INSIDE: n Obituaries, page 2 n Religion, page 6 n Classifieds, page 7 n Sports, page 10
Weekend OPINION, PAGE 4: IT’S A GREAT WEEKEND TO GET OUT IN THE AREA.
The Outlook
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892
April 8-9, 2017 Vol. 125, No. 70 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢ “We just buried our fourth student in two years. That is four too many” — BRHS Principal Anthony Wilkerson
Learning with Lutz
PROM TIME:
Students get gym ready for big day, Page 11
Deputy police chief named
Easterwood named to ACPD’s No. 2 spot, Orr, McKinney, Spivey, Grant also promoted By MITCH SNEED Editor
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Mike Lutzenkirchen speaks to juniors and seniors from Benjamin Russell, Dadeville, Horseshoe Bend and Reeltown schools about choices his son Philip made that lead to his death. Lutzenkirchen also spoke about what they could learn from his son’s positive characteristics.
Father shares details of son’s life to help others
By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
Mike Lutzenkirchen addressed area high school seniors and juniors Friday about the dangers of drinking and driving, distracted driving and being a great friend. Lutzenkirchen is the father of former Auburn University football player Philip Lutzenkirchen who passed away in a automobile accident in
Today’s
Weather
70 44 High
Low
Lake Martin
Lake Levels
489.81 Reported on 4/7/17 @ 5:00 p.m.
LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443
laceyshowell@gmail.com 5295 Highway 280, Alex City, AL
6
54708 90050
June of 2104 and has since shared his son’s message. The message comes just a day before prom for many students. Are you a good friend or a great friend? Is the question Lutzenkirchen asked area high school juniors and seniors several times. “Tomorrow night for those of you who already have plans to get your alcohol, are you going to be a good friend or a great friend?”
Lutzenkirchen asked. “Are you going to be a good friend and just go along or are you going to be a great friend and stop it. “Many of you have spent more time on figuring out where you are going to get alcohol from than you do preparing for a test.” The message comes on the heals of the funeral for Benjamin Russell High School senior Quen Reese. See LUTZ • Page 7
With the hiring of Jay Turner as Alexander City Police Chief from the deputy chief’s post, a leadership position became open. Friday, Turner announced that Capt. James Easterwood, a 21-year veteran of the department has been promoted to deputy chief. “With my promotion created an opening and to fill that it just meant a string of promotions,” Turner said. “Promotions are handled through testing and interviews, so it’s not a popularity contest. I feel really good about the leadership team, including all these who were promoted. All of these guys are great officers and really good people. You can’t help but feel good about that.” Easterwood, 44, joined the department as a jailer in 1996 fresh after spending time in the Army. He is a Benjamin Russell High School graduate and is a Desert Storm veteran. He has worked in virtually every division for ACPD. In addition to being a jailer, he worked in patrol, as part of the Tallapoosa County Narcotics Task Force and a detective. In January, he was promoted to captain and had served as the detective division commander. “I’m grateful for this opportunity,” Easterwood said. “I’m excited about being in this position of leadership and look forward to serving.” Easterwood will continue to head the Tallapoosa County Narcotics Task Force in his new role. Moving up from lieutenant to captain is James Orr. In his previous role Orr has been the face of the departSee PROMOTIONS • Page 3
Youth establish Little Food Pantry
Hackneyville VFD to hold Sunday grand opening
By EMILY ESLECK For the Outlook
By MITCH SNEED Editor
“Take what you need, leave what you can … Just be blessed,” — says the chalk white script set against a wooden sign welcoming Alex City residents to the Little Food Pantry, a service project started by the 15-member First Presbyterian Church of Alexander City youth group. Filled to the brim with individually wrapped snacks such as Lay’s chips, chocolate pudding and cheese crackers, the mini food pantry stands Cliff Williams / The Outlook outside the church ready for kids coming home after school or anyone Carol Mallory restocks the Little Food Pantry at the First Presbyterian Church, See PANTRY • Page 7 something she tries to do twice a day.
For close to five years, the Hackneyville Volunteer Fire Department has been raising money, breaking ground and watching its new home come together a little bit at a time. Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m., they will welcome the community to see the finished product. A Grand Opening and Open House will be held at the new facility at 9267 Highway 63 North, just See OPENING • Page 3
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USPS Permit # 013-080
She’s Back! Shelby Patterson is back at work and ready to cut, style or color your hair.
GENESIS I HAIR SALON 256.329.8924 3333 Hillabee Road Alexander City, AL