Sept. 7, 2017 Alex City Outlook

PAGE 5: NEW SITE TOWN COUNCIL HOLDS INITIAL BUDGET HEARING

THURSDAY

THE COMMUNITY CALENDAR Inside, page 6

Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892

September 7, 2017 Vol. 125, No.178 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢

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SPORTS, PAGE 11 Beloved BRHS coach remembered fondly

Game cameras spot black bear near Daviston

“He was there from like 1:30 to 5:30 or so,” Cofield said. “He came in, ate what he could, then tore the feeder all to pieces Just when it appeared Tallapoosa and then took it off into the woods. He County would escape the summer without was there awhile and we ended up getting the sighting of a bear, an area resident with all kinds of pictures of him. I thought the game cameras on his property captured cameras would be cool to have, but I was images on a bear that was at his place for shocked. I never expected to see a bear out nearly four hours. there.”

While it wasn’t a close encounter Cofield only recently purchased the between bear and human, Logan Cofield property, which is not being identified to said he was shocked when he saw a black discourage curious observers or others bear on game camera at property he owns from coming to look for the bear, but said near Daviston. that in talking with others who have been In looking closer at the images taken on in the area for a long time, they didn’t Aug. 31, the black bear didn’t seem to be recall a sighting there either. too worried about anything. It came, ate He said in reading up on bears and the food on the ground and then ripped See BEAR • Page 3 open the feeder and dragged it away.

By MITCH SNEED Editor

Submitted / The Outlook

A game camera on property owned by Logan Cofield near Daviston caught this image of a small black bear in the early afternoon on Aug. 31.

Finances once again center stage in Camp Hill

Chromebooks coming to county schools BOE plans to put funds in budget, students to get laptops in January

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

Finances are once again at the top of the list for the Camp Hill Town Council.

At Tuesday’s meeting, council members learned the town may be soon be in dire straits and facing a lawsuit for non-payment on a contract for refurbishing the town’s water tower. But good news came for the town’s audits.

Town Attorney Charles Gillenwaters advised the town an attorney for Tank Pro had contacted him about non-payment on a $99,000 contract.

“We have missed a couple of $1,500 payments,” Gillenwaters said.

Tank Pro approached the council about a year ago about it being behind by $44,000 on the contract. At that time, the payments were $3,000 a month but officials with the company wanted the town to just pay something.

Gillenwaters informed the council since the payments were missed the company See CAMP HILL • Page 9

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

Donald Campbell / The Outlook

Dressed as superheroes, students in Emily Sassano’s AP Biology class listen attentively as their classmates present research on natural elements.

BRHS holds first Open Door Wednesday of school year

By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

Parents, community members and representatives from area colleges wandered the hallways of Benjamin Russell High School Wednesday morning, taking part in this school year’s first Open Door Wednesday.

After signing in at the hospitality room, where they were also offered refreshments from students in Daphne Davis’ Event Planning class, visitors were able to go around and visit several of the classrooms, observing the teachers and students hard at work.

See BRHS • Page 3

Good things are coming for high school students in Tallapoosa County Schools – Chromebooks.

The idea has been talked about in 1-to-1 technology initiatives for a couple of years and somewhat buried in the first budget hearing was money for Chromebooks.

“We did budget $251,000 for laptops,” said Tallapoosa County Schools Chief Financial Officer Tommy Thweatt at Tuesday’s budget hearing and meeting. “We are using local money to buy the Chromebooks.

That is going to be 967 laptops coming January.”

While not enough for the nearly 2,900 students in kindergarten through 12th grade, it will be enough for every student in county schools in grades 9 through 12. And there is a plan in place to roll them out to students and faculty.

“The time line is the teacher Chromebooks have already been ordered,” said Tallapoosa County School Technology Coordinator Joel Padgett. “We should get them in midSeptember. We are going to start our PD (professional development) for See CHROMEBOOKS • Page 5

Horizons Unlimited has exciting slate of fall guests

By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

Starting on Sept. 11, the fall 2017 semester of Horizons Unlimited will kick off, the first of six weeks of guest speakers talking about a variety of fascinating topics to attendees.

Catering predominantly to the retired community of the Lake Martin area, Horizons Unlimited offers its members the chance to gain a little bit more insight into topics of all kinds.

“We meet for six Mondays during

Today’s

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both our fall and winter semesters,” Horizons Unlimited Spokeswoman Beverly Thomas said. “We meet in the boardroom at the Alexander City Board of Education.

We are allowed to use their equipment with supervision, and they provide us with all the tech help we need.”

• Sept. 11: Dolores Hydock, a member of the Southern Order of Storytellers, will be the premier speaker for the fall semester with her presentation, “The RedSee HORIZONS • Page 9

Cathy Hooks / For The Outlook

Storms cause damage in the area A short, but intense line of thunderstorms roared through Tallapoosa County Tuesday evening with winds, heavy rain and lightning causing damage in isolated areas of Alexander City like shown in this image taken near Eighth Street. Several large trees fell, taking utility lines with them and wind gusts of 21 mph were recorded. City crews worked in the rain for several hours to clear the road and get service restored Tuesday evening and cable company crews were still working in the area Wednesday.

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Wife concerned about husband talking to neighborhood kids

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Staff

Directory 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

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

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. 208 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

Newsroom Amy Passaretti Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 amy.passaretti@alexcityoutlook.com Lizi Arbogast Sports Editor, Ext. 228 lizi.arbogast@alexcityoutlook.com

Postal

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

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

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

How to Submit Obituaries

Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, Lake Martin Living, Kenneth Boone Photography and a commercial web printing press. Š 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Reproduction of any part of any issue requires written publisher permission.

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.

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!

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DEAR ABBY: I have been happily married to “Roger� for 20 years and have two kids still at home. They are pretty independent now, but my husband was very involved in coaching and volunteering when they were younger.

Sometimes when Roger and I take walks, we run into children playing in a yard or biking up and down the block.

If they initiate conversation, I’ll smile at them and respond with a quick “hi� or “nice bike� and keep walking, but my husband will stop to chat or listen to what they say. I have told him not to do that regardless of whether they seem willing.

My fear is that an overprotective mom (like many of us moms) glancing out the window and seeing a middle-aged stranger talking to their child may assume the worst.

I know Roger loves kids, and we both sometimes miss the younger years when kids could be more open and talk with adults, but times have changed. This used to hap-

Obituaries Robert Crayton Funeral Services for Mr. Robert Crayton will 2:00 p.m. Thursday, September 7, Jones Chapel Methodist Church with burial following in Old Union Cemetery Dadeville, Alabama.

Professional Service provided by Wright’s Funeral Home.

Mrs. Rudy Dean Anderson Mrs. Rudy Dean Anderson age 80 of Alexander City, AL. passed away on September 4, 2017 at Russell Medical Center in Alexander City, AL. She is survived two sons Dan Anderson and Mark Anderson; 5 grandchildren Michael Anderson, Jamie Long, Haley ( Eric) Henry, Trish (Terry) Livingston and Angie ( Joel) Tate; two step-grandchildren Anna ( Donny) Forman and Chris ( Steffanie ) Denney; eight great-grandchildren; three specials friend Don Johnson, Steve Dozier and Judy Huett.

Preceded in death by her parents Dan and Kate Smith.

Mrs. Anderson was in nursing over 50 years in Alexander City area. She was a storyteller, writer of poems and short stories of Indian Lore, lover of life, learning and laughter.

Memorial message maybe sent to the Anderson family at alabamafuneralhomes.com Alabama Funeral Homes and Cremation Centers in Dadeville is handling the arrangements. alabamafuneralhomes. com

Mr. Ronnie Tyrone Stowes Mr. Ronnie Tyrone Stowes 40 of Alexander City, AL died on Monday, Sept. 4, 2017 in Orlando, FL. Final arrangements entrusted to Armour’s Memorial Services.

SOCIAL SECURITY FAYE EDMONDSON Attorney at Law

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DEAR ABBY Advice

pen more often when we’d go swimming with our kids and other kids who were bored and not closely supervised would be looking for other people playing together to join. I used to worry then that if I wasn’t there it could be misconstrued, although my fears never came to pass.

Do you agree that adults (and especially male adults) have to be overly cautious about engaging in any communication with an unaccompanied child? -- CHANGING TIMES IN THE MIDWEST DEAR CHANGING TIMES: I think (regrettably) that the answer to your question is yes.

Because fears of molestation are so prevalent now, males do have to be more circum-

spect with minor children than they did years ago. Frankly, that’s a shame, because kids gain so much confidence by knowing an adult is interested in what they have to say.

