OPINION: PROGRAMS KEEP CHILDREN LEARNING THIS SUMMER. PAGE 4.
TUESDAY
THE TASSLE TOSS RECAP!
Graduation photos , page 10.
WHITEWATER FESTIVAL COMING SOON!
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 May 31, 2016
Vol. 124, No. 108
Sports, Page 12.
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Local lawmakers hope to keep armory open STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
In 2015, the Alabama National Guard announced 19 National Guard armories around the state would close because of budget cuts. As part of its “Twenty-Five Year Master Plan,” the National Guard announced it would close or consolidate 15 armories by 2017, including the armory in Alexander City. Sen. Tom Whatley (R-Auburn), Sen. Clyde Chambliss (R-Prattville) and Rep. Mark Tuggle (R-Alexander City) have worked feverishly over the past year to prevent the
closure of Alexander City’s armory. “It is imperative we get Alexander City’s armory off the list of sites to be closed,” said Whatley. “To that end, I worked hard in this year’s legislative session to include an increase in the budget for our National Guard units, something we were able to achieve, even when a lot of state agencies were cut or merely level-funded.” The fiscal year 2017 state budget increases the National Guard’s funding by 2.78% over the current year. “I have been a strong supporter of the National Guard units in our state – several
years ago, I was the principal House sponsor of a $50 million bond issue to increase revenue for our Guard units,” Tuggle said. “I pushed hard to ensure this year’s state budget increased funds for the Guard and have made it clear to the National Guard’s commanders why Alexander City’s armory should be removed from the list of potential closures.” The Alabama National Guard’s 214th Military Police Company is stationed at the Alexander City armory and has a $1 million annual economic impact on the surrounding area. Whatley says he is cautiously optimistic
8 arrested for underage drinking at lake party
Alexander City’s armory will be kept open. “There has been a lot of progress made over the past few months, a lot of discussions happening behind the scenes, but we aren’t out of the woods yet. The armory is a key hub for Tallapoosa County and we are going to do everything we can to keep it open,” Whatley stated. “I want to thank Rep. Tuggle and Sen. Chambliss for their help - this has been a team effort.” Whatley has served for more than 25 years in the Alabama Army National Guard and currently holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Area pauses to pay tribute to fallen veterans Bill Nichols Veterans Home celebrates Memorial Day
Officials report no other major incidents on the water
By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
By MITCH SNEED Editor
For eight young people, their holiday weekend at the lake ended with a ride to jail rather than a boat ride on the lake. The Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department reported making eight arrests for underage possession and consumption of alcohol late Sunday evening after residents in the Turner Road area of Lake Martin complained about loud music and possible underage drinking, according to Sheriff Jimmy Abbett. “We received a call at 7:56 Sunday evening about excessive noise including music,” Abbett said. “I think most people are pretty understanding about that because it is a recreational area, but when it continues and appears to be out of hand that’s when they call us. “We responded and found that a group of people had come to a lake house and were having a party of sorts and it was determined that there were many participants who were underage See ARRESTS • Page 3
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Above, Senior Master Sgt. Nicholas T. Taylor delivers his keynote remarks to Nichols Veterans Home Memorial Day crowd. Left, Alexander City Police Honor Guard prepares for 21-gun salute to fallen American military heroes.
A crowd of approximately 150 U.S. armed forces veterans, their family members and other guests Monday heard U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Nicholas T. Taylor deliver a rousing remembrance of fallen and living heroes at the Bill Nichols State Veterans Home annual Memorial Day Tribute. “Freedom is not free,” Taylor said. “It requires American heroes to put themselves in harm’s way, to raise their hands and say, ‘I volunteer. I will go. Send me, Mr. President.’ Even when they know the cost is potentially high, these American heroes will raise their hand and say, ‘I will go.’ Even when their comrades are killed or severely injured in their presence, they will say, ‘Sir, Ma’am, send me. I will go.’ Many of you in this room saluted smartly and said, ‘Send me. I will go.’” Taylor gave his remarks to an attentive crowd as the American, Alabama, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marines and U.S. Coast Guard flags flew adjacent to the stage, posted there by the Alexander City Honor Guard. Most of the crowd was gathered beneath the new pavilion out front of the newly remodeled facility. Only a few people were forced into the sunshine. See NICHOLS • Page 3
Bank Walkers to be featured at Thursday’s Strand Session
Today’s
Weather
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By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Members of the Bank Walkers perform during last weekend’s RXRFest and will be back on the stage Thursday night at Strand Park.
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With its initial Thursday afternoon of music in Strand Park well-attended and successful, Lake Martin Young Professionals are readying for the second installment in the new Strand Sessions concert series. Dallas Dorsey of Opelika performed May 5 before a crowd of approximately 250 music lovers who took the opportunity to hear some live music, socialize with friends, partake of food and refreshments and enjoy the beauty of Alexander City’s downtown area, “We think it was a great event,” said Jacob Meacham of LMYP. “We’re excited about the future installments. “The Alexander City City Council should be commended for issuing a special events permit to LMYP for the four-part series, which allows for the use of the park and for attendees to bring beverages of their choice. The Alexander City Police Department provided security, and although the event was incident free, it’s very comforting knowing that safety is provided by our local law enforcement and that our group has ACPD’s endorsement for events like Strand Sessions.” See STRANDS • Page 3
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