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January 25, 2017 Vol. 125, No. 17 www.alexcityoutlook.com
Applicants flowing in for clerk, fire chief
New details emerge in murder case Arraignment for Ponds, Thomas slated for March By MITCH SNEED Editor
The two men accused of murder in the death of LaDarrell Lamar Hart will remain in jail as no bond was set which is customary in capital murder cases. Edward Rashun Thomas, 20, and 20-yearold Bobby Lee Ponds Jr., were arrested Friday after a threeThomas day probe into the Wednesday morning shooting death of 27-year-old Hart in his Third Street home in Ponds Alexander City. Both have been charged with capital murder. Court records made available Tuesday contained several new details in the case. Records show that Ponds and Thomas are scheduled to appear before Judge Kim Taylor on March 21 for an arraignment. Attorney Mitch Gavin is listed as the attorney for Ponds, while no attorney is shown for Thomas at this point. The criminal complaint for each of the men contains similar wording that includes that they suspects “did intentionally cause the death of LaDarrell Lamar Hart, by shooting him with a firearm, and caused said See MURDER • Page 5
Today’s
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70 45 High
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486.05 Reported on 1/24 /17 @ 7 p.m.
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More than 50 apply for clerk, with widespread interest in fire post Cliff Williams / The Outlook Above, Alabama Power’s Marshall Griffin takes his turn in the new CT machine at Russell Medical as Buffy Colvin, left, and Heather Vickers, right, look on. Bottom, Russell Medical Radiologist Dr. Mathieu Nader, left, Russell Medical Radiology Director Shelley James, right, answer questions about the new technology at a ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday at the hospital.
Technology Matters Russell Medical gets new Revolution CT machine By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
Patients at Russell Medical now have access to CT Scan technology that was once only found in Huntsville and at UAB. “This is basically the best you can get right now,” Russell Medical Radiologist Dr. Mathieu Nader said of the facility’s new GE Revolution CT Scanner. “We are very happy with it.” Russell Medical CEO Jim Peace is happy that the scanner is cutting edge of technology and is in line with the hospital’s history. “History has proven See TECH • Page 5
Alexander City City Council President Tommy Spraggins updated residents on the progress of two key appointed positions in city government Monday night. The jobs of fire chief and city clerk have been posted for almost two weeks and according to Spraggins interest has been high. “I understand that we have 12 applications for fire chief,” Spraggins said. “There has been a lot of interest for the city clerk’s position. I don’t know the exact number, but it’s probably over 50 who “There has been a have applied for that lot of interest for job.” The postings will the city clerk’s be closed on Friday. position. I don’t Interest has been know the exact widespread, Spraggins number, but it’s indicated. probably over 50 “I know the applications for fire who have applied chief have come from for that job.” all over the country,” Spraggins said. “Some — Tommy local, but they have Spraggins come from all over City Council President the country, not just Alabama.” The positions were posted after the city council did not reappoint Fire Chief Kem Jones on Jan. 9. It was announced the same night that City Clerk Harriett Scott would retire at the end of February and may serve in a part-time role for a period following that to help with the transition. Scott has served the city for 31 years and has See CITY • Page 2
Strange warns of callers claiming to be with the Attorney General’s office STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Attorney General Luther Strange warns of a recurring scam in Alabama that has arisen again, involving callers who falsely claim to be from the attorney general’s office. The attorney general’s office received five calls today from people who received messages purporting to be from the attorney general’s office and saying that a legal matter must be resolved immediately. In the past, scammers said they were attempting to collect a debt and threatened arrest if a bill was not paid. This scam is very similar to others reported in Alabama in which callers posing
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See SCAM • Page 2
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
DOWNTOWN SIGN GETS MAKEOVER
Tim Rape, left and Ernie Luster of Sign Source put the finishing touches on a sign on the side of the building at Carlisle Drigs in downtown Alexanderr City Tuesday. The work refurbished the sign with the name Ross Barton Wholesale and Retail which was an advertisment for a business that was once in the downtown area. The work is one of three such projects that either have been completed or will be completed.
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