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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2018 / VOL. 4, NO. 20 / $1.00
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RITE AID CLOSES ITS DOORS By Marla Jones Reporter
RAINSVILLE, Ala. — Walgreens recently purchased 1,932 locations across the country from Rite Aid. “As announced last October, we will be closing some store locations to help ensure we have the right stores in the right locations to create a more focused network of stores that can
(Marla Jones | Southern Torch)
deliver the greatest value for our customers,� stated Phil Caruso of Walgreens Media Relations. As part of this effort, the Walgreens-owned Rite Aid located at 42 McCurdy Avenue in Rainsville will close. Prescription records will be available at the Walgreens located at 1613 Glenn Blvd. in neighboring Fort Payne. The last day of business for the Rainsville Rite Aid Pharmacy will be
June 13th and the store will remain open for two more weeks for final sales. Walgreens expects to have positions at other locations for the majority of affected team members. “Closing stores is never an easy decision,� said Caruso. “Our goal is to ensure that we have the right number of stores in the right locations to continue to help us deliver the greatest value for our customers.�
KILGRO SENTENCED IVEY ADDRESSES DEKALB GOP
By Staff Reports
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — According to the Alabama Attorney General’s Office: Attorney General Steve Marshall announced the conviction of an inmate who was already in the DeKalb County jail and tried to arrange for the assault of a local prosecutor to stop him from attending the defendant’s sentencing hearing. Joshua Kilgro, 45, now has 19 years added to sentences he already is serving for multiple other crimes. Kilgro pleaded guilty in DeKalb County Circuit Court yesterday to criminal solicitation to commit first-degree assault, a class C felony for which he was sentenced to 19 years. Additionally, he was sentenced to 12 months for third-degree assault, a class A misdemeanor, regarding a fight while he was
FRIDAY 5/18
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By Marla Jones Reporter
(DeKalb County Sheriff's Office)
incarcerated. These new sentences are to run concurrently with previous sentences for crimes including unlawful possession of controlled substances, DUI, and third-degree burglary. This conviction arises from Kilgro’s action in 2014 to solicit someone to cause a prosecutor to run his vehicle off a mountain road in order to injure him and keep him from attending a sentencing hearing for Kilgro. The intended victim was DeKalb County Deputy District Attorney Scott Lloyd. The person Kilgro solicited to assist in the scheme instead reported the matter to law enforcement. “This defendant’s attempt to thwart justice was properly met by the righteous arm of the law, resulting in even more convictions and a stern sentence,� said Attorney General Marshall. He commended those involved in bringing this case to a successful conclusion, commending in particular: Assistant Attorneys General Stephanie Billingslea, Leigh Gwathney and Ternisha Jones, and Special Agents of the Attorney General’s Investigations Division who assisted. He thanked
>> KILGRO, P2
FORT PAYNE, Ala. — On Saturday, May 12, 2018 the DeKalb County Republican Party held its regularly scheduled breakfast at Western Sizzlin in Fort Payne. Alabama's 54th Governor, Kay Ivey made a stop on her campaign tour, to be the event's guest speaker. Governor Ivey spoke on educational funding and bringing jobs to the State of Alabama. "As I travel around the state, I enjoy telling people that Alabama is working again! We've just begun with this journey and there is so much we can do, working together, and we will," stated Ivey. "Keeping jobs is important...and more people are working in our great state than ever before." "Since I have been governor, unemployment has achieved its lowest rate in history...with new investments from the private sectors, creating some 13,000 jobs," said Ivey. "When our people are
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey made a stop on her campaign tour at the monthly DeKalb County Republican Breakfast. (Flickr)
working, it solves a whole lot of problems." Ivey advised that the new Toyota Mazda plant locating in Alabama will create some 4,000 jobs. Ivey went on to say that along with global companies such as Honda, Google, and Mercedes moving to Alabama. It shows that "Alabama is a great place to do business."Â "When these companies come, they need to be able to employ the people that work here. That is going to happen only when we make sure that our people have the
education they need and deserve," Ivey stated. Ivey continued by saying that, "As Governor, I have spent a major portion of my time on education policy and I will continue to work hard for our schools, our teachers and our education system...I began my career as a teacher." She went to recall working diligently with the legislative to offer the largest education budget in a decade. With legislative help, Ivey stated that Alabama was able to expand Pre-K and give teachers a much deserved
