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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020 / VOL. 6, NO. 8 / $1.00
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• And Then There Was One... • Red Devils Falls to LaFayette
• Public Notices • See Who's Featured in Our Spotlight!
• POLL: Close Race for U.S. Senate • Council Discusses Budget Adjustments
• CONTINUED: Baine Runs for Mayor • DeKalb County Upcoming Events
Whitmire to Run as Independent By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com
DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — In a letter from Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill provided to Southern Torch, confirmation was given to DeKalb County District Judge Steve Whitmire regarding his certification to run as an independent on the November ballot. In order for a candidate to qualify as an independent in the State of Alabama, the
law, “requires that an independent candidate must file a petition containing signatures equaling or exceeding at least three percent of the qualified electors who cast ballots for the Office of Governor in the last general election in the county, district, or other political subdivision for which the independent candidate is seeking ballot access.� According to numbers provided by Deputy Secretary of State and Chief of Staff David A.Z. Brewer, 1,700
Baine Announces Run for Fort Payne Mayor
signatures were received on Whitmire’s petition. Of those 1,700 signatures, 104 signatures were rejected and 1,596 were accepted. Southern Torch reached out to Judge Whitmire for a statement, but at the time of press, we have not received one. In his initial campaign announcement, Whitmire stated, "This office provides a special opportunity to serve our community by reaching individual citizens, young and old,
By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Fort Payne City Council President and longtime community volunteer Brian Baine has announced his candidacy for Mayor of Fort Payne. “After careful thought and prayer with family and friends, I would like to announce
that I will be running for Mayor of Fort Payne in the upcoming election,� said Baine. Baine has served on the Fort Payne City Council as Council President since 2016. Baine is engaged to his fiance, Jackie, and is a dedicated member of Fort Payne Church of God. Throughout his
>> BAINE, P3
By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com
GROVE OAK, Ala. — At approximately 1:45 pm on Sunday, February 16, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) was notified by officials at Buck’s Pocket State Park that search crews had located a missing vehicle that went off into South Sauty Creek. According to senior trooper Chuck Daniels of the ALEA, at 2:30 pm, a
diver confirmed that the missing motorist was also with the vehicle. At 4:22 pm, the body of Raymond Edwards, 82 of Scottsboro, was recovered. Edwards went missing on February 5 after high floodwaters swept away his vehicle on the bridge at Buck’s Pocket. Following Edwards’ disappearance last week, the DeKalb County Commission began steps toward building gates at the bridge. District 2 Commissioner Scot
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DeKalb County District Judge Steve Whitmire will appear on the ballot as an independent in November. (Submitted Photo)
Car & Driver Found at Buck's Pocket
(hikingtheappalachians.com) Baine is the first candidate to announce his candidacy for Mayor of Fort Payne. (Submitted Photo)
on a daily basis. That's what I've tried to do, and what I will continue to do. I only ask for the opportunity to carry on serving you and our county as District Judge." Whitmire was first elected to his position in 2002 as a Democrat. Last year, Whitmire attempted to switch to the Republican Party but was denied ballot access by the Alabama Republican Party (ALGOP). The general election will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2020.
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Westbrook noted the importance of the gates, given that two fatalities have occurred in this location within the last 12 months. “I know for a fact that we are going to put some gates up on the DeKalb County side, that should hopefully deter drivers from trying to cross that bridge when it has water on top of it,� said Westbrook. “It is my understanding that Jackson County is also considering something along those lines.� Westbrook
emphasized the danger of standing water on roads, reiterating the well-known saying, “turn around, don’t drown.� As a result of the flooding across the state, on Tuesday, Governor Kay Ivey declared a state of emergency. Ivey also activated the Alabama Emergency Management Agency State Emergency Operations Center and impacted or potentially impacted Alabama Emergency Management Divisions.
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THE SOUTHERN TORCH
FRIDAY — FEBRUARY 21, 2020
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Pisgah Lady Eagles Hanes Introduces Second Amendment Preservation Act Win Regionals By Dylan Smith JB Managing Editor
dylan@southerntorch.com
(Submitted Photo)
By B.A. Little, Reporter beverlyannette@southerntorch.com JACKSONVILLE, Ala. — The Pisgah Lady Eagles are Northeast Regional Champions for the fourth straight time! The Lady Eagles defeated Susan Moore on Wednesday, 57-45 to claim the Class 3A Regional Championship. The defending state champions play Pike Road in the Class 3A State Semifinals on Tuesday, February 25 at 9am in Birmingham.