Consider staying with your husband during these friendly instances as a “buffer.�

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have two homes. We summer in Michigan and winter in Florida. To save money on maintenance, I’d like to sell the house in Michigan and move permanently to Florida.

My husband doesn’t want to be in Florida during the summer, but he also does not want to be in Michigan in the winter.

He won’t make a decision, but he leans toward living in Michigan full time.

Because I don’t like living up north in the winter, I have told him I’ll be staying all year in Florida starting in January to see how it is. He plans to return to Michigan.

Our Florida home is older, so to come out ahead financially,

we would need to sell our place in Michigan in order to buy a newer one in Florida.

Any ideas on how this could be settled? -- WARMER WEATHER DEAR WARMER WEATHER: Your idea about living for a “trial year� in Florida isn’t a bad one. After spending a hot, humid summer there, you might change your mind about relocating permanently.

You state that your reason for wanting to sell the Michigan home is you want a newer one than the place you presently own down south. Perhaps you could satisfy yourself AND your spouse by simply spending some money to update the old one a bit. Please consider it.

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.

Social Security celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month We know the importance of “familia� in Hispanic culture, and we’re proud to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, by helping build a secure future for you, your family, and your future family.

You can learn more about how Social Security helps secure today and tomorrow for millions of families by visiting www. socialsecurity.gov/ people/hispanics/.

Hispanics make up our nation’s largest ethnic minority group with a population of 56.6 million, according to 2015 statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Social Security is here to help maintain and improve our economic well-being for generations to come.

Currently, we do this by providing retirement, disability, and other benefits to 61 million people, including nearly 3.5 million Hispanics, who have contributed to the Social Security system through their payroll taxes. Social Security also provides a safety net to the families of American workers who become unable to work due to grave impairments or have died.

We work hard to provide enhanced customer service and to educate millions

promote our programs at local events, health fairs, libraries, schools, and community organizations that KYLLE’ D. serve the public, MCKINNEY including the Hispanic Columnist population. Some of our bilingual staff serve as of Americans about contributors to Spanishthe importance of language television, our programs and radio stations, and benefits. This allows newspapers. They us to connect with the also visit embassies Hispanic community and consulates in the in meaningful and U.S. representing efficient ways.

Latin American If Spanish is your countries to educate primary language, diplomatic leaders you can visit www. and new immigrants segurosocial.gov, our about Social Security Spanish-language programs. website. It provides Spanish-speaking hundreds of pages of individuals wishing to important information apply for retirement, about how to get a disability, survivor, and Social Security card, other benefits, as well plan for retirement, as Medicare, can now apply for benefits, and request an appointment manage your benefits online at www. once you’re receiving socialsecurity.gov/ them. Many of our applyforbenefits for an offices have staff who in-person interview or speak Spanish, or you can call 1-800-772-1213 telephone claim with a representative. In many from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and select the cases, you can make an appointment with a option for Spanish. bilingual representative.

Nationwide, We’re with you and our public affairs specialists reach out to your family throughout life’s journey. To learn thousands of Hispanic more about Social Americans each year Security programs, visit to raise awareness of www.segurosocial.gov the benefits they may or www.socialsecurity. qualify for and to learn the advantages of gov. setting up a my Social McKinney is a public Security account at affairs specialist www.socialsecurity. with Alabama Social gov/myaccount.

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Thursday, September 7, 2017

The Outlook

„ Alexander City Board of Education meets on the third Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in the board office at 375 Lee St. or local school at 5 p.m. „ Alexander City Council meets on the first and third Mondays of each month. Meetings are held in the courtroom at the old city hall at 5:30 p.m. „ Camp Hill Town Council meets the first and third Mondays of each month. Meetings are held in town hall at 6 p.m. „ Community Action Agency of Chambers, Tallapoosa, Coosa will holds its regular board of directors meetings every other month at the Central Office in Dadeville. „ Coosa County Board of Education holds called meetings at least once a month. „ Coosa County Commission meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month.

Meetings are held in the Coosa County Courthouse in Rockford at 9:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday and at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday. „ Coosa County Industrial Development Board will hold its regularly scheduled meeting the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room in the courthouse in Rockford. „ Dadeville City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. with a pre-meeting at 5:30 p.m. in city hall. „ Daviston City Council meets the third Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Daviston Fire Department. „ Goldville Town Council meets the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the town hall.

„ Goodwater City Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held at the Caldwell Center at 6:30 p.m. „ Jackson’s Gap Town Council meets the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in town hall at 6:30 p.m. „ Kellyton Town Council meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the community center in Kellyton. „ New Site City Council meets the first and third Monday of the month at 5 p.m. in the Conference Room in the Town Hall. „ Ray Water Authority meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Ray Water Authority Office. „ Rockford Town Council meets the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in town hall at 7 p.m. „ Tallapoosa County Board of Education meets on the second Monday of each month.

Meetings are held in the new central office at 679 East Columbus Street, Dadeville, AL 36853. „ Tallapoosa County Commission meets the second Monday of the month at 9 a.m. in the courthouse in Dadeville, with a pre-meeting also open to the public 30 minutes before each regular session. „ Tallapoosa County 911 Board will meet on the second Wednesday of each month at 5 p.m. in the 911 Administrative office at 240 West Columbus Street, Dadeville. Call 8258490 for more information. „ Walnut Hill Water Authority meets the third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited. Call 825-9841 to inquire about the agenda.

Thursday, September 7, 2017

Page 3

www.alexcityoutlook.com

The Outlook

BRHS

continued from page 1

“We have these on the first Wednesday of each month. Unless teachers are giving a test that period, we expect them to open their classroom doors to parents and others in the community,� said Benjamin Russell Principal Dr. Anthony Wilkinson. “We expect all of our students to be in professional attire, just like if they were going to a job interview.�

The goal of Open Door Wednesday is to be more transparent, showing guests the kind of education students at Benjamin Russell are receiving, while also giving the students confidence and the chance to take ownership of their own learning, Wilkinson added.

While offering coffee and water to attendees, senior Nathan Hammond talked about how much he enjoyed being a part of the events on Open Door Wednesday. “We helped get everything organized and set up this morning, and we’ll make sure it’s all cleaned up afterwards,�

Hammond said. “We enjoy it. It gives us experience in this field, so we know if we want to do event planning.�

In many classrooms open to visitors Wednesday morning, regular lessons were being held, while several others had student presentations taking place.

Students in Amanda Smith’s Algebra II with Finance class spent the period solving problems involving business ownership, such as how much of a percentage of a company a business partner would own if she invested $15,000 out of a total investment of $240,000 (answer: 6.3 percent).

In the science wing, superheroes were chosen as the monthly theme, so all lesson plans incorporated scientific aspects of heroes and villains.

Amanda Fennel’s Anatomy class made paper superhero capes that provided information about various systems of the body, while the students in Emily Sassano’s AP Biology class reviewed the elements by presenting facts about them and how both superheroes and villains would use the elements.

Following their presentation, the first student group of Lili Gonzales, Te’Asia Gross, Ethan Taunton and Abby Martin were happy to tell how much they love getting to do things like this and how useful it was to have their presentations fall on Open Door Wednesday. The four agreed that Sassano always incorporates fun ways to learn in her lessons and had fun themselves getting to pick the superheroes and elements they presented to the class. Gross added how helpful having events like this was, both in class and on Open Door Wednesday, as it gives them more experience talking in front of other people, no matter who they are. “Sometimes, our presentations fall on Open Door Wednesday. We like it when this happens. It lets the public see what we’re doing,� Sassano said. “We don’t like to stop having fun. Down here, we jam.�

Sassano said allowing the public to step inside the classroom and get a good look at the education Benjamin Russell gives its students is a great thing. “I love Open Door Wednesday. I love it when they get to see what we do and how we engage our students,� she said.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

If visiting Benjamin Russell and observing classrooms in action during an Open Door Wednesday sounds interesting, mark your calendars for the following dates with an Open Door Wednesday: • October 4 • November 1 • December 6 • January 10 • February 7 • March 7 All Open Door Wednesdays begin at 8 a.m. and conclude at 9 a.m.

Donald Campbell / The Outlook

Top: Science teacher Emily Sassano and her first-period AP Biology class pose in their hero and villain costumes Wednesday morning during Open Door Wednesday. Middle: Students in Amanda Smith’s Algebra II with Finance class work on a problem Wednesday morning. Right: Seniors Daniella Pugh and Nathan Hammond from Daphne Davis’ Event Planning class pose with the refreshements available to guests in the hospitality room Wednesday morning.

