Jan. 5-6, 2019 Alex City Outlook

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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.

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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

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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.

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