Weekend
ALL INCLUSIVE GUIDE TO AREA GAMES, SPORTS EXTRA INSIDE!
The Outlook
Support our unique hometown businesses
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892
September 17-18, 2016 • Vol. 124 • No. 188 • www.alexcityoutlook.com
Alexander City Archer Wins State Senior Title A Blue Ribbon Bird Dog Takes to the Field September 2016
Answers to Your Gardening Questions www.lakemartinmagazine.com Lake Martin Living 1
FOR SUBSCRIBERS
September issue of Lake Martin Living
County’s jobless rate at 9-year low By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
Tallapoosa County’s unemployment rate for August fell more than one-half of one percent from the previous month to 5.1 percent, the lowest unemploy-
ment rate registered in the county since October 2007 when it hit 5.0 percent, according to figures released today by the Office of Governor Robert Bentley and the Alabama Department of Labor. “To have Tallapoosa County’s unemployment rate drop from 5.7 percent in
July to 5.1 percent in August is amazing,” said Ed Collari, president and chief executive officer of the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce. “That shows growth in opportunities locally which is something our community leaders, Lake Martin EDA and the Chamber of
Lack of rain creates lower water levels in lakes, rivers
Burgess talks technology with Dadeville Kiwanis Club
STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
The drought affecting portions of Alabama continues to reduce flows in rivers and streams that feed Alabama Power’s lakes. The conditions have resulted in lower levels at Alabama Power reservoirs. Scattered summer showers in July and early August helped slow the drop in lake levels. Since then, however, dry conditions have returned. Water levels at Weiss, Neely Henry, and Logan Martin lakes on the Coosa River, Harris and Martin lakes on the Tallapoosa River, and Smith Lake on the Black Warrior River are dropping and are expected to continue their decline. The lack of water has forced Tallapoosa County Extension Agent Shane Harris to cancel the River Kids event this weekend. “There is just not enough water,” Harris said. “We would have to get out and drag boats over several places and it is not worth a child possibly breaking an ankle.” The event would have allowed kids who had taken part in the Kayak Camp earlier this summer to float the Tallapoosa River from Horseshoe Bend to Jaybird Creek. In response to the dry conditions, Alabama Power has minimized water releases from its hydroelectric dams and suspended recreational releases from Jordan Dam on the Coosa River. The
By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
Election candidates ready for the Oct. 4 run off election and participated in a Q & A session with residents from their districts and other members of the community.
COUNCIL RUNOFF: By MITCH SNEED Editor
In 16 days, voters in Alexander City will go back to the polls to choose between two candidates for mayor and council members in District 1 and in District 2. This week the four council candidates, Bobby Tapley and Steve Crowe in District 1 and Buffy Colvin and Jacob Meacham in District 2, met with residents in question and answer sessions.
District 1 and 2 candidates share vision for Alex City
They were peppered with questions from moderators as well as questions submitted by the audience. The sessions helped voters learn more about the candidates as they prepare to make an important decision. The District 2 event was held Tuesday. At that session, incumbent Bobby Tapley said that he is proud of his record and the way he became an active part of all parts of District 1. “I have not only represent-
ed my district, I have become an active part of my district,” Tapley said. “If re-elected I will continue to do my due diligence and make wise decisions. I have always voted for what I believed was best See ELECTION • Page 7
Lake Levels
487.49 Reported on 9/16/16 @ 5 p.m.
LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443
laceyshowell@gmail.com 5295 Highway 280, Alex City, AL
The prognosis on the conflict in the Middle East that Ret. Lt. Gen. Ron Burgess provided Thursday’s meeting of the Dadeville Kiwanis Club wasn’t a good one. Burgess, a 38-year U.S. Army veteran who spent much of his career in the upper levels of military intelligence and security, joined Auburn as senior counsel for national security programs, cyber programs and military affairs in 2012. “I recently spoke at the officers’ commissioning for 24 second lieutenants from our ROTC program at Auburn,” Burgess said. “I spoke because my son was one of those 24. It’s different from when I or Joe Windle were on active duty. When those men or women retire, even if they do a full 20 years, they’re See KIWANIS • Page 7
RUNOFF INFO
The runoff elections in Alexander City will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 4 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.. You must be a registered voter, but it is not a requirement to have voted in the Aug. 23 election to vote in the runoff.
David Granger / The Outlook
Ret. Lt. Gen. Ron Burgess talked with Dadeville’s Kiwanis Club about the conflict in the Middle East.
See LAKE • Page 3
Lake Martin
Commerce strive for. Alexander City and the surrounding areas has a promising future and creating jobs and opportunities is the most efficient way to exceed our economic goals.” Bentley announced that Alabama’s See UNEMPLOYMENT • Page 3
Dadeville council approves contracts for building demo By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
Run down structures in town are one step closer to being taken down in Dadeville. The Dadeville City Council approved at Tuesday’s meeting to contract with Mitch Gavin to conduct the necessary title work to allow contractors to begin work.
After hearing more of the process from Paul Monroe, council members wanted to make sure they were not forcing this on residents especially after Monroe used the word condemn. “It is my understanding that this is on a volunteer basis,” Council member Randy Foster said. “When we started this process, I thought
we would only take down structures if the property owner agreed.” Monroe said that using the word might be a bit strong but it would help the city demolish more unsightly structures. Monroe informed the council that 44 properties had been identified and that letters would be going See DADEVILLE • Page 3
Today’s
Weather
88 70 High
6
Low
54708 90050 USPS Permit # 013-080
Join the Fun... Become a Member Today! Charles E. Bailey Sportplex
256.329.2910 • w w w. a c p r. m e
8