The Southern Torch — Vol. 6, No. 2

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020 / VOL. 6, NO. 2 / $1.00

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THIS WEEK IN SPORTS

THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS

THIS WEEK IN POLITICS

THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY

• 2019 All-County Football Team • DeKalb County Tournament Brackets!

• See What's Featured in our Spotlight! • New Bridge Work Begins in Mentone

• Inside the Statehouse with Steve Flowers! • GH Metal Solutions to Expand

• FP Parks & Rec Selected for RLC • All Around the World

By Nick Jones President SCOTTSBORO, Ala. — Southern Torch is proud to announce the launch of a Jackson County, Alabama online news company JacksonBlaze.com. The Blaze will be tailored to report and publish content on all things in Jackson County. This will include news, sports, politics, and community happenings. The content will be available online at JacksonBlaze.com.

The Southern Torch weekly newspaper will

expand its circulation and distribution map to include Jackson County and Jackson Blaze content. The newspaper will become a regional product that will focus on top news from both DeKalb and Jackson counties. SouthernTorch. com will remain a daily news source for DeKalb County while JacksonBlaze.com will be a daily news source for Jackson County.

Southern Torch is a multimedia company that provides local news online and in print, radio entertainment, and

DYLAN SMITH NAMED MANAGING EDITOR digital advertising. In April 2019, Southern Torch acquired two FM radio stations: 98-3 Wild Country & 101-7 The Torch. Now, JacksonBlaze.com will join the Torch family of media products. “We are excited about expanding our news footprint. Since we have had a presence in Jackson with our radio stations, we have really enjoyed getting to know the people in Jackson County. We believe that

Smith will serve as the Managing Editor of the Jackson Blaze. (Submitted Photo)

our recipe for providing local news that people actually care about and reporting news that other outlets are afraid to publish will be quite a

treat for our Jackson County audience,� stated Eloise Smith, General Manager of Southern Torch.

Dylan Smith has been named Managing Editor of the Jackson Blaze. Smith, of Scottsboro, is a lifelong resident of Jackson County. He is a 2013 graduate of North Sand Mountain High School.

He attended Northeast Alabama Community College, majoring in Business and Economics

and is now completing his undergraduate studies at Athens State University seeking a degree in Management with a minor in Acquisition and Contract Management.

In 2017, Smith married the former Audrey Manning of Pisgah. Smith is Chairman of the Board at Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce.

>> BLAZE, P2

Benefield Named Motion Dies Again Coach of the Decade on Rental Tax

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

FYFFE, Ala. — Head Coach Paul Benefield of Fyffe was recently named the Alabama Sports Writers Association (ASWA) All-State Coach of the Year for the second time. His first award was in 2007. In addition, Benefield was also named the al.com Coach of the Decade.

Benefield has led the Fyffe Red Devils to four Class 2A State Championships in the last six years. The Red Devils ended the decade with a 48 game regular-season winning streak. The Red Devils have won State Championships in 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2019. Their overall record for this decade was 128-9 with four 15-0 seasons.

The Fyffe Red Devils recently finished in 12th place in the High School Football America Small Schools Top 25 list.

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — (Full Video on our Facebook) The Rainsville City Council met for its first meeting of the new year on Monday, January 6.

At the work session, Rainsville citizen Rodney Williams addressed the Council regarding Ordinance 10-15-07, which places a tax on residential and commercial rental properties. Williams expressed his concern for tenants on a limited or fixed income who will be burdened with higher rent rates due to the tax levied on property owners. He stated that although the tax was small, the increase in rent could have provided a meal or two for any given tenant.

In the regular meeting, Councilmember Marshall Stiefel made a motion to abolish Ordinance

marla@southerntorch.com

Fyffe Head Football Coach Paul Benefield was joined by Managing/Sports Editor Marla Jones last year for a summer practice. (Zach Hester | Southern Torch) “Being named coach of the decade is probably the most special award I have ever received,� said Benefield. “To me, it is an

award for consistency with a lot of great kids with

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10-15-07, which resulted in a heated discussion on whether or not it could be abolished. With no second from other Council members, the motion died.

Councilmember Derek Rosson spoke on the new bill signed by Governor Kay Ivey requiring each municipality to provide a first responders benefits program, which was agreed to by the Council.

