The Southern Torch, Vol. 3, No. 47 by Southern Torch

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2017 / VOL. 3, NO. 47 / $1.00 THIS WEEK IN SPORTS

WATCH

Lingerfelt Pushes Back By Marla Jones Reporter

marla@southerntorch.com

CONGRATULATIONS Way to go Fyffe High School Varsity Cheerleaders and Coach Connie Cochran for winning the 2A State Championship!

THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY

At the Movies! The DC Cinematic Universe makes its debut in this week's movie review with a full breakdown of Justice League! THIS WEEK IN POLITICS

Inside the Statehouse Alabama Political Columnist Steve Flowers' weekly column gives a continuation of Moore's campaign for US Senate.

Rainsville Mayor Roger Lingerfelt seeks to set the record straight regarding the Chavies Bridge property acquisition. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

RAINSVILLE, Ala.—Mayor Rodger Lingerfelt and Council Member Derek Rosson requested a meeting to respond to a previous Southern Torch story concerning the city’s condemnation action against some of the property owners adjoining the Chavis Bridge. Nikki Scott, Rainsville City attorney and Mayor Lingerfelt explained the overall process for the Chavis Bridge project. “The Chavies Bridge has been deteriorating for a number of years and is unable to accommodate several types of vehicles such as fire trucks and sanitation vehicles,” stated Scott. Questions had arose concerning what the city had offered the property owners

and when those offers had been made. Southern Torch was provided with written offers made by the City to Roger and Teresa Berry and to Billy and Talese Berry for a cumulative amount of $1,600. Lingerfelt confirmed in our sit down meeting that the appraiser had appraised the two tracts of land for $1,600 and that the City had offered the appraised value. Earlier, Billy Berry contended that the City offered more money but only when he obtained legal counsel. Both parties agree that a sit down meeting between the City and the Berry’s concerning the City’s acquisition of their property never occurred. Berry had previously complained that City officials chose not to come negotiate with them, but instead sent other

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Stiefel Seeks Solution at Crossroads State lawmakers present Geraldine with funds

Councilman Marshall Stiefel seeks a solution to the controversial road construction in Rainsville. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

By Marla Jones Reporter marla@southerntorch.com RAINSVILLE, Ala.— (Full Video on our Website) At the regularly scheduled Rainsville City Council meeting on

FRIDAY 11/24

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SATURDAY 11/25

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SUNDAY 11/26

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MONDAY 11/27

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TUESDAY 11/28

56 • 41

WEDNESDAY 11/29

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THURSDAY 11/30

56 • 39

Monday night, Council member Marshall Stiefel recommended a three person committee of himself, Council member and Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) project manager Bejan

Taheri, and Mayor Rodger Lingerfelt to be formed to address the concerns of Rainsville citizens regarding the current road projects in Rainsville. Stiefel stated that

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Moore 'busts' one accusers' accusation Contributed by Roy Moore Campaign MONTGOMERY, Ala. — On Monday evening, the Moore Campaign unveiled statements from key witnesses that completely bust the story of Beverly Nelson and Gloria Allred and further reveal an unconscionable bias on the part of state and national press to hide the truth from Alabama voters who will undoubtedly see through the "fake news" and elect Judge Moore for the man that they have always known him to be. According to a former waitress, Olde Hickory House required employees to be 16 years old. Nelson claims she was 15 when she started. According to two former employees, the dumpsters

Roy Moore’s campaign has some serious allegations regarding Beverly Nelson’s allegations, who is represented by feminist attorney Gloria Allred. (Wikimedia Commons)

were on the side of the building. Nelson claimed that they were in the back. Olde Hickory House sat right off of the four-lane highway and had a wrap-around porch with lights all around it. Nelson claimed that the surroundings were "dark and isolated." Rhonda Ledbetter, who worked at Olde Hickory House

for almost 3 years, states that the earliest it closed was at 11 p.m. but she believes it was open until midnight. She is certain it did not close at 10:00 because Goodyear was next door, and employees came to eat when their shift ended at 10 p.m. Nelson claims her story occurred after the

State Rep. Kerry Rich and State Senator Clay Scofield presented the Town with a check for $15,000 to be used for lights at the walking track and Senior Center/Homemaker's building. State Representative Will Ainsworth also contributed to the grants but was not able to attend. (Contributed Photo | Town of Geraldine)

Contributed by Chuck Ables Mayor of Geraldine GERALDINE, Ala. — The Geraldine Town Council held a work session on November 7th. State Senator Clay Scofield and State Representative Kerry Rich presented the Town with a check for $15,000 to be used for lights at the walking track and Senior Center/Homemaker's building. They also presented a check for $6,000 to Fire Chief Brandon Cunningham, for the Geraldine Volunteer Fire Department. State Representative Will Ainsworth also contributed to the grants but was not able to attend. There was discussion about contracting with Revenue Discovery Systems (RDS) for the collection and processing of business licenses for the Town as well as collection and processing of sales and use tax. The Council heard a recommendation from the Planning Commission to approve a request by Jason Camp to place a mobile home at 302 County Road 526. Mayor Ables reported that Police Chief Sedmon Allen had resigned to take a job as a State Trooper. Assistant Chief Matt Crum is acting as Interim Chief. Officer Crum gave a detailed report of the activities of the Police department for the

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Continued P6 Visit our website at www.southerntorch.com for daily news updates and pick up your weekly print edition at news stands every Friday.

