A new field house for the Point University football program is rapidly taking shape off Ram Stadium Drive behind the Valley Community Center. Construction also is going on across the road for football practice fields and areas for soccer and lacrosse. This construction could pose a problem for people coming to Valley High School's graduation ceremony at 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 24. At Monday's meeting of the Valley City Council, police Chief Tommy Weldon recommended coming early and being patient while officers get everyone parked near Ram Stadium for the program.

Photo by Wayne Clark

By Trey Wood

LANETT — The Lanett City Council is expected to approve at a special called meeting a renewal of the city’s 911 contract with the Chambers County Emergency Communications District.

The renewal will bring with it another year of emergency dispatching service for the city — lasting till Sept. 30, 2013 — but it’s a renewal that brings much trepidation for a few members of the city council.

"I'm still just torn up about this 911," Councilman Stanley Roberts said. "To me, we're paying too much, and the call volume is not justification."

Currently, the city of Lanett is charged about $12,900 per month to have their emergency calls routed through the county center on Veterans Memorial Parkway — about $155,000 a year. The city of LaFayette pays $5,200 per month; Chambers County Sheriff's pays $5,512 per month, and the East Alabama Water, Sewer and Fire Protection District and the Chambers County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association pay $919 per month.

Roberts felt that the numbers just didn't add up.

"I don't have a problem with us being with the 911 center," he said, "but I just got a problem with the amount of money we're being charged for a city of 6,400, and that call volume just don't wave at me."

Center officials, however, felt differently. The city of Lanett accounts for about 31 percent — 22,351 between Jan. 1, 2011, and Dec. 31 — of all emergency calls within the groups paying the center and about 46 percent — 18,614 — of all emergency groups dispatched.

"We're paying too much, almost $13,000 a month," Roberts said. "… They tell us we've got 34 to 40 percent of the calls — come on. Blow smoke."

To counteract the charges, city officials studied going back to hosting their own 911 center.

Operating estimates provided by Lanett fire and EMS Chief Johnny Allen showed that the costs to run a center add up to about $383,000 in equipment, FCC licenses, parcel mapping and infrastructure, along with another $300,000 to add a maximum nine dispatchers and one supervisor.

Roberts said the problem is not as much with the work involved with starting a city center but more with emergency calls being routed where they shouldn't be.

"Now you understand why I'm so in to this now because Valley calls are actually going to our 911 system," Roberts said.

"No, sir," Allen said. "No they're not."

"Yes they are," Roberts said back. "The problem that I have is their 911 calls are leaked out of the county center. I guarantee you they are."

Allen said a small percentage of Valley emergency calls are received through the county center due to current technology. Emergency calls made by cell phones deep within Valley may go to the Valley 911 center, but others near the border may not due to differing cell towers.

Some Lanett emergency calls have been routed as far as Lee County in Alabama and Troup County's 911 center in LaGrange.

"All these figures you can throw at us and all this stuff … should we stay with this 911 or should we try to go on our own," Councilwoman Shirley Motley asked Allen. "If you were making that decision with your knowledge, what would you say?"

"We'd stay where we're at," Allen said. "… I think we've got some people who are concerned about it, so I think there is a reason to listen to it, simply because I would like for everyone to be sure that we're providing the best service that we can provide to our citizens, and that's what everyone sitting in this room wants."

The contract will need to be renewed by June 1. Council is expected to hold a special called meeting later in the month to approve the renewal.

"I still have a problem being charged $167,000 a year when we have other entities that are no where close to that," Roberts said. "That's just my problem."

By Wayne Clark

VALLEY — In its Monday meeting, the Valley City Council approved a resolution to partner with the city of LaFayette, the Chambers County Boys and Girls Club, and the Chambers County School System in coordinating a summer food program that will provide healthy meals to disadvantaged youth who are currently on the school system's free and reduced lunch programs.

The meals will be cooked in the lunchroom at Huguley Elementary School, and the city will assist in distributing the lunches to qualifying groups.

Council member O'Neal Shaw said this is a good program, particularly pleased with the way the cities, the school system and the Boys and Girls Club are coming together to make it happen.

Valley Parks and Recreation Director Laurie Blount said the program can feed between 250 and 300 kids per day.

"Anyone can participate," she said, explaining that non-profits, such as local churches, can take part, and there's plenty of room for volunteers to help out.

A training meeting to discuss the program will be held at 1 p.m. EDT on Friday in the Valley Community Center.

