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CALENDAR, PAGE 10 Check out a complete list of local events inside
Gym work halted in New Site
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892
SPORTS, PAGE 10
September 20, 2017 Vol. 125, No. 187 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢
Reeltown suffers big loss due to knee injury
Murder suspects in court
ENERGETIC DEBUT
Lack of permit cited, town also passes new budget
Two denied youthful offender status, two others delayed
By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
Those driving by the New Site Town Gym on Highway 22 within the past couple of days may have noticed a pink sign posted on the front door of the building. The gym has been ordered closed, due to the town not meeting certain guidelines laid out by the county and the state. “We are taking certain steps to take care of that and meet the guidelines,” said Mayor Phil Blasingame. “We have to have a life safety plan prepared by a licensed architect, showing where all the exits are located and all.” According to the notice on the gym door, the work done on the building was not in accordance with Section 105.1 of the state building code, which states that applications must be made to the building official and obtain all necessary permits when building a new structure or renovating or altering an already existing building. “We’re trying to get the required permits. That’s what we’re trying to meet right now,” Blasingame said. Following a handful of questions posed by the council members, the council approved both the general fund budget and water budget for fiscal year 2018. See COUNCIL • Page 6
Rape Counselors provide support for fragile victims
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the fifth in a series of profiles on the 28 agencies that receive funding through the Lake Martin Area United Way. Currently, the Lake Martin Area United Way is holding their 2018 fundraising campaign, “Team United.” To learn how to help, contact the United Way at 256-329-3600 or at www. unitedwaylakemartin.org By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
For victims of sexual assault, there are a number
By MITCH SNEED Editor
Special / The Outlook
Alexander City’s Terrell Owens dips partner Cheryl Burke in the couple’s opening dance on the season premier of ABC’s ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Monday night.
Owens Cha Cha’s on ‘Dancing With The Stars’ STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Alexander City’s Terrell Owens made his debut on ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars” Monday night, and while the crowd seemed to love him, the scores were not what he expected. Owens and partner Cheryl Burke were the first couple to perform and danced a
Cha Cha to The Temptations’ “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg.” Last week Owens posted a picture of he and Burke on the football field and recalled his dancing days in Alexander City. “I couldn’t have been more lucky than to land my partner Cheryl Burke,” Owens posted. “Thanks for bringing out See STARS • Page 6
of support organizations who try to help these individuals overcome the experience and move forward with their lives. In Tallapoosa County, there is the Rape Counselors of East Alabama, who are always standing by their telephones to listen and provide support to these victims. “Rape Counselors of East Alabama strives to provide free and confidential services to victims of rape and sexual assault, their families and friends,” RCEA Director See RCEA • Page 6
When Michael Crouch had the opportunity to purchase a building adjacent to his Lake Martin Tire and Auto, he knew it was a no-brainer. But when he bought what was once the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge, he wasn’t exactly sure what to do to the building. But after a few years and hours and hours of work, Crouch has transformed the building into a bright and spacious meeting facility that
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Michael Crouch sows off two outdoor grills that are available for those who use the Lake Martin Banquet Hall.
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“It was right here next to my place so I knew I wanted to buy it, but I had no idea what to do with it,” Crouch said. See HALL • Page 6
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Two suspects in local murder cases saw their applications for youthful offender status denied, while two men accused with murder will have to wait to get a decision from the judge. O’Hennessey Dimonta Wright, 18, of Alexander City is accused killing 28-year-old LaBrandon Lamar Herron of Kellyton. Reports indicate that Herron was shot multiple times in the early morning hours of Oct. 30, 2016 and died from his injuries. A second victim was also shot and Wright is also charged with attempted murder. That victim, whose name was not released, did not suffer lifethreatening injuries and was treated and released. Judge Ray Martin denied the request for youthful offender designation, because Wright had been granted the status in a previous case. He did order that a mental evaluation be complied on the case. Wright’s attorney Michelle Perez had previously notified the court of an intent to “pursue a special plea of not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect. “At this point we are unsure if he fully understands the consequences of his actions,” Perez told Martin. Martin said in making his ruling that
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