someone close does not guarantee the same misfortune will happen to you. Please, enjoy the life you are given to the fullest every day and stop diminishing your quality of life with morbid thoughts. It is your negative thinking that’s the curse, and nothing more.

DEAR ABBY: What should I have told my heartbroken 6-yearold daughter when all the other girls (four) on our block were invited to a birthday party except her? -- MINNESOTA MOM DEAR MOM: If she were my daughter, I would have told her that we were going to do something special that day -- just the two of us -- and then I would have made it happen.

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 Elnora Bell Joiner JOINER, Elnora Bell, a resident of Montgomery, AL, age 70, took flight September 23, 2017. Funeral service will be held Saturday, September 30, 2017 at 12:00 noon at Jericho A.

Joiner

M. E. Zion Church, 5251 Hobbie Road, Montgomery, AL, 36105, Rev. George Garrison, Pastor, with Rev. Katrina Roper- Smith officiating.

Interment will be held at Weeping Mary Cemetery, Ramer, AL with the staff of E. G. Cummings Memorial Funeral Home directing. Ms. Joiner leaves to cherish her loving memories to a devoted daughter, Robbie Joiner Kearns (Andre); siblings, Ernestine Durrah (Atlanta, GA ), Jimmie Carter (Saundra) Bell, Jr. (Liberty, OH ), Bobbie Browning

(Warner Robins, GA ); one aunt, Irene Burnside; grandchildren, Alexis Rogers (Indianapolis, IN), Cameron and Blair Kearns (Atlanta, GA); and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. The family will receive family and friends on Friday, September 29, 2017 at E. G. Cummings Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, 1120 Bragg Street, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The body of Ms. Joiner will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral service at the church.

Dadeville man charged with aggravated animal cruelty cruelty to animals, reckless endangerment and firing across a public A man that investigators road. believed shot and killed a famTallapoosa ily’s dog Monday morning has County Sheriff been arrested and hit with multiple Jimmy Abbett said charges.

TCSD personAnthony Lee Thornton, 32, of Thornton nel responded to Dadeville was arrested by investiWildlife Road just gators with the Tallapoosa County south of Dadeville at 6:50 Monday Sheriff’s Department Wednesday morning. Investigators say that a evening on charges of aggravated STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

dog had been shot and died as a result its wounds.

As a result of the investigation, Abbett said that Thornton was identified as a suspect. After seeking a warrant, he was located Wednesday evening and taken into custody.

Thornton was released Thursday evening after posting a $35,000 bond. If convicted, Thornton could face a fine of up to $15,000 and a maximum of 10 years in prison.

135 N. Tallassee Street • Dadeville, AL

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

How to Submit Obituaries Obituaries can be submitted to The Outlook from funeral homes by e-mail at obits@ alexcityoutlook.com or by fax at (256) 234-6550. For more information, call (256) 234-4281.

FREE CONSULTATIONS

“It’s not the end ... It’s a new beginning”

256-329-1313 217 Madison Street, Alexander City, AL “We are a Debt Relief Agency. We help people file Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 under the Bankruptcy Code. Alabama State Bar requires the following in every attorney advertisement, “ No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”

BRHS PLANS EVENTS FOR HOMECOMING Friday, Sept. 29 11 a.m.- Homecoming Pep Rally 11:45 a.m.- Students dismissed 1:45 p.m.- Homecoming Parade lineup begins 2:30 p.m.- Homecoming Parade, begins on Calhoun Street behind Alexander City Middle School, paralleling the railroad tracks before turning at Carlisle’s, going through the circle and going down Church Street to end at the high school.

7 p.m.- Kickoff of BRHS-Oxford football game at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex, with band performance before the game and Homecoming festivities at halftime.

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

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

RECYCLING: The Alexander City Recycling Facility is located at the Public Works Department at 824 Railey Road. All materials should be dropped off behind the green storage shed on the Public Works lot. The

Where Good Friends Meet!

Southern-Style Cuisine Catering Available from 5-500

Stop by Today!

SUN - THU 10:30am - 8:00pm FRI - SAT 10:30am - 9:00pm

at Blue Creek 6684 Hwy 49 South • 256-825-4827 www.oskarscafe.com

CA$H IN Planning a Yard Sale? Boost your pro½ts with an ad in the Classi½eds. It’s an easy and affordable way to bring more business to your door!

The Outlook ClassiÀeds • (256) 277-4219

TPI

Tallapoosa Publishers,Inc.

facility is always open for unassisted drop off. Assistance with drop off is available between 7:00 am until 3:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Please call 256-409-2020 for more information.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP: Every second and fourth Sunday at 5 p.m. the Trinity campus of First United Methodist Church will be a caregiver support group. Call 256-786-1685 for more information.

TOPS MEETING: Take Off Pounds Sensibly is the short name for TOPS Club, Inc., the original nonprofit, noncommercial network of weight-loss support groups throughout the U.S. and Canada. TOPS offers tools and programs for healthy living and weight management, with exceptional group

fellowship and recognition. Established in 1948 to champion weight-loss support and success, we’ve helped millions of people live healthier lives.

Come out and visit us. Your first meeting is free. Meetings are held every Thursday @ 6 p.m. at Comer Baptist Church, 341 E. Church St., Alexander City, AL. Call (256) 4964210 for more information.

WOMEN’S MEETING: Victory Temple Holiness Church in Dadeville is hosting a women’s meeting the first Sunday of every month. Men are invited too.

VOLUNTEER: Southern Care Hospice is seeking volunteers. Please call Lizz Gillenwaters at 256-234-1134 or 256-749-3717 for more information.

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

READY TO WORK: CACC can prepare you to be Career Ready with a FREE 6 to 8 week Workforce Development Course called Ready to Work. It includes computer self-paced instruction financial planning, reading and math skills, and computer basic skills as well as instructor-led module presentations on communication, problem-solving, job acquisition, operation skills, and workplace behavior.

Earn a Career Readiness Certificate and an AIDT Alabama Certified Worker Certificate. The class meets MondayThursday 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the Alexander City Career Center located at 1375 Junior College Drive.

For more information, call Melanie Veazey at 256-215-4499 or email at mveazey@cacc.edu.

COMPUTER LAB: The new and improved computer lab at Cooper Community Center is now open to the community Monday thru Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. LaBrawnski Salter is the new lab facilitator. You can check email, browse the internet, build a resume, complete a project or homework, research, job search and some social media.

Friday, September 29, 2017

www.alexcityoutlook.com

The Outlook

Shooting

continued from page 1

Hospital where Dadeville Police Chief David Barbour says Haggerty is listed in stable condition.

“At 12:47 a.m. (Thursday) 911 dispatch received several calls of gunshots in the area of Jah Street,” Barbour said. “Officers responded and found two subjects lying on the ground in the Jah Street area suffering from gunshot wounds. The subjects were transported to Lake Martin Community Hospital by Tallapoosa EMS and the Dadeville Police Department.”

While Barbour did not release any further details of the incident, residents on Jah Street recalled the shots from Thursday morning.

