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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2020 / VOL. 6, NO. 23 / $1.00 THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS
• Two Types of Polyvance Hand Sanitizer Available • Contract Tracing App Coming in Alabama
THIS WEEK IN POLITICS
• ADPH Reports 9K+ Coronavirus Recoveries • Jones to Run for Fort Payne Council
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THIS WEEK IN SPORTS
• Former Auburn Coach Pat Dye Passes Away • Wilkins Win State Championship
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THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY • DeKalb BOE Approves Placements • CONTINUED: Fort Payne's Peaceful Protest
PEACEFUL PROTEST IN FORT PAYNE By Marla Jones Managing Editor
marla@southerntorch.com
(Marla Jones | Southern Torch)
In-Person Hearings Resume on June 2
FORT PAYNE, Ala. — (Full Video on our Facebook) On Sunday, a peaceful demonstration was carried out on the front steps of the Fort Payne City Police Department due to the recent death of George Floyd and in support of Black Lives Matter. The death of Floyd has sparked protests across the United States. Floyd
Rainsville Resumes Business as Usual
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By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com
RAINSVILLE, Ala. — (Full Video on our Facebook) The Rainsville City Council held its first physical meeting in the Council Chambers since the coronavirus pandemic on Monday, June 1. During the work session, Mayor Rodger Lingerfelt brought forth several items that would need to be approved in the regular session. The first being that the City was ready to pave three city streets that had previously been put on hold. These streets are Church Street, Grimes, and Northside Drive. Councilman Marshall Stiefel stated that he
thought that local contractors should have the chance to bid on these projects. Councilman Bejan Taheri stated that the companies had to be approved by the State to be able to work on roads, where improvements were paid by tax dollars. The bids for Church, Grimes, and Northside are currently being advertised, with bids being opened on Thursday, June 18 at 1 p.m. at the Council Chambers. Lingerfelt also stated that an agreement between the City of Rainsville and Town of Section, for sewer usage needed to be approved. This agreement had not been changed since sometime around 2013.
Lingerfelt updated the Council on the flood damage on Chavies and Country Club Lane. The total damage is $22,000. Headwalls, paving, extending the culverts, and upgrading the pipes will be the scope of the project. Councilman Ricky Byrum stated that there was a drainage problem on 4th Avenue that needed to be corrected. Councilman Brandon Freeman reported the Rainsville City Pool had opened, with limited swimmers on Monday. Freeman also stated that Parks and Recreation are opening the City Park and the Field of Dreams Playground. The
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organization in the US, UK, and Canda, whose mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes. By combating and countering acts of violence, creating space for Black imagination and innovation, and centering Black joy, they are winning immediate improvements
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8 COVID-19 Cases Linked to Ider Church of God
Eight new cases of COVID-19 in Ider are linked to the Ider Church of God. (Submitted Photo)
By Southern Torch Staff DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — On Wednesday, Presiding Circuit Judge Jeremy Taylor announced that in-person hearings for the Ninth Judicial Circuit will resume on Tuesday, June 2. "Since March 13 when the Supreme Court instructed the court system to stop having in-person hearings, except in emergency situations, we have continued to hold hearings at the courthouse using technology, such as Zoom and Skype," stated Taylor. "So, we have been able to handle a significant amount of cases, including criminal, civil, domestic, juvenile, and probate
died while being detained by Minneapolis, Minnesota police officer Derek Chauvin. A store employee called 911, after accusing Floyd of trying to purchase cigarettes with a counterfeit $20 bill. During the arrest, Chauvin kept his knee on the side of Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes. Floyd could be heard saying “I can’t breathe.� According to the Black Lives Matter (BLM) website, Black Lives Matter Foundation, Inc. is a global
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By Marla Jones, Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com IDER, Ala. — On Tuesday afternoon, Pastor Ben Young of the Ider Church of God confirmed that eight members of his congregation had tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Young stated that the members began immediate action to separate themselves to keep the spread of the virus and are quarantined at home. In his statement to the church via Facebook, Young assured the congregation that “Jesus is with us, the Holy Ghost is in us and angels are camped all around.� In a statement on the Ider Quarterback Facebook page, Head Football Coach Miles Keith addressed the situation for concerned parents and players. “We have been notified of eight confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the town of Ider. I would like to reiterate that this year’s summer workouts are not mandatory. If you feel like you or anyone in your house has exhibited symptoms of COVID-19 please keep your child at home. If you do not feel comfortable sending your child to summer workouts please keep them home. My main concern is that everyone stays safe and healthy, and if you do feel comfortable, we will follow all the guidelines and some to keep your child safe.� Southern Torch will continue to update as more information becomes available.
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