The Southern Torch — Vol. 6, No. 33

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

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2020 / VOL. 6, NO. 33 / $1.00 THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS

• SCORE AL to Hold Small Business Webinar • See Who's Featured in our Business Spotlight!

THIS WEEK IN POLITICS

• Inside The Statehouse with Steve Flowers • Biden Picks Harris as Running Mate

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FOLLOW

THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY • NACC Students to Be Eligible for More Aid • Ider Baseball to Hold Boston Butts Sale

TWEET

THIS WEEK IN JACKSON CO. • SCS Delays Reopening • Body Identified in Grant

Races Heat Up in Rainsville

do what's best for the citizens to make things move forward.

Place 1 incumbent Marshall Stiefel, who is running for Place 3, stated of alcohol revenue, “that’s something that goes back that we have addressed as a Council.� “The citizens are [about] to vote on this and a lot of it needs to be allotted towards personnel...emergency personnel. They are underpaid. We have [gone] through a dozen officers, and we’re just training them for bigger cities.�

Place 5 incumbent Derek Rosson stated the three areas that Rainsville can improve on are continuing the improvement of emergency personnel, making sure we are resurfacing the streets and the sewers.

Municipal elections in the City of Rainsville will be held on Tuesday, August 25.

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — (Full video on southerntorch.com) On Wednesday, candidates for the Rainsville City Council gathered for a forum at the Tom Bevill Enrichment Center. Place 5 candidate Mark Huber was not present.

Each candidate was asked the following questions: • What do you think the role of a councilmember is? • In your opinion what are three areas that Rainsville can improve on? • If Rainsville votes to allow alcohol sales and you are elected how will you handle that for the City of Rainsville?

On the role of a councilmember, Place 1 candidate Steven Fleming stated, “I think the role of a councilmember is to represent the best

In the race for Council Place 1, the candidates are Steven Fleming and Arlan "Monk" Blevins.

In the race for Council Place 2, the candidates are incumbent Bejan Taheri and Scotty Combs.

In the race for Council Place 3, the candidates are Place 1 incumbent Marshall Stiefel and Place 3 incumbent Rickey Byrum.

In the race for Council Place 5, the candidates are incumbent Derek Rosson and Mark Huber.

interests of all citizens of Rainsville. We are elected to be the voice of the people.� “First of all I think the councilmen needs to listen to the concerns and issues that citizens have and once he has done that he needs to find out the issues or concerns,� said Place 1

sure.�

Taheri’s opponent, Scotty Combs agreed that while infrastructure improvements were important, the need to recruit more business and industry was equally important.

On how to allocate monies earned from

candidate Arlan “Monk�

Blevins on the same issue. “Then determine what we can do to fix that...he needs to go for it.�

On question two, Place 2 incumbent Bejan Taheri said if reelected his goal was “to expand Highway 75 from Foodland to Hilltop, maybe to Cornerstone for

possible alcohol sales, Place 3 incumbent Rickey Byrum stated there would have to be a board appointed to regulate the sale of alcohol in the city. “You can never really tell it's hard to say what you do with the money,� said Byrum. “You would have to come together to

Brown Celebrates Narcotics Packaged as 100th Eagle Scout Candy Seized in Fort Payne

Commission Surpluses Tourism Center

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Scoutmaster Don Brown looks on as Levi Doty becomes his 100th scout to receive the rank of Eagle Scout. (Submitted Photo)

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — At this week’s meeting of the DeKalb County Commission, scoutmaster Don Brown of Troop 96 was honored with a resolution commemorating his 100th boy scout to achieve Eagle Scout.

A celebration was held on Saturday, August 8 for Levi Doty, who was Brown’s 100th recipient. In attendance for the ceremony were several past Eagle Scouts, along with state Sen. Steve Livingston. “As an Eagle Scout

>> SCOUT, P3

Eight people were arrested on Monday in a raid that saw a large amount of narcotics seized. (DCSO)

By Southern Torch Staff FORT PAYNE, Ala. — From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden: Yesterday, Agents with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit seized a large amount of Narcotics, Drug Paraphernalia, and Cash on Godfrey Avenue in Fort Payne. Eight people

were arrested, including two juveniles.

The incident began when agents conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that was stopped in the middle of the roadway on County Road 1000 near Hammondville. The vehicle was occupied by four Hispanic males who appeared to be intoxicated with open containers of

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alcohol present. Two of the occupants of the vehicle were juveniles.

During a search of the vehicle, a large amount of marijuana, marijuana edibles packaged as candy, marijuana wax, and drug paraphernalia were located. The find would

>> CRIME, P3

DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — The DeKalb County Commission met on Tuesday, August 11 for their regularly scheduled meeting.

At the meeting, Commission President Ricky Harcrow announced that, due to flooding, the county has received permission to surplus the Tourism and Economic Development Center and sell at the appraised value.

Commissioner Scot Westbrook moved to honor scoutmaster Don Brown

> SURPLUS, P3

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 — AUGUST 14, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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

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Body Identified in Grant

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

GRANT, Ala. — On August 6, Marshall County Deputies responded to a partially decomposed body that was found in a wooded area in Grant.

The body was found by a property owner in the 1800 block of Columbus City Road on Wednesday afternoon.

Investigations from the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office responded and the body was taken to the State Forensics Lab in Huntsville for an autopsy..

Today, The Alabama Department of Forensic Science confirmed Thursday the identity of a body found in Grant.

Authorities said that the victim is Sheri Jeanee Adkins, age 52 of HuntsvilleAutopsy results confirm the cause of death was a gunshot wound to the back of the head.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information related to the death is asked to contact the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office at 256-582-2034.

SCS Delays Reopening

By Jackson Blaze Staff

SCOTTSBORO, Ala. — According to new information provided by Scottsboro City Schools Superintendent Dr. Jay Reyes, the reopening plan for his district’s schools this fall will be as follows: • School will begin for virtual students on August 24th. Your child’s school and/or virtual teacher will make contact soon to include dates for Chromebook pick-up for those needing a device.

• School will begin for traditional students on August 24th-26th with a staggered start. Each school will inform students which day they will come on these three days. August 27th and 28th will be full days for ALL traditional students.

• Please note that there are currently only 4 virtual days on the

calendar through Friday, October the 2nd. October the 2nd will be a benchmark for us in that we will at the beginning of that full week, reassess the current situation and make updated decisions at that time concerning our calendar.

The rationale for the calendar modification is as follows and focuses on trying to meet, in part, the needs of students, teachers, and parents. It is regrettable that no decision can be made to meet all of the needs of each group.

• For teachers, they are in need of additional training on the Schoology platform in order to successfully deliver content to our virtual students. This is also true for our traditional students as they too may become virtual at some point. With the

appropriate training and exposure to the Learning Management Platform, teachers will better be able to serve the students in the virtual realm and thus relieve a great deal of the burden from our parents. Moreover, the additional time gives our faculty and staff the chance to further modify their classroom setup and procedures to provide the safest environment for our traditional students.

• For virtual students, we want to provide the best online experience possible. The later start helps provide this. At the same time, we are offering a face to face

option so that traditional students can have access to friends and needed socialization. This plays a substantial part in their development and we are excited to offer this avenue rather than choosing to go with online learning for all at the outset of the year.

• For parents, we want to offer online for those who feel the need to keep their children at home and have the capacity to do so. We also want to offer the traditional option for parents who need to return to work or have the desire to have their children enjoy the benefits of face to face contact with teachers and friends.

Please contact your child’s school for additional information and we appreciate your patience.

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COMMUNITY

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NACC Students DAS Breaks Ground on New Facility

May Be Eligible for More Aid

By Southern Torch Staff

POWELL, Ala. — Northeast Alabama Community College (NACC) students may be eligible for additional financial aid assistance during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Although families are experiencing many uncertainties pertaining to the pandemic, attending college at Northeast can still be financially feasible for students.

NACC understands many students’ financial situations have been affected by the pandemic and offers some advice to students looking to begin college or further their education. Northeast’s Financial Aid office is able to assist with adjusting incomes for financial aid eligibility as a result of Covid-19. “Our Financial Aid staff is wanting students and potential students to know that this possible funding is available,� stated NACC President Dr. David Campbell. “I encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity. It could be a game changer for you!�

If a student or a student’s parents became unemployed during the outbreak of Covid-19, they may work with the Financial Aid office to adjust their current income if they are drawing unemployment. These students may now be eligible to receive a Pell Grant. A Pell Grant consists of money from the U.S. government that will help cover tuition and other costs associated with college. The Pell Grant works on an income-based system, which means it considers both the student’s and parent’s income levels. Students are

not required to pay back money received from a Pell Grant.

