The Southern Torch — Vol. 6, No. 30

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

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2020 / VOL. 6, NO. 30 / $1.00 THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS

• Liberty Bank Re-Closes Lobby • CONTINUED: FP to Provide School Supplies

THIS WEEK IN POLITICS

• Local Candidates Announce Campaigns • Inside The Statehouse with Steve Flowers

LIKE

FOLLOW

THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY • Schools Receive $170M for COVID-19 Relief • CONTINUED: Let The Games Begin

TWEET

THIS WEEK IN JACKSON CO. • NACC Announces Fall 2020 Plan • Local Economy Continues Recovery

LET THE GAMES BEGIN

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Municipal elections will be held on Tuesday, August 25. (Anna Miller | Tufts University)

50 Arrested in Round-Up Operation

By Southern Torch Staff FORT PAYNE, Ala. — From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden: On Wednesday (July 15, 2020) law enforcement in DeKalb County conducted a narcotics round up operation which resulted in over 50 arrests in one day.

The operation was a planned warrant round up, and also involved saturation patrols and investigating citizen complaints of drug activity.

A large portion of the charges were for Distribution of Controlled Substances, which the warrants were obtained by the Narcotics and Interdiction Team after months investigating drug activity in our county.

Many individuals were arrested on new charges

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — Qualifying for the 2020 municipal elections ended on Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at 5 p.m.

The following candidates qualified to run for office in their respective municipalities: Collinsville (all incumbents unopposed) Mayor: Johnny Trafenstedt (incumbent) Council: Kathy Jelks

Taheri Tantrums Continue

Bryan Ray (incumbent, place 4), Jimmy F. Barnhill (place 5), Connie Brothers (incumbent, place 5), Steven Smith Fort Payne Mayor: Brian Baine Council: Jimmy Ballinger, Lynn Locklear Brewer (incumbent), Johnny Eberhart (incumbent), Randall Ham, Wade Hill (incumbent), Roger E. Ingle, Kerry R. Jones, Jeff “Cookie� Koch,

> VOTE, P3

FP to Provide School Supplies

The paving of Rainsville city streets led to a heated discussion about the paving of Maple Ave., which is pictured above. (Amy Thrash | Southern Torch)

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com RAINSVILLE, Ala. — (Video at southerntorch. com) The Rainsville City Council held their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, July 20.

In the regular session of the meeting, Mayor Lingerfelt advised the council that they had “come up with a little more money� to pave another street within the city. This was not on the original agenda. If the contractor agreed to add this road to the contract it would be at an additional cost of $55,000. Church, Grimes, and Northside were originally contracted to be

> CRIME, P7

paved. According to Lingerfelt, there are three streets remaining in Rainsville that needed to be paved. Last year, Mockingbird Lane was cut to replace a collapsed culvert and never repaired.

Councilman Marshall Stiefel inquired about the possibility of paving Maple Avenue. The residents on that road have been trying for years to get the road to meet the City guidelines for paving. Councilman Bejan Taheri interjected that Maple Avenue was tabled in a previous meeting and could never be mentioned again. At the 6:10 mark of the live Southern Torch coverage, Taheri can be seen shaking his head and sticking his

tongue out at the camera.

After being called down by Mayor Lingerfelt, the council approved the paving of Mockingbird Lane. Lingerfelt stated that Maple Avenue was not a street, it was a driveway.

Southern Torch reached out to Councilman Bejan Taheri for comment regarding the meeting and Maple Avenue. “The street name is Robin Lane NOT Maple Ave and the city engineer has not accepted the road because is not to City specification and City cant pave it because its consider as a private road,� stated Taheri.

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

City Council President Brian Baine accepts an appreciation plaque from Toys for Tots representatives for the Council and Mayor's continued support of the organization. (Amy Thrash | Southern Torch)

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The Fort Payne Council held their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday.

The Fort Payne Council approved giving the Fort Payne School System $150,000 to purchase supplies for

students. The Council also allotted $50,000 for the teacher to use for their classrooms. “We are proud as a Council to be able to give this money for the teachers and for the school supplies,� stated Council President Brian Baine. “This helps the

> FP, P4

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FREE COVID-19 TESTING will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 2020 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the VFW Fairgrounds in Fort Payne. These services are offered by the Alabama Department of Public Health and the DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency. Please bring a valid driver's license and insurance card. If you do not have insurance, you will be tested at no cost. For further questions, please call (256) 845-8569.

(district 1), Donna Jones (district 2), David Bowen (district 3), Janet Osborn (district 4), Jeff Chandler (district 5) Crossville Mayor: Tera Fortenberry (incumbent), Roger “Dino� Richards Council: Jinnette Bixby (place 1), Nelson Ferrell (incumbent, place 1), Brad Hood (incumbent, place 2), Misty Spence (place 2), Larry Colvin (place 3), Faye Kilgo (incumbent, place 3), Lisa D. Collins (place 4), Tommy Griffin (place 4),

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

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FRIDAY — JULY 24, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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

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HMC Opens NACC Announces Plan for Fall 2020 New Drive-Thru Testing

Northeast students are encouraged to take precautions against coronavirus on campus this fall. (Submitted Photo)

By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com Highlands Medical Center (HMC) has announced a new drive-thru testing site for COVID-19. (Submitted Photo)

By Jackson Blaze Staff JACKSON COUNTY, Ala. — As positive COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Alabama, the need for patient testing is increasing. Highlands Medical Center is opening a new drive-thru screening and collection site for COVID-19 testing. The drive-thru site will be open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm at the Veterans Fairgrounds located at 220 Cecil ST/1615 Heroes DR (Corner of Cecil Street & Heroes Drive) in Scottsboro, AL. No physician order is required to be tested at this site.

