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As we step into 2014, here’s a look back at the most interesting, controversial, or discussed news stories from The LaFayette Underground during 2013:
COACH FISHER AT LHS
In January, LaFayette High School appointed Chad Fisher to lead its football program. Fisher, replacing coach Tab Gable who left abruptly the previous year, came from Gordon Central down in Calhoun. His Ramblers started the season rough, losing their first seven games, but won two of the last three – including the team’s first win over Ridgeland in a decade.
NORM HODGE ARRESTED FOR SEX WITH STUDENT
Norm Hodge, former LaFayette councilman and LHS golf coach/social studies teacher, was arrested in February for having sex with a 17-year-old student. The girl was not underage, but state law prohibits physical relations between authority figures and those under their control, including teachers and students.
Nine months later Hodge pled guilty to having sex with the girl on at least two occasions during 2012. The ex-educator could have faced 25 years in prison and a $100,000 fine, but was sentenced to only five years probation and $2,850 in fines and court fees.
He also ended his career as a teacher, his reputation, and his marriage – but his behavior indicates none of those was much of a priority in the first place.
CITY GOVERNMENT IN FLUX
Frank Etheridge, LaFayette City Manager for less than eighteen months, was abruptly fired by the City Council in late March. Specific reasons for his forced resignation were never provided, with his management style and financial mismanagement whispered as the primary causes.
Former council member Max Morrison was named Interim City Manager during a meeting in May. Morrison agreed to serve in the role temporarily, without pay, until a permanent replacement is found. As of New Years Morrison still holds the job, trying to balance city duties with a full-time job at Flex-A-Bed.
Around the same time as Morrison’s appointment, long-term mayor Neal Florence announced plans to retire after 23 years in office. His decision to vacate the mayor’s chair led to a heated November election in which councilman Andy Arnold was chosen as the next mayor over businessman Mike Lovelady.
Ben Bradford was easily reelected to the council, while a three-way race between Robert Wardlaw, Beacher Garmany, and Glenn Gunnels resulted in a December runoff vote. Garmany was the eventual victor for that election. Garmany, Arnold, and Bradford will be sworn in Thursday January 2nd.
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