SCOTTSBORO, Ala. — State Rep. Tommy Hanes (R-Bryant) has pre-filed a bill in the Alabama House of Representatives that would nullify any federal act that unconstitutionally infringes upon the right to keep and bear arms. If passed and signed into law, the bill would consider any overreaching gun control measure enacted by the federal government to be null and void in the State of Alabama. The following is an excerpt from the bill, HB223: “All federal acts, laws, orders, rules, and regulations, whether past, present, or future, that infringe on the people’s right to keep and bear arms as
Rep. Tommy Hanes, R-Bryant
guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution shall be invalid in this state, shall not be recognized by this state, are specifically rejected by this state, and shall be considered null and void and of no effect in this state.” “It’s about standing up for the liberty of law-abiding citizens,” said Hanes. “The Second Amendment is the thread that binds the Constitution. What this
does is protect the people’s right to defend themselves, their family and their property. This country was founded by Patriots who recognized that an armed citizenry is the best defense against tyranny. We will fight to uphold this right in Alabama.” The legislation introduced by Hanes is bound to draw fierce opposition from his democrat colleagues. Hanes says he will remain undeterred.
“The radical left will do everything they can to strip you of your liberty in their bid for absolute power. With the rise of radical Islam and the socialist’s open-border agenda, now is the time more than ever to protect the Second Amendment.” Hanes concludes, “Lord forbid we ever have a President Sanders or any other radical progressive in the White House. But if we do, they will not infringe upon Alabamian’s right to keep and bear arms.” Hanes is a second-term legislator of the Alabama House of Representatives serving House District 23. Hanes is currently a candidate to represent Alabama’s Fifth Congressional District at the Republican National Convention as Delegate for President Donald Trump.
Gilbert Running Guffey Announces Buckner to Run for Campaign for Commission District 3 Re-Election for Commision
Commission D3
(Submitted Photo) (Submitted Photo)
By Jackson Blaze Staff
JACKSON COUNTY, Ala. — Anthony (A.J.) Buckner has announced his intention to seek the District 3 seat on the Jackson County Commission. Buckner has qualified in the Republican primary. Buckner is a 1991 graduate of North Sand Mountain High School and graduated from Brevard College in North Carolina and the University of Alabama with bachelor’s and master’s degrees, respectively. He has spent 20 years serving the students of Jackson County, including 16 years as a principal, assistant principal or district supervisor. Since 2017, Buckner has worked in the Jackson County Superintendent’s Office. “As the District 3 county commissioner, I will spearhead the improvement in the lives of others in Jackson County by focusing on economic development, education, infrastructure and services,” said Buckner. “We must actively work to support our businesses and attract the best jobs to Jackson County.” Buckner is married to Sheri Hicks Buckner and the couple has two daughters, Chloe and AnnaLynn. “Jackson County has plenty of highly skilled, intelligent people that exit our County seeking higher wages, more services, and schools that offer more. We need to reverse that trend and cause in inflow of people, talent, and jobs. We will only achieve that by working together for the betterment of all our County and citizens,” Buckner stated about the need for cooperation and partnerships between education, businesses, and the government leaders. “I would be honored to serve all of Jackson County as one of your county commissioners,” said Buckner. “I humbly ask for your vote on March 3, 2020 in the Republican primary. Together, let’s Move Jackson County Forward!”
By Jackson Blaze Staff JACKSON COUNTY, Ala. — Incumbent Melinda Gilbert is seeking re-election to the Jackson County Commission, District 3. She is a candidate in the Republican primary. Gilbert is a 1986 graduate of Scottsboro High School, a native of Hollywood, and currently lives in Scottsboro. She is a teacher and bus driver at Bridgeport Elementary School. She has served on numerous education committees and been Vice-President, President, and state delegate for the JCEA and Alabama Education Association. Gilbert, one of the few women ever elected to the Jackson County Commission, stated although she spends most evenings and weekends following up with citizens and department heads as a part of her duties as commissioner and she would not have it any other way. “Serving the county
and its citizens has been both an honor and a pleasure. Speaking up for those who need a voice and working to improve the life in Jackson County is what drives me to public service,” Gilbert said. “I have spent many days in the courthouse in different areas learning different jobs so when items come before the commission, I will have a better understanding of what is going on.” Being a woman “in a man’s world” is tough enough, therefore being determined to understand the traditionally male world has been a goal of hers. “I would love the opportunity to continue the work I have started on the infrastructure problems in our county and work alongside the legislature, EDA, the municipalities and other agencies to recruit new industry and better jobs to our area,” Gilbert concluded. “I ask you to vote MELINDA GILBERT for Jackson County Commission District 3 on March 3rd, thank you.”