NACC’s Director of Financial Aid Kip Williamson wants students to take advantage of this opportunity. “If you have not completed your FAFSA already, please do so now.

If possible, use the IRS DRT (data retrieval tool when completing your FAFSA. It saves a lot of time and makes the verification process much easier,� says Williamson.

Any prospective or enrolled student may apply for financial aid. A financial need is established when it is determined that the resources of the family (expected family contribution, the primary source of student finances) do not meet the cost of attending a particular college, including NACC. To be considered for most types of financial assistance, students must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year before the Fall Semester. Northeast Alabama Community College encourages students to apply as soon as possible after October 1 for the upcoming academic year, with July 15 as the priority deadline. The academic year is fall-spring-summer, in that order.

Students should check their MyNACC account and campus email regularly.

NACC’s Financial Aid staff has worked diligently through the pandemic to ensure students are well educated about financial aid resources. To learn more about financial aid opportunities at NACC, please visit www.nacc.edu/ admission-financial-aid/ financial-aid or email finaid@nacc.edu.

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com RAINSVILLE, Ala. — Last week, county officials, representatives from the DeKalb Ambulance Service Board, and members of the Rainsville City Council gathered to break ground for a new facility at 1093 McCurdy Ave. N in Rainsville.

Ider Baseball Holds FROM PAGE 1 for his work with the Boy Boston Butts Scouts of America. Over his Sale long tenure as a

SURPLUS

scoutmaster, Brown has now led 100 boys to the rank of Eagle Scout.

County Engineer Ben Luther presented the FY2021 County Transportation Plan, which was approved by the Commission. Luther also reported that DeKalb County had received more ATRIP funding for the County Road 155 project, and some of the federal aid used for the project will be returned to the county.

The Commission approved two contracts for the DeKalb County Council on Aging.

DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency Director Anthony Clifton presented the Commission with automated external defibrillators (AED) to be used by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office. Clifton thanked Deputy Director Michael Posey for receiving the grant from the Department of Homeland Security.

The Commission approved the following personnel changes: • Road Department: Hired Tim Frost for a vacancy in District 2, and Andrew Boldon as a part-time driver on a temporary basis • Sheriff’s Office: Transferred Tyler Pruett from Public Information Officer to full-time road deputy • Revenue Office: Hired Brooke Venable to replace Courtney Callum in the tag office The next meeting of the DeKalb County Commission will be held on Tuesday, September 8 at 10 a.m.

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

256.638.4040 • 256.259.2341 MEMBERSHIP RATES:

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

By Southern Torch Staff IDER, Ala. — The 2020 Ider Baseball team will hold a Boston Butts sale beginning last month on July 1, and lasting through the month of August, until September 1.

Each Boston butt will be $30 and will be delivered on Labor Day weekend. Please make checks payable to Ider Bullpen Club.

"We would like to personally thank each individual and group for consideration of sponsoring Ider Baseball," said Coach Casey Gaddis in a press release. "Our goal is to develop a program that represents unity and a relentless work ethic daily.

We are currently working to create a winning culture on and off the field. We are excited about the positive changes happening inside our program."

"We are looking for individuals or groups that will join our efforts to help invest and support our program needs (equipment, field prep items, uniforms, etc.) Once again, thank you for your time and consideration!"

Gaddis concluded.

SCOUT FROM PAGE 1

myself, I am proud to recognize the hard work, dedication, and commitment Boy Scouts like Levi Doty put forth to reach the rank of Eagle Scout. Less than 3% of Scouts ever attain the rank of Eagle. Only one President, Gerald Ford, has been an Eagle Scout,� said Livingston. “With scouting under attack by the liberal left, it’s extremely important that Scoutmasters like Don Brown continue mentoring our kids. Don leads troop 96 in Tenbroeck. While each Scout reaching Eagle is special, Levi was Troop 96’s 100th Eagle Scout under Don Brown’s Leadership. That’s very impressive anywhere, but most importantly, it happened right here in our back yard! I can’t thank Don and Troop 96 enough for what they are doing for our kids!�

An Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable within the Scouts BSA

(Submitted Photo)

program of the Boy Scouts of America. Since it began in the early 20th century, only four percent of Scouts have earned this rank, equating to over 2.5 million youths. Those who earn this rank are eligible to join the National Eagle Scout Association.

