The Southern Torch — Vol. 4, Issue 11

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Petition to demolish old Hospital

By Tyler Pruett Managing Editor

Property tax measures on June ballot

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — (Visit our Website to sign the Petition, info at the bottom) Fort Payne citizens may now sign a petition to ask the state for help in demolishing the old DeKalb General Hospital, located behind the Fort Payne Housing Authority; between Forest and Alabama Avenues.

The petition

>> THIS WEEK IN SPORTS

DeKalb County Commission President Ricky Harcrow discusses the importance of the tax renewals to DeKalb County and Fort Payne City Schools. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

By Tyler Pruett Managing Editor FORT PAYNE, Ala. — (Scroll Down for Video) At yesterday's meeting of the DeKalb County Commission, resolutions were approved for Education Property Tax renewals to be placed on the June 5th, 2018 ballot for a public vote. The tax renewals are crucial for funding DeKalb County and Fort Payne City Schools.

Five resolutions were passed; each representing another item on the June 5th ballot that the public can cast a, "yes" or "no" vote on. If the renewals pass, the property taxes collected for educational funds will be extended for 30 years. The five measures combined represents around $5 million in

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funding for DeKalb County Schools and $500,000 for Fort Payne City Schools per year.

The tax measures do not represent new taxes, but renewals of existing property taxes collected for public educational funds.

DeKalb County Commission President Ricky Harcrow began the discussion: "Today, the county wide tax renewal is being brought before us.

We have (attorneys) Mr. Woody Sanderson and Mr. Alan Ziegler with us today concerning these property tax renewal resolutions for the board of educations, so I'm going to ask Mr. Sanderson if he would to come to the Microphone, and give us a brief overview of what we need to know."

Sanderson then explained that he is representing DeKalb County Schools and Ziegler is representing Fort Payne City Schools. He also explained that by law the resolutions required 200 signatures from both Fort Payne City Schools and DeKalb County Schools to be brought before the commission. Sanderson said that more than the required 200 signatures had been collected. He also explained that it is important to get the resolutions passed within the time frame, because, "the time it takes to get (the resolutions) on the ballot is fast approaching."

"I think we really need to get it in the next 10 days or so to make sure it gets printed on the ballots, and it's ready in time for absentee ballots and all

that. We worked backwards from a timeline, and this was an important time to get it to you because of that," said Sanderson.

DeKalb County Schools Superintendent Dr. Jason Barnett and Fort Payne City Schools Superintendent Jim Cunningham then explained the importance of the measures to local educational funding.

Dr. Barnett said: "I appreciate the opportunity for you guys to consider these tax resolutions. It has been a process; I appreciate it Mr. Sanderson, Mr. Ziegler, Mr. Cunningham... We've worked well on this together. We understand the importance of this for our school districts."

"We are required by law to have a 10 mil match, and of course without these resolutions we would not have that," continued Barnett. "So that is very important for our school district. This money helps fund many things that we all believe we need and we all know we need, like school resource officers, which is a joint effort between the county commission as well as our local schools. So I appreciate the consideration. There has been a lot of time and effort."

Fort Payne City Schools Superintendent Jim Cunningham then said: "I also appreciate your support, and you know the necessity of this. It is a renewal.... we are not asking for more. I would make you aware that even with this renewal we're are

still going to be very low as far as local funding, but without it, as you've just heard, we aren't going to receive our foundation funds. So I appreciate your support. We have had a good working team."

"Mr. Sanderson, Mr. Ziegler, Dr. Barnett.....," continued Cunningham.

"You've been good to work with. I look forward to seeing this move forward. I will be 87-years-old when we have to (renew) this again. I'm going to vote yes this time because it's necessary for the kids, I'm going to vote yes at 87, and hope I even seen more."

District II Commissioner Scot Westbrook asked, "What would the estimated total of this be; benefit towards the school systems of DeKalb County per year?"

"There is 14 and a half mils of DeKalb County.

Each "mil" is estimated around $360,000. When you look at it all together you are talking about $5

>> COMMISSION, P6

signatures will help the city secure funding to acquire the property and do the necessary demolition and cleanup.

The facility is currently owned by a bank up North, and has been left in disrepair for years.

The building is infested with mold and mildew, as several parts of the facility have been left

>> PETITION, P7 • Softball and Baseball Season schedules are here!

• The Old Timers Basketball Tournament was yet again - a huge success!

• Fort Payne Head Coach Paul Ellis accepts a new job in LaFayette

Flags raised at Patriot's Park

Members of the Fort Payne High School JROTC raise the flags at the DeKalb County Patriot’s Park; located as you enter the city on Alabama Highway 35. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

Contributed by Tyler Wilkes DeKalb Co. Revenue Commissioner

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — (Scroll Down for Paver Form) On Friday March 9th at 2:00 pm the VFW scheduled a small flag raising ceremony to mark the current progress of the DeKalb County Patriots'

Memorial Park. It was a great honor for the Woodmen of the World to donate the flag polls and the flags were provided to us by the VFW. We appreciate the continued support from our local Woodmen of the World, VFW and our

>> PARK, P6

Welden steps down from Chief's Association

By Tyler Pruett Managing Editor RAINSVILLE, Ala. — Yesterday, the DeKalb County Chiefs of Police Association met at Kelly’s Kitchen in Rainsville for their March meeting. The meeting was attended by Fort Payne Police Chief Randy Bynum, Henagar Chief Randell Smith, Powell Chief Michael Little, Collinsville Assistant Chief Rex Leath, Mentone Chief Brad Gregg, and Fyffe Chief

Valley Head Police Chief Nick Welden addresses the DeKalb County Chiefs of Police Association at Kelly’s Kitchen on Monday. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

Dale Manning.