pay raise. "Truly education is a cornerstone of a better life," she said. She then asked all the teachers present to stand up and told them how much she appreciated them. In closing, Governor Ivey stressed that, "Alabama is better off today and stronger today than it was just a year ago." The next meeting for the DeKalb County Republican Party will be held at Western Sizzlin on June 11, 2018 beginning at 7:30am.Â
DeKalb BOE purchases property By Marla Jones Reporter RAINSVILLE, Ala. — The DeKalb County Board of Education held its regularly scheduled meeting on May 15, 2018 at Plainview High School. During the meeting several groups were recognized for their accomplishments. The winners from SkillsUSA and HOSA were introduced and honored for their placements in the state competition. The Class 3A
The DeKalb County Board of Education voted to purchase the Mustard Seed Learning Center for pre-K programs. (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)
State Champions, Plainview Bears were honored, as well. The Board addressed the need for school meals
to increase. A lunch changed from $2.00 to $2.10 and a breakfast will increase from $1.10 to $1.15.
An update was presented about the Tax Renewal Update that will be on the June 5 ballot. The board stressed that this is not a new tax, just a renewal of what taxpayers are already paying. These taxes go to fund such things as security in the school system. In an Executive Session, the Board approved the purchase of The Mustard Seed Daycare that is adjacent to
>> BOE, P5 Visit our website at www.southerntorch.com for daily news updates and pick up your weekly print edition at news stands every Friday.
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FRIDAY–MAY 18, 2018
THE SOUTHERN TORCH
SEX OFFENDERS ARRESTED
Teen drowns at Little River Canyon
By Marla Jones Reporter (Dekalb County Sheriff's Office)
By Staff Reports MONTGOMERY, Ala. — According to the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office: Recently the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office was alerted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation
LEGALS (Dekalb County Sheriff's Office)
By Staff Reports DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — According to the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office: During the week of May 7, 2018, DeKalb County investigators started looking into a possible sexual abuse case involving children under the age of 12. During the course of the investigation, James Michael Perego, was arrested at his residence on County Road 723 in Henagar on May 11, 2018 and was charged with four counts of sexual abuse of a child under 12 and sodomy 2nd. He is currently being held in the DeKalb County jail awaiting bond. During the continuation of this investigation, another person of interest, James Lee Britton Jr., was located and arrested at his residence at Mississippi Street in Henagar. Britton is currently being held in the DeKalb County jail and is awaiting bond. Sheriff Jimmy Harris says, "It is always tough working a case when children are involved. I am proud of our investigators in their hard work and the level of integrity it takes dealing with cases like this."
GRADUATION 2018 Check out our Graduation edition on May 25! Included with your regular paper!
HELP WANTED
IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO. CS-2018-900049 MARIA JIMENEZ FELIPE, Plaintiff v. TOMAS CLEMENTINO JUAN FRANCISCO, Defendant NOTICE OF CUSTODY PROCEEDINGS TOMAS CLEMENTINO JUAN FRANCISCO, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer the Petition and other relief filed by Plaintiff/Mother, Maria Jimenez Felipe, by the 8th day of July, 2018, or, thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against him. /s/Gabriela Watson, Esq WATSON & WATSON P.O. Box 1068 Albertville, Alabama 35950 Publish: May 18, May 25, June 1, June 8
that James Hulgan, 43, of Valley Head had been having inappropriate activity involving minors on a popular social media account, called Kik Messanger. Kik messanger, commonly called Kik, is an instant messaging mobile app that can be used on both androids and iphones. On this app, you do not have to link your phone number or use your real name. After an in-depth investigation by the FBI and the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, a search warrant was executed on May 14, 2018 at the residence of James Hulgan on County Road 751 in Valley Head. Hulgan was arrested on the same date and charged with 2 counts of possession of obscene matter containing visual depiction of a person under 17 years of age. Hulgan who is currently a registered sex offender in DeKalb County is being held in the DeKalb County jail awaiting bond. Sheriff Jimmy Harris says, "I want to thank the DeKalb County Sheriff office investigators and the FBI in the hard work put forth into this case. There are many different apps on social media now and you never know who you are dealing with on these sites. Parents need to be aware of what sites or apps your child is using while on their phones.
CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ala. — Officials were called to a possible drowning at Martha’s Falls in the Little River Canyon National Preserve. At approximately 1:30pm on Saturday, May 12, a 14-year-old youth went under the water and never resurfaced. At approximately 3:15pm, officials recovered the body of Josue Andres Lopez, a student from Rome, Ga., downstream from where the incident occured. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Cherokee County Coroner, Dr. Jeremy Deaton. First responders from DeKalb County Rescue Squad, DeKalb Ambulance Service, Fisher Rescue Team, U.S. National Park Rangers, and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Water Patrol & Aviation all aided with the search.
KILGRO from Page 1 the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office for its investigation. Scott Lloyd responded with: “It has been my duty and my honor to fight against drugs for over 21 years as the Deputy District Attorney, and I always knew something like this could happen. It’s my job to enforce and uphold the law, and I won’t back down from carrying out that duty because of plots like this. In a way, it’s flattering that he saw me as such an effective prosecutor that he was willing to go to this length just to make sure I couldn’t handle his sentencing hearing. On the other hand, he tried to put a contract on a public servant just for doing his job, and for that he must be punished.
The most shocking part of this story is that I just as easily could have had my kids in the car with me when the hitman was supposed to push me off a cliff. I signed up for a job that can include dangers like this, but my kids didn’t. Still, I’m more sad to see what this individual allowed methamphetamine to do to his life than I am angry over what he was prepared to do to me and my kids. Meth has ruined so many lives in our community, and here is one more. In a way, this case is a perfect example of why it’s so important that we continue the fight against drugs. They’re dangerous to everyone in the community.”
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FRIDAY–MAY 18, 2018
THE SOUTHERN TORCH
COMMUNITY
Submit your community events to: zach@southerntorch.com
DEATH NOTICES BURT Pauline Beatrice Harwood - 88, passed away on Monday, May 14 at Crowne Healthcare in Fort Payne. Visitation was held on Tuesday, May 15 at Burt Chapel-Fort Payne from 4pm to 8pm. Funeral services were held at Wednesday, May 16 at Burt Chapel-Fort Payne at 11am. Burial followed in Glenwood Cemetery. Betty Shankles Smith Carmichael - 86 of Valley Head, passed away on Sunday, May 13 at Erlanger Hospital. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 17 from 4pm to 7pm and on Friday, May 18 from 12pm to 2pm at Burt Chapel-Valley Head. Funeral services are set for Friday, May 18 at Burt Chapel-Valley Head at 2pm with Rev. Nathan VanHorn officiating.
CORNER STONE
Joel Barton Everett - 51 of Pisgah, passed away on Friday, May 11 at Huntsville Hospital. Joel was a 1985 graduate of Pisgah High School and was employed as an Engineering Tech at CFDRC in Huntsville. The family received friends from 5pm to 8pm on Saturday, May 12 and on Sunday, May 13 from 1pm to service time. Funeral services were held on Sunday, May 13 at 3pm CT at Corner Stone Funeral
Chapel with Bro. Charles Smith officiating. Burial followed in Rosalie Cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Maynor Everett; son, Justin Blake Everett (Courtney Kirby); grandson, Brayson Everett; mother, Jo Ann Duncan Everett; father, Melvin Everett; brother, Roger Everett (Denise); nephew, Jake Everett; and niece, Paige Everett. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Hoyal and Flossie Duncan, Eugene and Ada Everett. Lena Mae Donaldson Whitmore - 74 of Higdon, passed away on Friday, May 11 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center. The family received friends from 4pm to 8pm on Sunday, May 13 and from 10am to service time on Monday, May 14 at the funeral home. Funeral services were held on Monday, May 14 at 2pm CT at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Rev. George Hughes officiating. Burial followed in New Home Cemetery. Alva “Buddy” Glenn Jolley - 85 of Ider, passed away on Saturday, May 12 at DeKalb Regional Medical Center. The family received friends from 4pm to 8pm on Wednesday, May 16 and from 9am to service time on Thursday, May 17 at the funeral home. Funeral services were held on Thursday, May 17 at 11am at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Bros. Luke McKay and Kenneth Holcomb officiating. Burial followed in Fuller Cemetery with military honors. Eva Aneita Helton - 78 of Soddy Daisy, Tenn., passed away on Tuesday, May 15 at Dade Health and Rehab. The family received friends from 3pm to
service time on Thursday, May 17 at the funeral home. Funeral services were held on Thursday, May 17 at 8pm ET at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel.
CROSSVILLE Verna V. Croft - 95 of Crossville, passed away on Sunday, May 13 at Crossville Health and Rehabilitation. Visitation was held on Monday, May 14 from 5pm to 8pm at the funeral home. Funeral services were held at 11am on Tuesday, May 15 at Crossville Memorial Chapel with Rev. Wayne Roden officiating. Burial followed in Lathamville Cemetery.
RAINSVILLE Charles E. Foshee, Jr. - 72, passed away on Thursday, May 10. At his request, the body was cremated and there will be no services or visitation. A graveside memorial service will be held at a later date. Tonya Wallace - 41 of Dutton, passed away on Saturday, May 12 at her residence. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
Morrell White - 71 of Rainsville, passed away on Monday, May 14 at Erlanger Medical Center. Visitation was held on Thursday, May 17 from 5pm to 8pm at Rainsville Funeral Home and on Friday, May 18 from 10am to 2pm at Rainsville Community Church. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 18 at 2pm at Rainsville Community Church with Bros. Cates Noles and Melvin Dawson officiating. Burial followed in Kirk Memorial Gardens. He is survived by his wife, Jo White; two sons Jeff White (Michelle) and Eric White (Stacy); daughter Tammy Lacey (Rodney); brother Hollis White; sister Burma Hicks; and seven grandchildren: Alec and Peyton Lacey; Haden, Ellie, and Lydia White; Bryant Patton, and Presley White.
CROSSVILLE Wanda Marie Dobbs Barber - 75 of Scottsboro, passed away on Thursday, May 10. The family received friends from 3pm to 8pm on Saturday, May 12 at the funeral home. Funeral services were held on Sunday, May 13 at 2pm Staff: Southern Torch (USPS Periodicals #19790) is
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Main Street E, Rainsville AL, 35986. POSTMASTER:
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Send address changes to Southern Torch, P.O. Box 614 Rainsville, Alabama 35986-0614.
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at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bro. Gary Nix officiating. Burial followed in New Canaan Cemetery.
NACC Declared A Gig Campus
Samantha Annette Burt - 53 of Collinsville, passed away on Thursday, May 10. The family received friends from 11am until 8pm on Sunday, May 13 at the funeral home. Funeral services were held at 1pm on Monday, May 14 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bro. Autry Barnhill officiating. Alice E. Fair - 84 of Cedar Bluff, passed away on Saturday, May 12. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Carla Marie Williams - 38 of Fort Payne, passed away on Sunday, May 13. The family received friends from 5pm to 8pm on Monday, May 14 at the funeral home. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, May 15 at 3pm at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel. Burial followed in Glenwood Cemetery. Gene Autrey Westbrooks - 77 of Fyffe, passed away on Tuesday, May 15. The family received friends from 9am to 11am on Thursday, May 17 at the funeral home. Funeral services were held at 11am on Thursday, May 17 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel. Burial followed in Beulah Cemetery in Fyffe. Louise Duncan Ledwell - 85 of Flat Rock, passed away on Wednesday, May 9. The family received friends on Thursday, May 10 from 5pm to 8pm at the funeral home. Funeral services were held on Friday, May 11 at 3pm at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel. Burial followed in Kirk Memorial Gardens. Matthew Isaac Diehl - 35 of Fyffe, passed away on Wednesday, March 9. Visitation was held prior to the service from 2pm to 4pm on Monday, May 14. A memorial service was held at 4pm on Monday, May 14 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel.
(Northeast Alabama Community College)
By Marla Jones Reporter
RAINSVILLE, Ala. — Mr. Fred Johnson (left), CEO of Farmers Telecommunications (FTC), recently presented a certificate to Dr. David Campbell, President of Northeast Alabama Community College (NACC) certifying that NACC is a Gig Campus. NACC is the only college or university in Alabama that is Gig certified. Gig certification means that the college has gigabit-capable service access of broadband. NACC contracts with FTC and the Alabama Super Computer Authority to provide extensive and advanced technology for students and staff, including more than 1,000 personal computers, some twenty-five computer laboratories, smart boards in all classrooms, a nursing simulation instruction laboratory, and an Apple Swift Coding laboratory. Through FTC, the college also was among the first in the state to provide total campus Wi-Fi. For more information, go to www.nacc.edu or download our free App from the App Store or Google Play Store. Follow us on social media.
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Sand Mountain Electric Cooperative is accepting applications for IT/Computer Network Administrator Bachelor degree in Computer Science or related field from an accredited college or university, 5 years relevant technical experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Applicants should hold or be working toward professional certifications such as Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE), Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), Certified SonicWall System Administrator (CSSA), CompTIA Network+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). Applicant must also be able to set-up and maintain a local area network (LAN) comprised of multiple servers and systems. Send applications and resume to Mark Malone, Sand Mountain Electric Cooperative, P. O. Box 277, Rainsville, AL 35986 by Friday, May 18, 2018.
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FRIDAY–MAY 18, 2018
THE SOUTHERN TORCH
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UPCOMING EVENTS Every Wednesday, 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. May 19, Hammondville Fire Dept. BBQ Fundraiser - Join the Hammondville Volunteer
Fire Department in this year’s annual BBQ Fundraiser! The plate will have a BBQ sandwich, chips, drink and dessert. Whole butts will be sold in advance. It will begin at 10am and plates will be $7 each. May 19-20, Rhododendron Festival - Talent and beauty usher in the Rhododendron Festival season with the Miss Rhododendron Pageant which kicks off this annual spring event. A bonfire and delicious local food always get the actual Rhododendron festivities off to a great start! Enjoy an event that highlights the best of Mentone with local musicians, cloggers, storytellers, arts of all mediums, horse drawn carriage rides, pony rides, scene boat tours of Little River, and a “Taste of Mentone”! The event begins on Saturday, May 19 from 9am to 5pm and then goes on to Sunday, May 20 from 9am to 4pm. Admission is free, but donations are welcome!
