The Southern Torch — Vol. 4, Issue 16

Bobby Ledbetter’s

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 2018 / VOL. 4, NO. 16 / $1.00

New Look for Old Mapco

FOLLOW

TWEET

Byrum challenges Southern Torch

Rainsville City Attorney Nikki Wilson Scott addresses the Council regarding the condemnation process against the Berry property in the Chavies Bridge project. (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

By Marla Jones Reporter

By Tyler Pruett Managing Editor

>> MAPCO, P2

FORT PAYNE, Ala.— (Video on our website) In a work session before the regular council meeting, the Fort Payne City Council agreed upon a design concept for the old Mapco building on the corner Gault Avenue and Highway 35; across from the park.

Tony Renta, a consultant and grant writer was called up to the podium with representatives of Fifth Dimension Architecture and Interiors, LLC.

Johnston seeks County Commission Presidency

By Staff Reports CROSSVILLE, Ala. — Ben Johnston, of Crossville, has declared candidacy for DeKalb County Commission Chair.

Johnston, a Crossville High School and Auburn University graduate with a degree in Agricultural Economics, lives in Crossville with his wife, Michelle, and daughter, Katelyn. Johnston has operated a real estate appraisal business, Johnston Appraisal, in Fort

Ben Johnston of Crossville will be taking on incumbent DeKalb Co. Commission President Ricky Harcrow this fall on the Democratic ticket.

(Contributed Photo)

Payne as a private business owner for over 12 years and recently opened a real

estate sales business known as Highlander Realty.

Johnston has worked in the private sector for larger corporations, as well as in State and local government, ALDOT and City of Huntsville, respectively, and private business at present. “I believe my work experience across a broad spectrum of business enterprises gives me a good background to help assist our local government in making

DeKalb County a better place than we found it, to leave it and pass it on down,� said Johnston.

Johnston would like to look for more ways to improve our infrastructure, not just roads, but pedestrian sidewalks and greenways, in the County. “My brother, Bob, and I were fortunate growing up to live in such close proximity to the town park.

The park, looking back, was a great thing for us

>> JOHNSTON, P6

Ledbetter announces run for Circuit Clerk

By Staff Reports

FRIDAY 4/20

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SATURDAY 4/21

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SUNDAY 4/22

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RAINSVILLE, Ala. — Melissa Ledbetter is formally announcing her candidacy for DeKalb County Circuit Clerk of the 9th Judicial Circuit as a Republican candidate.

Melissa Ledbetter was originally born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa. In 1995, Chris and Karen Gerber, Melissa’s parents, moved their family to Ider, Alabama where they started a new life from the ground up.

After graduating from Ider High school, Melissa was awarded a Drama

Melissa Ledbetter is formally announcing her candidacy for DeKalb County Circuit Clerk of the 9th Judicial Circuit as a Republican candidate.

(Contributed photo from Melissa Ledbetter Clerk)

Scholarship to Northeast Alabama State Community College where she assisted Mrs. Anne Everitt in the productions as Stage Manager. After studying at Northeast for a year, Melissa was accepted into

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — The Rainsville City Council held their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, April 16, 2018.

During the work session, Councilmember Rickey Byrum challenged the Southern Torch on our reporting of the 35/75 Road Project. Byrum stated that we mischaracterized how the project was funded. “All funding came from federal and state funds. This was not a city project,� Byrum said.

In our Volume 3, Issue 42 (dated October 20, 2017), Southern Torch reported: Project Manager and Rainsville City Councilmember Bejan Taheri added that many towns throughout Alabama are upgrading for safety purposes. “This will be a big improvement for Rainsville,� said Taheri. “This endeavor is a federal project with eighty percent of the cost coming from federal funds and twenty percent coming from state money.�

>> COUNCIL, P2

The Southern Torch would like to thank each and every person who participated in, attended, and worked at our Republican Candidate Forum and Judicial Forum over the last two weeks!

Make sure you check out the back page of this issue for plenty of pictures from last week's forum with all the candidates for local office!

Auburn University and graduated with her bachelors in Criminology.

While at Auburn, she worked two jobs and volunteered as a Big Sister.

Melissa was accepted into the Alabama Bar Association and attended Birmingham School of Law for a year. She withdrew with a 3.5 GPA with intentions to return after raising her children.

Melissa was accepted into the Professional Studies Graduate program at Austin Peay University

>> LEDBETTER, P2 Visit our website at www.southerntorch.com for daily news updates and pick up your weekly print edition at news stands every Friday.

FRIDAY–APRIL 20, 2018

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Interestingly, Byrum chose to criticize our report concerning the road project months after the project was hurriedly completed in the colder weather of early December of 2017.

Councilmember Taheri has previously stated that the timing of the paving was due to the necessity of completing the project prior to the regularly scheduled Rainsville Christmas parade.

Southern Torch has previously reported that the Rainsville road project was awarded to Wiregrass Construction for a total of $1,127,370.31 according to the Alabama Department of Transportation. Since completion, we have reported on the deterioration of road. Taheri previously informed Southern Torch that the road work would have to be redone.

Councilmember Marshall Stiefel presented to the council a report from Revenue Commissioner Tyler Wilks concerning the number of people who had used the County Annex office adjacent to the City Hall. The report stated that 24,000 people were served

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Work began last Monday on a federally and state funded project at the intersection of Highways 75 and 35 in Rainsville. Concrete curbs will be added to the turn lanes.

from June 1, 2017 to April 1, 2018.

City Attorney Nikki Scott updated the Council on the condemnation of Tracts 3 and 4 (Berry property) for the Chavies Bridge project.

She stated that on April 12, the judge had issued an order, paying Billy Berry, $500, and Roger Dale Berry, $1650, for their property.