"I'm excited about this," Blount said. "It can benefit a lot of people in the community."

In other action, Monday, the council held a public hearing to discuss the abatement of a trailer park on Huguley Road.

It has cost the city about $15,325 to clean up the site, and there's one trailer left on the lot. The cost of removing it will run the tab even higher.

A lien will be placed on the property. Some other costs, such as ad valorem taxes and the cost of publishing legal notices, will be added to a final bill.

The current owner must pay this or lose the site to the city.

Should the city gain possession of the property, it almost certainly will try to sell it to a high bidder. The present owner will have 30 days to redeem it, with a two-year period for redemption rights.

"We have been trying to get this site cleaned up for years," Mayor Arnold Leak said, adding that the trailer park had been the subject of many complaints over the years.

The council also approved three housekeeping-type resolutions reflecting some amendments to the current budget.

One amendment reflects some $168,686 in grant money that's being spent in a clean-up at Langdale and Riverdale mills. Another is for $17,350 in contributions to the Valley Police Department to go toward salaries, new uniforms, new radios and other equipment.

The budget is also being amended to include a $200,000 Appalachian Regional Commission grant that's being used to deconstruct some old warehouses at Langdale Mill. It's a 50/50 grant with the city's match being a combination of cash and in-kind labor.

The council suspended the rules and adopted on a first reading an amendment to the city's business license ordinance. The change would restrict people who have a business license for retail or rolling stock sales from a motorized vehicle from making sales on public property.

The council could make exemptions for such events as the Day on the River.

By Scott Sickler

Times-News Sports Editor

ACWORTH, Ga. — The amazing postseason run for the No. 4 seeded Troup Tigers baseball team (23-9, 6-0 in six road playoff games) added yet another chapter last evening in a thrilling two-game GHSA 3A state quarterfinals sweep of the Top-10 ranked Allatoona High Buccaneers here at Buccaneer Field.

Troup defeated Allatoona 6-5 in a classic 12-inning, four-hour marathon in Game 1 and then completed the series sweep with an impressive 6-0 win in Game 2.

For the third straight playoff series, coach Craig Garner’s Tigers have gone on the road and defeated three successive Top-10 ranked opponents, all in sweeps, in what has been perhaps the most amazing run of playoff success in the school’s proud postseason history.

“I just can’t say enough about our kids and the type of effort they’ve shown and never quit attitude,” said Garner. “It’s just been an unbelievable run for our program and we’re glad to continue on. We’ve battled some great baseball teams in the first three rounds and to go on the road and beat three Top-10 teams in six straight games is just unheard of,” Garner noted.

“I’ve told our kids someday you’ll sit down with your grandkids and you’ll tell them about these games and what a thrill it was for you,” said Garner. “The type of character these kids have shown in always battling back and winning three road playoff series in sweeps as a No. 4 seed is simply amazing. I have to pinch myself but we’re not done and we’re still hungry and want to enjoy the ride.”

The six playoff wins in one season is the most for Garner in a single year since he took over the Troup program in 2002. Not just six wins but all of them coming on the road in sweeps, amazing stuff indeed, especially the level of competition they play.

For the first time since 1986, Troup has advanced to the state semifinals by virtue of its sweep over a very good Allatoona team.

Troup lost in the 1984 and 1985 state finals and made the semis in 1986.

In what may have been the most thrilling playoff game in Tiger history, Troup outlasted Allatoona 6-5 in 12 innings of play in an ESPN-like classic in a four-hour, three-minute game that will live in Tiger lore for the pivotal Game 1 win.

Brandon Butts had five hits in the first game win and added another in Game 2. Not bad having six hits in a twinbill sweep.

Not only was it a huge win for the Tigers, it was also Garner’s 200th win as the Troup coach and after the win, that game ball was quickly stored away for safe keeping.

With a 5 p.m. ET first pitch, it was 9:03 p.m. when Game 1 ended and after a rain delay, mandatory 30-minute break between games and field maintenance, Game 2 began around 10:25 p.m. but it was well worth the wait for Tiger fans.

Allatoona’s manager said a huge storm system was going to hit the area shortly and wanted coach Garner and Troup to agree to play Game 2 and the “if necessaey” Game 3 Wednesday.

No sir, won’t happen.

Garner made the correct decision in playing Game 2 right after the first game after winning a dramatic and emotion-charged 6-5 12-inning, four-hour battle in Game 1.