A provider will be available onsite to screen patients and write an order for those who need to be tested. Patients with a physician order will also be tested at the site.

Patients who meet screening and collection criteria but are uninsured will be screened for temporary Medicaid on site.

The drive-thru entry is located at the grounds gate closest to the Scottsboro Junior High School. Traffic will flow through the side of the fairgrounds, through the concession stand area and exit at the gate near Collins Intermediate School. The Scottsboro Police Department will be onsite to help with the flow of traffic.

As of 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, Jackson County was labeled as a "Very High Risk" county for spread of the coronavirus.

398 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Jackson County of 3,122 tests. In the last 14 days, 112 new cases have been reported out of 752 tests. Seven deaths have been reported in Jackson County since the pandemic began.

POWELL, Ala. — Ahead of the start of its fall semester, Northeast Alabama Community College (NACC) has announced a plan for safely reopening amidst the developing COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a press release published by the college, all lecture and theory courses will be offered online with “only some workforce and

nursing clinicals� being offered exclusively on campus. In addition, students will be able to be admitted, register, sign up for courses and take said courses without ever physically interacting with groups of other students on campus. “At this point with coronavirus, if an instructor contracts the virus in a class of 30 students as they typically have contact within the classroom, it could lead to all students and staff within the class having to

be quarantined for two weeks. It would also run the risk of the individual obtaining a very serious or even life-threatening illness from the virus,� said NACC President Dr. David Campbell. “By taking online courses and working in a safe and secure environment, students and staff avoid those COVID-19 risks from the classroom.�

Campbell went on to state that online students are afforded state-of-theart equipment, tutors, advisors, and technology experts.

“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,�

Campbell continued. “Our actions impact others, so please join with me by being diligent to do our part in stopping the spread of this disease.�

For more information on NACC’s efforts to help stop the spread of coronavirus, please visit nacc.edu or their social media accounts.

updated it’s monthly statewide unemployment statistics. The ALDOL report shows Jackson County holding a 6.9% unemployment rate.

The new numbers reflect a positive economic trend as businesses are bringing employees back to work after a brief

COVID-induced downturn.

June’s 6.9% unemployment rate is down 1.7% from May. At the height of the state-ordered closure of certain businesses, the county rate of unemployment rose to 13.3% in April.

Jackson County hit a record low unemployment

rate of 2.7% prior to the emergence of the coronavirus.

The county’s unemployment rate is lower than that of the state’s, which is 8.0%.

Updated figures do not reflect accounting for seasonal adjustment.

Local Economy Continues Recovery

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

(Flickr)

By Dylan Smith JB Managing Editor dylan@southerntorch.com SCOTTSBORO, Ala. — The Alabama Department of Labor has

A Salute to Seniors Visit pages 7-9 for our salute to Jackson County's Class of 2020! We wish the best to these seniors who've had a rough end to their last year of high school, but toughed it out for the greater good.

FRIDAY — JULY 24, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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COMMUNITY

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TAHERI FROM PAGE 1

Southern Torch investigated the claim and residents on that road receive their mail addressed to Maple Avenue. In checking, Robin Lane is the next street up from Maple Avenue and was paved by the developer, Larry Traylor.

Robin Lane is listed as a city street. “As a former resident of Maple Avenue, I beg to differ with Councilman Taheri. I received my mail on Maple Avenue, along with other residents on this street. The residents of Maple Avenue have put in personal money in years past to bring the street up to code. Due to administrative changes, the road was never paved and now with new regulations, the street is not up to code. I feel that we should have been grandfathered in since we fell by the wayside,� stated Rainsville resident, Regina Randolph. “Taheri, along with House Majority Leader Nathaniel Ledbetter was one of the first purchasers of this property. I can not state if they were the developer of this land.

However, Mrs. Sonjia Pittman, resident of Maple Avenue was reprimanded

by Taheri numerous times, at various council meetings, pertaining to this situation. She even received a letter from Taheri’s attorney stating never to address Taheri as the developer again, she also was forbidden by Taheri from reading the letter out loud,� concluded Randolph.

Upon review of the coverage of the November 6, 2017, Rainsville Council meeting, Pittman stated that since she had addressed the Council previously, she had received a letter from Taheri’s attorney, Terry Gillis dated October 26, 2017. Ms. Pittman began to read the letter and Taheri interrupted her saying that reading was not in the scope of her request to address the Council.

Ultimately, Lingerfelt advised Pittman that she would not be allowed to continue reading the letter.

