The Southern Torch — Vol. 6, No. 52

SAVE BIG THIS SEASON AT TWIN CITY! 1411 Glenn Blvd SW, Fort Payne, AL 35967

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2020 / VOL. 6, NO. 52 / $1.00

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>> Sand Mountain Tournament Winners! >> Hunter of the Week

>> Governor Kay Ivey Receives COVID-19 Vaccine >> Inside The Statehouse

>> An Angel Among Us >> Sheriff's Office Uncovers Rainsville Puppy Scam

Merry Christmas from all of us at Southern Torch!

TWEET

Illegal Winery Uncovered Biggest in County History, Says Sheriff

Rainsville City Employees Receive Raise

By Marla Jones, Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — The Rainsville City Council held their regularly scheduled meeting on December 21, 2020.

The Council approved a 2% Cost of Living Raise for City Employees. The Council also passed Resolution 12-21-2020 C that provided RSA Tier I Benefits to Tier II Plan Members.

The Council went into Executive Session for nearly an hour to discuss the good name and character of a City Employee. After the session, the Council called the meeting back to order, with no action taken against the employee.

The Council voted to suspend the rules for immediate consideration to amend Ordinance 10-15-2007 that capped the amount for a business license within the City of Rainsville, To be in compliance with other municipalities, the Council approved the measure.

In other business, the Council approved: • Approved an application for alcohol sales at Carter's Beverage • Switched cell phone carriers back to Verizon which will upgrade all phones • Hired Dean White as a Police Officer effective 12-16-2020 • Purchased a building for the Police Department for $4,145.00 with donated funds for use at the Shooting Range • Passed Resolution 12-21-2020 (A) which surplused (2) refrigerator boxes currently used at the firing range for storage for police department • Purchase of (2) printer/scanners for the police department in the amount of $334.62 • Passed Resolution 12-21-2020 (B) to surplus a 1997 Mack Sanitation truck • Approved $923.00 for uniform and training for the Police Department • Purchase of (10) 4-yard dumpsters from Wastequip for $6,465.00 • Renewed the $1,000 sponsorship for the Bull Bash • Approved a light at the entrance for Field of Dreams Sign to Laney Electric in the amount of $1,383.45 • Approved a light for the 1st Responder’s Memorial to Laney Electric in the amount of $831.00 • A street light at the intersection of Kirk/Autumn Creek.

The next meeting of the Rainsville City Council will be held on Monday, January 4, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. with a work session beginning at 4 p.m. in the Council Chambers.

Officials with the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office uncovered an illegal alcohol operation at the Rainsville Wastewater Treatment Plant on Thursday (left) with Sheriff Nick Welden (right) calling it "one of the biggest operations we've seen in our county and possibly our state." (Submitted Photos)

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com RAINSVILLE, Ala. — On Thursday, officials with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) and Alabama Beverage Control Board (ABC) discovered an illegal winery operating at the Rainsville Wastewater Treatment Plant. Agents with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) and the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) were on the scene to assist.

According to a statement from the Sheriff’s Office, the discovery came from an

anonymous tip regarding the illegal operation. “This is definitely one of the biggest operations we’ve seen in our county and possibly our state,� said DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden. “It doesn’t matter who you are, no one is above the law. We won’t tolerate anyone using their position to hide their illegal actions at the taxpayer’s expense.�

During a search of the building, agents and investigators uncovered “a large amount of illegal alcohol and a winery which appeared to be in operation for a long period of time.�

On Friday, Rainsville Mayor Rodger Lingerfelt

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held a press conference to discuss the matter.

According to Lingerfelt, he received a call from officials with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, requesting access to the plant. After contacting the manager and assistant manager, DCSO officials

>> WINE, P3

DCSO Lobby Closes Through Jan. 4

By Southern Torch Staff FORT PAYNE, Ala. — From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden: Due to the recent rise in COVID-19 cases, the Sheriff's Office lobby will close on Tuesday, December 22 until January 4, 2021.

You will still be able to renew pistol permits at

dekalbcountysheriff.org.