Councilmember Brandon Freeman announced signups for baseball, softball and tee-ball will be held at the Field of Dreams on January 25 and February 1 from 10am to 5pm.

Rainsville Fire Chief Willimac Wright thanked Councilmembers Rosson and Stiefel for attending their recent closed confinement rescue training presented by the Alabama Fire College. He thanked Southern Torch Managing Editor Marla Jones and Account

Executive Amy Thrash for participating as well.

The Council approved the following: • Empowered the Mayor to approve a fireworks contract for the Rainsville Freedom Fest • Put out bids for Skaggs Road to repair cattle crossing or replace it with a 36-inch culvert (bids will be opened on Wednesday, January 22) • Awarded a contract to Joseph Lee for sewer line expansion in the amount of $50,000 (the 3,800 feet work will begin on Monday, January 20 and last for approximately three weeks) • Appointed Henagar attorney Jeff McCurdy as the City’s new public defender (effective January 14) The next meeting of the Rainsville City Council held on Monday, January 20 at 5pm with a work session at 4:15pm.

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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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY — JANUARY 10, 2020

Multiple Arrests Made During New Year's Saturation

By Southern Torch Staff FORT PAYNE, Ala. — From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden: From midday Tuesday (December 31) to early Wednesday (January 1, 2020) deputies with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office and agents with the Narcotics and Interdiction Unit conducted a New Year’s Eve Saturation in areas of the county to

ensure safety on our roadways.

Several were arrested for being in possession of narcotics and several others for existing warrants.

Sheriff Welden said of the operation: “We were glad to do our part to keep our roadways safe during the New Year’s Holiday!

Several were brought in that were traveling the roads and using narcotics.

The extra presence also served as a deterrent for those thinking about driving under the influence.”

“We also celebrated

one year of a new administration, as we took office on January 1, 2019.

We plan on working just as hard in 2020 to make DeKalb County a better and safer place to live!” Said Sheriff Welden.

“God Bless!” He concluded.

Those arrested in the operation were: Robert James Cook (42 of Albertville): Possession

of Controlled Substance, Drug Paraphernalia Tommy Harold Fennell (56 of Crossville): Possession of Controlled Substance (2x), Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana, 2nd Degree James Truman Whitehead (64 of Boaz): Warrant for Failure to Appear (x4) Rogelio Ramos Guzman (32 of Crossville):

Warrant for Failure to Appear (x3) James Benjamin Bowen (43 of Albertville): Possession of Controlled Substance, Drug Paraphernalia Alana Monique Reading (27 of Crossville): Drug Paraphernalia Three additional arrests were made for outstanding warrants with outside agencies.

Back to His Roots New Bridge Work Begins in Mentone

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

By Marla Jones, Managing Editor •marla@southerntorch.com HENAGAR, Ala. — Attorney Jeff McCurdy is returning home to Henagar.

McCurdy, who has practiced law in Fort Payne for the last decade, moved his practice to his hometown of Henagar to better represent his Jackson and DeKalb County clients.

McCurdy, a member of the Henagar City Council, serves as the public defender for the Town of Sylvania and was recently named public defender for the City of Rainsville.

His tenure in Rainsville will begin on January 14.

"I am excited to return home to Henagar and provide legal services to my hometown folks," said McCurdy. " The McCurdy Law Firm opened their new doors on January 2. It is located at 17326 Alabama Highway 75 in Henagar. Their office number is (256) 996-8701.

BENEFIELD

FROM PAGE 1

determination and toughness [and] a willingness to reach for excellence and the heart to do the work to be great.”

Benefield’s career spans over 37 years. In 2012, he celebrated his 200th win as a head coach, and in the fall of 2017, he celebrated his 250th win.

BLAZE

FROM PAGE 1

He was recently appointed to serve on the Jackson County Healthcare Authority Board of Directors. He is Vice-Chair of the Jackson County Republican Party and also serves as Chairman of the Young Republicans of Northeast Alabama.

“I’m excited to take on this role and bring Southern Torch’s exceptional brand of

This week, Benefield received a call from Head Coach Ed Orgeron of the LSU (Louisiana State University) Tigers. Orgeron congratulated Benefield and his team for a job well done. Coach Benefield stated there was nothing like a call after Christmas break to get you and your team motivated.

Benefield is an alumnus of Fyffe High

School and received a degree from Jacksonville State University. Benefield is married to his wife, Jodi, and the couple has three sons: Alex, Eli, and Seth. He has had the honor of coaching all three of his sons in football.

Due to reclassification, this fall, the Red Devils will begin their season in the Class 3A division.

news coverage to Jackson County,” says Smith. “Jackson Blaze will serve as the premier media outlet for our county. Citizens deserve nothing less than accurate and informative news, and that’s precisely what we intend to deliver,” added Smith.

JacksonBlaze.com content will be provided primarily by Dylan Smith and Beverly Annette Little, Sales Account Executive, along with contributed content

from Jackson County newsmakers.

“Emphasis on local interests has made Southern Torch the reputable brand it is today. Using the same trusted and reliable reporting excellence that has benefited DeKalb County, Jackson Blaze will serve as the premier news source for citizens of Jackson County,” stated Eloise Smith.

JacksonBlaze.com is set for launch on January 13th, 2020.

MENTONE, Ala. — According to the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), motorists can expect periodic delays on Alabama Highway 117 as contractors begin to set arches on the new bridge project near the West Fork of Little River near Mentone.

Wright Brothers Construction Company of Charleston, Tenn. will be the contractor for the $5.7 million bridge project.

Motorists can expect possible intermittent lane closures from 7 a.m. to 5

p.m. daily, Tuesday, January 7 through Tuesday, January 14 according to ALDOT

Spokesman, Seth Burkett.

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY — JANUARY 10, 2020

3

COMMUNITY

All Around the World

FP Parks & Rec Selected for Rural Learning Collaborative

By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com

By Marla Jones, Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com LUGAZI, Uganda — This week, Southern Torch shirts were spotted in Uganda!

Last year, Southern Torch donated a bundle of our "Team of the Week" shirts for Gary Hartline's Dirt Road Mission and all of us are glad they're being used! The orphanage in Lugazi was named "Team of the Week" so all the staff got a shirt!

We would like to extend our thanks to Gary Hartline for all that he does!

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The Fort Payne Parks and Recreation Department has been selected to participate in the Rural Learning Collaborative.

Fort Payne was selected as one of just five rural agencies across the entire nation selected by the National Recreation and Parks Association. The other selected agencies include Bainbridge Island, Wash., Leadville, Colo., Slatington, Pa., and Newport, Or. “We are very excited to participate in the National Recreation and Parks Association’s Rural

Learning Collaborative," said Fort Payne Parks and Recreation Director Robin Brothers. "We look forward to working with fellow recreation professionals to address health and wellness issues. You can look for more fun and

exciting wellness programs coming to Fort Payne Parks and Recreation.�

The program, which is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), focuses on the assessment, exploration, and

establishment of partnerships in communities in order to leverage assets and overcome the various challenges faced with offering evidence-based programs and services.

As part of the Rural Learning Collaborative, Fort Payne Parks and Recreation will offer the Walk With Ease program, a low-impact group-based walking program designed for participants with arthritis. However, all who want to incorporate more physical activity in their daily lives are welcome to participate. The anticipated start date of the six-week program is March and will include walking, stretching, and education.

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UPCOMING EVENTS Every Monday, By His Hands Outreach Ministry - The By His Hands Outreach Ministry will host a soup kitchen beginning on Mondays at 6pm. The Clothes Closet will be open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm. Both are at 2494 Church Avenue in Rainsville. Donations are greatly appreciated!

the Word of God on Wednesday nights starting January 3 at 5:30pm. If you need a ride, please contact: Lynn Haas at (256) 605-7854 or Connie Holdem at (256) 605-1776.

Every Monday, Sons of the American Revolution - The Sons of the American Revolution meets the 3rd Monday of each month at Western Sizzlin' in Fort Payne at 6pm.

Every Wednesday, Parents of Addicted Loved Ones - A new support group for Parents of Addicted Loved Ones is starting in Fort Payne at Word of Life Ministry, located at 3610 Gault Avenue North. The meeting will be held every Tuesday from 6pm to 7:30pm. Any adult family member over 18 is welcome to attend these PAL meetings, however, for insurance reasons, no one under the age of 18 may attend and child care will not be provided. For more information, visit palgroup.org.

Every Wednesday, Breakthrough Church free meal - Come and enjoy a free meal and hear

Every Third Thursday, Alzheimer's Caregivers Support Group - The Alzheimer's

Every Monday, Sons of Confederate Veterans - The Sons of Confederate Veterans meets the 2nd Monday of each month at Burnt Church at 6pm in Sylvania.

