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Will special session result in budget? Opinions vary on how a deal could be reached and if gambling money will play a role Outlook Staff Writer
FORECAST
LOCAL NEWS
Alexander City’s state lawmakers are hopeful that when the special session of the Alabama Legislature reconvenes on Monday, a solution to the state’s general fund budget shortfall will be workable. “I sincerely hope we can pass a general fund budget,” said Sen. Tom Whatley of Alexander City, who represents Senate District 27. “There have been some good discussions. There’s no consensus, but I believe we’ve made progress toward a solution that will both
shore up the general fund and protect Medicaid and the prison system.” Rep. Mark Tuggle of Alexander City represents House District 81. While he agreed with Whatley, his tone was a bit more subdued. “We’ve had a couple of meetings with committees and we’re still meeting,” Tuggle said. “We have a caucus meeting (Tuesday). Then the leadership will get together and we’ll start to get a feel for what we might be able to get through both (the House and the Senate).” Lawmakers will reconvene on
Monday after meeting for 20 minutes on July 13, then adjourning without accepting introductions of any bills in Bentley’s $302 million tax increase plan. The Legislature was expecting the special session to be convened in Tuggle the middle of August, allowing time for meetings and discussions on the solution to the crisis prior to its start. In fact, members of the legislative leadership said they had been told by Bentley to expect an August start. As a whole, the body was shocked at Bentley’s call to See SESSION, Page A6 Whatley
Aulner named new HSB principal
Sure Shot open in its new location Former Sears building offers almost twice the space
By David Granger
Justin Bishop featured on ESPN2 tonight at 8 p.m.
If you are in front on the television tonight and are looking for something to watch, check out ESPN 2 at 8 p.m. and you may see a familiar local face. Alexander City’s own Justin Bishop will be seen in the World Armwrestling League Regionals from Las Vegas. The competition was taped earlier this month and while Bishop was mum on exactly how he finished, let’s just say a big smile came across his face when he talked about it. In 2014, Bishop won three Ultimate Armwrestling League tournaments including the UAL 8 Middleweight Championship and is a two-time SEC Champion a three-time time Alabama State Champion with both arms and has taken state crowns in Georgia, Louisiana and Tennessee.
Dobbs Road to again be closed today
The Alexander City Sewer Department will again close Dobbs Road at the intersection of North Central Avenue today. This road will be open only to local traffic and will likely remain closed until Friday. All through traffic will be detoured. Please avoid this area if at all possible.
Dadeville standout makes his college choice known via social media. Page B1.
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 July 29, 2015 Vol. 123, No. 150 www.alexcityoutlook.com
By David Granger
THE FORECAST FROM ABC 33/40’s JAMES SPANN: Rain chance will be on the way up for the second half of the week. We are forecasting hot and very humid days, highs in the low to mid 90s. There is a risk of scattered showers and storms, mostly during the afternoon and evening hours. We do expect an increase in the number of showers and storms by Thursday, as a surface front approaches the state.
BIG DEAL
Outlook Staff Writer
By David Granger
James Aulner was selected by the Tallapoosa County Board of Education Tuesday as the new principal at Horseshoe Bend School, Aulner according to Joe Windle, superintendent of the Tallapoosa County Schools. Aulner was selected from among six candidates and was the unanimous choice of the board, Windle said. “In the interview process, he received the top marks,” Windle said. “He has the skill set that we’re looking for. He has a lot of leadership experience both in the military and in education. “He’s very familiar with the faculty
Outlook Staff Writer
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Still a little scared and in shock following the ordeal and rescue, the kitten pulled from under a car is now doing well and very active, officials say.
‘A LITTLE SPITFIRE’ Rescued kitten doing well awaiting adoption By Cliff Williams Outlook Staff Writer
Readers and those who saw the story on the kitten that was rescued from the undercarriage of a car at the fire department over a week ago has been overwhelming. People were asking if the cat was doing well and how they could adopt the kitten. Wednesday officials confirmed that is still at the Lake
See AULNER, Page A6
Martin Animal Shelter and is proving to be an active little critter. “The kitten is still boarding with us,” Shelter director Mia Chandler said. “It is a little spitfire. It is not yet that totally loving and cuddly kitten that everyone likes but we have paired with another orphan kitten and that seems to be working well. It will be up for adoption at some See KITTEN, Page A5
Ask The Sure Shot owner Woody Baird about business at his new U.S. 280 location and he can hardly suppress the smile. “We’ve seen a big difference in foot traffic since we opened,” said Baird. “This week there hasn’t hardly been any time when I’m standing behind the counter here that I haven’t had people in front of me.” Baird moved from 1891 Robinson Road to the new location, opening at 3862 Highway 280 on June 13. In addition to making Baird’s business more visible, the move allowed an increase in retail space from 2,500 square feet to 4,700 square feet. In addition, Baird added See BUSINESS, Page A5
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
The Sure Shot’s is now open at its new location at 3862 Highway 280.
Lake Martin Bama Club honored as nation’s best By Mitch Sneed Outlook Editor
Lake Martin
Lake Levels
489.16 Reported on 7/28/15 @ 1 p.m.
Linda Shaffer, REALTOR® C: 256.794.4641 • W: 256.329.5253 shaffer@lakemartin.net 5295 Highway 280, Alexander City, AL
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54708 90050 USPS Permit # 013-080
It’s like an expansion baseball team winning the World Series in just its second season. That’s the way one person described the most recent win for the Lake Martin Bama Club. The University of Alabama National Alumni Association named the Lake Martin Bama Club the National Chapter of the Year. The announcement came last Friday at the new Embassy Suites Hotel in Tuscaloosa. Officials cited the $77,000 in scholarship money raised as well as the innovative event planning like Willie Carl Martin Day in Alexander City, which honored the local football legend and former Alabama assistant
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See CLUB, Page A6
Submitted / The Outlook
Pictured from left at the awards ceremony are Secretary Kay Thomas, Gary Thomas, President Luke Robinson, Jane King, Past President Buddy King, UA President Dr. Stewart Bell, Nancy Hodges and John Hodges District NAA Vice President.
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