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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021 / VOL. 7, NO. 20 / $1.00
U.S. officials recognize National Police Week
By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com UNITED STATES — National Police Week occurs every May, and in 2021 we will be commemorating it Sunday, May 9 through Saturday, May 15. “This week is a time to honor our law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation,” said U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland. “I am constantly inspired by the extraordinary courage and dedication with which members of law enforcement act each day, putting their lives on the line to make our communities safer. To members of law enforcement and your families: we know that not a single day, nor a single week, is enough to recognize your service and sacrifice. On behalf of the entire Department of Justice, you have our unwavering support and eternal gratitude.” “Making the commitment to serve your community is the first of many sacrifices that members of law enforcement choose to make when they turn to public service,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier. “The work that follows is
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By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com RAINSVILLE, Ala. — At Tuesday’s meeting of the DeKalb County Board of Education, Dr. Jason Barnett submitted his resignation as DeKalb County Superintendent of
Education, effective June 8, 2021. Barnett has accepted the position of Superintendent of Education for Guntersville City Schools. “This item is the most difficult item I have ever had to make,” stated Barnett as he was bringing
Board attorney Taylor Brooks addresses the board regarding the upcoming superintendent vacancy.
up his resignation. “I have really poured over this for several days, weeks, and months. It's tough. I have had good times and I have some bad times in this room.” “It's been an honor and a blessing serving you,” Barnett concluded. After Barnett
Alabama gas stations report panic-fueled shortages
submitted his resignation to the board, Taylor Brooks, Board Attorney advised the board of the legal process of hiring a new Superintendent. Brooks shared a timeline for the replacement of Dr. Barnett. State statute 16-9-11 governs what happens in a
By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com ALABAMA — Despite panic-fueled gasoline buying, Governor Kay Ivey says there is no gas shortage in the State of Alabama. According to spokeswoman Gina Maiola, Ivey spoke with the U.S. Department of Energy on Tuesday regarding the shutdown of the Texas-based Colonial Pipeline, which was recently struck by a cyberattack. The company
provides almost half of the East Coast’s gasoline and jet fuel. “It’s not that we have a gasoline shortage, it’s that we have this supply crunch, and that things will be back to normal soon,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm. “We are asking people not to hoard...we expect that gas station owners are and should act responsibly. We will have no tolerance for price gouging.” On Monday, President Biden loosened restrictions on truck drivers to allow the transportation of more fuel, to avoid pileups at gas
pumps; however, across DeKalb County, pumps have been covered with bags, indicating no fuel or lines were so long that citizens waited upwards of an hour to fill their vehicles and other containers. “This is similar to the panic buying that comes with hurricane season,” said State Senator Steve Livingston. “It places an unnecessary strain on our system and prevents everyone from having what they need.” Colonial Pipeline initiated the restart of pipeline activities at 4 p.m. on Wednesday.
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Ivey ends participation in all federal pandemic unemployment programs
By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com The Baltimore Sun
Superintendent vacancy. Within 90 days of an opening, the board must announce the opening in a regular or special called meeting. The job must be posted for 30 days and a replacement shall be made
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Governor Kay Ivey has announced an end to the State of Alabama's participation in all federally funded pandemic unemployment compensation programs, effective June 19. According to the Governor's Office, the affected programs include: • Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), which provides for an additional $300 weekly payment to recipients of unemployment compensation
• Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), providing benefits for self-employed, gig workers, and part-time workers who do not usually qualify • Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), providing an extension of benefits once regular benefits end • Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC), providing an additional $100 benefit to certain people with mixed earnings "As Alabama's
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