The Southern Torch — Vol. 6, No. 29

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2020 / VOL. 6, NO. 29 / $1.00 THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS

• State Launches Program to "Revive Alabama" • See Who's Featured in our Business Spotlight!

THIS WEEK IN POLITICS

• Wooten Announces FP Council Campaign • Inside The Statehouse with Steve Flowers

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THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY

• FPCS Announce Reopening Plan • Band Directors Announce Plan for Fall Programs

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THIS WEEK IN JACKSON CO. • Buckner Wins Race for County Commission • Preserving Jackson County History

Tuberville Defeats Sessions

Use Tax Funds Co. Former AU Coach topples former U.S. AG in Runoff Upgrades

By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com ALABAMA — On Tuesday night, former Auburn head football coach Tommy Tuberville was declared the victor over former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions in the Republican runoff for U.S. Senate.

The race was originally scheduled for March 31 but was pushed back to July 14 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

According to numbers provided by Decision Desk HQ, Tuberville defeated Sessions with 333,921 votes (60.74%) statewide, compared to Sessions’ total of 215,866 votes (39.26%).

In DeKalb County, Tuberville led with 6,245 votes (76.97%) to 1,869 votes (23.03%) over the former U.S. Senator and

Sessions lost the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate to former Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville on Tuesday night. (Photos via USA Today (left) and Associated Press (right))

Attorney General.

Tuberville, a first-time candidate who was endorsed in March by President Donald Trump, stated in his victory speech, “Your message of change is loud and clear.� “We’re going to need everybody on deck. This is going to be hard. So we do appreciate your support.

And now we’re all on the same team,� he concluded.

Ivey Announces Statewide Mask Order (AP Photo | Vasha Hunt)

By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com ALABAMA — On Wednesday, Governor Kay Ivey (R-Ala.) announced a mask mandate in the State of Alabama.

Masks or face coverings will now be required for Alabamians when you are within six feet of another person outside your household, a vehicle operated by a transportation service, or an outdoor public space where 10 or more people

are gathered.

The order defines "mask" as any covering that covers both the nose and mouth.

Exceptions for the order include practical necessities defined by the Alabama Department of Public Health, some exercise, and voting or religious worship, though masks are encouraged in all of these scenarios as well.

Ivey reported over

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Sessions’ defeat is his first statewide loss. He previously won races for Attorney General of Alabama in 1994, before being elected to the U.S. Senate in 1996. He resigned his seat in the Senate in 2017 to become U.S. Attorney General under President Donald Trump, who endorsed Tuberville earlier this year.

In his concession

speech, Sessions formally endorsed Tuberville stating, “He’s our nominee.

We must stand behind him in November...the people of Alabama have spoken.

They want a new fresh face to go to Washington. I think we will have that.�

Tuberville will face off against incumbent Democrat Sen. Doug Jones (D-Ala.) in November. “When I was elected, I

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By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — The DeKalb County Commission held their regularly scheduled meeting on July 14.

DeKalb County Engineer, Ben Luther addressed the Commission on behalf of Road Superintendent, Tom Broyles who was on vacation. After flooding on Easter Sunday, the Road Department had eleven roads that received major damage. Seven locations have been reopened, with one of those temporarily repaired and will receive more work in the future.

Three county roads remain closed: CR 44, CR 33, and CR 641. The County has not

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BOE Discusses Reopening Guidance

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — The DeKalb County Board of Education held their regularly scheduled meeting on July 9, 2020, via the Zoom platform.

One of the main topics of discussion was the reopening of DeKalb County Schools. Concerned parents and legal guardians can find a copy of the family guidance on the reopening of schools on the Facebook page of Jason Barnett, Dekalb County Superdintent.

For questions regarding the COVID-19 and the upcoming school year procedures, you can send an email to covid@ dekalbcounty12.org.

The Board approved the following on the job injury: Adam Haynes, Maintenance Worker for

four days.

The Board accepted the following retirement and resignations: • David StanelySecondary Science Teacher -Crossville High School-Retirement • Margaret Pointer Break Store Worker Geraldine High School - Retirement • Cody Rowell Assistant Principal Geraldine High School - Resignation - 6/30/20 • Joey Rowell Elementary Teacher Geraldine High School - Resignation • Amelia Parker Elementary Teacher -

promised the people of Alabama that I would put their interests first to find common ground and get things done for our state,� said Jones in a statement Tuesday night. “The choice before the voters is an unprepared hyper-partisan that will add to the divide in Washington, or my proven track-record to find common ground and get things done.�

The Cook Political Report currently rates the race as “Lean Redâ€? and remains the most likely opportunity for Republicans to flip a Senate seat in 2020. In the latest poll conducted by Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM), Tuberville led Jones 44% to 36% with a margin of error of Âą 5.1%.