The property owners have thirty days to appeal. Scott recommended that the Council empower the mayor to sign for any other action regarding this matter.

In the regular meeting, there were two motions brought forth. One that the City would not appeal the ruling of court. The vote was 3-1 with Stiefel voting

against. The second motion was to empower the mayor to sign for any legal matters regarding this ruling. The vote passed 3-1 (Councilmember Taheri was absent). The lone no vote was Councilmember Marshall Stiefel.

“I disagree with the way it was handled,” continued Stiefel. “I do not agree how people were sent with no official affiliation with the City to try to strongarm the property owners to give up their property. This is not how business should be conducted. I have known the Berry’s for years. I feel that if a couple of us could’ve met, we could have settled this over a cup of coffee in around fifteen minutes. Now

we will spend countless dollars on legal fees when all of this could have been avoided. This is just another example of what happens when you try to run things like the ‘good ole boys’ have done for years,” concluded Stiefel.

Southern Torch reached out to landowner Billy Berry for his opinion. Berry stated that he would appeal and his attorney was in the process of preparing the paperwork.

The Council also took action on the following: Approved Panic Hardware the Tom Bevill Enrichment Center doors for $575 Granted RTI (Rainsville Technology Institute) a tax abatement until December 2019 Accepted the resignation of police officer Eric Tidmore Re-routed sewer line behind Pruett’s Jewelry for cost of $3,500 Replaced culverts on Parker and George Wallace avenues for cost of $2,855 Hired Kevin Keller to build a pavilion at the Field of Dreams for cost of $9,353 The next regularly scheduled council meeting will be held on May 7, 2018 with the workshop beginning at 4:15pm, followed by the council meeting at 5pm.

MAPCO from Page 1 “These are the guys that we are talking to about potentially working on the old Mapco building.

Hopefully we’ll see a change in that real soon,” said Council President Brian Baine.

“We presented a two different concepts to the council in the work session,” said Renta, “and it was agreed upon by the council to go with what they refer to as the ‘pavilion’ plan, and the site changes in coordination with it. We are going to make minor modifications to that building based off that meeting.”

The cost of the project will be determined by a construction manager, which the city met with before the meeting.

“And with ya’ll’s approval, hire a construction manager to start determining some initial budget costs for what that building would cost,” explained Renta.

Bird’s eye view of the ‘Pavillion’ Concept. (Design by Fifth Dimension Architecture and Interiors LLC)

The council then agreed to tentatively hire Ra – Lin Construction to serve as the construction manager for the project.

Representatives Jay Grubbs held a presentation for the council before the meeting regarding the benefit of hiring a firm to serve as the construction manager.

Ra – Lin has oversaw numerous school and government construction

projects in the area.

The firm needed to draw up a contract for the city Tuesday afternoon.

“Tentatively approving,” the contract with Ra – Lin allows the council to approve the contract with the firm as soon as it’s ready, as opposed to waiting until the next meeting.

After the meeting, Fort Payne Mayor Larry Chesser commented on the

construction process: “We gave final approval for the contract with Ra-Lin, so we are proceeding with this concept.”

“We are hoping it will be ready by Boom Days this year, but I know that will be hard to do,” said Chesser. “The next thing we’ll have to do is cost estimates and then we’ll move in to soliciting bids.”

LEDBETTER from Page 1 where she received her graduate degree in Strategic Management (aka Human Resources).

Melissa started her career as a paralegal for attorneys in private practice. Melissa was approached by the CEO of Republic Parking System, Inc. to be his Corporate Legal Specialist where she managed caseloads for Republic, which included being the Corporate Representative in all legal matters, as well as managing the personnel who worked in the department.

After some time, Melissa became the paralegal for the Hamilton County District Attorney’s office. She was tasked with starting an internship program at the office and wrote her third office employee handbook. She also managed expungements, child abuse, domestic violence, elder abuse and assisting in the Cold Case Unit. Melissa was also asked to be the Assistant TAC for the office, which was to ensure the office was following policies for the Federal criminal background database, NCIC. Melissa is an adjunct professor at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, teaching Criminal Law. Melissa has been interviewed on the radio and television on reinventing yourself and achieving a career. She was asked by Chattanooga State to be on their Paralegal Studies commercial, which has now aired for years promoting the paralegal program. Melissa also served on the Paralegal Board for Chattanooga State Community College.

She also coordinated mock trials between the students of Chattanooga State and UTC. Melissa was elected the first female to sit on the Rainsville City Council where she assisted in leading the effort for Rainsville to progress forward, while maintaining and

respecting the laws that guide and direct municipalities. Melissa started the Imagination Library for the children in Rainsville, which she continues to manage. She has written and been awarded grants to fund several small projects for the City of Rainsville.

Melissa has had training in grant writing, terrorism, numerous legal database systems, domestic violence and community response teams, and investigations and research. She has interviewed people for employment reasons, as well as interviewed victims, witnesses and defendants.

Melissa is married to Nick Ledbetter and they have 7-year-old twins, Tripp & Major. She is a member of the church of Christ where she has been actively involved in Sunday school teaching and organizing the annual Ladies Day. Melissa was brought up with strong Christian, conservative values and has been a Republican since the move to the United States.

Melissa is a candidate for the DeKalb County Circuit Clerk, 9th Judicial Circuit, because the duties and needs of that office lines up with her education and her on the job experience. She has the skillset to run an efficient and professional office that meets, not only the needs of the people of DeKalb County, but also strengthen the very foundation of the efficiency of the DeKalb County judicial system.