Make no mistake, the Tigers wanted “to cut off the head” and finish off Allatoona in two straight, Garner noted.

Game, set and match Tigers.

They accomplished that task in impressive fashion and took apart a drained but emotionally depleted Allatoona team 6-0 in Game 2 to sweep the series.

Game 2 ended at 11:58 p.m. ET but it didn’t seem late nor was it tiring for a jubiliant Tigers team celebrating after the big quarterfinals sweep.

After trailing 4-2 after four innings in Game 1, Troup outscored Allatoona 4-1 for the last eight innings in a 12-inning game and 6-0 in Game 2 for a two-game total of 10-1.

Jacob Ozley came on in relief of starter Cody Sheffield, who also was strong on the mound for Troup in holding Allatoona to just five hits.

Sheffield worked the first five innings, Ozley then worked the rest of the game and earned the win — sixth the 12th innings — and was masterful in allowing just one unearned run in the last of the 12th when Troup held on for the 6-5 win.

Garrett “Git” McClurg was dominant for the Tigers once again in Game 2 as the junior righthander tossed a complete game, 79-pitch, three-hit masterpiece in the 6-0 win.

McClurg, just like Ozley, was nothing short of brilliant on the mound for the Tigers.

Ozley and McClurg simply put the lock down on Allatoona and got the Buccaneers frustrated, guessing and out of balance from the fifth inning on in Game 1 to the entire second game.

The heros were many for Troup but none more so than a magnificent performance behind the plate for junior Troup catcher Cody Doughman.

Doughman proved he was the iron man behind the plate and caught all 19 innings in two games of work.

That was seven hours of baseball and it takes a real man to handle that chore.

Just say it was mission accomplished for Doughman and the Tigers.

Doughman was the Tigers backbone and it showed. He was sensational.

Troup’s all-around defense was outstanding in both games as everyone had a hand in making big plays across the infield.

Senior Jackson Oliver had two huge run-scoring hits in both games and made the defensive gem of the series in Game 1.

In the bottom of the ninth with two outs and Allatoona had a man on second base, Oliver raced full speed down a towering rocket to right centerfield, leaped without even looking at the fence, caught the ball close to a foot from being a game-winning homer, crashed into the fence but managed to hang on to the ball for the third out.

Oliver’s defensive gem was an Andruw Jones special and ESPN highlight special and saved Game 1 for Troup to win it 6-5 three innings later in the 12th.

•Troup will now face No. 1-ranked and defending back-to-back 3A state champion Columbus Blue Devils Mon., May 21 at 2 p.m. ET in GHSA state semifinal action. The series will again be best 2-of-3 games.

Columbus qualified for the semifinals with a sweep over Cartersville 14-2 and 3-1 in Columbus Tuesday.

In other 3A Region 6 play, Carrollton fell to Gainesville 11-1 and12-1 and LaGrange split with Ringgold, losing 8-2 and winning 1-0 in Game 2. Game 3 is today.

By Scott Sickler

Times-News Sports Editor

Lanett and Valley football fans should be encouraged and excited for the 2012 season after both local squads looked impressive in scrimmage action played Friday evening on the road.

At Notasulga Friday, Lanett defeated the Blue Devils 14-6 and played well in both its games, according to coach Clifford Story.

“I was happy with our effort and Shavar Holliday (quarterback) really played well and showed a lot of poise in leading our offense,” Story noted. “I expect a lot of big things from Shavar this fall.”

Holliday scored first for Lanett on a 35-yard scamper around the end and running back Antonio Goss scored on a 20-yard run accounting for Lanett’s points.

In the second game, Lanett defeated Horseshoe Bend 14-13.

“Our guys played extremely well,” Story added. “For spring games, I was pleased with our efforts on both sides of the ball.”

Holliday tossed a 65-yard scoring strike to Desmond Stevenson and added a 20-yard TD run himself as Holliday had a role in three of the four TDs for Lanett.

•The Valley Rams also looked strong in its games against powerhouse Greenville (11-1 in 2011) as the Rams tied with Greenville 7-7.

In the second game, Valley defeated host Hillcrest-Evergreen 13-12.

“Our defense played extremely well in both games but especially happy with the effort they showed against a very strong program in Greenville,” said Rams coach Matt Wells.

“Offensively, we moved the ball up and down the field against them and they are a top quality team,” Wells noted. “Our kids gave a very good account of themselves on both sides of the ball in both games, Greenville and Hillcrest-Evergreen. We have a long way to go in many areas but the effort was excellent and gives us some good momentum heading to fall camp.”