For jail-related needs or reports, please call our dispatch at (256) 845-3801

On Friday, Allen Maurice Stiefel (62 of Fyffe) was arrested in connection with the illegal operation at the plant. (DCSO)

entered the building and uncovered the previously stated illegal activities.

Lingerfelt said for the past several years he has served as liaison to the department, but had no knowledge of these activities. “Things happen like that...you can’t stop every little thing that goes on, some things will slip through,� said Lingerfelt. “I was kind of in shock...it’s just one of those things you have to work through.�

Lingerfelt stated the plant’s supervisor has been suspended without pay, pending an investigation.

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and your call will be routed to the appropriate person.

"Sometimes decisions made are not the easiest ones, but you have to make sure they are the right ones," said DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden. "With the safety and health issues we are faced with in today’s time, it is more important than ever to make sure the proper

decisions are made. This not only protects our family at DCSO, but it very well may protect yours."

"I pray for healing among all families, and together we WILL move forward. I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and let’s remember the TRUE meaning!� concluded Welden.

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

2

FRIDAY — DECEMBER 25, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

SAVE BIG THIS SEASON AT TWIN CITY! 1411 Glenn Blvd SW, Fort Payne, AL 35967

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@JACKSONBLAZEAL

Venable Calls Special NACC to Feature Trouper/ Commission Meeting Roscoe Statue on Campus

By Jackson Blaze Staff

By Jackson Blaze Staff

SCOTTSBORO, Ala. — Jackson County Commission ViceChairman Jason Venable has called a special meeting to be held on Tuesday, December 22 to discuss an investigation by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA).

The investigation pertains to an allegation of inappropriate surveillance of a Jackson County employee at the courthouse.

According to a

statement from the Commission: “After several serious incidents at the Courthouse involving firearms, a number of surveillance cameras and sound systems were installed in public locations and common areas at the Courthouse.

The camera at the secured entrance to the Courthouse proved invaluable in determining the sequence of events that led to a Sheriff’s Deputy having to use his firearm to defend himself against an aggressive

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armed patron. Neither these Commissioners nor the Courthouse Security Committee were aware of the placement of the particular camera involved in the present investigation. The Commissioners first became aware of the location of this camera on Tuesday, December 15 and took steps the same day to have the devise removed. Until the investigation is complete, the Commissioners will have no comment on whether or not the installation of this camera was warranted for legitimate security purposes.�

The meeting was held on Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. in the Commission boardroom.

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We know that during these uncertain and troubling times, the sun will rise, family and friends will be together again, and we will be stronger than ever. As your local, community newspaper we will continue to be here in the days ahead as a friend you can count on. We’re proud to be the number one most trusted source for local news and information in Alabama. You can depend on us to continue to bring reliable reporting on news that affects our community.*

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POWELL, Ala. — The Northeast Alabama Community College (NACC) campus will soon be graced by a new feature, one that college officials believe will become a part of the very fabric and heritage of the campus. The feature is a life-sized bronze statue of two of the institution’s iconic figures on campus – Trouper the Mustang and Roscoe the Campus Dog. The statue (see the accompanying photograph) will be located for everyone to see in the Central Quad area on campus. The statue is designed by talented NACC Artist Barbara Kilgore and will be built by the University of Alabama Sculpture Department at their foundry. “This is something we have been wanting to do for a long time,� stated NACC President Dr. David Campbell. “We think the bronze statue will be an unusual feature of the college, even bringing in some visitors/tourists to see it. Beyond that, the statue will symbolize how the Northeast family takes in and nurtures its students and community and makes the campus their home, as they did with Trouper and Roscoe.�

Both Trouper and Roscoe have very unusual histories and stories.

Trouper is a full-blooded mustang horse from Nevada who is owned and trained by Amber Rain Matthewson and Amber’s daughter, Montana. Amber was able to purchase Trouper at one of the mustang auctions that are held to reduce the number of wild mustangs in the Western states. Amber, who is from Henagar and now works at Northeast, broke and trained Trouper, who incidentally is named after Amber’s life-saving doctor. Always the reader, Dr. Campbell read about Amber and Trouper and asked if she would permit Trouper to be the college’s official mascot, since the institution’s mascot has been a mustang from its beginning. Amber immediately said yes.

Before COVID-19, Amber would frequently bring Trouper on campus for students to see, and she would ride him representing the college in Christmas or community parades. The Northeast family now looks forward to the day Trouper can come back on campus.

Roscoe is another story. Roscoe is a black

Labrador who chose to live on the Northeast campus.

He was a neighborhood dog whose family moved, and Roscoe kept coming back to campus. Finally, the family told Dr. Campbell: “Roscoe is a free spirit and always has been. So just let him live where he wants to.� Roscoe stayed, and the college took him in. Roscoe is now a friend to all on campus. He has his own doghouse, but when cold, hot, or stormy he sleeps inside one of the college buildings. Dr. Campbell, the police, and others feed him on the weekends.

When he was younger, Roscoe loved to ride across campus in the back of the maintenance staff’s mechanical carts. And he is usually at the door of the first building opened at 6:00 a.m. to help staff unlock and go through the building.

Dr. Campbell states that Northeast, of course, cleared the bronze statute for construction on campus with Alabama Community College System Chancellor Jimmy Baker who immediately said “Yes.� Chancellor Baker noted how great it is to see a college like Northeast make students feel at home by having a pet they can speak to like Roscoe.�

Roscoe and Trouper have had several newspaper articles written about them, and they have their own Facebook and Instagram pages.

It was the college’s own outstanding artist Art Instructor Barbara Kilgore - who brilliantly put Trouper and Roscoe together into the same image for the sculpture. “It occurred to me that Roscoe had chosen us to be a part of his family and that we have chosen Trouper to be a part of our family. I realized that if we were going to have a sculpture that showed the spirit of the institution, it had to include both of them‌the interaction between the two is one of total acceptance. They are nose to nose, looking at each other. The mood is one of love and respect: the essences of NACC.â€?

Mrs. Kilgore concludes by saying, “I love the idea of making both these animals part of the history of our institution in a visual and tangible way.

This will allow future students and faculty for years to come to see our commitment to educating.

It will serve as a reminder that no matter where students come from, no matter what level of education they start, we accept them, love them, and are dedicated to helping them become whatever it is they strive to be.�

Dr. Campbell stated, “We are so excited about this for our campus. This is one of those things that we believe will become a part of the legends or stories that are told about a college and establish a special bond with the people who attend and work there – something that goes on forever.�

Campbell added that famed writer Daniel Wallace has agreed to write the plaque that will go along with the statue. Mr. Wallace is author of Big Fish. Big Fish, based on the movie, was produced as a play at Northeast, and Mr. Wallace was honored during the production. “Daniel is a great friend of ours and Mrs. Joan Reeves,�

Campbell added. “And I couldn’t think of anyone I wanted more to write a short narrative about Trouper and Roscoe. He is a brilliant author whose animal characters come from the same magical world to visit us as Trouper and Roscoe. We are honored by his involvement in this.�

Campbell also noted that this was not the college’s first attempt to have a bronze statue. When the Health Education Center was built, a bronze mustang was to be in the courtyard as a part of that complex, according to Dr, Campbell. He and retired Dean of Instruction Wayne Woods traveled to Santa Fe, New Mexico, to find an artist and foundry for the statue. But the prices were too high and then the recession hit. “I finally came up with the idea of saving the vending machine money for this,�

Campbell said. (By contract NACC gets a small percentage of vending machine sales.)

Campbell continued: “I wanted to spend it on something special for our students. It took a long time, but we finally collected enough for the statue and then we were blessed to have Mrs. Kilgore, and, of course, Trouper and Roscoe. As they say, things often work out if you are just patient.�

FRIDAY — DECEMBER 25, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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COMMUNITY

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An Angel Among Us

By Southern Torch Staff

PICTURED: DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden with Mr. Leon McClung, who donated several bicycles to be given out to children this Christmas. (DeKalb County Sheriff's Office)

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden: Thanks to Mr. Leon McClung, children who may not have gotten a present under the Christmas tree this year, will now be the proud owner of one of these shiny bicycles. Mr. McClung acquires used bicycles throughout the year and fixes them up to look brand new just so he can give them to children around the area that may not

DCSO Uncovers WINE Puppy Scam FROM PAGE 1

By Southern Torch Staff FORT PAYNE, Ala. — From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden: Earlier this month, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint of a person on FaceBook advertising puppies for sale requiring a deposit of $250.00.

A FaceBook account with the name Samantha Allen was used to facilitate the scam. This FB account was determined to have been a fake account. The subject would set up a meeting place to get the $250.00 deposit and promised the puppy at a later date. After receiving the money, the fake account was deleted.

This subject was identified as Sabrina Gabriell Esloon (28 of Rainsville) and warrants were obtained for her arrest through the DeKalb County Circuit Clerks Office.

DeKalb County

Sabrina Gabriell Esloon (DCSO)

Sheriff’s Office had been working closely with other agencies trying to locate Esloon.

Rainsville Police Department encountered Esloon entering a store in Rainsville where she was detained until DCSO could arrive.

This has occurred in Marshall and Jackson counties as well and possibly other places.

Esloon was charged with Theft of Property 4th.

If you or someone you know has been scammed

by Esloon, please reach out to us at 256-845-3801.

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

The supervisor is one of four employees at the Rainsville Wastewater Treatment Plant, and at this time, no more employees are expected to be suspended.

When asked for comment, Councilmembers Arlan Blevins, Derek Rosson, and Brandon Freeman stated they didn’t have enough information to make an informed comment at this time. Councilmember Bejan Taheri did not respond to calls from Southern Torch. “You knew about it before I did,� said Council President Pro-Tem Ricky Byrum. “I don’t have a comment.�

This local incident has gained the attention of state and national news outlets. Follow Southern Torch for your local updates on this developing story.

On Friday evening, an arrest was made in the illegal winery operation that was set up in the Waste Water Treatment Plant in Rainsville.

Allen Maurice Stiefel (62 of Fyffe) was charged with Unlawful Possession of an Illegally Manufactured Alcoholic Beverage, a misdemeanor and Use of Official Position for Personnel Gain, a class B felony.

Sheriff Welden has confirmed to Southern Torch that as new evidence has become available, this investigation will be forwarded to SBI.

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 Joe Sims, Radio Operations Manager Zach Hester, Art Director/Reporter Amy Thrash, Account Executive Jenna Sue Payne, 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:

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otherwise get anything.

This simple act of kindness is a blessing to so many.

Mr. McClung truly is an angel among us. This is just a reminder that good people still exist.

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said: “Mr. McClung is defiantly an angel among us, he is without a doubt a true Christian with a Big heart and it really shows. It was an honor to meet Mr. McClung and a true blessing to be a part of this True Christmas (GIFT). “God Bless!�

Concluded Sheriff Welden.

ALDOT Limits Construction Over Holidays

By Southern Torch Staff MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) will have no temporary lane closures on Alabama interstates from Thursday, Dec. 24 at 6 a.m. until Sunday, Dec. 27 at 11:59 p.m. For the New Year's holiday, there will be no temporary lane closures from Thursday, Dec. 31 at noon until Sunday, Jan. 3 at 11:59 p.m.

ALDOT is limiting road work and lane closures for the safety of the traveling public, road construction workers and maintenance workers.

The National Weather Service forecasts rain and temperatures to go down to near freezing for some parts of Alabama on Wednesday, Dec. 23.

Drivers should use caution as the potential exists for some slick spots.

Alabama Rest Areas and Welcome Centers are open to the public.

EVENTS Submit your local upcoming events to zach@ southerntorch.com to be featured in an upcoming print edition of Southern Torch!

December 24, FBC Rainsville Christmas Eve Services - Rainsville First Baptist Church will hold its annual Christmas Eve service at 5 p.m. on Thursday, December 24 featuring Christmas carols, the Christmas story, and a brief message from Pastor David Cofield. Social distancing will be observed. Visit rainsvillefirst.com for more information!

December 28, HMC Blood Drive - Blood supply in our community is critically low due to extreme declines in donations, but Highlands Medical Center (HMC) is preparing to address this need. HMC will hold a blood drive at the hospital's main entrance on Monday, December 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. To sign up, please visit www.

bloodassurance.org/HMC or call 1 (800) 962-0628.

Walk-ins are welcome.

January 1, First Day Hike at DeSoto State Park - Start the new year with a first day hike at DeSoto State Park! Led by Park staff, the hike goes to the Civilian Conservation Corp's "unfinished" bridge.

The hike is approximately 3.5 miles roundtrip. Come on out and burn those calories while enjoying the Great Outdoors!

January 1-3, Honey Pot Barrel Racing - The Honey Pot will hold a three-day racing event with prizes and awards with open/youth/futurity races! Event will be held at the Northeast AgriBusiness Center from January 1-3 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. each day.

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FRIDAY — DECEMBER 25, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

BUSINESS AMY THRASH ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

amy@southerntorch.com

Hometown banking, wherever you are!

Office: 256.638.4040 Cell: 256.996.0460

Southern Gold & Silver QUALITY JEWELRY

James Allensworth • allensworthgold@aol.com

1706 Glenn Blvd., Suite 4

Fort Payne, AL 35968 • (256) 997-7591

KANDIELAND DAY CARE CEN ER

256.638.4848

333 DILBECK RD IN RAINSVILLE

KANDIELAND DAY CARE CEN ER

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

TIM JONES ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

tim@southerntorch.com Office: 256.259.2341 Cell: 256.574.9538

W.T. Wilson

Scottsboro

(256) 259-2211

Kandieland Daycare has been owned & operated by Kandie McElyea since May 1999. Located at 333 Dilbeck Road in Rainsville, Kandieland serves as a child care center for children between three weeks old and 12 years old. Give them a call today at (256) 638-4848 or visit them on Facebook at @kandielanddaycare!

THE FISHERMEN SOUTHERN GOSPEL QUARTET

B. ANNETTE LITTLE

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

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

LEGALS

To be published: December 11, December 18, December 25

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

LEGALS

Case No.: 2020-306 IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JAMES E. ALLEN, deceased NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT TO BE PUBLISHED

BY PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Jeff Allen, Personal Representative on the 2nd day of December, 2020, by the Honorable Ronnie Osborn, Judge of Probate of DeKalb County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within allowed by law or the same will be barred.

ATTENTION to Darrell Hancock Darrell Hancock, please remove your possessions from the premises of the following address: 142 Kelly Drive, Henagar, Ala. 35978 If anyone is able to contact Mr. Hancock or has further information, please do so and direct them the property owner, Stanley Cagle.

STANLEY CAGLE SMALL ENGINE REPAIR 8059 Ala. Hwy 168, Boaz, Ala. 35957 To be published: December 25, January 1, January 8, January 15

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Faith

Alabama Health Officials Urge Caution During Holiday Season

By Zach Hester, Reporter zach@southerntorch.com

ALABAMA — The heads of several statewide health and hospital associations are pleading with the public to follow health protocols and stay safe during the upcoming holiday season.

In a letter submitted to media outlets across the state, the officials pleaded “with the public to stay home and stay safe during the holidays to avoid an even worse COVID-19 catastrophe.�

The officials cited as the authors of the letter include Dr. Don Williamson, President of the Alabama Hospital Association, Brandon Farmer, President and CEO of the Alabama Nursing Home Association, John C. Ziegler, executive director of the Alabama State Nurses Association, and Mark Jackson, executive director of the state’s Medical Association. “With only a limited number of healthcare workers vaccinated, we simply cannot have the

gatherings of friends and family that typically occur during the holiday season,� the letter stated. “While those are important and treasured times, the true spirit of the season is not dependent on those gatherings, but what we celebrate in our hearts: protecting those we love so we can all be together again next year is the most precious gift we can give right now.�

The letter sought to remind Alabamians of the “three essential rules� when leaving your home amidst the growing pandemic: mask-wearing, staying six feet apart, and hand sanitizing. “We are all tired of this pandemic and of the precautions we have been asked to take,� the letter stated. “Nevertheless, it would be much better to reduce this year’s holiday gatherings than to celebrate the holidays next year with an empty chair at the table.�

For more information on coronavirus precautions and statewide health orders, please visit alabamapublichealth.gov.

B P

FRIDAY — DECEMBER 25, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

5

POLITICS

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE Ivey Receives GOP Majority More Important Than Presidency to AL

By Steve Flowers Political Columnist MONTGOMERY, Ala. — As this 2020 Presidential election year comes to a close, allow me to share some final thoughts on the results with you.

As you might expect, with this being the year of one of the worst pandemic viruses in human history, it would have an effect on politics. Surprisingly, given the fact that people were told to not go out and be around others, you had a massive turnout nationwide. In Alabama, the voter turnout was unprecedented and record-breaking, especially among Republican voters.

Donald Trump’s popularity in the state drove the turnout. He eclipsed his 62% landslide against Hillary Clinton. He garnered 63% of the amazing vote and provided coattails for Republican Tommy Tuberville and allowed the Coach to annihilate Democrat Doug Jones by a whopping 60 to 40 margin.

This year’s vote confirms the fact that a Democrat cannot win a statewide race in the Heart of Dixie. If Democrat Doug Jones can outspend Republican Tuberville $25 million to $7 million, a 4 to 1 advantage, but only manage to get 40% of the vote, that ought to tell you something. Forty percent appears to be the maximum threshold for a well-financed, articulate Democrat in the state.

Currently, we have 38

elected statewide officeholders in Alabama and all 38 are Republicans.

Therefore, winning the Republican nomination for a statewide office in Alabama is tantamount to election.

The nation is divided politically in a deep chasm.

Most of rural, middle America in the Heartland of the country is colored Republican red. The East and West coast metropolitan states, primarily New York and California are liberal blue states. If you take out the large runup of votes in California for Democrat Biden, then the race was close to being 50/50 between Trump and Biden.

However, the national popular vote is irrelevant as we elect our president under an electoral college system.

This election confirmed that there are 10 battleground states where the election is decided. In the other 40 states, the hay is in the barn. Alabama is reliably Republican, and California is solidly Democratic. Therefore, sophisticated, pinpoint campaigning is focused on Florida, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and now the sunbelt states of Arizona, North Carolina, and Georgia. Campaign strategists can even determine the zip codes, neighborhoods, and locales that will determine the outcome in these swing states.

It was obvious that Democrats knew all along that the race would boil down to Michigan,

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.

Wisconsin, and especially Pennsylvania. Democrats had lost these three states by a razor-thin margin to Trump in 2016 and they were the reason Trump edged Hillary Clinton. The key to victory was turning out the Democratic African American vote in Philadelphia and Detroit.

Early voting and especially mail-in voting helped accomplish this mission.

Another proven political maxim applied, “Primarily, more people vote against someone than for someone.� More people voted against Donald Trump than voted for Joe Biden.

One final thought on presidential politics. The national television networks are unabashedly and unashamedly biased.

All of them and polling may be dead. Very few people, especially Republicans, will trust poll numbers again.

One final day poll had Biden beating Trump by 18 points in Wisconsin. He carried the state by less than 1%.

More importantly, Alabama is that the Republican party will more than likely keep the

majority in the United States Senate. In the Senate the majority party makes the rules and gets all the committee chairmanships. Our Senior Senator, Richard Shelby, will retain the chairmanship of the Senate Appropriations Committee as well as the Chairman of the subcommittee on Defense Appropriations.

If you do not think federal defense dollars are important to Alabama, you best think again. No state in the nation benefits more from federal defense dollars than Alabama.

Shelby’s prowess at bringing home the bacon to Alabama is legendary. His chairmanship of the Senate Appropriations Committee is probably Alabama’s number one economic engine. Therefore, Tuberville’s defeat of Jones was good for Alabama because it allowed for a Republican pickup over a Democrat and probably insured the Republican majority in the Senate.

The current Senate count is 50 Republicans and 48 Democrats. There are two seats in Georgia that will be decided in Special Election runoffs on January 5. The Republicans will be favored to keep these two seats.

In closing, for Alabama’s sake economically, it is more important that the U.S. Senate is majority Republican because of Richard Shelby than who won the presidency.

See you next week.

COVID Vaccine

(Governor's Office | Hal Yeagar)

By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com MONTGOMERY, Ala. — On Monday, Governor Kay Ivey (R-Ala.) received the first shot of the newly-approved COVID-19 vaccine. The shot was administered at Montgomery's Baptist Medical Center South.

"I'm certainly glad to get a shot of the vaccine," said Ivey. "I highly recommend it. And the more people who take it,

the greater immunity we'll have. The more we have, the better. We need a lot of immunity in our state."

While many governors were sidestepping receiving their vaccine, Ivey stated she wanted to take it to show you "that I'm willing to take it."

The vaccine Ivey received was the one from Pfizer, which was recently approved by federal authorities. A second vaccine by Moderna is expected to arrive in Alabama this week.

Ider Discount Drugs

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DEATH NOTICES RAINSVILLE Sylvia Logan Smith - 69 of Fort Payne, died on Wednesday, December 16. Services were held on Saturday, December 19 with burial in Miller’s Chapel Cemetery.

Southern State Bank.

Cemetery.

Ladale Tyree - 69 of Fort Payne, died on Sunday, December 20.

Services and burial were held on Tuesday, December 22 at Mountain View Memory Gardens.

Bertice Jean Peppers Lee - 81 of Albertville, died on Friday, December 18.

Services and burial were held on Sunday, December 20 at High Point FCM Cemetery.

W.T. WILSON Jimmy Wayne Belue - 65 of Albertville, died on Wednesday, December 16. Cremation services provided by W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

Bunk Willingham 85 of Rainsville, died on Friday, December 18.

Services were held on Monday, December 21 at Rainsville First Baptist Church with burial in Kirk Memorial Gardens.

Willingham is survived by his wife of 66 years, LaKala; daughters, Melissa Pruitt (Dale), Stacey Phillips (Neil); sisters, Jayne Richey and Yvonne Keith; 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, J. Herman and Verma Paris Willingham; his son, Roger Willingham; granddaughter, Brandy Matthews; twin grandsons; brothers, Billy Willingham and Jerry Willingham; sisters, Evelyn Yancey and Helen Traylor.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Bunk Willingham Scholarship Fund at First

Rebecca Mae Gifford - 48 of Rainsville, died on Saturday, December 19. Services were held on Wednesday, December 23 with burial in New Canaan Cemetery.

Norma Jane Waldrop - 75 of Pisgah, died on Thursday, December 17. Services were held on Saturday, December 19 with burial in Green Haven Cemetery.

Steve Whitmire - 68 of Dawson, died on Saturday, December 19.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 27 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

Tony Word - 60 of Crossville, died on Friday, December 18. Services were held on Tuesday, December 22 with burial in Piney Grove Cemetery.

Billy Gene Heard - 80 of Sylvania, died on Saturday, December 19.

Services were held on Monday, December 21 with burial in Kirk Memorial Gardens.

Maurice Johnson 73 of Section, died on Friday, December 18.

Services were held on Monday, December 21 with burial in Haigwood

George Dale Littig 72 of Rainsville, died on Saturday, December 19.

Services were held on Monday, December 21.

Burt Funeral H omes

CORNER STONE J.B. McCurdy Jr. - 87 of Ider, died on Thursday, December 17. Services were held on Sunday, December 20 with burial in Fuller Cemetery.

Edna Ivey Thomas - 80 of Fackler, died on Saturday, December 19.

Services were held on Tuesday, December 22 with burial in Austell Cemetery.

KERBY Kyssya DenhamBelvin - 48 of Mobile, died on Tuesday, December 15. Services and burial were held on Sunday, December 20 at Pleasant View Cemetery.

Robert Ray Lee - 68 of Rainsville, died on Wednesday, December 16. Services were held on Friday, December 17 with

burial in New Home Cemetery.

WILSON George R. “Bob�

Jones - 78, died on Wednesday, December 16. Services were held on Saturday, December 19 with burial in Adamsburg Cemetery.

Martha J. Cardwell - 79 of Valley Head, died on Thursday,

December 17. Services were held on Sunday, December 20 with burial in Round Mound Cemetery in Abilene, Texas.

Kenneth Clyde Howard - 74 of Fort Payne, died on Saturday, December 19.

Services were held on Wednesday, December 23 with burial in Glenwood Cemetery.

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FRIDAY — DECEMBER 25, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

SAND MOUNTAIN TOURNAMENT

Sylvania Lady Rams Topple Plainview for the Win

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — The Sylvania Lady Rams defeated the Plainview Lady Bears in the final round of the Sand Mountain Tournament, 59-39, to claim the championship.

Kennadie Lee, Ambriel Stopyak, and Anna Farmer led the Sylvania Lady Rams with 11 points each. They were followed closely by Leianna Currie who scored nine points for the night.

For Plainview, Payton Blevins led the Lady Bears with nine points with three 3-pointers and two rebounds. Lauren Jimmerson had eight points and two rebounds. Sadie Jackson led the Lady Bears with eight rebounds for the night.

In order to secure this victory, the Lady Rams defeated several local teams over the course of the tournament, including Geraldine and the number-one seed, Pisgah Lady Eagles.

Congratulations to the Sylvania Lady Rams!

Plainview Bears Defeat North Sand Mountain

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — The Plainview Varsity Boys (15-1) defeated the North Sand Mountain Bisons (7-3) in the final round of the Sand Mountain Tournament on Saturday evening.

The Bears won a resounding victory, 93-77, over the Bisons.

Luke Smith led the Plainview Bears with 26 points and eight rebounds. He was followed closely by Cole Millican with 23 points and four rebounds. Jonah Williams had 12 points and one rebound. Jathan Underwood had five rebounds for the night, followed by Dylan Haymon with four.

The Bears fought to claim the title of Sand Mountain Tournament winner, overcoming the Crossville Lions, 83-26, and Geraldine Bulldogs, 86-51.

Congratulations to the Plainview Bears!

Lady Rams Defeat Section, 56-37

Fyffe Defeats HUNTER OF THE WEEK West Point

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

PICTURED: Ambriel Stopyak of the Sylvania Lady Rams brings the ball down the court as Sylvania defeats the Section Lady Lions, 56-37, on Monday night. (Kristy Gallagher | AHSAA Photographer)

FYFFE, Ala. — The Fyffe Varsity Boys (7-3) defeated the West Point Warriors (10-5), 69-42, on Monday night.

Parker Goodwin led the Fyffe Red Devils with 15 points. Micah Johnson followed with 14 points scored and 12 rebounds. Xavier Works had 14 points as well.

Brody Dalton finished the night with 10 points and eight rebounds, and Tate Goolesby had seven points and eight rebounds.

For the Warriors, Kobe Bowers had 19 points.

"It's good to get back on the winning track," said Head Coach Neal Thrash. "The guys played solid defense and rebounded the ball really well. West Point has a good team, this was a quality win for us."

This week's Southern Torch Hunter of the Week is Gage Griggs! He is the son of Account Executive Amy Thrash.

Submit your photos to marla@southerntorch.com to be featured as our next Hunter of the Week!

FRIDAY — DECEMBER 25, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from Southern Torch!

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FRIDAY — DECEMBER 25, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH