KIDS TELL US HOW TO COOK A TURKEY AND WHAT THEY ARE THANKFUL FOR, INSIDE.
THE
THURSDAY
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 November 26, 2015 Vol. 123, No. 236 www.alexcityoutlook.com
Officials remind shoppers to beware
Troopers plan to be out in force Aim is to have a safe holiday travel period Staff Report Outlook Staff
The Alabama Law Enforcement’s (ALEA) Thanksgiving plan is to schedule extra-duty patrols to ensure motorists safely make it to and from their holiday destinations. Through midnight Sunday, Nov. 29, all available Alabama State Troopers will patrol the state’s roadways, enforcing traffic laws and assisting travelers. To further enhance enforcement efforts, ALEA will partner with local law enforcement across the state to create a highly visible presence. “We are committed to ensuring public safety and preventing crimes and traffic violations that lead to deaths and injuries,” Secretary of Law Enforcement Spencer Collier said. “We will not tolerate individuals who are driving under the influence, and Troopers will arrest the impaired drivers.” During the 2014 Thanksgiving period, Troopers assigned to the Highway Patrol Division investigated six traffic fatalities, including two individuals who were killed while riding an ATV. Of the other four individuals killed, only two were using seat belts at the time of the deadly crashes. ALEA and its law enforcement partners rely on members of the public to help promote safety during the long holiday weekend. Collier said, “I urge you to See ALEA, Page 3
Today’s
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Simple steps can make it less likely that you will become a victim of thieves this holiday season By Mitch Sneed Outlook Editor
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Goodwater’s Constance Young pumps gas at Jet Pep on Highway 280 Wednesday taking advantage of the lowest gas prices in years. Gas prices in the area are dipping below $1.80 just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday.
THANKS FOR THE TANK
Thanksgiving travelers see lowest prices in 6 years By Corey Arwood Outlook Staff Writer
With the holidays comes travel and for those that are driving long hours to see friends and family there is one more thing to add to the list of thankful for’s. Gas prices might not qualify among things to be thankful for along the lines of health and loved ones, but anyone that has to commute any distance can at least be glad for the low prices. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, which has records dating back to 1993, gas prices have reached 2009 prices. Gas prices are at record lows as far as recession prices go and are the lowest since it began, which is generally said to
be around 2008. The Outlook went to the pump to check the buzz around town, and see what holiday travelers had to say. The lowest prices in town were just off of Highway 280 and dipped down to $1.75 at the Jet-pep and Murphy USA gas stations. Some people were happy about the prices, some were relieved, others said the decrease did not go far enough. Some were mad that they ever rose that high to begin with. Hazel Rhodes travels two hours from Birmingham to Alexander City for her job as a traveling nurse. She said that she was filling up for the See GAS, Page 3
This time of year most people who are headed to stores to shop are more concerned with finding the gift and avoiding the onslaught of shoppers than being safe. Statistics show that the holiday season is one where criminals take advantage of people who don’t take steps to make themselves harder targets. From protecting your purchases and belongings to making sure that your children and home are safe throughout the season, Alexander City Police Chief Willie Robinson said being aware is the key. “It’s the holidays and the bad guys know that too,” Robinson said. “The best thing you can do is to always think ahead and make it as hard on a person with criminal intent as you possibly can.” Robinson said that with added traffic and being rushed, it is easy to let down your guard. “We are blessed here in that Alexander City is a pretty safe place with good people,” Robinson said. “But even so, bad things can happen. So while you are out shopping and thinking about the holidays, we ask that you think safety as well.” From keeping valuables secure and out of sight, to simply holding your child’s hand when in busy parking lots, little things make a big difference. Here are tips local law enforcement officials suggest to stay safe: ڦMake plans when shopping with children to reunite in case you get separated. Always be mindful ofyoung children in parking lots, holding their hands as a precaution. See SAFETY, Page 3
Two groups to offer meals today for the community By Cliff Williams Outlook Staff Writer
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54708 90050
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USPS Permit # 013-080
Lake Martin
Lake Levels
482.52
Reported on 11/25/15 @ 2 p.m.
Linda Shaffer, REALTOR® C: 256.794.4641 • W: 256.329.5253 shaffer@lakemartin.net 5295 Highway 280, Alexander City, AL
There is no need to be alone or eat a cold meal today as several area churches have options for those looking for or needing a warm meal and some camaraderie. River of Life, Marshall Street, West End, Family Life Liberty Life Worship Center, Passion Church and Church of God of Prophecy churches are partnering to offer a free Thanksgiving Community Dinner at the Benjamin Russell High School Cafeteria from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Trinity United Methodist Church is offering a meal in their fellowship hall, something they have been doing for the last seven years. “It is just a blessing to be able to serve,” said Nancy Miller, Outreach team leader at Trinity. “We are all blessed.” The meal was started to help those less fortunate. “We started it because we found some people that could See THANKSGIVING, Page 3
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
John McLain, left, pours chicken broth in the dressing as Billie Turner and Frank Coupland mix all together Wednesday as the trio helps prepare the Thanksgiving meal at Trinity United Methodist Church. The meal will be served today to about 200 guests that picked up free tickets.