“I heard about six shots,” a Jah Street resident said. “Bam, Bam. Bam. Bam, Bam, Bam.” Residents said the shots rang out over about 10 seconds.

Another resident said one of the victims could be seen running from

the shooter almost running out of his clothes while seeking cover at a nearby home while another could be seen bleeding near the road.

Residents also described law enforcement searching for shell casings, while some described the cause of the incident as a drug deal gone bad.

Barbour would not comment specifically on if the incident was drug related, but said investigators are looking at all possibilities.

“This case is still under investigation by the Dadeville Police Department along with investigators from the Tallapoosa County Narcotics Taskforce,” Barbour said. “Anyone with any information on this case is asked to please call the Dadeville Police Department at 256-825-6212, the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Cliff Williams / The Outlook Office Secret Witness Line at 256Crime scene tape marks the scene of a double shooting on Jah Street in Dadeville stretches 827-2035 or email police@dadvilalong for 100 yards Thursday morning. lepd.org.”

Russell distribution of collegiate licensed products along with non-uniform apparel through the team dealer network.”

Russell Brands still employs about 500 people in Alexander City in its distribution center.

While company officials declined comment on any potential loss of jobs as a result of the move, it is believed that the distribution center here will not take any hits. The bulk of what the center handles currently is the retail line of products.

Lake Martin Area Economic Development Director Don McClellan said the end of the team line is another blow to a brand that meant so much to Alexander City.

“I just hate to hear that,” McClellan said.

“That brand had been a point of pride for the company and this area for a long, long time. I hate to see that brand die.

“I know they have to make business decisions, but it’s still a sad day for the brand and our area.”

While Russell has been a trusted name in apparel for more than a century, it was the team uniform line production that fueled a meteoric rise from the 1970s through the mid-1990s.

continued from page 1

Most industry followers say Russell Athletic was at its peak in 1992 when it signed a fiveyear contract with Major League Baseball teams to be the exclusive provider of uniforms. In 1995, Russell rode those team ties to reach a record $1.25 billion in sales.

The company had 18,000 employees worldwide at that time.

But five years later, the company began a tailspin. The company headquarters were moved to Atlanta in 1999 and about 6,000 jobs were eliminated by 2002 as many jobs were moved to Mexico and Honduras.

In 2006, Russell Corporation was purchased by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. for $600 million and was made a division of Fruit of the Loom.

It wasn’t long before nearly all but about 1,000 Russell jobs in Alexander City were lost.

Shoe companies like Nike and Adidas got into the team apparel market and the uniform line took a serious hit. Companies like Under Armour paid big money to colleges to make the switch to their brand, leaving Russell on the outside looking

in with many programs.

Russell even lost contracts with Alabama and Auburn right in the company’s back yard.

The brand was dealt a serious and possibly fatal blow earlier this summer when Georgia Tech, one of the final major college programs with deals with Russell, announced it would be ending its relationship and contract with the company.

Greene said the move will give the company the ability to better develop and market products for retail consumers.

“Our new business strategy focuses on the growing athletic and lifestyle apparel market and developing products that will open new doors for retail distribution of our iconic brand,” Greene said in his statement. “An example of this will be the introduction of a new heritage-inspired product line available in spring of 2018. The new line will feature carefully crafted fleece, tees and other apparel. We are confident you’ll be seeing Russell Athletic on more and more consumers soon.

“We are proud of what we have accomplished in the last 115 years and look forward to continuing to provide quality

athleticwear to the market.”

But not seeing the red, white and blue “R” logo on teams on Friday nights or the chests of pro athletes on Saturdays and Sundays will be tough for many area residents who had their lives invested at Russell.

Bernie Wachtel, who served as president of Russell Athletic from 1991 to 2001, was almost speechless when he learned the news Thursday when contacted by the Outlook.

“That is a shock – I just can’t believe it,” Wachtel said in a telephone interview. “I know the climate of the team uniform business has changed a lot since I was there. I understand things transition and trends force change, but this seems like a fatal blow. For all intents and purposes the uniform was Russell. This is just very sad news.”

Wachtel said the exit of Russell will be a big blow to small colleges and high school who relied on Russell for quality, affordable uniforms. Several local schools, including Benjamin Russell, sport the R on its uniforms.

Roger Holliday who

File / The Outlook

Benjamin Russell quarterback Landon Cotney makes a pass in a game earlier this season wearing a Russell Athletic uniform.

“It’s just heart-breakheaded the licensing diviing to us all,” Holliday sion for Russell Athletic said. “That’s a piece of put the news in perspecAmericana gone.” tive.

Artist

than the fifth-grade students he was giving a demonstration to on his spray paint art.

Cherman explained how he got started with spray paint art almost a year ago as he was looking for a gift for his mother.

“A gift from the heart is better than something from the store. What inspired me to start with was to make her happy,” Cherman said. “I started looking around the house.

I went into the garage and found some spray paint.

My dad let me use it on a piece of drawing paper.”

Cherman seeks inspiration from others after his mother inspired the first painting of the solar system with planets and shooting stars.

“What really inspires me and keeps me going

Page 3

continued from page 1

now is I like making people happy,” he said.

“Seeing people happy about my art inspires me.”

Students at Radney quizzed Cherman on how much he makes and how he handles mistakes.

“I make enough to the point where I have had to open my own bank account,” Cherman said.

“I have messed up but it is not a problem because you can turn it into something else.”

The students even asked how he concentrates and if he has taken part in graffti.

“What I normally do is get a picture of what it is I want to do in my mind,” Cherman said. “I just zone everything out except the music I play.

Graffiti, yes I have but not on a wall. It was on a giant canvas.”

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

After several months, a Left, Hannah Hawk shows some of the finished spray paint art that Joshua Cherman has done to few festivals and gallery Radney Elementary School students. Above, students watch as Cherman gives a demonstration. showings Cherman says he wants to become an artist when he grows up.

Hawk ran across Cherman at a family function and saw him creating art. She said the school used part of the fine arts Evening & Night Schedules grant they received to pay him for inspiring students for the day.

Must be able to: In addition to sharing - Stand for extended periods of time how he uses simple things - Lift up to 45 lbs. like a Frisbee, cups and pieces of paper to help - Work Quickly with attention to detail make his creations of - Count Accurately & Bundle texture, lines and color, Cherman also shared what If you are dependable, work well with others & would like to parents might consider the make extra cash, stop by our of¿ce for an application. most important tip when using spray paint.

“Make sure you Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. are wearing a mask,” 548 Cherokee Road, Alex City Cherman said. “These No phone calls please have a lot of paint fumes TPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and they can kill brain Drug Free Workplace cells.”

TPI Part-Time Mail Inserter

MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213

editor@alexcityoutlook.com

EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Page 4

Our View

Homecoming is E a time to let your true colors show

T

he days are getting shorter, the leaves are turning colors and high school football season is reaching its midway point. This can only mean one thing: it is homecoming time.

Several colleges, including Baylor, Missouri, Illinois and Northern Illinois all have made claim to being where the tradition of a school’s homecoming began in the early years of the 20th Century. Despite there not being much of a way to tell where and how such a tradition began (though the NCAA officially designates Missouri’s 1911 game against the Kansas Jayhawks as the first true homecoming celebration), there is no doubt that homecoming has become one of the most important and eagerly anticipated events of the fall for high schools and colleges across the country.

Last week, Dadeville defeated Holtville in its homecoming game, while Benjamin Russell, Horseshoe Bend and Central Coosa prepare to host their own homecomings. With the Wildcats gearing up for a visit from the Oxford Yellow Jackets, the Generals welcoming Holtville to New Site and the Cougars set to host Thorsby, homecoming for these three schools is sure to be an exciting time.

Homecoming allows for students, faculty, and alumni to really show off their school pride, letting the world know how much they love their alma mater. With bonfires, parades and themed days for students to dress up during school, there is seemingly no end to the pageantry that comes with a homecoming celebration.

Few things can feel as satisfying as watching your favorite football team take on and dismantle its homecoming opponent, especially if said team is a hated rival. No matter how good or bad a team’s season has been so far, the intensity and will to win always comes on stronger at homecoming time. Down here in the South, we take our football seriously, so you better believe homecoming is a serious time, getting circled on the calendar months in advance.

So, whether you’re a Generals fan, a Wildcat supporter or love the Cougars, let your true colors show tonight. Blow your voice out shouting to rattle the opposing offense. Get out and watch the parade and all of the decorative floats the students spent a lot of time and effort making. If you’re a high school student, take your date to the homecoming dance afterward. Enjoy all the celebrations homecoming has to offer. It only comes around once a year, so make the most of it.

Know Your

Officials 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.

The

Friday, September 29, 2017

Our excess baggage and God

Opinion

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 334-2427100. Her office is located at the State Kay Capitol at 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama.

Outlook

Ivey

veryone needs a vacation just to get away and relax. My wife suggested we head to the beach for a few days so we could just kick back and let the world go by. That sounded good so I threw a few things in a bag, grabbed my sandals and headed for the car.

After all, the beach is where you’re suppose to be a bum and wear ugly shirts, lay out in the sun and read a nice book. At least that was my impression until my wife called my name.

There is something ominous hearing your name called so sweetly.

It seemed she had a “few things” she wanted to take with her on this expedition to relaxation. What is about ladies that they can’t leave anything at home? These few things were stacked up in the bedroom and looked like a storage warehouse. She had labeled boxes, coordinated suit cases and frilly sacks stacked everywhere. I could feel the relaxation coming on already. It took me six hours working steady to pack her “few things” in my poor little car.

When God told Abraham to leave Aram and go to Israel it only took six verses in Genesis to say he obeyed, loaded up everything he owned and entered into the land. If his wife Sarah was like mine then it

DR. GERALD HALLMARK Columnist

would have taken 88 verses and three extra books of the Bible to catalog all the stuff she took with her. There would have been a camel caravan stretching from Damascus to Jerusalem.

Poor ole Abe would have had to hire extra men just to load and unload the camels. It would have been easier for God to give the land to the Egyptians and started all over.

After we got to the beach I started unloading all this stuff and was amazed at the inventory. There was her favorite skillet in case she wanted to make corn bread (we eat out every night), her iron in the event the condo didn’t have one (so much for dressing funky) and enough clothes to dress a small African country (because you never know where we might go or whom we might meet). I’m still puzzling over the vacuum cleaner. I guess the maid service may not live up to expectations.

Isn’t it amazing how we always want to add a “few things” to life and complicate the whole process? God has

given us this beautiful world with people we love, and yet we have to throw in all the extra baggage as though God can’t handle it. God is telling us He has us in the palm of His hand so we can feel secure and safe.

However, every day we get up and start packing our worries and woes to carry around with us. We complicate the journey because we think we need things to help instead of believing God when He says everything we need is already there.

Let’s try to remember that Paul said, “He will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory.” That pretty well says it all, doesn’t it?

Well, the beach trip was relaxing. I really think my wife enjoyed herself. As for me I didn’t get the car unloaded until Tuesday night, had Wednesday at the beach and then started loading her “few things” back on Thursday so we could leave Saturday. I never did get any corn bread, but I was threatened with that skillet after I tracked sand all through the condo on Wednesday. I was glad I brought the vacuum cleaner!

Dr. Gerald Hallmark is a retired minister who lives in Alexander City. His column appears every Friday in The Outlook.

Today’s

Scripture “Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.”

—Psalm 119:133

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Daily Poll Thursday Question: Are you happy with the results of Tuesday’s election?

Yes – 60%, 27 votes No – 40%, 18 votes

Friday’s Question: Are you sad to see Russell Athletic & Activewear discontinuing its team uniform production?

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Letters to the Editor

Reader: ‘Never bite the hand that feeds you’ Dear Editor, Are you as sick and tired of National Football League (NFL) players refusing to stand for our anthem and equally frustrated listening to the media trying to hype the issue and make money from the story? CNN Money and Bloomberg recently published sobering revelations about the NFL: Did you know that the NFL is classified a “non-profit organization” despite the fact that they raked in $10.5 Billion in revenue resulting in $2.3 Billion in profit during the last account period? While that is despicable in its own right, the worst aspect of their gravy train is the last twenty (20) stadiums built since 1997 were constructed with $42 Billion in taxpayer funds. Yet, two more stadiums are under

Dear Editor, Steve Marshall

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-t7865.

Tom Whatley His office is located at 337 East Magnolia Drive, Auburn.

Quote

“I will tell you how to become rich. Close the doors. Be fearful when others are greedy.

Be greedy when others are fearful.”

— Warren Buffett

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.

construction with $700 million in federal tax money. A classic example of this abuse is the University of Phoenix Stadiumthe site of a recent Super Bowl, cost you and I $300 million in tax funds.

As if this is not enough, remember the billions pledged by state, county and municipal governments in tax incentives, waivers and abatement just to entice NFL locations to their respective locations.

Is your blood boiling yet? The question is obvious. Is is not possible for our government to give them more! Nevertheless, these players, coaches, officials and yes, even owners felt it necessary to stick their thumb in the eye of America by defying respect for our flag, the National Anthem, our military and law enforcement. Did they never

learn growing up that one, “never bites the hand that feeds them?”

Have the owners not noticed of late all the empty seats you see in stadiums? All these billions in revenue while enjoying nonprofit tax status at the same time insulting the only place on earth where they can enjoy the luxury of this enterprise! There is something terribly wrong with the picture.

I was not a rabid fan before this uproar but cannot imagine now why I would bother watching. As far as products that advertise on NFL games, that is all the more reasons NOT to buy those products. I have talked to many friends and associates since last weekend who feel the same as I about this issue.

James W. Anderson Talladega

God and the people make decisions, not money

Mark Tuggle

Today’s

Out of all the money, believe me there were millions and millions of dollars poured into Alabama to put Luther Strange into Congress but they forgot two things: God and the people.

