THE EVENTS, PAGE 6 Lots of Easter egg hunts coming up in the area
FRIDAY SPORTS, PAGE 10
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892
April 12, 2019 Vol. 127, No. 73 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢
BRHS softball controls destiny after 9-1 win
City’s crime down; chief says citizens are key Alex City police chief Jay Turner, a 27-year veteran of the department, said he still enjoys going on patrol. ‘When I hear a complaint, instead of passing it down I’ll go check it out,’ he said.
ACPD beats national average in clearing cases By JIMMY WIGFIELD Managing Editor
Reported crime fell 7.2 percent in Alexander City from 2017 to 2018 and while police chief Jay Turner knows his six investigators and 16 patrol officers are a major reason why, he’s also got thousands of other eyes he’s just as proud of. “Our relationship with the community
Jimmy Wigfield / The Outlook
is good,” Turner said. “They supply us with information. They cooperate with us. They don’t want the crime and that’s all of Alexander City. I see this as one community. I don’t see it as a white community and a black community.” The Alexander City Police Department clears crimes at a much higher rate than the national average, according to statistics See CRIME • Page 5
State group evaluates downtown Conclusions drawn on strengths, weaknesses will shape its future By AMY PASSARETTI Lake Martin Living Editor
Charming historic buildings, the arts and entertainment district, a financially strong local business foundation and friendliness and hospitality are just a few of downtown Alexander City’s strengths, according to community members who participated in a vision mapping session hosted by Main Street Alabama on Tuesday. “We had a great turnout and I appreciate everyone that attended,” Main Street Alexander City executive director Stacey Jeffcoat said. The statewide organization spearheaded a resource refresh for Main Street Alexander City with a three-day immersive program to discover what the city has to offer and also recommend changes to help it continue to prosper. “Main Street works if you’re willing to work it,” Main Street Alabama state coordinator Mary Helmer told the attendees. “It’s your program and your community.” A group of more than 20 community members, including Main Street board members, local See DOWNTOWN • Page 5
Today’s
Weather Low
Lake Martin
Lake Levels
489.87 Reported on 04/11/19 @ 5 p.m.
LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443
laceyshowell@gmail.com 5295 Highway 280, Alex City, AL
6
54708 90050
Photos by Jimmy Wigfield / The Outlook
A
n employee of Asplundh Tree was not injured when the truck he was driving flipped over and struck a power pole on Dadeville Road in Alexander City at approximately 8:15 a.m. Thursday. The driver, who declined to be identified, said he was traveling east and was run off the road by another motorist. He lost control and finally came to a stop in the yard of a home at 3084 Dadeville Rd. Wearing a seat belt probably saved his life, the driver said. Alexander City police are investigating the accident and the city light department arrived quickly on the scene and replaced the pole Thursday afternoon.
Diverse lineup set for Jazz Fest Sugarcapps, Empire Strikes Bass to join groups with local ties
79 61 High
NO INJURIES
8
USPS Permit # 013-080
By JIMMY WIGFIELD Managing Editor
The Bank Walkers and Nikki & the Phantom Callers, two groups with local connections, will be among the performers in the 29th annual Alexander City Jazz Fest on June 14-15. Also scheduled to appear, according to the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce, are Sam Burchfield & The Scoundrels and Willie Sugarcapps on June 14 at Strand Park. June 15, Empire Strikes Brass and Honey Island
Swamp Band will play at The Amp on Lake Martin. Members of The Bank Walkers, who will appear at Strand Park, are from the Lake Martin area and Atlanta’s Nikki & the Phantom Callers, who will play at The Amp, is led by Dadeville native Nikki Speake. “We are thrilled with the diversity and talent we’ve recruited to perform at this year’s Jazz Fest,” chamber president and CEO Ed Collari said. “This is the signature event for Alex City See JAZZ FEST • Page 9
JAZZ FEST LINEUP Friday, June 14 Strand Park
• The Bank Walkers, 6 p.m. • Sam Burchfield & The Scoundrels, 7:30 p.m. • Willie Sugarcapps, 9 p.m.
Alex City
and Your Loved Ones!
Specialties, LLC
8:00AM & 10:30AM – STA TARTING APRIL 7 9:15AM SUNDAY SCHOOL 178 S. Tallassee Street • fbcdade fbcdadeville.com
• Reconstructive Foot Surgery • Sports Injuries • Wound Care Specialist • Diabetic Wound Care • Acute Wound Care 1649 Hwy. 22W | Alexander City, AL
256.215.5596
• Nikki & the Phantom Callers, 6 p.m. • Empire Strikes Brass, 7:30 p.m. • Honey Island Swamp Band, 9 p.m.
The Bank Walkers will perform at Strand Park on June 14 at 6 p.m. Pictured above are band members Steve Forehand and Roger Holliday.
We Care About You
FOOT one church two services i
Saturday, June 15 The Amp
File / The Outlook
•Home-like Environment • Specialized Dementia Care Unit •Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy Services DR. DOUGLAS STEWART Podiatric/Foot Surgeon Diplomate American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery
A DAMS HEALTH & REHAB 1555 HILLABEE STREET • (256) 329-0847