INSIDE: Obituaries, Pg. 2 Religion, Pg. 6 Classifieds, Pg. 7 Classifieds, Pg. 9 ‘17 photos, Pg. 10 Giveaway, Pg. 11 Sports, Pg. 12
Weekend OPINION, PAGE 4: PREPARE AHEAD FOR A SAFE NEW YEAR’S EVE
The Outlook
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892
SPORTS, PAGE 12
Wildcats close out win December 30-31, 2017 Vol. 125, No. 259 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢ over Beauregard
A YEAR IN PHOTOS
Synthetic marijuana like this is blamed for several recent incidents where users are experiencing extreme reactions. Submitted / The Outlook
2017 as seen through the lenses of Outlook staff photographers
T
By MITCH SNEED Editor
he Lake Martin community experienced an eventful 2017. From triumph to tragedy, to acts of kindness and heroism to the odd and unusual, our area saw it all. More times than not our journalists were there with camera in hand, catching those moments in real time. Today we offer up 2017 in pictures taken by the Outlook staff. This rescue following a plane crash near Dadeville was captured by our Cliff Williams. Engine failure showed to be the cause of a March 28 plane crash that claimed the life of the passenger and pilot. Pilot David Lee Currier died from injuries received in the crash and post-crash fire April 8 at an Atlanta hospital. His wife of 48 years, Jeanette Carol Currier, was pronounced dead at the crash site. For more images reflecting on the year 2017, see Page 10 inside.
Today’s
Weather
50 29 High
Low
Lake Martin
Lake Levels
483.86 Reported on 12/29/17 @ 5 p.m.
LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443
laceyshowell@gmail.com 5295 Highway 280, Alex City, AL
6
54708
90050
USPS Permit # 013-080
8
Narcotics, guns seized in drug bust Thursday proved to be a busy day for the Alexander City Police Department and the Tallapoosa Smith County Narcotics Task Force, as they worked at least five separate incidents that led to arrests and the seizure of illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia See BUST • Page 3 Wright
Russell
Robinson
Officials offer tips to stay safe in cold temperatures By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
While snow continues to fall across the Great Lakes region and New York gets blasted with record low temperatures, Tallapoosa County will be dealing with winter in its own way over the weekend and into the first days of January 2018. Local officials and businesses offered up tips on how to stay safe, both indoors and outside. Tallapoosa County EMA Director Jason Moran released a statement Friday, detailing what information had come down from the National Weather Service in Birmingham. According to his release, Tallapoosa County could see rain and sleet become a problem See COLD • Page 10
Officials aim to keep roads safe
Beekeeping Symposium set for February
Lake Martin Garage to help in AAA’s New Year Tow for Life
STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
By MITCH SNEED Editor
Drinking and driving over New Year’s Eve is costly when it comes to people’s lives, but it can also cost the driver penalty fees. Tallapoosa County Sheriff Jimmy Abbett and other local law enforcement agencies say that while New Year’s Eve celebrations often include alcohol, drivers should think See SAFETY • Page 3
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
AAA and Lake Martin Garage in Jacksons Gap are again teaming in the Tow For Life program where those who may have had too much to drink on New Year’s Eve can qualify for a free tow. Lake Martin Garage owner Mike Crouch said they will pick you up and tow your car for free within 10 miles. Read about some New Year’s Eve events happening in the area on Page 2 inside.
We Care About You
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System will be holding its 23rd Annual Beekeeping Symposium at the Clanton Conference and Performing Arts Center on Saturday, Feb. 3. Beginning at 8 a.m. and open to anyone with an interest in learning more about the art of beekeeping, the symposium will feature topics catering to both experienced beekeepers See BEEKEEPING • Page 3
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