SNEED TALKS ABOUT SUN FESTIVAL’S IMPACT, PAGE 4.
RUNNIN’ UNNIN’ REBELS
THE
Reeltown concentrates on conditioning, page 8.
FRIDAY
TREASURE HUN HUNT Get the latest clue to find your ‘Pie in the Sky,’ page 6.
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 July 24, 2015 Vol. 123, No. 147 www.alexcityoutlook.com
Council rift comes to a head
Work session turns ugly as talk of trust and communication surface By Mitch Sneed Outlook Editor
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
PRAISE, PIES AND GOOD TIMES
Public works reorganization, a soccer complex sidewalk and gymnastics were supposed to be the main topics of discussion at a Alexander City City Council work session, but it was apparent that a lack of communication and trust was what was really on their minds. After a lengthy discussion on the public works reorganization and who could best build a sidewalk, emotions boiled over and council members Bob Howard and Tony Goss tangled over a lack of communication. “Why is it that we are finding out things tonight, that we have never known before,” Goss said. “That takes us to communication. We should have known about these projects, but instead two of you go meet with the mayor and are making decisions without bothering to let us know. Start telling us things and you will be amazed at how things change.” Howard said he has apologized “a hundred times.” “We’ve said we handled things wrong, See COUNCIL, Page 3
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
Thursday was a big day for Sun Festival. Top, Karen Peck and New River entertained a big crowd at Benjamin Russell Thursday night for Celebrate the Son, sponsored by Radney Funeral Home. Above, Mattie Howard celebrates after winning the RMC Pie Baking Contest with her Kentucky Pie. Anna Lise Greeg, 16 months of Alexander City eats her ice cream sundae at Carlise’s for the KidsFest Build Your Own Sundae. For a full schedule of what’s happening today and this weekend at Sun Festival, see page 5 inside.
Canoe trail to be dedicated today Staff Report Outlook Staff
After nearly two years of work and preparation, a new canoe trail for the Tallapoosa River will be officially opened today. A ribbon cutting and dedication of the trail will take place at Horseshoe Bend National Military Park in Daviston on this morning at 10 a.m. The new informational map brochures and signs will also be revealed. The event is open to special guests and members of the press. The canoe trail will designate 25 miles of the 258 total miles of the Tallapoosa River Cliff Williams / The Outlook
‘Coffee Corner’ wins MainStreet’s Missing Piece competition
Today’s
Weather
90 72 High
Low
By Mitch Sneed
Lake Martin
Lake Levels
489.22 Reported on 7/23/15 @ 6 p.m.
Linda Shaffer, REALTOR® C: 256.794.4641 • W: 256.329.5253 shaffer@lakemartin.net 5295 Highway 280, Alexander City, AL
6
54708 90050
See RIVER, Page 3
8
Outlook Editor
MainStreet Alexander City has found “The Missing Piece.” It was announced Thursday that a business concept known as “The Coffee Corner” topped two other finalists in a close competition that included voting on paper, online and through social media. The Coffee Corner was proposed by Mary Elizabeth Vardaman, who owns and operates Top Flight
USPS Permit # 013-080
Now Playing:
Minions (3D) – PG Pixels (3D) – PG-13 Antman (3D) – PG-13
Gymnastics and Cheer on Cherokee Road along with her husband Alex. “The Coffee Corner would not only be a coffee shop and gathering place, but would also roast its own coffees for use and sale and will sell pastries baked fresh daily, bagels, croissants and healthy sandwiches, like chicken salad and tuna salad, for lunch,” Vardaman said on her application. The Coffee Corner edged See BUSINESS, Page 3
Submitted / The Outlook
Pictured at the awards presentation are front ,from left Stephanie Smith, Mary Elizabeth Vardaman, Alex Vardaman, Sarah Neighbors and back, Denise Walls, Richard Wagoner.