Weekend The Outlook
OPINION, PAGE 4 Readers have questions, concerns
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892
January 5-6, 2019 Vol. 127, No. 4 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢
Momentous vote ahead on Russell project Mayor still expects passage on Monday as wavering councilmembers mull decisions By JIMMY WIGFIELD Managing Editor
In a decision that could shape economic development and public services for years to come, the Alexander City City Council will vote Monday night whether to spend $9 million for property that would result in
moving the seat of government out of downtown and near U.S. Highway 280. Supporters of the proposal, most notably Alexander City Mayor Jim Nabors, view the move to the former Russell Sales Office and out of aging and scattered quarters in and around downtown as a major step in making the municipality’s utilities, police, fire
and public works more efficient while also establishing a crown jewel to attract new businesses along Highway 280. Critics contend the move would damage downtown merchants and is a financial folly the city cannot afford. On Dec. 17, the council split 3-3 on a proposal to immediately consider
the project, delaying a decision for three weeks. Another 3-3 vote Monday night would kill the proposal but two councilmembers who voted no said they are willing to vote in favor of the project. A 4-2 majority is needed to send the proposal to Nabors, who said he would See VOTE • Page 3
SPORTS | PAGE 12
MIDTERM GRADES Read how area basketball teams are stacking up so far
LOCAL | PAGE 3
BLOOD DRIVE
No injuries in house fire
A homeowner, right center, is carried to the back of an ambulance to be checked out after his A Street home, above, caught on fire Friday afternoon.
By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
Firefighters with the Alexander City Fire Department made quick work of a fire on A Street Friday afternoon. Three trucks and an ambulance responded to a 911 call of a house fire at 3:15 p.m. Friday to find smoke coming from eaves and soffits of a home. Smoke had stopped billowing from the home by 3:40 p.m. as some firefighters started to gather on the lawn to
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Today’s
Weather
58 39 High
Low
Lake Martin
Lake Levels
488.26 Reported on 01/04/19 @ 3 p.m.
LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443
laceyshowell@gmail.com 5295 Highway 280, Alex City, AL
6
54708 90050
take a break by drinking water. “It started in the kitchen,” Alexander City fire chief Reese McAlister said after coming from inside the home. “The house was pretty tight. It almost had itself out.” While no one was injured, the homeowner was checked by fire department medics. Jefferson Street was also closed for a short time as fire hoses crossed the road to get to a hydrant. Traffic was redirected through the parking lot of Great Bethel Missionary Baptist Church.
Red Cross in town Monday
NEWS | PAGE 11
RUSSELL PROJECT See what Guest House would be used for
Public dumpsters going away, officials say By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
A trash program to help with illegal dumping is being halted just months after it started. “Build it and they will come,” City of Alexander City Public Works facility maintenance superintendent Kirk Mickaels said. “I thought it would work, but we have had to pull the plug on it because it was abused.” Mickaels said things came to a head after the holidays. “I came in Wednesday morning and it was just everywhere,” he said. “The dumpsters were overflowing. Trash was on the ground and leaning up against them.” Mickaels said public works and Advanced Disposal quietly placed five dumpsters on a lot behind the public works building three months ago. The dumpsters were being emptied twice a week. The dumpsters had signs listing who could use them and for what purpose. His idea was to help two city employees whose sole
8
See DUMPSTERS • Page 9
USPS Permit # 013-080
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
+
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Trash overruns the five dumpsters at the Alexander City Public Works shop Friday afternoon. The dumpsters were being provided for free but due to this type of abuse, the program has stopped for now.
+ Buy
Here + Pay Here + + CLEAN USED CARS No Credit Checks
FREE CONSULTATIONS
Cars• Vans• Trucks • SUV’s
Midway Auto,Inc.
Off Hwy. 280 • Alexander City, AL
“It’s not the end ... It’s a new beginning”
256-329-1313
(On Right Past the River Bridge)
217 Madison Street, Alexander City, AL
256.825.9830
“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.”