2021 Readers' Choice Awards

AND THE WINNERS ARE...

September 2021 A special supplement to The Alexander City Outlook & The Dadeville Record

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BEST OVERALL BUSINESS: SOUTHERN STAR FARMS Siri Hedreen / Tallapoosa Publishers

Employees of Southern Star Farms, voted as The Outlook’s Best Business Overall, pictured from left to right: animal caregiver Darah Holman, animal caregiver/groomer Julie Battle, manager/groomer Shelley Turner and animal caregiver/receptionist Holley Humphrey. Not pictured: Tori Pike, animal caregiver.

READERS’ CHOICE 2021

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BEST PLACE TO WORK: RUSSELL MEDICAL Cliff Williams /

Tallapoosa Publishers

Bennie White, left, has been with Russell Medical for 45 years and Kathy Buchannon has been with Russell Medical for 46 years. Russell Medical has been selected as The Outlook’s Best Place to Work. Both White and Buchannon said they couldn’t imagine working any other place.

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BEST TOWING:

HENDERSON TOWING

SEPTEMBER 2021 Jake Arthur /

Tallapoosa Publishers

Henderson Towing was chosen as the Best Towing service by readers.

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Thanks for voting us the BEST!

BEST BANKER Randy Dawkins

Tallapoosa County President NMLS 501868

BEST BANK & BEST MORTGAGE COMPANY

R I V E R B A N K A N D T R U S T. C O M

BEST MORTGAGE LENDER

Melanie Foshee

Member FDIC NMLS 405629

NMLS 419398

| 256.329.0500 | 3617 US Hwy 280

To see more follow us on Equal Housing Lender

Vice President

and

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BEST COACH: SHUNDELL RUSSAW

Andy Anders / Tallapoosa Publishers

Coach Shundell Russaw (center) of the Alexander City Middle School Wildcats was voted The Outlook’s Best Coach. He is pictured with players from the 2021 team.

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READERS’ CHOICE 2021

SPACE FOR SALE

Small Space Advertising works.

Big or Small we have infinite possibilities for every budget

Call the Ad Dept. 256-234-4281

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BEST HUNTING SUPPLIES:

THE SURE SHOT Readers selected The Sure Shot as the Best Hunting Supplies retailer in the area.

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Andy Anders / Tallapoosa Publishers

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READERS’ CHOICE 2021

BEST EVENT CENTER: THE SQUARE Jacob Holmes / Tallapoosa Publishers

Jacob Meacham is a co-owner of The Square, which was named Reader’s Choice Best Event Center in the area.

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READERS’ CHOICE 2021 Jake Arthur/ Tallapoosa Publishers

Dadeville High School principal Chris Hand was voted The Outlook’s Best Principal.

BEST PRINCIPAL: CHRIS HAND

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SEPTEMBER 2021

NOT READY TO RUN WITH THE BIG DOGS?

YOU DON’T HAVE TO.

Consistency is key, let small budget advertising work to your advantage.

Call 256-234-4281

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BEST LOCAL BAND: THE WILSON BROTHERS Cliff Williams /

Tallapoosa Publishers

The Wilson Brothers Band, Chad and Kyle Wilson, was voted Best Local Band.

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BEST PEDIATRICIAN: DR. BILLY SELLERS Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Dr. Billy Sellers was voted as The Outlook’s Best Pediatrician by readers.

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BEST SERVER:

Jake Arthur / Tallapoosa Publishers

SISSY LUCAS, JAKE’S

Sissy Lucas of Jake’s restaurant was voted The Outlook’s Best Server.

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BEST HARDWARE STORE:

LAKE MARTIN BUILDING SUPPLY

Cliff Williams / Tallapoosa Publishers

Tiffany and Michael Huff own Lake Martin Building Supply on Dadeville Road. Their business has been selected as Reader’s Choice Best Hardware Store.

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2021 READERS’ CHOICE WINNERS ARTS & CULTURE Dance Company - Mahogany Masterpiece Date Night - Playhouse Cinemas Theatre Event Center - The Square Family Entertainment - Playhouse Cinemas Theatre Fireworks Display - Celebrate Freedom at BRHS Live Music Venue - Strand Park Local Artist - Tara Wilson Local Band - The Wilson Brothers Movie Theater - Playhouse Cinemas Theatre Weekend Activity - Wind Creek State Park

FINANCIAL

Accountant/CPA - Dianne Naler Accounting Firm - Dianne Naler Bank - River Bank and Trust Banker - Randy Dawkins -- River Bank & Trust Credit Union - Heritage South Credit Union Financial Advisor - David Willis Insurance Agency - HighPoint Insurance Group Insurance Agent - Stephanie Daughtry -- Highpoint Insurance Mortgage Company - River Bank and Trust Mortgage Loan Officer - Melanie Foshee Tax Preparer - Dianna Naler