Taheri made a motion that Pittman could never address the council on

Maple Avenue again. The motion passed with a 4-2 vote with Marshall Stiefel and Brandon Freeman voting against the motion.

When asked for a comment, Councilman Marshall Stiefel stated, “I would prefer a more professional meeting of the Council. Rainsville is better than this. I am glad that Mockingbird Lane will be paved. My hope is that all Rainsville streets will be paved in the future.�

The Mayor informed the Council that the City had been awarded Corona Relief Funds to pay all employees hazard pay for working through the coronavirus pandemic.

Full-time employees will receive a one-time payment of $500 and part-time employees $250.

Two promotions within the Rainsville Police Department were approved by the Council.

Matt Crum, former Revenue Officer for the city was promoted to Assistant Chief, making $18.13 per hour, effective July 22. Todd Bowen was promoted to Captain/Investigator effective July 22 at $18.09 per hour.

The Council heard from City Engineer, Sam Phillips who advised the council that the Highland Subdivision had completed the requirements for the city to accept three streets.

In other business: • Purchased an Epson Wireless Projector to be paid for by Court System • Approved Fire Chief’s Conference for Cheif Wright and Asst. Chief Summerford August 7-12 • Posted Revenue Officer Position for 7 days internally/7 days externally • Authorized the Mayor to sign a construction loan with First Southern State Bank for Boozer Bridge • Purchased a storage building for the fire department with funds paid from County, State Senator Clay Scofield and the city • Approved work on the DeKalb County Bus Garage Parking lot so buses can be parked there instead of DeKalb County Schools Coliseum and Techincal School The next meeting of the Rainsville City Council will be held on August 3 at 5 p.m.

Alabama Schools VOTE Receive $170M for FROM PAGE 1 Coronavirus Relief

(File Photo)

By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com ALABAMA — Alabama schools will see more than $170 million spread across the state for remote learning devices and health care support this fall.

The money, which comes from the State of Alabama’s $1.9 billion cut of CARES Act funding, will be divided between the Alabama State Department of Education’s (ALSDE) Education Health and Wellness Grant Program and the Educational Remote Learning Devices Grant Program. “COVID-19 greatly impacted delivery of instruction within our public schools and, in many cases, exposed our weakest areas of remote learning capabilities,� said Governor Kay Ivey (R-Ala.) in a statement. “These funds will allow local schools to be flexible to meet the unique needs of their students while keeping them as safe as possible.�

The $70 million allotted for the Education Health and Wellness Grant Program will go directly to school districts and are only available to be used for: • Salaries for healthcare professionals or aides providing COVID-19 care • Contact tracing for COVID-19 • Temporary facility improvements and supplies for school nurse work areas • Creation of isolation areas for symptomatic students

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 Teresa Smith, Traffic Director Dylan Smith, Jackson Blaze Managing Editor Lindsey Jones, Accounting Marshall Stiefel, Distribution Manager Tim Jones, Account Executive

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• Temperature screening equipment • School transportation modifications to accommodate health guidelines to stop the spread of COVID-19 The Educational Remote Learning Devices Grant Program will provide $100 million of direct funds to local education agencies to purchase electronic devices to better facilitate remote learning across the state. “The health and well-being of our students, teachers, and staff is a vital part of being able to deliver high-quality instruction to our students and this has been a key priority of the State Board of Education,â€? said Alabama State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey. “I appreciate Governor Ivey’s continued commitment to education in Alabama.â€?

According to the release by the Governor’s Office, DeKalb County is set to receive $839,028 through the Education Health and Wellness Grant Program and $1,198,612 through the Education Remote Learning Devices Grant Program.

Charlene Magbie, Ken Mayo, Celeste Holbrook Ragan, Diego Reynoso, Angie Shugart, John M. Smith, Phillip Smith, Leslie L. Vaughn, Walter B. Watson, Neal Wooten Fyffe Mayor: Paul Cagle (incumbent), Jonathan Bartlet Council: James Spears (incumbent, place 1), Katy Woodall (incumbent, place 2), Gerald Green (incumbent, place 3), Don Phillips (place 4), Chris Graben (place 4), Dale Wooten (incumbent, place 5) Geraldine Mayor: Chuck Ables (incumbent) Council: Angelia Camp, Tim Gilbert, Sherrie Hiett, Larry “Punch� Lingerfelt, Shon Rogers, Stanley Rooks, Joseph “Joey�

Satterfield, Scott Tarrant, Tony Taylor Hammondville (all candidates unopposed) Mayor: John Moore (Place 4 councilman) Council: Trey Moore (place 1), Jennifer Barker (place 2), Johnny Ferguson Jr. (place 3), Felicia Harrison (place 4), Tammy Brown (place 5) Henagar Mayor: Lee Davis (incumbent) Council: Winston Busby (incumbent, Place 1), Joy Dixson (incumbent, place 2), Toby C. Laney (place 2), Dale Callaham (incumbent, place 3), Tara Kirby (place 3), Robert Trotman (incumbent, place 4), Angie Davis (place 4), Jeff McCurdy (incumbent, place 5) Ider (at the time of press, we have not received an official list of qualified candidates from the Town of Ider) Mayor: Wendy Lassater (incumbent)

Council: Melissa George (incumbent, place 1), Michael Wooten (incumbent, place 2), Dewayne Chapman (incumbent, place 3), Sharlyn Uber (incumbent, place 4), Roger Wooten (place 5) Mentone Mayor: Rob Hammond (incumbent) Council: John Verdon (incumbent, place 1), David Allgood (place 2), J.D. Trammell (place 2), Hobson Kirby (incumbent, place 3), Ray Padgett (incumbent, place 4), Gerald Bailey (incumbent, place 5) Rainsville Mayor: Rodger Lingerfelt Council: Steven Fleming (place 1), Arlan Blevins (place 1), Bejan Taheri (incumbent, place 2), Scotty Combs (place 2), Ricky Byrum (incumbent, place 3), Marshall Stiefel (place 3), Brandon Freeman (incumbent, place 4), Derek Rosson (incumbent, place 5), Mark Huber (place 5) Shiloh (all candidates unopposed) Mayor: Rodney Phillips Council: Nathan Neil, Jim Tumlin, Brad Graben, Tracey Monroe, Mike Light Sylvania Mayor: Terry McClendon, Thomas Miller Council: Matthew Gant (place 1), Claude Callaham (incumbent, place 2), Edward Wilbanks (place 2), Denny Smith (incumbent, place 3), Gary Ferguson (incumbent, place 4), Larry Bailey (incumbent, place 5) Valley Head Mayor: Michael Key, Jacob Brown Council: Karen Vest (place 1), Russell Head (place 1), Adele Phillips (incumbent, place 2), Jack Martin (incumbent, place 3), Marie Behling (place 4), Dean Freeman (place 4), Chris Busby (place 5), Anna Mae Horn (place 5)

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FRIDAY — JULY 24, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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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

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FROM PAGE 1 parents to not have to go out and spend that extra money and it also allows the school to be able to provide all students with the same thing to begin the new school year�.

LaRue Hardinger, public relations officer for the Marine Toys for Tots of DeKalb County, honored Fort Payne council members and Mayor Larry Chesser with appreciation plaques for their continued support from 2013-2019. “For seven Toys for Tots campaigns, the City of Fort Payne has provided space for our volunteers to store, sort, and bag toys

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for needy children; and we want each of you to know how much we appreciate you,� Hardinger stated. “Without your help, there’s no way we could provide Christmas presents for so many children in need.� The campaign was able to provide 7,939 Christmas toys for 1,160 children from 427 families.

In other business the Fort Payne City Council • Accepted the lowest qualified bid for a sewer “Jetterâ€? truck • Accepted the low bid for traffic signals at the new school on 49th Street North • Authorized Ladd Environmental as the engineer of record for projects seeking CDBG and ARC monies (Hospital Demolition Grant) • Granted Tax Abatements to KM, a window company that employees 13. • Approved the conversion of Tier 2 employees to Tier 1 • Purchased a skyjack forklift from the Fort Payne Water Department in the amount of $20,000 • Granted an activity permit to United Methodist Church for services on August 2, 9, 16, 23.

The next meeting of the Fort Payne City Council will be held on Tuesday, August 4 at 12 p.m. in the Council Chambers.

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Liberty Bank Re-Closes Lobby (Submitted Photo)

By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com GERALDINE, Ala. — Amidst a growing number of COVID-19 cases across Alabama, a local bank has elected to re-close its lobby to the public.

Liberty Bank, which is headquartered in Geraldine, will operate its lobbies by appointment only. Teller services will continue to be provided through the drive-thru, including on Saturdays.

Masks will also be required for customers that enter Liberty Bank branches in coordination with Gov. Kay

Ivey's (R-Ala.) recent mask mandate.

"We will always do what's right for our customers and our staff," said Liberty Bank in a statement via social media.

"In this situation, the right thing to do is to keep our customers, our employees, and our communities healthy, and to keep Liberty Bank a safe place to do business."

Liberty Bank has six locations across northeast Alabama including in Geraldine, Albertville, Crossville, Collinsville, Snead, and Sardis. Hours for all branches are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., and on Saturday via drive-thru only from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

FRIDAY — JULY 24, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

5

POLITICS

Stiefel Seeks Re-Election INSIDE THE to Rainsville Council STATEHOUSE

By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — Rainsville City Councilmember Marshall Stiefel has announced his bid for re-election to the Council. Stiefel is currently serving in his first term.

Stiefel is a lifelong resident of Rainsville, Plainview High School graduate, and an alumnus of Athens State University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in political science.

He has worked in his family business S&S Auto Sales for 15 years and more recently, served as a distribution manager and

Torch Talk co-host at Southern Torch. He also serves as the District Chair of the DeKalb County Republican Party.

“Throughout my first term as a member of the Rainsville City Council, I have tried to look out for the best interest of our citizens and keep them informed on what goes on behind the scenes of this city,” said Stiefel. “I ask the questions that the people don’t get to.”

“I have always strived for transparency and fairness as your representative on the council,” he continued.