(Submitted Photo)
By Jackson Blaze Staff
JACKSON COUNTY, Ala. — Mark Guffey has announced his intention to seek the District 3 seat on the Jackson County Commission. He is a candidate in the Republican primary. Guffey is a lifelong resident of Jackson County and has three children and four grandchildren. "We have many needs in Jackson County," said Guffey. "If elected, I will work to help secure those needs." " My passion is to improve the county in all aspects while protecting the educational sector. I have a passion for not only improving our county for my grandchildren, but every resident of the county," he continued. Guffey has served in several capacities in education during his career, including service as a principal at Bryant, North Sand Mountain, and Pisgah. He currently serves as Assistant Superintendent and Federal Programs Director. During his career as a high school principal, Guffey was selected as Principal of the Year for the State of Alabama. "We are on the verge of great things in our county," said Guffey. " I have worked hard all my life. I have hauled hay, worked in potato sheds, worked at Andover Togs, owned poultry houses and cattle as well as a career in education. I understand hard work and I am not afraid of it." " I am for the average person and just someone who is passionate about improving all areas of Jackson County," Guffey concluded. "Your vote on March 3, 2020 would be greatly appreciated."
THE SOUTHERN TORCH
FRIDAY — FEBRUARY 21, 2020
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COMMUNITY DeKALB COUNTY EVENTS Every Monday, By His Hands Outreach Ministry - The By His Hands Outreach Ministry will host a soup kitchen beginning on Mondays at 6pm. The Clothes Closet will be open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm. Both are at 2494 Church Avenue in Rainsville. Donations are greatly appreciated! Every Monday, Sons of Confederate Veterans - The Sons of Confederate Veterans meets the 2nd Monday of each month at Burnt Church at 6pm in Sylvania. Every Monday, Sons of the American Revolution - The Sons of the American Revolution meets the 3rd Monday of each month at Western Sizzlin' in Fort Payne at 6pm. Every Wednesday, Breakthrough Church free meal - Come and enjoy a free meal and hear the Word of God on Wednesday nights starting January 3 at 5:30pm. If you need a ride, please contact: Lynn Haas at (256) 605-7854 or Connie Holdem at (256) 605-1776. Every Wednesday, Parents of Addicted Loved
Ones - A new support group for Parents of Addicted Loved Ones is starting in Fort Payne at Word of Life Ministry, located at 3610 Gault Avenue North. The meeting will be held every Tuesday from 6pm to 7:30pm. Any adult family member over 18 is welcome to attend these PAL meetings, however, for insurance reasons, no one under the age of 18 may attend and child care will not be provided. For more information, visit palgroup. org. Every Second Tuesday, DeKalb County Democrats Meeting - The DeKalb County Democrats Club will meet on the second Tuesday of every month at the headquarters at 205 Gault Avenue N, Fort Payne. Supper is at 5:30 pm and the program begins at 6 pm. Visitors are always welcome. Every Third Thursday, Alzheimer's Caregivers Support Group - The Alzheimer's Association will begin hosting a caregivers support group solely devoted to those who provide care for people with Alzheimer's on the third Thursday of every
month from 11am to 12pm at the Rainbow City First United Methodist Church. For more information, please call Olivia Kendrick at (256) 454-4375. February 22, Winter Jazz Concert - Join the Little River Canyon Center for dinner and a show featuring T.A.D. of Jazz live in concert! Coolers are welcomed. All proceeds benefit environmental education. For more information, please call (256) 845-3548. February 29, "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at the Opera House - The Fort Payne Opera House will present Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" on Saturday, February 29 at 2 pm at a cost of $10 per person. The event is presented by Landmarks of DeKalb Co. Alabama. Tickets may be purchased at www. landmarksdekalbal.org or by phone at (256) 845-6888. March 26, DeKalb County Senior Prom - The DeKalb County Council on Aging will host a senior prom "Sock Hop" on March 26 from 5 pm to 8 pm at the Wills Valley Rec. Center. April 25, First State Bank 5K - The 9th Annual First State Bank will be held on Saturday, April 25 at 8 am at DeKalb Lake in Sylvania. The event will raise funds for Relay for Life.
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 Jodi Skinner, Account Executive Teresa Smith, Traffic Director Dylan Smith, Jackson Blaze Managing Editor Lindsey Jones, Accounting Marshall Stiefel, Distribution Manager
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BAINE
FROM PAGE 1 many years of service to the Fort Payne community, Baine has served with the Fort Payne Optimist Club, Race to Embrace, Relay for Life, DeKalb County Tourism Board, Fort Payne Main Street Board, Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce Board, Leadership DeKalb, DeKalb County Children’s Advocacy Board, United Givers Fund Board, Fort Payne Improvement Authority Board, and DC Gas Board. “Throughout my many years of volunteer service, I have learned that bringing people together for a common goal is vital to the success of a community,” Baine
stated. If elected, his main goal would be the formation of a small business task force to help local businesses thrive under the city’s tax laws, zoning and code enforcement, and business licensing laws. “As Mayor, my main priority would be to serve the citizens of Fort Payne with honesty and respect,” Baine concluded. “As I have done with my volunteer service for many years, I would approach each day as your mayor with the
goal of working as hard as I can, for as long as I can, FOR the people of this town that I love so much.” Baine stated that a “campaign kickoff” would be held later in the spring. The City of Fort Payne municipal elections will be held on Tuesday, August 25.
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FRIDAY — FEBRUARY 21, 2020
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LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No.: 2020-25 IN RE: The Estate of Raymond Wayne Phillips, deceased NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration having been granted to Angela Ann
McDowell, as Administrator of the Estate of Raymond Wayne Phillips, deceased, on the 3rd day of January, 2020, by the Honorable Ronnie Osborn, Judge of Probate.
trator of the Estate of Raymond Wayne Phillips, deceased
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.
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA
Angela Ann McDowell, Adminis-
To be published: February 7, February 14, and February 21
LEGALS
Case No.: 2019-314 IN RE: The Estate of Kathy Carol Hall Moss, deceased
NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS
Case No.: 2020-41
TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration having been grated to RANDY LEE COOTS, as Personal Representative of the Estate of KATHY CAROL HALL MOSS, deceased, on the 14th day of November 2019, 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.
IN RE: The Estate of Lillie Jeannette Jolley, deceased
To be published: February 14, February 21, and February 28
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LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA
Case No.: 2020-42 IN RE: The Estate of Richard M. Ferguson Jr., deceased
NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS Letters Testamentary on the Estate of LILLIE JEANNETTE JOLLEY, deceased, having been granted to the undersigned on the 14th day of February, 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. SHERRY DENTON BUCKELEW, Personal Representative To be published: February 21, February 28, and March 6
LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF
TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration having been grated to RICHARD L. FERGUSON SR., as Personal Representative of the Estate of RICHARD M. FERGUSON JR., deceased, on the 13th day of February 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. Richard L. Ferguson Sr., Personal Representative of the Estate of Richard M. Ferguson Jr., deceased To be published: February 21, February 28, and March 6
THE SOUTHERN TORCH
FRIDAY — FEBRUARY 21, 2020
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POLITICS
Council Discusses Carter Announces Twilley to Run for Re-Election for Constable Budget Adjustments District 3 Constable
By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com
COLLINSVILLE, Ala. — Incumbent Constable Jimmy Carter has announced his intentions to run for re-election in District 3. He is a candidate in the Republican primary. Carter is a former Mayor of Collinsville and has been a local business owner. "Other than the Sheriff, [a] Constable is the only peace officer elected by the people in the State of Alabama," said Carter. "As your Constable, I have been working with the Sheriff's Office serving subpoenas, summons and various other court papers. This is being done at no cost to the citizens of DeKalb County. There is no pay for being a Constable." Carter stated his understanding of the need
By Marla Jones, Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com
(Submitted Photo)
of law enforcement in this day and time, which he proves by "working with not only our Sheriff, but our local police and rescue squad." "I am your Constable because of a desire to serve my community," Carter concluded. The Republican primary in the State of Alabama will be held on Tuesday, March 3. Carter is challenged by Michael Twilley in the primary. No Democratic candidates qualified to run for the seat.
Ider Discount Drugs
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FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The Fort Payne City Council held its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, February 18. The Council held a public hearing to receive comments on a proposed alleyway vacation for Casile Keef in the Valley View subdivision. The Council approved the following: • Resolution 2020-05, approving the alleyway vacation for Casile Keef in the Valley View Subdivision • Awarded the bid for the 5th Street N signal light replacement to Nabco Electric in the amount of $248,619 • Authorized Attorney Watson to enter litigation against Mitch Fortner for unpaid hangar rent • Set a date for the City’s Independence Day celebration on Thursday, July 2 • An alcohol license for Dollar General on 1812 Scenic Road East, tentative to review by the Alcohol Committee • An activity permit for GH Metal Solutions’ Walk/Run from 7am to 11am on Saturday, April 4 at 3709 Williams Ave N • Budget adjustments in the amounts of $4,807 and $5,532 for card printers at the Recreation and Police Departments, respectively • Approved the sale of Columbarium spaces at Glenwood Cemetery with $350 to open and $150 to close ($500 total) The Council presented retirement plaques to Robin Campbell as Wastewater Superintendent and David Daniels as Fire Department Lieutenant. The next meeting of the Fort Payne City Council will be held on Tuesday, March 17 at 6pm in the Fort Payne City Auditorium. Joseph K. McNew, D.V.M • Linda Galbraith, D.V.M. • Jessica Jones, D.V.M.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Over the course of history, the second congressional district has been referred to and considered a Montgomery congressional district because the Capital City has comprised the bulk of the population. In recent years a good many Montgomerians have migrated to the suburban counties of Autauga and Elmore. Therefore, the district has been refigured to reflect this trend. Today there are more Republican votes cast in this congressional district in these two counties than from Montgomery. Nevertheless the bulk of the population is in what is now referred to as the River Region. This Montgomery region is coupled with Southeast Alabama and the Wiregrass, which makes it a very conservative Congressional district. It is a Republican seat and has been since Bill Dickinson won it in the southern Republican Goldwater landslide of 1964. Bill Dickinson beat longtime sitting Congressman George Grant in 1964, and became the first Republican to be elected since Reconstruction. Congressman Dickinson stayed in the seat for 28
(Submitted Photo)
Scottsboro. "With my experience, I hope to continue to serve my county through becoming the new District 3 Constable," said Twilley. "My ultimate goal is to provide the duties of Constable while improving the image of the position throughout the state." Twilley is a resident of Dogtown, and has two daughters, Laura and Amanda, and one grandson, Hunter. The Republican primary in the State of Alabama will be held on Tuesday, March 3. Twilley will face incumbent Constable Jimmy Carter in the Republican primary. No Democratic candidates qualified to run for the seat.
POLL: A Close Race for Senate in Alabama
A Mason-Dixon/Alabama Daily News poll shows a tight race for U.S. Senate in Alabama. (File Photos)
Inside The Statehouse years. He rose to be the ranking Republican on the House Armed Services Committee. Through his influence, not only were the vital military bases – Maxwell/Gunter in Montgomery and Ft. Rucker in the Wiregrass – enhanced, he was also instrumental in bringing Lockheed and Sikorsky plants to the district. Over the past 100 years, Dickinson has had the most profound effect on the district. Businessman Terry Everett won the seat in 1992 upon Dickinson’s retirement. He was the first and only Wiregrass person to hold that seat. Everett served with distinction for 16 years, through 2008. He was a stalwart Republican and very conservative. The current Congressional person is Martha Roby, a Republican from Montgomery. After 10 years in Congress, she said she had enough and chose to not run for reelection this year which leaves the open seat up for grabs. It is a Republican seat, therefore, the winner of the March 3rd primary and probable March 31 GOP runoff, will go to Washington for at least two years. The probable winner of that congressional seat will be Dothan businessman, Jeff Coleman. He is 53 and has not only been
COLLINSVILLE, Ala. — Volunteer firefighter Michael Twilley has announced his campaign for DeKalb County Constable, District 3. He is a candidate in the Republican primary. Twilley is a former captain with Fort Payne Fire and Rescue, retiring after 27 years. During his career with the Fort Payne Fire Department, he also served as a health and safety director for American Red Cross, communications specialist with the DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), dispatcher and reserve deputy for the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office, and a member of the Heavy 9 Rescue Team. He currently serves as a volunteer for Dogtown and Sylvania fire departments and the Fischer Rescue Squad, as well as an employee of the Emergency Response Services (ERS) in
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By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com
successful running his family’s worldwide moving business, he has been active civically in the Wiregrass. He is at the right time in life to serve in Washington. His profile is the prototypical scenario for being elected to a Republican Congressional or Senate seat. Congressional campaign fundraising limits coupled with the fact that Washington PACs do not get involved in primaries but wait until the General Election to place their bets, favors a wealthy candidate. Coleman has his own money and dedicated $2 million to the race. He has followed through on his promise to spend that amount. Amazingly, he has raised another $1 million. When all is said and done, he will probably have spent close to $3 million to win this seat in Congress. Just outspending his challengers by a 10 to 1 amount would be sufficient to win. However, he has not only spent more than all the others combined, he has outworked them. He is affable and confident in an unassuming way. People seem to like him. He will win. If Coleman had not entered the race, former Attorney General Troy King would have been favored to win. Having run several times and being a native of the Wiregrass, King had
some inherent name identification. He has been hampered in this race by lack of fundraising. However, if there is a runoff, King will more than likely be Coleman’s opponent in the March 31 GOP runoff. Former Enterprise State Representative Barry Moore ran a gallant race against Martha Roby a couple of years ago and got a good vote, most of which came out of Coffee County. He may not do as well in the Wiregrass this time. There is a dashing young candidate named Jessica Taylor, who is running a good campaign focused on getting free publicity on Fox News as a youthful female candidate. Whichever candidate wins the seat, there is no question as to which congressional committees they should aspire – Agriculture and Armed Services because this district is highly dependent on military spending and farming. Sadly, the winner will probably not have a long tenure in Congress. Alabama is probably going to lose a Congressional seat after this year’s census count. The logical seat to be altered and probably merged with the current third and first district is the second district. Folks, the primary election is less than two weeks away.
By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com ALABAMA — A new poll shows a tight race between the Republican candidates seeking to defeat Sen. Doug Jones (D-Ala.) in November. The poll was conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy from February 4 through February 6 with 400 likely Republican primary voters surveyed. The poll has a margin of error of +/- 5 percent and was originally published by the Alabama Daily News. The survey shows a narrow lead for former Attorney General Jeff Sessions at 31 percent, followed by former Auburn football coach Tommy Tuberville at 29 percent, and U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne (R-Ala.) at 17 percent. Former Alabama Chief Justice and 2017 nominee for the seat Roy Moore polled at 5 percent with all other candidates receiving less than 2 percent. 16 percent of the polled voters were undecided. In a statement made to the Alabama Daily News, Brad Coker of Mason-Dixon Polling and Strategy said, “Sessions is facing a much tougher fight to win the Republican nomination than most political insiders likely anticipated.â€? The poll also showed head-to-head matchups in a potential Republican runoff election with Sessions defeating Byrne 48-35, and Sessions defeating Tuberville 49-42. A second poll was conducted regarding the general election. A total of 625 registered Alabama voters were surveyed with the margin of error at +/- 4 percentage points. This poll tracked the chances of the top three Republican candidates (Byrne, Sessions, and Tuberville) against Jones in a general election. The poll found Sessions defeating Jones 54-41, Tuberville defeating Jones 50-42, and Byrne defeating Jones 51-42. The primary elections in Alabama will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2020.
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THE SOUTHERN TORCHT
FRIDAY — FEBRUARY 21, 2020
DEATH NOTICES RAINSVILLE
Grace Ashley Higdon Faulker - 96 of Rainsville, passed away on Sunday, February 9. Funeral services were held at 1pm on Wednesday, February 12 at Nazareth Baptist Church with burial in Warren’s Graveyard.
Joseph Henry Mason - 83 of Rainsville, passed away on Tuesday, February 11. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
Mike Gavin - 72 of Rainsville, passed away on Wednesday, February 12. Funeral services were held at 11am on Saturday, February 15 at Sylvania Baptist Church.
Charndle Pritchett - 76 of Sylvania, passed away on Tuesday, February 18. Funeral services were held at
2pm on Thursday, February 20 at Old Sardis Holiness Church with burial in Old Sardis Cemetery. Daniel Weston Smith - 42 of Temple, Ga., formerly of Rainsville, passed away on Tuesday, February 18. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 21 at 2pm at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel.
W.T. WILSON Rodney Joseph Hill - 53 of Rainsville, passed away on Tuesday, February 11. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Friday, February 14 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial in Shelton Cemetery. Carrie Kay Shelley - 43 of Huntsville, passed away on Thursday, February 13. Funeral services were held at 4pm on Saturday,
Burt Funeral H omes
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February 22 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel. Michael Jeffery Davis - 58 of Geraldine, passed away on Friday, February 14. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Monday, February 17 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial in Macedonia Cemetery #2. Gertrude St. John Hood - 81 of Collinsville, passed away on Friday, February 14. Funeral services were held at 11am on Monday, February 17 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial in Collinsville Cemetery. Allen Perry Witham - 73 of Fyffe, passed away on Sunday, February 16. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Garvin L. Reese - 71 of Fort Payne, passed away on Sunday, February 16. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Wednesday, February 19 at Walker’s Chapel Methodist Church with burial following in the adjoining cemetery with
military honors.
WILSON Doyle Johnson - 82 of Gaylesville, passed away on Saturday, February 15. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Thursday, February 20 at Mt. Bethel Baptist Church with burial in the adjoining cemetery.
CORNER STONE Ann Honea Gorman - 72 of Dutton, passed away on Tuesday, February 11. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Saturday, February 15 at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with burial in Fuller Cemetery.
Chapel Cemetery.
Church Cemetery.
Nancy Arlene Payne - 95, passed away on Monday, February 17. Funeral services will be held at 2pm on Saturday, February 22 at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with interment at Mountain Home Cemetery in Henagar.
Billie Jean Gravitt - 63 of Mentone, passed away on Monday, February 17 at DeKalb Regional Medical Center. Funeral services were held at 3pm on Thursday, February 20 at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with burial in Overlook Cemetery.
William Eskell Hawkins - 94 of the Davis community in Trenton, Ga., passed away on Monday, February 17. Funeral services will be held at 2pm on Friday, February 21 at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with burial in Bryant Holiness
Ila Ruth Bain - 84 of Pisgah, passed away on Wednesday, February 12. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Gary Wayne Gaddis - 52 of Flat Rock, passed away on Thursday, February 13. Funeral services were held at 4pm on Saturday, February 15 at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with burial in Beulah PROUDLY SERVING ALL OF NORTHEAST ALABAMA
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Traditional funeral, cremation and monument services
Eddie Couch - 63 of Ider, passed away on Monday, February 17. Funeral services were held at noon on Thursday, February 20 at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with burial in Fuller Cemetery.
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THE SOUTHERN TORCH
FRIDAY — FEBRUARY 21, 2020
SPORTS
JOSEPH LEE COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 1 PAID POLITICAL AD BY JOSEPH LEE • 51 RD. 939, MENTONE, AL 35984
AND THEN THERE WAS ONE...
The Collinsville Lady Panthers (27-3) defeated the Sand Rock Lady Wildcats (24-10), 54-40 in the championship game of the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Regionals. The Lady Panthers will advance to the Final Four of the AHSAA State Basketball Championship, which will be played at the Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center (BJCC), where they will face G.W. Long Rebels (26-5) on Monday, February 24, beginning at 3pm. (Submitted Photo)
Red Devils Fall Midfield Defeats Sylvania Falls Plainview in to LaFayette to the Bulldogs Double Overtime
The Fyffe Red Devils fell to the LaFayette Bulldogs, 67-47. (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)
The Rams were defeated by Susan Moore in the regional semifinal game. (Kristy Gallagher | AHSAA)
By Marla Jones Sports Editor
Plainview fell to Midfield at regionals. (Kristy Gallagher | AHSAA)
By Marla Jones, Sports Editor
By Marla Jones, Sports Editor
marla@southerntorch.com
marla@southerntorch.com
marla@southerntorch.com
JACKSONVILLE, Ala. — In the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) regional semifinals, the Fyffe Red Devils Varsity Boys (31-3) were defeated by the LaFayette Bulldogs (30-0), 67-47. The Red Devils started out strong and took the 2-point lead with 7:25 remaining in the first but by as the time ran out in the opening quarter, the Bulldogs jumped to an early 15-10 lead. In the second, the Red Devils battled to catch up, scoring 15 points to the Bulldogs, 18. The Red Devils led the game for 2:16. Going into the half, the Red Devils trailed by only 8 points, 33-25. Micah Johnson led the Red Devils in the first half with 9 points and 8 rebounds. LaFayette outscored the Fyffe Red Devils 18-8 in the third. Fyffe battled strong in the fourth, scoring 14 points to their opponents 16 but as the time clock round down, the Bulldogs defeated Fyffe 67-47. Micah Johnson and Parker Godwin finished the night with 11 points each. Johnson led the Red Devils with 11 rebounds.
JACKSONVILLE, Ala. — The Plainview Bears fell to the Midfield Patriots in the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Regional Semifinal game at Jacksonville State University. Midfield led by 6 in the first quarter before ending with a 17-13 advantage over the Bears. Plainview battled back, outscoring the Patriots 14-12 in the second quarter, going into the half with only a 2 point deficit. The Plainview Bears made 5-of-14 three-pointers in the first half. Cole Millican led the Bears with 10 points, followed closely behind with 9 points and four rebounds by Tristian Willingham. Plainview outscored Midfield, 17-9 in the third quarter. The fourth quarter was a battle and as the time ran out the score was tied 54-54. In the first overtime, each team scored 2-points. In the second overtime, Midfield edged out the Bears by one point, ending the game with a score of 65-64. The Bears finished the night with 10-of-32 three-pointers. Cole Millican finished the night with 27 points and nine rebounds.
JACKSONVILLE, Ala. — The Sylvania Rams were defeated by the Susan Moore Bulldogs in the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Regional Semifinal game. The Rams took the early 4-point lead at the 3:08 mark of the first quarter. The game was a back and forth battle, ending with the Bulldogs having the slight 20-19 advantage. The Susan Moore Bulldogs gained the 9-point lead over the Rams and held on to that lead for 9:37 of the first half, ending with the 43-34 lead over the Lady Rams. The Susan Moore Lady Bulldogs made 7-of-12 three-point shots in the first half. Makalya Bullock led the Lady Rams in the first quarter with 13 points and five rebounds. Lauren Womack also had 5 rebounds for the first half. In the third quarter, the Lady Bulldogs outscored the Rams, 23-13. Sylvania mounted their attack outscoring the Susan Moore Bulldogs 24-23 but as the time ran out, Susan Moore defeated the Lady Rams, 89-71. Makalya Bullock finished the game with 28 points. Kenadie Lee led the Rams with 10 rebounds.
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THE SOUTHERN TORCH
FRIDAY — FEBRUARY 21, 2020
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SPORTS
Lady Tigers Fall Fort Payne Dominates Clay-Chalkville in Region Play
Fort Payne defeated the Clay-Chalkville Cougars in the first game of regional play. (Submitted Photo) The Valley Head Lady Tigers fell to Talladega County Central last week. (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)
By Marla Jones, Sports Editor • marla@southerntorch.com JACKSONVILLE, Ala. — The Valley Head Lady Tigers (14-10) fell to the Talladega County Central Tigers (22-9) in the first round of the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Northeast Regional Semi-Final play. Valley Head scored nine points in the first quarter and took the 2-point lead at the 6:43 mark. Valley Head held the lead for 1:21 before Talladega closed out the first quarter with the 13-9 advantage. During the second quarter, the score was tied for 1:51, at the 7:21 mark, before Talladega took the 11-point lead. The half ended with a score of 38-27. Kallie Ingram led the Valley Head Tigers with 15 points in the first half. Bailee Carter had 10 rebounds. Coming back from the half, the Valley Head Lady Tigers stayed in a close battle with Talladega answering back with 12 points to their opponents 13 points, closing out the third quarter with the Talladega Tigers leading the game with a score of 51-39. In the fourth quarter, the Valley Head Tigers outscored Talladega 15-14 but could not overcome the deficit. The Talladega Tigers defeated the Valley Head Tigers, 65-54 to advance to the next round of the AHSAA Regional play. Kallie Ingram led the Valley Head Tigers with 25 points and 8 rebounds. Lydia Crane had 13 points, followed by Bailee Carter with 11 points and 16 rebounds.
Collinsville Advances
to Regional Championship
By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com JACKSONVILLE, Ala— The Fort Payne Lady Wildcats (25-7) dominated the Clay-Chalkville Cougars (17-11) in the first game of Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) regional play. The Lady Wildcats took charge in the first quarter and never allowed Clay-Chalkville to recover.
The score was tied for only 20 seconds during the game. The Lady Wildcats outscored Clay-Chalkville 23-16, in the first quarter. In the second, Fort Payne outscored the Cougars, 13-7 and went into the half with the 36-23 advantage. Kylie Neil finished the game for the Lady Wildcats with 26 points and 16 rebounds. The Lady Wildcats outscored the Cougars 13-9
in the third and had their largest lead, of 19 points, at the 3:04 mark of the third. Clay-Chalkville scored 14 points to the Lady Wildcats 12 in the fourth but was not able to mount a comeback. The Lady Wildcats defeated Clay-Chalkville, 61-46. The Fort Payne Lady Wildcats faced Hazel Green in the championship game on Tuesday, losing to the Trojans, 59-39.
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The Collinsville Lady Panthers defeated LaFayette on Friday. (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)
By Marla Jones, Sports Editor • marla@southerntorch.com JACKSONVILLE, Ala. — The Collinsville Lady Panthers (26-3) defeated the LaFayette Bulldogs (13-12), 59-38 in the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Regional Semifinal game on Friday. LaFayette had the one-point advantage as the first quarter ended with a score of 11-10. The Bulldogs advantage was short-lived and they only lead for 4:26 before the Lady Panthers took charge of the game. Collinsville outscored their opponent, 19-12 in the second and went into the half with the 29-23 advantage. Tyla Tatum led the Lady Panthers in the first half with 7 points. Hadley Hamilton had 6 points and 5 rebounds. Collinsville dominated the third quarter outscoring the Bulldogs, 21-8. The Collinsville Lady Panthers held the Bulldogs in the fourth to only 7 points, defeating them 59-38 to advance to the Regional Championship. Tatum finished the night with 17 points. Hamilton and Brittany Rivera each had 12 points. Rivera finished the game with 8 rebounds. The Lady Panthers will face a familiar foe in the game, the Sand Rock Wildcats. The game will be on February 18 at 4:00 pm.
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