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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 / VOL. 6, NO. 14 / $1.00
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By Marla Jones Managing Editor
marla@southerntorch.com DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — The DeKalb County Courthouse and DeKalb County Activities Building are closed to the public effective immediately until further notice due to circumstances related to COVID-19. According to DeKalb County Commission President Rickey Harcrow, the safety of the citizens are of utmost importance. “Being the only Courthouse open, citizens of neighboring counties and even from other states were coming to the DeKalb County Courthouse to do their business such as registering their boats. Several were turned away
(Submitted Photo)
By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com
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TWEET
DeKalb Co. Courthouse Closes to Public
Collinsville Hires New Football Coach
COLLINSVILLE, Ala. — On Monday, the DeKalb County Board of Education approved the hire of new Collinsville Panther Head Football Coach Daniel Garrett. Garrett will replace Ernie Willingham, who announced his retirement following the 2019 season, which included a 12-2 finish and an appearance in the Class 2A State Semifinals. Garrett is a graduate of Rogers High School in Florence, AL. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of North Alabama and earned his graduate degree from Arkansas State University. Coach Garrett comes to Collinsville from Madison Academy, where he served as the defensive coordinator for the
FOLLOW
(Chris Pruitt | Wikimedia Commons)
due to having fevers. We have to keep our employees safe. They are still on the job just isolated,â€? stated Harcrow. Harcrow went on to say, “You can not make me believe that the actions we took [within the County] even before the State did, did not slow the spread. Our methods and our motives are right. We will get through this.â€? Those having service needs should attempt to call the appropriate office of the need to conduct business via telephone or online. • DeKalb County Commission: (256) 845-8569 • DeKalb County
>> CLOSURE, P5
Blessing Box Reaches Out in Fort Payne By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com FORT PAYNE, Ala. — A Fort Payne resident had a vision back in January to help those in need. When the virus that is spreading across the world started showing its ugly head in our area, she had the confirmation of what she needed to do. The family traveled to Athens, Georgia to pick up the perfect cabinet to hold blessings to those in need. Volunteers came to help set up the cabinet in the
front yard of 812 Forest Avenue NW in Fort Payne. In this cabinet, people in need can find groceries. The sign on the side of the cabinet says, “Take what you need and leave what you can�. That is what is happening. People are leaving supplies in front of the “Blessing Box� to help their fellowman. Inside the box, there is a pen and paper for prayer requests or special requests, or just to simply leave a thank you note.
>> BLESSING, P7
The Blessing Box is located at 812 Forest Avenue NW in Fort Payne. (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)
IVEY CLOSES NON-ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com
ALABAMA — In a press conference last week, Governor Kay Ivery announced the closure of “non-essential businesses, venues, and activities� as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases continue to climb in the state of Alabama. “I cannot stress to
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you enough the fact that we must be serious about eliminating the spread of this deadly virus,� Ivey stated. “We must protect the people of Alabama.� Governor Ivey went on to say “unfortunately, there is no instruction manual on how to do this.� The following list is closures that went into effect on March 28, 2020, at 5 p.m. and will
extend to at least 5 p.m. on April 17, if not longer. Entertainment venues as follows: • Night clubs • Bowling alleys • Arcades • Concert venues • Theaters, auditoriums, and performing arts centers • Tourist attractions
>> IVEY, P5
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FRIDAY — APRIL 3, 2020
THE SOUTHERN TORCH
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Alabama 35 Pipework Starts April 1
NACC Extends Online Instruction Four HMC Staff Thru Spring, Postpones Graduation Test Positive for Coronavirus
By Jackson Blaze Staff HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The Alabama Department of Transportation will make drainage improvements on Alabama 35 between Alabama 40 at Scottsboro and Alabama 71 in Section beginning Wednesday, April 1. Work will occur on weekdays from about 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Friday, April 17. The northbound lane in this three-lane segment of the highway will be closed during work hours. Northbound traffic will be diverted to the inside southbound lane and shuttled from the top of the mountain to the bottom. Northbound motorists are advised to expect some delays. Southbound traffic will remain free-flowing on the outside southbound lane. Please drive with caution in the work zone.
