The Southern Torch — Vol. 7, No. 2

START 2021 IN A BRAND NEW RIDE! 1411 Glenn Blvd SW, Fort Payne, AL 35967

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2021 / VOL. 7, NO. 2 / $1.00

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THIS WEEK IN SPORTS

THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS

THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY

THIS WEEK IN POLITICS

• 2020 All-County Football • Plainview Defeats Sylvania

• See Who's Featured in Our Spotlight! • View Our Current Legal Publications

• Upcoming Events in DeKalb County! • CAC Dinner Theatre Postponed

• Tuberville Sworn-In To U.S. Senate • Inside The Statehouse with Steve Flowers

Tensions Rise at Rainsville Council

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — (Full Video on southerntorch.com) The Rainsville City Council held its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, January 4.

The agenda was brief with only three items to discuss. Mayor Rodger Lingerfelt reported two changes that needed to be made in personnel.

The first being the placement of Brad Willingham as Interim Director at the Waste Water Treatment Plant effective on December 23, 2020.

The second change in personnel caused an intense debate between the Mayor and Councilmember Bejan Taheri.

Mayor Rodger

Lingerfelt asked to place Jimmy Brooks as Interim Public Works Director effective January 18 for the retiring Rickey Dobbins. “About this Jimmy Brooks, what does interim mean?� asked Taheri. “That just means he will be in charge until we settle on a person,� replied Lingerfelt. “Are you going to raise his pay? Well, I’m not for that. How much is the difference?� Taheri continued.

Lingerfelt replied that the cost would be around $3,000 to 4,000 per year when Councilmember Ricky Bryum interjected, “that’s a promotion, ain’t it Mayor?�

Taheri stated, “That’s a promotion and I’m not for it...He can do the job but I’m not for paying

DCSO: A Tribute to Senior Lt. Jeff Bain

PICTURED (L to R): Chief Deputy Brad Gregg, the late Senior Lt. Jeff Bain, and DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden. (Submitted Photo)

By Southern Torch Staff FORT PAYNE, Ala. — From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden: It is with great sadness and heavy hearts, we report the passing of one of our own, Senior Lieutenant Jeff Bain.

Lt. Bain passed away Sunday, January 3, 2021 at DeKalb Reginal Hospital due to complications that arose from Covid-19. Lt. Bain was in law enforcement for over 30 years, and for over 19 of those, he

>> BAIN, P6

him.� “Is that the way you do with your job?� asked Lingerfelt. “Yeah, if he don’t deserve it, he don’t get it,� Taheri replied. “So you’re saying he don’t deserve it?�

Lingerfelt said, to which Taheri stated, “No sir.�

When Councilmember Derek Rosson asked for more

discussion on the issue, Councilmember Brandon Freeman stated, “We’ve got a Councilman that doesn’t like him so he’s not going to support him, so he’s voting no.�

In other business, the Council: • Approved a filtered water system through Five Star Food Services for City Hall, Library, Fire and Police departments,

Prominent Citizens Pass Away

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — Over the past few weeks, several prominent DeKalb County citizens have passed away. These citizens include businessmen Jimmy Wells and Charles Willmon, as well as Dr. Charles Isbell.

Willmon, 86 of Scottsboro, who served more than 50 years in banking and as a pastor, passed away on Saturday, December 26 at Huntsville Hospital. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Martha Gamble Willmon, as well as his three sons, two sisters, four brothers, eight grandchildren, and nine

PICTURED (L to R): Three prominent citizens from our area have passed away recently, banker Charles Willmon, Dr. Charles Isbell, and businessman Jimmy Wells. (Submitted Photos)

great-grandchildren. “Charles Willmon was one of the kindest and most generous men that I have ever met, a man that loved the Lord, his family, and his many, many friends. I was blessed to have known Mr. Willmon for over 45 years and during that time, he became not only a mentor but a true friend and father figure,� said David Henderson, CEO, and

• LISTEN TO 98-3 WILD COUNTRY & 101-7 THE TORCH

and the Waste Water Treatment Plant • Gave the Mayor the authority to obtain financing for their fleet program The Council went in to executive session for 42 minutes to discuss the good name and character of a city employee. Upon returning, the Council placed Jimmy Brooks as

the interim Public Works Director to replace the retiring Ricky Dobbins, and accepted the resignation of Allen Stiefel as Director of the Waste Water Treatment Plant.

Stiefel, the former Director of the Waste Water Treatment Plant, was suspended without pay after he was arrested in connection with an illegal winery operating on City property. Stiefel, 62 of Fyffe, was charged with Unlawful Possession of an Illegally Manufactured Alcoholic Beverage, a misdemeanor, and Use of Official Position for Personal Gain, a class B felony.