They make the decision, not the money.

I often wrote about the officials and how they have been bought by special interests. They now see the people are paying attention.

All this time wasted, no bills passed, just letting the country and things that matter to the people go.

I’m proud to be a Democrat because they fight for things that are important to people’s lives. They are not going to pass anything that is going to hurt someone.

Mr. Doug Jones, Democratic

nominee for Senate may not have all the money to compete with Moore but he will have a honest platform to run on. He is not bought. He is a fighter that will represent all the people here in Alabama. His decision won’t be based on who but what is good for the people and not beholding to any group.

God is not going to let people divide His children.

This should be a teachable moment for the Republican Party to show the people they can do tax reform in a fair way with the rich paying their share and giving tax cuts to small businesses and doing it in a bipartisan way with Democrats because time is not on your side anymore.

You have played too long with nothing to show the voters.

You have really let them down when you are in power and won’t speak out against what’s wrong up there.

I’m grateful to Senator John McCain. He is a maverick. He not only stood and spoke out once but twice because he knew this was going to hurt a lot of people.

Thanks to Senator Ran Paul and Senator Susan Collins for having the boldness to stand and speak out.

People don’t hate you for your courage to love, but your compassion to know it’s wrong.

For that, I thank you.

Democrats are fighting hard everyday to get something passed bipartisan. They won’t pass anything that is going to hurt someone without a fight.

They are outnumbered but they still fight for the people.

We will be fighting to change that we want people to know we represent everyone and not money.

Arlean Wyckoff Alexander City

The subscription rate is $136.00 per year in Tallapoosa and Coosa counties and $177.99 outside the area. Periodicals paid at Alexander City, AL. Newspapers are available at 100 news racks in our area at 75 cents for The Outlook and 50 cents for The Record. We would love to deliver a paper to your door. Call David Kendrick at 256-234-4281, Ext. 204 or e-mail david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook. com.

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We’d like to share your thoughts and opinions with the greater Lake Martin community. It’s free and it only takes a few moments of your time. We have two ways to get your opinion in print: letters to the editor and guest columns. The main difference is length. Letters to the editor are up to 250 words, while guest columns can be up to 500 words. Letters and columns may be sent to P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011, faxed to (256) 234-6550 or e-mailed to editor@ alexcityoutlook.com. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send us your thoughts today!

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Tax

continued from page 1

Commissioners Thursday.

Commissioner T.C. Coley, who represents much of Alexander City where the sales tax was very unpopular, was called on to explain why the commissioners were obligated to consider a property tax increase for those in the Tallapoosa County School District.

“When the commission approved instituting the 1-cent sales tax for schools, language was included that requires us to seek a more equitable source for added school funding,” Coley said. “So that’s what this is about. We will put it before the voters and let them decide. If it doesn’t pass, then we can look at the future of the sales tax beyond Sept. 30, 2018. But for now, we have this resolution to place it on the ballot as the language we approved requires.”

Coley, along with Commissioners Emma Jean Thweatt and George Carleton Jr. voted to put the prop-

erty tax before the voters, while John McKelvey and Steve Robinson voted against the move.

Coley said that while it is uncertain what voters may do, commissioners may explore seeking legislative help so that if the property tax increase fails, they could have the option of having the sales tax only in the county, not in Alexander City.

“Right now we don’t have that luxury,” Coley said. “But until we see what happens with a vote, it’s really premature to discuss that.”

Tallapoosa County Schools Superintendent Joe Windle thanked the commissioners for instituting the sales tax for schools. He also said county schools have lost 18 percent of their state funding over the last decade or so and haven’t seen a county increase since 1989.

“I applaud the Tallapoosa County Commissioners, you saved the

Budget County Administrator Blake Beck said the budget process was much less stressful this year as revenues are up and the county’s debt load continues to decrease.

“This was one of the easiest budgets I’ve had to prepare,” Beck said. “We had the pipeline come online that that has given us an increase in revenue. We’ve seen property tax revenue increase due to the new state guidelines. We saw our first disbursement of revenue from the state from the pool created by a new law passed allowing the collection of sales tax on items purchased on the Internet. Our portion of that was about $100,000.

“Plus, this is the first full year we’ve had the community corrections program in place and we realized about $135,000 in revenue from that.”

Beck said that the county has been hit by continued increases in utility costs, but overall, he said the county is in much better shape than at any time in his tenure. When

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Tallapoosa County Schools,” Windle said. “You really did. I would hate to think where we would be without the 1-cent sales tax. For years we were forced to tread water and ignore our facilities. This has enabled us for the first time in recent memory to not only get to the state mandated reserve level, but to handle some needs that were beyond overdue. This 1-cent tax was a lifesaver.”

Windle said that while he understood financial needs for schools in Alexander City and Tallapoosa County may differ, money for all students is needed.

“I don’t see why we are playing Alexander City versus Tallapoosa County,” Windle said. “We should be looking at how we can best educate all the school children in Alexander City and Tallapoosa County. We’ve all benefitted from this sales tax and people in the county shop in Alexander City and people from Alexander City shop

continued from page 1

Beck first took the position as county administrator, the county was paying on nine bond issues. It is down to just three such obligations currently.

He said all those factors is why he felt the county could help employees with an increase.

“I have talked with department heads and Sheriff Abbett in particular,” Beck said. “When you look at what our folks are paid versus what they are making in other areas, our salaries are creating some problems with recruitment and retention. That’s why I’m proposing this 5 percent across the board increase to all eligible employees. We will freeze the merit raises as we do this, but we feel like it is the right thing to do.”

The pay increases will add up to about $220,000 per year in additional expense to the county, Beck said.

The commissioners also voted 5-0 to approve resolutions that will allow it to seek a grant to help pave the

running track at Dadeville High School and accept money and release Sabal Trail from liability to repair some roads that were damaged during the construction of the pipeline. Sabal Trail will pay the county about $52,000 to handle the needed repairs.

In other action the commissioners voted to: • Approve the minutes of the Aug. 14 meeting.

• Approve purchases and warrants and to pay the bills.

• Approve the awarding of FY2018 annual bids for bulk road and maintenance materials.

• Approve a resolution allowing the county administrator to determine when the county courthouse and the annex are closed with consultation with the chairman, county engineer and county EMA director.

It was also announced that the Tallapoosa County Courthouse would be closed Oct. 9 for Columbus Day and the October meeting of the commissioners would be held at 9 a.m. on Oct. 10.

here – so every student benefitted. It’s working but I understand that this is the final requirement and we will see where it goes.”

Former County Commissioner and Past President of the Tallapoosa County Farmers Federation Neal Kelly asked the commissioners not to move forward with a property tax increase, but instead keep the sales tax in place to help schools.

“I wish you all would think long and hard before you look at increasing the millage rate,” Kelly told commissioners.

“Since the sales tax was put in in Sept.

