The Southern Torch — Vol. 6, No. 9

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020 / VOL. 6, NO. 9 / $1.00 THIS WEEK IN SPORTS •A •A

THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS

• Commission Honors Leadership DeKalb • See Who's Featured in our Biz Spotlight!

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THIS WEEK IN POLITICS

• Brewer Announces Re-Election Bid • Inside The Statehouse w/ Steve Flowers

UP IN THE AIR

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THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY • Sav-A-Life Plans Memorial Garden •A

State Round Bound

Geraldine Holds Hearing for Buckles

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

GERALDINE, Ala. — On Tuesday, a crowd gathered at the Geraldine Town Hall in support of Assistant Police Chief Jeff Buckles, who is currently on paid leave due to comments made on Facebook. The Geraldine Town Council held a special called meeting to have a due process hearing. Buckles chose to have his side of the story told in a private meeting with Town Attorney Nikki Scott and his own personal third-party, impartial lawyer. Buckles himself was not able to make a comment regarding the situation. Buckles, who has served as Assistant Chief of the Geraldine Police Department for two years, took to Facebook immediately following President Donald Trump’s

Jeff Buckles of the Geraldine Police Department is under investigation after comments made online regarding U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

State of the Union earlier this month. “Pelosi just ripped up his speech. Road Side bomb on her way home and any other Dumbocrats,� Buckles stated in his post. The post was later deleted with Buckles apologizing, “I have definitely offended some people with my

remarks. It just rips my heart out that our great country is so divided.� Following the incident, Geraldine Chief of Police Heath Albright stated, “The Geraldine Police Department has been made aware of a Facebook post made by one of our officers. The post has since been

deleted. The incident is being investigated. Due to the current investigation, no further comment can be made. We will make further statements at the conclusion of the investigation.� Geraldine Mayor Chuck Ables stated Buckles was on paid leave, pending investigation, and no further comments could be made. According to a statement made by the Town of Geraldine, “Officer Jeff Buckles had a due process hearing before an impartial decision-maker on Tuesday, February 25. A report will be sent to the Mayor and Council at a later date.� The decision on whether or not to take disciplinary action against Buckles could be made as soon as the next council meeting on Tuesday, March 3. Southern Torch will continue to update as this story develops.

Don't forget to vote on Tuesday, March 3! Polling stations will open at 7AM and close at 7PM. To find your polling place, registration information or a sample ballot, please visit the Alabama Secretary of State's website at alabamavotes.gov!

By Marla Jones, Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — For the first time in school history, the Collinsville Lady Panthers (28-3) are playing the Class 2A Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) on Friday, February 28 at 9am against Cold Springs (31-4) in Birmingham. Follow Southern Torch on Facebook for full coverage.

Two Killed in Crash at Hammonds Crossroads By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com LAKEVIEW, Ala. — A two-vehicle crash claimed two lives yesterday in the Lakeview community. The crash occurred at 11:40 AM at the intersection of DeKalb County Road 400 and Alabama Highway 75, more commonly known as Hammonds Crossroads. Emily Rae Denham, 19 of Dutton, and her passenger, Cody Austin Martin, 20 of Pisgah, were

pronounced dead on the scene after Denham's 2015 Nissan Altima collided with a 2020 Mack tractortrailer. The driver of the Mack truck was not injured. No further information is available at this time as ALEA Troopers continue to investigate.

Rainsville Recognizes Tree City Winners By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com RAINSVILLE, Ala. — At Thursday’s meeting of the Rainsville City Council, Tree City Chairperson, Kayron Guffey awarded winners of the Arbor Day posters. Guffey was joined by Dan Green and Jeff Keener of the DeKalb County Forestry Commission. There were 105 posters entries and the following were awarded cash prizes: From Plainview: • First Place - Stephen Crowell ($50)

• Second Place - Andrea Bellamy ($20) • Third Place - Reagan Martin ($10) From Cornerstone: • First Place - Maggie Taylor ($50) • Second Place - Noor Angel ($20) • Third Place - Tamia Ballard ($10) “This is the start of the seventh year as Tree City and this is the first year we’ve been able to be included in the poster contest,â€? said Guffey. Rainsville Technology Inc. (RTI) matched the $800 that was awarded by the

Rainsville City Council allowing for the purchase of fourteen trees. On February 27, Rainsville’s Arbor Day, trees will be planted at Plainview and at Cornerstone. Jonathan Phillips, Director of the DeKalb County Technology Center, spoke to the council regarding National Career Tech Month. Phillips recognized the Plainview High School FFA officers, Jessica Westmoreland

>> COUNCIL, P5

PICTURED (Back Row): Jeff Keener, Dan Green, Brandon Freeman, Derek Rosson, Rodger Lingerfelt, Bejan Taheri, and Marshall Stiefel. (Front Row): Stephen Crowell, Reagan Martin, Kayron Guffey, Maggie Taylor, Noor Angel, and Tamia Ballard. (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

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


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