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Asian Cusine - Daylight Donuts Bakery - Sweet Gaga’s BBQ - Firetruck BBQ Biscuits - Cherokee Quick Stop Breakfast - Huddle House Catering - General’s Cafe Catfish - Buck’s Coffee - Scooter’s Coffee Cold Beer - Niffer’s Place Lake Martin Cole Slaw - Buck’s Convenience Store - Koon’s Korner Craft Cocktail - Ocie & Belle’s Deli - Koon’s Korner Delivery - JR’s Sportsbar and Grill Fast Food - Zaxby’s Chicken Fingers & Buffalo Wings Food Truck - Sonny’s Hot Dogs Fresh Produce - Eddie and B’s Produce Fried Chicken - Jim Bob’s Chicken Fingers Fries - McDonald’s Hot Dog - Sonny’s Hot Dogs Ice Cream Sundae - Dairy Creem Italian - Castelluccio Fine Italian Dining Local Burger - Buck’s Local Mexican - Cazadores Mexican Restaurant Local Seafood - Oskar’s Cafe Lunch - Cazadores Mexican Restaurant Margarita - Cazadores Mexican Restaurant Milk Shake - Dairy Creem Overall Best Restaurant - Scooter’s Grille Pizza - Lake Martin Pizza Co. Steak - Scooter’s Grille Sweet Tea - McDonald’s Takeout - Jim Bob’s Chicken Fingers Treats & Sweets - Sweet Gaga’s Wine - Emporium Wine Wings - The Station’s Best

GOODS & SERVICES

Apartment Community - Hillabee Towers Auto Body Repair - Zajac’s Auto Collision Auto Glass Repair - Alexander City Glass Co Auto Parts - NAPA Auto Parts - Thomas Auto Parts Auto Service/Repair - Wyatt’s Tire & Service Center Barber Shop - Donna B’s Barber & Style Shop

Boat Dealer - Alex City Marine Boat Repair - Alex City Marine Car Wash - Eddie & B’s Childcare/Daycare - Jacob’s Ladder Creative Learning Center & Daycare Cleaning Services - Maid in America Cleaning Services Dry Cleaner - Town & Country Cleaners-Shoe Electronic Repair - Caldwell Electronics Equipment Rental - United Rentals Feed - Abernathy Farm Supply Funeral Home - Radney Funeral Home Inc Hair Salon - Southern Roots Home Security - Home Security Systems Jewelry - Cotney Jewelers Law Firm - Radney, Radney & Jackson, LLC Nail Salon - Chique Nails Oil Change - WYATT’S TIRE & SERVICE CENTER Pest Control - Top Gun Pest Control Pet Boarder - Southern Star Pet Grooming and Boarding Pet Groomer - Talli & Friends LLC Printing Services - Service Printing & Office Supply Self Storage - McDaniel’s Storage Sewing/Alterations - Mitchell & Co Staffing Agency - Onin Staffing Tanning Salon - Lake Martin Tan Bar Tire Center - WYATT’S TIRE & SERVICE CENTER Towing Service - Henderson Towing Tree Service - Easterwood’s Tree Service

HEALTH

CBD Vendor - The Rabbit Hole Chiropractor - Kerley Clinic of Chiropractic Counseling Service - Healing Hearts Professional Counseling Dental Clinic - Alexander City Dental Care, PLLC Dental Hygentist - Tasha Jackson Dermatologist - Surgical Dermatology Group Fitness Center/Gym - Studio West Home Healthcare-Hospice - Encompass Health Hospital - Russell Medical Center Massage Therapist - Jassmin Butler - Kinetic Bodywork & Massage Medical Supplies - Southern Patient (Bradberry Medical Equipment) Nurse - Shelly Whaley Nurse Practitioner - Sheena Hunter Nursing Home - Chapman’s Nursing Home OBGYN - Dr. Brian Dix Optometrist/Opthalmologist - Dr. Bob Nobles Orthodontist - Dr. William E. Harrell Jr, DMD Pediatrician - Dr. Billy Sellers Pharmacist - Matt Mann - Hometown Pharmacy Pharmacy - Hometown Pharmacy Physical Therapist - Ronna Blake Physician - Dr. Karen J. Mockler, MD Hearing Aid/Supplies - Hometown Pharmacy Rehabilitation Center - Chapman Health Care Urgent Care - Russell Medical

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Carpet-Flooring Store - Holman Floor Company, Inc. Electrician - C&T Electric Excavating Service - Benton’s Clearing & Grading Furniture Store - McGhee Matress and More Garden Center - Bette’s Garden Center Hardware-Building Store - Lake Martin Building Supply Heating & AC Services - Jackson’s Refrigeration LLC Home Builder - Lake Martin Signature Construction Home Decor - Tippy Canoe Home Inspection - Lake Martin Home Inspections Landscaping - Lawn Services - Lynch Lawn Services Lawn/Garden Equipment - Abernathy Farm Supply Paint Store - Sherwin-Williams Paint Store Plumber - A & M Plumbing

