SPORTS:
OPINION:
Tigers’ Buchanon makes it count
When bad golf is good
WHAT’S UP?
Betty Hayes recaps community visits
Page 11
Page 4
Page 12
THE RECORD Serving the Dadeville & Lake Martin area since 1897
WWW.THEDADEVILLERECORD.COM
VOL. 119, NO. 31
THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 2016
Archer suspended for six months Inappropriate messages incident cited in Judicial Inquiry Commission complaint
By MITCH SNEED Editor
Tallapoosa County Probate Court Judge Leon Archer will serve a six-month suspension without pay as a result of a Jan. 30 Alexander City Outlook story that revealed that the judge had exchanged sexually explicit message with a woman who was half his age that had previously had a case before him. Archer reached an agreement with the Alabama
Judicial Inquiry Commission Wednesday following an investigation launched after The Outlook’s story reached members of the commission. According to Archer’s attorney Randy Haynes of Alexander City, the suspension is effective immediately and is expected to be approved by the Alabama Court of Judiciary Monday, the same day that it begins proceedings against Chief Justice Roy Moore. “Judge Archer made some bad mistakes with a
person who admitted to having her own reasons to discredit him,” Haynes said. “He has admitted his poor judgment from the outset. Two things people should know – the JIC has agreed that Judge Archer cooperated fully and honestly with the Commission. Secondly, his communication with the woman was not carried out during the performance of his official duties nor while she had any matter before the Probate Court. He admitted he was wrong, and he definitely See ARCHER • Page 5
Task Force busts 13 in drug sweep
ALDOT: Traffic light changes likely to stay By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
Changes to the traffics lights and traffic patterns in Dadeville are likely here to stay. Alabama Department of Transportation officials say the changes should be more efficient for drivers. “Traffic flow should move more freely with this move,” ALDOT’s Mike Corley said. “The lights were not functioning properly.” The change happened last week after the light at the intersection of Highway 49 and Lafayette Street could not be repaired. Temporarily, the intersection was changed to a four-way stop while the City of Dadeville decided if it could fund the $60,000 to change out the lights. “The old lights were without detection,” ALDOT’s Holly McCain said. “Meaning they could not sense when a car approached the intersection. The lights were on a timer and that is not efficient.” The city council decided it could not afford to change the lights and to go with ALDOT’s proposal – make Highway 49 a pass through roadway with side streets having See TRAFFIC • Page 5
By MITCH SNEED Editor
Cliff Williams / The Record
Below, Dadeville Elementary School fifth-grade teacher Tabatha Smith helps her students put away school supplies on the first day of school Wednesday. Above, Dadeville Elementary School kindergarteners wait outside of the classroom of Carolyn Lewis as they eat breakfast on the first day of school for Tallapoosa County Schools.
WELCOME BACK Windle ‘very pleased’ with county’s first school day
An initiative by the Tallapoosa County Narcotics Task Force that spanned six months has put 13 people behind bars, took enough marijuana off the streets to make an entire town’s eyes red and resulted in the confiscation of so many weapons that everyone in Tallapoosa County should breath a little easier. Dubbed ‘Operation Recoil’ the Tallapoosa County Narcotics Task Force, US Marshal Gulf Coast Fugitive Task Force, Camp Hill Police Department, See DRUGS • Page 5
By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
Tallapoosa County Schools convened Wednesday for the first day of the 201617 academic year with Dadeville schools adjusting to a new alignment as a result of the closure of Councill Middle School. “I think we had one of our best openings for the system in my four years as superintendent,” said Joe Windle, superintendent of Tallapoosa County Schools. “I always look at four areas as I go around to the schools on the first day: transportation, scheduling, feeding and
Mitch Sneed / The Record
Over 20 pounds of marijuana, numerous guns and over $12,000 in cash were seized as part of a recent drug bust by the Tallapoosa County Narcotics Task Force.
See SCHOOL • Page 5
Camp Hill council approves return to 40-hour work week
Renfroe family rebrands grocery stores, expands services STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
The Renfroe family announced a name consolidation of their three Alabama-based grocery stores. Their Dadeville Foodland and their Montgomery locations that include McGehee Road Super Foods and Renfroe’s Foodland became Renfroe’s Market effective Aug. 1. Dadeville customers have already seen the name incorporated in advertising and should see new signage as early as next week. The renaming is part of a rebranding campaign that will bring three stores See GROCERY • Page 7
Despite still having income less than expenses, the Camp Hill Town Council voted Monday night to return all employees to 40 hours a week. Just weeks ago the council voted to cut everyone but the police department back to 32 hours in an effort to save money. Court clerk Sallie Heard explained to town staff that everything cannot be done in a 32-hour work week.
Mitch Sneed / The Record
Conlee performs in Dadeville Country music legend John Conlee performed all his hits including ‘Common Man’ and ‘Rose-Colored Glasses’ to a packed house at the Rode Club Friday night.
Little Lambs
& Ivy
DAY SCHOOL
“A STATE TATE LICENSED ICENSED LEARNING EARNING CENTER” 6:30a.m.. - 5:30p.m 6:30a.m 5:30p.m.. • Monday-Friday
Ŷ ® ¦ ¡ ထ ª ¡£
• Ages 6 weeks to 12 years • 2 to 5-year-old learning curriculum • Breakfast and lunch program • Trained and CPR certified teachers • After-school & summer fun programs
580 E. South Street • Dadeville, AL • 256-825-9415
See COUNCIL • Page 7
Weather
94 73 High
Low
Lake Martin
Lake Levels
489.18
Reported on 8/3/16 @ 6 p.m.
LAKE AREA REALTY
“Selling
Rhonda Gaskins, Broker ® Lake Martin” Cell: (256) 749-3644 rhonda@lakearearealty.net 440 N. Broadnax Street Q Dadeville, AL
Starting Friday:
Suicide Squad 3D – PG Jason Bourne – PG-13 Nine Lives – PG