Terrell Chiropractic, LLC OPEN SIX DAYS A WEEK!

Dr. Robert Terrell Dr. Jeff Parker Mon-Wed Thu-Fri Saturday 8:30-5:30 8:30-5:30 8:30-12

65 McCurdy Ave S, Rainsville, AL 35986 Phone: (256) 638-9393 • Fax: (256) 638-9395

Association will begin hosting a caregivers support group solely devoted to those who provide care for people with Alzheimer's on the third Thursday of every month from 11am to 12pm at the Rainbow City First United Methodist Church.

For more information, please call Olivia Kendrick at (256) 454-4375.

Breakfast Club - The DeKalb County Republican Breakfast Club meeting will be held on Saturday, January 11 at 7:30am at Western Sizzlin' in Fort Payne. The guest speaker will be DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden. The election for the 2020 Breakfast Club officers will be held by nomination.

January 10-11, PBR Bull Bash 2020 - The 2020 PBR Bull Bash will be held at 7:30pm on Friday, January 10 and Saturday, January 11 at the Northeast Alabama Agri-Business Center!

Come and enjoy the excitement of cowboys, horses, and bulls!

Advance tickets are $15, $20 at the door and kids under five are free!

January 14, DeKalb County Democrats Open House - The DeKalb County Democratic Club will host an open house as its monthly meeting on Tuesday, January 14, at its new office at 205 Gault

January 11, Tyler Reese Tritt at the Pickin' Post - Come enjoy Tyler Reese Tritt, daughter of Travis Tritt, at The Pickin' Post. Tickets are available at Black’s Tire in Rainsville, Dallas Place in Crossville and Roger’s Pawn & Music in Fort Payne. Show begins at 6pm.

January 11, DeKalb County Republican

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/Reporter 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:

Regular Yearly Rate — $30 Senior /Veteran Yearly Rates — $25

Avenue North in Fort Payne. Members and their guests can come anytime between 5pm and 7:30pm for party food and good fellowship.

Dogtown Fire Department Turkey Shoot - The Dogtown Fire Department will host a turkey shoot on Saturday, January 18 at 6pm! The Fire Department is located at 27 County Road 89, Fort Payne, Ala. 35967.

Stands and scopes are allowed. For more information, please call (256) 996-1314.

January 25, Russell

Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out The time has come for the highly anticipated Annual IIIrd Tyme Out concert in beautiful downtown Fort Payne, Alabama! You can visit the usual local business ticket outlets in Fort Payne. Ticket Outlets: The Strand Box Office Grill The BBQ Place Bruce’s Foodland (Ft. Payne & Rainsville locations) Sally’s Smokin’ Butt BBQ Roger’s Pawn & Music Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce Tickets will only be available at the door on the day of the concert PROVIDED THERE IS NO SELL-OUT.

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY — JANUARY 10, 2020

BUSINESS

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with Marla & Marshall

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Fort Payne 256-845-6101 Rainsville 256-638-2200

Henagar 256-657-2200 Grant 256-728-8000

Southern Gold & Silver QUALITY JEWELRY

226 Gault Ave. N • Fort Payne, AL 35967 Phone: 256-845-5680 Fax: 256-845-5165

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1706 Glenn Blvd., Suite 4

Fort Payne, AL 35968 • (256) 997-7591

Woody’s

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Scottsboro

Steak & Seafood Tuesday-Thursday — 10:30-7 Friday & Saturday — 10:30-8 Sunday — 11-4:30

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105 Co. Rd. 89 in Fort Payne / Dogtown

256-364-2221

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THE FISHERMEN SOUTHERN GOSPEL QUARTET

ADVERTISE HERE FOR JUST 12.50 LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: 2019-356 ESTATE OF OUIDA GILES SHELNUTT AKA OUIDA GILES DAVIS, DECEASED NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that on the 2nd day of January, 2020, Letters Testamentary on the Estate of OUIDA GILES SHELNUTT AKA OUIDA GILES DAVIS, deceased, were issued to the undersigned by the Probate Judge of DeKalb County, Alabama. All persons having claims against the estate must file itemized and verified statements of such claims in the Office of the Judge of Probate of DeKalb County, Alabama, within six (6) months after the granting of Letters

Testamentary or the claims will be barred and payment prohibited.

