OPINION: SENATOR RECAPS 2016 LEGISLATIVE SESSION, PAGE 4.
TUESDAY
THE WHAT’S UP? City council to meet and more inside! Page 5.
DRAWING CROWDS Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 July 5, 2016
Vol. 124, No. 134
www.alexcityoutlook.com
12U baseball tourney brings 1,000 into town. Sports, Page 10.
Family escapes injury after boat catches fire By MITCH SNEED Editor
A family of five and their pet Brittany Spaniel miraculously escaped injury Sunday when their boat caught fire and burned on Lake Martin. At about 2 p.m., the boat was in an area not far from Bay Pines across from Young Island when a fire broke out in the area of the engine. Two adults, two teens, a toddler and the dog were all on the 2006 Correct Craft, which was
a complete loss “We are all OK,” said Nicki Bryant, who stood at Wind Creek Marina with her family after being brought back to safety by Marine Police. “Thank heaven for so many good people on the lake.” All five members of the Sylacauga family and the dog went overboard quickly and were picked up by a nearby boat. Two marine police boats, a Tow BoatU.S. boat and countless other private boats came to See BOAT • Page 3
Ron Bronson / Special to The Outlook
A family of five escaped injury after a fire consumed their boat while enjoying Lake Martin Sunday afternoon.
Qualifying begins for city races
Holiday weekend showcases how our area is truly blessed
Alex City, Dadeville, New Site and Jacksons Gap prepare for elections
Lake Martin community celebrates holiday with heart
By MITCH SNEED and CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writers
T
he holiday weekend in the Lake Martin community was another prime example of why we are blessed to live where we do. Great events put on by MITCH volunteers, fun at Lake SNEED Martin and instances Editor where the good in people was on display through made the 2016 Independence Day weekend a memorable one. In Hackneyville Saturday night a crowd that was estimated to be more than 3,000 strong filled the grounds of the community center to listen to great music, socialize, have fun and see an incredible fireworks show. The event is one of the largest fundraisers for the Hackneyville Volunteer Fire Department and this year’s event was incredible. Even through the sweltering heat, there was a festive mood throughout the six-hour celebration of America’s Freedom. From kids making big splashes on an aquatic slide, to adults clapping their hands and dancing to the music, there were plenty of Kodak moments. See WEEKEND • Page 2
Today’s
Weather
91 74 High
Low
Lake Martin
Lake Levels
489.87 Reported on 7/4/16 @ 11 a.m.
LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443
laceyshowell@gmail.com 5295 Highway 280, Alex City, AL
6
54708 90050 USPS Permit # 013-080
8
Let the races begin. It’s municipal election time and today is the first official day that candidates can qualify to run for city council or mayor in Alexander City and the rest of the county’s municipalities. Alexander City City Clerk Harriett Scott will begin taking candidate forms this morning at 8 a.m. and interested candidates must qualify by July 19 at 5 p.m. Those are the important dates leading up to the Aug. 23 municipal election day. “Those are dates mandated by state law,” Scott said. “The state has very specific dates and procedures laid out. Anyone who is interested, they can contact me and I have packets available with all the relevant See QUALIFY • Page 3
INSIDE PAGE 4 Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
Fireworks explode over Benjamin Russell High School during Sunday night’s Alexander City Celebrates Freedom event which was sponsored by Marshall Street Church of God and Alexander City. More than 3,000 people attended the event. For pictures from Independence Day events see page 9.
Letter to the editor from City Councilman Tony Goss includes a big election announcement.
Bunn continues to make progress By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
Less than two weeks after a double lung transplant, Tallapoosa County’s Ashley Bunn is in a step-down unit at Duke University Medical Center and is posting her own updates. “Monday was the first update she posted to Facebook herself,” said Ashley Benton who has been working with family and others to help coordinate fundraising efforts. “I talked to her last night on the phone and she sounded a little stronger. She is breathing 100 percent on her on. Every test they have done has been great.” Bunn is making great progress on See BUNN • Page 3
Submitted / The Outlook
Ashley Bunn gives two thumbs up to moving to the step-down unit at Duke University Medical Center. Bunn recently completed a mile and half walk. That walk did not leave her breathless, according to her father.
John McKelvey / Special to The Outlook
One LifeFlight helicopter takes off as another awaits to transport a second person after an early Monday morning crash on Horseshoe Bend Road. Alabama Law Enforcement Agencies Troopers, Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department and New Site Police all responded to the scene. According to ALEA, a Ford Escort was the lone vehicle involved and two occupants were ejected as the vehicle caught fire as a result of the crash. Both occupants were transported, but conditions and further details were not available as Troopers continued their investigation.
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