Melissa will run the Circuit Clerk’s office with energy and VALOR. To learn more about the plans of Melissa as the Circuit Clerk of the 9th Judicial Circuit, go to www.melissaledbetterclerk.com and find her political page on Facebook https://www.facebook. com/ melissaledbetterclerk.

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FRIDAY–APRIL 20, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

COMMUNITY

Local officials weigh-in on Richard Land passing

3

Submit your community events to: zach@southerntorch.com

Rainsville Library announces summer program

(Submitted Photo)

By Tyler Pruett Managing Editor RAINSVILLE, Ala. — On Friday, DeKalb County lost a former Superintendent of Education.

John Richard Land passed away at the age of 76 at Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga.

Land served at the Superintendent of Education from June 1996 until June 2001 after choosing not to seek a second term. He was remembered as a hands-on official that took an interest in the well-being of DeKalb County’s students.

Land was innovator in his time; pioneering the School Resource Officer (SRO) program in DeKalb County, as County Administrator Matt Sharp, who also serves on the DeKalb County School Board explained.

“I had the pleasure of working with Richard during his last year of office. It was my first year as an auditor and it was his

last year in office,” said Sharp. “He obtained three-year grant funding to put an SRO in every school.”

The SRO program would end in 2003 when the grant funding ran out.

Sharp and other county officials were able to restore SROs at some schools, after 2003, but there has not been an officer in every school since Mr. Land’s program ended.

Sharp also pointed out that Land was the first Republican elected to the office of Superintendent in DeKalb County since 1964.

Current Superintendent Dr. Jason Barnett also weighed in on Land’s passing: “I was to saddened to hear of the passing of former DeKalb County School Superintendent Richard Land.”

“From the outpouring of love at his funeral visitation and speaking to his former students and colleagues, it is very apparent he left a legacy that will be long lasting,” said Dr. Barnett. “We are

thankful for Mr Land’s service, and he will be remembered for his commitment to the students, faculty, and communities of DeKalb County,” he said.

“His wife and family will be in my prayers,” concluded Dr. Barnett.

DeKalb County Commission President Ricky Harcrow, who served as a commissioner during Land’s term, said: “I’ve known Mr. Land my whole life. He’ll be greatly missed. Richard was a great fellow, and a great public servant.”

“The community is at a loss, because he was dedicated to what he did. I knew him for over 50 years. I sorely regret I was gone when he passed away,” concluded Harcrow.

Land’s funeral was held on Sunday at the Rainsville Funeral Home with Bro. Gary Kirk and Bro. Kevin McCreless officiating. He was survived by his wife Rebecca Land and sister Carolyn Roberts, along with brother Rodney Land.

(Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

By Staff Reports RAINSVILLE, Ala. — The Rainsville Public Library announced their Summer Reading Program for this year. It will begin on Tuesday, May 1 and run through Monday, June 4.

This year’s theme is “Libraries Rock!” Children who have completed grades K-6 and live in DeKalb or Jackson counties are eligible to participate in this wonderful program.

They will have several programs throughout the months of June and July, concluding with Awards Day and a pool party sponsored by Farmer’s Telecommunications and the City of Rainsville on July 26. All participants will have reading goals that they must meet to attend the ending party.

They will also have a pre-K reading program for children ages 2-5, a young adults program for ages 12-17, and an adult program

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for ages 18 and up. Please contact the library for more information.

“We would like to thank our sponsors; without them, our Summer Reading Program would not be a success!” said Monica Smith, the Children’s Services Librarian.

The 2018 Summer Reading Program will be sponsored by: Farmer’s Telecommunications Cooperative, the City of Rainsville, Wordsouth, Stevi B’s, Little River Canyon National Preserve, and DeSoto State Park.

See our website for the full calendar of events for this year’s Summer Reading Program!

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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:

Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor Marla Jones, Sports Editor Zach Hester, Graphic Design Artist Amy Thrash, Advertising Representative

Send address changes to Southern Torch, P.O. Box

Lindsey Jones, Office Assistant

614 Rainsville, Alabama 35986-0614.

Membership rates:

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Regular yearly rate–$30 Senior or Veteran yearly rates–$25

The Town of Geraldine has applied for financial assistance through USDA Rural Development to purchase police vehicles and equipment AND for paving, through the Community Facility Loan and Grant Program for the Geraldine community. A public meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at 5pm at Geraldine Town Hall to dscuss the project. All interested parties are invited to attend.

NOTICE OF CUSTODY PROCEEDINGS NOTICE TO: JESUS RAMIREZ JESUS RAMIREZ, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer the Petition and other relief by the 7th day of June, 2018, or, thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against him in the DeKalb County, Alabama District Court Case No.: CS-2018900029. /s/Gabriela Watson, Esq WATSON & WATSON P.O. Box 1068 Albertville, Alabama 35950 Publish: April 13, April 20, April 27, May 4

4

FRIDAY–APRIL 20, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

BUSINESS

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UPCOMING EVENTS 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.

April 19-22 & 26-29, The Addams Family - NACC Theatre will present “The Addams Family” held at the Tom Bevill Lyceum on the campus of Northeast Alabama Community College. Friday/Saturday evening performances will begin at 7pm and Sunday matinees start at 2pm. All seats are reserved, and tickets are $5 each!

April 20, Secret

Church at Rainsville FBC - The First Baptist Church of Rainsville will host a “Secret Church” event with David Platt on Friday, April 20 at 6pm in the Auditorium. This six-hour event is free and you are welcome to come and go as needed. No childcare will be provided. “Cults and Counterfeit Gospels” will be the topic. Go to www. rainsvillefirst.com or call (256) 638-3141 for more information.

April 21, Little River Canyon Center Earth Day - Celebrate Earth Day with JSU Field Schools at the Little River Canyon Center.

They will host hikes, crafts, and a day of fun. Sign-up sheets will be at the front desk for attending hikes hosted by various instructors. Live animals programs and awesome nature hikes promise to make this celebration a blast! It will be held on April 21 from 10am to 4pm and is free!

April 21, Third Saturday Sunset Cruise-In

- The first Third Saturday of the year will be on April 21 in the Main Street District of Fort Payne! This event will include food, live music, antique cars, and much more! Make plans to join them from 5pm to 9pm and the cost is free!

April 25, Rainsville Chamber Administrative Professional Luncheon Join the Rainsville Chamber of Commerce for their annual Administrative Professional Day Luncheon on April 25 at noon at the Tom Bevill Center. Tickets are $20 and include a meal, local entertainment, door prizes (including $1000 cash prizes)! Call (256) 638-7800 for more information.

April 27 & 28, Shrine Rodeo - The all new Shrine Rodeo will be held on April 27 and 28 at 7:30pm at the Northeast Alabama Agri-Business Center! It is produced by 4L & S Rodeo and The DeKalb Shrine Club. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for kids ages

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April 28, FSB Relay for Life - Join First State Bank for the 7th annual Relay for Life 5K Run/Walk Fun Run! Participants are encouraged to walk or run in memory or in honor of a loved one. It will begin at DeKalb Lake in Sylvania at 8am on April 28 with a $25 entry fee!

May 4 & 5, Vintage Pickin’ Barn Sale - The Vintage Pickin’ Barn Sale at White Oaks Farm in Fyffe allows you to shop some of the best vendors from around the South! Vintage marketplace featuring: Farmhouse, Primitives, Rustic Junk, Shabby &

French Country, Repurposed goods and more! There will be live music and local food vendors as well! Check them out on Facebook for times and prices!

May 5, Friends of the Depot Silent Auction & Gala - Fort Payne Depot Museum presents Friends of the Depot Silent Auction & Gala. Proceeds from this event will go towards our Little Red Caboose Educational Express and towards our “Depot Traveling History Trunks Program” project. Fort Payne Coal and Iron Building. Tickets can be purchased at the Depot Museum, Brown’s Cleaners, and Pat’s Salon. It begins at 6pm and costs $25 per ticket.

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FRIDAY–APRIL 20, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FAITH

5

Submit your faith articles to: marla@southerntorch.com

Take Up the Shield of Faith

By Nathaniel Bates Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church In the day and hour that we are living in, discouragement is a very real thing. The Devil would love to have you discouraged, doubting and defeated today, but rest assured that the Devil will use many

avenues to get a blood bought born again believer.

His discouragement immobilizes the Gospel threat or defuses a Gospel bomb; discouragement is a very old tool of the Devil. The Devil has silenced many pastors, preachers, singers, and faithful Christians. How do we defeat it, pastor?

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Let the Devil's discouragement be fuel for you to draw closer to God. Ephesians 6:16 says, "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."

What do we need when it comes to facing those fiery darts? We need faith. Faith that comes from trusting the promises of God when everything has gone wrong in your life.

Friends: today is the day to encourage yourself in the Lord, put on the

shield of faith, and stand ready for the attacks of the Devil. At the cross of Calvary, while our precious Jesus hung there, he spoke these words: IT IS FINISHED. Our Jesus was dead, though the Devil had thought he won.

Three days later our Savior arose defeating death, Hell, and the grave.

When Jesus arose He broke the power of Satan over a fallen humanity and will finally be defeated once and for all (Revelation 20:10).

Beloved, today we are winners either way if we go or if we stay, look to

the hill from whence cometh our help and today that hill is called Calvary.

Nathaniel Bates is the pastor of Mt. Zion

Missionary Baptist Church in Flat Rock, Ala. He works for the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office and is assigned to the Drug Task Force.

DEATH NOTICES WT WILSON Loyd Bates - 83 of Fort Payne, passed away on Saturday, April 14, 2018.

The family received friends from 3pm to 8pm on Sunday, April 15 at the funeral home. Funeral services were held at 1pm on Monday, April 16 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bro. John Keefe officiating.

Burial followed in Glenwood Cemetery.

Wilbur Lee, Jr. - 68 of Mentone, passed away on Sunday, April 15, 2018. The family received friends from 4pm to 8pm on Wednesday, April 18 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel.

Funeral services were held at 1pm on Thursday, April 19 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bro. Ron Reynolds, Bro. Shannon Spillman, and State Representative Nathaniel Ledbetter officiating.

Burial followed in Holly Springs Cemetery with military honors.

CORNER STONE Robert “Bobby” Guffey - 75, passed away on April 13, 2018. Visitation was held at Higdon Free Holiness Church in Higdon, Ala., on Sunday, April 15 at noon ET and on Monday, April 16 from 11am until 4pm ET. Funeral services were held on Monday, April 16 at 4pm ET at the church with Bros. Edwin Spurgeon and Shannon Byrd officiating. Burial followed in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens.

Tracy Keith - 41 of Ider, passed away on Sunday, April 15, 2018. A visitation was held on Tuesday, April 17 from 4pm

to 8pm at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel.

James Holcomb - 83 of Flat Rock, passed away on Sunday, April 15, 2018 at his residence. The family received friends from 4pm to 8pm on Monday, April 16 and from 10am until service time on Tuesday, April 17 at the funeral home. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, April 17 at 2pm CT at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Bros. Edward Reel and Frankie Carroll officiating.

Burial followed in Kirk Memory Gardens with masonic rights and military honors.

RAINSVILLE

Kathryn Mitchell Patton - Lovingly remembered by her family, Kathryn Mitchell Patton, passed away on April 10, 2018 at the age of 84 years at home with her family in Jasper, Ala. Kathryn was born on July 13, 1933 at home in Fyffe, Ala. Known for her quick wit and striking beauty, she was a dedicated homemaker, talented florist, and lifelong member of Pine Grove Methodist Church.

Kathryn is survived by her husband, Bill Patton, and two daughters, Karen Bevill (Donald) and Jamie Doss (Jeremy), nine grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. She joins two daughters, Melanie Wilks (Alan) and Anna Faye Hendrix, as well

as her parents Lena and Wyatt Mitchell in Heaven.

A homecoming celebration of Kathryn’s life was held at 2pm on April 13, 2018 at Rainsville Funeral Home. Open visitation is directly preceding the service from 11am to 2pm.

Memorial donations in memory of Kathryn can be made to the Upper Sand Mountain United Methodist Parrish at PO Box 267 in Sylvania, Ala. 35988.

John Land - 76 of Rainsville, passed away on Friday, April 13, 2018 at Erlanger Hospital.

Visitation was held on Sunday, April 15 from 1pm to 3pm at the funeral home. Funeral services were held on Sunday, April 15 at 3pm at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Bros. Gary Kirk and Kevin McCreless officiating.

Burial followed in Mountain View Memory Gardens.

Shelby Jean Davis - 80 of Harvest, originally of Pisgah, passed away on Saturday, April 14 at Valley View Health & Rehabilitation. Visitation was held on Wednesday, April 18 from 12pn to 2pm at the funeral home.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 18 at 2pm at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Earnest Corbitt officiating.

Burial followed in New Canaan Cemetery.

WILSON

Sunday, April 15, 2018 at DeKalb Regional Medical Center. The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 19 at 5pm until the hour of service. A memorial service was held at 6pm on Friday, April 20 at Wilson Funeral Home Chapel.

LaVada Pope - 74 of Fort Payne, passed away on Sunday, April 15, 2018 at Crowne Health Care. The family received friends on Tuesday, April 19 from 5pm to 8pm at the funeral home. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Wednesday, April 18 at Wilson Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed in Mountain View Memorial Gardens.

BURT

KERBY

Virginia Allene Spillman - 82, passed away on Sunday, April 15, 2018.

Visitation was held on Thursday, April 19 at Burt Chapel-Fort Payne at 4pm to 8pm. Funeral services are set for Friday, April 20 at the funeral home at 10am with Rev. David McCarroll officiating. Burial will follow in Liberty Hill Cemetery.

Janice Huston - 54 of Henagar, passed away on Wednesday, April 11, 2018.

Visitation was held from 10am until service time on Saturday, April 14 at Kerby Funeral Home Chapel.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 14 at 11am at the funeral home with Rev. Terry Phillips officiating.

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Thelma Johnson - 86 of Fort Payne, passed away on Friday, April 13, 2018 at her residence. Visitation was held on Monday, April 16 from 1pm to 3pm at the funeral home. Funeral services were held at 3pm on Monday, April 16 at Wilson Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed in Glenwood Cemetery.

Cut this out of this week’s issue & mail it back to us with your check or cash to get your Southern Torch every week!

Eileen Gnann - 91 of Fort Payne, passed away on

P.O. Box 614 • Rainsville, AL 35986

Name Address

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FRIDAY–APRIL 20, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

POLITICS

Submit your political news to: tyler@southerntorch.com

Tony 'Buck' Keef seeking JOHNSTON from Page 1 commission spot

By Staff Reports FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Tony ‘Buck’ Keef is challenging incumbent District III Commissioner Chris Kuykendall in the June 5th Republican Primary.

DeKalb County’s Commission District III covers Fort Payne, much of Lookout Mountain, and Collinsville.

Keef has worked for the City of Fort Payne for the last 7 years; currently serving as the building maintenance supervisor.

Keef has also worked in construction most of his life and built houses as a general contractor.

Currently, he also owns and operates a cattle farm in Portersville.

Buck also worked in sock industry for a little over 10 years; serving as the Co-Owner, Vice President, and Personnel Director for over 240 employees at Specialty Knitting in Fort Payne.

Buck is a graduate of Plainview High School.

During his time as the building maintenance supervisor for Fort Payne, he has overseen projects such as the renovations of the Coal & Iron Building in downtown and building the stage at the Rotary Pavilion.

When it comes to what Keef would like to do at the county level, he related that the conditions of DeKalb County’s roads are a big concern of his.

“I’d like to develop a rating system of all the roads,” said Keef. “We need to determine our worst roads with the most traffic on them to prioritize our paving projects.”

Fort Payne City employee Tony ‘Buck’ Keef is challenging longtime District III County Commissioner Chris Kuykendall in the June 2018 Republican Primary. (Contributed Photo)

“The conditions of our roads also affect the Sheriff’s Office Budget and the Council on Aging Budget. County vehicles traveling on rough roads need more in maintenance,” said Keef.

Keef also related that DeKalb County needs more revenue to conduct more paving projects.

“I think the legislature has a bill coming up next year to increase the gas tax or fuel tax. I don’t know if it will pass or not, but President Trump has an infrastructure bill he wanted to raise fuel tax 5 cents a year for the next four years. That would help us out tremendously,” explained Keef.

“The county is operating on about a $19 million dollar budget, and the fuel tax or gas tax is 18 cents in the State of Alabama, and that’s pretty much where they get their money from. Every cent is about $1 million dollars.

And they have no other way to get revenue, besides when they sold

the dumptrucks, and made $350,000.00 this year,” he said.

Keef also praised Director Tommy Broyles of the County Road Department for his efforts at selling the county’s dump trucks at Auction for a profit. He explained how by purchasing trucks on the state bid and properly maintaining them, the county is able to sell them for a profit each year and purchase new trucks.

