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October 17, 2017 Vol. 125, No. 206 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢
Council votes to sell property, strengthen grease ordinance By MITCH SNEED Editor
The former home of the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce will be sold to the highest bidder and changes are coming for many businesses, churches and daycares as changes were made to the city’s Grease Control Ordinance. The Alexander City City Council voted unanimously to seek sealed bids for the building and property located at the corner of Tallapoosa and Madison streets that served as the home of the Chamber for almost five decades. The building, which is roughly 2,600
square feet, and the adjoining property which includes parking lots is valued at about $170,000. “We did some research of 11 properties around that property and using what the prices were there per square foot, we came up with a reserve that would protect the city from a low offer,” Councilman Bobby Tapley said. The council voted to set the minimum bid at $150,000, but did not set a timetable for the advertisement that announces the seeking of offers from perspective buyers. “We looked and talked with department heads and there really wasn’t another use that the city had for
the property,” said Alexander City Community Development Director Al Jones. “There had been some people who had inquired to see if the city would be willing to sell it. So we felt like this would be the best way to handle it.” The council also approved the cleaning up of its grease ordinance to make it more understandable to people not as versed in sewer matters and added several new provisions. The three changes that will have the greatest impact include grease filter recommendations, a requirement for churches and childcare facilities to comply with the conditions of the ordi-
nance and a requirement for an alternate disposal method and maintenance must be performed at a 90-day minimum for outdoor traps, or at a 14-day minimum for indoor interceptors. Council President Tommy Spraggins said he has heard from several people about the requirement for churches and daycares, but officials said until they start researching what is out there, they are unsure of what the impact will be. In another land related items on Monday’s agenda, the council voted to donate property that is a parking lot on Joseph Street to the Lake Martin Area
Indictment made in Dadevil e arson
See COUNCIL • Page 3
Anderson steps down from county board of education
By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
Michael Paul Ray of Tallassee has been indicted for seconddegree arson in the March fire of a Lafayette Street home in Dadeville. Ray was arrested Saturday and released on $7,500 bond. The Dadeville Police Department has been investigating the incident Paul
By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
See ARSON • Page 2
Oktoberfest brings festivities, fun to area
Boys and Girls Club could return to Dadeville
Photos by Cliff Williams Saturday’s Oktoberfest at the Sportplex consisted of cotton candy and other food vendors, live entertainment from the Highway 280 bluegrass band, below, and more. Left, Emily Lumpkin, 3, of Alexander City enjoys some cotton candy at the festival.
By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
During the most recent meeting of the Dadeville City Council, Councilwoman Teneesha Goodman-Johnson brought up the topic of possibly bringing the Boys & Girls Club back to Dadeville. “There’s nothing for the kids to do,” Johnson said. “When I was growing up in Dadeville, there were different programs See CLUB • Page 3
After 15 years of service as a member of the Tallapoosa County Board of Education, board member Randy Anderson has officially resigned from his seat on the board. “Tonight marks the end of my 15th year serving on this board,” Anderson said. “All in all I believe the educational system in Tallapoosa County Anderson is better than it was 15 years ago. I have been privileged to be a part of these improvements.” In August, Anderson was selected to serve as secretary for the National Funeral Directors Association, effective Nov. 1. Anderson believed that a great deal of his time and effort would be needed in order to effectively serve his colleagues in the funeral home business, and said he was afraid this would mean he could not devote the same energy to the school board as in years past. “With that in mind, I hereby tender my resignation from the Tallapoosa County Board of Education effective on Oct. 31, See BOE • Page 3
Golf pro Witherington completes 100-hole golf marathon By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
Just after 6 a.m. Monday, Stillwaters golf pro Gabby Witherington stepped out onto the Stillwaters golf course and teed off, beginning his second annual 100-hole golf marathon to raise money for the Lake Martin Area United Way. “I’m a little tired and sore, but I’m happy. We raised money for a good cause,” he said after completing his approximately five and a half rounds of golf Monday afternoon. When he began spreading the word about racing through 100 holes earlier this year, Witherington increased his fundraiser goal from last year’s total of $3,000 to $4,000. “I raised $4,450 this year, but I might still get another donation or two
before I turn the money in,” he said. “I’m very pleased with the turnout this year. It’s tremendous to go over my goal as much as I did.” With both Witherington’s golf marathon on Monday and the Downtown Showdown Fashion Show Thursday evening, Lake Martin Area United Way Executive Director Sharon Fuller believed this would be one of the best fundraising weeks the United Way has ever had. “I want to thank all the people for supporting him,” she said. “It’s huge that he made his goal.” As he made his way around the golf course again and again, Witherington saw a great deal of support from not only the Stillwaters staff, but a number of others as well. Two of his staff
Today’s
Lake Martin
69 47
490.52
See GOLF • Page 2
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Stillwaters golf pro Gabby Witherington prepares to sink a putt on the 9th hole during his 100-hole marathon fundraiser for the Lake Martin Area United Way Monday morning.
Hardwood Floors Ceramic Tile • Carpet Hardwood Floor Refinishing
Weather Lake Levels High
Donald Campbell / The Outlook
Locally Owned for Over 45 Years
Reported on 10/16/17 @ 11 a.m.
FIRMLY ROOTED IN LAKE MARTIN AND HERE TO STAY.
256-234-6071
1945 Hwy 280 • Alexander City
LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443 6
54708 90050 USPS Permit # 013-080
8
laceyshowell@gmail.com 5295 Highway 280, Alex City, AL
HOLMAN FLOOR COMPANY “WE’RE
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FREE CONSULTATIONS
Evening & Weekend Appointments Available Upon Request
256-329-1313 • 217 Madison Street, Alexander City, AL “We are a Debt Relief Agency. We help people file Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 under the Bankruptcy Code. Alabama State Bar requires the following in every attorney advertisement, “ No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”