“While others sat by and allowed former Agri-Business Center

(Submitted Photo)

Director Mike Sweat to misappropriate taxpayer dollars, I led the charge to see justice for the hardworking people of this city.”

Stiefel is married to his wife of 13 years, Nicole Tate Stiefel and the couple has two daughters, Landrie and Ruby. Nicole is employed as a preschool special needs teacher at

Fyffe. The family are members of Guest Baptist Church in Fyffe.

“My parents, Charlie and Greta Stiefel instilled Christian values in me from an early age; therefore, I firmly believe that we need to keep a voice of reason on the council who can keep the ‘good ole boys’ network in check,” Stiefel concluded.

“I hope that you will send me back knowing that I will be an advocate for the people who will never stop defending your rights to live the best life possible in the City of Rainsville.”

Rainsville municipal elections will be held on Tuesday, August 25.

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.

Horn Announces Bid Ragan to Run for Fort for Valley Head Council Payne City Council

By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com

By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com

VALLEY HEAD, Ala. — Anna Mae Horn has announced her candidacy for Valley Head Town Council.

Horn is a lifelong resident of Northeast Alabama. She holds an associate’s degree in computer information science from Northeast Alabama Community College (NACC) and touts experience in accounting, management, sales, newspaper editing, factory work, and caregiving. She has also served on several boards in the area and is currently a stay-at-home mother and wife.

“Life has led me down a winding path where I gathered a varied skill set.

I choose to use these skills to help and serve others when possible. My husband and I have attended numerous council meetings over the years. I am familiar with the process and aware of current projects and policies,” Horn said.

Horn stated she also wanted to bring a sense of community back to Valley Head through more events, activities, and outlets to

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Celeste Ragan has announced her bid for Fort Payne City Council.

Ragan is a 1984 graduate of Fort Payne High School where she began volunteering for the American Red Cross. She started and ran her own business, Princess House, for 27 years and now serves as a member of the DeKalb County Board of Registrars.

“Throughout the years, I have been involved with many other organizations where I have assisted in promoting and fundraising for several successful community events,” said Ragan. “I also enjoy spending time with our local senior citizens and much of that I have to contribute to my late grandmother. She was a very prominent influence in my upbringing and encouraged me to be the change I wanted to see!”

Ragan also stated her eight years as a member of the Board of Registrars has helped her “understand and

(Submitted Photo)

keep citizens busy and production.

“My main objective for my time in office would be to keep citizens well informed of events and town information through the use of technology and media,” she continued. “My parents raised me to value knowledge and awareness.

I strongly believe in educating the public on policy and what is happening in town.”

In a press release, Horn said she is running for office to serve the community.

“Serving on the council is how I want to give to the community,” concluded Horn. “Everyone can serve their communities — and democracy — by simply placing a vote. In small-town municipal elections, the voice of your vote is loud. I urge everyone to use it.”

Valley Head municipal elections will be held on Tuesday, August 25.

(Submitted Photo)

appreciate the voting process even more.”

“I was born and raised in this beautiful part of God’s country, and Fort Payne is also the place that my husband and I chose to raise our family,” said Ragan. “Now, our grandchildren are being brought up here, and I want to be sure that our city continues in the right direction for future generations to come.”

“By serving on the Fort Payne City Council, I want to act for you. I want to be your voice. I want to represent the heart of Fort Payne, Ala. not just what a few people want,” Ragan concluded. “I can’t promise you the world, but I will promise this: I will listen to you because I want to!”

To reach Ragan, please contact her at ragan4fpcc@gmail.com.

Fort Payne municipal elections will be held on Tuesday, August 25.

Combs Announces Bid for Rainsville Council

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com RAINSVILLE, Ala. — Scotty Combs has announced his intention to seek a seat on the Rainsville City Council.

Combs is a graduate of Fyffe High School and attended Gadsden Business College. He currently serves as a project estimator for D&F Equipment Sales in Crossville, where he has worked for 18 years.

“I have been blessed to work for such a great company that cares about its employees,” said Combs. “[I have worked] my way up to lead-man, supervising shop employees on daily tasks,

print reading, design building, and shipment.”

He believes his experience in the business field, which includes skills like operations management, negotiation, budgeting, supply chain management, and business process improvement, will be valuable to the city.

“I believe these skills help in building a better relationship with the residents of the City of Rainsville, the City Council, and the City employees,” continued Combs.

Combs stated, if elected, his goals would include improving the infrastructure of roads and sidewalks, as well as industrial and housing development projects, and an expansion of the “Field

(Submitted Photo)

of Dreams.”

“I would like to help make Rainsville more attractive to small business owners,” he said.

“Entrepreneurs move to cities where they know they have the best chance to access capital to carry out their business plans.

Investors like to keep their money close to home, so economic development teams must work closely with potential investors and promote the fact that their city invests in people

and good ideas.”

Combs is married to Heather Combs, a nurse practitioner in Fort Payne, and they have three children together: Lucas, Jack, and Emma. Lucas graduated from Fyffe this year and will attend Northeast Community College in the fall. Jack and Emma attend Cornerstone Christian Academy. They are members of Antioch Baptist Church.