Bear their habits he believes this bear was a young male just passing through when it found the feeder filled with corn. “There’s a creek less than a mile from my property and there are all sorts of streams and branches here,� Cofield said. “This time of year males will roam around looking for a mate and food before it starts to get cold. I’m sure that’s all this was. I think they’ve always been around. But with game cameras and places that were rural before becoming more populated, I think we are just seeing them more and more.�

In the images the bear is never seen at its full size, making it difficult to say how large or mature it may be. The feeder pictured with the bear is a little more than 6 feet from bottom to top. The bear was able to stand on his hind legs and have his snout at the top and reach the lid with its paws.

Cofield said other than the bear’s assault on the feeder, there were no other signs of damage or harm and no further sightings since that day.

Wildlife experts say the population of the American black bears in the state has increased, which biologists believe have slowly migrated in from northern Georgia,

continued from page 1

resulting in sightings in northeast Alabama.

Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Michael East said he was made aware of the sighting and believes it is just part of a trend that has been common in recent years. “This is the first one we’ve had confirmed in Tallapoosa County this year, but just like in the past, this is just an area that they have known to travel and roam through this time of year,� East said. “It’s not that we have a large population of bears, it’s just them rambling and doing what

young male bears do.�

East said that bears have been sighted in neighboring counties this summer.

In August, the Sylacauga police indicated that they had answered calls to check on two black bear sightings.

In June and July, several residents in Childersburg and Sylacauga reported bear sightings, sharing reports on social media.

The recent sightings come a year after a wayward bear made headlines several times previously, having first been spotted in Coosa

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County, then multiple times over several days in Tallapoosa and Chambers counties and into Lee County before being tranquilized and tagged in Opelika in late June and taken to the Tuskegee National Forest.

Shortly after the bear was tagged and released, there were sightings near Tuskegee and reports of a bear being hit by a vehicle as it crossed Interstate 85. The bear managed

to make its way off into the woods beside the expressway.

After that it was spotted on July 13, 2016 when Candis Birchfield and her daughters videotaped the bear eating and lounging in the sun in the backyard of their home in the Union Community. From there it was sighted near Lake Martin and again along Highway 280 in Coosa County. Then, for months it seemed that it had just

vanished back into the deep woods from where it came.

That was until late last fall when state wildlife officials say that 22-yearold Matthew Gage Stewart of Talladega shot and killed the 315-pouind bear while hunting in the Talladega National Forest. Stewart was arrested on Dec. 9, 2016 and charged with shooting a black bear, a Class A misdemeanor.

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MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213

editor@alexcityoutlook.com

EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed

www.alexcityoutlook.com

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Our

View

Sidewalks, streetscapes an important piece of downtown puzzle

T

he Alexander City City Council approved the acceptance of grant funds Tuesday night which will fund sidewalks and streetscape work that will not only improve connectivity between downtown, Hamp Lyon Stadium, Strand Park and businesses, but will be another important step in revitalizing downtown Alex City.

Studies across the country have shown creating a vibrant atmosphere in a downtown area starts with people seeing other people in the area. We are talking about bodies, not cars, trucks or SUVs. In places like San Jose and Culpeper, Virginia, governments have spent tons of money on studies showing that people come to areas where other people are. It’s the thought that people want to be part of excitement and if everyone is there, they should be too.

How is that accomplished? You start with many of things that are already being done in Alexander City.

The studies show: • Cities should encourage parking in satellite lots and behind buildings. That is already being done here. Lots behind the previous Chamber of Commerce building, at Alexander City Middle School and off Alabama Streets are available.

• Organize events and activities to encourage the gathering of people where they will remain in the area for an extended period. The thought in that if they are there for an activity, the more likely they are to eat a meal or visit a shop. Think of Strand Sessions, Sun Festival activities and Downtown after Dark and you can see that it is already happening here.

• Finally, experts say cities should make walking in a downtown area an escape or adventure, not a trek. If a person sees something in a store window from a distance, say a block or so away and the walk to get a closer look if a long gray sidewalk with nothing much in between, they simply won’t do it.

So streetscapes, which include manicured, handicap accessible sidewalks that feature decorative lights posts, plants and banners along the way may change that. Throw in murals on buildings and other things for people to see – which are already being done here – and you have all the boxes checked.

So congratulations on pursuing this grant and for all those involved in the forward thinking that has led to the progress towards making Alex City a hopping place to be.

Know Your

Officials

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

Jim Nabors

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

Bobby Tapley

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

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

Buffy Colvin

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

Scott Hardy

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

Eric Brown

Tommy Spraggins represents District 5.

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

Tommy Spraggins

Tim Funderburk represents District 6.

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

Tim Funderburk

Thursday, September 7, 2017

Defeating negative self talk T he year was 1977. I was 15 years old just beginning to attend a new high school. I had a few friends at the new school, but like so many my age, I was intimidated by some of the upperclassmen.

They were just bigger, hairier, and scarier than kids I had known.

I was on the JV football team, made up of mostly 10th graders, and we were on the field practicing with the varsity team. One particular day, I had an unusually bad practice. And, the coach punished me by making the team run extra wind sprints. Don’t miss this. The coach made the whole team run! All the JV and all the varsity!

One big, hairy and scary upperclassman was rightfully ticked at me and said, “Punk, you need to get your ‘act’ together.” Well, I don’t think he said ‘act.’

Without thinking, I said, “‘Forget’ You!” Well, it was something like that. He scowled at me from under his helmet and said, “I’ll be waiting for you in the locker room after practice.”

Our football lockers were in cages in the boys’ dressing room, keeping our football equipment locked securely away from the general school population who used the locker rooms to change clothes for PE classes. I walked into the

navigate. The conflicts that were most troubling were battles inside of me. Every day the internal dialogue RAY inside my head held the WATERS potential to knock me out or Columnist propel me to a better, larger life. middle cage to my locker, And you fight the same and walking in behind voices. The details are me was the big, hairy, different, but the strategy scary varsity player I had seems to be the same. Our offended. negative internal voice tells The upperclassmen who us we should be afraid of were eagerly awaiting my our future. We are not up to ‘beat down’ slammed the the task. We don’t deserve cage door behind him. The good things coming your big guy and I were locked way. in a cage in my new school And that voice can knock where I had few friends. I us out. But it doesn’t have could not believe what was to. You and I can defeat happening to me. that negative voice with a With the upperclassman better, more hopeful and standing now inches from benevolent voice. We are me, I tried to apologize. walking into an exciting “Listen, I am sorry about future. what I said to you. I was We are up to the task. having a bad day and ...”

We deserve every beautiful As I was trying to talk, the thing coming our way. chants of the varsity team I figured out a long time began to rumble through ago; I am a lover, not a the locker room. ‘Kill him. fighter. But you and I have Teach him a lesson. Stomp to do battle with the internal the 10th grader’s butt.” Then voices that sometimes try he hit me and knocked me to drag us down. The fight over a bench in front of is not easy. There are times my locker. As fights go, it it sneaks up on us and tries wasn’t horrible. I held my to knock us out. But we own and after a few minutes have to fight it. Our future of us both hitting each other depends on it. it was over. Who won? I’m not sure. I just know I hated Ray Waters is a minister, everything about it. a motivational speaker and As I grew up, I realized a regular columnist for The it was not battling with Outlook. fists that I would have to

America’s government pension pain

S

tories of struggling government pension funding have abounded the last few months.

Reports of changing the retirement scenario for state employees are dominating the conversation in states like New Jersey, Illinois, California and Kentucky.

Seventy-five year old retired Americans aren’t interested in going back to work.

However, if state government pensions are cut some may feel like they have to.

Already, Wal-Mart, McDonalds, Target, Starbucks and scores of other retailers are filled with America’s seniors trying to at least make grocery money to survive during their senior years. The picture of an 80-year-old who has to work just to make payment on his government subsidized housing and to afford a few groceries is not a pretty picture of America.

Americans grew up in the 60s and 70s believing that someday most of us would be millionaires. During Jimmy Carter’s presidency and runaway inflation era all the projections concerning 401K-pensions were that they would yield at least a million dollars in savings. A friend of mine who recently retired and paid into a 401K annuity plan prescribed by his company for 35 years had approximately $350,000 saved to live on the rest of his life. That sounds like a nice chunk of money but it won’t go far.

Take for example a state government pensioner whose retirement is $4,000 a month. Some are a bit less and many are a lot more.

However, this is $48,000 a year plus medical insurance benefits. A state government employee who retires at 52 and lives for 30 years will collect $1,440,000 plus occasional cost of living increases, plus health insurance.

It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that a defined benefit retirement will produce a lot more yield over a lifetime than a 401k-pension. A 401k

which is where we are throughout our country.

I do believe Americans will do their part if government will do its part.

