The Southern Torch — Vol. 6, No. 27

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

WWW.BOBBYLEDBETTER.COM • 256.844.2210

THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2020 / VOL. 6, NO. 27 / $1.00 THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS

• Don't Forget Tax Day! • See Who's Featured in our Business Spotlight!

THIS WEEK IN POLITICS

• Inside The Statehouse with Steve Flowers • Ables Announces Re-Election Bid

LIKE

THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY • Canyon Mouth Park to Reopen at Little River • DeKalb County Upcoming Events

FOLLOW

TWEET

THIS WEEK IN JACKSON CO. • OPINION: TVA Fails Citizens Again • Fatal Wreck Occurs at Bridgeport

DeKalb County Announces New COVID-19 Procedures

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — DeKalb County Commission President, Rickey Harcrow ordered the DeKalb County Buildings to be closed on Thursday, July 2 at 2:00 p.m.

This closure will enable the county staff to implement measures to deep clean offices according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidance due to the recent rise in COVID-19.

All counties will reopen on Monday, July 6.

Based on the Governor's announcement Tuesday of the extension of the Safer at Home order

related to the current Covid-19 pandemic, the DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency has recommended that the government offices remain vigilant and use all possible ways to protect both citizens and employees.

Therefore, the EMA has recommended that county offices be closed to the public other than a period from 10:00 am to 2:00 p.m. when offices will be open for the public. It is also recommended that if possible those who need to visit the courthouse or other county buildings should make an appointment.

Based on these recommendations, DeKalb

> COUNTY, P5

DeKalb County offices will be closed to the public beginning next week, except for the hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays until the end of Governor Kay Ivey's "Safer-At-Home" order extension. (Chris Pruitt | Wikimedia Commons)

Schools Set Path for Reopening

By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com

ALABAMA — On Friday, State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey announced the “road to reopening� after uncertainty has arisen around how Alabama schools will safely reopen this fall amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the press conference, Mackey laid out a 50-page document containing guidelines for reopening, as opposed to outright mandates for local school systems. The plan diverts much of the responsibility for reopening to local officials like superintendents and boards of education.

According to a statewide survey, Mackey stated 15% of parents were not comfortable with their

Alabama State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey has announced a plan for Alabama schools to reopen this fall. (The Shelby County Reporter)

children returning to schools, but the rates varied from county to county. The document states all school districts will be required to offer remote learning opportunities for children who choose to remain at home this fall.

In a survey conducted

by USA Today/Ipsos, 1 in 5 teachers said they were unlikely to return to classrooms this fall, paving the way for a

massive load of resignations if those opinions hold nationwide. “This will absolutely be the most difficult school year we have ever faced,� said Mackey. “We are certainly in a better position now to understand what we need to do to sanitize, to maintain social distancing, to do other precautionary things like wearing facial coverings... however, it is extremely

important that students and teachers and coaches and other staff members practice the social distancing requirements.�

Extracurricular activities will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis with some requiring a mask and social distancing, while others will not.

The day before the press conference, the Alabama Education Association (AEA) released their expectations for what reopening schools could look like and their statement afterward indicates they are pleased with the plan. “There is not a statewide mandate to reopen Alabama schools, but instead each local school system will develop

> SCHOOLS, P3

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

•

•

Ivey Extends "SaferAt-Home" Order

By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — On Tuesday, Governor Kay Ivey announced the extension of her "Safer-At-Home" order, which was put into place in May. The order, which was mandated due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was set to expire on Friday, July 3 at 3 p.m., but will now be extended through Friday, July 31 at 5 p.m.

"This is an unprecedented year for not only our state but our country and our world," Ivey stated in her press conference. "We are still in the thick of this disease and it is deadly... [but] having a shutdown for months was never my

(University of Alabama System)

intent."

The mandates of the current Safer-At-Home Order includes: • Restaurants and bars may reopen with limited seating and six feet between tables • Gyms may reopen subject to social distancing and sanitation • Barbershops, salons, and tattoo shops may reopen • Eliminates the

> IVEY, P6

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.

2

FRIDAY — JUNE 26, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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

WWW.BOBBYLEDBETTER.COM • 256.844.2210

Fatal Wreck Occurs Dukes Speaks on Schools Reopening

By Jackson Blaze Staff Jackson County Schools equitable, to listen, to put personal responsibility is at Bridgeport plan to return to normalcy safety first, and to be key.

