The Southern Torch — Vol. 6, No. 19

SPRING INTO SAVINGS AT TWIN CITY! 1411 Glenn Blvd SW, Fort Payne, AL 35967

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2020 / VOL. 6, NO. 19 / $1.00

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Summer Burn Ban Goes Into Fort Payne Postpones Boom Days Effect THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS

• See What's Featured in our Business Spotlight! • Polymer Industries Holds Blood Drive

THIS WEEK IN POLITICS

• Inside The Statehouse with Steve Flowers • Aderholt Announces New Campaign Manager

THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY • CRIME: Eleven Arrested for Narcotics • Hunter of the Week

(File Photo)

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) has issued its yearly burn ban for the following counties: Baldwin, DeKalb, Etowah, Jefferson, Lawerence, Madison, Mobile, Montgomery, Morgan, Russell, Shelby, and Talladega went into effect on May 1.

The ban states that under ADEM regulations, non-agricultural burns are not allowed during the months of May, June, July, August, September, and October.

The ban put into effect each May is to main good air quality in areas that are prone to smog.

The ban is to keep you and your community healthy.

To comply with these restrictions the Alabama Forestry Commission will not issue burn permits for burns or for land clearing.

Permits will only be issued for wildlife, hardwood control, piled debris (for silvicultural site prep only), scattered debris, and agricultural.

ADEM states that unless we fall under drought conditions or safety reasons within a community, outdoor fireplaces and campfires do not fall under the burn ban.

The Fort Payne City Council held a social-distanced meeting on Tuesday, where they unanimously voted to postpone this year's Boom Days celebration. (boomdays.com)

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — (Full video on our Facebook) The Fort Payne City Council held

their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, May 5.

The council unanimously approved the postponement of Boom Days due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“We can’t put on Boom Days without sponsors� stated Councilmember Johnny Eberhart. “ I don’t feel that we should be out trying to ask people for money right now after

BOE Announces Farmers Market Senior Graduations Scheduled to Open

By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com The Rainsville Farmers Market is scheduled to open on June 4, barring guidelines from Gov. Ivey. (File Photo)

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — (Full Audio on our Facebook Page) The Rainsville City Council held their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, May 4.

Councilmember Brandon Freeman informed the Council that the Rainsville Farmers Market was

tentatively scheduled to open on June 4, unless otherwise directed by Governor Kay Ivey. The market will follow all safety precautions with a one-way in and one-way out, along with other social distancing measures.

Freeman also stated that the Parks and Recreation Department was ready to open as soon as it was deemed safe by Governor Ivey.

Councilmember Bejan Taheri advised that the City of Rainsville would participate in the annual spring cleanup during the month of May. If you are a Rainsville Sanitation customer, you can use the dumpsters, located behind the Rainsville City Shop across from the

> COUNCIL, P6

they have gone through Wade Hill. “We can what they have.� postpone Boom days, “[This is such an catch our breath, regroup and try to put on unknown] I think if we a bigger, better-thanare going to do something we need to make the decision now,� > BOOM DAYS, P6 said Councilmember

• LISTEN TO 98-3 WILD COUNTRY & 101-7 THE TORCH

•

•

DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — On Tuesday, DeKalb County Superintendent Dr. Jason Barnett announced the graduation schedule for seniors, which were previously canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Graduations will be held beginning on July 16

through July 25 for each school and will include awards night ceremonies. All dates are subject to change based on new health guidelines and regulations. All ceremonies will take place at the DeKalb County School Coliseum at 6 p.m. and they will be live-streamed.

The schedule will go

> BOE, P3

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SYLVANIA PHARMACY YOUR FRIEND, YOUR DRUGSTORE! Visit our website at www.southerntorch.com for daily news updates and pick up your weekly print edition at news stands every Friday.

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FRIDAY — MAY 8, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

SPRING INTO SAVINGS AT TWIN CITY! 1411 Glenn Blvd SW, Fort Payne, AL 35967

WWW.BOBBYLEDBETTER.COM • 256.844.2210

@JACKSONBLAZEAL

Scottsboro Airport Awarded $309K FAA Grant Brooks Hires New

By Dylan Smith JB Managing Editor

dylan@southerntorch.com

SCOTTSBORO, Ala. — Sen. Richard Shelby this week announced Scottsboro Municipal Airport has been awarded an FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) grant in the amount of $309,434 for runway rehabilitation and drainage system improvements.