2015, it has helped the schools build its reserves and they’ve been able to do a lot for the schools. I would ask that you keep the sales tax instead. It is working, we are used to it and no one is complaining about it after the first month or so. If you keep taxing property, you are going kill the goose that laid the golden egg one of these days.”

Fundraiser Leslie Wingler said. “Ford will allow us to give away up to $6,000, which equals 300 test drives.”

Having held this event for several years now, the dealership has perfected the method on holding Drive 4Ur School, making it as simple as possible for the community to participate. Upon arrival at Tallapoosa Ford, attendees will pick out the kind of vehicle they want to drive and take it on a short test drive up the road. After returning to the lot, the test driver will have to fill out a short survey form and sign it, confirming they did complete the drive.

“We’ve always reached the maximum amount we can give,” Wingler said. “The test drive only takes a few minutes.”

He added there are a couple of stipulations Ford has regarding the fundraiser. These include allowing only one test drive per household to count towards the overall total and that the test drive must be made between 8 a.m. and noon.

For Saturday’s fundraiser, Wingler said one of every new model Ford has will be available on the lot to test drive, from Mustangs and Fiestas to Expeditions and F-250s.

“A lot of people like our convertibles, so they’re always a popular choice, while some people choose to try out one of our big trucks to say

continued from page 1

they’ve driven a big truck,” he said.

“It’s a really good way to check out all the new models and take a little ride up the road in one of them.”

Even though the test drive is more often than not the deciding moment in the purchase of a new vehicle, Wingler said the focus Saturday morning would be on raising money for the Benjamin Russell football team and cheerleaders, rather than on selling new cars and trucks.

“This is more of a community service thing instead of a business thing.

It’s our way of giving back,” he said.

Wingler said he has always heard nothing but good things from those who participate in the Drive 4Ur School event every year, and employees of Tallapoosa Ford have also said how thoroughly they enjoy offering this to the public.

Additional employees would be on the lot Saturday morning to help make the event run smoothly, with the Benjamin Russell cheerleaders on hand as well to assist with the survey, along with the possibility of several football players as their scheduled permitted, according to Wingler.

“We need all the people who can to come out Saturday morning and test drive one of our vehicles. Without them, we can’t raise the money,” he said.

Page 8

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Today is September 29, 2017 Today’s Events

GARDENING EXTRAVAGANZA: The Tallapoosa County Extension Service is hosting its Fall Gardening Extravaganza Friday, Sept. 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Betty Carol Graham Technology Center at Central Alabama Community College.

Speaking will be Chris VanCleave, Sara L. Van Beck, Felder Rushing and Carol Reese.

Friday, September 29, 2017

The Outlook

Cost is $25 and you can register by calling the extension office at 256825-1050.

CHEESE BALLS: The UMW of First United Methodist Church are taking orders for their annual cheese ball fundraiser through Sept. 30.

Orders can be placed through the church office. Four varieties are being offered from $10 to $12 each. Pick up will be Nov. 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the First United Methodist Fellowship Hall.

CLOTHING SALE: Russell Medical Auxiliary will host a clothing sale featuring Britches

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/. and Bows on Sept. 28 and 29. The sale will be in the Russell Medical Community Room beginning at 7 a.m. Women’s clothing, sizes small – 3X along with boys’ and girls’ clothing will be available. Proceeds will benefit projects and services of the Russell Medical Volunteer Auxiliary.

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Bina Patel, left, and her attorney asked the Tallapoosa County Commissioners on Thursday to reconsider a liquor license for their store in the Wall Street community. She pointed out that it was a transfer of an existing license. County Attorney Thomas Radney said that Patel’s appeal of a judge’s order upholding the county’s denial of the license is still active and until that is settled, it wouldn’t be appropriate for the commissioners to take action.

Helping Children Learn and Grow

Saturday, September 30

FAMILY REUNION: The Germany family reunion is Saturday, Sept. 30 at 11 a.m. at the Daviston Community Center. All members of the Germany family are invited. Please bring a covered dish.

GOSPEL SINGING: The Grace Fullness Baptist Church is hosting the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Resounding Gospel Singers Sept. 30 at 5:30 p.m.

PASTORAL APPRECIATION: The New Home Missionary Baptist Church is holding a pastoral celebration Sept.

30 at 5 p.m.

Sunday, October 1

CHURCH HOMECOMING: New Elkahatchee Baptist Church is hosting homecoming services Oct. 1 at 10:30 a.m. with Diane Sherrell.

SUNDAY DINNER: Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church is hosting Sunday dinner Sunday, Oct. 1 at 5 p.m. The free dinner will be served in the clubhouse building next to the church at 3997 Hillabee Road in Alexander City. The pastor of Duncan Memorial is Rev. Wayne Hicks.

All are invited to this free, causal dinner.

FAMILY AND FRIENDS DAY: Friendship Missionary Baptist Church will be hosting its annual family and friends day Oct. 1 at 2 p.m.

The guest speaker will be Rev. Jimmy Thomas, pastor of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Dadeville.

Rev. Roosevelt Gregory is pastor.

COMEDY NIGHT: River of Life Worship Center is hosting Comedy Night with Joe Phillips Sunday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m.

CHOIR DAY: Mt. Lovely Baptist Church in Camp Hill will observed its annual Choir Day Sunday, Oct. 1 at 2 p.m. Rev. Michael Stiggers of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church is the guest speaker. Rev. Bernard Harris is the pastor.

PASTORAL APPRECIATION: St. James Holiness Church is holding the 5th Pastoral Appreciation Service honoring Pastor George and Brenda Dowdell Sunday, Oct. 1 at 2:30 p.m.

Bishop Nolan of True Deliverance Holiness Church in Auburn will be the guest speaker.

CHURCH HOMECOMING: Sandy Creek Baptist Church is hosting homecoming services Oct. 1 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

There will be no Sunday school and a potluck luncheon will follow the service.

Monday, October 2

HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Sarah Bliss Wright will present “Ida Quilt Project” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Oct. 2 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education Building at 375 Lee Street Alexander City.

Tuesday, October 3

256.267.0518

The Learning Tree

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT: The 34th Annual National Night Out “Light Up the Night against Crime” will be Oct. 3 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Alexander City Sportplex.

This will showcase various public

safety and emergency response agencies that operate in the Alexander City and surrounding areas including state, county, EMA, businesses church groups. All events are free and there will be hotdogs and drinks while supplies last.

Wednesday, October 4

MONTHLY LUNCHEON: Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends in Millerville will have their Monthly Luncheon on Wednesday October 4 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Please bring a covered dish and a small donation.

Thursday, October 5

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY: Haven Memorial United Methodist Church is hosting part two of its women’s Bible Study Battlefield of the Mind Oct. 5, 12, 19 and 26 from noon to 1 p.m and 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Bring your lunch.

with 50/50 tickets, money tree, games and door Prizes. Car registration is from 8 a.m. to noon and the registration fee is $20. Spectators are welcome 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is no charge for spectators. Breakfast items available. Catfish and chicken finger dinners as well as hot dogs and hamburgers will be available at lunch time.

YARD SALE: GAP Fellowship Church at 721 Robinson Court is holding a yard sale Oct. 7 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. to benefit the church.

Sunday, October 8

CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: Comer Memorial Baptist Church is hosting its 95th Anniversary and Homecoming service Oct. 8 at 10:30 p.m.

The guest speaker is former member Rev. Johnny Taylor from Plano, Texas. There will be a covered dish lunch after the service.

The Learning Tree, Inc. is Accepting Applications for Weekend Shifts in Direct Care.

Applications can be picked up at: 101 S. Dubois Street Tallassee, AL 36078 Or contact Brinda Bell (334) 252-0025, Ext. 101 Email: bbell@learning-tree.org

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Saturday, October 7

HEALTH FAIR: Hatchett Spring’s Baptist Church YAM will be conducting its 3rd Annual Health and Wellness Fair on Saturday, Oct. 7 at the Goodwater Community Center from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event is free to the Goodwater Community and surrounding areas. We will kick off the day with our heart walk/run at 8 a.m., followed by a CPR class at 9 a.m., registration required, and Health Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be free health care supplies, health and vision screenings, college prep info., diabetes education, breast cancer awareness, skin wellness, dental hygiene, life insurance, Sam’s Club, Zumba, kid’s fun, blood drive, motivational speakers, snacks, door prizes and so much more! For more information or to find out how you can become a part of this event, please contact 205-240-6229 or 256-7493223.

CAR WASH: The BRHS NJROTC Unit will be hosting a Car Wash at Advance Auto Parts on Highway 280 on Saturday, Oct. 7 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. This unit fundraiser has a goal of raising $1,500 for the Unit Discretionary Fund in order to pay for 15 deserving cadets to attend a two-day Orientating Training Camp at Camp McDowell in northern Alabama on Dec. 1 and Dec. 2. This unique training opportunity is in preparation for the NJROTC Area 8 Orientating Championship at Oak Mountain State Park on Dec. 16.

Come out and meet our outstanding cadets and get your car washed. All donations are greatly appreciated.

Out of town that Saturday? Mail your donation to BRHS NJROTC UNIT, ATTN: CAPT Leahey, 225 Heard Blvd, Alexander City, AL 35010. Unit website: brhsnavyjrotc.weebly.com.

CANCER WALK: Sistas for a Cause are hosting their 6th Annual Cancer Walk Oct. 7 at the Cooper Community Center. Registration fee is $10 and starts at 8 a.m with the walk at 9 a.m. For more information contact Valarie Oliver at 256-496-4684 or Nanette Stephens at 256-794-1439.

CAR SHOW: The 4th annual Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends Car Show is Oct. 7 in Millerville

THROWAWAY DAYS: Dumpsters will be provided for Throw Away Days Oct. 9-10 at the following locations.

In District 1: Alex City Annex- 395 Lee St., District 2: Double BridgesHwy. 63, District 3: Alex City- 2975 Pearson Chapel Rd. and Jacksons Gap- Piedmont Dr. at Hwy. 280, District 4: Dadeville- Young’s Ferry Rd. at Mullican/ Gibson Rd., District 5: Union Community Center- 4191 Hwy. 50.

The following items are not allowed: liquids (including paint, paint thinners, pesticides, etc.), appliances with compressors, tires, batteries, light bulbs, TVs, computers, propane tanks, hazardous/medical waste.

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com

Tony Guy, Owner Over 40 Years Experience

Saturday, October 14

CAR SHOW: The 37th Annual Custom Car Show at Oktoberfest will be Oct. 14 with registration from 8 a.m. to noon.

It is an open show format with a money tree. All cars will be parked on asphalt.

For more information contact Danny Pike at 256-496-0024 or danny.pike@ alexandercityal.gov.

BBQ: The 26th Annual Waverly BBQ at the Waverly Community Center is Oct. 14 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Food will be served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

BBQ sandwiches and chips will be $5 or two for $9. BBQ meat is $9 a pound. Whole Boston Butts are $30 with presales available for pickup after 9 a.m. A chicken or pork plate for $9.

Stew for $9 a quart.

There will also be a silent auction, live auction, quilt raffle, arts and crafts, barnyard bingo and more. For more information call 334-887-7288.

USHER WORKSHOP: There will be an annual usher workshop at Great Bethel Missionary Baptist Church Saturday, Oct. 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sunday, October 15

TALLAPOOSEE HISTORICAL SOCIETY: Sue Mason will present “Native Americans – Life and times before the Spanish arrived” to the Tallapoosee Historical Society Sunday, Oct. 15 at 2 p.m. at the Historical Museum in Dadeville. The meeting is free and open to the public.

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Friday, September 29, 2017

Page 9

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Game of the Week

Franklin returns to Horseshoe Bend

By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

Kenneth Boone / The Outlook

Benjamin Russell’s Kobi Crabb reaches up to knock down an Opelika pass last week. Crabb and the Wildcat defense played extremely well in a victory over the Bulldogs.

BATTLE OF THE UNBEATEN BRHS faces another test in No. 3 Oxford

By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

With two undefeated teams going head to head on the gridiron, it’s inevitable that one team is going to walk away a loser for the first time this year.

The Benjamin Russell Wildcats are hoping it’s not them tonight.

On Homecoming week, the Wildcats (4-0) play host to No. 3-ranked Oxford (5-0) in a non-region showdown.

“Any given night, we can beat anybody,” BRHS coach Danny Horn said.

“I really believe that. Because we play hard and we play good defense, and if you play good defense, you’re going to have a chance. But on the flip side, we could get beat by anybody because we’re not as athletic as some teams we’ve had here in the past. Every game, we have to go out and prove ourselves.”

Benjamin Russell has finally gotten itself in the top 10 of the Alabama Sports Writers Association poll, coming in at No. 9 this week. While the Wildcats may seem like the underdog going against the thirdranked team, on paper, BRHS has actually played a tougher schedule than Oxford, which could work in its favor.

But the Wildcats can’t let up at all, as it’s going against one of the strongest opponents on its schedule. Oxford boasts five-star lineman Robert Webb, who measures in at 6-foot-4 and 300 pounds, as well as running back Tyetus Smith Lindsey and quarterback Abram Peoples.

“They play a multiple offense, but when they really need something, they’ll get in the ‘I’ and pitch it to (Lindsey) and he’ll run behind (Webb),” Horn said. “The thing is, you know what’s coming but it’s still hard to stop. (Webb) is gonna clear a hole, and (Lindsey) is really, really fast. He’s not that big, but he’s very quick and fast, and so is their quarterback. Defensively, we’re gonna have to stop the run and we did a great job of that last week, but their offensive line is a lot better than Opelika’s.”

Defensively, the Yellow Jackets run a 3-4 and they’ve allowed only 32 points through five games this season. They’ve posted two shutouts, including one against Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa in the first week of the season and one against Albertville last week.

Benjamin Russell hasn’t been an explosive point-scorer, but one thing Horn has been impressed with is his offense taking advantage of chances when it has them.

“Last week, I thought the offensive line played one of their better games all year,” Horn said. “We only scored 19 points, but we extended the chains and got a few first downs. The thing is if you’re playing good defense like we were playing last week, you just need to score when you have an opportunity.”

Against Opelika, the Wildcats also proved they’re not afraid to throw kicker Dylan Moncus into the fire if necessary.

While many high school teams don’t often See BRHS • Page 10

Former Horseshoe Bend coach Jason Franklin will have a homecoming of sorts the same night the Generals celebrate their actual Homecoming.

Holtville, where Franklin now coaches, comes to town Friday night for a nonregion showdown. “(The kids) want to beat him,” Horseshoe Bend coach Josh Averett said. “It’s just another game to me. I want to win it as much as I do any of the other games. I don’t want the old coach to come in and beat me, but I don’t have anything against him.”

Franklin said, “It’ll be good to go back, but there’s no bad blood or anything.

I’m proud of those guys and their success this season.”

For nine seasons, Franklin was the head coach at HBS, and he was part of a big turnaround for this group of General seniors. During their sophomore year, the Generals went 0-10 and last year, they advanced to the playoffs.

Because Franklin has coached this group of General seniors for years, the Holtville Bulldogs (0-4) should have an advantage, but Averett has an edge of his own as he still works with Franklin’s former assistants.

“He coached all our players, but coach (Jason) Johnson and coach (Chad) Kison have coached with

Kenneth Boone / The Outlook

Horseshoe Bend’s Leevontae Robinson, right, catches a pass against Reeltown. The Generals are looking to spread the ball around more in tonight’s game.

HOLTVILLE VS. HORSESHOE BEND Game date: Holtville Bulldogs vs. Horseshoe Bend Generals ... Friday, 7 p.m. ...

Non-region game.

Media coverage: Follow @liziarbogast on Twitter, and tune in to The Outlook Facebook page at 5:45 for Inside the Lines Live.

Teams: Holtville lost last week to Dadeville, 48-26, and is currently winless on the season ... The Generals (2-2) are coming off their first region win of the season, a 28-15 defeat of Ranburne.

Series: The Bulldogs leads the series, 2-1, but Horseshoe Bend won last season’s game, 42-7.

Outlook prediction: Generals by 12. him, so they pretty much know what he’s going to do and his tendencies,” Averett said. “But with me coming in, he doesn’t know me from Adam, so he doesn’t really

know how I call stuff and tendencies I have.”

One thing Franklin definitely knows is to look out for Trace Meadows, who has been a stud for

Franklin

Horseshoe Bend’s ground game all season long. But the Generals (2-2) are looking to balance out Meadows’ rushing threat See GOW • Page 10

Dadeville looks to build off victory

By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

Getting a tally in the Class 4A Region 3 win column was just what Dadeville needed, and the Tigers did so in convincing fashion with a 48-26 defeat of Holtville last Friday.

Although Dadeville is taking a break from the “District of Doom” this week, it’s not taking the foot off the gas at all. The Tigers host Class 5A Valley this week, and they know the importance of this game — in the case of a tie at the end of the regular season, beating a 5A team holds more weight than beating a smaller school.

The Valley Rams haven’t had a winning record since 2013 and are currently 1-4 with their only victory coming against the winless Cleburne County. But Dadeville (3-2) isn’t about to get complacent.

“They’re a better team than they were last year,” Dadeville coach Richard White said. “They’re more organized and they’ve got kids playing hard. They’re going to be a handful.

They have a lot of kids, so I hope it doesn’t get into a ‘We can play more kids than you can play’ situation because that wears us out.”

White said Valley’s offense looks

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Neither Dadeville’s Jalen Sullivan or Holtville’s Dajon Reeves are able to come with a Holtville pass last week.

eerily similar to Auburn University’s with a lot of counters and run-pass option.

“We don’t run a lot of option, but we work on defending it,” White said.

“That’s the first thing you have to learn as a defensive football team because if

you can’t defend the option, you’re not a very good defensive football team.”

Running back Brandon Smith is the biggest threat for the Rams. He is 6-foot-0 and 190 pounds. Other See DADEVILLE • Page 10

Outlook remains positive for Central Coosa Cougars ing chaos, and so far, they’ve won their games by creating enough chaos to prevent a lot of big plays from hapDespite all the struggles pening against teams they’ve for Central Coosa’s football played.” season thus far this season, The top players Rary’s the Cougars aren’t throwing Cougars will be looking out in the towel yet. for are tailback Timothy But they’re going to have Birchfield and quarterback another uphill battle when Michael Fortner.

Thorsby comes to town While Coosa attempted to for Homecoming tonight. switch some things up last Currently undefeated, the week, utilizing some younger Rebels have never beaten players in hopes of stretchCoosa but this might be the ing its depth, it’ll go back year they’ve been waiting for. to the status quo this week “Thorsby has played some after being defeated 46-0 by really good football this Beulah a week ago. year,” Central Coosa coach Donta Daniel, who has Shane Rary said. “They do been one of the biggest bright a good job on offensive and See COOSA • Page 10 defensive lines of just creatBy LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

File / The Outlook

Central Coosa coach Shane Rary speaks with substitute Chaz Nickolson during the first week of the season. The winless Cougars are searching for improvement this week versus Thorsby.

Page 10

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Friday, September 29, 2017

The Outlook

Bye coming at the right time for Reeltown

By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

The injury bug has bitten Reeltown hard recently.

Top running back Keke Hughley suffered a seasonending injury against Horseshoe Bend two weeks ago, then last week against Lanett, both Cameron Faison and Trey O’Neal were hurt.

While Faison and O’Neal aren’t expected to miss any playing time, Reeltown certainly couldn’t have asked for a better time to be on a bye week.

“We went to some dire circumstances there with some players going out,” Reeltown coach Matt Johnson said.

Faison suffered a separated shoulder and is currently dayto-day, while O’Neal had a neck injury and was taken out on a stretcher, but Johnson said that was mostly precautionary.

Tre Tre Hughley picked up a lot of the slack at the running back position when Faison went down in the second quarter, but a lot was being asked of him.

“Tre Tre plays every snap on defense, so when you’re missing Cam, you lose that

Kenneth Boone / The Outlook

Reeltown’s Cameron Faison (2) shouldn’t miss any time after suffering an injury against Lanett last week.

rotation,” Johnson said. “We went to (fullback) Jordan Whitlow and Kolby Coan came in and played some at tailback.”

After a loss to Lanett — the Rebels’ first in the region — Reeltown will take this break

GOW by throwing in some passes as well.

Quarterback Cade Worthy finished 8-for-13 for 149 yards and he had five different receivers.

Luke Yarbrough led the way with three catches, while Nalijah Heard had two. Corbin Shivers, Leevontae Robinson and Nywanski Russell each had a catch.

Averett is hoping to get the passing game going against Holtville, which runs a similar 3-3 to last week’s Ranburne.

“Anybody in the 3-3 stack likes to bring pressure, so the big thing is making sure we stop that blitz and don’t give up any penetration so we can run the ball,” Averett said. “But one thing with the 3-3, it kinda opens up some stuff on the outside a little more.

With Trace having such good numbers the past few weeks, they just kinda bust up in the box, so it left a little more outside.”

Holtville should be looking to spread the ball around a bit too.

The Bulldogs elect for a passing play about 65 percent of the time. They’re led by quarterback Kelandre Baker, who stands at 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds.

Averett said the most threatening receivers are Jaderick Carter and Dajon Reeves.

But luckily for the Generals, they’ve been strong in the secondary all season.

Horseshoe Bend had two interceptions last week

continued from page 9

“The first couple of days we’re going to focus on us then we’ll transition over to gameplanning,” Johnson said. “The bye week is huge, but at the same time, we gotta be smart.

You wanna get out there and be

Dadeville

continued from page 9

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Holtville’s Kelandre Baker tries to avoid Dadeville’s Max McClendon on Friday. Tiger coach Richard White said McClendon was one of the biggest standouts on defense last week.

Kenneth Boone / The Outlook

Horseshoe Bend’s Corbin Shivers (8) takes down Cameron Faison, of Reeltown, earlier this season.

and five against Donoho in the season opener.

They’ve also brought a lot of pressure on teams attempting to pass — they had six sacks last week.

“If we can get folks throwing the ball, I think we can get pressure and coverage pretty well,” Averett said. “That’s one of our big strengths.”

Although this is a nonregion game, Horseshoe Bend isn’t easing up at all. The Generals are currently tied for fifth in

Coosa spots for Coosa, will move back into the rotation at tailback alongside Jashaslin James and Tadarius Parker.

At quarterback, the Cougars will likely start JaMichael Chambliss, but once again, depth plays a part in these decisions.

“Donta is playing both ways, so I’m not going to bank on him for 40 carries or anything,” Rary said.

“Again, JaMichael starts on defense, which is where we really need him, so we’ve got a couple other guys that are competing for some time.”

Dawson Duncan has returned from an injury and could see some time at quarterback, but

in the action to regroup and take some time to focus on itself. Next up for the Rebels is Ranburne, and although the coaching staff has the Bulldogs broken down, they’ll take some time for themselves first.

physical and set the tone, but with our injuries and our bodies, the way we’re beat up right now, we can’t do that. We gotta be smart in how we practice and still get something out of it.”

With Keke Hughley out, Reeltown has to be happy it won’t lose Faison for too long.

Although just a sophomore, Faison has emerged as one of the Rebels’ top skill players, and he’s also been a bright spot on special teams. He had a kickoff returned for a 75-yard score against Lanett. Because of the Panthers’ speed, Faison was even moved to outside linebacker on Friday to try to match the quickness of Lanett.

“Cam has come a long way,” Johnson said. “He’s developed into a great player for us. He has a relentless attitude. Friday night, second half, he was getting his stuff on and wanted to come back in to play. He’s just real relentless, has a great attitude, and he practices hard every day. He really gets after it.”

With five games looming in the second half of the season, Reeltown (2-3, 2-1) is currently tied with Ranburne for third in Class 2A Region 5.

Class 2A Region 5 and have the meat of their region schedule coming up next week.

“You want a win for momentum,” Averett said. “We have LaFayette coming up next week, so you want to be on a two-game win streak for that. You want to improve every week, just trying to get better every week so you’re playing your best football at the end of the year when it comes playoff time.”

continued from page 9

Rary doesn’t want to get Duncan into too many contact situations in hopes of avoiding a further injury.

Although this is a non-region game for the Cougars, they’re still looking at it as a mustwin, but maybe for different reasons than other teams in the area.

“We’ve got to remember how to win again, and that’s the biggest thing,” Rary said.

“When something bad happens, we’ve got to respond. We can’t shut down. We can’t have a situation like Beulah where our first couple drives, we would get a first down, then on second and 6 have a bad snap and suddenly it’s third and 24. We cannot

recover from that.”

And despite the situation seeming bleak for Coosa, which is coming off two shutout losses, it’s not giving up hope yet.

“I’m encouraged by the way the guys come out to practice every Monday and want to keep working like we’re 0-0,” Rary said. “They still see the potential to go out and make a playoff spot in this region because once you get away from Pike (County) and Montgomery Academy, it’s wide open. We’ve put ourselves in a bad spot right now by what we’ve done, but the region is still up for grabs as far as those four spots go.”

players to look out for will be linebacker Lagarian Hutchinson and quarterback Darrell Dunn.

But Dadeville should be able to match Valley shot for shot, as it is coming off its best offensive performance of the season. The Tigers amassed 554 yards of offense in last week’s game against Holtville.

Jeff Rice, who has been out with a shoulder sprain, could see some time at quarterback, but White said Slade McCullers has been playing well in his absence.

“I thought (Slade) directed the team the way it needed to be directed, getting the plays in and out and making sure we were lined up correctly,” White said. “But we’re trying to work Jeff slowly back into it. You don’t lose your position when you’re injured, so we’ve gotta work back in and then evaluate his performance against Slade’s performance, then we’ll determine what’s going on.”

Although Qua Tucker and Kadore Glenn both went to work on the ground last week, White still isn’t pleased with what he’s seeing from his offensive line. Only Ab

BRHS attempt field goals, Moncus booted scores from 27 and 35 yards out.

“If we can get the ball at the opponent’s 25-yard line, I think we have a good shot of making it,” Horn said. “Last week, he also kicked two or three of them in the end zone on kickoffs, and that’s a big advantage. Not only because they’re not returning it with a chance to score, but they’re getting it on the 20. I thought he did a really good job of kicking and punting.”

Offensively, Davede Herron carried the load last week, rushing for 86 yards on 18 attempts, and the Wildcats also tried to get Keedon

Abernathy and Brennon Wright return after starting on the line a year ago.

“The offensive line is like that old ‘Forrest Gump’ movie — they’re like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re gonna get each week,” White said. “We work on stuff, and we’ll run it in practice until we get it perfect, then we’ll get in the game and we’ll just have brain farts. We do things uncharacteristic of offensive linemen, but we only have two that have played varsity football at all.”

There are several small things White’s Tigers are hoping to clean up if they still have a shot at making the playoffs. Dadeville continues to struggle with giving up big plays, and it has given up too many fumbles for White’s liking. He also said there have been things as simple as poor tackling, lining up incorrectly on defense and blown coverages the Tigers will need to improve.

“If we’re playing a team equal or a little better than us, those things could come back and bit us, so those are the things we have to clean up real quick,” White said.

continued from page 9

Young more involved. Young finished with 40 yards on three carries.

Not only is this a tough nonregion test, Benjamin Russell will also be looking to defend its home field on Homecoming weekend.

“Usually you pick a lesser opponent for Homecoming,” Horn said. “We ended up picking up probably the best team on our schedule, but there’s nowhere else we really could’ve had it.

As a coach, you always worry about the focus because of all the Homecoming festivities, but our job is to prepare and win the football game.”