The general election will be held on Tuesday, November 3.

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Crossville Elementary School - Resignation • Juanee Gilliland Itinerant Special Education Bus Aide - Fyffe Special Services Center -Resignation • Julie West - Head Softball Coaching Duties Only - Geraldine High School - Resignation Approved the following Leave of Absence: • Ashlei Wanninge Middle School Counselor - Geraldine High School 8/7/20-10/5/20 Accepted the following transfers: (All transfers will have an effective date of 8/1/20 unless otherwise specified.) • Felicia Higdon Elementary Teacher at Valley Head High School to Itinerant ARI, Instructional Coach for the System (2020-102) • Amy Graham -

Secondary Mathematics Teacher at Sylvania High School to Itinerant, Instructional Math Coach for the System (Effective 7/1/20) • Michael Davis Secondary P.E. Teacher at Crossville High School to Intervention Teacher at Geraldine High School • Rhonda Jones - CNP Worker to Bus Driver at Plainview High School • Leigh Anne Powell High School Counselor at Valley Head High School to an Elementary Teacher at Ider High School (Effective 7/10/20) • Julie West Elementary Teacher to Assistant Principal (10 months) at Geraldine High School (Effective 7/1/20) • Riley Edwards Elementary Teacher at Collinsville High School to

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Jackson Co. Establishes COVID-19 Recovery Task Force

By Dylan Smith JB Managing Editor dylan@southerntorch.com SCOTTSBORO, Ala. — The Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce, in coordination with healthcare and business leaders, has formed a COVID-19 Recovery Task Force.

A wide range of industry, government, and community interests are represented on the task force.

Tanner Harbin of Harbin Automotive was chosen to chair the task force. Harbin previously

served on the Alabama Small Business Commission, which provided recommendations to public officials regarding COVID-related issues.

The following individuals are members of the Jackson County COVID-19 Recovery Task Force: • John Anderson, Highlands Medical Center • Shelia Shepard, Economic Development Authority • Robin Shelton, Scottsboro Mayor • Rickey Steele, Stevenson Mayor

• Tim Guffey, Jackson County Commission • Jim Grigg, former Jackson Co. Coroner • Chuck Phillips, Jackson County Sheriff • Ron Latimer, Scottsboro Police Chief • Dr. Jay Reyes, Scottsboro School Superintendent • Kevin Dukes, Jackson Co. School Superintendent • David Barclay, 50 Taters • Steve Beaird, FNB Bank • Terry Couch, Johns Manville • Lara Pitts, Scottsboro

Library • Jackie Graham, Lions Club • Dylan Smith, Chamber of Commerce Chairman • Rick Roden, Chamber of Commerce President Members are tasked with promoting public health awareness along with providing informational resources to the business community.

The task force will determine what steps to take as the county looks to move forward and recover economically from COVID-19.

r d b w t r

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L d R c r The Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce, in coordination with area t leaders in healthcare and business, has formed a task force responsible 2 a for promoting public awareness. (Submitted Photo) r

Preserving Jackson JCSHOF Announces Buckner Wins Race for w t County Commission 2020 Scholarship c County History

By Dylan Smith b JB Managing Editor w Recipients dylan@southerntorch.com c

(Submitted Photo)

By Dylan Smith JB Managing Editor dylan@southerntorch.com JACKSON COUNTY, Ala. — As landmarks paying tribute to historical figures are being erased, defaced and renamed around the nation, locals in Jackson County are proclaiming their intentions to preserve their heritage.

Jackson County was established on December 13, 1819, by the Alabama State Legislature. The county was named in honor of Andrew Jackson, who served as U.S. Army General and seventh president of the United States.

Many point to President Jackson’s service in the U.S. Armed Forces and populist presidency as to why his legacy endures.

Detractors say his policies regarding Native American Tribes deem Old Hickory as unworthy of honor.

“Today, the radical left has become obsessed with destroying and altering our history and heritage,” says Lewis Pitchford.

Pitchford is a Jackson County native and local history enthusiast.

“Andrew Jackson did great things for our country and some not so great things,” says Pitchford. “If we are going to judge every situation the same why not rename everything?”

Pitchford concludes, “American history isn’t perfect, but it has led to the expansion of rights for every person and has brought freedom and

liberty to countless millions.”

A cannon sits atop Battery Hill in Bridgeport commemorating the site of the Siege of Bridgeport in April 1862.

The Civil War battle resulted in a victory for the Union Army over the Confederates, which led to federal forces occupying the northernmost city in Jackson County.

Civil War landmarks have also been a target for a protest of late. According to State Rep. Tommy Hanes (R-Bryant), history will be repeated if forgotten.

“It’s important that future generations have history to refer back to because they will not know where they came from,” says Hanes. “Without history, history is destined to repeat itself.”