The grant comes on the heels of an ongoing lobbying campaign spearheaded by community leaders. Those working on the project include: Economic Development Authority President/CEO Sheila Shepard, EDA Board Member Rudder Williams , Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce President/ CEO Rick Roden, Industrial Development Board Chairman Roy Light, Mayor Robin Shelton, Councilman Mike Ashburn,

Rudder Williams (left) and U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (right). (Submitted Photo)

and Commission Chairman Tim Guffey.

Economic Development Authority Board Member Rudder Williams applauded the cohesiveness of local officials in obtaining airport funding. “This was an effort of everyone to get these things done, it was a team effort, said Williams. “The Mayor, City Council and Commission – I can’t say enough about how everyone worked together.�

Williams, a longtime family friend of Senator Shelby, gave credit to the Senior Senator for his emphasis on economic growth. “Senator Shelby understands that aviation is a great part of economic development in the State of Alabama, his seniority is key. He’s truly a man that cares.�

Scottsboro Municipal Airport is mostly utilized currently to transport industry executives to and from the county. Many

industrial plants utilize the airport along with representatives from Google and TVA. The $309k grant is preceded by multiple grants awarded for crucial airport improvements.

Grants for asphalt repair, LED runway light addition, and hangar maintenance have been awarded totaling $2.5M. Williams said NACC President Dr. David Campbell is looking to bring aviation education opportunities to students.

Williams expects demand for aviation mechanics in the airport’s maintenance shop to increase.

According to Williams, local leaders are currently in talks to bring aircraft restoration companies to Scottsboro.

Williams, a licensed pilot and Alabama Aviation Council Board Member, is optimistic that the airport will play a pivotal role in the county’s economic development efforts.

Chief of Staff

By Jackson Blaze Staff

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Mo Brooks (R-Ala.) announced on Monday that he has selected Marshall Yates to serve as his new chief of staff following the retirement of former Chief of Staff Mark Pettit. “I’m pleased to announce [that] Marshall Yates will serve as my new chief of staff,�

Congressman Brooks stated. “Mark Pettitt’s retirement leaves big shoes to fill, but I’m hopeful Marshall is up to the task.�

Yates has served on Brooks’ legislative staff since February 2017 and as Legislative Director since January 2019. “It is an honor to step into this role,� said Yates. “Congressman Brooks is a stalwart America first conservative who shares

(Submitted Photo)

the commonsense conservative principles of the Alabama people.

Becoming chief of staff is a dream come true."

Yates is a 2011 graduate of Auburn University and a 2015 graduate of Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law. He has worked for the Alabama Policy Institute, the Alabama Law Institute, and various Republican campaigns throughout B Alabama. He is a member of the Alabama State Bar, the Federalist Society, and the Young Republicans.

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FRIDAY — MAY 8, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

3

COMMUNITY

• •

 Â

• •

• •

BOE

CRIME

Eleven Arrested for Narcotics in the Last Week

Amanda Wray (DCSO)

Austin Morgan (DCSO)

Chris Roden (DCSO)

Dana Tidwell (DCSO)

Garett Matchen (DCSO)

Jason Rogers (DCSO)

Jonathan Walker (DCSO)

Kyle Ayers (DCSO)

Ladonna Stonebraker (DCSO)

By Southern Torch Staff

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden: The DeKalb County Narcotics Unit has made multiple drug related arrests in the last week.

The following were arrested (charges listed): • Amanda Wray (33 of Fyffe, found to have outstanding warrants): unlawful possession of a controlled substance, promoting prison contraband 2nd • Ladonna Stonebraker (40 of Gadsden): possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana 2nd, illegal possession of prescription drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia • Christopher Roden (32 of Fort Payne): failure to appear, escape 3rd, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia • Kyle Ayers (32 of Dawson): possession of a controlled substance (x2), possession of drug paraphernalia, two outstanding felony

as stated: • Geraldine High School — July 16, 2020 • Sylvania High School — July 17, 2020 • Collinsville High School — July 18, 2020 • Fyffe High School — July 20, 2020 • Valley Head High School — July 21, 2020 • Ider High School — July 23, 2020 • Plainview High School — July 24, 2020 • Crossville High School — July 25, 2020 "It is my hope and prayer that this announcement brings some joy and hope to the graduating class of 2020, who have endured many hardships and uncertainties during their senior year of high school," Barnett stated in a letter. "Our seniors deserve it, and I said we would work to make it happen."

Each graduate will

graduations happen, but didn't know in what capacity.

"None of us could predict the Spring 2020 semester ending this way," Barnett concluded.

"That being said, regardless of the circumstances, we are committed to celebrating our graduates and their accomplishments. It is my hope and desire that will do just that. As alluded earlier, data, not dates, drive our decisions, and we will be sensitive to new data and information that is released in the coming days and weeks leading up to these special events."

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Hunter of the Week Patrick Ridge (DCSO)

Wesley Guffey (DCSO)

warrants • Jason Rogers (34 of Dawson): unlawful possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia • Austin Morgan (23 of Albertville): possession of a controlled substance, attempt to elude, resisting arrest, possession of drug paraphernalia • Garett Matchen (24 of Fort Payne): possession of marijuana 1st, possession of drug paraphernalia • Wesley Guffey (23 of Gaylesville): possession of marijuana 1st, possession of drug paraphernalia • Dana Tidwell (47 of Fort Payne): unlawful possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia

• Jonathan Walker (42 of Henagar): unlawful possession of a firearm (due to being a convicted felon) • Patrick Ridge (21 of Henagar): possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana 2nd, possession of drug paraphernalia "This is another great job by our Narcotics Agents and Deputies. Even during the current situation, we will continue to enforce our laws and protect our county," said DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden. "As restrictions continue to ease during the coronavirus outbreak, we will be making more and more of these arrests."

"God bless!" concluded Sheriff Welden.

SOUTHERN TORCH • 98-3 WILD COUNTRY • 101-7 THE TORCH Staff:

FROM PAGE 1

be allowed four tickets for their attending guests to ensure the maximum number of participants for a large gathering is not exceeded. Seating inside the Coliseum will adhere to social distancing guidelines and it is requested that guests wear a mask or face covering to the ceremonies. The DCSC will be sanitized following each ceremony and prior to the next school's ceremony to ensure a clean environment for the next group of graduates and their families.

Prior to the announcement, Barnett and the Board of Education had said they intended to make

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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This week's Southern Torch Hunter of the Week is Rayna Stiefel! Rayna is 15-years-old and a freshman at Fort Payne High School. She killed her first turkey on Lookout Mountain with her uncle Eddie Freeman.

To be our next Southern Torch Hunter of the Week, please submit your photos to marla@southerntorch.com!

The DeKalb County Republic Breakfast Club meeting scheduled for Saturday, May 9 is CANCELLED due to the ongoing restrictions caused by COVID-19. A decision about the June meeting will be announced later.

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FRIDAY — MAY 8, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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THE FISHERMEN SOUTHERN GOSPEL QUARTET

B. ANNETTE LITTLE

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No.: 2020-105 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RAY BARKSDALE, deceased Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Holly Swanson, Personal Representative, on the 20th day of April, 2020, by the Honorable Ronnie Osborn, Judge of Probate Court of DeKalb County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within six months after the granting of letters, or within five months from the date of the first publication of this notice, whichever is the later to occur, or the same will be barred.

To be published: April 24, May 1, May 8

deceased, and a petition in writing under oath praying for the admission to probate and record in this Court of said instrument as the true and Last Will and Testament of said decedent.

YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED to be and appear before this Court on the 4th day of June, 2020, at 10:00 a.m., when said petition will be heard and to show cause, if any you may have, why the instrument filed with said petition and purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of J.P. Nation, deceased, should not be admitted to probate and record in this Court as the true and Last Will and Testament of said decedent.

This the 22nd day of April, 2020.

To be published: May 1, May 8, May 15

LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

LEGALS

Case No.: 2020-49

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No.: 2020-33

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF ELOISE F. LANCE, deceased

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF J.P. NATION, deceased To: Julia Ann Leitner YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that there has been filed in this Court an instrument in writing purpoting to be the Last Will and Testament of J.P. Nation,

NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to STEVE FLANNIGAN, as Personal Representative of the Estate of ELOISE F. LANCE, deceased, on the 28th day of April 2020, by the Honorable Ronnie E.

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ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE beverlyannette@southerntorch.com Office: 256.259.2341 Cell: 256.653.7099

LEGALS

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.