By Jackson Blaze Staff POWELL, Ala. — The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) announced today that online instruction will continue at all of its campuses, including NACC, through the remainder of the spring semester. In addition, due to restrictions on event sizes by state and federal officials, all traditional commencement activities will be postponed. Northeast has postponed its graduation ceremony until September 3, 2020. “Our System office and Chancellor look at what is in the best interest of faculty, staff, and students and monitor events closely before making
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decisions,� stated NACC President Dr. David Campbell. “We believe in doing the same thing here at Northeast. Regardless of whichever course of action is taken, our faculty and staff will continue to deliver top-quality, excellent education to our students. That is one thing that is a certainty.� “Every decision concerning the operations of Alabama’s community colleges is being made with the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff, and administrators at the forefront,� said ACCS Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker. “While we couldn’t have imagined what this semester would look like for our colleges, I am incredibly grateful for the creativity, resilience, and commitment to learning shown by our faculty, staff, and students during this difficult time.� NACC will continue to offer summer courses.
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As circumstances continue to evolve, a decision will come later and with guidance from local, state and federal administration on whether these classes will be offered in-person or online. At this time, NACC’s campus remains closed to public gatherings. For continued updates and to view already issued directives from the ACCS, visit accs.edu/coronavirus or nacc.edu/news/ covid-19-campusupdate. For more information about Northeast Alabama Community College, visit the college’s web page at www.nacc.edu or download our free App in the Apple Store or Google Play Store. Follow NACC on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
By Jackson Blaze Staff SCOTTSBORO, Ala. — Four employees at Highlands Medical Center have tested positive for COVID-19, according to the hospital’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lonnie Albin. “I am extremely proud of the healthcare professionals at Highlands Medical Center,� Albin said. “These individuals come to work each and every day knowing there is a risk right in front of them.� Albin stated multiple staff members had been tested, and that contacts for the four employees who tested positive were being traced. The staff members will be allowed to return to work after quarantine and completion of guidelines laid out by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). At the time of press, Jackson County had eight (8) verified cases of COVID-19 with one death reported last week. More than 1,000 cases have now been reported statewide in Alabama. Drive-thru screening and collection sites have been opened for COVID-19 across Jackson County. For full information regarding locations, timing and requirements for participation in testing, please visit jacksonblaze.com.
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FRIDAY — APRIL 3, 2020
THE SOUTHERN TORCH
3
COMMUNITY
• •   • • • •
BARNETT BRINGS BOARD UP TO SPEED
By Marla Jones Managing Editor
marla@southerntorch.com RAINSVILLE, Ala. — (Full Video on our Facebook) The DeKalb County Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting on March 30, 2020, at 12:00 p.m. DeKalb County Superintendent of Education, Dr. Jason Barnett brought everyone up to speed on the current situation that schools fall under due to the COVID-19 virus. “Since the Proclamation by Governor Kay Ivey, extending our time that we are out, we have to look at doing things differently,� stated Barnett. “Going forward, we are going to do an alternative school for the rest of the year, how this is going to look exactly is hard to say.’ “We will have to look at each grade level to see what standards have been met and what has not. We need to maintain a level of consistency in each of our schools and work online in a digital or print platform.’ In other business, the Board recognized Cloey Morgan from Sylvania High School as an early