The next meeting of the Rainsville City Council will be held on Monday, January 18 at 4:30 p.m. with a work session at 4 p.m.

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President of First State Bank of DeKalb County. “I am one of the many that Mr. Willmon hired and taught not only banking but a great deal about life.

He was a true community banker, one who cared about his customers and the community he served.

During his 50 plus years of banking, there is no way to know the number of people whose lives have been changed

because of his compassion. My prayers are with Mrs. Willmon, the family, and his many friends who will miss him.�

Willmon’s services were held on January 4 with a family-only, graveside service to be held later at Gunter Mountain Memory Gardens in Swearengin.

>> PASSED, P3

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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FRIDAY — JANUARY 8, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

START 2021 IN A BRAND NEW RIDE! 1411 Glenn Blvd SW, Fort Payne, AL 35967

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Trump Nominates Roden to TVA Board

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com SCOTTSBORO, Ala. — President Donald Trump has nominated North Alabama business leader, Rick Roden to serve on the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Board of Directors.

TVA is federally owned and provides electricity for portions of seven states including Tennessee, Alabama,

Mississippi, Kentucky, Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia.

Roden is the president and CEO of the Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce in Scottsboro where he has worked for 29 years.

If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Roden will complete the term of John Thompson III, of Decatur. Thompson was removed from the TVA board in August 2020 by President Trump.

FP Eyes Ordinance Solution

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — (Full Video at southerntorch.com) The Fort Payne City Council held their first virtual meeting of 2021 on Tuesday, January 5.

At the meeting, the Council held a first reading of Ordinance 2021-01, which amends Ordinance 2004-18, as it relates to businesses advertising on the DeKalb Theatre marquee.

According to the new ordinance, it was “discovered during the 2020 Municipal Elections that wording in Ordinance 2004-18, which prohibited political advertising on city rights-of-way or

City-owned property, also prohibited commercial advertising on City rights-of-way or City property.� The new ordinance will allow business entities to advertise on the DeKalb Theatre marquee, under the same guidelines as any other entity.

In continued business, the Council agreed to interview new candidates for placements on two boards. The candidates will be in line to fill the seat held by Kenneth

Larson and John T. Davis on the Improvement Authority Board and Terry Camp on the Water Board.

In new business, the Council discussed passing the FY2021 budget along with facility closures, but as of press time, the Fort Payne City Council was set to hold a budget meeting to discuss it.

The Council also discussed renaming Ruby Tuesday Lane.

In his report, Mayor

Brian Baine reported personnel changes, including: • Ashlee Berry, change of status from full-time to part-time, effective December 27 • Trent Faircloth, probationary/education pay adjustment, effective December 11 • David Davis, full-time Police Chief, effective January 4 The next meeting of the Fort Payne City Council will be held on Tuesday, January 19.

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FRIDAY — JANUARY 8, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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COMMUNITY

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CAC Annual Dinner Theatre Canceled

By Southern Torch Staff

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — According to a new statement, the Children's Advocacy Center's (CAC) annual dinner theatre show will be postponed for the first time in its twenty-six year history.

The event will now take place in June on the following dates: June 3-5, 7, 10-12, 2021.

"Our biggest concern during the play used to be the weather," said Executive Director Elizabeth Wheatley.

"Severe weather warnings are short in duration. However, the threat and reality of the COVID-19 is on-going.

The decision to postpone was drive by the desire to promote the health

PASSED FROM PAGE 1

Jimmy Wells, 77 of Rainsville, passed away on Tuesday, December 22.

He was a used car salesman alongside his wife Rosie in 1961 and remained in business for the remainder of his life.

Wells is survived by his wife of 60 years, Rosemary Wells, along with two daughters, a son, a sister, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. “Jimmy Wells might be thought of as a simple man, but really he was much more than that,� said Wells’s daughter, Angie Bryan. “With just an elementary education, he proved that with hard work and determination, a person can be successful. Jimmy officially began his journey into the used car business alongside his wife Rosie in 1961. He started out in life trying to farm a little, but it seemed his path always led back to his passion — cars.� “For many years, he traveled to Detroit, Michigan to buy used cars to bring back to Alabama to sell. It wasn’t until the early ’80s that life led him

CAC Executive Director Elizabeth Wheatley (Submitted Photo)

and safety of everyone involved."

Patrons who have already made reservations will be receiving new tickets.

For more information, please contact the Children's Advocacy Center at (256) 997-9700.

to Houston, Texas, and the rebuildable automobile business.

Jimmy found success in buying ‘late model, low miles, rebuildable automobiles that could save people thousands’ as he liked to say. Later in life, as Jimmy began to slow down, he found a love for antique automobiles,� Bryan continued. “He loved to show off his collection (and the tales that went along with each car). He enjoyed traveling every year to the Mecum Auto Auction in Orlando and, for a couple of days, he would run with the ‘big dogs’ on that televised stage. He was just a small-town guy that made friends from California to Florida through his love of automobiles.� “Although Jimmy had a great passion for cars, you couldn’t talk to him long without him telling you about his real passion in life, which was Jesus Christ,� she concluded. “He often said in life that ‘Man needs more than a new start. Man needs a new heart.’ He loved to tell people about the new heart that Christ gave him back in September 1977.

Jimmy Wells, an owner of

Jimmy Wells Used Cars, will be greatly missed by all who knew him.�

Dr. Charles Isbell, 87 of Fort Payne, passed away on Sunday, December 27 at his residence in Huntsville.

Isbell held licenses as a pediatrician and pharmacist for more than 50 years, delivering more than 3,000 babies in a career that spanned over 30 years. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and a host of great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara, who passed away in 2018. “He always had a smile, a kind word, and a helping hand for anyone he met and was the most generous, honest, [and] forgiving and kindhearted person I have ever known,� said Isbell’s daughter Laura Isbell Patterson via Facebook. “He was a celebrity in his small town and truly had a wonderful life!�

These three prominent citizens of Northeast Alabama will be sorely missed in our community and all of us at Southern Torch give them our condolences and our prayers.

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

January 9, Section Pharmacy Anniversary Celebration - Come out and enjoy the Section Pharmacy's 30th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, January 9!

The festivities will begin at 12 p.m. with grilling and giveaways, before fireworks at 5 p.m. Don't miss out on this amazing celebration of this fantastic community business!

January 9, DeKalb County Republican Breakfast Club - The monthly meeting of the DeKalb County Republican Breakfast Club will be held on Saturday, January 9 at 7:30 a.m. at the Cattle Stampede Steakhouse (formerly Western Sizzlin') in Fort Payne.

John Wahl, a candidate for Alabama Republican Party Chairman, will be the guest speaker. For more information, please visit the DeKalb County Republican Party's page on Facebook.

January 14, Grief Support Meeting - A grief support meeting will be held on Thursday, January 14 at 1:30 p.m. at ABC Hospice for all those who have recently lost loved ones.

January 15-16, Bull Bash 2021 - The annual PBR Bull Bash will be held on Friday, January 15 and Saturday, January 16 from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. each night at the Northeast Alabama Agri-Business Center,

located at 1571 McCurdy Avenue N in Rainsville.

The event is $20 per person and is organized

by Rickey West Bucking Bulls. For more information, please visit the event's page on eventbrite.com.

January 22, Grand Opening of Lookout Mountain Creamery and Desserts - The grand opening of Fort Payne's brand new Lookout Mountain Creamery and Desserts will be held on Friday, January 22. They are located at 2612 Gault Ave. N in Fort Payne.

January 30, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out at the DeKalb Theater - Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out will play their annual show at the DeKalb Theatre on Friday, January 30 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, please contact (256) 997-0396.

January 30, 2021 Meet the Hornets Dinner Auction - The 2021 Annual Meet the

Hornets Dinner Auction will be held on Saturday, January 30 at 5 p.m. at Ider Baptist Church. The event is hosted by the Ider Baseball Team.

February 20-21, Little Britches Rodeo at the Agri-Business Center - The Little Britches Rodeo will return to the Northeast Alabama Agri-Business Center on February 20 and February 21. Get ready for a 2 1/2 hour adventure for those who aren't afraid to explore on your knees, belly, in the mud, and through tight tunnels. The adventure includes a helmet, cave lamps, and a fun, informative guide!

The cost is $5 per person, but those under 18 are free. This event is organized by the Alabama Little Britches Rodeo Association. For more information, please visit their Facebook page at www. facebook.com/albra. rodeo or visit nealagribusinesscenter. com.

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FRIDAY — JANUARY 8, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

BUSINESS AMY THRASH ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

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Hometown banking, wherever you are!

Office: 256.638.4040 Cell: 256.996.0460

Southern Gold & Silver QUALITY JEWELRY

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

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1706 Glenn Blvd., Suite 4

Fort Payne, AL 35968 • (256) 997-7591

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256.638.4848

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Hometown banking, wherever you are!

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W.T. Wilson

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(256) 259-2211

First State Bank is a locally-owned and locally-operated hometown bank with five locations across Northeast Alabama: Rainsville, Henagar, Grant, and two in Fort Payne! FSB is large enough to handle all your needs and at the same time, small enough to know you by name as neighbors and friends. Give them a call at the numbers listed above for each branch or online at fsbal.com!

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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

LEGALS

LEGALS

ATTENTION to Darrell Hancock

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY

MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE NOTICE

Case No.: CS-2020-900112

Case No.: CS-2020-900175

Kimberly Dianne Brown, Plaintiff vs. Marvin Paul Gilbert III, Defendant

Juana Alcon Raymundo, Plaintiff vs. Carlos Mendoza Cruz, Defendant

NOTICE TO MARVIN PAUL GILBERT, III OF CUSTODY/PATERNITY ACTION

NOTICE OF DIVORCE PROCEEDINGS

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

NOTICE TO Marvin Paul Gilbert, III, the defendant at father of the child of Kimberly Dianne Brown, whose whereabouts are unknown, you must answer the Petition for Paternity and Custody and other relief by February 28, 2021, which shall be (30) days after the last publication of this Notice. If you fail to timely file an answer, a judgment of default may be rendered against you in CS-2020-900112.00, District Court of DeKalb County, Alabama.

To be published: January 8, January 15, January 22, and January 29

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Faith

LEGALS Darrell Hancock, please remove your possessions from the premises of the following address:

CARLOS MENDOZA CRUZ, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer the Complaint for Divorce and other relief by the 1st day of March, 2021, or, thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against him in Case No.: DR 2020-900175, in the Circuit Court of DeKalb County, Alabama.

WATSON & WATSON 139 West Main Street Albertville, Ala. 35950 To be published: January 8, January 15, January 22, and January 29

DEFAULT HAVING BEEN MADE in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain Real Estate Mortgage executed by KENNETH YARBROUGH, the mortgagor, to FIRST BANK OF THE SOUTH, the mortgagee, which mortgage was recorded on March 20, 2015 in Mortgage Book 2089, Page 117 in the Office of the Judge of Probate, DeKalb County, Alabama; and which mortgage was re-recorded on April 6, 2015 in Mortgage Book 2091, Page 98 for the purpose of clarifying that the property is not the homestead of the Mortgagor or his spouse; and that certain Additional Advance secured by said Mortgage recorded on May 29, 2015 in Mortgage Book 2097, Page 344; and that certain Additional Advance secured by said Mortgage recorded on February 28, 2016 in Mortgage Book 2132, Page 275;and that certain Additional Advance secured by said Mortgage recorded on March 30, 2016 in Mortgage Book 2136, Page 176; and that certain Additional Advance secured by said Mortgage recorded on November 17, 2016 in Mortgage Book 2169, Page 173; and that certain Assignment of Leases and Rents recorded on November 17, 2016 in Miscellaneous Book 463, page 27;and that certain Additional Advance secured by said Mortgage recorded on April 6, 2017 in Mortgage Book 2188, Page 137; and that certain Additional Advance secured by said Mortgage recorded on September 21, 2017 in Mortgage Book 2212, Page 247; and that certain Additional Advance secured by said Mortgage recorded on October 5,

2017 in Mortgage Book 2214, Page 142; and that certain Additional Advance secured by said Mortgage recorded on April 25, 2018 in Mortgage Book 2232, Page 3010 in the Office of the Judge of Probate, DeKalb County, Alabama; AND DEFAULT CONTINUING, notice hereby is given that under the power of sale contained in said mortgage, I will, on behalf of First State Bank of DeKalb County, as successor in interest to First Bank of the South, proceed to sell on February 10, 2021, during the legal hours of sale; to-wit: 11:00 o'clock a.m. to 4:00 o'clock p.m., in front of the main entrance door to the DeKalb County Courthouse in Fort Payne, Alabama, to the highest, best, and last bidder for cash, the following described real estate situated in DeKalb County, Alabama, and described as follows: The Southwest Fourth of the Northeast Fourth of Section 5, Township 9 South, Range 8 East.

Containing 40 acres, more or less, in DeKalb County, Alabama. The mineral and mining rights in said lands are hereby excepted from this conveyance. Said sale is for the purpose of securing payment of the indebtedness secured by said Mortgage, together with the costs of foreclosure. ***Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the

property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process.

To be published: January 8, January 15, and January 22

LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY

Case No.: CS-2020-140 IN RE: The Estate of Brenda Jean Anderson, deceased NOTICE OF FINAL SETTLEMENT Edward Anderson, Executive of the Estate of Brenda Jean Anderson, deceased, has filed a petition for final settlement in the above matter and the 9th day of February 2021 at 9:30 o'clock a.m., has been appointed as the day for Final Settlement of said Estate; and said Petition and the matters presented therein shall be heard.

To be published: January 8, January 15, and January 22

FRIDAY — JANUARY 8, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

5

POLITICS

Tuberville Sworn-In To U.S. Senate

By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Sunday, January 3, Alabama’s new U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) was formally sworn-in to office by Vice President Mike Pence. “The opportunity to serve the State of Alabama is a blessing, and I plan to come to work every day with the guiding principle to fight for our conservative values and defend the freedoms that make American the greatest country on the face of the Earth,� said Tuberville in a statement following his swearing-in.

Tuberville was escorted to the Senator chambers by Alabama’s longtime Republican Senator Richard Shelby.

PICTURED (L to R): U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) being sworn-in as a United States Senator on Sunday with his wife, Suzanne, at his side. Vice President Mike Pence administered the oath of office to all incoming U.S. Senators. (Photo by U.S. Senate Photographic Services)

Prior to entering politics in 2019, Tuberville served as a football coach throughout the country, but most famously as the Head Coach of the Auburn University

Tigers. “I’ve worked hard throughout my life to be an accessible, responsive, and vocal leader. The people of Alabama sent a football coach to Washington

because they wanted a fighter who would uphold and protect the Constitution. They can rest assured that I’m going to wake up every day with one mission — to speak for the people

of Alabama.�

Tuberville’s road to politics led through two difficult races. The first, a Republican primary and runoff election against former U.S. Attorney General Jeff

Sessions, which he won handily last summer. The general election saw Tuberville unseat incumbent Democrat Doug Jones (D-Ala.), who won a 2017 special election to succeed Sessions when he was appointed U.S. Attorney General under President Donald Trump.

Tuberville is joined as a freshman Senator by fellow “newbies,� Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), and Roger Marshall (R-Kan.).

California Secretary of State Alex Padilla will also join the freshman class of U.S. Senators when he is sworn-in to replace Vice Presidentelect Kamala Harris in the coming weeks.

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE Reapportionment Will Be A Paramount Issue

By Steve Flowers Political Columnist www.steveflowers.us MONTGOMERY, Ala. — As we close the book on 2020, we will close the door on national politics and get back to the basics, good old Alabama politics. That’s my game. It is what I know and like to write and talk about. Some say my prognostications and observations on Alabama politics are sometimes accurate.

However, not so much so on the national level.

About a decade ago there was an open presidential race and a spirited Republican battle for the nomination had begun.

One of the entrants stood out to me. U.S. Senator Fred Thompson from Tennessee looked like the real thing to me.

He was tall, tough, articulate, a movie star, and major player in the Watergate hearings. He looked like a president.

He had a deep authoritative voice and gravitas and he had done a good job as a U.S. Senator from Tennessee.

He actually had been born in Alabama.

So I wrote a glowing column about how he looked like presidential timber. I went out on a limb and boldly predicted that he was going to win the Republican nomination

and would go on to win the presidency. My profuseness was so pronounced that soon after the column was printed it was picked up by his campaign and his wife called me from Nashville and thanked me for my comments. A week later Thompson dropped out of the race.

So much for my presidential prognostications.

The Governor and Legislature have a myriad of issues to tackle as the new year begins. A good many issues have to be addressed in the upcoming regular session, which begins in less than a month. The most prevailing problem is the fact that the U.S. Justice Department has sued the state for our overcrowded prisons.

They convene in Montgomery the first week of February.

Many of the leaders of the legislature were hoping and somewhat expecting the governor to call a Special Session

or two prior to the Regular Session. There are a lot of issues that have to be addressed and are delinquent due to COVID cutting the 2020 Regular Session in half and there is concern that COVID could kill part of this year’s session. It will indeed make a precarious environment inside the Statehouse.

There are economic development bills that need passing and a ton of local bills legislators need to pass for their districts and then there are big ticket items like the prison problems.

Regardless of how important all of the substantive state issues are, nothing will be as paramount to legislators as reapportionment or the redistricting of their own districts.

Self-preservation will prevail. The United States Census is taken every 10 years for a reason. The U.S.

Constitution, and concurrently all state constitutions, mandate the count for one reason – to make all congressional and legislative districts have the same number of people. Thus the saying, “one person, one vote.�

The power of the pencil is granted to the state legislature to draw their own lines and the power rests with them to draw the congressional lines for the state. If indeed, we do lose a congressional seat, then that task becomes exponentially more difficult than if we had our current seven districts.

Drawing their own lines will be their primary interest. All 105 House members and all 35 State Senate districts will be drafted and designed by the legislature. Being on the Reapportionment Committee is a plum

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

position at this time.

Like most pieces of a legislative puzzle, the resolution to a large degree is accomplished by and within a committee. Every district will be reconfigured to some degree because people do move around and some locales change more than others.

Therefore, there becomes a ripple effect all over the state. The Republicans have control of the majority and will use the legislative pencil to retain their super majority. However, protecting their own incumbency will supersede party loyalty.

Although, both can probably be achieved.

This 2021 reapportionment is much more pressing than 10 years ago in 2011. They had the luxury of casually passing congressional lines for the 2012 elections. However, legislators did not run until 2014. So the Legislature passed a congressional map in 2011, and legislative map in 2012 at a leisurely pace.

They are under the gun to get both done this year, because the legislature and congress run in 2022. Indeed, they will have to get both done by June of this year, because fundraising for the June 2022 primaries begins this June.

Look for there to be two Special Sessions between now and June – one for congressional redistricting and one for legislative reapportionment.

Let the games begin.

See you next week.

Ider Discount Drugs

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FRIDAY — JANUARY 8, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Man Committed Burglary on Bike

By Southern Torch Staff FORT PAYNE, Ala. — From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden: On Tuesday, December 29th, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a burglary on County Road 51 near Collinsville.

DCSO did have a description of the subject thanks to a door bell camera at the residence. The subject was on a bicycle with no fenders, a basket or backpack on the handlebars, he had a full red beard and was

wearing a toboggan. A be on the lookout was then issued. Later, the subject approached a Fort Payne Police Officer at a gas station at Hwy 11 and I-59 on the North end of Fort Payne asking for directions.

Recognizing the subject, the Fort Payne Police officer detained him until a deputy arrived.

Tommy Lee Wells (33, address unknown) was charged with Burglary 3rd and Theft of Property 3rd.

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said of the incident: “Great job by all involved,

getting this info and description out fast was definitely the factor in a fast apprehension.

Thanks to Fort Payne Police Department for being super vigilant and detaining this subject before he had the opportunity to commit another crime. This also shows the importance in home security systems these days. What could have taken days, months or longer to make a case literally took minutes due to homeowners security methods. You can never be too prepared!�

BAIN FROM PAGE 1

proudly served with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office. Lt. Bain was a dedicated and loyal Deputy who had a passion to serve his community.

Having served in the U.S. Army, Lt. Bain defined Public Service and Patriotism. He was well respected among his peers and the law enforcement profession.

We ask for your prayers for Jeff’s family and his DCSO family. Jeff was loved by all of us and he will be greatly missed.

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said of the incident: “I definitely don’t know where to begin and don’t have the words! My heart hurts, everyone’s heart hurts at DCSO right now. We lost a true patriot! Lt. Bain was the guy everyone looked up to and looked for when they needed answers and help. I’ve known him for at least 21 years, and considered him one of the greatest friends I’ve ever been blessed to know. But we weren’t

just friends or co-workers, we were family! Everyone at DCSO is family, and times like this really hurt! In our job you can’t just lay down your sword and shield when things of the world come at you, you have got to press on.

Just like during this pandemic people still need us and call on us, and we have to go because it’s what we do.

It’s times like this that show the real, TRUE heroes like Lt. Jeff Bain!!!

He never let anything get

him down, he just kept pressing on, all for people he didn’t know!

That’s the kind of heroes you will never replace and I assure you, we will never forget. There’s going to be tough grieving days ahead, and we will never get over this, but as a family we can help each other get through it!! I ask that you please keep the family in your prayers as well as our DCSO family.� “God Bless!�

Concluded Sheriff Welden.

256.659.2138

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DEATH NOTICES W.T. WILSON Ella Mae Gant - 86 of Albertville, died on Monday, December 28. Services were held on Thursday, December 31 with burial in New Canaan Cemetery at Whiton.

Billy Wayne Jones - 52 of Fyffe, died on Monday, December 28. Services were held on Friday, January 1 with burial in New Canaan Cemetery.

William Howell 75 of Fort Payne, died on Tuesday, December 29. Services will be held at a later date.

Donnie Randall Smith - 78 of Jacksonville, died on Tuesday, December 29. Services and burial were held on Saturday, January 2 at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens in Jacksonville.

burial were held on Sunday, January 3 at New Canaan Cemetery.

Charles Richard Wagner - 75 of Fort Payne, died on Friday, January 1. Services and burial were held on Sunday, January 4 at Smith Cemetery.

Howard Lee Gilbert - 80 of Grove Oak, died on Saturday, January 2. Services were held on Monday, January 4 with burial in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.

Carolyn Lucille Moore - 64 of Fort Payne, died on Sunday, January 3.

Cremation services were provided by W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

Annie Williams 78 of Rainsville, died on Sunday, January 3.

Services were held on Wednesday, January 6 with burial in Glenwood Cemetery.

Felicia Rena Henderson - 47 of Fort Payne, died on Thursday, December 31. Services were held on Sunday, January 3 with burial in Walker’s Chapel Cemetery.

Gladine Frazier 52 of Crossville, died on Monday, January 4.

Services were held on Thursday, January 7 with burial in Kilpatrick Cemetery.

Teddy Hugh Haymon - 84 of Grove Oak, died on Friday, January 1. Services and

Tony Ellis Jackson - 73 of Fort Payne, died on Monday, January 4.

Services were held on

Burt Funeral H omes

Thursday, January 7 with burial in Walker’s Chapel Cemetery.

Lonnie Golden 90 of Henagar, died on Tuesday, January 5.

Services were held on Thursday, January 7 with burial in Pea Ridge Cemetery.

BURT David Lee Crider - 58 of Valley Head, died on Monday, December 28.

Services were held on Thursday, December 31 with burial in Head Springs Cemetery.

Jeffrey Shannon Bain - 53 of Mentone, died on Sunday, January 3. Services were held on Thursday, January 7 with burial in Bankhead Cemetery.

military honors.

later date.

Kenneth Boyd Loveless - 59 of Ider, died on Thursday, December 31. Services were held on Sunday, January 3 with burial in Fuller Cemetery.

Dorothea Sanders Green - 95 of Huntsville, died on Tuesday, December 29. Services and burial were held on Saturday, January 2 at Loveless Cemetery.

CROSSVILLE Donald Lendal Hooper - 86 of Boaz, died on Friday, January 1. Services and burial were held on Sunday, January 3 at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Carter.

GERALDINE Max Aaron Burke - 94 of Geraldine, died on Friday, January 1.

Services and burial were held on Monday, January 4 at Geraldine Cemetery.

WILSON

Rita M. Dean - 93 of Fort Payne, died on Tuesday, January 5.

Services and burial were held on Friday, January 8 at Glenwood Cemetery.

CORNER STONE Calvin Keith Arnold - 73 of Henagar, died on Tuesday, December 29. Services were held on Saturday, January 2 with burial in Mountain Home Cemetery with

Charles Alexander Isbell - 87 of Fort Payne, died on Sunday, December 27.

Private services and burial will be held for the family with a memorial service to celebrate his life at a

Marion Winfield Fox - 92 of Fort Payne, died on Wednesday, December 30. Services were held on Saturday, January 2 at Glenwood Cemetery.

Joannie Diane Thornberry - 52 of Hammondville, died on Monday, January 4.

Services and burial were held on Wednesday, January 6 at Walnut Grove Cemetery.

RAINSVILLE Katie Gadd - 24 of Chattanooga, Tenn., died on Wednesday, December 30. A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, January 9 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

Jean Bludsworth - 79 of Snead, died on Wednesday, December 30. Services and burial were held on Saturday, January 2 at Plunkett Cemetery.

Dillard H. Wilson - 88 of Rainsville, died on Friday, January 1.

Services were held on Wednesday, January 6 with burial in Old Sardis Cemetery.

Wannie Mancel Kennemore - 87 of

Dutton, died on Friday, January 1. Services and burial were held on Sunday, January 3 at Union Grove Cemetery.

Mary Jo Chandler - 93 of Grove Oak, died on Sunday, January 3. Private services and burial will be held at Rainsville Memorial Park.

SCOTTSBORO

Charles L. Willmon - 86 of Scottsboro, died on Saturday, December 26. Services were held on Monday, December 28 with a private burial, family-only graveside service to be held at Gunter Mountain Memory Gardens in Swearengin.

CROSSVILLE Rebecca Darlene Givens - 78 of Chattanooga, Tenn., died on Tuesday, December 29.

Services and burial were held on Saturday, January 2 at Greenhaven Memorial Gardens in Pisgah.

Jane Gilbert - 85 of Pisgah, died on Tuesday, December 29. Services were held on Sunday, January 3 with burial in Friendship Cemetery.

FRIDAY — JANUARY 8, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

7

Rowell Named Back of the Year

By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

PICTURED: Ike Rowell was named the 2020 Back of the Year by the Alabama Sports Writers Association. (Cheryl Boydston)

FYFFE, Ala. — Two Fyffe Red Devils were nominated for the Alabama Sports Writers Association (ASWA) Back/Lineman of the Year. Ike Rowell received a nomination for Back of the Year, while Caleb Lyles received his third consecutive nomination for Lineman of the Year.

On Tuesday, Fyffe Quarterback Ike Rowell won the coveted award for Class 3A. Rowell rushed for 1,328 yards and 26 touchdowns for the season despite missing several games due to an injury. He threw 9 touchdown passes in 19 attempts. He was named the MVP for the Class 3A State Championship

game against Montgomery Catholic.

“We are so proud for Ike and of Ike for being named 3A Back of the Year,” said Fyffe Head Football Coach Paul Benefield. “No one is more deserving of this award than Ike Rowell.

He is so much of a devoted team player and not a selfish bone in his body. We are so thankful for a young man who is so unselfish to get this award, he would really have wished one of his teammates would have won this, that’s just the kind of guy he is. He is a Fyffe guy, 100 percent, and always will be a legendary player in our town.”

Rowell also is on the ASWA first-team All-State selection for athletes that will be announced next week.

RIVALRY ON THE COURT Devils Burn the Rams Photos by Kristy Gallagher | AHSAA

By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor •marla@southerntorch.com RAINSVILLE, Ala. — On Tuesday night, the Plainview Bears hosted the Sylvania Rams for both varsity boys and girls games.

The Plainview Lady Bears defeated the Sylvania Lady Rams, 68-48.

Payton Blevins led the Lady Bears with 13 points while Hallie Brown and Kamie Sanders each had 12 points for the night. Sadie Jackson and Sanders each had six rebounds.

In the varsity boys game, the Plainview Bears defeated the Sylvania Rams 84-42.

Luke Smith led the Bears with 22 points with Jonah Williams following behind at 15 points for the night. Dylan Haymon had seven rebounds.

Ryan Bullock and Eli Gurley led the Sylvania Rams with nine points each. Logan McCullough finished the night with seven points.

ASBURY, Ala. — The Fyffe Red Devils netted a 63-36 win over Asbury on Tuesday night.

Parker Goodwin led the Red Devils with 24 points, followed

by Brody Dalton with 16 points and five rebounds and Luc Jones with nine points. Tate Goolesby had six points, six assists, and four rebounds. Micah Johnson had four points and eight rebounds.

For the Asbury Rams, Jay Jones had 13 points.

"We played a solid game," said Fyffe Head Coach Neal Thrash. "We played great defense and rebounded the ball really well. Asbury is a very [well] coached team, and we are always glad to get in a tough place to play."

ALL-COUNTY FOOTBALL

By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — The following players were selected as a part of the 2020 All-County Football Team.

• Player of the Year: Brody Dalton • Offensive MVP: Ike Rowell • Defensive MVP: Caleb Lyles • Fyffe: Ty Bell, Malachi Mize, Eli Benefield, Justin Stiefel,

Kyle Dukes, Chase Wooten, Levi Carroll, Jacob Mitchell • Plainview: Marcos Vega, Noah White, Brody McCurdy, Jathan Underwood, Mason Cooper, Ethan Hope, Bryson Richey • Valley Head: Jordan Burt, Bryson Morgan, Luke Harrison, Hayden Fletcher, Eian Bain, Levi DeMarco • Geraldine: Caleb Hall, Caleb Benefield, Garrett Barclay, Anthony Baldwin • Sylvania: Brayden

Harris, Keenan Wilbanks, Sawyer Hughes, Braiden Thomas • Collinsville: Blake Sparks, Dalton Hughes, Malachi Orr • Crossville: Ernesto Lopez, Hunter Haston, Colton Adkins • Ider: Hunter

Robinson, Matt Norman, Jesse Massey The following players were selected as honorable mentions for the All-County Football Team.

• Fyffe: Hunter Gillilan, Will Stephens, Jake Wooden, Brodie

Hicks • Plainview: Garrett Smith, Andrew Hall, Brayden York, Nathan Subias • Valley Head: Pacey Cooper, Noah Hulgan, Roger McMahan, Hunter Robertson • Geraldine: Alexis

Gutierrez, Tiffin Gilliland, Jaxon Colvin, Will Jones • Sylvania: Brody Smith, Blake Phillips, Sidney Dekker, Gareth Anderson • Collinsville: Carmen Barkley, Keaton DeBoard, Bryant Patton, Jacob Jones • Crossville: Harley Hicks, Alfonzo Lopez, Kolby Leslie, Chris Lopez • Ider: Chase Flannigan, Luke Hannah, Ben Watkins, Carson Lipham

8

FRIDAY — JANUARY 8, 2020

CONTACT MARLA AT

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SOUTHERN TORCH. WeĘźre going places.

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