Valley Head Police Chief Nick Welden, who is currently running for Sheriff on the Republican ballot this June, has served

as the President of the association for the last year. Welden announced he would step down from the position to devote his time to his campaign for DeKalb County Sheriff.

“I can’t be the President of the DeKalb County Chiefs of Police Association and fully dedicated myself to running for DeKalb County Sheriff at the same time.

It’s a good association and

>> WELDEN, P2

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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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY–MARCH 16, 2018

PARK from Page 1

community. As members of the DeKalb County Patriots' Memorial Park it is with our utmost thanks that we recognize what these groups have done not only for our community but also our country.

This was not the final park dedication but only a moment to mark the progress we have made so far and an opportunity to allow us to update the public. We would also like to thank the Fort Payne City leadership and workers for partnering with us and actually putting shovels in the ground to complete phase 1.

It’s our hope that by this summer we will have completed the 1st phase of the park and can move on to phase 2. In order to do

this we need to raise an additional $120,000 to $150,000 to be able to purchase the granite monuments.

With that being said, we are now turning our attention back to fundraising efforts to reach this goal. Part of that effort is this paver form that you can fill out and mail back to the VFW or the Dekalb County Commission office with an enclosed check to help us reach this goal.

The paver walk will be constructed during phase 1 of this project but the selling of pavers will go on through all phases of construction.

As the DeKalb County Patriots Memorial Park Board we want to thank you for your support in the endeavor to honor our fallen fighters and first responders of Dekalb County. Thank You and God Bless.

Fort Payne man arrested for threats

Fort Payne PD unveils "Safe Space"

Fort Payne Police Department Assistant Chief Ronnie Warren and Captain Lee Traylor with the new signs designating the “safe space” in the parking lot of the Fort Payne Police Department.

(Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

By Tyler Pruett Managing Editor FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Last week, the Fort Payne Police Department unveiled new, “Safe Space” Parking Spots next to the police station on Gault Avenue.

When many hear of a, “Safe Space,” they think of a place for millennial college students to go to avoid pesky emotional triggers (and sometimes reality), but in the real world, safe spaces are

needed with video surveillance so that people can conduct transactions that sometimes come with risk, such as child custody exchanges, or internet buy/ sell transactions with people not personally known.

The “Safe Space” is designed to protect citizens from becoming victims of robberies, thefts, and scams associated with online transaction sites such as Craigslist and E-Bay. The zone will also provide parents a safer location to

Probation Revoked

exchange children per custodial agreements or court orders. It is highly recommend citizens not make these transactions alone.

While the internet can be a great place to find good deals; buying or selling items to strangers can be risky. In 2015, a Cobb County Georgia couple drove 200 miles from their home, never to be seen alive again.

Elrey “Bud” and June Runion, of Marietta, thought they were answering an online ad for

WELDEN from Page 1

Charles Edward Murrell, 52 of Fort Payne. (Fort Payne Police Department)

By Staff Reports FORT PAYNE, Ala. — According to the Fort Payne Police Department: On Sunday (March 10, 2018) Charles Edward Murrell, age 52 of Fort Payne, was arrested and charged with Menacing and Disorderly Conduct at his residence on Alabama Avenue NW. Murrell was arrested after making threatening remarks to Lieutenant Nick Brown and Captain Lee Traylor about some juveniles in his neighborhood. While officers were gathering information, Mr. Murrell became more belligerent while standing outside in his yard with several neighbors witnessing his behavior.

Mr. Murrell was taken to Fort Payne City Jail where he refused to answer any questions in regard to completing his arrest report. Bond was set at $1000.00 for each charge.

Jonathan Lee Tucker’s photo on his Sex Offender Registration. (Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office)

By Staff Reports CENTRE, Ala. — According to Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver: Convicted sex offender and drug offender Jonathan Lee Tucker, 35, of Gaylesville is headed back to prison after Circuit Judge Shaunathan Bell revoked his probation.

After being convicted and serving a period of incarceration in the state penitentiary for failure to register as a sex offender from Cherokee County and unlawful possession of precursor chemicals from DeKalb County, Tucker was placed on probation.

His overall sentence on those two cases was 25 years, with five years of that time imposed in the failure to register case and the remaining 20 imposed in the possession of precursor chemicals case.

He served about two years of that sentence and was placed on probation.

Yesterday (Wednesday, March 7, 2018) Deputy District Attorney Scott Lloyd presented Judge Bell with evidence against Tucker concerning an arrest by Sheriff’s Office investigators on additional charges of trafficking methamphetamine, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, and unlawful distribution of a controlled substance back in August of 2017.

After hearing the evidence presented by Lloyd, Judge Bell declared Tucker guilty of the new charges and revoked his probation and ordered him to serve the remainder of his sentences in prison.

requires a lot of attention,” said Welden.

“Being an effective head of the association requires time and effort, and we’ve done a lot of good things in the last year,” said Welden. “We’ve brought in a lot of training that has never been done before in DeKalb County.

For example at our next meeting, a representative with the Human Trafficking Task Force Like will be providing training on how to spot the signs.”

Welden explained that the training is crucial for law enforcement in our area, due to several major highways and I-59 passing through. Recently, the Washington Post reported 341 children had been saved from human trafficking since law

a vintage Mustang, but turned out instead to be a scheme by 28-year-old Adrian Ronnie Towns to rob the couple. Four days after the couple was reported missing, their bodies were recovered in Southeast Georgia. Towns currently stands accused of their murder.

Fort Payne will now be providing a safe place under 24/7 surveillance so that citizens can safely conduct these transactions and hopefully prevent similar tragedies. enforcement in Texas started training to spot the signs.

Towards the end of the meeting, the group took the chance to discuss school security protocols and response to a real-life shooting situation. The chiefs from all over the county also discussed how they would support other cities within the county if such a tragedy were to strike. The chiefs also discussed future training events for the county’s police officers.