Hanes was a cosponsor of the Alabama Memorial Preservation Act, which was signed into law in 2017.

Monuments paying tribute to America’s founding fathers, abolitionists, among other legendary leaders have come under attack as of late.

Various statues honoring George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Frederick Douglas, Christopher Columbus, and even Abraham Lincoln have been toppled or injured.

In the current political environment, it may seem as if no historical landmark is safe. As for Jackson County, citizens say they will protect and honor their shared heritage.

Carley Bell and Collin Lockard are the 2020 JCSHOF Scholarship recipients. (Submitted Photos)

By Jackson Blaze Staff JACKSON COUNTY, Ala. — Two Jackson County high school basketball standouts are the recipients of the Jackson County Sports Hall of Fame (JCSHOF) scholarships for the Class of 2020.

Scottsboro High School’s Carley Bell and Skyline High School’s Collin Lockard are the female and male recipients of the $1,000 scholarships, awarded annually by the JCSHOF from applications submitted by student-athletes from Jackson County and Scottsboro City schools.

Bell will play college basketball at Auburn University-Montgomery and plans to major in education.

Bell was a four-year varsity player and 1,000-plus point scorer while helping Scottsboro win two area championships, reach the state tournament in 2018 and make two straight Northeast Regional finals appearances in 2018 and 2019.

Lockard will play college basketball at Shorter University in Rome, Ga. and plans to major in criminal justice with a future goal of joining the FBI. Athletically, the 6-foot-5 Lockard was a three-year starter at Skyline, helping the Vikings post a 76-20 record, win three area tournament championships and one Jackson County Tournament championship and reach the Northeast Regional three times.

SCOTTSBORO, Ala. — A.J. Buckner has defeated Mark Guffey to become the next member of the Jackson County Commission, representing District 3.

The Republican Primary Runoff ballot featured only one local race.

Current District 3 Commissioner Melinda Gilbert was eliminated from contention in March’s GOP Primary as Buckner and Guffey were the top two vote getters, neither reaching a majority to claim victory.

Both Buckner and Guffey are employed at the central office of the Jackson County Board of Education. The two gentlemen have made successful careers in education, serving as teachers and principals of various county schools.

Buckner claimed 3,379 votes to Guffey’s 2,727 (55% – 45%) provisional ballots excluded.

“Thank you, Jackson County. Together, let’s move forward,” said Buckner expressing his gratitude via Facebook.

every alabama voice must be heard. it’s not too late. visit my2020census.gov

t

G C W a T t Buckner defeated Mark Guffey in T the Republican runoff for Jackson a County Commission on Tuesday p night. (Submitted Photo) w Guffey was gracious in a defeat as he congratulated o his opponent. i “Congrats to A.J.,” said h Guffey. “I hope he works as t hard to make some much p needed changes in our i county! Thanks again for r all the support and help – f God bless you all!” c Buckner currently t serves as a Director of the $ Jackson County Economic Development Authority r Board. He is a former t member of the Mountain t Lakes Chamber of c Commerce Board of r Directors.

Buckner is the a grandson of former t Jackson County D Commissioner Hoyt O Carroll. r He and his wife Sheri R have two daughters, b AnnaLynn and Chloe. The o Buckner’s reside in Section.t f d h

FRIDAY — JULY 17, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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COMMUNITY

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received official documentation but it has been reported that there will be federal assistance that will pay for these repairs.

Luther gave a paving update for the Road Department. There are two roads in District 1 that have not yet been paved according to the County Transportation plan as part of Rebuild Alabama funding. This paving may take place as soon as this week.

County Engineer Luther also asked for four different Speed Limit Resolutions: CR 1004 changed to 25mph, CR781 reduced to 25 mph, CR 776 to 40mph and CR 667 to 25mph. The Commission approved all of the speed resolutions.

Three damage claims were approved and sent to the insurance carrier. A claim was made due to a busted time, a busted windshield from brush cutter, and a cut tire from the edge of the pavement.

Assistant Chief Brad Gregg informed the Commission that Andrea Woodall had successfully applied for the COPS Grant.

This will enable the Office to hire four new deputies.

The Department of Justice and the Commission will pay with a 75/25 split. This will help pay for salaries and benefits. There were only eleven grants awarded in the State and only six hundred awarded across the nation. This grant will pay for the first 3 years and it will be the County’s responsibility for the fourth year. The estimated cost will be $488,750, with the county paying $162,000.

The Sheriff’s Office requested approval to send three to death investigation training. The commission approved the request.

The Commission approved the following transfers and hires for the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office: accepted the retirement of Alfred Rigistad and hired him back as a part-time deputy on an as-needed basis, .transferred Carl White from transportation deputy to patrol deputy, hired Tim Devlin as

transport deputy effective June 29, hired Jon Moses as an as-needed courthouse deputy.