By B.A. Little Reporter beverlyannette@southerntorch.com

BRIDGEPORT, Ala. — According to the Jackson County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), a major traffic accident was reported on Highway 72

at County 69 in Bridgeport. Highway 72’s eastbound lanes have been closed.

The accident involved two trucks and a car.

Jackson County EMA Director Paul Smith confirmed one fatality due to the accident.

Avoid the area if possible.

JACKSON COUNTY, Ala. — On Friday, Jackson County Schools Superintendent Kevin Dukes released a statement on new guidance from Alabama State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey in regards to reopening schools this fall: “While we do not know what each day has in store,

as much as possible. This is very important for the social/emotional well-being of not only our students but our employees as well.

Jackson County Schools will be offering traditional, blended, and remote learning opportunities for all students. Our goal is to be transparent, to be

decisive in making tough choices while adapting to changes in situations/ circumstances. In the coming weeks, our team will roll out specific plans for our schools.

We plan to continue with all senior activities and graduations with precautions in place. As always in any situation,

As of today, we plan to start school on schedule.

Any changes will be communicated immediately. I appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we try to do what is best for our students."

Jackson Blaze will continue to update on this developing story.

OPINION: TVA Fails the People Once Again

By Dylan Smith JB Managing Editor dylan@southerntorch.com

JACKSON COUNTY, Ala. — The Tennessee Valley Authority has once again failed the people it was created to serve.

TVA recently decided to outsource a reported 220 jobs overseas, exporting positions held by middle-class Americans in return for cheap foreign labor.

This move puts TVA strictly at odds with its founding purpose, which was to create jobs and promote the economic welfare of citizens in the Tennessee Valley.

Instead, the executives at TVA have decided to make life better in foreign countries at the expense of working-class Americans residing in their own region.

The timing of TVA’s foreign sellout couldn’t have been worse, as the current labor market has tightened due to the COVID-induced recession.

As a corporate agency of the federal government, we should demand better from TVA. The quasi-govern-

Dylan Smith is the Managing Editor of the Jackson Blaze. (Submitted Photo)

ment entity is arguably one of the most powerful public-private agencies in America.

As leading far-left figures on the national stage increase demands for socialism, which would nationalize industry much like what we have in TVA, we see just how unaccountable an entity such as this can be.

Earlier this year, President Trump blasted TVA over their failure to cooperate with the federal government regarding infrastructure improvement. He also took CEO Jeffrey Lyash to task over his exorbitant salary, who was paid $8M last year.

To put this in context, this means that while TVA’s chief executive is being paid a multi-million dollar salary, he made the decision to ship the jobs of working class union

employees overseas as a cost-saving measure.

Let’s be absolutely clear – this is a foreign sellout of the American worker and TVA ought to be publicly shamed for such a disgrace.

This is hardly the only instance where TVA has decided to stick it to the people of the Tennessee Valley.

293,000 acres of land throughout the region are under the strict control and management of TVA. Much of this is undeveloped land residing on what should be marketable county property. Instead, the land sits comfortably in the assets column on TVA’s balance sheet.

A project worth an estimated $12.6B of economic impact with the creation of over 10k jobs would serve as a tremendous boon to Jackson County, right?

Unfortunately, TVA doesn’t care. That’s why it is working diligently to

obstruct Franklin Haney’s acquisition of Bellefonte Nuclear Plant.

Perhaps TVA feels as if it should be immune from competition. The City of Memphis is actively looking to leave TVA for a new power supplier and Bellefonte is reportedly in contention to be that supplier, should the purchase succeed.

How dare the private sector attempt to acquire and reconstruct a failed project that the ineptness of government couldn’t make successful.

Our elected officials should do more to rein in the unchecked power TVA holds, because it has used that power to actively work against the interests of the region.

What was once the backbone and economic driving force of a poor, rural region is now yet just another powerhungry agency of the federal government that has turned its back on hard-working taxpayers.

If it’s one thing TVA has made clear as of late, it’s that they are in desperate need to be held accountable to the taxpayers that fund it.

IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR OUR STATE. Complete your census at my2020census.gov

 � �����

 � �

� �  ­

€‚ ƒ „ … † � ­ … ‡‚ˆ‰

�  �  ­ � … � � Š

­ ­ � �    …

‹

ÂŒ  Â? Â? Â… ‹ ­ ­ Â? Â? Â? Â… Â? ÂŽ Â…Â

­� ‹  Š‘� � ­ ­ …  ­’  … ‹

FRIDAY — JUNE 26, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

g

3

COMMUNITY

• •

 Â

• •

• •

Canyon Mouth Park to Reopen at Little River SCHOOLS

By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — After nearly three months of closure, Canyon Mouth Park is ready to reopen.

Canyon Mouth Park, which is a popular location at the southern end of Little River Canyon, was initially closed on April 3 to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines provided by the Alabama Department of

Public Health. However, on Easter Sunday, heavy storms brought massive amounts of damage to the area.

"The floodwaters, which had water flowing

over the entirety of Canyon Mouth Park, washed picnic tables, garbage and recycling bins, and split-rail fencing from their foundations, some of which were mostly buried in sand deposits alongside and in the river," said the National Parks Service in a news release. "Canyon Mouth Park received heavy erosion damage — portions of the trail were under 6-plus feet of water."

According to the release, National Park Service staff, along with Youth Conservation Corps workers, began the cleanup process on Tuesday, June 16.

Canyon Mouth Park is the only fee area at Little River Canyon National Preserve. Daily passes are $15 and annual passes are $35 (cash only). American The Beautiful passes are also valid for entrance via the park's fee machine.

UPCOMING EVENTS Every Saturday, Fort Payne Farmers Market - Every Saturday, the Fort Payne Main Street Farmers Market attracts farmers from DeKalb County and beyond.

Located at the Rotary Pavilion next to the Alabama Walking Park and across from Patriots Park from 7 a.m. to noon — rain or shine.

July 4, Sand Mountain Potato Festival - The City of Henagar will hold the 36th Annual Sand Mountain Potato Festival on Saturday, July 4 from

10 a.m. to 9 p.m.! The event will include a car show, children's games, food vendors, live music, and a spectacular fireworks show to close out the evenings.

July 7, Inspector Poll Workers Class - The DeKalb County Probate Office will hold a training class for inspector poll workers on Monday, July 7 at 5 p.m. at the DeKalb County Activities Building, located at 111 Grand Ave. SW in Fort Payne. This class will be for those who are working on the July 14

Republican runoff.

July 14, Republican Runoff Election - Polls will open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. as Republican voters choose between former U.S. Attorney General/U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions and former Auburn head football coach Tommy Tuberville.

The winner of the runoff election will face Democratic incumbent Doug Jones in the general election in November.

August 6-9, World's Longest Yard Sale - The

127 Yard Sale, also known as the World's Longest Yard Sale, will be held from Thursday, August 6 to Saturday, August 9. The yard sale extends 690 miles from Gadsden, Ala. to Addison, Mich. and boasts thousands of vendors each year. The portion of the sale in our area extends from the Lookout Mountain Parkway from Gadsden to Chattanooga, Tenn.

FROM PAGE 1

individual district plans to reopen their local district,�

AEA said in a press release. “AEA was pleased to see the plan includes many of the expectations AEA President Sherry Tucker released this week.

However, because this plan is not a statewide mandate but is instead a set of guidelines and recommendations for local school systems to use when developing a local plan, AEA is prepared to do what we do best which is work with each local school district to ensure students and educators have what they need to be safe and successful.�

Since March 13, more than 30,000 cases of the novel coronavirus have been recorded in the State of Alabama with over 850 deaths. The caseload has only grown over the last month. “I have spent the past couple days working through developing our local plan and guidance for educators, parents, and administrators,� said DeKalb County

Superintendent Dr. Jason Barnett. “I know that many of you are anxiously awaiting as much guidance as we can provide, and I assure you that we are preparing, planning, and developing the logistics and guidance to the best of our ability in a thoughtful and deliberate manner.�

Barnett said he expects guidance from Educators’ Guidance soon, and will take additional information from Parents’ and Family Guidance. “Your local school faculty and staff have been and will continue to be working very hard to provide the best opportunities for your children, our students, to learn in a safe and effective manner,� he concluded. “The 2020-2021 school year will most certainly be a challenging year, but there will also be an amazing opportunity to reach students in ways we have never done before, and for that I am hopeful.�

To see the full document on the "Road to Reopening," please visit alsde.edu.

 Â? Â?Â? Â? Â

­ €­ ‚ ƒ

„ ƒ �…  � † ‡ ˆ‰ˆ Š ‚

 � ­‹­ ­ Œ ­ ƒ­ Žˆ

SOUTHERN TORCH • 98-3 WILD COUNTRY • 101-7 THE TORCH Southern Torch (USPS Periodicals #19790) is published each Friday by Southern Marla Jones, Managing Editor/Sports Torch, Inc. 203 Main Street E, Rainsville, Jenna Sue Payne, Media Sales Manager Ala. 35986. POSTMASTER: Send address Joe Sims, Radio Operations Manager changes to Southern Torch, P.O. Box 614, Zach Hester, Art Director/Reporter Rainsville, Ala. 35986-0614.

Amy Thrash, Account Executive Staff:

Eloise Smith, General Manager

B. Annette Little, 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

Â

� �� � � �  � ­

€ ‚ ƒ „ ƒ … †

Ronnie Osborn

4

FRIDAY — JUNE 26, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

BUSINESS

Torch

Talk

with Marla & Marshall

EVERY FRIDAY ON FACEBOOK

YARDWORX

AMY THRASH ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

amy@southerntorch.com Office: 256.638.4040 Cell: 256.996.0460

LAWN CARE & LANDSCAPING

256-630-9094 yardworxal@gmail.com

W.T. Wilson

ADVERTISE HERE FOR JUST 12.50

Hometown banking, wherever you are!

Southern Gold & Silver QUALITY JEWELRY

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

James Allensworth • allensworthgold@aol.com

1706 Glenn Blvd., Suite 4

Fort Payne, AL 35968 • (256) 997-7591

Woody’s

ADVERTISE HERE FOR JUST 12.50

Scottsboro

Steak & Seafood

(256) 259-2211

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

105 Co. Rd. 89 in Fort Payne / Dogtown

256-364-2221

Scottsboro

(256) 259-2211

B M m

— T A t r T

p a y I l t a t w s d S M f p c i i L a a l

t

/ t

R

(R

S a A

•

@

THE FISHERMEN SOUTHERN GOSPEL QUARTET

B. ANNETTE LITTLE

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

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

LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No.: 2020-136 IN RE: THE ESTATE OF SHELBY JEAN WORD, deceased NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to RHONDA LYNN HOLCOMB and LANA MICHELLE SMITH, as Personal Representatives of the Estate of SHELBY JEAN WORD, deceased, on the 10th day of June 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.

To be published: June 19, June 26, July 3

LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No.: 2020-140 IN RE: THE ESTATE OF BRENDA JEAN ANDERSON, deceased EXECUTOR'S NOTICE TO FILE CLAIM Letters Testamentary as personal representative-executor of the Will of

Brenda Jean Anderson, deceased, having been granted to the undersigned on the 16th day of June, 2020 by the Honorable Ronnie Osborn, Judge of Probate of DeKalb County, Alabama, 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: June 19, June 26, July 3

LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No.: 2020-137 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DONALD C. WISNER, deceased Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Jeffery C. Wisner, Personal Representative, on the 10th day of June, 2020, by the Honorable Ronnie Osborn, Judge of the 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 latters, 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: June 19, June 26, July 3

Joseph K. McNew, D.V.M • Linda Galbraith, D.V.M. • Jessica Jones, D.V.M.

Your loyal companion, Our dedicated focus!

LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No.: 2020-106 IN RE: THE ESTATE OF BOBBY HUGH KIRK, deceased NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to ERICA PADGETT, as personal representative of the Estate of BOBBY HUGH KIRK, deceased, on the 16th day of June 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.

To be published: June 19, June 26, and July 3

LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY Case No.: 2020-121 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RITA L. MULLINS, deceased EXECUTOR'S NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS LETTERS TESTAMENTARY AS EXECUTRIX OF THE WILL OF RITA L. MULLINS, deceased, having been granted unto the undersigned on the 23rd day of June, 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.

ADVERTISE HERE FOR JUST 12.50

Don't Forget Tax Day!

Michael D. Mullins, Executor To be published: June 26, July 3, July 10

LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No.: 2020-145 IN RE: THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF TEDDY B. KEAN LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION on the Estate of TEDDY B. KEAN, having been granted unto the undersigned on the 19th day of June, 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.