“The group has been a great source for sharing information. It’s brought the police chiefs of this county closer than we’ve ever been. We’re a tight knit group,” said Welden.

“I greatly appreciate the towns and the chiefs for supporting me during my time as head of the association,” Welden said.

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY–MARCH 16, 2018

Community

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Submit your community events to: zach@southerntorch.com

UPCOMING EVENTS TORCH & TOYS FOR TOTS "

Toys for Tots representative Lance Corporal Landon Fant presented us with a certificate of appreciation for our support of the Toys for Tots program in our area! ( Photo by Landon Fant)

Lookout Mt. Homemakers pitch in big for the community

Every Tuesday, Parents of Addicted Loved Ones - A new support group for Parents of Addicted Loved ones is starting in Fort Payne at Word of Life Ministry located at 3610 Gault Ave North. The meeting will be held every Tuesday from 6pm to 7:30pm. Any adult family member over 18 is welcome to attend these PAL meetings, however, for insurance reasons, no one under the age of 18 may attend and child care will not be provided. For more information, visit palgroup. org.

Every Wednesday, Breakthrough Church free meal - Come and enjoy a free meal and hear the Word of God on Wednesday nights starting January 3 at 5:30pm. If you need a ride, please contact: Lynn Haas at 256-605-7854 or Connie Holdem at 256-605-1776.

March 17, Spring Fling - Pine Ridge Baptist Church will host a Spring Fling, a craft and vendor event from 8am to 4pm on Saturday, March 17.

Members of the Lookout Mt. Homemakers and Community Leaders (LMHCL) Club volunteering at the Bread of Life Ministry in Fort Payne last Tuesday. (Contributed Photo)

Contributed by LMHCL FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The Lookout Mt. Homemakers and Community Leaders (LMHCL) Club is one of the most active service organizations in DeKalb County. It is compromised of ladies ranging in age from 20s to 80s who live in various parts of the mountain and the surrounding area. The primary goal of the club is to serve their community.

Recent activities of the club: Served an appreciation dinner to the Dogtown Fire Department.

Provided and served the food for the Bread of Life Ministry in Fort Payne.

Ten members served at the Children's Advocacy Center dinner theatre.

Attended the DeKalb County HCL Awards Banquet on Valentine's Day where they were named "Club of the Year" and received numerous awards in the individual categories.

Upcoming events for March: Conducting the annual community blood drive.

Providing homemade desserts for Dogtown Fire Department's yearly Sunday Dinner fundraiser.

Assisting with the District HCL meeting to be hosted by DeKalb Co. HCL

at Northeast Community College on March 15.

Annual Easter Bake Sale in March.

LMHC officers are President Phyllis Reagan; Vice-President Theda Wills, Secretary Gwen Mitchell, Treasurer Christine Ashley, Devotional Leader Stephanie Graham, and Scrapbook Chairperson Janice Everett.

The club meets every second Tuesday of each and welcomes new members.

Contact Phyllis Reagan at (256) 845-4834.

Life Savers in-training

March 23, Blood Drive - The Blood Mobile will be at First State Bank on Friday, March 23 from 9:30am to 2pm.

Appointments are available at www.bloodassurance. org/FirstState March 24, Heil Easter Egg Hunt - Join us for Heil’s annual Easter Egg Hunt!

The hunt will take place at the Wills Valley Recreation Center. Free photos with

the Easter Bunny, inflatables, face painting and more will be included!

Egg hunt will be divided up into different age divisions.

The event will be from 11am to 2pm with gates opening at 10am. Bring your own basket!

March 26-30, Tigers for Tomorrow Spring Break Tours - Tigers for Tomorrow will host spring break tours from March 26-30 at 10am and 1:30pm.

No reservations needed!

Photos will be allowed. The cost is $10 for children ages 3-11 and $20 for adults!

April 5, Southern Torch Judicial Candidate Forum - Be sure to tune in on April 5 for our Judicial Candidate Forum featuring the Republican candidates for Circuit Judge (9th Circuit): Andrew Hairston, Scott Lloyd, and Jeff McCurdy! It will be held at the JSU Canyon Center.

Doors will open at 5:30pm and the forum will begin at 6pm. Times are subject to change. There will be limited seating, so feel encouraged to join the conversation on our live Facebook feed!

April 7, Send Me 5K - Fyffe First Baptist Church will host the fourth annual “Send Me” 5K run/walk on Saturday, April 7, at 8am.

Chip timing will be used.

Early registration fee is $20, and participants will be guaranteed a t-shirt.

After March 17, the registration fee will be raised to $25. Race day

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Nee

registration begins at 7am.

Chip timing provided by Pinpoint Timing Services.

Door prizes will be given before the awards ceremony. All proceeds will go to help fund mission projects. For an entry form or additional information, please contact Debra Pitts at (256) 996-5872 or Kim Pitts at (256) 996-7415. You may also email your questions or ask for a registration form by emailing fyffefirstbaptist5k@gmail.com.

April 7, Taste of the Mountain and Art Auction - Join the Mentone Educational Resource Foundation (MERF) for our 6th annual Taste of the Mountain and Art Auction.

Area restaurants and caterers will provide a wonderful dinner taste of their creations while the silent auction is in action.

After a wonderful meal, the bidding will begin for the live auction. The art is created by local artists and students at Moon Lake Elementary School! It begins at 6pm and the cost is $35 per ticket, $250 for a table of 8.

April 21, Third Saturday Sunset Cruise-In - The first Third Saturday Sunset Cruise-In will be an afternoon of family fun activities in the Main Street District of Fort Payne! This public event will include food, live music, an antique car show, and so much more!

Make plans to join them on April 21 from 5pm to 9pm and the cost is free!