DeKalb County Probate Judge Ronnie Osborn updated the Commission that he along with County Administrator Matt Sharp had been working for several months on updating their present voting machines to the new DS200 machines.

Secretary of State, John Merrill helped the County with means to lease the machines until 2023.

Osborn also requested that the Commission enters into an agreement with NO INK to purchase Poll pads for the next election. These pads feature a slide where you can put your license, sign the ballot and vote, This will make voting safer during this COVID pandemic. Secretary of State also helped secure the money to provide this purchase at no cost to the County thru 2023. After, the County will be responsible for $100 per pad to update, which the County approved. County Administrator Matt Sharp informed the Commission that the Simplified Sales Use Tax (which is an online purchase tax) would help pay for the COPS Grant along with the updates to election machines.

The County will also use the SSU tax to help fund the RSA Tier 2 Resolution that will help employess hired after 2013 receive the same retirement benefits than those hired before them.

The Commission approved the request made by the Revenue Commission for the Insolvents, and Tax plan, which is done each year.

The Mapping agreement between ALDOT and the DeKalb County Revenue Reappraising Office that awards the Office $10,000 to use the county mapping system.

In other business the Commission: • Approved continued education for the Animal Adoption Center • Surplus 4 vehicles from the Sheriff’s Office in the amount of $166,100. • Reappointed Ricky Harcrow as Legislative Committee Nominee.

The next meeting of the DeKalb County Commission will be on July 28, 2020.

Local Band Directors Release Plan for Fall Programs

By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com

By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com

Last week, Fort Payne City Schools released its plan for safely reopening facilities this fall amidst the coronavirus pandemic. “Fort Payne City Schools is committed to providing high-quality instruction, a safe/clean learning environment, and mental health support for all students and staff,� said Fort Payne City Schools Superintendent Jim Cunningham. “We know that we cannot anticipate every challenge or obstacle that might present itself but be assured that we are making every effort to address a safe start and daily routine for the school setting.�

Two methods of instruction will be offered: a traditional, face-to-face experience and a virtual option.

Students who wish to return for traditional instruction will return to school on August 12. Parents are not permitted to enter the building but are encouraged to bring their children to school instead of riding the bus.

Virtual learning will work similarly to traditional instruction, but students will learn from home. Classes will follow the traditional school calendar. Teachers will work with students on a variety of interactive and independent assignments. “Virtual learning will include rigorous instruction, high expectations of student performance, and meeting all grade-level standards,� the plan states.

Social distancing will be implemented at all times for the upcoming school year. Personal protective equipment (PPE) will be issued to all employees and will be required to be worn on the school campus at all times when a six-feet distance cannot be maintained. Students will also be required to wear a face mask/covering when social distancing cannot be maintained.

Please visit fpcsk12.com for the full reopening plan.

DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — Amidst the coronavirus pandemic, how to safely reopen schools and extracurricular activities has become an area of concern for not just students — but teachers as well.

This week, Patrick Roszell, who serves as band director at Sylvania, released a list of guidelines for conducting his band program in the fall. “First and foremost, your child’s safety, as well as my safety, is my number one priority,� he said via Facebook. “I refuse to put anyone in a situation where anyone could be exposed.�

Roszell’s guidelines, which were co-created by all six of DeKalb County’s band directors, include the following: • Travel: No away football games, exhibitions, or contests will be attended. • Uniforms: Students will not be required to wear traditional uniforms.

Students will wear an alternative uniform of a polo shirt, khaki shorts, sneakers, and a belt. “I know these are some big changes, and I assure you that we are not acting alone,� Roszell stated. “We will not compromise the health and safety of our students for entertainment.� “We have some amazing and passionate Band Directors in the county, and we are always thinking ahead and weighing every possible outcome of every scenario,� said Geraldine band

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.

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Fort Payne City Schools has released its plan to reopen facilities this fall in two different styles of learning. (Fort Payne City Schools)

Plainview High School's marching band performs at 2018's DeKalb County Exhibition. (Zach Hester | Southern Torch)

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director Lauren Lingerfelt Roszell. “In formulating these guidelines, I and the other authors communicated with upwards of thirty other band directors throughout the state to discuss what their prescribed guidelines were, where their concerns lie, and how they are planning to proceed into the fall.� “Even though the fall will look different this year, we will still be working diligently towards our mission in the classroom and on our campuses,� she continued. “Moving forward, we remain cognizant of the fact that there will always be uncertainty, but we will continue to collaborate with one another to alleviate as much of that uncertainty as possible.�

Roszell also stated that several directors from across the area have asked for these guidelines to apply in their own programs. “These guidelines are for your child’s as well as my safety,� he concluded. “I, like most of you, have parents and in-laws, that are above 65, and have health issues. I refuse to do anything that will endanger them.�

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LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY Case No.: 2020-160 IN RE: THE ESTATE OF GREG LISTER, DECEASED NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration Cum Testamento Annexo having been granted to PAT TATE, as Administrator CTA of the Estate of GREG LISTER, deceased, on the 13th day of July 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.