“They have new trucks all the time, never have any maintenance, and they are always under warranty. Plus the revenue from selling these vehicles also help us have more money to pave roads. It’s a pretty sweet deal,” said Keef.

Keef is hosting a Meet and Greet at the Rotary Pavilion in downtown Fort Payne this Saturday, from 4 - 6 pm; right before the first Third Saturday Event of 2018.

Light refreshments will be served.

then and children today, a place to exercise and learn how to play well with others. I’d like to look for ways to assist our towns and cities in the County to enhance and expand recreation opportunities for our kids. They are our future and deserve better.”

Johnston also would like to revamp the ‘Adopt a Mile’ program in the County, to replace groups that no longer pick up litter and to expand areas that do not currently have a group to pick up litter.

“I’d like to erase the waste completely, but I also know there are only so many willing people to aide in that effort,” explained Johnston. “But we can do better. If we want to expand tourism and entice new business and industry to our county, we need to do a better job of keeping this beautiful place we live in more litter free.”

“There are many opportunities for our youth to study ‘outside’ and make real what is taught in the classroom and I’d like to see that increased,” Johnston continued. “More student interaction with our surroundings, other than technology and in classroom study. I’d like to partner with our Board of

Education to make student learning outside the classroom an important part of their learning process to learn more about our planet, our resources, our native plants, rivers and creeks and wildlife to make it ‘more real’ and have a better understanding of what God has so richly blessed us with and how to care for it going forward.”

Lastly, Johnston would like to recruit new business and industry with jobs that require higher degrees of learning, technical and college, but also help locally owned and small businesses.

“We need to look for companies that match our student-graduate competency of all levels and I feel we are failing short students that pursue learning beyond high school degrees. I think small business owners, locally owned businesses, are being left behind when

it comes to incentives. We read in the paper often when some out of State or out of the Country company comes to town and get tax breaks and incentives, but you rarely ever hear of a small business owner expanding to a few more jobs and building on to their business and getting any help,” he said.

“I’d like to see that change. We can do better.”

Mr. Johnston is a member of Mount Vernon Baptist Church of Albertville, serves on the board with Bread of Life Ministries and is a member of Valley Head Masonic Lodge, a duel member with Geraldine Masonic Lodge and a member of Cahaba Shriners.

Inside the Statehouse

By Steve Flowers AL Political Columnist MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Our antiquated 1901 Constitution was designed to give inordinate power to the Legislature. During the Wallace years, the King of Alabama politics, George Wallace, usurped this power and controlled the Legislature from the Executive Branch of Government. Over the last couple of decades the Legislature has wrestled this power back and pretty much excluded the Governor from their bailiwick. Governors Bob Riley and Robert Bentley were ostracized and pretty much ignored. Their proposed budgets were instantaneously tossed into the nearest trashcan.

Legislative power is derived from controlling the state’s purse strings.

Thus the old adage, “Those who have the gold set the rules.” The Legislature has gotten like Congress in that incumbents are

difficult to defeat.

Therefore, the interest will be on the open Senate and House seats. Most of the Montgomery Special Interest money will be focused on these Legislative races.

Speaking of Montgomery, two open and most interesting Senate seats in the state will be in the Montgomery/ River Region. One is currently in progress.

Montgomery City Councilman, David Burkette, Representative John Knight and Councilman Fred Bell are pursuing the Democratic seat vacated by Senator Quinton Ross when he left to become President of Alabama State University.

Burkette has already bested Knight and Bell in a Special Election last month. A rebound race is set for June 5.

The Republican Senate seat in the River Region held by Senator Dick Brewbaker is up for grabs.

This seat was expected to attract numerous

well-known aspirants.

However, when the dust settled at the qualifying deadline two relatively unknown candidates were the only ones to qualify.

Will Barfoot and Ronda Walker are pitted against each other in a race that is considered a tossup.

The Etowah County/ Gadsden area was considered one of the most Democratic areas of the state for generations.

However, in recent years it has become one of the most Republican. State Representative, Mack Butler, should be favored as a Republican. Although, polling indicates that veteran Democratic Representative, Craig Ford, could make this a competitive race in the Fall. He is running as an Independent.

Veteran State Senator Harri Ann Smith has represented the Wiregrass/Dothan area admirably for over two decades. She has been elected several times as an Independent. However,

she has decided not to seek reelection. Her exit leaves State Representative Donnie Chesteen in the catbird seat to capture the seat.

Republican State Senator Paul Bussman, who represents Cullman and northwest Alabama, is a maverick and very independent. This independence makes him powerful. He will be reelected easily.

State Representative David Sessions is predicted to win the seat of Senator Bill Hightower who is running for Governor.

Most of the state Senate’s most powerful members are unopposed or have token opposition.

Included in this list of incumbent State Senators are veteran Senate leader and Rules Chairman, Jabo Waggoner, R-Vestavia, Senate President, Del Marsh, R-Calhoun, Senate Majority Leader, Greg Reed, R-Jasper, veteran Senator Jimmy Holley, R-Coffee, as well as Senate leaders Arthur Orr,

R-Decatur, Cam Ward, R-Alabaster, Clay Scofield, R-Marshall, Clyde Chambliss, R-Autauga, Steve Livingston, R-Scottsboro, Tom Whatley, R-Lee, and Shay Shelnutt, R-Gardendale.

The Senate leadership will remain intact, as will the House leadership.

Almost all of the House leaders are unopposed or have token opposition. This prominent list includes: Speaker Mac McCutcheon, R-Madison, Budget Chairmen, Steve Clouse, R-Ozark, Bill Poole, R-Tuscaloosa, Speaker Pro-tem, Victor Gaston, R- Mobile, Rules Chairman, Mike Jones, R-Covington.

