Weekend SPORTS, PAGE 12: CAL JONES CLIMBS RANKS OF ROYALS’ SYSTEM
The Outlook
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892
July 29-30, 2017 Vol. 125, No. 150 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢
INSIDE TODAY A Newcomer’s Guide
City works toward Russell cleanup solution By MITCH SNEED Editor
Have you ever had a sore that scabs over, but just about the time you think it is well, you bump it against something and knock the scab off? Hurts like the devil doesn’t it? Or how about this? Most of us have experienced the loss of a loved one. That emptiness and hurt fades with time, but then
you run across an old picture, a birthday card or something that reminds you of that person and all the sadness and emotions come rushing back. Know the feeling? Here in Alexander City, people who spent most of their working lives in the buildings of the Russell Corporation bump that scab or see that faded picture almost every day as they drive by the sad mess that remains from the demolition of the structures that housed Russell for
generations. For more than four years people in Alexander City have been waiting for completion of the demolition and cleanup of the buildings on the former Russell Corp. campus. A few days of work will happen, then nothing for months. In February, the last of the walls of the buildings set to come down were razed. With that done, Cliff Williams / The Outlook See RUSSELL • Page 11 Piles of rubble like this cover the former Russell Complex.
‘HARD WORK PAYS OFF’
Camp Hill to hold special meeting
Alexander City native gaining national attention in legal circles
New police officers have started without action from council By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
ome see growing up in a small town as a disadvantage, but Alexander City native F. Jerome Tapley doesn’t see it that way at all. At 41, Tapley is regarded by his peers as one of the best attorneys in the state and nation. The Benjamin Russell High School graduate credits the small town work ethic he experienced here as a big reason for his success. Just last week, Tapley was representing clients against Nissan in a brake defect case in Los Angeles that led to a $25 million verdict following the death of a mother and her two children. “We applaud the jury for their diligence and hard work reviewing the evidence in this case,” Tapley said last week. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who lost their loved ones in this tragic accident that could have been avoided. We hope this verdict will inspire Nissan to step up and take responsibility for the safety of their vehicles so that no one else is killed or injured because of a product Nissan failed to reveal and recall.” The driver of a Nissan vehicle was charged with manslaughter in the case but those charges were dropped after Tapley See TAPLEY • Page 10
The Camp Hill Town Council is holding a special called meeting at 6 p.m. Monday to discuss issues with the small town’s police department. A council police committee meeting was held Thursday night but Mayor Ezell Smith limited the discussion – not committee chair Duane Blackwell. “We are here for two fold,” Smith said Thursday night. “First is to give See POLICE • Page 3
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Long-time minister returns to Alex City By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
Submitted / The Outlook
F. Jerome Tapley researches in his Birmingham office recently.
“I think you can come from a small town and do big things. I think it’s an advantage, frankly. A small town like Alexander City with the cotton mills, the work ethic and the desire to help your neighbor and look out for other folks is really an advantage from my perspective as a lawyer... The folks in Tallapoosa County understand hard work.”
— Jerome Tapley
Today’s
Weather
86 66 High
Low
Lake Martin
Lake Levels
490.58
Reported on 07/28/17 @ 10 a.m.
LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443
laceyshowell@gmail.com 5295 Highway 280, Alex City, AL
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54708 90050 USPS Permit # 013-080
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When Haven Memorial United Methodist Church in Alexander City welcomes its new minister to take the pulpit, they will be opening the doors to a well-known face. Percy Nolan Jr., who preached at the church during the 1980s and early 1990s, will be returning to lead the congregation once again. “I’m elated to have this opportunity to come back. I have an affinity and a high regard for this area,” Nolan said. Describing his life as being all about working in the ministry, he said he has been with several churches during his 40 plus years as a preacher, all of which have been located in the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church. This includes stops See MINISTER • Page 11
Dadeville resident has plans to beautify Keebler Park By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
With its walking trails, picnic pavilions and Imagination Plantation playground, Dadeville’s Keebler Park is a good place to go, relax and spend some time in nature. However, one Dadeville resident has a vision of making Keebler Park into something even bigger and better than it currently is. “Having gone through the park, and visiting other parks around the Southeast, I realized there was the potential for creating an outdoor classroom and interpretive space there,”
said Dianna Porter, who presented her idea to the city council Tuesday night. Porter said she is currently working on a highly detailed set of plans for how to accomplish her ideas, but some of her initial thoughts are closer to fruition than others. “My first plan is to set up a butterfly and rain garden,” she said. “Looking more long-term, I would love for it to become a certified wildlife habitat and bird sanctuary.” As part of her plans, Porter wants to get others in the community involved in
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Keebler Park in Dadeville might be getting some new attractions if Dianna Porter is able See PARK • Page 3 to get things done.
WANTED: SEASONED BUSINESS/ COMMERCIAL LAWYER! We are currently in need of the services of a Seasoned Business/ Commercial lawyer with great legal attitudes, dependable, with an eye for detail and the ability to work in a fastpaced environment. Could be full time w/beneÀts or part time. Refer resume to:
Robert:rsearles0556 @gmail.com