PAT TATE, Administrator CTA of the Estate of GREG LISTER, deceased To be published: July 17, July 24, July 31

IVEY Kellum Wins Race for Court of FROM PAGE 1 Criminal Appeals

By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com

ALABAMA — Incumbent Beth Kellum has defeated challenger Will Smith in the race for Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 2.

Kellum, who has served on the Court since 2009, won the Republican runoff for the seat on Tuesday night.

"Thank you to everyone who made the effort to vote in today's 'pandemic election'," said

Ider Discount Drugs

@

(Judge Beth Kellum)

Kellum in a statement. "It has been one of the great honors of my life to represent you on the Court of Criminal Appeals for the past 12 years. It was a hard foguht race, and I am thankful for the people of Alabama and for the trust you put in me to serve the great State of Alabama. I look forward to serving you for another six years!"

Kellum won the race with 241,183 votes statewide over Smith, who received 193,060 votes.

With no Democratic or independent opposition on the ballot in November, Kellum's victory in the Republican primary essentially ensures that she will see another term.

order include practical necessities defined by the Alabama Department of Public Health, some exercise, and voting or religious worship, though masks are encouraged in all of these scenarios as well.

Ivey reported over 2,000 new cases in the last 24 hours giving the State of Alabama 58,270 total cases with 1,183 deaths. She also stated the total number of cases has risen by 50 percent in the last fourteen days with hospitalizations increased significantly.

"Folks, the numbers just do not lie," said Ivey.

"Do the right thing, and wear a mask," Ivey concluded. No other mandates in the current Safer-At-Home order changes with this new order.

The statewide mask order goes into effect on Thursday, July 16 at 5 p.m. and will remain in effect until at least July 31. For more information, please visit alabamapublichealth. gov.

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State Launches $100M Program to "Revive Alabama"

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By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com

ALABAMA — Last week, Governor Kay Ivey (R-Ala.) announce a grant program to support small businesses through the impacts of COVID-19.

The program titled "Revive Alabama" will dole out a combined $100 million for expenses incurred by these businesses due to operational interruptions caused by the pandemic and business closures earlier this year.

"In many ways, our small businesses were hit the hardest from the coronavirus pandemic," said Ivey.

"Ensuring these owners have every opportunity to recoup expenses incurred due [to] the disruption of business is essential to getting our economy roaring again."

According to a statement from the Alabama Governor's Office, qualifying businesses may receive "up to $15,000" to reimburse expenses or items that they have not received federal assistance for. Grants will given out on a first-come-first-served basis until funds are exhausted.

In order to qualify for assistance, Alabama business owners may access the application through the Alabama Department of Revenue's (ALDOR) Revive Alabama website. All applicants must establish a secure My Alabama Taxes (MAT) account to protect their personal and business information on submitted applications. Tax preparers may not apply for the grants on behalf of a client, but can assist with the process.

The application period runs from Thursday, July 16 through Saturday, July 25.

FRIDAY — JULY 17, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

5

POLITICS

Wooten Announce Run for FP Council

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Neal Wooten has announced his bid for a seat on the Fort Payne City Council.

Wooten has been the curator of the Fort Payne Depot Museum for three years, and in that time has secured over $50,000 in grants, which have been utilized for, among other things, new custom display cases, a train playground, and the Traveling Trunks program to aid local elementary teachers with free ready-made teaching resources. He is invited frequently to speak to local high school students and read to elementary and Head Start kids.

Over the years, he has helped secure two grants for Fort Payne Main Street: one for a children’s art project, and one to help downtown businesses pay their rents during these trying times. “I helped with the Alabama Bicentennial when it came to Fort Payne and have helped with the restoration of Manitou Cave. I have organized and hosted many community events including an art auction for local artists and a Gala fundraiser that brought two other comedians down from New York City. I have been doing standup comedy for over 30 years, but I take the improvement of our community very seriously,� stated Wooten. “I was born in the now crumbling former Fort Payne General Hospital, and although my travels

MUNICIPAL ELECTION CANDIDATES Please submit your campaign announcement press releases to marla@southerntorch.com to be featured in our politics section. Submissions must be less than 500 words. Municipal elections will be held on Tuesday, August 25.

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE

By Steve Flowers Politician Columnist (Submitted Photo)

have taken me far and wide, this has always been home. Speaking of which, I’ll be glad to see something more productive finally happen with that property, as well as a lot of the great buildings we still have here, ghostly remnants of our unique hosiery industry. We truly have the resources to bring businesses here from all over the world,� he continued. “I own several properties in Fort Payne, have a book publishing company, which mainly focuses on positive children’s books, and I have been writing for the Mountain Valley News for over 13 years. I have had 17 of my own books published, several of which became best-sellers, including Granny Dollar, a novel about a Cherokee legend from the Fort Payne area, and Reternity, a Christian novel that has won ten national book awards.

As a small business owner, I know the struggles all too well. If you elect me to serve you, I promise I will put the same effort I put into the Depot Museum and the same effort I put into my books, to make this an even more awesome town,� concluded Wooten.

Municipal elections will be held on August 25.

ALABAMA — The much-anticipated battle between former U.S. Senator and U.S. Attorney General, Jeff Sessions, and former Auburn football coach, Tommy Tuberville to capture the GOP nomination for the U.S. Senate was the marquee event on Tuesday.

Unfortunately, my column for this week had to go to the press prior to the primary votes being counted.

Polls indicated that Tuberville would win for one reason and one reason only, Donald Trump endorsed him. President Trump is extremely popular among Republican voters in Alabama.

There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that Trump does not like Sessions.

Trump has tweeted negative comments about Sessions, not only during this race but consistently for the last three years.

Therefore, the message was clear.

Tuberville to his credit ran a very simple campaign and said he is Trump’s man.

He never deviated and never delved into the issues. He stayed the course and stuck to the script.

There is a tried and true adage in Alabama politics that more people vote against someone or something than for someone or something. If Sessions lost this race to recapture this Senate seat

he held for 20 years, it is because Alabama GOP voters were so enthralled with Donald Trump that they voted against Sessions because Trump asked them to. It certainly was not because Coach Tuberville is more qualified to be our junior U.S. Senator than Jeff Sessions.

It really does not matter which one won.

Either one, Tuberville or Sessions will win in November against liberal Democrat Doug Jones. It is almost comical that you have a liberal Democrat who has a three-year voting record of voting straight down the line with the Democratic leadership led by Chuck Schumer, Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders and Nancy Pelosi representing one of the most Republican conservative states in America.

Indeed, Jones is the only Democrat in a U.S. Senate seat from the South. Jones has millions of dollars of left-wing California and New York money in the bank for his fall campaign, as well he should. Californians figure they have stolen our seat and have three senators.

He has an identical voting record as the aforementioned liberals, but also identical to California’s two Democratic senators, Kamala Harris and Dianne Feinstein. That is why I refer to Jones as the “California Kid.�

It really does not matter whether Tuberville or Sessions is the one that

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.

takes Jones out in November, either one will vote conservatively and straight down the line with the GOP Senate leadership.

Both will be older freshman senators and will have very little power. The seniority system prevails in the U.S. Senate and House, which brings me to this point. Why in the world would Donald Trump spend precious time and energy getting involved in a U.S. Senate GOP Primary in Alabama, other than for spiteful vengeance towards a man who simply would not do his bidding and bend the law, his principles, and integrity.

Trump is in a very difficult uphill battle to win a second term as president.

He should be focused on campaigning for his own re-election in the five pivotal, battleground states. Under the Electoral College System of selecting our president, these are really the only five to ten states that matter.

We in the Heart of Dixie are irrelevant in the election, as is California.

As I have often said, if

Mickey Mouse were the Republican nominee, Mickey would carry Alabama. Conversely, if Donald Duck were the Democratic nominee, Donald would carry California.

Folks, the election for president in November will be decided in the states of Florida, Ohio, Minnesota, Michigan and Pennsylvania. Under the Electoral College numbers, Trump must carry all five of these states. Currently, polling has him losing all five of these states. He is behind by double digits in Michigan and Pennsylvania.

On election night, as his advisors are lamenting a landslide massacre, they may pose this question to the egocentric, brash, New Yorker, “Why on God’s green earth were you campaigning in a Republican U.S. Senate race in Ruby Red Alabama rather than for yourself in the swing state of Florida?�

The media is one of the primary reasons the nation has become so deeply divided along partisan lines. Today, people vote for a party rather than for the individual candidate.

You are either in the conservative Republican column or the liberal Democratic corner. CNN and MSNBC, and to a large degree CBS and NBC, are unabashedly the Democratic channels.

Whereas FOX News may as well be broadcast from the Republican National Committee headquarters.

DEATH NOTICES KERBY Melessa Talley - 67 of Henagar, passed away on Wednesday, July 8.

Graveside services were held on Saturday, July 11 at Pea Ridge Cemetery.

Glenn Smith - 55 of Henagar, passed away on Wednesday, July 8.

WILSON James Robert Anderson - 58 of Fort Payne, passed away on Wednesday, July 8.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, July 11 at Wilson Funeral Home.