In addition, there are numerous Veteran lawmakers, who will be reelected, including Lynn Greer, Mike Ball, Jim Carnes, Howard Sanderford, Kerry Rich, and Jimmy Martin; as well as rising leaders: Nathaniel Ledbetter, Kyle South, Connie Rowe, Tim

Wadsworth, April Weaver, Paul Lee, Terri Collins, Danny Garrett, Dickie Drake, Chris Pringle, Randall Shedd, Allen Farley, Becky Nordgren, Mike Holmes, David Standridge, Dimitri Polizos, Reed Ingram and Chris Sells.

Even though there are 22 open House seats and 10 open Senate Seats, the leadership of both Chambers will remain the same.

There are some competitive House seats that will be interesting. In the Pike/Dale County Seat 89, Pike Probate Judge Wes Allen is pitted against Troy City Council President Marcus Paramore. Tracy Estes is favored to replace retiring Mike Millican in Marion County. Alfa is going all out for Estes.

David Wheeler is expected to capture the open House seat in Vestavia.

See you next week.

FRIDAY–APRIL 20, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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STATE BOUND The Sylvania Boys Tennis Team recently won the 2018 1A-3A Sectional Tournament. This is a repeat performance from last year's victory in the same tournament. The team, coached by Dustin Dalton, is state bound for the second year in a row!

Local Athletes named to North-South Basketball All-Star Teams

By Staff Reports MONTGOMERY, Ala. — All-star squads for the 2018 North-South boys’ and girls’ basketball games have been selected.

Sixty outstanding junior basketball players, 15 on each team, were chosen from nominations submitted by high school coaches from across the state to participate at the 22th annual AHSAA Summer Conference and AHSADCA All-Star Games competition scheduled for Montgomery July 16-20.

Alvin Briggs, Director of the Alabama High School Athletic Directors & Coaches Association (AHSADCA), announced the teams Friday.

The girls’ and boys’ basketball games will be at the Dunn-Oliver Acadome on the Alabama State University campus Wednesday night, July 18, at 6 and 7:30 p.m., respectively.

The AHADCA All-Star Games also include in-state all-star games in football, soccer, baseball, softball, volleyball and cross country. The 57th North-South All-Star football game will be played Thursday night, July 19, at Cramton Bowl to close out the all-star competition.

The AHSAA Summer Conference is a week-long conference that includes sports-specific clinics and special sessions for

coaches, principals, athletic directors, cheerleading coaches and officials. Also, an All-Sports Equipment Expo and other related activities are scheduled throughout the week.

Coaches Ronnie Jackson of Ramsay High School and Candace Byrd of R.A. Hubbard will direct the North girls’ team. Will Copeland of Sylacauga and Russell Carr of Guntersville will coach the North boys’ squad. Brant Llewellyn of Lauderdale County will serve as administrative assistant for the North boys’ and girls’ teams.

Coaching the South girls’ team are Rhonda Wright of Clarke County and Anthony Edwards of Loachapoka. South boys’ coaches are Bryant Johnson of Lee-Montgomery and Mike Smith of Eufaula. Nigel Card of Saint James is the administrative assistant for the South boys and girls.

Among the players selected for the South girls’ team are 6-foot-5 River Baldwin of Pleasant Home, the ASWA Class 1A player of the year for 2018; 6-4 Maori Davenport of Charles Henderson, the 2018 Class 5A state tournament MVP for the state champion Lady Trojans and the ASWA Class 5A player of the year.

Named to the North All-Star squad are 6-1 forward Jasmine Gracie of

2018 Class 4A state champion Madison Academy, 2018 Class 3A state tourney MVP Annie Hughes of 3A state champion Pisgah, guard Marissa Snodgrass of Class 6A state champion Hazel Green and Ahrielle Parks of 2018 Class 7A state champion Spain Park.

Among the North boys selected are 6-3 point guard Kira Lewis of Class 6A semifinalist Hazel Green, 6-3 forward Caden Millican, named the MVP of the Class 3A state tournament for Plainview; 6-3 guard Khalil Watkins of 2018 Class 1A state champion Sacred Heart Catholic; 6-6 forward Logan Padgett of Homewood and 6-5 guard Cornelius Brown IV of Calera. Headlining the South squad are 6-6 guard Jaykwon Walton, the Class 6A state tourney MVP for 2018 state champion Carver-Montgomery; 6-8 forward DeAntoni Gordon of LeFlore, 6-8 center Demond Robinson of Lee-Montgomery and 6-6 forward Alex Wright of Elba.

The North boys won last year’s game played at Auburn-Montgomery Gymnasium 75-64 to improve to 48-27 in the North-South all-star series which was first played in 1953. The North girls also won 76-67 and are now 18-3 in the series which began in 1997.

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FRIDAY–APRIL 20, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

AHSAA STATE BASEBALL PLAYOFFS FIRST-ROUND PAIRINGS Fyffe (20-4) at Phil Campbell (20-9)

Collinsville (10-12) at Thorsby (19-4)

Friday, 4/20 at 4pm & 6:30pm (Sat. if needed at 1pm)

Friday, 4/20 at 4:30pm & 6:30pm (Sat. if needed at 1pm)

Clements (14-7) at Plainview (12-6)

Sylvania (8-16) at West Morgan (19-9)

Friday, 4/20 at 4:30pm & 7pm (Sat. if needed at noon)

Friday, 4/20 at 4:30pm & 6:30pm (Sat. if needed at noon)

Lexington (13-10) at Geraldine (10-8)

Red Bay (15-10) at Section (15-8)

Friday, 4/20 at 5pm & 7pm (Sat. if needed at 1pm)

Friday, 4/20 at 5pm & 7pm (Sat. if needed at 1pm)

Jacobs signs with UAH

By Tyler Pruett Managing Editor

Ava Jacobs with parents Tina and Nathan Jacobs, brother Will Jacobs, and grandparents Marie and Glenn Jacobs. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — Last Thursday, Ava Jacobs of Plainview signed an Academic and Softball scholarship with the University of Alabama – Huntsville. The signing was held at the DeKalb County Schools Coliseum with her teammates, friends,

coaches, and family present.