Brown first became a scoutmaster on March 20, 1973. His first Eagle Scout was Bruce Wilson, who earned the rank on the sixth anniversary of Brown becoming a scoutmaster.

Many who have achieved the Eagle Scout rank have gone on to achieve great things, including Hank Aaron, former Walmart CEO Sam Walton, and astronaut Neil Armstrong.

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LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No.: 2020-2041 IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION PETITION OF HAROLD THOMPSON and CONNIE THOMPSON PETITIONER'S NOTICE OF HEARING ALABAMA ADOPTION CODE 26-10A-17 TO: JERRICA L. REED THOMPSON and WILLIAM JOSHUA THOMPSON and any other interested party claiming parental rights or other rights with respect to K.K.T., a female child born on July 6, 2009.

Please take notice that a Petition for Adoption in the above styled matter has been filed in said Court by the Petitioners, HAROLD THOMPSON and CONNIE THOMPSON and that the 22nd day of October, 2020 at 10 O'Clock a.m. has been set for a hearing in said court at the DeKalb County Courthouse in Fort Payne, Alabama. Please be

advised that if you intend to contest this adoption, you must file a written response within 30 days hereof with the Attorney for Petitioners, Finis Royal, 132 East Peachtree, Scottsboro, Alabama and with the Clerk of Said Probate Court.

Done this 22nd day of July, 2020.

the petition to terminate her parental rights in the Jackson County, Alabama District Court in case numbers JU2014-18.02 no later than the 20th day of September, 2020, and show cause why her parental rights should not be terminated. Done this 24th day of July, 2020.

To be published: July 31, August 7, August 14, August 21

Bart Buchanan, Clerk of the Court

LEGALS

To be published: July 31, August 7, August 14, August 21

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF JACKSON COUNTY, ALABAMA

LEGALS

Case No.: JU-2014-18.02

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

NOTICE OF TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS ACTION

Case No.: 2020-174

Maranda Marie McCrary, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer Ottis and Donna McCrary's petition for the termination of the parental rights of Maranda Marie McCrary as to her child W.C.D. (10.15.2012). Said Maranda Marie McCrary, must answer

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NOTICE TO CREDITORS The Estate of Marty Lee Browning, deceased LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION having been granted to the undersigned on the 10th day of August, 2020, by the Honorable Ronnie Osborn, Judge of the Probate Court of DeKalb County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are required to file an itemized and verified statement of such claim in the office of the said Judge of Probate within six months from above date, or said claim will be barred and payment prohibited.

Betty Browning, Personal Representative To be published: August 14, August 21, August 28

LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No.: 2020-181 IN RE: The Estate of Eddie Eugene Underwood Sr., deceased

NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration having been granted to Regena Elaine Dooley, as Administrator of the Estate of Eddie Eugene Underwood, Sr., deceased, on the 10th day of August, 2020, by the Honorable Ronnie Osborn, Judge of Probate. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

To be published: August 14, August 21, August 28

LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No.: 2020-172 ADMINISTRATOR'S NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS In the matter of the Estate of WALTER B. RAYMOND, III, deceased. LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of the Estate of Walter B. Raymond III, deceased, having been granted to the undersigned on the 10th day of August, 2020 by the Honorable Ronnie Osborn, Judge of Probate of said County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law, or the same will be barred.

To be published: August 14, August 21, August 28

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SCORE Alabama Announces Small Business Webinar

By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com ALABAMA — The Alabama chapters of SCORE, the nation's largest network of volunteer business experts, have partnered together to bring a series of free webinars to the small business community.

The series, entitled Circle of Mentors, will focus on bringing the services of SCORE to a broad population that includes minority-owned and women-owned businesses, and those small business owners just looking for some extra guidance.

SCORE Alabama welcomes participants from all industries, all stages of business development, and non-profit businesses.

The webinar will be held every other Thursday beginning at 10 a.m.

Central Time via Zoom. The link for the webinar can be found at southerntorch. com.

The Circle of Mentors series lasts for approximately one hour including time for a question and answer session with the designated speaker and

SCORE mentors that are available on the call. The series was initiated by SCORE SE Regional Vice President Catherine Walton and is hosted every week by Vicki Morris, the series' program coordinator.

SCORE states their mission is to "foster vibrant small business communities through mentoring and education."

They are dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals.

Since 1964, SCORE has provided education and mentorship to more than 11 million entrepreneurs.

Visit the official SCORE.org to sign up for mentoring or to become a qualified SCORE volunteer.

For more details, please contact Catherine Walton at catherine. walton@SCOREvolunteer. org.

For presenter scheduling and media promotions, please contact host and program coordinator Vicki Morris at vicki@facetofacemarketing.com.

SCORE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

FRIDAY — AUGUST 14, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

5

POLITICS

Biden Picks Harris Ivey Awards $7M to as Running Mate Mental Health Programs

Jones to Address DNC Next Week

By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com

(Noah Berger | AFP | Getty Images)

By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com WILMINGTON, Del. — Months after unofficially securing the Democratic nomination for President of the United States, former Vice President Joe Biden (D-Del.) has formally announced California Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) as his running mate in the upcoming election.

Harris, who has served as the junior senator from California since 2017, previously ran for the Democratic nomination before ending her campaign last December due to an “insufficient lack of funds.”

Earlier this year, Biden pledged to nominate a woman for the vice-presidential spot, and as the months of vetting has drawn on, we have seen a wide field of potential candidates emerge. Those reportedly considered for the job were Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, former National Security Advisor Susan Rice, and Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth.

Harris is the first Black and Asian woman to be selected as a major party’s vice-presidential candidate in U.S. history. Before entering the U.S. Senate in 2017, she served as the Attorney General of California from 2011 to 2017, and as San Francisco District Attorney from 2004 to 2011.

Both Biden and Harris will formally accept the Democratic nominations for President and Vice President, respectively, at next week’s Democratic National Convention.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — On Tuesday, Governor Kay Ivey (R-Ala.) announced that she had awarded $7 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) funds to support programs within the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH). $6 million of the funding will be put towards the Community Provider Reimbursement Program, while another $1 million will be used for ADMH’s Crisis and Recovery Services Program.

The Community Reimbursement Program will use the funds to reimburse “nearly 300 provider agencies that offer essential services to individuals with mental illness, substance use disorders, and developmental disabilities,” according to a press release from the Governor’s Office.

The Crisis and

By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com

On Tuesday, Gov. Ivey announced $7 million of CARES Act to the State of Alabama's Department of Mental Health. (File Photo)

Recovery Services program will use their allocated funds to develop a web-based/toll-free crisis hotline to directly assist individuals, especially those suffering from the mental impacts of COVID-19, with appropriate services. The hotline will be staffed by trained crisis specialists.

“COVID-19 has taken a toll on Alabamians in many ways, and that certainly includes their mental health. Like people around the globe, the people of our

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By Steve Flowers Political Columnist

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — It has been a month since our mid-July GOP runoffs for the U.S. Senate and two open congressional seats. Since then, numerous publications as well as many of you have asked me to analyze and assess the outcomes.

In the Senate runoff between Tommy Tuberville and Jeff Sessions the outcome can be explained in one word, “Trump.” It is that simple. Coach Tuberville read the playbook, perfectly and stayed on script. Alabama is Trump Country.

President Trump may very well replicate or exceed his 63% 2016 landslide vote in the Heart of Dixie come fall. All Coach Tuberville needs to do is keep doing the same thing. Simply say, “I’m Trump’s man, and I will have his back.”

Tuberville’s Democratic opponent, Doug Jones, has a lot of left-wing money from California that will help our Alabama TV and radio stations and hopefully, newspapers make a lot of money, but it will be for naught. It might allow Jones to get over the traditional 40% threshold for a Democrat in Alabama, but it is tough for a Democrat to win in Alabama, especially in a Presidential year.

With all that money, Jones’ will try to tell Alabamians that he is not a liberal, yellow-dog Democrat, but he is. They will also attack Tuberville unmercifully, personally.

Tuberville should not take

the bait. He needs to keep his head down and diffuse the assaults and march on simply saying, “I’m Trump’s man.” Under no circumstances should he debate. It only gives Jones credibility.

All Tuberville has to say is that Jones has voted straight down the line with his liberal Democratic friends and colleagues on every major issue.

Especially, that he joined his Democratic bedfellows Nancy Pelosi and the California Democrats in the vote to impeach Donald Trump and against Trump’s conservative Supreme Court appointments. Jones and his California team will try to make the race about personalities, Jones versus Tuberville.

However, at the end of the day, Tuberville really does not even have to campaign. On November 3rd it will be a choice between Donald Trump and Tommy Tuberville with a big “R” on top of their names or Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi, and Doug Jones with a big “D” on top of their names. Folks, there is no doubt who will win that fight in the Heart of Dixie.

In the Congressional races, the story was about the Club for Growth. This is an ultra-right-wing group of rich men, who have decided they wanted to spend a lot of money in Republican primaries around the country. For some reason, Alabama’s two open congressional seats in the 1st and 2nd districts attracted these Club for Growth Daddy Warbucks. They wanted to boast that they captured a seat. They bought them

state are suffering, and I remain committed to providing the necessary support to get our state and her people back on our feet,” Governor Ivey said.

“These funds will go to support important mental health services that Alabamians are seeking in these difficult times. I am pleased to see the CARES Act funds continually being put to work for the people of Alabama.”

For more information, please visit mh.alabama. gov.

ALABAMA — U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.) was announced on Tuesday as one of the speakers at next week's Democratic National Convention (DNC). Jones was an early endorser of former Vice President Joe Biden in the primary season.

The DNC will be held from Monday, August 17 through Thursday, August 20. Jones is scheduled to speak on Monday night.

Other speakers will include, Biden and his running mate, Calif. Sen. Kamala Harris, former Mayor Pete Buttigieg, 2016 presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, and former President Barack Obama.

one in the 2nd district, but they lost in their attempt to buy the 1st district.

The winner of the 1st district race, the Mobile-Baldwin seat, was won by Jerry Carl. He is a normal pro-business Republican. The right-wing Club for Growth spent over one million dollars trying to elect Carl’s opponent, Bill Hightower. Jerry Carl must be one tough, well thought of Mobilian to overcome that onslaught of money.

In the 2nd district, the Club for Growth orchestrated the most amazing comeback upset I have ever seen. Dothan businessman, Jeff Coleman, spent over $2 million of his own money and raised another $2 million from main street conservative groups like Chambers of Commerce and Farmers. This financial advantage propelled Coleman to what looked like a prohibitive lead in the first primary on March 3.

It looked like a cakewalk for Coleman. His opponent was a relatively unknown former state representative named Barry Moore, who barely made it into the runoff.

Undoubtedly, the Club for Growth polled the district and saw they could beat Coleman – the mainstream, pro-business Republican. They blindsided him with a million dollars of negative ads and brochures in the last three weeks of the campaign.

A million dollars in three weeks in the very inexpensive MontgomeryDothan media market is

insurmountable. Their ads were well designed, vicious, and yes, disingenuous and they worked. The Club for Growth bought themselves a congressional seat.

However, they will get very little bang for their buck.

Moore will be in Congress for two years, then gone.

Alabama probably is going to lose a seat to California after this year’s census. In 2022, we will go from seven seats to six. This district likely is the one that will be one on the chopping block. If indeed our 2nd congressional district moves to California, maybe Doug Jones can run for it. His voting record will sell on the left coast.

See you next week.

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.

256.845.5428

Taylor to Run for Geraldine Council Submitted by Tony Taylor for Geraldine Council Tony Taylor has announced his campaign for Geraldine Town Council. The election will be held on Tuesday, August 25.

Tony has lived in the Geraldine area for 37 years.

He is a husband, father, grandfather, church member, deacon, assistant fire chief, rescue squad member, chaplain for the DeKalb County Fire Association, and board member for DeKalb Ambulance. Tony has been an active volunteer for Geraldine Fire and Geraldine Rescue Departments for 16 years.

He was awarded “State of Alabama Rescuer of the Year” in 2014 and 2017 which is a testament to the care and concern he has for the Geraldine community.

Tony currently attends town council meetings

(Submitted Photo)

regularly. He has been employed in management positions for 45 years performing tasks involving budgeting, purchasing, finance, and negotiation strategies which will prove to be a valuable asset to the town. “I see and understand many issues facing our town and it’s my desire to work with our mayor and other town council members to help Geraldine thrive and move forward while still maintaining that ‘small town’ feel.”

“Please consider me when you vote on August 25—together we can make a difference!”

Use Paracide shampoo on cats and dogs to treat fleas and ticks. Relieve secondary dermatitis. Hometown Feed & Seed 657-2020. (www.fleabeacon.com)

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FRIDAY — AUGUST 14, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCHT

DEATH NOTICES KERBY Amos Charles Evatt - 78 of Henagar, died on Monday, August 3.

Services were held on Friday, August 7 at Mountain View Memory Gardens.

Lois Ann Murphy - 102 of Pisgah, died on Thursday, August 6. Services were held on Monday, August 10.

CROSSVILLE

Gary Griffin - 70 of Crossville, died on Monday, August 3.

No services will be held at this time.

WILSON

Bera Lee Bell 82 of Meridian, Miss., died on Tuesday, August 4. Services were held on Saturday, August 8 at the funeral home with burial in Bankhead Cemetery.

Cathy Holbrook Cole - 63 of Fort Payne, died on Monday, August 10.

Services were held on Thursday, August 13 at the funeral home with burial in Liberty Hill Cemetery.

BURT Raymond Edward Ringer - 96 of Valley Head, died on Monday, August 3. Services were held on Saturday, August 8 at Valley Head UMC with burial in Cherokee Memory Gardens.

Mark Andrew Eason - 52, died on Thursday, August 6.

Services and burial were held on Sunday, August 9 at Liberty Hill Cemetery.

W.T. WILSON Edwin Goza - 71 of Fyffe, died on Tuesday, August 4.

Services and interment were held on Monday, August 17 at the national cemetery in Chattanooga, Tenn.

David Wayne Pollard - 55 of Albertville, died on

Tuesday, August 4.

Services will be held at a later date.

Glenda Jean Thompson - 77 of Fort Payne, died on Wednesday, August 5. Services were held on Sunday, August 9 at the funeral home with burial in Walker’s Chapel Cemetery.

Betty Beam Moore - 77 of Fort Payne, died on Thursday, August 6.

Services were held on Sunday, August 9 at Corinth Cemetery in Macedonia.

Dillard Lynn White - 78 of Rainsville, died on Saturday, August 8.

Services and burial were held on Wednesday, August 12 at Fuller Cemetery.

Curtis Ray Frost, Jr. - 59 of Fyffe, died on Sunday, August 9.

Services were held on Tuesday, August 11 at the funeral home.

Wanda Ethel Johnson - 95 of Tenbroeck. Services will be held on Saturday, August 15 at Tenbroeck Baptist Church.

Emma Lorene Parker - 88 of Pine Ridge, died on Tuesday, August 11.

Services will be held on Saturday, August 15 at the funeral home with burial in Glenwood Cemetery.

CORNER STONE Lucindy Gail Davis - 59 of Pisgah, died on Thursday, August 6. No formal services are planned.

George Warren Combs - 74 of Henagar, died on Saturday, August 8.

Services were held on Thursday, August 6 at the funeral home with burial in Head Springs Cemetery.

Charles Edwin Hester Jr. - 58 of Pisgah, died on Sunday, August 9.

Services were held

Burt Funeral H omes

on Wednesday, August 12 at Hebron Cemetery.

RAINSVILLE Mildred Frances Malcom - 96 of Umatilla, Fla., died on Tuesday, August 4.

Services were held on Thursday, August 13 at Mountain View Memory Gardens.

Scott Oliver - 48 of Rainsville, died on Tuesday, August 4.

Services were held on Friday, August 7 at the funeral home with burial in Kirk Memorial Gardens.

Nellie Shankles - 78 of Rainsville, died on Saturday, August 8. Services were held on Wednesday, August 12 at the funeral home with burial in Town Creek Cemetery.

Mary Ruth Young - 82 of Rainsville, died on Saturday,

August 8. Services were held on Monday, August 10 at the funeral home with burial in Old Sardis Holiness Church Cemetery.

GERALDINE Kenneth H. Allen - 86 of Boaz, died on Sunday, August 2.

Services were held on Sunday, August 9 at Belcher’s Gap UMC with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Pauline Beaird - 89 of New Harmony, died on Friday, August 7.

Services were held on Sunday, August 9 at the funeral home with burial in DeKalb Memorial Gardens.

Dannie Lawayne Jackson - 65 of Scottsboro, died on Saturday, August 8.

Services were held on Monday, August 10 at The Well Family Worship Center.

Know your

neighbor?

I’M THERE

M. Chris Kuykendall

1827 Gault Ave. North Fort Payne, AL 35967 Bus 256 845-4934 chris.kuykendall.b17y@statefarm.com

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FRIDAY — AUGUST 14, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCHT

RANDALL HAM

 � � � �   ­ € ‚ � ƒ„…  ‚ † ‡ ‚ ‚‚ ˆ�

“This is an important election and we shouldn’t take our choice in who we vote for lightly. Our election shouldn’t simply be a popularity contest. It’s too important for that.

We should consider which ďŹ ve citizens are most qualiďŹ ed to serve, to listen, to make difďŹ cult decisions, and to always make the best interest of Fort Payne as a whole the priority.â€?

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256.997.3182

randallham1@gmail.com

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ƒ Monday, Aug. 17 — 1 year of Gig Internet Service ƒ Tuesday, Aug. 18 — 50-inch HD Smart TV ƒ Wednesday, Aug. 19 — $250 Foodland Gift Card ƒ Thursday, Aug. 20 — iRobot - Roomba Vacuum ƒ Friday, Aug. 21 — Apple iPad ƒ Monday, Aug. 24 — FTC Total Connect Security Service with 1 year monitoring ƒ Tuesday, Aug. 25 — Apple Watch ƒ Wednesday, Aug. 26 — Loxx Boxx ƒ Thursday, Aug. 27 — Google Chromebook

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144 McCurdy Ave. N. • Rainsville, AL • 866-638-2144 • www.farmerstel.com

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FRIDAY — AUGUST 14, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Athens Forfeit CRIME FROM PAGE 1 to Fort Payne

(File Photo)

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The Fort Payne Wildcats were all set to open their season against the Athens High School Golden Eagles on August 21.

Coach Elmore received the news today that Athens will be forfeiting the first game due to COVID-19 concerns.

The Wildcats will start their football season 1-0 unless they find a replacement by August 21, on August 28 against Gadsden City High School.

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

lead to a search warrant being executed in Fort Payne later in the afternoon.

The two adults in the vehicle, Daniel Segura (19 of Valley Head) and Homero Segura (20 of Valley Head) were taken into custody. Daniel Segura received charges of Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 1st Degree and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, while Homero Segura was charged with Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

At approximately 5 pm, DeKalb County Narcotics Agents, Deputies, and the Fort Payne Police Department executed the search warrant in the 1900 block of Godfrey Avenue in Fort Payne. A large amount of marijuana, marijuana wax, marijuana edibles packaged as candy, drug paraphernalia, and currency believed to be from the proceeds of illicit narcotics sales were found at the residence.

The marijuana edibles were packaged and named similarly to popular children’s candy, such as Sour Patch Kids and Nerd’s Ropes, which can

be easily mistaken for normal candy.

James Louis Race III (48 of Fort Payne), William King (31 of Fort Payne), Robert Junge (55 of Fort Payne), and Jonathan Barrow (42 of Fort Payne) were charged with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 1st Degree and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. James Louis Race III received an additional charge of Resisting Arrest.

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said of the operation: “This was an excellent job by our narcotics team and deputies yesterday! We pursue these cases anywhere in the county, especially when juveniles are involved.� “Our office has zero tolerance for those that corrupt our youth. These cases must be dealt with swiftly! Our narcotics team did an excellent job of gathering the necessary information and acting on it quickly. I’d also like to remind parents to be vigilant when it comes to candy that their children might have. In the fine print on the packaging, it says that it’s a Cannabis product, but at a glance it would be difficult to tell the difference,� he said. “God Bless!�

Concluded Sheriff Welden.

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FRIDAY — AUGUST 14, 2020

2015 Chevrolet Equinox LT SUV

2017 Nissan Sentra SV Sedan

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

2014 Nissan Frontier SV Pickup

2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD Pickup

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Sedan

1988 Jeep Wrangler SUV

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo

2017 Hyundai Elantra SE Sedan

2005 Toyota Tacoma 4WD

2018 Hyundai Accent SE Sedan

2015 GMC Terrain SLE SUV

2013 Ford Fusion SE Sedan