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Dr. Robert Terrell Dr. Jeff Parker Mon-Wed Thu-Fri Saturday 8:30-5:30 8:30-5:30 8:30-12
65 McCurdy Ave S, Rainsville, AL 35986 Phone: (256) 638-9393 • Fax: (256) 638-9395
May 25, Liberty Bank Grillin’ and Chillin’ - Stop by Liberty Bank’s Geraldine location on Friday, May 25 from 9am to 4:30pm and help us celebrate 47 years of banking. President Chris Bailey will be manning the grill and they’ll be serving up some cold refreshments as well. Stop by for a bite and some friendly conversation! May 31, ABC Plus Pharmacy Blood Drive - A blood drive will be held on Thursday, May 31 from 11am to 4pm at ABC Plus Pharmacy in Fort Payne! June 1, DERA Meeting - The DeKalb Education Retirees Association (DERA) will meet at Kelly’s Kitchen in Rainsville on Friday, June 1 at 10am. The program, “Financial Security and Protecting Your Assets” will be presented by Anna Pritchett, AARP Advocacy Director. All retired educators, professional and support personnel, are invited and encouraged to attend. June 2, Memories of Mayberry - The Town of Valley Head presents Memories of Mayberry as a day of fun for the whole family! There will be a cruise-in, great food, lots
of fun, live entertainment, door prizes and more. Characters from Mayberry will be featured. All proceeds go to benefit the Valley Head Volunteer Fire Department. The festival will be held in the downtown square of Valley Head. June 16, 10th Annual
Freedom Fest 5K & 10K - Don’t miss the area’s largest fun run/walk! Registration and starting of the race is at Broadway Baptist Church in Rainsville. This year, they will close registration at 1,000 runners/walkers. Proceeds go to local charities. The race will begin at 8am with
pre-registration at $30 and day-of registration at $35. To register online, contact info and more, visit the website www. racesonline.com. Funds generated by the 2017 Freedom Run will remain in the community, helping local citizens through donations which will benefit local charities.
FRIDAY–MAY 18, 2018
THE SOUTHERN TORCH
POLITICS
BOE
from Page 1 Plainview High School, at a cost of $240,000. The Board had several non-renewal/terminations effective May 29, 2018: Mark PattersonElementary Teacher, Collinsville Seth PhillipsMathematics Teacher, Collinsville Tucker DavisMathematics Teacher, Crossville Jared Cushen-Itinerant English Language Arts/EL Teacher, Plainview Jeremy Slaton-Science Teacher, Fyffe Autumn CoffeyItinerant Special Education Teacher, Crossville Brian Knapp-Physical Education Teacher, Valley Head Heather Andrews-Pre K Auxiliary, Ider Jennifer Mays-Pre K Auxiliary, Henagar Jennifer Bowman- Pre K Auxiliary, Valley Head Lori Griggs- Pre K
Auxiliary, Collinsville Rosa Alarcon- Itinerant Translator, Crossville Crystal BramblettEnglish Language Arts Teacher, Henagar Retirements and Resignations for the DeKalb County School System: Teresa Hannah- CNP Worker, HenagarRetirement effective 8/1/18 Donald Fobbus-Bus Driver, PlainviewRetirement effective 7/1/18 Samuel McKinney- Bus Driver, CollinsvilleRetirement effective 6/1/18 Mary Jo Chandler-Bus Driver, PlainviewRetirement effective 5/31/18 Miles HolcombMathematics Teacher, Crossville-Resignation effective 5/29/18 Cassidy Hood- Science Teacher, CollinsvilleResignation effective 5/8/18 Lori Biddle- Jr. High Coaching Duties (supplement only), Sylvania-Resignation effective 5/29/18 Shasta Norwood- Jr.
Jared Gore - Sales
Office: (256) 878-1050 www.howardbentley.com Cell: (256) 558-3166 Email: jared@howardbentley.com
High and Jr. Varsity Volleyball Coaching Duties (Supplement Only), Geraldine- Resignation 5/7/18 Ashlie Bryant- Head Jr. Varsity Cheerleader Coaching Duties (Supplement Only), CrossvilleResignation 5/24/18 Chelsey White- Varsity and Junior Varsity Baseball Coaching Duties (Supplement Only), Sylvania-Resignation 4/30/18 Kristie ColeElementary Teacher, Crossville-Resignation 4/24/18 Audra NoojinMathematics/ Art Teacher, Crossville- Resignation 4/26/18 Danny Stevens- Varsity and Jr. Varsity Girls Soccer Coaching Duties (Supplement Only), Crossville- Resignation 5/8/18 The Board approved three placements for the 2018-2019 school year. Sylvania had two certified teachers placed to their school. Rachel Whisenant as a elementary teacher and Ryan Clark as a physical education teacher. Tia Trotter was placed as a certified elementary teacher at Plainview. The next scheduled Board Meeting will be held on May 25, 2018 at 12:00 noon.