STEVE FLANNIGAN, Personal Representative of the Estate of ELOISE F. LANCE, deceased To be published: May 1, May 8, May 15

LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No.: 2020-86 ADMINISTRATOR'S NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS In the Matter of the Estate of Jack Arnold Bradler, deceased Letters of Administration of the estate of Jack Arnold Bradler, 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: May 1, May 8, May 15

LEGALS IN THE JUVENILE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA To Krystal Dawn Murdock, mother of the minor child M. K. M., DOB: 4-20-19, whose whereabouts are unknown, you must answer the Petition to Terminate Parental Rights and other relief by April 30, 2020 or thereafter a judgment of default may be rendered against you in JU-2019-266.02, Juvenile Court of DeKalb County, Alabama.

To be published: May 8

Polymer Industries was founded in Henagar in 1975. (www.polymerindustries.com)

By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com

HENAGAR, Ala. — In response to the public health crisis caused by the novel coronavirus, Polymer Industries held a blood drive in association with Blood Assurance to support local relief efforts.

"Polymer Industries provides materials used to build products for the healthcare, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, construction, and even the Department of Defense, so we are considered an essential business," stated Deborah Ragsdale, National Sales Manager for Polymer and

Executive Board Member for the International Association of Plastic Distribution. "Polymer's vision is to give back, not only by recycling the products we place in the environment but also giving back to the communities where our employees work and live."

In a press release, Polymer stated they had engaged in efforts to protect the health and safety of employees at their office, manufacturing operations, and distribution centers.

"The health and safety of our people is a top priority, and we are challenging other manufacturing facilities to have a blood drive for

our communities during this time of heightened demand," Ragsdale concluded.

Plans are currently underway for a second drive at Polymer's Tacoma, Wash. location.

Polymer Industries is a leading manufacturer of polyolefin products, engineering plastics, and highperformance materials with over 45 years of experience and technical expertise in the plastics processing industry.

They have manufacturing and distributing facilities across the nation.

For more information, please visit www.polymerindustries. com.

FRIDAY — MAY 8, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

5

POLITICS

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE

By Steve Flowers Political Columnist

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The 2020 Regular Legislative Session has resumed after a six-week hiatus due to the coronavirus shutdown of the state and nation. The session must end by May 18, 2020. The only thing they will do is pass barebones budgets.

The most important and actually the only constitutionally mandated act that must be accomplished is the passage of the state budgets. In our case, we have two state budgets. We have a General Fund like 45 other states, and we have a second Special Education budget.

Like all states, power is where the money lies.

Therefore, the power in the legislature rests with the chairmen of the budgetary money committees. The keeper of the purse strings is a powerful position.

Since the Constitution dictates that all money bills, taxes, and budgets must originate in the House of Representatives and since the Education budget now dwarfs the General Fund to the tune of a 2-to-1 margin, the most relevant committee chairman in the state legislature is Representative Bill Poole (R-Tuscaloosa) who chairs the House Ways and Means Education Budget

Committee. He essentially begins crafting of the Education budget. His counterpart in the Senate who helps to slice the education pie is State Senator Arthur Orr (R-Decatur).

The chairman of the General Fund Ways and Means Committee in the House of Representatives is Representative Steve Clouse (R-Ozark). He has been chairman of the Ways and Means General Fund for close to a decade and has done a yeoman’s job.

His counterpart in the Senate is Senator Greg Albritton (R-Escambia).

The Constitution clearly defines the three branches of government.

The Legislative Branch makes the laws, the Governor is the Administrator of State government, and the Judicial Branch defines and enforces the laws made by the Legislature.

However, over the course of history, we have had some very powerful governors who have stepped into the legislative budgetary powers and usurped the power granted to the Legislature. The most notable example would be George C. Wallace. Not only did he usurp the power of legislators, but he also made the Legislature an appendage of the Governor’s Office.

During my first term in the Legislature, 1982-1986,

which was congruently Wallace’s last term as Governor, he selected the Speaker and the Chairmen of all the House Committees. His office sent the agenda for each legislative day down to the Rules Committee, which simply rubber-stamped the Governor’s agenda.

Needless to say, the state budget was written and decided by the Governor.

Since the Wallace days, the Legislature has taken back their inherent powers.

Governor Don Siegelman had a partnership and worked congruently with the Legislature. However, Fob James had very little influence on the Legislature. He somewhat looked down on them, and in turn, they left him out of the process. Guy Hunt was left out because he really did not understand the process.

Bob Riley was totally ignored by the Legislature.

The partisan divide between the Republican and Democratic parties had set in. Riley was a Republican and we had a state Senate made up of a veteran smart, crafty and partisan Democrats. They were not about to let Riley into their hen house.

