SNEED: DEBATE IS A GOOD THING. PAGE 4
WEDNESDAY
THE A CHANCE TO MEET SANTA Calendar Page 6
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892
December 21, 2016 Vol. 124, No. 255 www.alexcityoutlook.com
Suspect held in attempted murder, kidnapping case By MITCH SNEED Editor
A local woman remains hospitalized in a Birmingham hospital while the man accused of slashing her throat after a domestic altercation is sitting in the Wilcox County Jail awaiting return to Alexander City to face charges. Vasco, Orlando Woods, 43, was arrested in Wilcox County late Monday evening after he fled Alexander City following a incident that occurred at about 8 p.m. on Smith Street in the Spring Hill community of Alexander City. Authorities say charges of attempted murder, kidnapping and theft are pending his return.
“It was a domestic altercation between a boyfriend and girlfriend,” Alexander City Police Department Detective Commander Capt. James Easterwood said. “The argument became physical and the information we have is that the woman was cut on the neck after the suspect produced a knife and used it on her.” Woods then took the victim’s Honda Accord and a minor child that was in the home and fled before police arrived at the scene. An all-points bulletin was issued with a description of Woods, the child and the vehicle that he was believed to be driving. According to court records, the permanent address listed for Woods is in Camden, which is in Wilcox County, where he was
picked up by authorities. “We were in contact with them and they located him and took him into custody,” Easterwood said. “We anticipate going down there Wednesday to search the vehicle, gather evidence and bring him back.” Woods is no stranger to law enforcement. A search of Alabama Court records shows more than 20 arrests for crimes including theft, domestic violence, escape and reckless endangerment. Easterwood said the victim was taken by ambulance to the University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital. The woman is listed in stable condition and is expected to make a full recovery in time.
.5% of sales tax pays for our Sportplex OUR COMMUNITY COLUMNISTS DISH UP HEAPING HELPINGS OF LOCAL NEWS TIDBITS
Flowers, Page 3
Morgan, Page 5
Holt, Page 7
Graham, Page 8
City forced to wait on employee pay study By MITCH SNEED Editor
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Wildcat grapplers take Holtville, Opelika down for the count
It appears that Alexander City will have to wait until next year to have the data it needs to compare employee wages to those paid in other municipalities. The previous city council had allotted about $50,000 to fund a comprehensive pay study and job classification plan through Auburn University’s Center for Governmental Services, but it was learned Monday night that it won’t be ready until spring or summer of next year. Alexander City City Council President Tommy Spraggins said Monday night that officials with the group said that their own personnel issues and reorganization have put the project way behind schedule. “They are behind on that study
BRHS cheerleaders cheer on Jy Harvey as he pins Holtville’s Cameron McCormick. BRHS defeated Holtville and Opelika in a tri-match Tuesday. For more on this week’s matchup see page 8.
Today’s
Weather
62 46 High
Low
Lake Martin
Lake Levels
483.54 Reported on 12/20/16 @ 9 p.m.
LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443
laceyshowell@gmail.com 5295 Highway 280, Alex City, AL
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Nabors says city making progress on financial front
Library gets new learning programs By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
If you are a shade tree mechanic, interested in family history, need to research medical issues or looking to give your toddler a hand up in learning the Adelia M. Russell Memorial Library is a one-stop shop for you. “Thanks to a grants and programs from the Alabama Public Library Service we are able to offer the Chilton Library, Ancestry Library Edition, Merck Manuals and ABCmouse.com to patrons,” Library Director Amy Huff said. “It is all free and right at your finger tips.” See LIBRARY • Page 7
Riverbend Convenience Store
By MITCH SNEED Editor
File / The Outlook
Adelia M. Russell Memorial Library is now able to offer the Chilton Library, Ancestry Library Edition, Merck Manuals and ABCmouse.com due to grants and programs from the Alabama Public Library Service.
Alexander City Mayor Jim Nabors said the city is making progress on the financial statements for previous years, but did not shed any light on when a new budget might be presented for review. Speaking during Monday’s meeting of the Alexander City City Council, Nabors said they are not where they want to be but he does see positive movement “We are making progress on the 2014, 2015 and 2016 financial See FINANCES • Page 11
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