Most pensioners would GLENN reluctantly take a painful ten MOLLETTE percent cut if it meant saving Columnist the system. Retirees would probably be willing to work requires a very grueling to 59, but when you start at disciplined lifestyle of 25 that is still 34 years of saving lots of money and work. A combination of state doing without today in pension and Social Security hopes of having money for would be a workable the golden years. Most of solution as well.

America’s current workers More taxes are not the cannot fathom of trying to answer. A huge segment of save $10,000 to $18,000 a people paying taxes in states year into a retirement plan like Illinois, New Jersey and because they need every Kentucky who are all in big penny today to live on. trouble are state pensioners.

College loan debt, house States with increasing payments and often one or income taxes aren’t doing two small children consume so great - consider Illinois. every penny.

Illinois can’t afford to pay That’s why a government their lottery winners. A pension that promises you friend of mine said he was $4,000 to $5,000 of money supposed to receive about every month the rest of your $200 back on his state life after working 28 years is income tax filing but knew a deal that is hard to beat.

Illinois would never give Government retirements it back to him and he was and other industries for years right, they didn’t. They don’t have afforded their retirees have the money. The new tax defined benefit retirements rate for individuals in Illinois secured on the backs of what is 4.95 percent as of July other people will pay into 1, 2017. Kentucky collects the fund. Social Security 6 percent from its highest today is in trouble because earners. If you earn over one the money people paid into half million dollars a year it was not kept in reserve you pay 8.97 percent in state for the retirees. Instead we income tax in New Jersey. If have spent it on Vietnam, you earn between $75,001 Afghanistan and anything and $500,000 then the rate is the government wanted 6.37 percent in New Jersey. to spend it on. Thus, we In Florida the state income are already being warned tax is zero. However, you do that in 15 or so years there pay a 6 percent sales tax. In will not be enough people Florida you do not have to paying enough money into pay tax on income from an S Social Security to fully pay corporation.

America’s future retirees One major plus of a what was promised.

401k-pension fund is that One major problem we at least it is your money. If are trying to survive as you have saved two or three Americans is the politicians hundred thousand dollars who have been in office for then you can count on it. so many years. They have You can spend it or leave it taken care of themselves and to your children. One thing failed Americans. Sadly, we about your government keep electing them, and they pension in this new modern keep failing us. era is - you probably can Saving Americans count on it - just probably pensions will take an all not all of it. out effort. We can’t just kick the can down the road.

Glenn Mollette is a Eventually there will be syndicated columnist and no more money to borrow author of 12 books. He is because the ability to pay read in all 50 states. Contact it back will be impossible him at GMollette@aol.com.

Today’s

Quote

“You can’t build a reputation on what you are going to do.”

—Henry Ford

Today’s

Scripture

“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”

—Psalm 23:2-3

alexcityoutlook.com

Daily Poll Wednesday Question: Would you like to own and drive a self driving car?

No – 90%, 36 votes Yes – 10%, 4 votes

Thursday Question: Are you making any special precautions as Irma prepares to make landfall?

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.

How to

Subscribe

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) 2346550 or e-mailed to editor@alexcityoutlook.com. Please include your name, address and phone number.

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Thursday, September 7, 2017

The Outlook

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Page 5

New Site Town Council holds initial budget hearing more conservative projection on sales tax revenue, though this loss was not believed to affect the town negatively.

“All of our budgets are either Gathering together an hour earlier than their traditional meeting time, the balanced, or project revenues higher than expenses,” Blasingame said.

New Site Town Council held its first “We’d rather be more conservative on hearing on the fiscal year 2018 town revenue and higher on expenses than budget during Tuesday’s meeting. the other way round.”

Representatives from AFLAC He also reminded the council they Insurance presented a suggested plan would be voting on the budget at their for health insurance policies the town next meeting, suggesting they take the could offer its employees. The plans proposed budget home and review it included affordable deductibles and and be ready to either accept or reject it co-pays, as well as having access to following the second hearing. teledocs, a rapidly growing service During their regular meeting, the where minor health issues can be council welcomed Tallapoosa County called in to a doctor, who would then Commissioner John McKelvey and diagnose the issue over the phone, all County Engineer David Moore to for one flat fee. The total cost to the provide information about who was town for this plan for all six eligible responsible for maintaining certain town employees would be just over roads throughout New Site, including $1,000 per month, while they could Church Street and Service Road. also look at a lower tier plan if the town council felt this was unaffordable. Moore said Service Road was the responsibility of ALDOT, as Service “I feel the goal at some point Road was once part of Highway 49. A should be offering insurance for city subsequent motion was passed by the employees,” Mayor Phil Blasingame council, allowing the town attorney said. to draft a letter to ALDOT requesting In addition to hearing this repairs be made to resurface Service presentation, the mayor and council Road. reviewed a proposed budget for New Justin Loux with the New Site Fire Site to operate under for the next year.

Blasingame proposed adding $5,000 for and Ambulance also went before the council, updating them on the progress the town to hire a part-time director at being made in their department. the Senior Citizen Center, who would Changes included holding elections for coordinate activities for the seniors. fire chief every four years rather than Reviewing the revenue and expense every year, switching billing companies numbers of the last several years, and updating the department’s Blasingame said revenue had gone up for both the town’s general account and information. He also mentioned a grant received through FEMA for their water account. Since the Sabal $82,200 to purchase air packs, though Trail pipeline workers would not be this grant required a percentage of a major factor, the budget reflected a matching funds, which would run the

By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

department between $3,000 and $4,000.

Loux asked if the town would consider helping with these matching funds.

Blasingame replied $5,000 had been earmarked in the budget as a donation to the department, as it had been in the past.

The New Site Town Council also handled the following business Tuesday night: • Minutes from the Aug. 21 meeting were approved.

• Following a conversation with the scoutmaster and den leader for the local Boy Scout troop and Cub Scout den, an agreement had been reached, which would allow the Boys and Girls Club to set up a unit in the old New Site Elementary School building. After much discussion, a motion was passed, approving the unit to be created for this school year, though an agreement would be drawn up between the town and the Boys and Girls Club to review where everything stood at the end of the school year in May. Any potential summer program for the unit would be discussed around this time as well.

• A motion to update the lights and air system at the Senior Citizen Center using money from the capital improvement fund was approved.

• The council was reminded that ARISE had designated Friday as the day they would provide service to New Site residents, though this day could change if enough people needed it on a different day.

• The New Site youth sports cheerleaders requested being able to use the town gym as a practice facility on rainy days, which was approved.

• The town council members approved purchasing an ad in this

year’s Horseshoe Bend yearbook, paying for it out of their own pockets.

• A motion was approved, accepting the resolution to sell the New Site Police Department’s Chevrolet Tahoe to the Tallapoosa County District Attorney’s Office for $13,000.

• Police Chief Philip Weddle reported the new Silverado police vehicle was awaiting its striping, but was otherwise set for service. He also reported Labor Day weekend had been a busy time for the department.

• The council discontinued looking at sign options recognizing the 8U Pinks softball team on their state championship, as ALDOT had said any new signs could not be placed on the state right-of-way. However, it was also mentioned a sign was being placed at the parks facility, so the team would still receive recognition.

• Blasingame reported he received a positive-sounding email, suggesting the town would receive at least some funds through the state’s drinking water fund. Roger Coker with the Water Department reported a leak on Highway 22 and was working to get permission from the state to work on the right-of-way. Also during the water report, Councilman Michael East asked if the planned repairs for Lashley Road had been included in the budget. As it had not, this was planned to be added to the budget.

• Councilman Billy Daniel said they needed to discuss the town’s ambulance situation at the next council meeting.

The next meeting of the New Site Town Council is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 18 at 5 p.m. in the community room of the New Site Town Hall.

As Irma approaches, Ivey urges preparedness STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday stressed the importance of everyone getting prepared for hurricane season, especially as we approach the peak of the season, according to the National Hurricane Center. Today, the Alabama Emergency Management Agency conducted its first coordinating group call as we continue to monitor the path of Hurricane Irma.

The following agencies joined the call and provided updates: Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Alabama Department of Transportation, Alabama National Guard, Alabama Department of Human Resource, Alabama Forestry Commission and Alabama Department of Public Health.

On Wednesday, at the request of Florida Governor Rick Scott, Governor Ivey issued a supplement to the ongoing State of Emergency to extend the hours-of-service waiver for motor carriers and to waive weight regulations on commercial vehicles transporting emergency-related goods in direct response to Hurricane Harvey or in preparation for, or response to, Hurricane Irma.

“While the models project a track that does not directly impact Alabama, we must remain vigilant in both our monitoring and preparation,” Governor Ivey said. “Residents at home need to do the same, now is the time to review your preparedness plan and update supplies within your emergency preparedness kit.