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Friday–November 24, 2017

Geraldine Council, page 1

Local officials give thanks Pam Bailey Simpson - Circuit Clerk "I am thankful for God, family, and being born in the USA!"

Ronnie Osborne - Probate Judge Rich and Scofield also presented a check for $6,000 to Fire Chief Brandon Cunningham, for the Geraldine Volunteer Fire Department. State Representative Will Ainsworth also contributed to the grants but was not able to attend. (Contributed Photo | Town of Geraldine)

month of October. At the Mayor's request Officer Crum addressed the Council concerning his qualifications and experience. Officer Crum then answered questions presented to him by the Council. A discussion was then held concerning ways to use the additional revenue that will be generated by the recent 1-cent sales tax increase. Mayor Ables read an invitation from Geraldine School addressed to the Mayor and Council to attend the 50th annual Veteran's Day Program at the school on Thursday, November 9th. When the work session ended the Council convened for a Special called meeting. The Council unanimously voted to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission to allow Jason Camp to place a mobile home at 302 County Road 526. Mayor Ables stated his intention to promote Assistant Chief Matt Crum to Chief, but at the request of the Council Mayor Ables agreed to relinquish his authority to appoint the Chief so the Council could be involved in the process. Councilman Terry Harris motioned to wait until the next meeting to appoint a Chief to allow time for more applications. The motion received a second from Councilman Stanley Rooks and it passed 4-2. The Council unanimously adopted the two Resolutions discussed at the

work session involving RDS. Councilman Harris presented a quote from Dalton's Lawn Care to maintain the park and the meeting was adjourned. The Geraldine Town Council met November 13 for their regular monthly meeting. The minutes from previous meetings were approved as presented. Mayor Ables reported that a meeting is scheduled with Board of Education member Mark Richards and County Engineer Ben Luther to try and resolve the traffic issue at the school. The Council selected Verlon White to be the Grand Marshal for the Town Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 9th at 2:00 pm. Verlon was an outstanding basketball player at Geraldine, a former Police Officer and has been involved in coaching and organizing youth sports in Geraldine for almost 60 years. He is currently in charge of the youth football program for all ages. The Council agreed to accept bids through December 1 for mowing and maintenance of the Park. Bid details can be picked up at Town Hall. After approval of bills the Council went into Executive Session to discuss good name and character. After reconvening the Council voted unanimously to hire Matt Crum as Police Chief. The Town will be taking applications for Assistant Police Chief through November 27th at 4:00 pm.

"My favorite Thanksgiving family dinner at my house is gathering almost 50 people to celebrate together. Grandmother started the tradition, and now I do it."

Matt Sharp - DeKalb Board of Education "I am thankful for all the good things in life!"

Lingerfelt, page 1 citizens such as longtime Rainsville resident Dr. Marvin Barron. Lingerfelt stated in our sit down interview that he could not negotiate on the City’s behalf because it was funded by state tax dollars and that is why he left the negotiating to the appraiser and the lawyers. Lingerfelt also provided a portion of the email exchanges between city attorney Nikki Scott and the Berry’s attorney, Jeff Utsey. The emails show that the City

offered $10,000 for the two tracts once the Berry’s hired Utsey and Scott stated that the $10,000 offer was a final offer. She suggested that condemnation of the property would be the next step if the offer was turned down. Utsey responded in the email chain that after further review, $10,000 for both tracts would be insufficient because the new bridge construction would adversely affect the Berry’s hay and horse shoeing business.

“Funding for the Chavies Bridge project is being provided by the State of Alabama paying for 80% of the (construction) costs, and by the City paying for 20% of the costs in addition to the engineering and construction inspection costs, which at this point amounts to about $145,000,” stated Scott. Scott added, “A portion of the Berry family’s land must be acquired for the bridge expansion. Part of that process is for the City to

attempt to come to an agreement with the affected landowners. The City and the Berry family have not been able to agree upon that amount to date. If the parties cannot agree on what amount is just compensation, then the City must file a legal action for the Court to decide the amount to be paid to the landowner. The City plans to proceed with that legal action in accordance with law to keep moving the project forward.”