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY–MARCH 16, 2018

Business

Submit your business news to: admin@southerntorch.com

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THE DIET CLINIC

256-997-2020 Serving Northern Alabama and the Surrounding Areas

DEATH NOTICES CORNER STONE Obie Vaden Smith - 88 of Rossville, Ga., passed away on Wednesday, March 7 at his residence. Funeral services were held on Sunday, March 10 at 2pm CT at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Elder Jim McGill officiating. Burial followed in Fuller Cemetery with military honors.

CROSSVILLE Keith Roden - 90 of Boaz, passed away on Thursday, March 8 at Crossville Health and Rehab. Visitation was held on Saturday, March 10 from 12pm to 2pm. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Saturday, March 10 at Crossville Memorial Chapel with Bros. Jeremy Burns and Herman McMurtney officiating. Interment followed in Liberty

GERALDINE William Mauldin - 90 of Geraldine, passed away on Saturday, March 10 at Marshall Medical Center South. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 14 from 12:30pm to 1:30pm at the funeral home. A graveside service was held on Wednesday, March 14 at 2pm at DeKalb Memorial Gardens with Dr. Ron

Madison officiating.

RAINSVILLE Gay White - 82 of Rainsville, passed away on Monday, March 12 at Shepherd’s Cove. Visitation was held on Tuesday, March 13 from 2pm to 4pm at the funeral home.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 13 at 4pm at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Kevin McCreless officiating. Burial followed in Broadway Baptist Church Cemetery.

WILSON Ewing Wells - 91 of Fort Payne, passed away on Saturday, March 10 at Tut Fann VA Home in Huntsville. The family received friends on Monday, March 12 from 4pm to 6pm. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 13 at 2pm at Wilson Funeral Home.

Burial followed in Black Oak Cemetery with military honors.

WILSON June Lovelle Burroughs - 83 of Rossville, Ga., passed away on Wednesday, March 7. A cryptside service was held at 2pm on Wednesday, March 14 at Oakwood

Memorial Gardens in Gardendale with Bros.

Ronnie Burroughs and G.J. Chandler.

Isaac “Pete” Terrell 74 of Albertville, passed away on Wednesday, March 7. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 9 from 5pm to 8pm at the funeral home. Funeral services were held at 3pm on Saturday, March 10 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bros. Gene Lambert and Jerry O’tinger officiating.

Burial followed in Martling Cemetery.

Elnora Martin - 77 of Rainsville, passed away on Saturday, March 10.

Visitation was held from 12pm to 8pm on Monday, March 12 and from 8am to 8pm on Tuesday, March 13 at the funeral home.

Funeral services were held at 11am on Wednesday, March 14 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel. Burial followed in Old Sardis Cemetery.

Imogene Wigley - 92 of Rainsville, passed away on Saturday, March 10. The family received friends from 11am to 8pm on Sunday, March 11 and from 8am to 2:30pm on Monday, March 12 at the funeral home. Funeral services were held at 3pm on Monday, March 12 at

Rainsville Church of God with Bros. Gary Haymon and Chris Bell officiating.

Burial followed in Straight Creek Cemetery.

Edith Cordelia Marsh - 94 of Section, passed away on Sunday, March 11.

The family received friends from 11am to 1pm on Wednesday, March 14 at the funeral home. Funeral services were held at 1pm on Wednesday, March 14 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bro. Randy Hampton officiating. Burial followed in Sardis Baptist Cemetery in Sardis City.

Mary Lou Beam - 80 of Section, passed away on Monday, March 12. The family received friends from 5pm to 8pm on Wednesday, March 14 at the funeral home. Funeral services were held at 11am on Thursday, March 15 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bro. Joshua Little, Pastor Jordan Ball, Rev. Jacob Ball, and Tara Townsend officiating.

Burial followed in Old Sardis Cemetery.

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY–MARCH 16, 2018

Ider chooses to walk-up instead of out

5

A MOMENT WITH MEGAN

Faithful in the Fire

By Megan Blansit ST Faith Contributor

The following article was previously publisjed in another issue of The Southern Torch.

It is being run again by request.

Schools across the nation participated in a nationwide walk out in protest of the lack of change on gun reform, but a local school is choosing to walk up instead. (File Photo)

By Zach Hester Reporter For some time now, we’ve heard of planned events across the country that on March 14, students would get up and walk out in reverence of the shootings earlier this year in Florida. The shooting left 17 staff and students dead and sparked a heated conversation about gun reform across the nation.

For local schools, the issue became more about kindness and how to treat one another with respect, instead of walking out in protest.

According to the Ider High School Facebook page: “On March 14, Ider High School will encourage

students to walk UP! Walk up to the kid who sits alone at lunch and invite her to sit with you. Walk up to the kid who sits quietly in the corner, smile and say hi.

Walk up to the kid who may be disruptive in class and ask him how he’s doing.

Walk up to teachers and school staff and say thank you. Walk up to someone who has different views than you and get to know him/her. Walk up to 14 students and 3 teachers and say something kind.

Honor the lives of those lost by walking up.”

Ider began sharing their choice to participate in the #WalkUpNotOut movement just this week, but the movement began back in February, just after the shootings. According to

the IndyStar of the USA Today Network, the choice to walk up was likely inspired by a former Texas teacher who encouraged kids to reach out and talk to someone they might not ordinally talk to.

Proponents of the Walk Up Not Out movement say “students should try harder to reach out with friendliness and compassion to their more solitary peers.”

Without completely delving into the issue of gun reform, just remember that it’s important that these victims be remembered one way or another. Whether you walk out or walk up, just remember to be kind.

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In Daniel chapter 3, King Nebuchadnezzar set up a golden image in Babylon and demanded that everyone bow down and worship it. Anyone who went against his wishes would be thrown into the fiery furnace. Little did he know how bold Sharach, Meshach, and Abendnego would be! The 3 of them refused to bow down and in Daniel 3:15, King Nebuchadnezzar responds with, “… If you do not worship, you shall be cast at once into the midst of the fiery furnace, and who is that god who can deliver you out of my hands?” Verse 17-20 says, “If our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your god or worship the golden image which you have set up! Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury and his facial expression was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

Therefore he commanded that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than it was usually heated. And he commanded the strongest men in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.” Y’all, the king ordered the furnace to be SEVEN times hotter than usual. Think about the confidence and faith in Christ that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had! The 3 of them were not intimidated by adversity; they knew God could deliver them.

Maybe some of you reading this feel like you are in the middle of a fiery furnace right now.

Perhaps things are not going your way and the “heat” is getting a little too hot for comfort. Lets keep reading in chapter 3, because its about to get good! Verse 24-25 says, “…

King Nebuchadnezzar jumped up and said to his counselors, did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered, True, O king. He answered, Behold, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt! And the fourth is like a son of the gods!” Isn't that powerful, friend?! The Lord showed up, literally with them in the furnace! Do we not serve that same God? A God who says He will never leave us nor forsake us. A God who is all powerful and all knowing. A God who saves.

The situation you are in may seem terrible right now but I challenge you to look around. Look who is right beside you.

Jesus is with you, friend and He is there to help you.

No matter the situation, the Lord is with you and He is faithful in the fire. Daniel 3: 27 says, “…the fire had no power over their bodies, nor was the hair of their head singed; neither were their garments scorched or

changed in color or condition, nor had even the smell of smoke clung to them.” WOW! What a miracle! Back in the day, I couldn't even go to the bowling alley or to Captain D’s without coming out smelling like smoke. And here these 3 men have been IN A FIRE and don’t even smell like smoke!

This chapter reminds me that Jesus delights in working miracles and that He is forever faithful. Despite the difficult situation, God will still be there with you.

He can handle the heat; He doesn't leave when things get “too hot.” I imagine Him getting excited to show himself to you in the fire, in the difficult times.

Looking back on my life, my hardest times were the times where I experienced Christ the most. Will you let Him walk with you through the fire? Will you allow Him to work a miracle in your life just like these 3 men in the furnace? Lastly, please, friend, don’t be intimidated by adversity!

Jesus is with you, always.

Mobileocity is now open in Fort Payne!

!

By Staff Reports

Serving Our Community for 36 Years !

256-845-1742

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Mobileocity is now open in Fort Payne and is here to serve all your Cell Phone repair, accessory, and prepaid needs! (Locally owned and operated!).

Mobileocity is located at 1517 Gault Avenue North in Fort Payne (Across from Rumors Salon).

They offer Cellphone repairs, accessories, prepaid, and much more!

Call them at (256)630-1800 if you have questions about a cell phone repair.

Mobileocity also purchases used cell phones.

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY–MARCH 16, 2018

Politics

Submit your political news to: tyler@southerntorch.com

LEGAL IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO. CS-2018-63

Fort Payne City Schools Superintendent Jim Cunningham at Tuesday’s DeKalb County Commission Meeting. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

NOTICE OF GUARDIANSHIP PROCEEDINGS NOTICE TO: ANDRES FELIPE, FATHER RE: Petition for Guardianship Order for PABLO FELIPE PASCUAL

The City of Fort Payne has started a petition drive for state assistance in demolishing the old DeKalb General Hospital. The presence of toxic mold and asbestos makes the building unusable and the cleanup costly. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

PETITION from Page 1

in standing water for a long period of time. To make any part of the building usable, the cleanup costs and work would be astronomical.

Fort Payne Mayor Larry Chesser said, “After inspections, we’ve assessed that the asbestos, mold, and mildew in the building is more than we

anticipated. We’ve had to scrap the idea of trying to save any part of the building.”

“It will cost way too much money to fix it up.

We are planning on building a FEMA Storm shelter onsite, but we will have to build a brand new structure. We won’t be able to use any of the existing structure,” said Chesser.

According to the Mayor, a larger grant than

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By Steve Flowers AL Political Columnist Well, folks, the 2018 Political year has begun and all of the horses are in the chute. It is going to be a good year for horse races.

Perennially, the year of the governor’s race has been the best year for Alabama politics. Historically, most Alabamians have been more interested in who they elect as governor than who is president. However, we have really been more interested in who is sheriff than president. If the old adage that “All politics is local” applies in Tip O’Neil’s Massachusetts, it applies doubly in the Heart of Dixie.

Our forefathers, who wrote our now antiquated 1901 Constitution, must have perceived that our politics was localized because all of our races are on the ballot in gubernatorial years. This year we will not only elect a Governor, we will vote for a new Lt. Governor, new Attorney General, new

previously thought will be necessary to do the work, and the Brown Fill Grant that the city originally sought, “won’t touch it.”

You can sign the petition below. Citizens can also sign the paper petition at Fort Payne City Schools, banks, Bruce’s Foodland, Government Offices, Fort Payne City Hall, and other locations.

Your signature will be submitted to the City of Fort Payne, and will not be shared with third party sources.

Visit SouthernTorch. com and sign the petition on our homepage! (Petition on the right side of the page)

DeKalb County Schools Superintendent Dr. Jason Barnett at Tuesday’s DeKalb County Commission Meeting. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

COMMISSION from Page 1 million or so," answered Barnett.

"The one mil countywide tax this past year, was worth $135,000 for Fort Payne City Schools," then said Cunningham. "The 3 mil was worth $400,782.00 for Fort Payne City (Schools), and that is the two that was split. And we split them based on pupil numbers; it's about a 25 (percent)/ 75 split. In Fort Payne City, the millage is $154,000 per mil, so that vote for a extension of the 3 mil would be close to half a million dollars. That's our operating money, we need those funds to stay in business."