Cecil S. Greenwood s- 96 of Fort Payne, passed away on Thursday, July 9. Funeral services were held on Saturday, July 11 at Wilson Funeral Home with burial in Adamsburg Cemetery.

Charles Joshua Morgan - 38 of

Rainsville, passed away on Friday, July 10.

Graveside services were held at Sulphur Springs Cemetery.

COLLINSVILLE Vera Beatrice Reeves Miller - 100 of Collinsville, passed away on Monday, July 6.

Graveside services were held on Thursday, July 9 at Antioch Church of Christ Cemetery.

CORNER STONE Harold Labron Bass - 57 of Pisgah, passed away on Tuesday, July 7.

Funeral services were held on Friday, July 10 at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with burial in New Hope Cemetery.

Lillian Little Blaylock - 92 of Columbia, Tenn., passed away on Thursday, July 9.

Graveside services were held on Monday, July 13 at New Home Cemetery

in Henagar.

Billy Dean Windom Sr. - 83 of Ider, passed away on Sunday, July 12.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, July 16 at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with burial in Liberty Cemetery.

W.T. WILSON Tommy Gene Amos - 81 of Dawson, passed away on Tuesday, July 7.

Funeral services will be held at a later date.

Gary Todd Benefield - 47 of Crossville, passed away on Tuesday, July 7.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, July 11 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial in New Canaan Cemetery in Whiton.

Pat Fowler Richards - 70 of Crossville, passed away on Tuesday, July 7.

Funeral services were held on Friday, July 10 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial in Marshall Memory Gardens.

Charles Richard Short - 52 of Fort Payne, passed away on Tuesday, July 7. Graveside services were held on Saturday,

July 11 at Gold Cemetery in Skyline.

William Mack Allen - 71 of Fort Payne, passed away on Thursday, July 9.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, July 12 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial in Mt. Herman Cemetery.

Jo Anne Buchanan - 84 of Guntersville, passed away on Saturday, July 11. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, July 14 at Pleasant Hill Church with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Linda S. Tolpa Gray - 71 of Section, passed away on Sunday, July 12.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 18 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

Charles Edward Beason - 80 of Trion, Ga., passed away on Sunday, July 12. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, July 15 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial in Fischer Cemetery.

James David Long 67 of Dawson, passed away on Sunday, July 12.

Funeral services were

held on Wednesday, July 15 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Home with burial in Fairview Cemetery.

Imogene Johnson Godwin - 91 of Grove Oak, passed away on Monday, July 13.

Graveside services were held on Wednesday, July 15 at Center Point Cemetery.

Roberta Louise Johnson Garwood - 77 of Langston, passed away on Tuesday, July 14.

Graveside services were held on Thursday, July 16 at Greenview Memorial Park in Florence.

BURT Jimmie Faye “Susie�

Headrick - 87, passed away on Wednesday, July 8. Graveside services were held on Friday, July 10 at King Cemetery.

Robert Keith Glover - 67, passed away on Saturday, July 11. A

memorial service will be announced at a later date.

RAINSVILLE Ronnie Bowen - 72 of Henagar, passed away on Tuesday, July 7.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, July 9 at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Antioch Cemetery.

Billy Tinker - 81 of Section, passed away on Monday, July 13. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, July 15 at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Pisgah Cemetery.

CROSSVILLE Robbie Smith Carnes - 91 of Crossville, passed away on Saturday, July 11. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, July 15 at Crossville Memorial Chapel with burial in Crossville Cemetery.

Burt Funeral H omes

6

FRIDAY — JULY 17, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCHT

BUSINESS

DeKalb Urgent Care & Wellness Clinic is Officially Open

DeKalb Urgent Care and Wellness Center held their open house and ribbon cutting on July 12. Rainsville’s newest business will specialize in urgent care along with cryotherapy, IV therapy and oxygen bar.

POLITICS

Jones Supports Mandatory Masks

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

ALABAMA — U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.) announced on Wednesday that he supported Alabama Governor Kay Ivey’s decision to enforce a statewide mask ordinance.

With the rise of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths across Alabama, Senator Jones has urged the citizens of Alabama to follow guidance from public health officials to wear masks, social distance, and stay home as

much as possible.

“Governor Ivey did the right thing today by enacting a statewide mask policy. Unlike her counterparts in other Deep South states, Governor Ivey is clearly following the advice of health care professionals. Many Alabama communities in COVID-19 hotspots have

already taken this step, which will help limit the spread of this virus and reduce the strain on our struggling hospitals and health care workers, and it just makes sense to do it on a statewide basis,” said Senator Jones, a member of the Senate Health Committee. “We all want to move past this deadly, disruptive pandemic. By taking the simple steps of wearing a mask and social distancing, we can each do our part to protect lives and livelihoods.”