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Stiefel Seeks Solution, page 1 several citizens had approached him about the city pushing back against the state on their proposal to install access control curbing at the intersection of Alabama Highways 35 and 75. After some discussion with Council member Derek Rosson, the motion died due to a lack of a second. Stiefel stated after the meeting that he will, “continue to pursue options to convince ALDOT that the local folks do not want these controlled access

curbs.” Stiefel also addressed the council regarding the new guidelines that the Mayor has implemented due to safety concerns for all residents who wish to address the Council. Stiefel provided a letter that was hand delivered to Mrs. Sonjia Pittman denying her request to speak to council regarding road paving on Maple Avenue because she failed to check a box on the form that she will stand at an affixed podium. Stiefel

stated, “I think it is ridiculous to tell a citizen coming in here to address us about a problem that he or she has to stand in a certain place in order to talk to us. We work for the people of this town - not the other way around. It seems like we want them to come kiss our rings.” In other business: •Mayor Lingerfelt addressed the Council regarding the cost of re-plumbing the pumping station at the Stiefel house for

$1,360.00 •Rosson brought a bid of $1,143.77 to repair the thermal imagine camera for the fire department. •A motion was made and seconded to put out bids for a stage and pavilion for the Rainsville Sports Complex. It was announced that the Rainsville Freedom Fest will be located at the complex in the future. •The next regular council meeting will be held on December 4, 2017.

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

COMMUNITY & ENTERTAINMENT Sandra Lafferty works with drama students

Friday–November 24, 2017

at the movies

Heroes Unite for Zack Snyder's 'Justice League' Sandra Lafferty, who has more than 60 television and films credits including The Hunger Games and Walk the Line, talks to Fort Payne High School Drama students. (Contributed Photo | Randy Grider)

Contributed by Randy Grider FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Act One, if you will, of the Mentone Arts & Cultural Center’s community outreach program got underway in November when nationally acclaimed actor Sandra Lafferty started working with Fort Payne High School drama students. Lafferty, who has more than 60 television and films credits including The Hunger Games and Walk the Line, is serving as the center’s Artist in Residence of Theatre and Film. She began her career in theatre before ultimately moving to Los Angeles. Lafferty will work with the students on a regular basis as part of the MACC program. During the first session, Lafferty fielded questions from students about her acting career before advising some of the students on the monologues they have been working on this semester. “It was such a pleasure to have Sandra Ellis Lafferty visit/workshop with my

drama students,” FPHS drama teacher Paul Crawford said. “She spoke about the mechanics of acting, the business aspect of an acting career and auditioning techniques. My students absorbed everything she gave and were thirsty for more. I look forward to having her come for additional visits!” Lafferty found the students’ enthusiasm and willing to be critiqued a great experience for her. “What a wonderful group of students they were: attentive, respectful, inquisitive and very talented,” she said. It is our goal at the center to expand community programs to other schools in all arts-related disciplines. We believe have professionals in the various disciplines of the arts to be huge benefit to the students. It allows them to be exposed to a broader range of experiences, as well as showing them the possibilities of a career despite being from a rural area. As we near the end of 2017, we encourage everyone to support the Mentone Arts &

Cultural Center and its programs. We are currently raising funds for the first phase of construction. We need to raise approximately $600,000 more to complete this phase, which will give us a multi-purpose room with a stage for performance and classrooms. We have naming opportunities for various rooms of the center. These can be made “In Honor” or “In Memory” of someone. Also, please remember that we are a 503c charity and your donations are tax-deductible. Last, but not least, a group of local citizens have formed Friends of the Center to help fund special events. The cost to become a “Friend” is $25 a year. Please contact Sandra Padgett at sandrapadgett@earthlink.net or call her at 256-418-2879 for more information about Friends of the Center. Randy Grider is executive director of the Mentone Arts & Cultural Center. He can be reached at mentoneartscenter@gmail. com or 256-674-3366.

UPCOMING EVENTS

December 2, Henagar Christmas Parade - The Town of Henagar will hold their annual Christmas parade on December 2 at 5pm.

December 9, Geraldine Christmas Parade - The Town of Geraldine will old their annual Christmas parade on December 9 at 2pm.

December 2, Ider Christmas Parade - The Town of Ider will hold their annual Christmas parade on December 2 at 1pm.

December 9, Sylvania Christmas Parade - The Town of Sylvania will old their annual Christmas parade on December 9 at 2pm.

December 2, Valley Head Christmas Parade - The Town of Valley Head will hold their annual Christmas parade on December 2 at 10am.

December 9, Collinsville Christmas Parade - The Town of Collinsville will old their annual Christmas parade on December 9 at 2pm.

December 8, Christmas in the Park - The City of Fort Payne Parks and Recreation Department presents the 33rd annual Christmas in the Park on Friday, December 8 at 4pm. There will be free popcorn, hot chocolate and coffee, soft drunks, hot apple cider. Santa will be in the Park from 4pm to 6pm, and the parade will begin at 6pm! December 9, Fyffe Christmas Parade - The Town of Fyffe will old their annual Christmas parade on December 9 at 12pm.