JENNIFER O'HARA JOHNSON, Personal Representative To be published: January 10, 17, 24

LEGALS IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: CS-19-900176 CATARINA FRANCISCO FRANCISCO, Plaintiff/Mother v.

MATIAS JUAN TOMAS, Defendant NOTICE OF CUSTODY PROCEEDINGS MATIAS JUAN TOMAS, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer the Complaint and other relief by the 10th day of February, 2020 or, thereafter, a judgment by

Ider Discount Drugs

@

For bookings call: Glenn Smith (256) 572-6146 Check us out on Facebook

default may be rendered against him in Case No.: CS-19-900176, in the District Court of DeKalb County, Alabama.

Attorney for Plaintiff: Gabriela Watson, Esq WATSON & WATSON Post Office Box 1068 Albertville, Alabama 35950 Phone: 256-660-1280 Fax: 256-660-1541 To be published: December 20, 27, January 3, 10

LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: CS-19-2019336 IN RE: IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF NELLIE JO PEPPERS, DECEASED ADMINISTRATOR'S NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS Letters of Administration of the Estate of NELLIE JO PEPPERS, deceased, having been granted to the undersigned on 12/30/19, by the Honorable Ronnie Osborne, 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.

NOTICE OF PETITION FOR SOLE LEGAL AND PHYSICAL CUSTODY ALEJANDRO MARTIN JOSE (DEFT), whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer PAULINA RAMOS MANUEL, Petition for Sole Legal and Physical Custody and other relief, a judgment by default may be rendered against him in Case Number CS-2019 900169.00 in the District Court of Dekalb County.

LORENA IBARRA ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF 200 LORNA SQUARE SUITE 221 HOOVER, AL. 35216 To be published: January 3, 10, 17, 24

LEGALS TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN This is hereby notice to Josh Slater, occupant of an apartment owned

by Joe Gregory, located at 2642 Alabama Highway 117. You have two weeks to vacate the property or personal belongings will be disposed of. Dated the 6th day of January, 2020.

To be published: January 10, 17

2005 KIA SORENTO SILVER KNDJD733155363389 2014 FORD FOCUS WHITE 1FADP3E29EL380914 2004 CHRYSLER SEBRING PURPLE 1C3EL56R54N349135 2002 FORD MUSTANG BLACK 1FAFP40422F198120 1993 CHEVROLET S-10 RED 1GCCT14Z1P8145451 2019 FORD FIESTA SILVER 3FADP4AJ7KM161155 2007 JEEP LIBERTY SILVER 1J4GK58K77W709277 2007 FORD FUSION GOLD 3FAHP07ZX7R147400 2003 BUICK CENTURY GOLD 2G4WS52J631126116 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA SILVER 2G1WD5E32C1181960 1988 CHEVROLET S-10 RED 1GCBS14E4J2229074 2002 PONTIAC FIREBIRD SILVER 2G2FS22K222118300 2000 HONDA CBR600 GREEN JH2PC35012M307714

To be published: January 10, 17, 24

LEGALS

LEGALS

ABANDONED VEHICLE SALE FEBRUARY 11, 2020

1996 YAMAHA ROYAL STAR RED/WHITE JYA4NKE03TA015237

2006 SUZUKI FORENZA SILVER KL5JD56Z66K452288

2003 PONTIAC AZTEK MA-

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

DAY CARE CEN ER

256.638.4848

333 DILBECK RD IN RAINSVILLE

ROON 3G7DB03E13S592247

Case No: CS-19-900169 PAULINA RAMOS MANUEL, PLAINTIFF vs ALEJANDRO MARTIN JOSE, DEFENDANT

KANDIELAND

2002 GMC YUKON GREEN 1GKFK66U42J340108 1993 ACURA VIGOR BLACK JH4CC2665PC004936 1998 HONDA ACCORD BLACK 1HGCG1651WA002071 2002 CHEVROLET TAHOE GREEN 1GNEK13Z52R167251 2009 FORD RANGER WHITE 1FTYR10DX9PA65198 2005 KIA RIO BLUE KNADC125656371611 2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE BLACK 1GYFK63878R131212 2002 JEEP LIBERTY GREEN 1J4GK58K02W308243 2006 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX WHITE 2G2WR554061201049 To be published: January 10, 17 Anyone having claim has until FEBRUARY 11, 2020 to notify me with intent or vehicles will be sold at public auction at 8am. Seller reserves the right to reject any bids.