Robert B. French, Jr. Administrator To be published: June 26, July 3, July 10

(Submitted Photo)

By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com ALABAMA — Don’t forget about tax day!

After the federal government pushed back Tax Day, which is normally set for April, citizens are reminded to pay their taxes by Wednesday, July 15. The deadline was moved due to the negative economic situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

In a release on Tuesday, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced it would not extend the deadline again with the exception of those requesting automatic extensions through October. Payment plans are also available. “The IRS understands that those affected by the coronavirus may not be able to pay their balances in full

by July 15, but we have many payment options to help taxpayers,� said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “These easy-to-use payment options are available on IRS.gov, and most can be done automatically without reaching out to an IRS representative.�

For more information, please visit irs.gov.

b m h a t

FRIDAY — JUNE 26, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

5

POLITICS

Ables Seeks Re-Election

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

GERALDINE, Ala. — Incumbent Mayor of the Town of Geraldine, Chuck Ables, recently announced that he is seeking reelection as Mayor in the Town of Geraldine. “I have enjoyed the past eight years as Mayor and the previous twelve years as a Councilmember.

I feel like we have seen a lot of improvements during the past twenty years, but I also know there is still a lot to be done. We started working toward building a sewer system under the direction of Mr. Billy Smothers when he was Mayor and I am thankful for his foresight The first phase of that project is complete and I expect that it will be expanded to include the entire Town Limits in the near future, and we will begin to see additional businesses locate here� stated Ables.

Mayor Ables wants to thank all that has made his term successful, including Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.), State Reps. Kerry Rich and Wes Kitchens, State Sen. Clay Scofield, and Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth.

"All of these men have been a big help in securing money to help us. They have provided financial assistance that allowed us to make improvements to

(Submitted Photo)

the Park, the Senior Center, the Fire Hall, re-pave some roads, and much, much more. We plan to have a new T-Ball field built by next spring and hope to continue upgrades to the Town Park,� added Ables. “If anyone reading this has not completed your census, please do so to assure we receive the money and representation we need. It only takes a few minutes to complete and it is very important we have a complete count of everyone living here. I appreciate the support I have received from the community where I grew up. I am always thankful to be able to say that my grandkids that go to school here are the fifth generation of my family to attend school at Geraldine which reminds me of a quote by Abraham Lincoln.

President Lincoln said, 'If you are fortunate enough to live in the United States, you are fortunate enough.' I modified it slightly to say 'If you are fortunate enough to live in Geraldine, you are fortunate enough.'

I ask for your vote on August 25th,� concluded Ables.

COUNTY FROM PAGE 1

County President Ricky Harcrow has ordered county offices to be open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday; beginning July 6 and running thru July 31 when the order from the Alabama Department of Public Health and the Governor’s office is expected to be reevaluated.

County employees will be at work normal business hours and some business may be done based on making an appointment with the office.

This order will not affect absentee voting, but those needing to vote

Jason Chadwick Moss - 40 of Rainsville, passed away on Wednesday, June 24.

Funeral services were held on Monday, June 29 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial in Trinity (Burnt Church) Cemetery.

Sarah Elizabeth Anderson - 66 of Fyffe, passed away on Saturday, June 27.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 30 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial in Kirk Memorial Gardens.

Veronica Ann Bradford - 69 of Pisgah, passed away on Sunday, June 28. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 30 at Friendship Cemetery with burial to follow.

BURT Patricia Darlene Lands - 52 of Cedar Bluff,

passed away on Sunday, June 28. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, July 1 at Cedar Bluff Cemetery.

April Layne Johnson - 45 of Sequatchie, Tenn., passed away on Sunday, June 28. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 30 at Fischer Cemetery.

CORNER STONE Alex “Pete� Rayford Sanders - 91 of Henagar, passed away on Thursday, June 25.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 27 at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with burial in Green Haven Memorial Gardens with military honors.

WILSON Charlie Taylor McGraw - 92 of Fort Payne, passed away on Tuesday, June 23. No services will be held due to current social distancing protocols.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY 256.638.4040 • www.southerntorch.com

based on the fact that the numbers of people testing positive for the CoronaVirus are growing at an alarming rate and DeKalb County is considered one of the more high-risk counties in the state.

According to County Commission President Harcrow, “We realize that people are tired and we all want to get back to a normal state, but we must be vigilant and safe about reopening.� “We want to protect all our residents and must do all we can to remain within the practices called for by the State Health Officer and the Governor’s order.�

According to Emergency Management

officials, DeKalb County is one of the fastest-growing positive testing areas in the state and note that it is possible that rates may continue to rise unless residents take the recommendations from the Department of Public Health seriously and stop the rate of transmission of the virus. While many of the cases currently being tested are asymptomatic and in the 20 to 40-year-old population, it is likely that if the pandemic continues at the current rate it is likely to get into the at-risk population which could result in more hospitalizations and deaths.

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE GOP Senate Runoff in Less Than Two Weeks

By Steve Flowers Political Columnist MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Folks, we are less than two weeks away from our election contest for our U.S. Senate Seat. The runoff between former Senator Jeff Sessions and former Auburn football coach, Tommy Tuberville may be close and will be interesting.

The two conservatives were in a virtual dead heat in the March 3rd GOP primary. Congressman Bradley Byrne, the Republican U.S. Representative from the 1st District, primarily Mobile and Baldwin

DEATH NOTICES W.T. WILSON

outside the 10:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m. only need to advise security personnel they are there to vote.

Absentee voting ends Thursday, July 9 for the runoff election.

The sheriff’s office will continue to operate as they have over the last months, taking reports by phone when possible, and continuing to limit access to office personnel. The lobby remains open for pistol permits and other services as needed.

Emergency management officials have also recommended that those visiting public buildings wear face coverings and maintain social distancing.

These actions are

Kathy Elaine Stephens - 59 of Fort Payne, passed away on Thursday, June 25.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 27 at Wilson Funeral Home with burial in Mountain View Memory Gardens.

RAINSVILLE Francisco Manuel - 48 of Fort Payne, passed away on Wednesday, June 24.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 27 at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church with burial in Glenwood Cemetery.

Larry Ingle - 59 of Rainsville, passed away on Thursday, June 25.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, June 28 at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Mountain View Memory Gardens.

Cecelia Swafford 56 of Fort Payne, passed away on Sunday, June 28.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, July 1 at Scottsboro Community Church of God with burial in Ples Mount Cemetery.

counties, finished a strong third.

The runoff was initially set for March 31. However, the coronavirus delayed the runoff until July 14.

Therefore, the big question is how did the 15-week delay affect the runoff outcome. It is difficult to say. However, my guess is that it may have been a salvation for Sessions.

Most pundits and polls indicated that Coach Tuberville had the momentum and was set to win the runoff. The over three-month hiatus may have stymied if not thwarted that momentum the same way that football coaches call a timeout when the opposing team is driving toward a winning touchdown. It halts Big Mo. Amazingly, the entire campaign has been about Donald Trump and who can cozy up the most to the conservative Republican President. All three frontrunner candidates, Tuberville, Sessions, and Byrne made their campaign pitches, not about issues but who can be Trump’s buddy or valet.

Sessions and Byrne both had instances where they both had lapses in their obedience to the irrational and irascible Don, so Tuberville’s lack of playing time in the political arena made him the more perceptual slave for Trump.

Coach Tuberville’s entire campaign has been based on his being loyal to Trump. It has paid dividends. He led with 33% to Sessions’ 32% and Byrne’s 25%. Indeed, as soon as the first primary was over in early March, Trump officially endorsed Tuberville. This endorsement propelled

Tuberville into a nine-point lead in the polls in mid-March, which is when the pandemic hit and the election was delayed until July 14.

In the meantime, when the national economic virus shutdown subsided somewhat in mid-May, the campaign resumed. Trump again inserted himself into the Alabama GOP Senate race by blasting Sessions again with yet another vitriolic attack. Trump espoused that Sessions had asked him four times to be Attorney General. Finally, Sessions took up for himself and quickly retorted that he never asked Trump for the job.

Folks, I have watched Jeff Sessions’ career as our Junior U.S. Senator for 20 years and prior to that as Alabama’s Attorney General, and I am here to tell you that Jeff Sessions’ truth, veracity, and integrity trumps Trump by a country mile. Honesty, integrity, and truthfulness is not Trump’s forte.

However, it has been Sessions’ his entre 30+ years in public service in Alabama.

In fact, Trump owed more to Sessions than naming him Attorney General. When Trump began his quest for the GOP nomination, he was given very little chance.

Jeff Sessions’ endorsement as the nation’s most conservative senator gave the bombastic, egocentric

New Yorker credibility and gave impetus to his race for the White House.

Actually, I said at the time that Sessions acquiescence to becoming Attorney General was a step down from being a veteran 20-year U.S. Senator and Chairman of the Judiciary Committee in a safe U.S. Senate seat. You can bet your bottom dollar he is now sorry he accepted the post. It is apparent he is not going to get Trump’s endorsement for obvious reasons. He would not break the law or do Trump’s bidding, so Trump hates him.

Trump has reaffirmed his endorsement of Tommy Tuberville. Historically, in Alabama politics, endorsements by one politician in another political race have not been advantageous. In fact, they have been counterproductive. Alabamians have inherently resented endorsements. However, in this case, and in this race, my guess is that Trump is so popular among Republican voters in Alabama that his attacks on Sessions and endorsement of Tuberville will propel the coach to victory. In fact, polls show Tuberville with a double-digit lead. He has run a good campaign staying on point and simply saying, I am going to support Donald Trump.

Have a Happy 4th of July.

Burt Funeral H omes

6

FRIDAY — JUNE 26, 2020

IVEY

FROM PAGE 1 gathering limitation on beaches • Visitation at nursing homes and hospitals are still limited • Allows entertainment venues to reopen at 50% capacity • Allows youth sports and athletic events to resume Ivey stressed the need to take personal responsibility during this time and continue following the guidelines from federal officials: maintaining a six-foot distance between yourself and others, staying home unless necessary, and wearing a face covering or mask in public.

"You shouldn't have to order somebody to do what is in their own best interest," said Ivey of face mask mandates, which are growing across the country. She also stated the State of Alabama reserves the right to

reverse course if the cases continue to rise again.

State Public Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris stated that while testing has grown exponentially in the last month, the high number of new tests do not completely explain the rise in cases.

Harris stated the current percentage of tests positive were 11 percent, the highest yet in the State of Alabama.

He reported more than 750 current hospitalizations statewide, though hospitals are not overwhelmed, and approximately 275 intensive care unit (ICU) beds remaining across the state.

"Please continue to take this seriously," Harris said. "There are many who have not yet gotten that message."

As of 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 30, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) was reporting 37,536 cases statewide with 926 deaths.

•

"

"

THE SOUTHERN TORCHT

Alabama to Fund Virus Testing at Colleges

(Jacksonville State University)

By Marla Jones, Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com ALABAMA — Governor Kay Ivey recently announced programs to allow testing for COVID-19 in 2-year and 4-year colleges.

The programs, Testing for Alabama and Stay Safe Together will be funded by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) money.

More than $750,000 in CARES Act money will help pay for COVID-19 tests for students who attend public four-year and two-year colleges, before returning back to campus. “Living with the Coronavirus is our ‘new normal’ and I appreciate the combined efforts to ensure that as we get back to our daily routines� stated Ivey.

FP Lawyer Named Ms. Alabama US 2020

Fort Payne lawyer Sarah Rutledge was crowned Ms. Alabama United States 2020 last weekend."I am so excited for this upcoming year to spend my time at events and causes that are much bigger than myself," said Rutledge.

Ider Discount Drugs

@

FRIDAY — JUNE 26, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

7

IT’S TIME TO WIN THE DAY PREMIER MEMBERSHIP

• • •

• •  • � � • � •

�  ­ • •

€

• %  � � ( � / � ) • %  �

BECOME A FOUNDING MEMBER TODAY!

SANDMOUNTAINPARK.COM/WINTHEDAY

CITY OF FORT PAYNE THURSDAY, JULY 2 AT 9 P.M. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, no one will be allowed inside the sports complex to view ďŹ reworks; however, the City of Fort Payne has arranged for choreographed music to begin at 9 p.m. during the ďŹ reworks show as you enjoy it from the safety of your own vehicle!

Tune in on any of these stations to hear the special music:

8

FRIDAY — JUNE 26, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

•

A Jack of All Trades

If you need it done, call us!

✓

Speciality & Hard to Reach Places

✓

Water Drainage, Sewer, Ponds, & Pools

✓

Grated AND Rock!

✓

Mowing, Mulching, Tree & Bush Trimming,Weeding, & Gutter Cleaning!

✓

Hot & Cold Water for Anything & Everything!

glennwjones@me.com