The mask ordinance will go into effect at 5:00 p.m on July 16.

DeKalb County Reaches 1,000+ Cases of COVID-19

By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — On Monday, DeKalb County reached a milestone in its war against the novel coronavirus: 1,000 confirmed cases.

According to data provided by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), DeKalb has 1,001 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with ten probable cases awaiting official results. Seven people have died in DeKalb County as a result of the virus since March.

Since the county’s first case in late March, more than 6,000 tests have been given with 2,289 of those in the last 14 days (as of Monday, July 13, 2020).

Statewide, Alabama has confirmed 58,225 cases of COVID-19 with more than 1,100 deaths. 540,207 Alabamians have been tested and 25,783 of the cases are presumed to be recovered based on the criteria from the ADPH. 7,291 people have been hospitalized with the virus since March 13.

In a joint statement last week, county officials from the DeKalb County Commission and DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) stated, “We realize people are tired and we all want to get back to a normal state, but we must be vigilant and safe about reopening.”

At a press conference last month, Governor Kay Ivey encouraged Alabamians to “take personal responsibility” and continue following the guidelines from federal and state officials: maintaining a six-foot distance between yourself and others, staying home unless necessary, and wearing a face covering or mask in public. ""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 intent."

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.

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

FRIDAY — JULY 17, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

7

NACC Unveils Fall Rigstad Retires Reopening Plan from DCSO

By Southern Torch Staff

The DeKalb County Board of Education held their regular meeting via Zoom last week. (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

BOE

FROM PAGE 1 Elementary Teacher at Crossville Middle School The Board made the following placements: Certified • Emily Bales Elementary Teacher Crossville Elementary School • Jamie Gilbert Varsity Girls Basketball Coaching Supplement Geraldine High School • Kady Curvin - English Language Arts Teacher (Leave only from 8/3/20-5/27/21) - Sylvania High School • Cameron Whitt Elementary Teacher Plainview High School • Luke Powell Secondary History Teacher - Fyffe High School • Haley Harville-York - Secondary General Science Teacher - Fyffe High School • Mandi Goza Elementary Teacher

- Valley Head High School • Alexandria Spurgin - Elementary Teacher Crossville Elementary School • Jesslyn Cochran Elementary Teacher Geraldine High School Support • Rebecca Westbrooks - Itinerant School Nurse - Fyffe High School Volunteer Coaches: • Collinsville High School : Nathan Coker - Football • Plainview High School: Jason Lindsey Football ; Blake Holloway - Football, Chris Davis Football, Jason Keef Varsity Cheerleading, Josh York - Football, Jason Brown - Football Summer Workers Cole Shankles - Valley Head High School The date of the next DeKalb County Board of Education meeting will be on July 23. The Regular Meeting will begin at 5:00 P.M. in the Meeting Room of the Facilities Building.

POWELL, Ala. — Under the direction of President Dr. David Campbell, the Northeast Alabama Community College (NACC) Planning Committee has developed a plan for NACC’s operating status this fall.

The plan includes: • All theory and lecture classes will be offered online, very similar to summer courses • A few career-tech labs and clinicals will be offered on campus and will strictly follow Centers for Disease Control (CDC) COVID-19 prevention guidelines. These classes must complete on-campus instruction before Thanksgiving and be finished remotely by the instructor(s). • Any events or activities on campus are strongly discouraged • Administrative offices (financial aid, admissions, business, adult education, institutional research, student services) will open fully staffed. “This plan has been developed to assure a safe and measured approach to returning to campus in the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic. While I am eager for everyone to return to campus, my primary concern is the safety and health of our NACC family, including employees, students, and visitors,â€? said Campbell. “We will adjust the plan as necessary when conditions change.â€? “As we navigate this pandemic I encourage you to take the necessary precautions (on campus and in your everyday life) to protect yourself and others from coronavirus. Our actions impact others, so please join with me by being diligent to do our part in stopping the spread of this disease,â€? he concluded.

By Marla Jones, Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com DEKALB COUNTY, Ala.-- The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office recently celebrated the retirement of Lt. Alfred Rigstad. Rigstad served the citizens of DeKalb County for over 38 years as a police officer. He will continue to serve as a part-time officer with the County. “Alfred Rigstad has dedicated many years of his life to serving and protecting the citizens of this county. He served as Police Chief of Sylvania in addition to 14 years here at the Sheriff’s Office, not to mention his many years as a firefighter. Alfred has been a vital part of the first responder community of DeKalb County and is very respected by all that he works with. He has trained many of our deputies that are on the road today. We’ll miss him on night shift, but we’re glad he’ll be sticking around part time. His many years of service give him a wealth of knowledge that makes him a great asset to our office," said Sheriff Nick Welden.

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

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