Plunketts Wrecker Service 12978 Alabama Highway 227 P.O. Box 366 Geraldine, AL 35986 For more information, call (256) 659-5656

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY — JANUARY 10, 2020

5

POLITICS

GH Metal Solutions

to Expand in 2020

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

What Does the Presidential Race Look Like Nationally?

By Steve Flowers ST Columnist

marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The Fort Payne City Council held its first meeting of 2020 on Tuesday, January 7.

At the meeting, Ken Mayo of the Census Bureau reported to the Council that census work would begin this month.

He encouraged all to fill out your census card and to look into census jobs, which begin at $13.50 per hour. To apply for a census job, please visit 2020census.gov/jobs.

DeKalb County Economic Development Director Jimmy Durham introduced the new plant manager of GH Metal Solutions, Tom Sesterhenn. Sesterhenn informed the Council that GH Metal Solutions would be adding approximately $8 million worth of equipment and that the company, which has been in business for 61 years, would continue to invest in the community. GH Metal Solutions currently employs 351 people.

The expansion, at this time, does not include any new jobs.

The Council set a date for a public hearing for 12pm on February 18, 2020, to receive comments on a proposed vacation of an unopened alleyway in the Valley View subdivision.

The Council approved

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE

GH Metal Solutions plant manager Tom Sesterhenn (Submitted Photo)

the following resolutions: • Resolution 2020-02, declaring approximately two acres of the “Carden Propertyâ€? surplus to be sold to Gil Graham to expand his business • Resolution 2020-03, declaring a parcel of land on Godfrey Avenue surplus to be sold to Hunter Stone for $5,400.

The City had previously acquired the land 20 years ago from FEMA and is located north of Builder’s Supply. • Resolution 2020-04, granting tax abatements to GH Metal Solutions, which does not affect any educational taxes Executive Director Jennifer McCurdy of the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce announced the date of the 2020 Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce banquet to be held on Tuesday, January 28. Tickets can be purchased at the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce.

The next meeting of the Fort Payne City Council will be held on Tuesday, January 21 at 12pm on the second floor of Fort Payne City Hall.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Our presidential primary in the Heart of Dixie is less than two months away. We vote on March 3, 2020.

President Donald Trump will be the GOP nominee.

It is a foregone conclusion that Trump will carry Alabama in the November General Election.

One of the most intriguing revelations will be which Democratic presidential candidate will win the Democratic Primary in Alabama in March. Longtime Democratic kingpin, Joe Reed, who heads the Alabama Democratic Conference will have a lot to say about the outcome.

It will be interesting to see how former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s late entry into the Democratic race for President fares.

Bloomberg is one of the wealthiest men in the world. He is much wealthier than Donald Trump. Inexplicably, Bloomberg chose Alabama as one of the first states that he will run in. It will be interesting to watch what he does in Alabama.

This wrinkle will bring national attention to our March 3 Democratic Primary.

President Trump will not only win the GOP Primary in our state on March 3, but he will also carry Alabama overwhelmingly in the November General

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.

Election. Trump carried Alabama with a 63 percent plurality in 2016. He will more than likely match or exceed those numbers again this year. It may make us one of the most pro-Trump Red Republican states in America.

The Republican presidential nominee, Trump, will not only carry Alabama but also the Deep South and the Heartland states of middle America.

However, the Democratic nominee for President will win the East and West coasts of our country.

The hay is in the barn in about 40 states because of our Electoral College system where the winner of the state, even if only by one vote, gets all of the electoral votes of that state. Currently, the Electoral College System favors those of us in smaller Red states. Trump would not have been elected President, otherwise. He did not get the most votes cast. Even with the slight Electoral College advantage, the GOP conservative nominee

has an uphill climb to beat Democratic liberal nominee.

Folks, we have 9 electoral votes. California has 55 electoral votes.

Having said that, even though Trump will be favored to win Alabama in the Fall election, he enters the national contest a clear underdog. The presidential race will be decided in the battleground states of Florida, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. President Trump has to carry all five of these states to win reelection.

Current polling shows that President Trump is behind in all five of these pivotal swing states.