County Administrator Matt Sharp, who also serves on the DeKalb County Board of Education then said, "On the county schools, that's all the county's educational funds; there is no other property taxes for education. This is probably the first time in the county's history that we have all these renewed like this at the same time.

It is very important, and it's one of the most important decisions we'll

have to make; putting it on the ballot."

Then before the vote, Harcrow said, "Gentlemen, I've been here a long time, and it's the first time that all of them have come up at the same time. I want to assure you, this is the most important vote you'll make in your tenure."

"I want the general public to understand how important this is; not just to the children that go to school today, but for almost a generation to come. It's very important that we do this. This commission is very supportive of you all at the board; not only the county board, but also the city board. We appreciate what all you do. And we stress to the general public how important a, 'yes' vote is on this particular issue," concluded Harcrow.

Harcrow then called for an individual vote, and the resolutions passed unanimously.

Please take notice that a Petition for Guardianship has been filed in said Court by Alicia Felipe Miguel and that on the 28th day of March, 2018, at 10:00am has been set for a hearing on the same in the Probate Court of DeKalb County. Please be advised that if you intend to contest said Petition for Adoption you must file a written response with the attorney for the Petitioner named below and with the Clerk of the Probate Court, 300 Grand Avenue SW, Suite 100, Fort Payne, AL 35967 as soon as possible but no later than thirty (30) days from the day this notice is received. /s/ Gabriela Watson, Esq WATSON & WATSON P.O. Box 1068 Albertville, Alabama 35950 Publish: March 2, March 9, March 16

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Inside the Statehouse Treasurer, new Agriculture Commissioner. Five seats on the State Supreme Court are on the ballot as well as three seats on the Court of Civil Appeals, and three places on the Court of Criminal Appeals.

Along with these State Court races, we have a good many of the Circuit Judges in the state running. All 68 Probate Judges are on the ballot. Lest some of you correct me that we only have 67 counties rather than 68, imperial Jefferson has two Probate Judges. That is not all folks, all 67 Sheriffs in the state are up for their four-year terms. Both political parties select their members to their local and state executive committees.

Part of the state school board runs this year.

Last, but certainly not least, all of our legislative seats are up for election.

Our constitution anoints the Legislature with a good amount of power. Probably more than the Executive and Judicial branches of state government.

Our Constitution was written and dictated by powerful agricultural Black Belt farming and Birmingham industrial interests. They wanted the power vested in the Legislative Branch. They orchestrated malapportioned representative bodies, and gave inordinate power to the Black Belt region.

The Legislature controls the purse strings of the state. Thus, the adage that “those that have the gold set the rules.” The most powerful organization then and still now is the Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA).

They will disburse a token amount to the governor’s race, but they will concentrate their interest and resources on legislative races. Most of the other special interests and organizations will follow suit and do the same.

Therefore, you will see most of the special interest money focused on the 35 state senate seats and 105 House of Representative

places up this year.

Incumbents are usually hard to beat. Indeed, most of the most entrenched incumbent State Senators and Representatives are unopposed or have taken opposition.

There are 10 Senate Seats and 22 House seats where the incumbent is not running. These races will be interesting to watch and expensive and you will have one or two incumbents get benched. One that will probably go down is first term State Senator Larry Stutts in the Northwestern corner of the state.

Speaking of incumbents, very few sitting members of Congress ever lose. No matter if they are Democratic or Republican.

However, one of our seven congressional seats is seriously in play. Incumbent Republican Martha Roby will have her hands full holding on to her congressional seat for a fourth term. She has been considered very vulnerable since her race two-years ago. She is being challenged by four

significant Republicans and two Democrats.

Bobby Bright, who held the seat for two-years as a Democrat, lost the seat to Roby in 2010 only because he insisted on running as a Democrat. He has seen the light and is running for his old seat as a Republican. He is a former mayor of Montgomery for 10-years along with his two years in Congress. He is a stellar campaigner, who has roots in the Wiregrass.

Also in the race will be Rich Hobson, who will be the heir apparent to the Roy Moore organization.

Enterprise/Coffee County

State Representative Barry Moore will do well in his home Wiregrass area.

Newcomer Tommy Amason will get some votes in the River Region. The race for the 2nd District should be interesting.

The other members of our Congressional delegation are Republicans Bradley Byrne, Mike Rogers, Robert Aderholt, Gary Palmer, and Mo Brooks, who all have free rides or token opposition. Our only Democratic Congressperson is Terri Sewell, who has no opposition.

We will handicap the governor’s race next week.