The DeKalb County Board of Education held their regular meeting while social distancing on Monday, March 30. (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)
graduate. A bid for copy paper for $23.49 per case by Bye-Mo’r, Inc. was accepted. In a disciplinary hearing, Marcus Quarles received a suspension without pay for five days. The following Retirements/Resignations were granted: • Barry Buffington Maintenance Worker Facilities Building Retirement - 5/1/20 • Deborah Traylor CNP Worker - Plainview High School - Retirement - 6/1/20 • Deborah Chandler CNP Manager - Plainview High School - Retirement - 6/1/20 • Elizabeth Anderson - English Language Arts Teacher - Ider High School - Retirement - 6/1/20 • Angie Shankles English Language Arts
Teacher - Plainview High School - Retirement - 6/1/20 • Tracey Monroe Elementary Teacher - Fyffe High School - Retirement - 6/1/20 • Tammy Whitworth - Elementary Teacher Crossville Elementary School - Retirement - 6/1/20 • Tracy Coots Elementary Teacher Plainview High School - Retirement - 6/1/20 • Tina Thrash Elementary Counselor Fyffe High School Retirement - 6/1/20 • Denease Chaparro Bus Driver - Plainview High School - Retirement - 6/1/20 • Christie Deere Mathematics Teacher - Geraldine High School Retirement - 6/1/20 • Kathryn Smith Assistant CNP Manager -
SOUTHERN TORCH • 98-3 WILD COUNTRY • 101-7 THE TORCH Staff:
Southern Torch (USPS Periodicals #19790) is published each Friday by Southern Torch, Inc. 203 Main Street E, Rainsville, Ala. 35986. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Southern Torch, P.O. Box 614, Rainsville, Ala. 35986-0614.
Eloise Smith, General Manager Marla Jones, Managing Editor/Sports Jenna Sue Payne, Media Sales Manager Joe Sims, Radio Operations Manager Zach Hester, Art Director/Reporter Amy Thrash, Account Executive B. Annette Little, Account Executive Jodi Skinner, Account Executive Teresa Smith, Traffic Director Dylan Smith, Jackson Blaze Managing Editor Lindsey Jones, Accounting Marshall Stiefel, Distribution Manager
256.638.4040 • 256.259.2341 MEMBERSHIP RATES:
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Fyffe High School Retirement - 6/1/20 • Steve King - Science Teacher - Fyffe High School - Retirement - 6/1/20 • Don Brown - Bus Driver - Fyffe High School - Retirement - 6/1/20 • Janet Duckett Elementary Teacher Sylvania High School Retirement - 6/1/20 • Paulette Templeton - Assistant CNP Manager - Collinsville High School Retirement - 6/1/20 • Cathy Magill Itinerant Speech Language Pathologist - System Retirement - 6/1/20 • Donny Jones 12-month Principal Collinsville High School - Retirement - 8/1/20 The following Leave of Absences was granted:
• Lee Sanders - CNP Worker - Geraldine High School - 2/18/20-3/17/20 • Jerry Smith Custodian - Crossville Middle School - 12/2/194/10/20 (Extended from 1/28/20) The following placements were made: (All placements are made pending a background review meeting suitability criteria and negative, pre-employment drug screen and appropriate certification) Certified: • Kacy Wooten Secondary English Arts Teacher (Leave only from 12/2/19-3/13/20) - Sylvania High School • Daniel Garrett - P.E. Teacher and Head Football Coach (Effective 8/1/20)
- Collinsville High School Support: • Jan Martin - CNP Worker - Fyffe High School The following principal contracts were renewed: • Mary Lance Recommend renewal of a Three Year Principal Employment Contract: July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2023 • Heath Kirby Recommend a renewal of a Three Year Principal Employment Contract: July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2023 The date of the next meeting for the DeKalb County Board of Education will be April 23, 2020 beginning at 12:00 P.M. (Meeting will be conducted through a digital platform.)
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FRIDAY — APRIL 3, 2020
THE SOUTHERN TORCH
BUSINESS
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LEGALS
To be published: March 20, March 27, and April 3
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA
LEGALS
CASE NO.: 2020-65
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BURLEY ONEAL MAYO, deceased
CASE NO.: 2020-86
LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION ON THE ESTATE OF BURLEY ONEAL MAYO, DECEASED, having been granted to the undersigned on the 10th day of March, 2020, by the Honorable Ronnie Osborn, Judge of Probate of said County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate, are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law, or the same will be barred. Chris Runyan, Administrator To be published: March 20, March 27, and April 3
LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.: 2020-64 IN RE: THE ESTATE OF ROY M. BARKLEY JR., DECEASED NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS
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ADMINISTRATOR'S NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS In the Matter of the Estate of Jack Arnold Brewer, deceased Letters of Administration of the estate of Jack Arnold Brewer, deceased, having been granted to the undersigned on the 24th day of March, 2020 by the Honorable Ronnie Osborn, Judge of Probate of said County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law, or the same will be barred. To be published: March 27, April 3, April 10
LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.: 2020-87 In the Matter of the Estate of Michael Ray Winkles
TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration having been granted to SHERRY BELL BARKLEY, as Personal Representative of the Estate of ROY M. BARKLEY JR., deceased, on the 16th day of March 2020, by the Honorable Ronnie E. Osborn, Judge of Probate. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.
LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the Estate of MICHAEL RAY WINKLES, having been granted unto the undersigned on the 30th day of March, 2020, by the Honorable Ronnie Osborn, Judge of Probate of said county, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law, or the same will be barred.
Sherry Bell Barkley, Personal Representative
To be published: April 3, April 10, April 17
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ADEM: No Need to Worry About Water By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabamians have no reason to worry about their drinking water amidst the COVID-19 crisis, says the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM). "With so many things Alabamians have to worry about — their jobs, social distancing, the welfare of loved ones, gathering food and other necessities — the safety of their drinking water shouldn't be one
of them," said Lance LaFleur, ADEM's director. “The water they get from their tap, whether it’s from a large municipal system or a small, rural utility, is 100 percent safe due to the proven safety requirements they are required to follow and that ADEM enforces. People don’t need to fear the coronavirus as far as their water is concerned.�
According to a statement made by ADEM on Monday, standard municipal wastewater operations kill any viruses before the treated water is discharged into rivers and streams. LeFleur stated through permitting and inspections, ADEM is ensuring drinking water systems, as well as wastewater systems, abide by stringent clean
water standards. "Ensuring that drinking water and wastewater services are fully operational is critical to containing COVID-19 and protecting Americans from other public health risks," said Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "Handwashing and cleaning depend on providing safe and reliable drinking water and effective treatment of wastewater." For more information, please visit www.adem.alabama.
FRIDAY — APRIL 3, 2020
THE SOUTHERN TORCH
5
POLITICS
Hill Announces CLOSURE Re-Election to Fort FROM PAGE 1 Payne Council
Probate: (256) 845-8510 • DeKalb County Circuit Clerk Office: (256) 845-8525 • DeKalb County
By Zach Hester Reporter
Revenue Commission: (256) 845-8515 • DeKalb County Sheriff's Office: (256) 845-3801 • DeKalb County Homeland Security / Emergency Management Agency: (256) 845-8569
Reynoso Announces FP Council Campaign
zach@southerntorch.com FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Incumbent City Councilmember Wade Hill has announced plans to seek re-election to the Council this fall. "It has been an honor and a great privilege to serve on this council the last four years and I would love to return for another term to finish more of the projects we have going on," said Hill in a statement. Hill is a lifelong resident of Fort Payne. He and his wife Cindy have two children and six grandchildren who also call Fort Payne home. Hill highlights the Council's achievements in financially stabilizing the City, protecting Fort Payne mountains from logging, and improved water and sewer infrastructure as reasons to return him to the Council. "Early in this term, we were able to close the deal on bringing Chick-Fil-A and Applebee's to Fort Payne, which has been great for our community," said Hill. Hill also noted the importance of eco-tourism
(Submitted Photo)
(Submitted Photo)
as a vital resource to the Fort Payne area, and stated the new property purchase of a sports complex that will include baseball, softball, and soccer fields, a walking trail, and an ampitheater for ourdoor performances. Hill stated one of the programs he is most proud of is the annual purchasing of school supplies for Fort Payne City Schools. "Buying in bulk has proven to be a great cost saver and all students have the same materials [so] parents and grandparents save hundreds of dollars," he concluded. "I have been in public service for 42 years and it is my desire to continue serving the wonderful city of Fort Payne. I would appreciate your vote...in this election." Municipal elections in the State of Alabama will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2020.
By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com Governor Kay Ivey (R-Ala.) announced the closure of several non-essential businesses last week as COVID-19 cases grew in Alabama.
IVEY
FROM PAGE 1 (including museums and planetariums) • Racetracks • Indoor children’s play areas • Adult entertainment venues • Casinos • Bingo Halls • Venues operated by social clubs Athletic facilities and activities as follows: • Fitness centers and commercial gyms • Spas and public or commercial swimming pools • Yoga, barre, and spin facilities • Spectator sports • Sports that involve interaction with another person closer than 6 feet • Activities that require the use of shared sporting apparatus and
equipment • Activities on commercial or public playground equipment Close-contact service providers as follows: • Barbershops • Hair salons • Waxing salons • Threading salons • Nail salons and spas • Body-art facilities and tattoo services • Tanning salons • Massage-therapy establishments and massage services Retail stores as follows: • Furniture and home-furnishing stores • Clothing, shoe and clothing accessory stores • Jewelry, luggage and leather goods stores • Department stores • Sporting goods stores • Book, craft and music stores
FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Lifelong Fort Payne resident Diego Reynoso has announced his candidacy for Fort Payne City Council. Reynoso touts his triumph over adversity at a young age as a reason for seeking election to the Council. He originally had to leave high school to help his mother financially, before completing a Graduation Equivalency Diploma (GED) in 199. He also attended Northeast Alabama Community College (NACC). While attending NACC in 2012, Reynoso was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer. He has now been in remission for two-and-a-half years, but will require treatments for his entire life. "I went into surgery and chemotherapy with a fire in me to survive for my family no matter what it took," said Reynoso. "I feel that with that same attitude and willingness to persevere that I can lead Fort Payne and its citizens
to a better tomorrow." Reynoso's goal is to build a better Fort Payne for future generations through bringing new industries to the city, so that students do not have to leave the area for good employment. "I know the city has been trying for years now to improve downtown in hopes to bring in businesses, but I also think we need to use that money to better diversify our local economy," he stated. "Warehouse and manufacturing jobs are great, but we need to be more diverse. Only then will we be able to take Fort Payne into tomorrow properly." Reynoso went on to state the importance of investing in computer technology, first responders, retention of police officers, local medical professionals, and small businesses. Reynoso is married to his wife, Angie, and has five children and two grandchildren. Two of his children are in high school in the local school system. Municipal elections in the State of Alabama will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2020.
GAMES Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
2 TIMOTHY 1:7
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FRIDAY — APRIL 3, 2020
THE SOUTHERN TORCH
POLITICS
INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE By Steve Flowers Political Columnist
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Our primary runoffs have been postponed until July 14, 2020. It was a wise and prudent decision by Secretary of State John Merrill and Gov. Kay Ivey. Most voters are older and you are asking them to come out and vote and at the same time stay home. The main event will be the GOP runoff for the U.S. Senate. The two combatants, Jeff Sessions, and Tommy Tuberville will now square off in the middle of a hot Alabama summer. The winner will be heavily favored to go to Washington. We are a very reliably Republican state, especially in a presidential election year. Many of you have asked, “When did Alabama become a dominant one-party Republican
state?� Well, it all began in the Presidential year of 1964. The 1964 election was the turning point when the Deep South states of Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Louisiana, and South Carolina voted for Barry Goldwater and never looked back. It was the race issue that won southerners over for Goldwater. The Republican Party captured the race issue that year and has never let go of it. The South which was known as the “Solid South� for more than six decades, because we were solidly Democratic, is today known as the “Solid South� because we are solidly Republican. Presidential candidates ignore us during the campaign because it is a foregone conclusion that we will vote Republican, just as presidential candidates
ignored us for the first 60 years of the 20th Century because it was a foregone conclusion that we were going to vote Democratic. George Wallace had ridden the race issue into the Governor’s office in 1962. It had reached a fever pitch in 1964. Democratic President, Lyndon Johnson, had passed sweeping Civil Rights legislation which white southerners detested. The only non-southern senator to oppose the Civil Rights legislation was Republican Senator Barry Goldwater of Arizona. When the Republican Party met at the old Cow Palace in San Francisco, they nominated Goldwater as their 1964 presidential candidate. Johnson annihilated him, nationwide, but Goldwater won the South in a landslide.
Before that fall day in November of 1964, there was no Republican Party in Alabama. There were no Republican officeholders. There was no Republican primary. Republicans chose their candidates in backroom conventions. Except for a few Lincoln Republicans in the hill counties, it was hard getting a white Alabamian even to admit they were Republican. That all changed in 1964. Goldwater and the Republicans became identified with segregation and the white Southern voter fled the Democratic Party en masse. As the Fall election of 1964 approached the talk in the country stores around Alabama was that a good many good ole boys were going to vote straight Republican even if their daddies did turn over in their graves. Enterprising
local bottling companies got into the debate and filled up drink boxes in the country stores labeled Johnson Juice and Gold Water. The Gold Water was outselling the Johnson Juice 3-to-1. Alabamians not only voted for Barry Goldwater but also pulled the straight Republican lever out of anger towards Lyndon Johnson’s Civil Rights agenda. Most of Alabama’s eight-member Congressional delegation, with more than 100 years of seniority was wiped out by straight-ticket Republican voting on that November 1964 day. Earlier that year, Lyndon B. Johnson, the toughest, crudest, most corrupt and yes most effective man to ever serve in the White House, made a profound statement. As he signed the Civil Rights Bill he had pushed through Congress, he looked over at the great Southern Lion, Richard Russell of Georgia, and as Senator Russell
glared at Johnson with his steel stare, Lyndon said, “I just signed the South over to the Republican Party for the next 60 years.� Johnson’s words were prophetic. Folks, beginning with F the 1964 election, there have been 17 presidential elections counting this year. If you assume that Donald Trump carries our state in November, that is a safe assumption, Alabama has voted for the Republican nominee 16 out of 17 elections over the past 56 years. Georgia peanut farmer, Jimmy Carter, is the only interloper for the Democrats in 1976. The U.S. Senate seat up this year was first won by a Republican in 1996. That Republican was Jeff Sessions. So folks, in 1964, Alabama became a Republican state and it happened in what was called the Southern Republican “Goldwater Landslide.�
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DEATH NOTICES BURT
A private graveside service will be held at a later date.
Warren Ezell Evans - 74 of Fort Payne, passed away on Tuesday, March 24. Funeral services were held on Friday, March 27 at Burt Chapel-Fort Payne with burial in Walker’s Chapel Cemetery.
CORNER STONE Cleve Cornett - 75 of Flat Rock, passed away on Monday, March 30. A private memorial service was held in Oak Lawn Memorial Park.
W.T. WILSON
WILSON
Betty F. Mitchell - 84 of Fyffe, passed away on Thursday, March 26. A private funeral service will be held with burial in Mountain View Memory Gardens.
Edwin Sebastian Francisco - 92 of Fort Payne, passed away on Tuesday, March 31. Due to gathering restrictions, private graveside services will be held.
Angela Renee Marshall - 52 of Attalla, passed away on Friday, March 27. The family will be having a private service.
Larry D. Barton - 73, passed away on Tuesday, March 24. A private service will be held for family with a celebration of life service to be held at a later date.
