OPINION: SEE WHAT READERS ARE THINKING, PAGE 4.
WILDCATS READY
THE
BRHS prepped for trip to face Opelika, page 10
FRIDAY
WHAT’S HAPPENING? A full page of local events and activities, page 6
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 September 4, 2015 Vol. 123, No. 177 www.alexcityoutlook.com
ENDLESS SUMMER? Merchants hope Labor Day continues sizzling summer sales By Corey Arwood Outlook Staff Writer
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Randy Baker of Fish Tales said that he thinks the fall will be a great time for sales as fishermen take advantage of cooler temperatures.
Even though it still feels like summer, fall is only a few weeks away, and local businesses are preparing for the seasonal drop in sales. The city, on the other hand, is doing what it can to keep activity up and sales high by bringing in a number of new events to the area.
The heat has played a crucial role this summer, bringing with it the best year yet for some businesses and a decline for others. Where it appears that seasonal outdoor sports, fishing in particular, were hurt by the heat, recreational boating and water sports were helped by it. “This past summer was the best summer we’ve ever had,” said Dave Commander, president
Local officers remain vigilant
Setting the barbecue world on fire Fire Truck is true Alex City success story By David Granger Outlook Staff Writer
The heat is on. Folks throughout central Alabama are hot for Alexander City’s own Fire Truck Bar-B-Que and, slowly but steadily, its distribution base is growing. “We first put our barbecue in grocery stores in February,” said Kenneth Ledbetter, who, along with his Minnesota-native wife Julie, founded and owns Fire Truck Bar-B-Cue LLC. “We’re in 25 stores now and always looking for more.” Barbecue lovers can find one-pound packages of Fire Truck’s barbecue – pulled or sliced pork, beef brisket or a half slab of pork ribs – at Piggly Wiggly or Foodland groceries or other independent stores in Alexander City, Auburn, Birmingham, Chelsea, Columbiana, Dadeville, Goodwater, Homewood, Hueytown, Lineville, McCalla, Montgomery, New Site, Opelika, Sylacauga and Tallassee. See FIRE, Page 5
David Granger / The Outlook
Kenneth Ledbetter, owner of Fire Truck Bar-B-Cue LLC , right, talks over plans for “Absolutely Alabama” segment with Fred Hunter, host of the program.
‘Absolutely Alabama’ to feature unique approach to barbecue business By David Granger Outlook Staff Writer
Fire Truck Bar-B-Que, located at 229 Jefferson St. in Alexander City, put on its best Thursday as the television cameras rolled. Fred Hunter and his videographer Mike Tucker were in town to film a segment on the growing local business for “Absolutely Alabama,” Hunter’s show about things unique to the state, which originates at Birmingham’s Fox 6 WBRC and is aired in all
After recent officer deaths, officials stress awareness and safety By Mitch Sneed Outlook Editor
While the news isn’t coming from our area, the thought of five law enforcement officers being shot to death over an 11-day period has had an impact on local first responders. Each day the men and women who work to keep Alexander City and Tallapoosa County safe hit the streets, not knowing what the day will bring. Sheriff Jimmy Abbett and Alexander City Police Chief Willie Robinson said that their people can’t help but be aware of what is happening in other places. “We have expressed to our personnel to stay alert and be extra vigilant when they are out there,” Abbett said. “You never know what is waiting out there, but being aware, following procedures and approaching everything professionally and with the respect they deserve are what we have stressed to our people.” While Abbett and Robinson said there have been no broad, immediate changes in response to
See SHOW, Page 5
See POLICE, Page 9
Court rules against state in gambling suit
Today’s
Weather
90 71 High
of Russell Marine. “It seems like every summer gets better.” He said that they have sold more gas, boats and accessories than previous years. “What you need is the good weather on the weekends,” said Commander. But the intense heat did no favors for fishermen or for the stores they buy from according to See HOLIDAY, Page 9
Low
By Kevin Taylor Wetumpka Herald
Lake Martin
Lake Levels
488.36 Reported on 9/3/15 @ 5 p.m.
Linda Shaffer, REALTOR® C: 256.794.4641 • W: 256.329.5253 shaffer@lakemartin.net 5295 Highway 280, Alexander City, AL
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54708 90050 USPS Permit # 013-080
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State Attorney General Luther Strange got the answer he didn’t want. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Thursday that the Poarch Creek Indians are entitled to sovereign immunity and are not bound by Alabama laws restricting gambling within the state. Strange filed an appeal in April 2014 when Federal Judge W. Keith Watkins ruled the State of Alabama did not have authority to stop gaming activity at any of the three PCI casinos in the state. “While I do not agree with the appeals court’s decision, it provides certainty and guidance to state officials where there was none before,” Strange said in a statement released following See RULING, Page 9
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Lila Graves exhibit opens at Gallery 128
Cara and Jonathan Bloom, talk with artist Lila Graves, right, at Gallery 128 Thursday night. An exhibit of Graves’ work opened with a reception and will continue through Sept. 26 at 128 Calhoun Street in Alexander City. The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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