THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021 / VOL. 7, NO. 15 / $1.00
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>> History in the Making? >> Hunter of the Week >> Stinging the Competition
>> Ainsworth Will Not Challenge Ivey for Governor >> Inside The Statehouse
>> Crossville Announces 13th Annual Cody Renfroe Rod Run >> Upcoming Events in DeKalb
Heil Invests $42M in Fort Payne
UNMASKED
Barnett Removes Mask Requirement for DeKalb Schools
By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com
FORT PAYNE, Ala. — For the first time since December, the Fort Payne City Council is meeting in person again. Jimmy Durham of the DeKalb County Economic Authority and Ken Chandler of Heil addressed the Council of the 42 million investment that Heil was planning to complete. This investment, according to Chandler would continue to “anchor” Heil to the Fort Payne area. Heil has a 34 million dollar economic impact on the city each year. The Board approved Resolution 2021-15 granting tax abatement to the Heil, with no educational funds diverted. The Marine Corps Toys for Tots presented the Council with plaques for their generous support last season. “Your support in 2020 came to us at a time when Covid had initially gripped the country, and disabled our ability to hold public setups,” stated LaRue Hardinger, Coordinator of Marine Toys for Tots of DeKalb County. “The City of Fort Payne’s provision of a building from which our volunteers can work is the heart of our campaign.” City Attorney Rocky Watson updated the
>> See HEIL, P5
Employee of Local Water Board Arrested
(DeKalb County Sheriff's Office)
By Southern Torch Staff admin@southerntorch.com
April 9, 2021, the wearing of masks will no longer be required for students or staff effective April 12, 2021, but will become a personal decision as to whether the individual feels compelled to utilize a mask for personal safety,” Barnett continued. “We will, of course, support anyone who chooses to utilize a mask for personal protection.” “This decision was
FORT PAYNE, Ala. — From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden: On Monday, April 5th, Jessica Kay Hosch (33 of Rainsville) was charged with Fraudulent Use Credit/Debit Card (x3) and Identity Theft (x3). Hosch was an employee of the DeKalb Jackson Water District, located in Ider, Al. She would obtain the credit or debit card numbers when customers would pay their bill and then use to make online purchases. During the investigation, we have found two victims of her crime that live in DeKalb County.
>> See MASK, P4
>> See CRIME, P4
Beginning on April 12, masks will no longer be required for students or staff in DeKalb County Schools. (The Wall Street Journal)
By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com
DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — On Monday, DeKalb County Superintendent of Education Dr. Jason Barnett announced that effective April 12, the DeKalb School System will not require masks for students or staff. Barnett’s statement arrives as the end of Alabama’s statewide mask mandate approaches on
Friday. Governor Kay Ivey (R-Ala.) has stated she has no intention of continuing the mask order, though some municipalities, including the City of Birmingham, have opted to keep masks mandatory in public places. “For over a year now, the COVID-19 public health crisis has impacted public education in ways unseen in my lifetime,” said Barnett. “During this pandemic and public health crisis, we have
worked together with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC,) Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), and the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) to follow their public health guidance to the best of our ability so that we can ensure the well-being of our students, faculty, and community.” “As Governor Ivey intends to remove the mask requirement from the public health order on
Rainsville to Upgrade Wastewater Plant
By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com
RAINSVILLE, Ala. — On Monday, The Rainsville City Council approved improvements to the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The various upgrades include five manhole extensions that need to be repaired due to heavy rains recently, and a valve replacement for the plant through Living Water Utilities, LLC in the amount of $2,851.00. The
Council voted to empower Mayor Rodger Lingerfelt to negotiate a lease for a screw press in the amount of $14,900. The press is used to reduce sludge by separating the water content. Tara Kirby Parental Engagement Specialist with the DeKalb County Board of Education spoke to the Council regarding their new Parenting Partners Program. The program provides educational instruction to empower parents to be skilled and positive
leaders in their homes, schools, and communities. Councilman Brandon Freeman announced that the City would be taking applications for a second manager position at the Rainsville City Pool. This position will pay $10 per hour and will be for approximately 30-35 hours per week. Those interested may apply at the Rainsville City Hall. Rainsville Fire Chief Willimac Wright
>> See WATER, P4
The Rainsville Wastewater Treatment Plant will see improvements after several measures approved by the Rainsville Council. (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)
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