WEDNESDAY
THE OPINION, PAGE 4 Trump, Shelby set conservative track for courts
SPORTS, PAGE 10
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892
January 23, 2019 Vol. 127, No. 16 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢
Wildcats take to the hardwood against Opelika
Alex City says yes to pay raises, rezones property Council may consider more pay for advanced fire personnel By JIMMY WIGFIELD Managing Editor
Submitted / The Outlook
Kirk Jay, top left, Teddy Gentry, top right, John Ford Coley, bottom left, and Lenny LeBlanc will be at the Benjamin Russell auditorium Thursday at 7 p.m.
‘The Heart Behind the Music’ Legendary artists to visit Alex City on Thursday night
By MICHAEL BIRD For The Outlook
Legendary musicians Teddy Gentry, John Ford Coley and Lenny LeBlanc and one special guest will visit Alexander City on Thursday night for “The Heart Behind The Music,” a songwriters showcase sponsored by Alex City Arts.
Today’s
Weather 61 36 High
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Alabama native Kirk Jay, a finalist on NBC’s “The Voice,” will join the trio of internationally known artists who will take the stage at 7 p.m. at the Benjamin Russell auditorium to treat the audience to songs and stories. Gentry is, of course, one of the members of the ultra-successful Fort Payne-based country music group
Alabama. Gentry was selected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005 along with his partners, Randy Owen and Jeff Cook. Gentry co-wrote many of the group’s hits, including “How Do I Fall in Love?” “Why Lady Why?” “My Home’s in Alabama,” “Fallin’ Again,” “Give Me One More Shot” and “Sad Lookin’ Moon.” See CONCERT • Page 3
Alexander City’s City Council approved pay raises Tuesday night for 44 employees, mainly with the fire department, but the committee recommending the increases may examine ways to shift additional money to those with more advanced training. The council voted unanimously to approve a third phase of pay raises for city employees totaling $48,000 for the rest of the fiscal year. The raises for firefighter/EMTs, firefighter/advanced EMTs and firefighter/paramedics are 3.5 percent based on salaries in comparable cities, according to Alexander City human resources director Kathy Railey. Fire chief Reese McAlister said he appreciates the pay raises but wants the council to examine paying more to the firefighter/paramedics and firefighter/ advanced EMTs. “We’re having a hard time keeping them retained,” McAlister said. “Other cities are hiring them away. I’d like to see more money go to the advanced-level trained people.” Councilmember Bobby Tapley, who oversees the public safety committee, agreed, saying, “We don’t want to lose those people.” McAlister said he has asked for a 7 percent increase for firefighter/paramedics and 3½ percent for firefighter/advanced EMTs, with no increases for basic firefighters. “Our pay grades go in 3½ percent steps, so we’d be using the same money” currently approved for raises, McAlister said. McAlister said the fire department consists of 68 positions, although some part-time positions are not filled, and 14 work each shift. After a year-long study, the council has approved pay increases for 134 employees totaling $298,350 annually, including benefits, Railey said. Tuesday night, the council also approved pay increases of 3 percent for See COUNCIL • Page 12
Food Bank of East Alabama collects food for area residents Editor’s Note: This is part of a series of profiles on the 28 agencies that receive funding through the Lake Martin Area United Way. Currently, the United Way is holding its 2019 fundraising campaign, “Be a Lifesaver of Hope.” To learn how to help, contact the United Way at 256-329-3600 or at www.unitedwaylakemartin.org.
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USPS Permit # 013-080
Lake Martin
Lake Levels
485.44 Reported on 1/22/19 @ 1 p.m.
LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443
laceyshowell@gmail.com 5295 Highway 280, Alex City, AL
By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
Hunger is a quiet problem which wears many faces. According to the organization Feeding America, one in eight Americans struggle with hunger every day. No matter what hunger may look like in the community, there are agencies ready to help tackle the problem and provide for those in need, such as the Food Bank of East Alabama. The Auburn-based food bank serves Tallapoosa, Macon, Lee, Randolph, Chambers, Russell and Barbour counties. According to director Martha Henk, the
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Full-time. Must have experience. • Great Pay with Benefits • BCBS Insurance
File / The Outlook
The Food Bank of East Alabama collects donations of food and money to help serve numerous food pantries in the area that serve those with food insecurities.
food bank does not directly distribute the items it collects to the public. Instead, the food goes to non-profit agencies
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Cars• Vans• Trucks • SUV’s
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and churches which engage in their own outreach programs in their communities. See UNITED WAY • Page 12
We Care About You and Your Loved Ones!
•Home-like Environment • Specialized Dementia Care Unit •Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy Services
A DAMS HEALTH & REHAB 1555 HILLABEE STREET • (256) 329-0847