INSIDE: Obituaries, page 2 Religion, page 6 Calendar, page 5 Classifieds, page 7
Weekend OPINION, PAGE 4: MY TWO CENTS ON THE HEART OF RUSSELL CORP.
The Outlook
SPORTS, PAGE 12:
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892
Horseshoe Bend adjusts to new coach
August 5-6, 2017 Vol. 125, No. 155 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢
Budget, Russell property purchase on council agenda By MITCH SNEED Editor
Approval of a 2016/17 budget of about $50 million and the purchase of 17 acres in the former Russell Corp. complex will be taken up by the Alexander City City Council Monday night. While the city has been operating
on the previous year’s budget, the proposed budget will put the city in position to use the actual numbers in this budget and be in position to start the 2017/18 budget on the heels of this approval, city officials say. The proposed budget is about $3 million more than the previous budget, but revenue is about 10 percent higher than last year.
There are no across-the-board pay increases for employees in the proposed budget, but it does allow for step increases, longevity increases and pay hikes awarded as certifications and degrees are earned. The budget, if passed when the council brings it to a vote in August, will include a few new positions that have been requested previously.
The budget does allow for hiring a code enforcement officer in the police department. The department has been without one for almost four years and the duty of enforcement had been handed over to the building department. As a result, many citizens have complained ordinances were not being See COUNCIL • Page 3
Felony charges filed against repo personnel By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
Two individuals attempting to repossess a vehicle were arrested following a police chase Thursday. Charles Steven Denney, 34, and Matthew Wayne Denney, 27, both of Alexander City were arrested following an attempted automobile repossession and the ensuing chase with law enforcement in downtown Alexander City. “Charles Denney was arrested for attempting to elude, possession of marijuana second, possession of drug paraphernalia and impersonating See REPO • Page 3
THE ‘OLD’ MAN AND THE SHOVEL
School starts Monday as final spots filled
Coosa resident proves age is no reason to slow down By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
Down the road, over the hill and through the woods just off the back roads in Coosa County are two unknown parks – Swan Lake Park and Big Foot Park. If you find them, you will notice they are directly across the road from each other on Coosa County Road 101. There you will find the Wall of Jericho, Mr. and Mrs. King Kong, Jesus, Hitler, Bigfoot, Godzilla, Uncle Tom’s cabin, “Ltrro the Bull,” Sleepy Hollow, Slave Row and several handdug pools The miniature creations are from the hands and shovel of life-long Coosa County resident Levi Leonard who
turned 86 years old this past year. “Age ain’t nothing but a feeling,” Leonard said. “It is only a number. It’s all in the mind.” Given his age, one might think Leonard takes his time constructing the displays. “I only get two hours of sleep a night,” Leonard said. “I don’t get tired.” Big Foot Park, Leonard’s newest park, has been under construction for only the last year. It contains historical pieces like a big cast iron pot, a wash pot complete with washboard, a corn shuck mop, tar pit and syrup tray. As you enter the park be sure to See LEONARD • Page 10
By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Top: Levi Leonard makes a small repair to his Big Foot that is next to Pegleg Annie Disco Dancer at the entrance to Big Foot Park. Bottom: Leonard checks on Mr. and Mrs. King Kong that are at the end of the Wall of Jericho.
Local church to hold back-to-school cookout
See BOE • Page 3
School supplies readily available throughout town
By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
The student ministry of Sixth Street Baptist Church in Alexander City will be hosting a back-to-school cookout Wednesday at Strand Park. “We’ll be cooking hamburgers and hot dogs, and we’ll have sides like baked beans and chips and dessert,” said Student Minister Brandon Keel. Aimed mainly for students between seventh grade and college, attendees See COOKOUT • Page 3
School starts Monday in both Alexander City as well as Tallapoosa County. While students are getting ready for the big day, a special called meeting of the Alexander City Board of Education was held Friday in order to approve personnel matters that had arisen over the course of the week. Alexander City Middle School social sciences teacher Theo Moore and bus driver
Today’s
Weather
88 70 High
By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Kindergartener Addison J Azlin carries his supplies into Jim Pearson Elementary School as he and his mother attend open house Wednesday.
“PROVIDING QUALITY ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION SINCE 1961”
WANTED: SEASONED BUSINESS/ COMMERCIAL LAWYER!
Bill’s Electric
We are currently in need of the services of a Seasoned Business/ Commercial lawyer with great legal attitudes, dependable, with an eye for detail and the ability to work in a fastpaced environment. Could be full time w/beneÀts or part time.
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS
(256) 234-4555 1814 Airport Blvd • Alexander City, AL
Refer resume to:
Robert:rsearles0556 @gmail.com
As the final weekend of summer begins, organizations everywhere are working to help out parents and students get the supplies they need to be successful for another year. Supply giveaway events are popping up all over the place, properly equipping young scholars with the tools of success. This afternoon from 2 until 4 p.m., GAP See SUPPLIES • Page 3
Low
Lake Martin
Lake Levels
490.55 Reported on 08/04/17 @ 6 p.m.
LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443
laceyshowell@gmail.com 5295 Highway 280, Alex City, AL
6
54708 90050
8
USPS Permit # 013-080
FIRMLY ROOTED IN LAKE MARTIN AND HERE TO STAY.
FREE CONSULTATIONS
Evening & Weekend Appointments Available Upon Request
256-329-1313 • 217 Madison Street, Alexander City, AL “We are a Debt Relief Agency. We help people file Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 under the Bankruptcy Code. Alabama State Bar requires the following in every attorney advertisement, “ No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”