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

d

e

FRIDAY–MARCH 16, 2018

7

DEKALB BASEBALL 2018 COLLINSVILLE

CROSSVILLE

FORT PAYNE 3/16 - Scottsboro 3/17 @ Southside

3/19 - Sand Rock

3/20 @ Cullman

3/20 @ Sand Rock 3/22 - Geraldine

3/17 - Horseshoe Bend

3/22 - Cullman 3/23 -Sylvania

3/26 - Dekalb County Tournament / Sylvania

3/19 @ Sardis

3/24 - Brindlee Mountain

4/3 -Gaston

3/20 @ Geraldine

3/28 - Scottsboro

4/5 @ Gaston

3/24 - Geraldine

3/28 - Guntersville

4/6 @ Geraldine

4/3 - Arab

3/31 - sand Rock

4/10 @ Westbrook Christian

4/5 @ Arab

4/3 - Brewer

4/12 - Westbrook Christian 4/14 - Plainview

3/28 - Wildcat Classic

3/30 - Section

4/5 @ Brewer

4/10 @ Scottsboro

4/6 @ Plainview

4/12 - Scottsboro

4/10 - Albertville

4/16 - Spring Garden

4/12 @ Albertville 4/13 - Southside

4/17 @ Sylvania

4/16 @ Cherokee 4/17 - Pisgah

FYFFE

GERALDINE

3/17 @ Horseshoe Bend / Crossville

3/17 @ Sylvania

3/17@ Crossville

3/19 - Fyffe

3/19 @ Asbury

3/20 - Crossville

3/19 @ Geraldine 3/20 - Asbury 3/22 @ Scottsboro

IDER

3/22 @ Collinsville

3/20 - Section

3/24 @ Crossville

3/22 @ Section

3/26 @ Dekalb County Tournament / Sylvania

3/26 @ Dekalb County Tournament / Sylvania

3/26 @ Dekalb County Tournament / Sylvania

4/3 - Sardis

4/3 @ Fyffe

4/6 - Collinsville

4/3 - Ider

4/5 - Fyffe

4/7 @ Ranburne / Saks

4/9 - Skyline

4/5 @ Ider

4/7 @ Saks

4/10 Asbury

4/7 @ Pisgah

4/10 @ New Hope

4/12 @ Asbury

4/10 -Section

4/12 - New Hope

4/16 @ Gaylesville

4/11 @ Section 4/13 - Geraldine 4/16 - North Jackson

4/13 @ Fyffe 4/16 @ Sardis 4/17 @ North Sand Mtn

PLAINVIEW

SYLVANIA

3/20 - North Sand Mtn

3/17 - Geraldine

3/22 @ North Sand Mtn

3/20 - Pisgah

3/23 @ Scottsboro

3/22 @ Pisgah

3/24 @ Section

3/23 2 Fort Payne

3/26 @ Dekalb County Tournament / Sylvania

3/24 @ New Hope

4/3 @ Sylvania 4/5 - Sylvania 4/6 - Fort Payne 4/13 - Albertville 4/14 @ Collinsville

3/26 - Dekalb County Tournament 4/3 - Plainview 4/5 @ Plainview

VALLEY HEAD

3/20 @ Gaylesville 3/22 - Gaylesville 4/3 - Skyline 4/5 @ Skyline 4/14 - West End

4/9 @ Boaz 4/17 - Collinsville

COACHES! PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR STATS TO MARLA@SOUTHERNTORCH.COM

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY–MARCH 16, 2018

DEKALB SOFTBALL 2018 COLLINSVILLE

CROSSVILLE

3/20 @ Fyffe

3/26 - Gulf Coast Classic III

3/22 @ Ider

3/29 - Fort Payne Spring Break Tournament

3/23 - Piedmont Invitational Tournament

4/3 @ Ider

3/29 - Fort Payne Spring Break Tournament

4/5 - Scottsboro

4/9 - Piedmont

4/9 @ Valley Head

4/10 - Fyffe

4/10 - Arab

4/12 - Sand Rock

4/12 @ Hokes Bluff

4/13 - Gadsden Umpires Tournament

4/17 - Geraldine

4/16 @ Cedar Bluff

4/19 @ Guntersville

4/17 @ Gaston

4/20 - DeKalb County Tournament

4/23 - Geraldine

4/23 - Douglas

4/24 - Ider

4/24 @ Geraldine

4/26 - Cedar Bluff

4/27 - Albertville Pre-Area Tournament

3/19 @ Piedmont

4/28 - Plainview Spring Classic

FYFFE

GERALDINE

3/19 @ Sand Rock 3/20 - Collinsville

4/6 - Bob Jones Tournament 4/9 - Asbury 4/10 @ Collinsville 4/12 - Section 4/13 - Sardis Invitational 4/16 - Plainview

4/23 @ Sylvania 4/24 - Sand Rock 4/25 @ Guntersville

PLAINVIEW

3/20 @ Gadsden City 3/22 @ Cullman 3/29 - Fort Payne Spring Break Tournament 4/3 @ Southside 4/5 - Cullman 4/10 @ Albertville 4/12 - Gadsden City 4/13 - Gadsden Umpires Tournament 4/19 @ Brewer 4/20 - Hoover Classic 4/23 @ Scottsboro 4/24 - Piedmont

IDER

3/29 - Fort Payne Spring Break Tournament

3/22 - Collinsville

4/5 @ Boaz 4/6 - Woodville Tournament

3/23 - Piedmont Invitational Tournament 3/29 - Fort Payne Spring Break Tournament 4/2 - Asbury 4/3 - Crossville

4/9 @ Arab

4/5 @ North Sand Mountain

4/10 - Brindlee Mountain

4/6 - Gadsden City Tournament

4/12 - New Hope

4/10 @ Section

4/13 - Boaz

4/13 - Gadsden Umpires Tournament

4/17 @ Crossville

4/19 - Geraldine

3/19 - Madison County

3/19 - Pisgah

4/16 @ Sylvania

4/17 @ Ider

3/16 - PCA Classic

3/19 - Sylvania

4/2 - Grissom

4/3 @ Asbury

FORT PAYNE

4/16 @ North Jackson 4/17 - Fyffe 4/19 @ Pisgah

4/19 @ Fyffe

4/20 - DeKalb County Tournament

4/20 - DeKalb County Tournament

4/23 - Skyline

4/23 @ Collinsville

4/24 @ Collinsville

4/24 - Crossville

4/25 @ Sylvania

SYLVANIA

VALLEY HEAD

3/19 @ Geraldine

3/20 - Sardis

3/16 - Cedar Bluff

3/22 - Sylvania

3/20 - Pisgah 3/22 @ Plainview

3/19 @ PRValley

3/30 - Sparkman Varsity Round Robin

3/29 - Fort Payne Spring Break Tournament

3/20 @ North Sand Mountain

4/3 - Scottsboro

4/2 @ Section

3/29 @ Asbury

4/6 - Bob Jones Tournament

4/3 - North Sand Mountain 4/6 - Gadsden City Tournament

4/10 @ Sylvania

4/9 - North Jackson

4/11 @ Pisgah 4/12 @ North Sand Mountain

4/10 - Plainview 4/12 @ Pisgah

4/2 @ Whitesburg Christian 4/3 - Skyline 4/9 - Crossville 4/12 @ Skyline 4/13 @ Trojan Challenge