Rainsville municipal elections will be held on Tuesday, August 25.

By Steve Flowers, Political Columnist

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The field is set for the November General Election and more than likely the races were decided on July 14. We had some good races including the race for our junior U.S. Senate seat as well as two open Congressional seats.

Tommy Tuberville won an impressive 60-40 victory over Jeff Sessions in the GOP primary runoff for U.S. Senate. The tea leaves portend that Tuberville the Republican will defeat the Democrat Doug Jones by that same 60-40 margin. He will win for one reason. He is a solid Republican in a solidly Republican state.

Winning the GOP nomination for a U.S. Senate seat and for that matter any statewide office is tantamount to election in Alabama. We are a very hardcore, safe, red Republican state, especially in a presidential year. It is also a very safe assumption to say that Donald Trump will carry Alabama in the presidential contest, and Trump’s coattails should assure a Tommy Tuberville victory.

The two open Congressional seats in the 1st and 2nd districts are very safely Republican seats. Therefore, the winners Jerry Carl and Barry Moore can start packing for Washington.

A not so subtle participation occurred in our GOP Primaries in Alabama this year. Generally, Republicanleaning Political Action Committees, like the Chamber of Commerce, stay out of party primaries and save their ammunition for the General Election battle against Democrats. However, there is a giant that does not play by those rules. This giant is The Club for Growth – a right-wing PAC that promotes Republican candidates that adhere to a free market, free trade, anti-regulation agenda. They also believe and advocate for cutting income taxes and repealing the estate tax. Therefore, as you might guess, the money given to the Club for Growth comes from deep-pocketed, very wealthy, very conservative right-wing Americans. They dig deep into their pockets and write big checks primarily to Republican candidates.

As a political observer, it is apparent to me that these Big Daddy Warbucks political wannabe players have more money than sense. Anybody with walking around sense knows that anybody elected to a Republican U.S. Senate seat or Republican Congressional seat in Alabama is going to be a conservative pro-business vote in Washington.

Whichever candidate won the 1st District Congressional race was going to vote the same. Yet the Club for Growth spent over $1 million on behalf of Jerry Carl’s opponent. In the 2nd Congressional runoff, the Club for Growth donated over $750,000 on behalf of Barry Moore against Jeff Coleman, either of whom would have voted conservatively or pro-business. In the U.S. Senate first primary race, the Club for Growth spent nearly $700,000 to keep Congressman Bradley Byrne out of the Senate runoff.

This $2.7 million was spent in negative advertisements against their opponents, who again are fellow Republicans who are going to vote identically as the other.

They gave their candidates another $300,000 for positive ads. That is $3 million in Alabama.

My question to whoever runs the Club for Growth is, “Do you not think that your money would be put to better use to help Republican U.S. Senate incumbents that are in close reelection contests in Arizona, Colorado, Maine, Montana, and North Carolina?” These conservative Republican incumbents are trailing in the polls, as well as behind in fundraising. In short, whoever is calling the shots for the Club for Growth is essentially a political imbecile.

If the Republicans lose the U.S. Senate, then the liberal Democrats will nail those rich idiots’ hides to the wall, and they deserve it. However, Alabama does not deserve it nor can we afford it. If the Republicans lose the majority in the U.S. Senate our crown jewel, Republican Senior Senator Richard Shelby loses the chairmanship of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Alabama loses all its power and influence in Washington. You will have a say in that. Currently, national pundits have Doug Jones losing in Alabama to Republican Tommy Tuberville.

However, that is no guarantee. The national Democrats would love to use Doug Jones as a Democratic vehicle to take control of the U.S. Senate and give the chairmanship of the Appropriations Committee to a liberal Democrat. Therefore, philosophy aside, economically a vote for Doug Jones is a vote against Richard Shelby and the State of Alabama.

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FRIDAY — JULY 24, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCHT

DEATH NOTICES BURT Norma Gayle Anderton Jones - 72, died on Wednesday, July 15.

Graveside services were held on Saturday, July 18 at Valley Head Cemetery.

RAINSVILLE

Hoyt McGuillion - 82 of Sylvania, died on Tuesday, July 14 from complications due to dementia.

A private, family service will be held graveside (due to virus considerations) on Thursday, July 16, at Mountain View Memory Gardens. Rev. Bryan Harris will officiate.

Hoyt is survived by his wife, Sandra Wilks; his children, Lane, Dirk and Jay McGullion; 7 grandchildren, Kayla, Cassidy, Austin, Paige, John Mark, Jack, and Gavin. He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Pauline McGullion, brother James, and sisters Opal and Clovis.

So many people look for purpose and success in life. What does that look like? If you ask a hundred people, you will get a hundred different answers. Consider the life of Hoyt McGullion and you will have a good example.

Hoyt’s success story started in high school. He made his presence known on the football field, where his small stature did not keep him from being one of the best. His running abilities and lightning speed became the stuff of legend throughout the years. He earned the nickname “Dynamite� because he was small but explosive. He and his teammates put together one of the best teams in Sylvania High School History.

Hoyt was Mr. Sylvania 1956. Known for his good looks and charm he was able to gain the attention of the 1961 homecoming

queen and Sylvania Valedictorian, Sandra Wilks. It was a match put together by God to create a family that Hoyt led and taught to always put God first in life and to always love and put others before yourself.

Hoyt and Sandra were blessed with three boys – Lane, Dirk, and Jay. They patiently raised the energetic boys as they tried to tear the house down daily. All three will confidently say that they have learned everything they know about being a man from Hoyt. 7 grandchildren resulted from their marriages and further enriched Hoyt and Sandra’s lives Hoyt was well known for his incredible work ethic. His boys saw from an early age that hard work was very important and even as he aged very few men could keep up with him. He was small in stature but worked like a man that was ten feet tall.

He had a heart so big for others that he earned the respect of everyone that knew him. As a result of this can-do spirit, the newly incorporated community of Sylvania voted him as their first mayor.

Hoyt was always kind-hearted. He greeted everyone with love and an inner spirit free from condemnation or judgment. He was always willing to give and to serve others.

Hoyt loved his Savior.

His faith was quiet but steady. Hoyt served as a deacon and a church treasurer for 40 years because everyone who knew him knew he carried great wisdom and integrity that is rarely found. He was always there for his family, his friends, his church, and his community willing to put others first without a thought of any inconvenience for himself.

Yes, God made him small in stature but put a great, large-hearted, strong, and wise man in a small package. He was an incredible example of what a man, a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a friend should be. There are few men in this world

Burt Funeral H omes

like Hoyt McGullion. He was one of a kind and will be sorely missed by all who had the honor of knowing him.

Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Mt. View Memory Gardens.

Edith Elean White Craig - 79 of Rainsville, died on Thursday, July 16.

Graveside services were held on Wednesday, July 22 at Old Sardis Holiness Church Cemetery.

Willene Highfield 94 of McCord’s Crossroads, died on Wednesday, July 15.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, July 18 at Perry Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Cherokee Memory Gardens.

Juanita Gray - 84 of Rainsville, died on Sunday, July 19. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, July 21 at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Roger Graham and Rev. Paul Long officiating.

Burial will follow in Rainsville Memorial Park with Rainsville Funeral Home Inc., directing.

Visitation was held on Monday, July 20 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Tuesday, July 21 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

She is survived by her son George Moore (Susan) of Trenton, Ga.; daughters, Susan Lewis (Tony) of Fyffe, and LeAnn Willoughby of Skirum; grandchildren, Kristy Long (Paul), Jeremy Moore (Brandy), Sherry McLaughlin (Jason), Hope Etherton (Cody), Hollie Gimm (Erik), Jordan Lewis, John David Willoughby, Jake Willoughby, J.J. Willoughby, Eduardo Gutierrez, and Crystal Yeager; great-grandchildren, Crimson (Gracie) Long, Japeth Long, Makenna Moore, Makain Moore, Alicia Whitfield, Anna Whitfield, Andrew McLaughlin, Truly McLaughlin, Shiloh McLaughlin, Ian McLaughlin, Levi Etherton, Noah Etherton, Ezra Etherton, Adin Etherton, Easton Gimm, Koleson Gimm, Britton Gimm & Ahren Gutierrez; sister, Kay McMullan; nieces, Darla (Vic) Wade and Traci (Michael) Higgins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred C. Gray; son, David Moore; and her parents, L.M. and Edna McMullan.

Daisy Francisco Juan - an infant, died on Thursday, July 16.

Graveside services were held on Sunday, July 19 at Rainsville Memorial Park.

Jeanette Peek - 98 of Peek’s Corner, died on Sunday, July 19. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 21 at

To receive your print edition of DeKalb County’s #1 News Source, please call our office at (256) 638-4040! Follow us on social media at @southerntorch on all platforms!

POLITICS

WILSON

Roy Carl Smith, Sr. 91 of Valley Head, died on Sunday, July 19. Graveside services were held on Wednesday, July 22 at Sulphur Springs Cemetery.

CROSSVILLE Clara Ann Chambers - 82 of Crossville, died on Tuesday, July 14. Graveside services were held on Friday, July 17 at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.

W.T. WILSON William K. “Rocky�

Smothers - 54 of Sylvania, died on Thursday, July 16.

Graveside services were held on Saturday, July 18 at Liberty Cemetery in Henagar.

Ruby Mae Sansing - 79 of Sylvania, died on Saturday, July 18.

Graveside services were held on Wednesday, July 22 at South Cemetery in Blountsville.

Wiley Lee Veal - 83 of Fort Payne, died on Sunday, July 19. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, July 22 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial in Mt. Herman Cemetery.

Roy Lee Parker - 62 of Attalla, died on Monday, July 20. Graveside services and burial were held on Wednesday, July 22 at Oak Hill Cemetery.

KERBY Eddie Ayers - 61 of Rainsville, died on Wednesday, July 15.

Graveside services were held on Saturday, July 18 at Kennemer Cemetery.

Bettye Slatton - 91 of Henagar, passed away on Thursday, July 16.