Stephen Michael Massengale - 71 of Fort Payne, passed away on Friday, March 27. The family will hold a private funeral service. David “Buck� Adams - 82 of Fyffe, passed away on Friday, March 27. A graveside service was held on Sunday, March 29 at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Grove Oak. Jerry Wayne Terrell 53 of Albertville, passed away on Sunday, March 29.
Martha Eulene Dobbs - 92 of Fort Payne, passed away on Tuesday, March 31. Due to gathering restrictions, private graveside services will be held.
RAINSVILLE Phyllis Jean Whorton - 80 of Pell City, passed away on Thursday, March 26. A graveside service was held on Sunday, March 29 at New Home
Burt Funeral H omes
since 1982
since 1969
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@
Traditional funeral, cremation and monument services
Cemetery.
James Willard Berry - 89 of Rainsville, passed away on Friday, March 27 at Aiken Regional Medical Centers in Aiken, S.C. Public visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 4 at Rainsville Funeral Home with family visitation from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. A private graveside service will follow at 2:30 p.m. for immediate family at Mountain View Memory Gardens in Fort Payne with Pastor Stephen Story officiating. The family requests that guests respect the governor’s orders of nine persons or fewer with a distance of six feet between each person during visitation. Rev. Berry was born on November 3, 1930 in DeKalb County, the tenth of eleven children. He graduated from Fyffe High School in 1949 where he was a proud member of the Red Devils football team. He joined the Alabama Army National Guard while still in high school, and enlisted in the Air Force following graduation. He received an honorable discharge as a staff sergeant in 1953 and worked in the private aircraft industry before embarking on a career with the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA) at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville. He retired from NASA in 1990. Rev. Berry trusted Jesus as his Savior at the age of 23. He went on to serve as a deacon in his local church, and then worked bivocationally in local church ministry for many years. He graduated from Samford University in 1983, served as associate pastor of First Baptist Church in Toney, and then as pastor of Hills Chapel Baptist Church in Hazel Green. In retirement, he served as chaplain at Mountain Lakes Resort in Langston where he was instrumental in the planning, construction, and operation of the resort chapel. Rev. Berry was preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Gay Nell Wood Berry; his parents, Pat and Polly Berry; five sisters, Emma Estelle Berry Hasty, Novella D. Berry Jones, Ola Mae Berry Smith, Ina Louise Berry and Betty Jean Berry; and five brothers, J.P. Berry, L.D. Berry, John Ansel Berry, Calvin Griggs Berry, and Grady Donald Berry. He is survived by a daughter, Ramona K. Story of North Augusta, S.C.; a son, Kent D. Berry and wife, Nancy, of Greensboro, N.C.; three grandsons, Stephen Story and wife, Dottie, of Augusta, Ga., Daniel Story and wife, Marian, of Dearing Ga., and T.C. Williams and wife, Jayme, of Baltimore, M.d.; a granddaughter, Amanda
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Shampine and husband, Jonathan, of Concord, N.C.; eight great-grandchildren and a host of nephews, nieces, and cousins. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Downtown Rescue Mission at 1400 Evangel Drive N.W. in Huntsville, Ala. 35816, a ministry that was important to Rev. Berry for many years.
Eulene Gilley - 81 of Dutton, passed away on Sunday, March 29. A graveside service was held on Monday, March 30 at Pleasant View Cemetery.
Albert Colvin - 62 of Ider, passed away on Saturday, March 28. A private memorial service will be held at a later date with Rainsville Funeral Home announcing. Colvin is survived by his children Brandi Ladd of Sylvania, Tyler Colvin and wife Brittany of Jasper, Tenn., Lara Cahill and husband Logan of Decatur, Ala.; his wife, Sherry Colvin of Sylvania; six siblings Barbara Smothers of Bryant, Janice Edmondson of Fort Payne, Sheila Sutphin of Fort Payne, Donnie Colvin of Fort Payne, Ronnie Colvin of Sand Rock, Donna Ozment of South Carolina; five grandchildren, Emma Ladd, Austin VanAllman, Ethan Blevins, Cayla Blevins, and Zowie Cahill; and several nieces and nephews.
Genelle Taylor - 86 of Rainsville, passed away on Monday, March 30. The family will hold a private visitation and graveside service.
Verlon J. Reese - 80 of Rainsville, passed away on Monday, March 30. The family will hold private visitation and graveside service.
Evette Tinker - 56 of Fort Payne, passed away on Friday, March 27. A graveside service was held on Thursday, April 2 at Walnut Grove Cemetery. Waylon Francis - 83 of Grove Oak, passed away on Sunday, March 29. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
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FRIDAY — APRIL 3, 2020
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BLESSING COACH FROM PAGE 1
FROM PAGE 1
The Blessing Box Facebook page was created and soon had over 240 members. These members range from local folk to people in different states. The creator of the box did not want their name shared, they wanted to give God the glory and that is exactly what is happening. Neighbors are coming together eager to give items to restock the blessing box. There is good happening in this time of heartache and uncertainty. If you or someone you know, can not come to the box, please call (256) 996-7313 and the items you need will be delivered to your front porch. You are not alone. We will get through this together.
Mustangs. Garrett previously working for legendary coaches Dale Pruitt (Albertville) and Bob Godsey (Madison Academy/Hartselle). Coach Garrett has been part of two state championship coaching staff. His first state title came in 2011 while serving as the Defensive Line Coach at Hartselle, as the Tigers brought home the Class 5A State Championship. Garrett’s second state crown came in 2015 at Nashville area powerhouse Ravenwood (TN), where he served as Outside Linebackers Coach and Special Teams Coordinator. Commenting on the
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hiring of Garrett, Collinsville High School Assistant Principal Bradley Crawford stated, “When we set out to find a replacement for Coach Willingham, we wanted a coach with strong character, and who is an effective educator in the classroom and on the field. We also sought someone we felt has a tremendous grasp of the game, possesses outstanding organizational skills, and meshes well with the values that we want for our school and football program. Coach Garrett checked every box on our wishlist.� Coach Garrett added, “I am extremely honored to be the next Head Football Coach at Collinsville High School. This is a place with a lot of tradition and community pride, which I cannot wait to be a part of. I am very thankful to Mr. Crawford for trusting me with this opportunity. I am also grateful that God has placed so many wonderful mentors like Dale Pruitt and Bob Godsey in my life to tutor me in the ways of being a great leader of men. I am just so excited to meet these players and coaches. We are going to work extremely hard but we are also going to have a lot of fun! It’s great to be a Panther!�
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13 Ounces of Meth Seized
By Southern Torch Staff
FORT PAYNE, Ala. — From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden: Last week, DeKalb County Narcotics agents, Interdiction agents, and deputies seized a large amount of methamphetamine as part of an operation in the Fort Payne and Rainsville areas. On Wednesday, March 18, 2020, Agents with the DeKalb County Narcotics and Criminal Interdiction Unit as well as Henagar Police Department, ALEA Region F Narcotics, and DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Deputies conducted two search warrants in the
Fort Payne and Rainsville areas. During the execution of the search warrants, they found over 13 ounces of methamphetamine as well as drug paraphernalia. Marijuana was also found during the operation. Also found was an undisclosed amount of US Currency. Agents seized all evidence related to the crime. The investigation is still ongoing and arrests are pending from the
narcotics seized. DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said of the operation: “This is part of a larger operation to dismantle a network of narcotics dealers in our area. Regardless of the current outbreak, we must continue this fight and not let people dealing in dangerous drugs have a foothold in our county.� “Just because we are taking special precautions at this time does not mean we will stop doing our jobs. Dealers in our county will never have to stop looking over their shoulders,� he said. “God Bless!� Concluded Sheriff Welden.
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