While Jacobs has excelled as a pitcher and outfielder for the Lady Bears, she has big plans academically as well. She plans to pursue a double major in Kinesiology and Mechanical Engineering. Ava plans to use her education to work developing prosthetics.

When asked how she felt about the scholarship, Ava said, “I’m excited to have the opportunity to play for UAH and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to play at the next level! I thank God for the opportunity.”

Congratulations Ava Jacobs!

Lady Rams on a Roll

By Marla Jones Sports Editor

SYLVANIA, Ala.-- The Sylvania Lady Rams soccer team defeated the Crossville Lady Lions 5-0 on Thursday, April 12, 2018. One on goal, Seventh grader, Ambriel Stopyak led the Lady Rams with two goals, Gabriella Garcia and Rachel Bewley each scored one goal for the game.

The Sylvania Rams were defeated by the Lions, 6-1 . For the Rams, Omar Arellano (10th) scored the only goal. ​On, April 17, 2018 the Lady Rams defeated St. Bernard Prep School in a area match, 8-1. For the Rams, Gabriella Garcia (9th) and Ambriel Stopyak (7th) had three goals each, Lauren Bewley (11th) and Jessica Garcia (8th) each scored one goal.

The boys lost 4-0.

Sylvania 8th graders have stepped up to help the Lady Rams soccer team. (Contributed Photo)

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FRIDAY–APRIL 20, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Sand Mountain Electric Cooperative 78th Annual Meeting Saturday, April 21, 2018

DeKalb County Schools Coliseum

REGISTRATION Friday - April 20 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Saturday - April 21 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.

Business Meeting Saturday at 10 a.m.

Registered members on both days will receive a copy of the co-op annual report, a ballot to vote for directors, and a prize ticket. A free LED flashlight will be given to registering members while supplies last.

By Staff Reports DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — The DeKalb Shrine Rodeo is proud to announce their rodeo announcer and clown for the weekend’s event.

Jerry Todd will be the announce at the DeKalb Shrine Rodeo. Todd says, “I am a graduate of Lerke Rodeo Management School with over 30 years of experience as a rodeo announcer, rodeo production, and marketing.” He is a ten time PRCA Southeast Circuit Finals Rodeo Announce, WRPA Rodeo Announcer of the Year and PRCA Gold Card Member.

He is a five time International Finals Rodeo Announcer, PBR Built Ford Tough Series Announcer, and World’s Toughest Cowboy Series Rodeo Color Commentary for ESPN2, Fox Sports South, Prime Sports Network, and numerous high school and college rodeos.

“After moving from bareback riding and steer wrestling to announcing, I have worked traditional announcing from the stands as well as announcing horseback

from my beautiful medicine hat paint horse, Twister, who rightfully gets most of the attention,” said Todd. “Rodeo is my profession and I would love to bring my professional attitude and skills to your rodeo.”

Todd is proudly sponsored in the DeKalb Shrine Rodeo by Cable Time.

In addition to Todd, Dusty Myers has been announced as the DeKalb Shrine Rodeo’s Clown.

Some kids grow up wanting to be a firefighter, others a doctor or policeman, but for Jumpertown, Miss., cowboy Dusty Myers, he always knew he wanted to entertain audiences and be a rodeo clown.

Growing up watching rodeos from behind the chutes, instead of in the grandstands, rode was bred into him with his father being a competitor and bull fighter.

“I began riding from an early age, but my passion was to always protect the fallen riders. I started fighting bulls at the age of thirteen and have never looked back,” smiled Dusty.

His career as a daring

bull fighter lasted a little over twelve years before his desire of wanting to entertain audiences took over. “I love meeting new people and traveling and in today’s times. I love nothing more than being able to put a smile on not only kids faces, but their parents also. If I can make someone laugh and they forget about everything else for a while. That makes my day.”

It didn’t take long for Dusty to become one of the top clowns in the business; with a seeming less funny personality that came naturally. “I’m always working on new acts and skits to entertain my audiences. I grew up watching the likes of Lecile Harris and others, which I learned a lot from, but like to make my acts my own.”

All his hard work and passion for his newly chosen career has paid off with four ‘Clown of the Year’ titles under his belt and being the barrel man at the IFR five times. Now having worked over 15 finals in the past five years, if you ever get to see Dusty’s slapstick comedy routine, you’ll leave with a smile.

Hunter of the Week Congratulations to this week's Southern Torch Hunter of the Week is Brandi Clayton! This turkey had a 9 inch beard and 3/4 inch spurs.

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

Golf Carts will be available on Saturday for those needing assistance.

Six Cash Prize Drawings will be held following the business meeting Saturday morning. Members registering Friday and Saturday are eligible to win.

GRAND PRIZE $200 FREE ELECTRICITY PER MONTH FOR ONE YEAR Two Grand Prize drawings will be held immediately following the business meeting on Saturday. Each winner will receive $200 free electricity per month for one year. The first ticket drawn does not have to be present to win.

The second ticket drawn for the same prize must be present to win.

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FRIDAY–APRIL 20, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US! We would like to extend our gratitude to everyone who participated in and attended our Republican Candidate Forum! Thank you everyone!