OPINION: GET INVOLVED IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME. PAGE 4.
Weekend The Outlook
Encourage Entrepreneurs!
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892
2016 ALL-OUTLOOK BASEBALL TEAM
May 14-15, 2016 • Vol. 124 • No. 97 • www.alexcityoutlook.com
Attorney for Shaws asks for delay
Mayor Charles Shaw is held back by an officer and a city employee after an April 25 fight with Council member Tony Goss.
By MITCH SNEED Editor
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
An attorney hired to represent Alexander City Mayor Charles Shaw and his wife Lavern has asked that the trial be pushed back to allow time to prepare for trial. Thomas Radney was retained by the Shaws on Thursday to represent them in the trial on the third-degree assault charge that resulted from an
April 25 physical altercation with Councilman Tony Goss following a council work session at City Hall. Randolph County District Court Judge Clay Tinney has been assigned to hear the case and the bench trial has been moved up five days to May 19. The case was on the docket for May 24 before District Court Judge Kim Taylor. But last week Taylor asked to be removed from the
Teams will compete at Lake Martin Ampitheatre By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
The March median sales price of Lake Martin waterfront homes increased over both February and March 2015, according to a report released Thursday by the Alabama Center for Real Estate (ACRE). ACRE’s report said the median sales price for March was $430,000, an increase of 14 percent from March 2015 and an increase of 31 percent from the prior month. The report also said that historical data show the March median sales price between 2011 and 2015 typically decreases 2.5 percent from February. But Steve Arnberg, vice president for real estate sales for Russell Lands on Lake Martin, said the difference between the increase in March over last year and the historical decrease between 2011 and 2015 is misleading. “I think that snapshot put things a little bit out of context,” Arnberg said. “I think what you’re actually looking at from 2011 to 2015 is a period when prices were going down because of the financial crisis. In 2014, the prices started going back up a little.” Arnberg said his numbers show the Lake Martin waterfront market is very healthy. He said in the 12 months ending in March, the average price was up 10.3 percent compared to the 12-month period ending in March 2015 and the
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
National Nursing Home Week Area facilities hold special activities in honor of their residents Area nursing homes and rehab facilities held special activities for residents in observation of National Nursing Home Week. Above, Josh Patterson serves Chapman Nursing Home resident Linda Giambrone a watermelon flavored Kona Ice treat Friday afternoon. Left, Eddie Moncrief, 83, is crowned Miss Brown Nursing and Rehabilitation Thursday afternoon by Activities Director Donna Jones. Mary Leonard was selected first runner up and Jewell Fomby second runner up.
See HOMES • Page 3
ACT II sets cast for ‘Arsenic and Lace’
Today’s
Weather
82 50 High
case. Judge Steve Perryman filed paperwork appointing Tinney to hear the case on Wednesday. Radney motion for a continuance was filed Friday, citing little time to prepare, obligations by the mayor as well as scheduling conflicts for Radney. The motion says that Shaw will be out of town today through Tuesday and Radney has to be in courtSee TRIAL • Page 5
AWF Wild Game Cook-off set for today
Waterfront home prices up, likely continue rising
Lake Levels
490.61 Reported on 5/13/16 @ 7 p.m.
Linda Shaffer, REALTOR® C: 256.794.4641 • W: 256.329.5253 shaffer@lakemartin.net 5295 Highway 280, Alexander City, AL
54708 90050 USPS Permit # 013-080
8
The cast for the Alexander City Theatre II (ACT II) summer production of Arsenic and Old Lace this week began rehearsals at the Old Bama Theatre on Tallapoosa Street. The play will be performed at Benjamin Russell High School July 14, 15 and 17. Tickets will be $10 and will be available from ACT II board members, online and at the door. The production will feature a local cast of 11 men and three women and will be directed by ACT II See ACT • Page 3
Some of the best backyard cooks in Alabama – including some from here in Alexander City – will be on hand today at the Lake Martin Amphitheatre to compete in the Lake Martin Chapter of the Alabama Wildlife Federation’s Wild Game Cook-Off. Cooks compete in three divisions – fish, fowl and game. First-, second- and third-place are awarded in each division. There is also a best overall award, an award for best presentation and a people’s choice award voted on by the attendees. Local cook teams Smokin’ & Jokin’ BBQ and Smokin’ Aces and will be participating in the cookoff, which amounts to a “home game” for the them. Smokin’ & Jokin’ is the defending state AWF Cook-Off champion. Chonita’s Cookers, another local cook-off power that won the state AWF title in 2014, will not be participating today. The Cookers won the AWF cook-off at Talladega Superspeedway in March with their Pheasant Isabella Tacos and have already secured a spot in the state finals, set for Aug. 6 at Lanark in Millbrook. Chad Jones, his wife Khara, son Caleb and Blake and Rachel Self and their son Eli make up Smokin’ See COOK-OFF • Page 3
Business seeks help to benefit Vets with PTSD
STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Low
Lake Martin
6
Sports, page 12.
By MITCH SNEED Editor
Submitted / The Outlook
USAmeriBank honors Horseshoe Bend students USAmeriBank hosted the 2016 Horseshoe Bend Senior Honors Luncheon on May 11. Standing left to right Clayton Lewis, Landon Peters, Kevin James, Jr., Will Wilson, Bradley Mann, Caleb Yarbrough and Lisa Boyd Counselor. Seated left to right Vice Principal Karen McMath, Shalyn Burkhalter, Brookd Johnson, Rebecca Norrell, Carly Rehr, Erin Vickers and Cheryl Bynum, Counselor
1720 Dadeville Road • Alexander City, AL
Call Spencer or Dax Today!
256.234.5331
DOWN PAYMENTS
As Low
500
$
As...........
MONTHLY PAYMENTS As Low
250
$
As........... *Upon Kerley Motors Approval
One local business is hoping to inspire others to join in helping veterans battling Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Sherrer Septic Tank and Construction has launched a fundraiser for the Semper Fi Fund, an organization that raises funds to help military vets financially as they battle PTSD following their time in the service. “We learned of this group and were very impressed with what they are doing,” said Blake Sherrer. “They provide everything the veterans need while receiving treatment for PTSD. They help vets with everything from a water bill to a mortgage payment. They will handle it. We felt it was such a good cause that we decided to get involved. See PTSD • Page 5