SPORTS, PAGE 10
PLAY BALL: PRESEASON WORKOUTS BEGIN, PAGE 9
FRIDAY
THE
BRHS Wildcat grapplers sweep tri-match
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892
January 13, 2017 Vol. 125, No. 9 www.alexcityoutlook.com
MACHEN SERVES NOTICE
Former finance director files precursor to lawsuit seeking damages associated with work environment
By MITCH SNEED Editor
Former Alexander City Finance Director Sandra Machen has delivered a “notice of claim” to city officials seeking “lost wages, and other damages” stemming from her tumultuous tenure as the head of the city’s finances. While the notice is not an actual lawsuit, City Attorney Larkin Radney said such notice is an Alabama legal require-
ment prior to a claimant filing suit. The newly elected Alexander City City Council did not reappoint Machen to the post when they took office on Nov. 7, ending a roller-coaster ride that she had been strapped into during her time in the administration of former Mayor Charles Shaw. Shaw made three attempts to remove her from the position in little more than two years. Machen was previously dismissed on Sept. 18, 2015 and See MACHEN • Page 5
File / The Outlook
Former Finance Director Sandra Machen is seeking damages for what she perceives as mistreatment.
Lake Martin Polar Plunge set for Saturday Still a chance to join in the fun and take the plunge this weekend By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
Photo Illustration / The Outlook
PARASKAVEDEKATRIAPHOBIA
Today is Friday the 13th, but should we beware? By MITCH SNEED Editor
If you are the kind of person who avoids crossing paths with black cats, walks out of the way to avoid going beneath a ladder and stays in bed for seven years after a mirror gets broken, then seeing today’s date on the calendar is probably
See SUPERSTITION • Page 5
Dadeville to hold citywide cleanup day
Today’s
Weather
73 52 High
like hearing fingernails on a chalkboard to you. Friday, Jan. 13. Yes, It’s Friday the 13th and around the world people who are superstitious avoid making big decisions and doing risky tasks on this day. The fear of Friday the 13th even has a name: paraskavedekatriaphobia. Typing it was tough enough, let alone trying
Lake Martin area residents and visitors alike can take the Polar Plunge this Saturday at the Kowaliga Restaurant followed by a lunch, with proceeds set to go to the Lake Martin Area Resource Association. Alexander City Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Business Development Jacob Meacham said he took the plunge at the first event on the coldest day of 2016. He said it was 35-degrees and windy that day. “It was so cold outside I think the hardest part was standing around waiting,” said Meacham. “The before and after was worse than being in the water. It was shocking for sure.” Meacham said this year the temperature would be in the 70s with sunshine throughout the day, which he said might not add to the “polarness” of it, but it would be good for the outdoor setting of the event. “This year’s going to be a little different,” Meacham said. “We’re excited. I think we’ve got a good timeline of fun things going on.” He said there would be open food stations, a bar and a winter scene set up for pictures. See PLUNGE • Page 5
Low
By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
Lake Martin
Lake Levels
484.02 Reported on 1/12/17 @ 6:30 p.m.
LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443
laceyshowell@gmail.com 5295 Highway 280, Alex City, AL
6
54708 90050 USPS Permit # 013-080
8
Dadeville Mayor Wayne Smith was proud to announce the city efforts of a clean up day at Tuesday’s council meeting. “We want to see if we can clean up Dadeville to be the beautiful town it is,” Smith said. “We are going to have a clean up day Saturday, Jan. 21 and we are looking for everyone to turn out – churches, civic groups, anyone that wants to team up is encouraged to take part.” Smith explained that the city will have a dumpster at the city shop to accept bagged garbage. “We want people to pick up litter and bag it,” Smith said. “We will be out from 8 a.m. to noon. For those bigger items like sofas and such, if See DADEVILLE • Page 5
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Fermenter’s Market
Fermenter’s Market on Alabama Street installed a new awning and sign on Thursday for the business that will feature craft beers and wines. The exact date of opening has not been announced, but work inside appears to be in its final stages.
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