Valley defeated Hillcrest-Evergreen in the other game 13-12.

“We had a lot of turnovers but Josh (Meigs, quarterback) and the defense played well. It was good for us to compete against two good programs and only helps us get better and ready for the season,” Wells noted.

By Scott Sickler

Times-News Sports Editor

AUGUSTA, Ga. — The Troup Tigers baseball team (21-9, 7-5 — now 4-0 in state playoffs) advanced to the Elite Eight for the first time since 2008 with a huge doubleheader sweep over the homestanding Thomson High Bulldogs here Thursday evening.

Troup defeated Thomson 3-2 in Game 1 and the Tigers routed the Bulldogs 8-3 in Game 2 for the twinbill sweep, it’s second straight road playoff series sweep.

Senior righthander Cody Sheffield earned the win in Game 1 and also blasted a home run.

Sheffield worked 5 and 1/3 innings and struck out 11 in a masterful outing.

Garrett “Git” McClurg picked up the win in Game 2 while Sheffield smashed another homer as did senior Jackson Oliver.

It was another terrific outing on the mound for McClurg, who’s provided a huge boost to the Tigers pitching staff and once again followed with a great performance to gain the two-game sweep.

Last week, the Tigers knocked off the No. 4-ranked Woodward Academy War Eagles last week in another road playoff series sweep (7-5, 10-5).

It’s been an amazing season for a youth-dominated Troup team which lost a talented 10-member senior class.

•Troup will face the Allatoona Buccaneers (23-8, 15-5) from Region 7-AAA in the GHSA 3A state quarterfinals Tues., May 15 in a best 2-of-3 games series. The games will be played on the road in Acworth, Ga. The Tigers have yet to lose a road playoff game this season with a perfect 4-0 mark.

Allatoona comes off a 2-0 series sweep over previously unbeaten (27-0 and No. 3-ranked Crisp Co.) by scores of 4-2 and 2-1.

•TIGER NOTEBOOK — Coach Craig Garner, a THS graduate, is now 199-126 overall since taking over the program in 2002...the Tigers have made the GHSA state playoffs all but one year (10 of 11 seasons) he’s led the program...senior RHP/LF Cody Sheffield continues to display why he should a strong candidate for the 3A Player of the Year award after striking out 11 batters in a 3-2 Game 1 win over Thomson...in addition to his prowess on the mound, Sheffield smashed a homer in Game 1 and also added another roundtripper in the Game 2 win for the sweep...Sheffield has hit 12 HRs this season and has 28 career HRs, second-best in Troup history to All-American catcher Luke Bailey, who blasted 39 HRs...the Tigers five-member senior class is 71-46 overall...the 4-0 playoff series record in ’12 is Troup’s best postseason mark and most wins since the ’07 season when Troup advanced to the Final Four and compiled a 5-4 nine-game playoff run, falling to Dunwoody...Troup last made the Elite Eight in ’08 when they fell to Stephens Co...the 21 wins are the most for a Troup team since the Luke Bailey-led Tiger squad of ’08 went 22-10....

MR. DREYER

VALLEY — Mr. Richard Thurlow (Yank) Dreyer Jr., 63, of Valley died Friday, May 11, 2012 at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika.

Funeral services were held Saturday, May 12 at 1 p.m. at Jeff Jones Funeral Home in LaFayette with the Revs. Raymond Alexander and Robert Rhodes officiating. Burial followed at Garden Hills Cemetery in Opelika.

Jeff Jones Funeral Home of LaFayette handled arrangements.

MRS. HARPER

VALLEY — Mrs. Janice Ann Harper, 58, of Valley died Thursday, May 10, 2012 at Bethany House in Auburn.

Funeral services are planned for Wednesday, May 16 at 3 p.m. EDT at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church in Cusseta with the Rev. Arthur Thomas officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.

Foreman Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

MR. McLAIN

VALLEY — Funeral arrangements are pending for Mr. Ronald Sims "Ron" McLain, 59, of Valley, who died Monday, May 14, 2012 at his residence.

Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home of Valley is handling arrangements.

MR. MANGRUM

CAMP HILL — Funeral arrangements are pending for Mr. Joe Donald Mangrum, 62, of Camp Hill, who died Saturday, May 12, 2012 at Bethany House in Auburn.

Vines Funeral Home of LaFayette is handling arrangements.