However, let me remind you again that it is not what the entire electorate feels or how they would vote that counts. What counts is who shows up to vote on Election Day on November 3. Trump’s campaign will focus on firing up and enthusing his base to get out to vote.

That was how he won in 2016, and that is his path to victory in 2020. It is those who vote that counts.

Trump could very well win this year’s election. He is raising more money than all the Democratic candidates. Under the Electoral College system, this geographic advantage is so strong that he could lose the popular vote by five million and still win.

History is also on Trump’s side. Since World War II, presidents have won a second term unless

there was a major economic recession, which is always a crucial ingredient in any presidential race. Trump has been the steward of tremendous economic growth over his tenure.

Indeed, polls indicate that the economy is his ace in the hole. He has overwhelmingly favorable numbers on the handling of the economy. Trump performs poorly on other policy issues as well as honesty, integrity, and steadiness.

Again, it is all about turnout. Trump is hanging his hat on a “base strategy� aimed at pleasing his most ardent and passionate followers. The question becomes, will they hang with him if the economy falters? They will in Alabama, but will they in Michigan?

Sixty years ago in the epic 1960 Presidential Race between Republican Richard Nixon and Democrat John Kennedy there were 40 states in play and 10 predetermined.

Today, the numbers are reversed. There are only 10 swing states that determine the outcome of the Presidential election.

Another significant change is the age of the presidential candidates.

President Trump is 73, Joe Biden is 78, and Bernie Sanders is 79. If Michael Bloomberg makes a move, he is 77. When John F. Kennedy was sworn in he was only 43 years old.

See you next week.

Chapel with burial in Henagar Methodist Cemetery.

on Wednesday, January 1. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

DEATH NOTICES WILSON Pearl Ann Irwin - 88 of the Dogtown community, passed away on Monday, December 30. Funeral services were held at 1pm on Saturday, January 4 at New Oregon Methodist Church with burial in Fischer Cemetery.

Blaine Christian Smith - 19 of Fort Payne, passed away on Saturday, January 4.

Funeral services were held at noon on Monday, January 6 at First United Methodist Church with burial in Morris Cemetery.

Juanita Davis Robertson - 97 of Fort Payne, passed away on Saturday, January 4.

Graveside services were held at 3pm on Sunday, January 5 at Glenwood Cemetery.

Imogene Veal - 89 of Fort Payne, passed away on Sunday, January 5.

Funeral services were

held at 2pm on Tuesday, January 7 at Wilson Funeral Home with burial following in Mt. Herman Cemetery.

CORNER STONE G.B. Stone - 88 of Henagar, passed away on Tuesday, December 31 at Huntsville Hospital.

Funeral services were held at 2pm on Saturday, January 4 at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with burial in Henagar Memorial Park with military honors provided by the Ider Honor Band.

Raymond Wayne Phillips - 62 of Flat Rock, passed away on Friday, January 3. The family will hold a private visitation with cremation to follow.

GERALDINE J.L. Bolton - 86 of Crossville, passed away on Wednesday, January 1. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Saturday, January 4 at Geraldine

Funeral Home Chapel with burial following in DeKalb Memorial Gardens.

W.T. WILSON Beatrice Gwendolyn Ollis - 91 of Detroit, passed away on Wednesday, January 1.

Funeral services were held at 2pm on Sunday, January 5 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial following in Dean’s Chapel Cemetery.

John Michael Butler - 37 of Boaz, passed away on Saturday, January 4. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Shawn Patterson - 48 of Geraldine, passed away on Sunday, January 5. Funeral services were held at 5pm on Tuesday, January 7 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel.

Beth Bates - 52 of

Fort Payne, passed away on Monday, January 6.

Funeral services were held at 11am on Thursday, January 9 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial following in Glenwood Cemetery.

Margie Louise Byrum - 79 of Fort Payne, passed away on Monday, January 6.

Funeral services were held at 1pm on Thursday, January 9 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial following in Wesley’s Chapel Cemetery.

BURT Dolores Emma Allison - 95 of Mentone, passed away on Saturday, December 28.

The family will announce a memorial service at a later date.

Wayne Wells - 61 of Fyffe, passed away on Friday, January 3. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

GERALDINE Lynn Robin Lehmann - 78 of Gaylesville, passed away

KERBY Kenneth Harris - 76 of Henagar, passed away on Friday, January 3 at Crestwood Medical Center. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Sunday, January 5 at Kerby Funeral Home

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY — JANUARY 10, 2020

2019 ALL-COUNTY FOOTBALL TEAM

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — Recently the 2019 All-County Football Team recipients were announced.

