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Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 September 23, 2015 Vol. 123, No. 190 www.alexcityoutlook.com
RIVALRY GAME Dadeville travels to take on Tallassee Friday, page B1
No vote on saggy pants ban
Dadeville City Council hears from two citizens, but takes no action on proposed ordinance By Cliff Williams Outlook Staff Writer
Not a word came from the Dadeville City Council table about the saggy pants ordinance at Tuesday night’s meeting. The council and mayor remained silent as Dadeville’s Trey Foshee and Auburn’s Stu Cookson spoke to the council on the matter in citizens’ communications.
Both do not like the idea of sagging pants but are also against an ordinance banning slacking saying that it limits personal choices and liberties. “I feel that this ordinance is against American liberties that we are allowed,” Foshee said. “I believe in freedom,” U.S Army veteran Cookson said. “I believe in per-
sonal freedom and I believe in personal choice.” Both stated they see problems with the ordinance. “I chose to serve to protect the freedom that we have,” Cookson said. “Who is to say the next council will not pass something more. I cannot sit idly and watch.”
Machen returns to work as city’s finance director
Board votes to align local policy with new state mandate
Outlook Editor
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By David Granger Outlook Staff Writer
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
Alexander City Finance Director Sandra Machen, right, checks with Alisha Clifton Tuesday morning. Machen was reinstated to her position by the council Monday night.
By Cliff Williams
Lake Levels
488.13 Reported on 9/16/15 @ 3 p.m.
Linda Shaffer, REALTOR® C: 256.794.4641 • W: 256.329.5253 shaffer@lakemartin.net 5295 Highway 280, Alexander City, AL
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54708 90050 USPS Permit # 013-080
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Outlook Staff Writer
Outlook Staff Writer
A group of six Dadeville businesspersons got a chance to see first-hand the differences in teaching and learning today and when they were younger. The six were those who took advantage of Meet Me at the School, a program put together by the Tallapoosa County Schools to encourage the participation in the See SCHOOL, Page A6
The Alexander City Board of Education on Tuesday night voted unanimously to approve a revision to board policy to guarantee the freedom of religious expression for students. The board voted unanimously to revise the policy to align with state law passed in the most recent regular session of the Alabama Legislature to read: “The Alexander City Board of Education shall not limit expression of religious viewpoints or deny the rights of students to organize religious groups or activities, providing that such protection does not interfere with the educational program of the school system or result in harm to other individuals. “Students are allowed voluntary religious expression in class assignments, coursework and artwork.” See FREEDOM, Page A7
Alexander City Arts set for 47th season
‘Meet Me at the School’ gives inside look for local businesses By David Granger
Lake Martin
See PANTS, Page A7
City schools move to assure religious freedom
By Mitch Sneed
Less than 12 hours after being reinstated to her job as Alexander City’s finance director, Sandra Machen was back at work trying to sort through financial matters and working on the city’s new budget. The city council voted 5-0-1 Monday night to reverse Friday’s firing of Machen by Mayor Charles Shaw after a lengthy executive session. People who were in the meeting said the discussion became heated at times, with City Attorney Larkin Radney repeatedly telling Shaw that the matter was handled poorly and warningthat the chain of events could leave the city in a precarious legal position. As Machen was waiting for her office to be opened so she could begin her day, she said she didn’t want to talk about her termination, but instead thanked everyone who has supported her. “It’s good to be back,” Machen said. “I appreciate the positive vote from the See FINANCE, Page A6
“I think we should not use our position to force these type of things on people,” Foshee said. “If we want to strip our neighbors of their individuality, then vote for the ordinance.” Foshee thinks that it will lead to more trouble for police and the youth in the area.
Submitted / The Outlook
The Wetumpka Players are bringing “Smoke on the Mountain” to town to start the Alex City Arts season.
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Alexander City Arts Inc. is set to start its 47th season next week with the Wetumpka Depot Players bringing Smoke on the Mountain to the BRHS Auditorium Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. According to Beverly Thomas, who is on the group’s program committee, they like to present a variety of shows that include local talent. “We want to offer a variety,” Thomas said.
“Some like musicals, some like bands and some like choral. We limit our outreach to the southeast but we also want to bring local performers, too. Those locals happen to be quite good.” Alexander City Arts is also bringing the big band sound to the stage in Alexander City with the Capital Sounds Concert Band from Montgomery on Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. “Since it’s close to Veterans Day, they See ARTS, Page A5
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