December 9, Crossville Christmas Parade - The Town of Crossville will old their annual Christmas parade on December 9 at 5pm. Christmas at the Crossroads & Parade - Come enjoy a celebration at the annual Christmas at the Crossroads in Rainsville. This fun festive event is filled with refreshments, caroling & parade begins at 4pm and the cost is free.

Stevenson I Centre I Scottsboro I Higdon I Leesburg Rainsville I North Ft. Payne I South Ft. Payne

(DC Films, RatPac Entertainment, Atlas Entertainment, Cruel and Unusual Films |Warner Bros. Pictures)

By Zach Hester ST Columnist From the beginning of the DC Cinematic Universe, I had mixed feelings. Man of Steel worked well, but if last year’s Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice was any indication of how this movie would make me feel then I knew I would walk out having enjoyed it, despite its poorly pieced narrative. I was right. Justice League follows the formation of DC Comics most powerful group of superheroes as they face off against Steppenwolf, who seeks to destroy the Earth as we know it after the loss of Superman. I’ll go on record as saying I actually did like this film. From an action standpoint, it was a stronger film than Batman v. Superman, but failed in comparison to this summer’s blockbuster hit Wonder Woman, which turned out to be one of my favorites of this year. Let’s start with what I loved. The score was great. They used Aerosmith’s version of Come Together over the trailers and that

really set the tone for the movie, because in this, we get to see the heroes all across the DC Universe unite for the first time. I only wish that the momentum created by the trailer could have translated into the first act of this movie. The best part of this movie, hands down, was Ezra Miller’s Barry Allen AKA The Flash. He served as pure comic relief, but it surprisingly worked well against a movie that otherwise was littered with director Zack Snyder’s gritty, dark cinematography. Initially, I thought his CGI slow motion scenes would get on my nerves, but it didn’t. I feel like some of his best moments were captured during those lightning laced runs against various foes. Now here’s the hard part: what I didn’t like about the movie. The script suffered from a lack of source material in the current standing of the DCU. I had a great time watching it, but I felt that the plot could have been so much stronger had some of the solo movies for the heroes come first. A Flash or Aquaman movie would’ve saved this one some time by not having to

introduce them as almost brand new characters. Cyborg would’ve benefited from being introduced here, but I felt that the others needed to be fleshed out more as individuals before placing them in the ensemble cast of A-List stars. I was really intrigued by the film’s villain: Steppenwolf. Ciaran Hinds did a good job delivering a chilling voiceover performance as Darkseid’s main enforcer. However, I feel like if he had been seen previously in a post-credits scene after Wonder Woman, then maybe I would have cared more about his intentions. For what he was, he was a good villain for a film like this. His fight with the Amazons during his arrival on Earth was just phenomenal. After careful consideration, I will give Justice League a big thumbs up. It certainly has its flaws, but I think those flaws are outweighed by the youth of the DCU and the fun time you will have during the action in this movie, mostly during the second half after {SPOILER ALERT} the re-entry of a certain Kryptonian super… man.

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Southern Torch (USPS Periodicals #19790) is published each Friday by Southern Torch, Inc. 203 Main Street E, Rainsville AL, 35986. POSTMASTER:

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Friday–November 24, 2017

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Friday–November 24, 2017

FAITH

A Moment with Megan: Fill Him Up By Megan Blansit ST Columnist Hi friends! Thanksgiving is among us and I don’t know about you, but I am super excited. Who doesn’t love family time AND food? … Mom’s sweet potato casserole, my crockpot chicken and dressing (don’t knock it ’til you try it,) corn casserole, pecan pies.. okay, I’ll stop now before our mouths start watering. When I think about the holidays, Thanksgiving in particular, I think of a big table full of food and great family conversations amongst each other. However, we can’t just snap our fingers and food appear, right? If you can do that, consider yourself having a super power. Preparing a family meal takes preparation; preparation that often goes unnoticed. It is the same as Christ! He is continually preparing something for you, as well as preparing you for something, yet it

goes unnoticed. I would dare to say we point our finger at Him as if we are forgotten. But just think, great things often take TIME. If someone cooked an entire Thanksgiving meal in 15 minutes, I would probably be a little leery. I also imagine my taste buds would be disappointed. I honestly can’t think of one time that I have been disappointed by a gift Christ has given me. Sure, I may have had to wait weeks, months, or even years but it has ALWAYS been worth the wait. I don’t know about you, but I don't want half a Thanksgiving meal, and I for sure don’t want half of what God has for me. I would rather wait and see the entire blessing come to fruition; I pray you would do the same. So I have talked about how Christ loves to give great gifts, yes, I repeat He LOVES giving to his children. But how often do we give anything back to Him? If you haven't realized it by now, I am a visual person, so lets use our

imagination for a second. I imagine all of us sitting at a huge rectangular table with Christ sitting at the head of it. He has prepared a full course meal and our plates are literally overflowing with delicious food. It’s the best food we have ever eaten! Then, I glance at Jesus and his plate is empty. We’ve given nothing to Him, yet He has given everything to us. Can we let that sink in? Are some of us guilty? Do we go about our day consumed with telling God want we need or want and don’t give Him anything? I will echo my first sentence, Christ finds such joy in giving to us and will keep doing so even when we have sinned and even if we don’t give him anything in return. I’ve often found that Christ just wants our love, which includes quality time. He loves when we spend time with Him in prayer, read His Word, or sing songs of worship to Him. Maybe you’re reading this and your “plate” from Christ looks empty. Friend,

LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT, STATE OF ALABAMA, DEKALB COUNTY CASE NO: 2017-274 IN RE: Estate of Wynell Womack, deceased Personal Representative's Notice to File Claim

I would remind you Isaiah 55:1, “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters…” Christ is the well that will never run dry, but friend, He won’t make you “drink.” Psalms 34:8 says, “ Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” The awesome thing is, is that Christ invites everyone to His table. Anyone can come and feast- those who are weary, hurting, happy, guilty, etc. Some of us could be missing out on the best parts of our life because we

aren’t sitting at the right “table.” So, friend, as we enter into the holidays, I challenge you to not only fill up on Christ, but “fill up his plate” as well, by giving him your worship, prayer, and devotion. In closing, as we enter into this Thanksgiving holiday, I pray we all take time to reflect on what we have to be thankful for. In the good moments and the bad, Christ promises to never leave us, and for that I am forever thankful. Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Letters Testamentary having been granted to Roger Womack as Personal Representative of the Estate of Wynell Womack, deceased, on the 27th day of October, 2017, by the Honorable Ronnie Osborn. 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. This the 14th day of November, 2017.

Roger Womack, Personal Representative Publish: November 17, November 24, and December 1 The Southern Torch

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DEATH NOTICES CORNER STONE Lucien Wendell Hiett - 77 of Henagar, passed away on Thursday, November 16, 2017 at his residence. The family will receive friends on Friday, November 17 from 4pm to 9pm and on Saturday, November 18 from 9am until service time at the funeral home. Funeral services are set for Saturday, November 18 at 1pm CT at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Bro. Charles Underwood and Bro. Bud Laney officiating. Burial will follow in Fuller Cemetery. Modenia Lonette Stallings - 80 of Ider, passed away on Friday, November 17, 2017 at Arbor Springs Nursing Home in Opelika. The family will receive friends on Sunday, November 19 from 2pm to 5pm and on Monday, November 20 from 10am until service time at the funeral home. Funeral services are set for Monday, November 20 at 11am CT at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Pastor Tommy Messer officiating. Burial will follow in Fuller Cemetery.

WT WILSON Emma L. Robbins - 97 of Decatur, passed away on Wednesday, November 15, 2017. The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 18 from 1pm to 2pm prior to the service at the funeral home. Funeral services are set for Saturday, November 18 at 2pm at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Rev. Jeff Atkins officiating. Burial will follow in Mountain View Gardens. James Marshall Price - 86 of Boaz, passed away on

Saturday, November 18, 2017. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 25 at 11am at Westside Baptist Church in Boaz with Rev. Paul Lackey officiating. Redola Sue McKinney - 58 of Fort Payne, passed away on Sunday, November 19, 2017. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 21 from noon until 8pm at the funeral home. Funeral services are set for 2pm on Wednesday, November 22 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Dr. Brad Mosley officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Vernon Cemetery.

WILSON Charles Cooper - 76 of Fort Payne, passed away on Wednesday, November 15, 2017. The family will receive friends on Thursday, November 16 from noon until service time at the funeral home. Funeral services are set for 2pm on Thursday, November 16 at Wilson Funeral Home with Rev. Paul Vic officiating. Burial will follow in Mountain Home Cemetery. Martha Ann Colvard - 86 of Fort Payne, passed away on Wednesday, November 15, 2017. The family will receive friends

on Friday, November 17 from 5pm to 7pm at the funeral home. Funeral services are set for 11am on Saturday, November 18 at Wilson Funeral Home with Rev. Ken James and Rev. Tommy Turner officiating. Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery. Kimberlie Annette Hairel - 45 of Fort Payne, passed away on Wednesday, November 15, 2017. The family will receive friends on Sunday, November 19 from 4pm to 6pm at the funeral home. Funeral services are set for 6pm on Sunday, November 19 at Wilson Funeral Home with

Rev. Steve Lucy officiating. Richard Jacob Weirich - 74 of Fort Payne, passed away on Thursday, November 16, 2017. No formal services are scheduled. Mildred Heard - 77 of Collinsville, passed away on Thursday, November 16, 2017 at her home. The family will receive friends on Sunday, November 19 from noon until the 2pm hour of service at the funeral home. Funeral services are set for 2pm on Sunday, November 19 at Wilson Funeral Home with Rev. Herbert Reid officiating. Burial will follow in Collinsville Cemetery.