Player of the Year- Kaleb Jones (Senior, QB) Offensive MVP- Zach Pryon (Sophomore, QB) Defensive MVP- Ty Bell (Junior, Linebacker) • FYFFE (15-0): Ike Rowell (RB/DB), Malachi Mize (RB/ LB) Caleb Lyle (OL/DL), DeVan Smith ( OG), Brody Dalton (TE/DE), Justin Stiefel ( P/DB), Eli Benefield ( FB/LB), Hunter Gillilan (TE/DB) • COLLINSVILLE (12-2): Blake Sparks (LB), Jason Perez (K), Bryan Lopez (DE), TJ Osborn (DL), Calvin Willingham (OL), Myles Underwood (LB), Michael Tucker (RB) • GERALDINE (8-5): Jacob Hamilton (G), Tyler Hughes (C), Jackson Bearden (TE, LB), DJ Graham (QB, FS), Caleb Benefield (T), Kyle Thackerson (ATH) • SYLVANIA (7-4): Grant Atchley (OLB), Jordan Johnson (OLD, TE), Riley Johnson (DE, TE) Caden Tutt;e (OL, DL), Kennan Wilbanks (WR, FS)

• VALLEY HEAD (6-5): Jordan Burt (QB, FS)m Marlonn Trinidad (RB, LB), Gabriel Boozer (OL, DL) Roger McMahan (BB, LB)

• PLAINVIEW (3-7): Corey Blair (WR, DB), Zeb Furgerson (WR, DB), Brody McCurdy (RB/DE) • CROSSVILLE (2-8): Hunter Haston (LB), Ernesto Lopex (F), Alfonzo Lopez (G) • IDER (2-8): Seth Hawkins (DB), Andy Holt (DL), Jesse Massey (LB) HONORABLE MENTIONS • FYFFE: Chase Wooten (OL, DL), Kyle Dukes (TE, DE), Levi Carrol (OL, DL) • COLLINSVILLE: Issac Tillery (OL), Garrett Skelton (WR), Dalton Hughes (S) • SYLVANIA: Gareth Anderson (RB, DB), Skylar Venable (OL), Brody Smith (QB), Sidney Dekker (OL, DL) • VALLEY HEAD: Luke Harrison (OL, DL), Levi Demarco (OL, DL), Will Phillips (OL, DL) • PLAINVIEW: Saul Mil (DE), Noah White (QB, DB), Marcos Vegas (LB), Logan Bell (ATH) • CROSSVILLE: Harley Hicks (TE), Javier Corona ( OL), Noah Williams (ATH), Kolby Leslie (RB, DB) • IDER: Ethan Barrett (OL, LB), Gavin Weldon (RB), Colton Crane (OL, DL), Matt Norman (QB, DB)

The DeKalb County Basketball Tournament will begin next week. Here are the brackets for the Varsity Boys & Girls.

CLASH OF THE TITANS PHOTO BY KRISTY GALLAGHER

PHOTO BY KRISTY GALLAGHER

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor • marla@southerntorch.com

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor • marla@southerntorch.com

SYLVANIA, Ala. — The Plainview Lady Bears faced Sylvania Varsity Girls on Tuesday night.

The score was tied 6-6 in the first quarter with the Lady Rams taking the 20-17 at the half.

In the third, the Lady Bears outscored the Rams, 13-7, and in the fourth, both teams scored 15 points, giving Plainview the 45-42 win.

Tobi Trotter led Plainview with 15 points, followed by Ali Price with eight points. Elaine Puckett led with 18 total rebounds.

SYLVANIA, Ala. — The Plainview Bears and Sylvania Rams met on the court Tuesday night.

The first quarter was back-and-forth with the Bears narrowly outscoring the Rams, 17-15. In the second, the Rams fought back, taking the lead into the half at 34-30.

In the third quarter, the Bears took over once again with 22 points scored to Sylvania's 18, finishing the game with a 69-64 advantage.

For the Bears, Tristan Willingham was the high scorer with 25 points. Cole Millican followed behind with 15.

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY — JANUARY 10, 2020

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FRIDAY — JANUARY 10, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH