OPINION: THINK AHEAD FOR A SAFE HALLOWEEN, PAGE 4.
TUESDAY
THE GET G ET IINVOLVED NVOLVED
Look at the schedule for public meetings, page 7.
Lighting the way for Alexander City
& Lake Martin since 1892
BRHS falls to Daphne Sports, Page 12.
October 25, 2016 Vol. 124, No. 214 www.alexcityoutlook.com
Outdoor burn ban still in effect
By MITCH SNEED Editor
While most of the state, including Tallapoosa County, are under a total outdoor burning ban, Alexander City Fire Department officials say that many either haven’t gotten the word or are ignoring the directive that was issued earlier this month by Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley. Capt. Craig Clark who serves as the department’s fire marshal said that over the weekend firefighters responded to five calls of outside burning in the area,
one of which turned into a small brush fire. “I know it has been in the paper and on television, but some of the people said they didn’t know about the ban,” Clark said. “This means that no outside burning at all is allowed, in containers or otherwise. That means no trash fires, burning leaves or anything of that nature. It is so dry that even the smallest spark or ember can lead to a brush or wildfire.” Clark said that people should be especially careful in the extreme dry condi-
our state is posing a serious threat for wildfires,” Bentley said in a released statement. “The continued lack of rain combined with low relative humidity and strong winds are putting several counties at a very high risk. This declaration is meant to prevent unnecessary burning, reducing the chance of avoidable fires.” The No Burn Order affects the following counties which have been upgraded from the previously-issued Fire Alert: Autauga, Bibb, Blount, Calhoun,
tions. A discarded lit cigarette can ignite dry grass or leaves and spread flames quickly. “There are places on Highway 280 where that very thing has happened,” Clark said. “So don’t throw out burning cigarettes at all. Use an ashtray and don’t take a chance.” Bentley announced the “No Burn Order” prohibiting all outdoor burning for 46 counties in north and central Alabama on Oct. 12. “The current drought condition in
See BURN BAN • Page 3
Beware of ACRS door-to-door fundraiser
Leaders to hold discussion on Amendment 2 today at Wind Creek STAFF REPORT Staff Writer
By MITCH SNEED Editor
A question and answer session regarding a constitutional amendment that could impact the future of Alabama State Parks will be held today at Wind Creek State Park beginning at 10 a.m. Alabama State Parks Director Greg Lein, Alabama State Parks Partners Coalition Chair Philip Darden and Alexander City Chamber of Commerce CEO Ed Collari will be on hand to discuss Amendment 2, a measure that is on the ballot in the Nov. 8 that is designed to protect the park system’s funding. Since 2012, Alabama’s State Parks saw $15 million transferred from their budget to the Alabama General Fund, to fund other government agencies. Amendment 2 will ensure that guest fees from the parks stay where they belong, within our beautiful state parks. “Alabama’s State Parks have seen millions of dollars drained from their budget over the last five years,” said Philip Darden, Alabama Parks Partners chair. “If the parks funding is not protected, Alabamians can expect more park closures. Amendment 2 will ensure money spent at the parks, is used only to maintain our beautiful parks system.” Parks supporters and members of the media are invited to join Alexander City
MainStreet Alexander City Director Richard Wagoner. “Seeing how the day unfolded and talking with businesses and other people downtown, it goes to show that if you give people something to do, people will come. Not only that, but they will also stay and visit the businesses if they participate.” The event featured vendors set up on sidewalks, the items for Chairish Alexander City on display, horse-drawn wagon rides
This week Alexander City Police Department has had several calls from residents who say they were approached at their home by people seeking donations for the Alex City Rescue Squad. Alex City Rescue Squad President Ken Cowart said residents should beware. “We don’t do any soliciting at all,” said Cowart. “We are a United Way Agency and if people would like to give, we ask that they give to United Way,” Cowart said. “When we have a need, we address that directly and we have been blessed to have several people who have really helped us over the years. “But if someone is knocking on your door and asking you for money, I can assure you that it is no one affiliated with our group.” Founded after a drowning on Lake Martin in 1959, the Alex City Rescue Squad is a non-profit, all-volunteer search, rescue and recovery group that assists police, sheriff and fire
See FALL • Page 11
See SCAM • Page 3
See AMENDMENT 2 • Page 3
Today’s
Weather
81 54 High
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
A team of Clydesdales from Russell Lands pull a wagon full of visitors to the MainStreet Alexander City Fall Festival through the downtown streets. The rides were just part of many activities Saturday that drew visitors to downtown Alexander City.
POSTCARD PERFECT MainStreet Fall Festival a huge success By MITCH SNEED Editor
Organizers of Saturday’s MainStreet Alexander City Fall Festival couldn’t have drawn up a better day than what emerged if they had tried. Perfect weather, a healthy sized crowd, plenty of vendors, games and activities made for an event that had people buzzing through the downtown area from early in the morning until early afternoon. “It really was a perfect day,” said
Drug Take-Back event collects 175.5 pounds of drugs
Low
By MITCH SNEED Editor
Lake Martin
Lake Levels
484.89
Reported on 10/24/16 @ 6 p.m.
LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443
laceyshowell@gmail.com 5295 Highway 280, Alex City, AL
6
54708 90050 USPS Permit # 013-080
8
Saturday’s Drug Take-Back Event drew a large turnout and again took in more than 100 pounds on unwanted drugs. According to Tallapoosa County Narcotics Task Force Investigator Chad Jones, nearly 100 area residents participated in the event held at Walgreens in Alexander City. Participants brought 175.5 pounds of unused, unwanted and out of date drug items to the event. “Saturday turned out to be a great day, the response was overwhelming for Alex City,” Jones said. “We had a steady stream of people all day and we are glad that so many people took advantage of the program. Not only does it help us in making sure these
drugs don’t end up in the wrong hands, but it is also great for the environment.” Jones said that prescription drug abuse is a growing problem and investigators are seeing teens who locate drugs that have been forgotten in medicine cabinets as well as burglars who actually target drugs like pain killers and drugs like OxyContin, Ritalin or Adderall and even things like powerful cough medications. The event was sponsored by the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department, Tallapoosa County Narcotics Task Force, Drug Enforcement Agency, Alexander City Police Department and Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership. Jones said that the items collected See DRUG • Page 3
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
Local law enforcement and the Drug Enforcement Agency were on hand to collect unwanted drugs at Saturday’s Drug Take-Back Day event at Walgreens. In all 175.5 pounds were collected.
We Care About You and Your Loved Ones!
•Home-like Environment • Specialized Dementia Care Unit •Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy Services
256-329-1313 Free Consultations 217 Madison Street, Alexander City, AL
A DAMS HEALTH & REHAB 1555 HILLABEE STREET • (256) 329-0847
“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.”
1720 Dadeville Road • Alexander City, AL
Call Spencer or Dax Today!
256.234.5331
DOWN PAYMENTS
As Low
500
$
As...........
MONTHLY PAYMENTS As Low
250
$
As........... *Upon Kerley Motors Approval