Robert Bentley was completely inept and ineffective with the Legislature. Even though he had been a State Representative, he really had no relationship with

the House or the Senate leadership and seemed averse to cultivating them.

Our current Governor, Kay Ivey, has significant input into the state budgets. Not in the way that Wallace did, but in a way designed by the constitutional founders.

Kay Ivey is a strong, decisive leader. She works in partnership with the legislative budget chairmen – Poole, Clouse, Orr, and Albritton. Kay has a close working relationship with the legislators, built by decades of working within state government as a Higher Education lobbyist, State Treasurer, and Lt. Governor.

Kay has taken a no-nonsense approach to be Governor. She is making decisions that are right for the state and not with an eye to what is politically expedient. She has a close working partnership with the legislative leadership, especially Bill Poole, who is universally respected.

State Representative Dexter Grimsley lost his older sister to the coronavirus. She was a nurse. Big Dexter is cherished and beloved by his legislative colleagues.

He is a gentle giant and a true gentleman. Dexter has represented Abbeville and Henry County with distinction for over a decade.

See you next week.

Aderholt Announces New Campaign Manager for Re-Election Bid

Alex Vanderford (right) will serve as the new campaign manager for Congressman Aderholt's 2020 re-election bid. He is pictured here with Vice President Mike Pence (left). (Submitted Photo)

By Southern Torch Staff

HALEYVILLE, Ala. — On Monday, U.S. Representative Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.) announced the hiring of Alex Vanderford as the new campaign manager of his 2020 re-election campaign.

"I am excited to announce that Alex Vanderford will be joining our team," Aderholt stated. "Alex has a wealth of campaign experience and he shares my vision of reigniting the economy after this pandemic, bringing jobs back from China to America, expanding broadband to all rural areas, and protecting the unborn."

Vanderford is a native of Muscle Shoals in Colbert County and is a graduate of Martin Methodist College in Pulaski, Tenn. He recently served as the North Alabama field director for U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne's Senate campaign.

GAMES

Q P L O I K M W E D C O U C H Q Z U

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. — Romans 8:28

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6

FRIDAY — MAY 8, 2020

COUNCIL FROM PAGE 1

Rainsville City Pool.

Paint, batteries, and tires will not be accepted.

Mayor Rodger Lingerfelt advised that the Rainsville Freedom Fest was scheduled for June 27. In the event that the Freedom Fest would need to be rescheduled, due to the coronavirus, the date would for August 29.

In other business the council approved: Purchase of 100 garbage cans for the sanitation department

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

in the amount of $5,662.35.

Purchase of computer and programming for the City annex in the amount of $1100.56 Frame barrier to be built by Jimmy Traylor Construction and glass

by Rainsville Glass to protect workers at the City Annex.

The next regular meeting of the Rainsville City Council will be held on Monday, May 18 with a workshop at 4:15 p.m. and the meeting beginning at 5 p.m.

Ider Discount Drugs

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BOOM DAYS

POLITICS

FROM PAGE 1 ever Boom Days next year.�

Mayor Chesser announced that the Fiddlers Convention for this year has been canceled along with the Mayor’s Golf Tournament and the City Employee Picnic. The Independence Day fireworks will still be held as people will be able to practice social distance in their automobiles.

The Council voted unanimously to partner with Fort Payne High School, paying $6,000 for signs displaying the senior class pictures in front of the school. “This is a once in a lifetime deal for these kids� stated Hill.

Councilmember Lynn Brewer announced that the city golf course is open. This weekend the course had over 174 golfers bringing in a total of $3,000 revenue.

The next meeting Fort Payne Council will be held on May 19.

Watson Announces Bid for Fort Payne Council

By Southern Torch Staff

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Former Fort Payne City Councilman Walter Watson has announced his intentions to seek election to the Council this year.

"I feel my pervious spent and experience gained on the council will allow me to help the team navigate successfully through the next term," Watson stated.

Watson stated the importance of restructuring our area after the impacts of COVID-19 have faded.

"My prayers and thoughts are with everyone [affected] financially and physically [by the virus]," he said.

"I...believe that we all should be mindful that the next team could very well have to address the economic impact of this pandemic."

Watson stated that while issues like infrastructure improvements, maintaining a strong

(Submitted Photo)

economic recruiting program, supporting existing industries, working with the City schools, and expanding recreational opportunities are important priorities, the Council must also maintain adequate funding to support the long-term job security of Fort Payne city employees and a health emergency reserve fund.

"All these topics are important now and going forward," said Watson.

"In the near future, we will be tasked with selecting five members of [the] council and a mayor to take us into the next four years and beyond. If chosen, I will be

approachable. I will lead understanding the importance of acknowledging God for guidance. I will strive to create a 'Fort Payne City Council Team,'" he concluded.

Watson is married to Doris Carter Watson, and they have one daughter and a grandson. He is employed at Siemens, and serves as the senior pastor of New Vision Ministries, President of the Wills Valley Model Railroaders Club, and is a member of the Fort Payne Planning Commission.

Municipal elections in the State of Alabama will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2020.

DEATH NOTICES W.T. WILSON Carol Danette Evans - 70 of Pisgah, passed away on Thursday, April 30. The family will hold a private graveside service.

Roy J. Harvey - 89 of Dawson, passed away on Friday, May 1. A private graveside service and visitation will be held at a later date.

Vivian Marie McAnelly - 79 of Fort Payne, passed away on Saturday, May 2. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Rose Leta Batson - 58 of Leeds, passed away on Saturday, May 2. A private graveside service will be held at a later date.

Alta Mae Holcomb - 58 of Fort Payne, passed away on Sunday, May 3. The family will be holding a private visitation and funeral service at a later date.

John Harold Savage - 75 of Crossville, passed away on Monday, May 4. A private visitation and graveside service will be held at a later date.

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William David Cupp, Sr. - 71 of Cedartown, Ga., passed away on Tuesday, May 5. The family will hold a private visitation and graveside service at a later date.

BURT Ruby Louise Davis - 71, passed away on Friday, May 1 at DeKalb Regional Medical Center. A private visitation and graveside service was held with burial in Liberty Hill Cemetery.

CORNER STONE Gwendolyn Vaughn Smith - 97 of Ider, passed away on Thursday, April 30 at Crowne Health Care. A private visitation and funeral service were held.

Jimmy Lamar Blalock - 79 of Henagar, passed away on Sunday, May 3 at his residence. Private family services will be held.

Friday, May 1. Due to gathering restrictions, private services are planned.

Virginia Huggins Jolley - 95 of Fort Payne, passed away on Saturday, May 2. A private graveside service will be held at Glenwood Cemetery.

Raymond J. Groat - 95 of Fort Payne, passed away on Monday, May 4 at his home. Due to gathering restrictions, private services will be held.

RAINSVILLE Bernice Faye Harper Allen - 87 of Fort Payne, passed away on Monday, May 4. A graveside service was held on Tuesday, May 5 at Macedonia Cemetery.

Dennis James Edward Mitchell - infant of Sand Rock, passed away on Tuesday, May 5 at DeKalb Regional Medical Center.

WILSON Jimmie Sue Beason - 65 of Mentone, passed away on Thursday, April 30 at her residence. The family will hold a private service at a later date.

Sybel Elizabeth DeMarco Evans - 90 of Alexandria, formerly of Fort Payne, passed away on

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FRIDAY — MAY 8, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Happy Mother's Day to All of our Mothers and to yours too!

Managing Editor Marla Jones and her mother, Annie Lee Samples.

PICTURED (R to L): Accountant Lindsey Jones, her mother Darla Tutterrow, and sister, Morgan Cuzzort.

By Marla Jones, Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. I was so blessed that my mother, Annie Lee Samples, was such a woman.

On Mother’s Day, I have many fond memories of my mother. She left this world of sorrow, nine years ago this month.

After my mother’s passing, I refused to celebrate Mother’s Day for several years. After much thought, I realized that I was doing my own sons, Justin and Logan an injustice. I am blessed to be their mother. They are without a doubt, my biggest and best accomplishment. I may fail daily but I know that I will always have the love and support of my children.

Mother’s Day is a celebration honoring the mother of the family and the influences of mothers in society.

On Sunday, take a moment to reflect on the fond memories that you have of your Mom. She loves you as God loves you, and would lay down her life for her children. Philippians 1:3, “I thank

Advertising Exeutive Amy Thrash and her mother, Brenda West.

PICTURED (L to R): Graphic Designer Zach Hester, his mother Tina Hester, and his sister, Jada Hester.

my God every time I remember you.”

Proverbs 31:10-31 King James Version (KJV) 10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

PICTURED (L to R): Distribution Manager Marshall Stiefel, his father Charlie, his mother Greta, and his sister, Lacie.

21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

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FRIDAY — MAY 8, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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