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Friday–November 24, 2017

POLITICS Inside the Statehouse

Osborne gets inducted to the Sons of the American Revolution

DeKalb County Probate Judge Ronnie Osborne was inducted into the Little River Chapter Sons of the American Revolution at the November meeting. Administering the oath is Secretary Ron Bearden. (Photo Contributed by Dale Crawford)

Roy Moore, page 1

Contributed by Steve Flowers AL Political Columnist MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The big question in the Senate race is will allegations against Roy Moore and his purported propensities forty-years ago cause him to lose. We will soon see. The election is less than three weeks away. The book on Moore is easy to read. The polls have consistently revealed that 30 percent of voters like him and 70 percent do not like him. He is a polarizing figure and well known. However, the real poll that counts is the one on Election Day. The reason that he won the GOP primary was that his people showed up to vote for him. His followers are more ardent, fervent, and quite frankly older. Older voters are a lot more likely to vote than younger voters. Therefore, his 30 percent becomes more accentuated and rises to 51 percent. If he wins on December 12, it will be because of turnout. His 30 percent will turn out. The Democrat, Doug Jones really has no following. It is all about Moore. The votes that Jones gets will be the Democratic base coupled with those disenchanted with Moore, who dislike him enough to go vote for a Democrat for a U.S. Senate seat. As George Wallace use to say, “More people vote against someone than for someone.” My guess is that Moore’s 30 percent is unswayed by the Washington Post revelations. They look upon it as a scurrilous last minute political attack by the Washington establishment and left wing media. Some suggest that it may have

energized his base. They feel that he has been unduly attacked. They simply dismiss the allegations as untrue and fabricated and are suspicious of the timing. They ask why did these accusers came forward four weeks before the election and not years ago. The wall around the 30 percent dedicated to Roy Moore appears impregnable. Turnout will be the key to this election the same way it was in the primary. The 75-year-old deacon of the First Baptist Church of Gadsden is going to vote. The question is does the soccer mom in Homewood go vote. Roy Moore’s fate is not the only one to be decided in December. The fate of Business Council lobbyist, Billy Canary, may also be decided in December. BCA’s leadership changes at their annual meeting on December 1. Perry Hand of Baldwin County will take the reins of the once powerful organization. Hand is a very well regarded gentleman in the private and public sector of Alabama. He is an engineer by profession and a principal in Volkert Engineering. He has been an outstanding businessman, road builder, state senator, and Secretary of State. Canary has basically made the Business Council a joke among powerful legislators. He is so disliked and disrespected that he is thought of as a clown or caricature. In visiting with the majority of Republican senators, they say he has never even said “hi” to them. He walks the halls occasionally with a haughty, arrogant air and snubs not only all nine of the Democrats in the state senate as well as the 26 Republicans. I could not find one state senator

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who would say anything good about the New Yorker. They snicker and say that no bill will pass my committee if he is for it. State Senator, Slade Blackwell, a respected businessman and staunch Republican from a silk stocking Jefferson County area said Canary actually does the BCA more harm than good. He said the BCA members would be better served to give campaign money directly to candidates than have it tainted by Canary. Blackwell, who also chairs the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, has only spoken to Canary one time in seven years. Dr. Paul Bussman, who is very independent and represents Cullman and parts of Northwest Alabama as a Republican state senator, said that Canary threatened him so abrasively over a piece of legislation in his first term that when he got home he wrote a check for $26,000, the amount the BCA had given his campaign, and sent it back to Canary with the message to not ever talk with him again. The well liked, mild mannered, pro-business state senator, Shay Shelnut, said Canary has never spoken to him in his entire five years in the senate. This is the prevalent theme among most Republican members of the senate. The most important senator, U.S. Senator Richard Shelby, has barred Canary from his office. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www. steveflowers.us.

restaurant closed at 10 p.m. It is unlikely that there was an entrance from the back of the parking lot, which Nelson claimed existed. Multiple sources have claimed that everyone parked on the sides of the building because there wasn’t much room behind the restaurant, according to Rhonda not enough room to turn around. Renee Schivera stated that a neighborhood backed up to the parking lot and it was adjacent to the backyards of people’s houses, so she did not see how there would have been a back entrance as it would have gone through someone’s yard. Nelson claimed that Judge Roy Moore came in almost every night and sat at the counter, but former employees state that customers at the counter were served by the bartender or short order cook - not served by the waitresses and had no reason to interact with the wait staff. Additionally, two former waitresses and two former patrons state they never saw Judge Moore come into the restaurant. These witnesses have shared their testimony with multiple news outlets. The outlets have failed to report. Rhonda Ledbetter, a retired public school teacher who is currently the senior choir director at a Baptist church and teaches children at a local, church-sponsored day care center, was a waitress at Olde Hickory House for almost three years from 1977-1979. She was a college student at Jacksonville State University at the time and worked varying shifts at different times of day, multiple days a week during the time of her employment. She said in a statement: “When I heard Beverly Nelson’s story, there were several details that were different from what I remember. I was nervous at coming forward because of all the attention this story has gotten, but as a moral and ethical person I had to speak up about what I know to be true. I was a waitress at Olde Hickory for almost three years from 1977-1979, and I never saw Roy Moore come in to the restaurant. Not one time. And I would have noticed because most of our customers weren’t wearing suits, especially not

at night. Many customers worked at Goodyear next door and would stop in on their way to and from work, and I don’t remember anyone from the courthouse coming in at all. That just wasn’t our crowd. "A few things stuck out to me. First, Nelson said she was 15 years old when she started working there but you had to be 16. I don’t remember her from my time there, and I don’t remember any 15 year olds working there at all. "Second, Nelson said the restaurant closed at 10 p.m. but I know the earliest it closed was 11, though I believe it was midnight. I’m certain of that because Goodyear employees came in to eat after their shift ended at 10:00 p.m., so there’s no way we would have closed at that time. "Third, the area wasn’t dark and isolated as she described. Rather, the building was right off the busy four-lane highway and people and cars were always around. The restaurant had a wrap-around porch, like the ones at Cracker Barrel restaurants, and there were lights all around the sides of the building. So it wasn’t dark and anyone in the parking lot was visible from the road. "Fourth, the dumpsters were to the side of the building, not around back and there sure wasn’t room to park in between the building and the dumpsters. People from the kitchen would take trash out of the side door and throw it right into the dumpsters. We were always told to park on the side of the building, because there just wasn’t much room behind it. I don’t remember there being an exit from the back of the parking lot, there would barely have been enough room to turn a car around. "I came forward because from what I’ve seen, the media is only interested in reporting one side of this story. In fact, Dixon Hayes from WRBC in Birmingham asked for former employees to contact him but never responded when I told him I never saw Roy Moore come into Olde Hickory House during the three years I worked for. Two other news outlets in the state asked to interview me and I agreed, but neither one has aired my interview and I have to wonder why they don’t think

the people of Alabama deserve to hear anything that counteracts the accusations against Judge Moore. It’s not for me to say whether or not something happened, I can only tell the truth about factual details that I know for sure. I think all Alabamians deserve to have all of the facts so they can decide for themselves what the truth is. Despite what the national media and people in DC might say, Alabama voters are intelligent and have common sense. We don’t need anyone to tell us how to vote or to explain to us what really happened. We will make that decision and I just wanted to do my part in sharing the truth on some of these important facts. I, like all Alabama voters, want any and all information that can shed light on the truth.” Johnny Belyeu, Sr. is a former police officer with over two decades of experience with the Etowah County Sheriff’s Department and the Gadsden Police Department. He said in a statement, “I was an officer with the Etowah County Sheriff’s Department in the 1970s which means I worked in the courthouse and knew who Roy Moore was since he was the Deputy District Attorney at the time. I was a regular customer at Olde Hickory House, and I never once saw Judge Moore come in there. If he had I would have immediately recognized him. I also never met Beverly Nelson during any of the many times I frequented the restaurant, and I can’t say that she even worked there.” Renee Schivera of Huntsville, Alabama stated, “I was a waitress at the Olde Hickory House during the summer of 1977, before my senior year of high school. When I heard Beverly Nelson’s story the first thing that stuck out to me was that I don’t remember Roy Moore ever coming into the restaurant. I also don’t remember her working there. The other thing that struck me as odd is that from my best recollection, the dumpsters were to the side of the building. I just know they were visible from the road, and not back behind the building. But the main thing is that if someone came in almost every night we knew who there were, and I never saw Roy Moore there. As a Christian woman, I wouldn’t lie for anyone and I am only sharing what I know because it’s the truth.” "The days of unbiased reporting are over," Moore Campaign strategist, Brett Doster said. "The liberal media will dodge any source and refuse to air any interview that doesn't square with their effort to land a liberal Democrat in the senate seat. The Moore Campaign is committed to presenting factual truth to the people of Alabama and looks forward to victory on December 12."

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Friday–November 24, 2017

THE SOUTHERN TORCH SCOREBOARD IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY HOME

SHERIFF JIMMY HARRIS

FYFFE RED DEVILS

LAFAYETTE BULLDOGS

56-6 48-21

AWAY

SYLVANIA RAMS

WEST MORGAN REBELS

Devils Scald the Dogs

1 (James Williams Photography) By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com FYFFE, Ala.—The Fyffe Red Devils dominated the LaFayette Bulldogs, 56-6 in the second round of the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) State Playoffs on Friday night. Starting in the first quarter, Fyffe took control

of the game and never slowed down. With 8:31 remaining in the first quarter, LaFayette missed a 30-yard field goal after a huge defensive stand in the red zone by the Red Devils. With 5:26 remaining in the first quarter, Fyffe struck first with a 5-yard run, up the middle, by Seth Benefield. The extra point was good by Andrew Dunston, putting the Devils up 7-0. Payton Anderson

added points to the board with a 9-yard gallop into the endzone with 1:16 remaining in the first, bringing the score to 14-0. With six minutes remaining in the half, Payton Anderson had already rushed for 167 yards. Seth Benefield, stampeded into the endzone from 12-yards out to give the Red Devils the 21-0 advantage, with 5:59 remaining in the first half.

returned it for 35-yards. Blake Spears scored on a quarterback keeper from 5-yards out, to go into the half with the 20-0 Ram advantage. The Rams started the third quarter off with a kickoff recovery. Spears scored once more,with a 24-yard quarterback keeper. The Rams took the 27-0 advantage with 11:12 remaining in the third quarter. The kickoff hit the Rebels knee and the Rams recovered, resulting in a 7-yard stampede into the endzone by Tyler Wilbanks, giving the Rams the 34-0 lead. The Rams picked off a Rebel pass and Dover brought into the endzone from 2-yard out, to go up 41-0 with 2:24 remaining in the third quarter. As the backups came into the game, West Morgan scored on a

70-yard drive, to start the fourth quarter. Gareth Anderson scored the final Ram touchdown, as he bulldozed down the field, for 69 yards. West Morgan scored two more times, to end the game with a final of 48-21. Sylvania will advance to the quarterfinals for the first time since 1995, when Coach Matt Putnam played on the Sylvania Ram team. “We played physical with great effort and executed very well in all phases of the game” said Sylvania Head Football Coach Matt Putnam. “Randolph County is a very talented football team and we need to be focused and ready for a four quarter game.” Sylvania (11-1) will travel to face Randolph County(11-1) on Friday night.

LaFayette took possession and drove it down the field from their own 25 yard line. Fyffe held strong and took back possession after holding them inside the seven for four downs. With 3.6 seconds remaining in the first half, Benefield scores on a 2-yard drive up the middle. Fyffe went into the half, with the 28-0 advantage. Payton Anderson scores on a 25-yard

stampede around the left end to put Fyffe up 35-0 with 8:12 remaining in the third quarter. Fyffe takes over on a quick Cage Cochran interception. Jake Stone brings one in from 20 yards out to make things 49-0 with 4:06 remaining in the third. LaFayette takes it 77 yards on to kickoff to put them on the board 49-6 with 3:52 remaining in the third. With 10:03 to play in

the game, Malachi Mixe scores on a 7-yard run up the middle to make the final score of the game, 56-6. Payton Anderson ran twenty-one times for 347 yards and three touchdowns in the 56-6 win over LaFayette. “I am really pleased with our effort Friday night. Our defense bent some during the game but they held strong in the red zone. Our offensive line is just getting better every week and of course Payton Anderson is in a groove right now and we just want to stay focused on getting better with the little things that win games” said Fyffe Head Coach Paul Benefield. “We have a huge challenge this week in round three, having to travel across the state to play a very good football team. Fyffe(12-0) will travel to face the Sulligent Blue Devils (11-1) in round three of the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) state playoffs on Friday.

Rams Rustle the Rebels

By Marla Jones Sports Editor

marla@southerntorch.com TRINITY, Ala.—The Sylvania Rams defeated the West Morgan Rebels 48-21, to advance to the third round of the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) State playoffs. Sylvania struck first with 4:02 remaining in the first on a 34-yard touchdown run by Ethan Dover. The point after attempt by Christian Andrade made the score 7-0. With 9:39 remaining in the first half, Paul Griffin brings it in from 35-yards to score. The PAT was good and the Rams went up 14-0. On the next West Morgan possession, Dover stripped the ball and

(Kristy Gallagher | Southern Torch)

Hunter of CONGRATULATIONS the Week The Southern Torch Hunter of the Week is Cohen Hollis Miller! He is 10 years old and killed three deer in two days on a Father/Son Hunt in North Georgia! Submit your photos to marla@southerntorch.com to be our next Hunter of the Week!

CONGRATULATIONS to the Fyffe High School Varsity Cheerleaders and Coach Connie Cochran for winning the 2A State Championship, making this their sixth consecutive state title!

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Friday–November 24, 2017

Smart Signs with JSU Hood Signs with CSCC

Plainview's Bailey Smart signed to play softball at Jacksonville State University next fall. Congratulations Bailey! Pictured above Back Row: Jason Traylor, Whitney Whiteside, Slade Stewart, Jeff Brooks Front Row: Angela Smart, Bailey Smart, Chris Smart

Savannah Hood of Ider High School recently signed with Chattanooga State to continue her softball career. Pictured above Back Row: Wayne Lyles, David Hughes, Blythe Golden, Payton Hood Front Row: Crystal Hood, Savannah Hood, Jason Hood

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Friday–November 24, 2017

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Fridayâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;November 24, 2017

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