Pool Service - Lake Martin Pool & Spa Services Roofing Company - Dunning Roofing

PEOPLE

Administrative Assistant - Kristi Hardy Coach - Shundell Russaw -- BRHS Football College Professor - Emily Sassano Elected Official - Woody Baird Firefighter - Todd Sassano Law Enforcement Officer - Tyler Lashley Minister - Josh Sammons - Hillabee Baptist Church Principal - Christopher Hand Server - Sissy Lucas - Jake’s Teacher - Kristi Jordan Volunteer - Jim Hardy

PLACES

Bar - Ocie & Belle’s Bed & Breakfast - Mistletoe Bough Best Overall Business - Southern Star Farm Pet Grooming & Boarding Diner - Who’s Diner Female Owned Business - Downtown Girl Fishing Spot - Lake Martin Golf Course - Lakewinds Golf Course Hotel/Motel - Hampton Inn Alexander City Lake Spot - Peanut Point Lakefront Dining - Kowaliga Restaurant Marina - Lakeside Marina at Baypines Minority Owned Business - Daylight Donuts New Business [YR or less] - Scooter’s Coffee New Restaurant [YR or less] - Castelluccio Fine Italian Dining Non-Profit - Adelia M Russell Library Outdoor Dining - Niffer’s Place Lake Martin Place to Work - Russell Medical Place to Worship - Alexander City United Methodist Church Wedding Venue - Hardy Farms Events

SPECIALTY SERVICES

Attorney - Marsha Mason Auto Salesperson - Jason Tapley -- Bice Motors Local Author - John Taylor Martial Arts - United Arts Training Center Photgrapher - Keva B Photography Real Estate Agency - Selling Lake Martin Real Estate Agent - Samantha Spurlin, RE/MAX Around the Lake Tattoo Studio - Excelsior Ink Custom Tattoos LLC Travel Agency - Fairytale Journeys Veterinarian - Wayside Animal Hospital Adult Apparel - Burkes Outlet

RETAIL SERVICES

Antique Dealer - Longleaf Antique & Flea Mall Appliance Dealer - Tapley Appliance Center Appliance/Vacuum Parts - Charles Shaw’s Refrigeration Sales - ATV Dealer - Russell Marine - Boating & Outdoors Boutique - Alli Bleu Children’s Apparel - Cloud Nine Alexander City Computers/Electronics - Caldwell Electronics Cosmetic Store - Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio Farm Equipment/Supplies - Abernathy Farm Supply Florist - Grace’s Flowers Gift Shop - Jackson Drugs Groceries - Renfroe’s Market Hunting Supplies - The Sure Shot Lake Apparel - Half Moon Market & Interiors Lake Decor - Tippy Canoe Monuments - Radney’s Funeral Home/ Lake Martin Memorials New Automobile Dealer - Bice Motors Shoes - Shoe Dept.

Thrift-Consignment - Something old something new Used Automobile Dealer - Kerley Motor Company, Inc. Women’s Fashion - Downtown Girl

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BEST LOCAL MEXICAN RESTAURANT:

CAZADORES Jake Arthur / Tallapoosa Publishers

Readers voted Cazadores the Best Local Mexican Restaurant.

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File / Tallapoosa Publishers

BEST LAKEFRONT DINING: KOWALIGA

Kowaliga Restaurant was selected as Best Lakefront Dining.

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BEST LOCAL SEAFOOD:

OSKAR’S CAFE

Siri Hedreen / Tallapoosa Publishers

Servers Alexius Coker (left) and Siriya Hart and cashier Blake Harris pose in front of Oskar’s Cafe, which won best seafood.

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BEST FUNERAL HOME: RADNEY

Submitted / Tallapoosa Publishers

Radney Funeral Home was selected The Outlook’s Reader’s Choice Best Funeral Home.

BEST APARTMENT COMMUNITY:

HILLABEE TOWERS Hillabee Towers was selected as The Outlook’s Readers’ Choice Best Apartment Community.

Jake Arthur / Tallapoosa Publishers

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Thank

YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

♥ On behalf of David McGhee, his family would like to thank everyone for their support and votes for McGhee Mattress and More as the Best Furniture Store in Tallapoosa County.

He worked so hard to bring his business to its most successful height. To receive this award is truly an honor, and we know David would have been thrilled.

McGhee Mattress and More We are now located at 920 Hillabee Street, Alexander City, AL Wednesday - Friday 10:00 - 5:30 Saturday 9:00 - 4:00

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BEST HOME BUILDER:

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LAKE MARTIN SIGNATURE CONSTRUCTION

Jake Arthur / Tallapoosa Publishers

Lake Martin Signature Construction was selected as Best Home Builder.

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BEST TEACHER:

Siri Hedreen / Tallapoosa Publishers

KRISTI JORDAN

Reeltown Elementary School special education teacher Kristi Jordan, formerly of Stephens Elementary School, was voted The Outlook’s Best Teacher.

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BEST LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER: CPL. TYLER LASHLEY Submitted / Tallapoosa Publishers

Alexander City police officer Cpl. Tyler Lashley was named Best Law Enforcement Officer by Outlook readers.

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BEST COLE SLAW: BUCK’S

Jake Arthur / Tallapoosa Publishers

Readers voted Buck’s as The Outlook’s Best Cole Slaw of 2021.

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