4/16 @ Fyffe

4/16 - Geraldine

4/19 @ Albertville

4/17 - Section

4/16 @ North Sand Mountain

4/24 @ Sardis

4/19 - Skyline

4/17 - Woodville

4/23 - Fyffe

4/20, 21 - DeKalb County Tournament

4/26 - Ider

5/3, 4, 5 - Area Softball Tournament

4/26 - North Jackson 4/28 - Plainview Spring Classic

4/28 - Plainview Spring Classic

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY–MARCH 16, 2018

9

We would like to congratulate the Plainview Bears on their State Championship Victory last week! Join us and these great advertisers in honoring these fine young men for their great accomplishment and season!

Huge Success for Old Timers Basketball

Winners of the Old Timers Basketball Tournament are as follows: Sylvania Men and Women/Pro Amateur, Fort Payne Men/30 and Over, and Plainview Men/30 and younger. (Submitted Photos)

By Marla Jones Sports Editor RAINSVILLE, Ala. — The Annual Old Timers Basketball Tournament kicked off last week with 21 teams made up of over 170 players from Dekalb County.

Fans were treated to 34

games , totaling 37 hours of basketball.

All proceeds from the tournament will go to the Long Ranch 4 Boys. The Long Ranch 4 Boys is a non-profit organization that serves as a place for boys ages 5-18, who need hope and help in a difficult situation. The ranch

provides at risk-boys with a solid family structure while equipping them to be Godly men in their home and community.

Winners of the Old Timers Basketball Tournament were: The Sylvania Men and Women’s team both won the Pro-Amatur Division

tournament. Plainview Men won the 30 & Under Division of the Tournament and Fort Payne Men won the 30 & Over Division.

“The Old TImers Basketball Tournament is the “Tournament of Tournaments” and only the real old timers make it” said Paul Long of the Long Ranch

4 Boys . “Our attendance was great this year due to the number of teams participating.”

The Long Ranch 4 Boys will host the Fifth Annual Old Timers Football Game on April 7, 2018 at Fyffe High School. The game will begin at 7 p.m. “This year, the game is personal will be the

theme” said Paul Long, who plays for the South.

This game is personal for me, as well, because I will be making my debut as a cheerleader, for the North Badgers.

Please make your plans to attend and help a great cause.

Fyffe Track Team on the Move Ellis accepts new position

By Marla Jones Sports Editor

By Marla Jones Sports Editor

FYFFE, Ala. – In their first year, the Fyffe track team is off to a great success.

The Fyffe Track Team is coached by Cheri Williams and volunteer coach, Erik Magnusson. Williams ran track in high school and Magnusson went to college on a pole vault scholarship.

“The kids started asking me about forming a team.

We brought it before the board, who approved it” said Coach Williams. ”We have had great response.” The cross county team started their season in the fall, with all runners placing in the Top 25 in every match. The indoor season ran in December and January, with one runner qualifying for State.

The Outdoor Track season is now in full swing.

Fyffe has runners who

FORT PAYNE, Ala. – According to Fort Payne High School Principal Brian Jett, head football coach Paul Ellis has accepted a position as head football coach at LaFayette High School in LaFayette, Georgia.

Coach Ellis graduated from Fyffe High School. He received his degree in Composite Science from Jacksonville State University.

He is a second generation coach, following his Dad, Nelson Ellis, footsteps.

Coach Ellis has coached at Fort Payne for twenty-three years and has been the Head Coach for the Wildcats for fourteen years.

While at Fort Payne, the Wildcats have qualified for the playoffs every season but two. Under his leadership, the Wildcats have won six region championships. In 2011, Ellis served as the Head Coach for the North-South All-Star game.

More details will follow as they become available.

The members of the Fyffe Cross Country team kickstart their inaugural season. (Submitted Photo)

compete in the 100, 200, 400 and 800. They also participate in the 4x1-100 relay, the 4x4 relay and the 4x800 relay. The team has one member who competes in the javelin.

To start off the outdoor track season, The Fyffe team competed on Friday, at Bob Jones High School in Huntsville. All Fyffe runners placed in the top 25 in their events. The team will compete this Saturday in the

Cullman Invitational. Next Saturday, March 22, 2018 the team will compete locally, at Fort Payne.

The team is selling Fyffe High School tumblers as a fundraiser to help purchase equipment. See any track member, or contact the school, to purchase.

Southern Torch wishes the best of luck to the Fyffe Track Team in their new endeavor.

Hunters of the Week This week's Southern Torch Hunters of the Week are Ryder and Rocky Griggs!

They bagged these ducks on the last day of duck season!

Submit your photos to marla@southerntorch.com to be the next Southern Torch Hunter of the Week!

RUN FOR UGANDA

By Marla Jones Sports Editor

RAINSVILLE, Ala.--- If you are looking for something to do on Saturday, March 17, that will help so many, the Run for Uganda 5k is needing your support.

Entry fee is $30 and proceeds will help the mission teams and funds the digging of wells in Uganda. Runners can register online at www.runsignup. com Run for Uganda or contact Rev. Jeff Sayre at (256) 601-9236 for more information.

The run will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Rainsville Community Church located at 190 Mountain Drive, Rainsville. The run is open to all ages whether you run or walk.

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY–MARCH 16, 2018

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