Graveside services were held on Sunday, July 19 at Chestnut Grove Cemetery.

CORNER STONE Edna Laney - 78 of Flat Rock, died on Sunday, July 19. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, July 22 at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with burial in Brown Gap Cemetery.

Merrill Extends Emergency Absentee Rule for Nov. (WBTV)

By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com ALABAMA — Earlier this week, Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill announced the extension of an emergency rule that allows Alabamians to vote absentee if they don't want to go to the polls due to COVID-19.

The rule, which was first used in this month's runoff elections across the state, adjusts the requirement for voters to give a valid reason for voting absentee. The rule will also be in place for municipal elections next month.

Under the rule, if a voter determines it is "impossible or unreasonable" to vote at their regular polling place due to the pandemic, they can check a box on the absentee application that states: "I have a physical illness or infirmity which prevents my attendance at the polls."

"Amid coronavirus concerns, it is important to remember that Alabamians who are concerned about contracting or spreading an illness have the opportunity to avoid the polls on Election Day by casting an absentee ballot," said Merrill.

Voters can access an absentee ballot application online or via their county absentee ballot manager.

CRIME

CRIME FROM PAGE 1

that was the result of traffic stops and narcotics found while serving the existing arrest warrants.

Local and state agencies assisted the DCSO with the operation including the Ider Police Department, Henagar PD, Mentone PD, Sylvania PD, Valley Head PD, Powell PD, Fyffe PD, Crossville PD, Alabama Pardons & Paroles, and ALEA Region F Drug Enforcement Task Force.

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said of the operation: “Months of hard work has truly paid off, and our county is a better place because of it! This operation was well organized and exceeded our expectations.� “We certainly did not take a break during the Covid-19 shutdown. Our narcotics and interdiction team continuously developed new leads and built these cases. Much of the information used to build these cases started by information developed from arrests by our deputies and local police officers,� he said. “And as always, this operation was a success due to the support from our local and state agencies. I can’t think them enough for their hard work and commitment to helping us cleanup this county,� said the sheriff. “God Bless!�

Concluded Sheriff Welden.

Those arrested in the operation are listed below: Charles Jeffery Edwards (21 of Sylvania), Stoney Lee Baugh (52 of Collinsville), Skye Destin Bell (23 of Rainsville), Malachi Emmanuel Vaughan (21 of Dawson), Raymond Labron Pope (45 of Section), Robert Lee Crocker (30 of Fort Payne), Derick Nash Farmer (23 of

Powell), Hannah Skye Blansit (23 of Fort Payne), Christopher Alan Wilborn (59 of Sylvania), Jamie Adam Edmondson (30 of Henagar), Michael Logan Hall (19 of Fort Payne), Joyce Faulkner (69 of Fort Payne), Stacie Jean Brown (43 of Fort Payne), Isaac Edwards (20 of Sylvania), Matthew Alexander Dover (20 of Fyffe), Christopher Kyle Richards (37 of Crossville), Cody Allen Bell (28 of Fort Payne), Nykeia McElrath (21 of Valley Head), William Seay (36 of Rainsville), Austin Wagner (23 of Rainsville), Amanda Ayers (35 of Crossville), Morris Brown (46 of Fort Payne), Maddison Pruitt (21 of Sylvania), Sonya Whitten (48 of Boaz), Deena Woodard (54 of Collinsville), Jonathan Howell (43 of Ider), Chadwich Rhudy (41 of Fort Payne), Tiffany Moore (32 of Oneonta), Whitney Scott (37 of Dawson), Daniel Hurley (49 of Collinsville), Edna Sue Johnson (58 of Ider), Robert Neil Edmondson (76 of Ider), Jonathan Gafford (41 of Mentone), Matthew Tillman (35 of Mentone), Autumn Cook (33 of Valley Head), Bradley Bell (49 of Fort Payne), Michael Anthony Rogers (28 of Menlo, Ga.), Mary Teresa Galloway (49 of Rainsville), Joshua Scott Anderson (37 of Henagar), Katelin Land (26 of Fort Payne), Steven Michael Spencer (51 of Fort Payne), Teresa Chantal Spencer (37 of Fort Payne), Lisa Green (43 of Flat Rock), Robert Fields (45 of Henagar), Jerry Galloway (43 of Fort Payne), Sidney Northrup (56 of Fort Payne), Selena Kilgo (37 of Crossville), Jamie Porter (48 of Grove Oak), Amanda Lancaster (40 of Boaz), Darrell Rayford Hancock (40 of Boaz), and Terry Swearengin (32 of Boaz).

For a full list of charges, visit southerntorch.com.

FRIDAY — JULY 24, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

7

Congratulations Seniors!

From all of us here at Southern Torch, Jackson Blaze, 98-3 Wild Country, and 101-7 The Torch, along with all the great advertisers below, congratulations to all Jackson County seniors who have displayed strength and patience during this very odd end to their last year of high school.

ROBIN SHELTON

Mayor of Scottsboro

Congratulations Senior Class of 2020!

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FRIDAY — JULY 24, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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FRIDAY — JULY 24, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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