Once our state is cleared of the risk of major impacts we can then evaluate the level of assistance we can provide to our sister states in our region.”

Here are a few items to keep in mind as you are getting prepared for a hurricane or a tropical storm: • Know where to go. Get the latest information from your local emergency management agency regarding evacuation

Submitted / The Outlook

The Irma Coordinating Group meets in Montgomery Wednesday for a conference call with agencies across the state to make sure logistics are in place and the state is prepared should Hurricane Irma become an issue in the area.

routes.

• Prepare your disaster supply kit, including a flashlight, batteries, cash, first aid supplies, medications, and copies of your critical information if you need to evacuate.

• Make a family emergency communication plan just in case you and your love ones are separated during the storm.

• Ensure your phone is receiving the latest text or email alerting notifications.

According to AEMA Meteorologist Jim Stefkovich, coastal areas, especially those in the eastern part of the state, need to prepare for the possibility of high rip currents and gusty winds up to 40mph, Sunday and Monday.

“Historically, we know storms often can change and adjust course causing major impacts on our state,” AEMA Director Brian Hastings said. “Alabama EMA, in conjunction with our state partners, will continue to make all prudent preparations to be postured for the potential severe weather impacts of Hurricane Irma.”

With evacuations underway in Florida, Alabama has the potential for a large influx of residents coming into the state.

Alabama’s Secretary of Law Enforcement Hal Taylor said, “During the next few days, we should expect heavy traffic along Alabama-Florida routes, as residents in or near Irma’s path leave their homes for safer areas. We ask Alabama motorists to account for this heavier traffic

flow in their travel plans, remain patient with other motorists, and choose alternate routes when possible.”

Spokesperson for the Alabama Department of Transportation Tony Harris said, “The Alabama Department of Transportation has maintenance crews statewide that are prepared as necessary.

ALDOT is also prepared to assist in any transportation related relief efforts that may arise in the moving of personnel and resources to the affected areas.”

For the latest preparedness information visit www.ema.alabama.gov and for the latest information from the National Hurricane Center visit http://www.nhc. noaa.gov/.

Chromebooks administrators Oct. 19 and start with teachers Oct. 24, 25 and 26 and also Dec. 6, 7.”

High school students will come back from Christmas break to another present.

“With the idea that we will purchase the student Chromebooks sometime after we get new money and we will roll those out a school at a time in January after they come back from Christmas break,” Padgett said.

This comes on the heels of the already installed wireless network in all the schools over the past year.

While the excitement of Chromebooks is nice, some board members were concerned about how some students would be able to use them at home without Internet access.

The solution is e-textbooks and is where the system is headed with the limited

continued from page 1

foundation dollars allotted to textbooks.

“We are going away from hard-bound text books to e-books and Google documents,” said Tallapoosa County Schools Superintendent Joe Windle.

For 2018 the system is being given only $54.1776 per student for textbooks and it has to be spent on the hard-bound texts or their electronic version which are often cheaper and less likely to be outdated.

“A textbook will cost you about $130 to $160,” Windle said. “You can take your local money and buy textbooks or take your local money and buy technology.”

The $156,611 allotted from the state foundation program is part of the $16,696,219 it gets from the program for salaries, benefits and other things like textbooks, student materials and

technology. In order to get the foundation monies, Tallapoosa County Schools have to put in $4.3 million dollars meaning the foundation provides a little over $13.3 million for 2018.

Some of the challenges for the system this year come from foundation units being funded in arrears.

This upcoming year the principal position at the newly created Reeltown Elementary School has to be funded from elsewhere.

“We don’t get funded on the principal at Reeltown this year,” Thweatt said. “But we will next year. We are funded in arrears.

We have to come up with them from other sources this year. The librarian is going to go back and forth.”

Next year, the principal and librarian at Reeltown Elementary will be funded through foundation monies.

Note worthy is the system drew monies from program for a principal and librarian this past year for Councill Middle School despite it being closed because of the arrears funding.

Board of Education Member Matilda Woodyard-Hamilton questioned how to get more dollars from the state.

“When education gets a lobby stronger than ALFA, we can get somewhere,” Windle responded.

Windle also explained the system could get more monies if property tax especially on timber property was taxed at something other than current use.

Hamilton also questioned why reading scores were still not improving related to other systems.

Windle explained the students of in the system come to school with challenges.

“It is hard for a child to learn when they come to school

hungry,” Windle said. “We have students that have so much going on. It is called public education and we have to have the public’s help.”

In addition to the budget hearing, the Tallapoosa County Board of Education approved amendments to the Ad Valorem Tax Resolution. The amendments included changing where the proposed 3-mill tax would be levied and collected.

The amendment removes the Alexander City school district and the portion of southern Tallapoosa County that is in the Tallassee City school district.

The amendment includes a statement requesting the Tallapoosa County Commission to continue the 1-cent sales tax if the measure fails.

The next meetings of the Tallapoosa County Board of Education will be Sept. 11 and Oct. 16 at 5 p.m.

Page 6

www.alexcityoutlook.com

CommunityCalendar Need Today is Insurance? September 7, 2017 Call me.

Today’s Events

DIVORCE SUPPORT GROUP: The Trinity Campus of First United Methodist Church is hosting a divorce support group Sept. 7 from 5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. to focus on helping separated and divorced individuals get through the difficulties of a broken marriage. The group will meet every Thursday through Oct. 19.

Thursday, September 7, 2017

The Outlook

PTSD SUPPORT GROUP: The Trinity Campus of the First United Methodist Church is hosting a post traumatic stress support group starting Sept. 7 and every Thursday through Oct. 19 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The group is for anyone who needs support in dealing with post traumatic stress.

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY: Haven United Methodist Church at 354 Christian Street in Alexander City is hosting a women’s Bible study “Battlefield of the Mind” by Joyce Meyer Thursdays Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28 from noon to 1 p.m. Bring your lunch.

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/.

For more information contact Joanne Finley at 334-332-5970 or Pastor Nolan at 256-682-3810.

Today’s Birthdays

Sharon Edwards, Rodney Meadows, Bobbie Hardee, Daniel Moseley, Amy Flournoy, Barbara Davis, Luke Mooney, Jennifer Harrell Rowe and Pamela Johnson are celebrating their birthdays today.

Today’s Anniversaries

Jan and Fred Forbus and Amy and Stephen Wiley are celebrating their anniversaries today.

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Submitted / The Outlook

Volunteers pose for a picture while packing buckets filled with supplies that will help victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas. The donations were collected at First United Methodist Church in Alexander City and then packed in the buckets for easy distribution to those in need.

Now - September 30

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.

September 7-28

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

Need your business to

STAND OUT from the crowd?

Call us, we can help!

256.234.4281

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY: Haven United Methodist Church at 354 Christian Street in Alexander City is hosting a women’s Bible study “Battlefield of the Mind” by Joyce Meyer Thursdays Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28 from noon to 1 p.m. Bring your lunch.

For more information contact Joanne Finley at 334-332-5970 or Pastor Nolan at 256-682-3810.

Saturday, September 9

PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Comer Methodist Men’s Club is hosting a pancake breakfast Sept. 9 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Eat in or carry out for $6 a plate.

FLEA MARKET: The Town of Camp Hill is offering a free flea market day to all vendors that would like to come and sell at the new flea market in Camp Hill at the old airport. There will be no charge to vendors for a spot for the month of September. Vendors please call James Woody at 256-749-8270 to register for a spot and information.

Free parking to all consumers and vendors. The market will be open on the second Saturday of each month from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

YOUTH EXPLOSION: Hatchett Springs Baptist Church in Goodwater is hosting a Youth Explosion Saturday, Sept. 9 at 3 p.m. with D Hal, Greater New Hope Youth Choir, Daughters of Destiny and more.

Sunday, September 10

CHURCH HOMECOMING: New Style Baptist Church is celebrating its 121st Homecoming Service Sunday, Sept. 10 at 2:30 p.m. The church is located at 294 Coosa County Road 20 in Equality. There will be fellowship and dinner after the service. Guest minister will be Pastor Cameron Thomas of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Cropwell. Pastor Richard Ellis Taylor is minister.

YOUTH EXPLOSION: Hatchett Springs Baptist Church is hosting its annual youth explosion, Sunday, Darrell Brooks, Owner Sept. 10 at 3 p.m.

Guest speaker and performer is D Cutting •Edging Hal. Special guests are the Greater Weed Eating •Mulch New Hope Youth Choir, Daughters of Weed Control Destiny and more.

All surrounding youth are invited.

CHURCH HOMECOMING: Bethel Baptist Church in Jacksons Gap is hosting homecoming services Sunday, Sept. 10 at 10 a.m.

The Dyes will be singing at 11 a.m. and the message will be delivered by Rev. John Dye Jr. There will 256.267.0518 be a covered dish lunch and more singing afterwards. The church is • • • • •

Alexander City Outlook Dadeville Record Wetumpka Herald Eclectic Observer Tallassee Tribune

dB

Lawn Care

on Young’s Ferry Road in Jacksons Gap.

Monday, September 11

HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Dolores Hydock will present “The RedHeaded Woman meets Mr. Death and Southern Comfort in a Castiron skillet” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Sept. 11 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education Building at 375 Lee Street Alexander City.

Membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple per semester.

Registration for the fall quarter begins at 1 p.m. Sept. 11.

September 11-13

EMPOWERMENT SERVICES: New Style Baptist Church will be hosting Christian education empowerment services Sept. 11-13 at 7 p.m. nightly. Guest speaker will be Pastor Carlos Wilson of Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Additional guests include Malcom Cooper and the Soulful Voices of Birmingham and Nicholas Jemison.

CHURCH REVIVAL: Bethel Baptist Church in Jacksons Gap is hosting revival services Sept. 11 through Sept. 13 at 6:30 p.m. with Rev. John Dye Jr. The church is located on Young’s Ferry Road.

September 11-15

CHURCH REVIVAL: House of Prayer A.C.O.P. is hosting revival services Sept. 11 through Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. nightly with Overseer Emma Hoyle. The church is located at 634 North Central Avenue.

Tuesday, September 12

COMMUNITY BAND: The CACC Community Band Inaugural Rehearsal will be Tuesday, Sept. 12 from 6:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. in the Fine Arts Auditorium.

For more information contact Conductor Ivory Brock at 256-2154326 or email at ibrock@cacc.edu.

You can also sign up at the CACC website under fine arts.

Saturday, September 16

BLOOD DRIVE: Kingz United is hosting a blood drive Saturday, Sept.

16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 332 East South Street in Dadeville.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Bibb Graves School in Millerville will have a pancake breakfast Saturday, Sept.

16, serving from 7 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Eat-in or carry out. Plate includes all you can eat pancakes, sausage, orange juice, and coffee. Cost is $6.

All profit is used for renovation of the old High School section of the Community Center. Trade Day will be from 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. Hot dogs, chips, candy bars, and soft drinks will be available at lunch time.

LADIES CONFERENCE: Lebanon Baptist Church is hosting a ladies conference Saturday, Sept. 16 at 9 a.m. The speaker will be Shelia Wright with special music by the

Lebanon Baptist Praise team. There will be door prizes and lunch will be provided.

Contact JoAnn Washbrun at 334-399-0568 with questions. The church is located seven miles down Dudleyville Road in Dadeville.

September 17-20

CHURCH REVIVAL: Old Providence Baptist Church in Hackneyville is hosting revival services Sept. 17-20. The Sunday service will be at 6 p.m. with Monday through Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. The guest speaker will be Rev. Tim Harris from Comer Memorial Baptist Church.

Rev. Don Polston is the pastor.

The Learning Tree Helping Children Learn and Grow

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

SEE ME FOR INSURANCE

Sunday, September 17

SACRED HARP SINGING: Smyrna Primitive Baptist Church is hosting its annual Sacred Harp Singing Sunday, Sept. 17 at 10 a.m. The church is located at 2582 Coosa County Road 83 just east of Goodwater.

Bring a covered dish for lunch and there will be more singing in the afternoon.

For more information call Jack Nelson at 256-839-5344 or William Futral at 256-839-6670.

PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY: New Elam #1 Baptist Church on County Road in Alexander City is honoring the 12th Anniversary of Rev. and Sister Michael McCain Sr. Sunday, Sept. 17 at 2:30 p.m. Guest speaker will be Rev. Brian Thomas.

Monday, September 18

HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Dr. Paul Harris will present “The Berlin Airlift and Operation Kinderlift” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Sept. 18 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education Building at 375 Lee Street Alexander City.

Thursday, September 21

DEMOCRATIC PARTY MEETING: The Tallapoosa County Democratic Party will host a meeting Sept. 21 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. to learn more about the Dec. 12 special election to fill the Senate seat formerly held by Jeff Sessions. The meeting will be held at the Charles Porch Center.

For more information call Carol Gowan at 256-794-7432.

September 22-23

MUSIC WORKSHOP: The Power of Praise and Worship musical workshop with Eugene C. Brown of Baltimore Maryland will be Sept. 22 starting at 6 p.m. and Sept. 23 starting at 9:30 a.m. at Hatchett Springs Baptist Church in Goodwater.

Registration is Sept. 22 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and is $20 a person.

Saturday, September 23

STARGAZING: The Auburn Astronomical Society will set up telescopes to look at the night sky Sept.

23 at 6 p.m. on Hospice Point near the silo at Wind Creek State Park.

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Thursday, September 7, 2017

Thursday, September 7, 2017

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Camp Hill was wanting the town to catch up on the $44,000 it was behind

by Sept. 15 or face a potential lawsuit. Gillenwaters advised the council there was little the town could do without the funds and that if the suit was filed they would likely lose.

“They would probably win on a summary judgment,” Gillenwaters said. “They could take town property, put a lien on town assets or garnish the town’s banking accounts.”

Mayor Ezell Smith informed the council audits for 2015, 2016 and 2017 were nearing completion and should be ready in the next couple weeks – just in time to inform ADEM and the attorney general’s office about plans with the town’s sewage lagoon and system that is subject to an ADEM lawsuit that is under a consent decree.

“We need to come up with some sort of financial plan,”

continued from page 1

Gillenwaters said. “We need to come up with it to give to the AG’s office and ADEM about what we are going to do with the lagoon.”

The audits and financial plan are key to getting grants for the utility projects but there may still an issue.

“Most of these grants require matching monies,” Gillenwaters said. “How to come up with it is always an issue.”

Council member Linda Caldwell wants to do something for children in Camp Hill community in remembrance of her oldest son for Christmas.

“He donated a bike to a kid every year,” Caldwell said. “I want to do this in memory of my son.”

Caldwell’s idea is to get others in the community involved so several children in the community would benefit.

Caldwell also wants to do

it along with the toy drive the town will hold for needy children.

“We want to try and do a toy drive,” Caldwell said. “We need a list so we know the needs. If we know about how many we need to serve, we can do a better job.”

The council tabled the discussion to try and figure out a cut off date for applications and work on some more specifics at the next meeting.

“We want to take care of our kids here in Camp Hill,” Caldwell said.

Police Chief Johnny Potts introduced McKinley Robinson to the council stating he would like to hire Robinson as a patrol officer.

McKinley has been to the state police academy and has worked in law enforcement.

“I worked in Tallassee for about three years,” Robinson

told the council. “Law enforcement is exactly what I want to do.”

Smith explained she does the hirings and stated she had not seen an application yet.

After some discussion it was suggested the issue needed to be brought up in a police committee meeting along with officer pay raises and a complaint against an officer.

The council tabled motions to allow Potts to either drive another city vehicle while the “chief’s car” was repaired following an accident or to pay him mileage for travel between his home in Tallassee and Camp Hill as he is on call 24/7 after Smith left the meeting to attend a church function.

The council did approve a motion to allow the chief of police to decide what uniforms to wear but to always wear class ‘A’ uniforms to court.

Horizons Headed Woman Meets Dr. Death and Southern Comfort in a CastIron Skillet.”

• On Sept. 18, Dr. Paul Harris with the University Honors College at Auburn University will be speaking about the Berlin Airlift and Operation Kinderlift, two crucial operations the U.S. military undertook in Germany during the early stages of the Cold War. • Award-winning musician Terry Robbins will be on hand Sept. 25 with a presentation on the iconic country music star Merle Haggard.

• Oct 2: The month will open

Page 9

The council also: • set Oct. 28 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. as the date for the Fall Festival at the Edward Bell Gym. Admission will be a canned food item for the library’s Thanksgiving Food Drive. There will be a trunk or treat and a hayride for children.

• set the date for the Christmas Parade for Dec. 16.

• approved a motion to allow the mayor to pay the bills.

• approved the minutes of the last council meeting.

• learned electronic water meters will soon be installed thanks to a grant.

• learned a contractor was going to inspect a septic tank of a sewer customer to see if it could still be used to save the town money as it takes the customer off the system.

The next meeting of the Camp Hill Town Council is Monday, Sept. 18 at 6 p.m.

continued from page 1

with a talk about the “Ida Quilt Project” from Sarah Bliss Wright.

• No program is scheduled for Oct. 9.

• On Oct. 16, Dr. James Hansen is scheduled to speak on Robert Trent Jones and the creation of Alabama’s famous family of golf courses.

• The fall series will conclude on Oct. 23 with Dr. Mark Conversino from the Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base, discussing the hot military topics of the day.

“We have access to musicians and good speakers from the Auburn Honors College, and we

try to get someone from the Air War College at Maxwell here every semester,” Thomas said.

“Some of the suggestions we receive from our attendees are that they like to have a variety of topics to talk about.”

With a solid group of around 50 members that return for each semester’s events, Thomas believes Horizons Unlimited members are a very open and receptive group of people, eager to learn more about topics they are fascinated by and those they may not know much about.

The average weekly session begins at 1:30 p.m., with small

items like coffee and cookies available for the members beforehand. Each speaker’s presentation lasts approximately 45 minutes, with a question and answer session following.

“Everyone is out by 3,” Thomas said.

Before the first presentation on Sept. 11, Horizons Unlimited would be starting the day at 1 p.m. to accept membership payments from those interested in attending the series, according to Thomas.

Memberships are $20 for an individual and $30 for a couple.

“We don’t sell programs individually,” she said.

After the fall semester concludes, Thomas said the winter semester would begin in mid-January, and lining up guest speakers for that series had already begun.

Thomas also wanted to take some time to thank those who had been vital to making Horizons Unlimited a success for the members throughout the Lake Martin area, including a similar program in Sylacauga that the Alexander City group modeled themselves after.

“We could not do this without the cooperation and support of the Board of Education,” she added.

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The Outlook

Warry Sexton

Allison Shockley

Matthew McClure

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Outlook CIRCLE YOUR PREDICTIONS 1. BRHS vs. Pelham 2. Dadeville vs. Munford 3. Horseshoe Bend vs. Lanett 4. Auburn vs. Clemson 5. Oklahoma vs. Ohio State

6. Georgia vs. Notre Dame 7. Stanford vs. USC 8. Louisville vs. N. Carolina 9. TCU vs. Arkansas 10. Minnesota vs. Oregon St.

Tie Breaker: Total Points – BRHS/Pelham Name Address Phone Email

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lizi.arbogast@alexcityoutlook.com

Page 11

Thursday, September 7, 2017

www.alexcityoutlook.com

FONDLY REMEMBERED

JOE MCADORY Columnist

It’s time for AU to unleash its full attack D

ink and dunk is fine as long as the chains keep moving, but it’s time Auburn’s vertical passing game becomes a formidable option.

Armed with a heralded quarterback and a plethora of 4- and 5-star receivers, it’s time Auburn stretches opponents’ defenses with Nate CraigMyers, Darius Slayton and Kyle Davis, and opens up more running room for whoever is carrying the football. I have nothing against short crossing routes, or slants, particularly when Will Hastings or Eli Stove are turning them into first downs or Ryan Davis is turning them into touchdowns, but short passes over and over again do not stretch a defense.

The Tigers had difficulty stretching defenses last season with Sean White at quarterback, so one would imagine that Jarrett Stidham’s strong arm will open things up.

That didn’t happen Saturday night in Auburn’s 41-7 win over Georgia Southern. Perhaps that was by design — with Clemson on the horizon, you’d think Gus Malzahn and Co. would not reveal his playbook moving See MCADORY • Page 12

Beloved BRHS coach leaves mark on community

By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

Everywhere Don Roberts went, he seemed to affect people’s lives. And Roberts went a lot of places.

Roberts kicked off a beloved career as a coach and administrator right here in Alexander City as the Alex City Middle School football coach. He went on to coach at Benjamin Russell from 1977 to 1984 before moving on to become an educator at Opelika City Schools and Lee-Scott Academy.

Roberts died Monday after a battle with cancer. He was 67.

“Coach Roberts lived to teach and mold young people, not just athletes,” former player Bill Young said. “His influence started immediately when I was in the seventh grade. He was a kind, compassionate, motivation coach with a firm hand for discipline.

“He wanted you to become the finest young man you could be whether we won a football game or not.”

In addition to his emphasis on molding players into young men, he also had fairly successful career as Benjamin Russell’s head coach. In eight seasons at the helm, Roberts amassed a record of 41-40-1.

Roberts worked alongside another beloved coach, Paul Carney, who was head basketball coach at Benjmain Russell at the time and was also an assistant for the football team.

“Don was a good coach, that’s for sure,” Carney said. “He was a

Submitted / The Outlook

Don Roberts was the head football coach at Benjamin Russell for eight seasons. He died Monday after a battle with cancer.

Christian man, and he loved children and he loved people. Of course, he was a no-nonsense person, sorta like I was, but he was a good motivator, too.”

After spending 11 years in the Alex City school system, Roberts spent 13 years as an educator in Opelika, including nine years as the Opelika High School principal. From there, he went on to become headmaster at LeeScott Academy.

Roberts was also a dedicated family man. He married his wife, Lorna, in 1973.

Young shared this story about Roberts: “I remember the very first time he made a positive impact in my life,” Young said. “I was a hungry young athlete, always wanting to win and struggled with being a good loser. We

had lost a junior high football game, and in that game, I had not played my best. I was upset and felt like I had let our team down.

“Coach Roberts pulled me aside and told me he didn’t care about the scoreboard that night. What he cared about was the effort and attitude of his players after the game. After speaking with me, I felt like we had won the game and that I was a true winner.

“He had a very strong commitment to turn his players into fine young men by instilling a positive attitude and a drive to succeed and by always having faith in God and life lessons. He was an amazing Godly man and loved everyone. … He touched many people all over the state and I will miss this incredible man that I called my role model.’”

Auburn football from an outsider’s perspective In one of my first columns here at The Outlook, I picked Auburn as my team of choice in the great state of Alabama.

So many of you are probably looking at me as a biased journalist for heading down to the Auburn vs. Georgia Southern game — especially after my notso-good pick of Florida State to beat the Crimson Tide — but really, I don’t especially care about the Tigers.

Watching Bryant Horn and Jacksonville State on ESPN or seeing the Ohio State-Indiana drama unfold to kick off the college football season was just as exciting to me as the first day of the Auburn and Alabama seasons.

But I will say, getting to go to my first Auburn game was pretty unreal.

Although I was there as a working journalist — I sat in the pressbox and fought the urge to yell “War Eagle” incessantly — I did have the opportunity to get the full Auburn experience.

From the Tiger Walk, which would’ve probably delivered more if I hadn’t have been behind a literal sea of orange and blue, to watching the actual War Eagle soar above the stadium (which, by the way, who knew?) before the game was all pretty overwhelming.

Let’s talk about that eagle for a second. OK, so I knew about this “war eagle” tradition and how it all started — remember, that was part of my lengthy decisionmaking process a few months back — but I didn’t realize an actual eagle flew across JordanHare Stadium before every single home game.

When I first realized this was going to happen, so many thoughts were running through my head. Where does the eagle go? How do they (whoever they are) purchase said eagle and just let him free six to seven times a year? Aren’t eagles a protected species? Is this legal?

But calm down, Lizi. Clearly this eagle is trained. She soared through the stadium and landed smack dab in the middle of the 50-yard line. I later learned the eagle is named Spirit and she has taken over duties for Nova, who

LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

was recently sidelined with a chronic heart disease.

Then again, this brings more questions — where is the eagle kept? Is she well-fed? How did they train this eagle? Why doesn’t she freak out with 87,000 people screaming “War Eagle” very close to her? I want to know everything.

Anyway, I’ve said it time and time again, but there is something magical about a football stadium.

The energy is truly palpable.

Auburn was no different.

Back at home, I didn’t think much could get louder than a Penn State football game, but the Tigers have them beat. Although the press box at Jordan-Hare is open air, unlike at Penn State’s Beaver Stadium, but I was actually screaming to the press member sitting next to me, and we were still having trouble hearing each other.

What was even more exciting than the Tiger Walk or the War Eagle (but never more questioninducing) was Auburn’s hype video. I am a sucker for hype videos. They get me every time.

They are so powerful and can be so compelling, and Auburn’s was exactly that.

It started with a video montage over coach Gus Malzahn’s speech about how “winning is an attitude,” and it ended with a black screen and simple white letters.

“AUBURN FOOTBALL …

IS BACK.” I almost lost it.

At the end of the day, I still don’t think I could’ve called myself a true Auburn University football fan — I did skip out on the weird rolling Toomer’s Corner tradition, but I’ll have to witness that one day — I will say there’s something magical about all that orange and blue and all that Tiger pride.

Lizi Arbogast is the sports editor of The Outlook.

Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Top: Thousands of Auburn University fans gathered at Tiger Walk to greet the team before its season opener against Georgia Southern. Above: Auburn’s football team takes the field amidst a cloud of smoke. Left: Spirit soars through the air prior to the start of the game.

Page 12

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Thursday, September 7, 2017

The Outlook

AHSAA Prep Spotlight

Fisher leads St. Clair county in comeback win

Benjamin Russell’s JV team hosts Reeltown

STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook

Above: Benjamin Russell coach Pam Robinson and Reeltown coach Kelli Hilyer have a discussion during a match Tuesday. Below left: Benjamin Russell’s Sarah Rogers lays down a kill. Below right: Reeltown’s Morgan McGuire makes a pass against Benjamin Russell.

LOCAL SPORTS CALENDAR Thursday, Sept. 7 Middle school football Alex City at Opelika, 5 p.m.

High school volleyball Benjamin Russell at Elmore County, 4:30 p.m.

Tallassee at Dadeville, 5:30 p.m.

Reeltown at LaFayette, 5:30 p.m.

College softball Chattahoochee Valley at Central Alabama, 4 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 8 High school football

Pelham at Benjamin Russell, 7 p.m.

Dadeville at Munford, 7 p.m.

Lanett at Horseshoe Bend, 7 p.m.

Woodland at Reeltown, 7 p.m.

Lighthouse at Lyman Ward, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 9 College football Auburn at Clemson, 6 p.m.

Fresno State at Alabama, 2:30 p.m.

High school volleyball Horseshoe Bend JV at Wadley Tournament, TBA High school cross country

Horseshoe Bend, Dadeville at Opelika Invitational, 9 a.m.

Sunday, Sept. 10 College golf Central Alabama in Wallace State Fall Invitational at Cross Creek Golf Club, Cullman College baseball Troy University Tournament Central Alabama vs. Coastal Alabama-Brewton, 11:30 a.m.

Central Alabama vs. Enterprise, 1 p.m.

McAdory

continued from page 11

forward. Stidham showed some poise, throwing for two touchdowns and 185 yards, but also appeared to search for receivers who, evidently, were not open.

Craig-Myers, Slayton and Davis were highly touted coming out of high school.

It’s time those four and five stars translate into chunks of receiving yards and touchdowns at the college level. To date, Craig-Myers, a sophomore, has four receptions in his college career. Perhaps this gifted receiver will be introduced to the college football world on Saturday night.

It’s time Stidham showcases his talent (assuming he has time to throw and receivers are open) on a national television network against the defending national champions. It’s time bullish running back Kamryn Pettway takes advantage of a vertical passing game and re-introduces himself to the college football world after sitting last Saturday.

It’s time Auburn’s offense

unleashes its full potential folks have been talking about since A-Day. Super ‘D’: I can’t say enough about the effort of Auburn’s defense on Saturday night, yielding just 78 yards to the Golden Eagles. Sure, this was a Sun Belt Conference team, but holding any opponent to fewer than 100 yards in 60 minutes of football is quite an accomplishment. It was the fewest yards allowed by an Auburn defense since 1985.

No problem: Georgia Southern has been a thorn in the side of some SEC teams of late. The Golden Eagles rushed for 302 yards in a loss at Alabama in 2011, won at Florida in 2014 and should have won in Athens, Ga., in 2015. There was no threat on Saturday.

Fresno State at Alabama: After last week’s showdown with Florida State, the Tide will beat up on another FSU this weekend. I expect Alabama’s offense to continue to work out the kinks with the passing game, while piling on

the rushing yardage. It’s hard to get back up after such a hyped opener, and I wouldn’t doubt Alabama goes through the motions to some degree.

Not that it matters. Alabama 40, Fresno State 7.

Auburn at Clemson: Auburn is the only team in America with the fortune of visiting two Death Valleys (Clemson and LSU) in one season. This one’s been circled on the Tigers’ calendar for a while and I’m interested to see how different Auburn’s offense will look in Week 2, particularly with Pettway returning. Clemson and its young quarterback sure didn’t miss a beat against Kent State, though. Clemson 27, Auburn 20.

Playoff Four (subject to change): 1. Alabama, 2. Ohio State, 3. Clemson, and 4.

Stanford (plays at Southern Cal).

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

MONTGOMERY – Senior quarterback Jayce Fisher picked an opportune time to turn in the best performance of his high school football career last week. The 6-foot3, 175-pound senior led St. Clair County to a 52-49 comeback win over Lincoln in dramatic fashion to earn the AHSAA Prep Spotlight for Week 1 of the 2017 season.

Fisher was 12-of-26 passing for 280 yards and five touchdowns and also rushed 15 times for 103 yards and a sixth TD as the Saints battled from a 42-38 deficit in the fourth quarter to post the win.

The victory was the first at St. Clair County for new head coach Matt Glover.

Lincoln senior quarterback Earl Wells also a career night — running for four touchdowns (71, 60, 15 and 25 yards) and completing tossed two TD passes covering 35 and 72 yards for Coach Matt Zedaker’s Bears.

The 102 points scored by both teams ranks 41st on the AHSAA all-time list but does not top either school’s most points list. Lincoln beat Coosa Central 86-36 (122 points) in a game in 2008 and St. Clair County lost to Central-Florence 58-45 (103 points) in a 2013 playoff game. The state record for most points scored (146) was set last year in Childersburg’s 82-64 win over Coosa Central.

since 1919. Jackson holds a 66-29-7 edge in the series after last week’s win.

Greenville ends Beauregard win streak: The visiting Tigers got strong rushing performances from Javion Posey and Arick Boggan to beat defending 5A state champion Beauregard 34-31. The victory snapped the Hornets’ eight-game winning streak overall and a 23-game home winning streak.

Buzzer beaters

Jack Martin, Northview: Martin kicked a 28-yard field goal with 16.8 seconds left to lift Northview over Enterprise 23-22. The kick climaxed a dramatic Cougars’ comeback that erased an Enterprise 22-0 lead. The win also snapped a 14-game NHS losing streak, was the first win over Enterprise since 1994 – and handed new head football coach Josh Parrish the first win of his head-coaching career.

Alex Rogers, Rogers: Under intense defensive pressure by Lauderdale County, Rogers rolled to his left and found Harris Anerton in the back of the end zone for an 8-yard touchdown connection as time expired as the Pirates won 20-18.

Tysne Coker, Danville: The Hawks running back scored in the final seconds as Danville overcame a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter to nip Falkville 28-27.

Senior Kane Hogan’s return to the field was a major motivating factor for the winners. Following his Milestones freshman season, Hogan was Aggies notch Pruitt’s diagnosed with leukemia.

280th win: Albertville Last June, doctors cleared exploded for 34 unanswered him to play football again. points Friday night to beat Hogan, also a running back, Arab 41-14 as head coach had the first carry of the Dale Pruitt recorded his game.

280th career coaching win.

Matthew Quinn, Spanish Pruitt, the father of University Fort: Quinn kicked the fourth of Alabama defensive game-winning field goal coordinator Jeremy Pruitt, is of his prep career with an 280-128 overall and 17-7 at 18-yarder as time expired in Albertville. the Toros’ 8-7 win over rival Sparkman hands White his first 7A win: Sparkman’s Daphne. He booted a careerlong 50-yard field goal earlier 48-11 victory over Athens in the game. was the first in new head Mattew Evans, coach Laron White’s tenure Buckhorn: Buckhorn caught as the Senators’ head coach. a game-clinching 10-yard White, the brother of Mae touchdown pass with three Jemison head coach Kelvis seconds left as the Bucks beat White and the son of Alabama High School Hall of Hazel Green 22-21. He also Famer Courtland Coach Louis ran for his team’s two other TDs. White, is now 149-30 and Jaiden Wilson, Pike in his 15th season as a head coach. He came to Sparkman County: Wilson completed four clutch passes in the from Class 2A Tanner.

Fumble returns highlight game’s final drive, including a 27-yarder to Rayshawn AHSAA’s longest current Reynolds with 35 seconds rivalry: Jalem King of remaining for the gameJackson ran two fumbles winning touchdown as Pike back for touchdowns in the County knocked off Elba Aggies’ 40-26 win over 25-24. Wilson engineered Clarke County in the 102nd the game-winning drive playing of the state’s longest continuously running series in which began at the Bulldogs’ state history. The teams have own 18-yard line with 1:55 remaining. played annually each season

Weekend Football Forecast

Lizi Arbogast Mitch Sneed Cliff Williams Scott Hardy Tippy Hunter Luke Robinson Andy Graham Brett Pritchard Randy Lee Sports Editor

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