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LETTER TO THE EDITOR: SUPPORT OUR SCHOOLS
(Southern Torch)
Contributed by Jason Barnett DeKalb Co. Superintendent I ask for your continued support of local schools on June 5, 2018. Citizens of DeKalb County: On Tuesday June 5, 2018, people across DeKalb County will return to the polls and exercise their civic duty. On this day, we will have the opportunity to vote upon our elected officials who will work diligently to lead this great state and county. We will also have the opportunity to support our local schools, both DeKalb County and Fort Payne City, by renewing local
funding sources for DeKalb County and Fort Payne City Schools. For decades, the people of DeKalb County have been committed to supporting and have shown a strong support of our local schools, and I ask that you show your continued support by renewing and continuing this existing allocation for public schools. I want to impress upon you that this is not a new tax or fund source, but a continuation of funding which supports the following programs and services: School security, student vocational programs, instructional support, student transportation, school secretaries, custodians, maintenance,
child nutrition (lunchroom), school utilities (electricity, natural and propane gas, water, telephone, etc..), special needs programs, district gifted teachers, and various other employee salaries and operational requirements/needs. In order to continue these services and many other functions, these funds are necessary, and the effects of lost revenue would extend far beyond just these instructional programs and services. I ask that you vote FOR RENEWAL of these funds on June 5, 2018 for DeKalb County and Fort Payne City Schools. Thank you for your continued support!
Inside the Statehouse By Steve Flowers AL Political Columnist Folks, we are less than three weeks away from our June 5th primary. Besides the governor’s race, all of our secondary constitutional races are on the ballot. As we head into the home stretch, there appears to be very little interest in the primary elections. People seem disinterested and disillusioned. There have been a good many scandals and ethics convictions over the past quadrennium, which has put a damper on the enthusiasm generally associated with a gubernatorial election year. Even fundraising has been down considerably. This voting ambivalence will result in a lower than normal turnout. This accrues to the advantage of incumbents and those with name identification. The governor’s race has not been that interesting. However, the Democrats have fielded quality candidates in that race. The
winner of the June GOP Primary will have to mount a campaign in the fall against either Walt Maddox or Sue Bell Cobb. The secondary races are being lost in the shuffle of the avalanche of races on the ballot. The best race, as was expected, has been the Attorney General contest. Former Governor, Robert Bentley, during his last days as governor, appointed an obscure former District Attorney named Steve Marshall, as the acting Attorney General. As expected Marshall did the bidding of Bentley and allowed him leniency in any further prosecution. Marshall has used every tool of incumbency to strong arm campaign contributions for his race for a full term. However, polling indicates that his efforts will be to no avail. With so little interest in the secondary statewide races, former Attorney General Troy King, is perceived as the incumbent and enjoys a comfortable lead in this race due to his name identification. As we head to “Amen” corner, my guess is that King leads the
race and former U.S. Attorney Alice Martin is in a runoff with Troy King. Birmingham attorney, Chess Bedsole, could be a late surprise if he spends a significant amount of his own money. He is not a political novice. He was an integral part of the Donald Trump presidential campaign. The winner will probably face off against Joseph Siegelman, a handsome, progressive, young heir to an iconic Alabama Democratic name. The Lt. Governor race has changed very little since the beginning of the campaign season four months ago. Public Service Commission President, Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh, holds a commanding lead in all polls. She knows how to run statewide and has headed the state Republican Party. Even though her polling lead is daunting, her results in three weeks may even exceed her formidable lead in the polls. She has built a statewide grassroots campaign organization over the years, which her two challengers lack.
The last polls reveal that Twinkle Cavanaugh leads Mobile State Senator Rusty Glover and Sand Mountain State Representative Will Ainsworth. Polls reveal that Glover will get a good friends and neighbors vote from his home Mobile region. This may hold him in good stead in a race for Congress in two years, if Mobile-Baldwin Congressman Bradley Bryne runs for the U.S. Senate in 2020. Will Ainsworth has made a significant television buy in the lieutenant governor’s race, which should propel him into second place in that contest. Secretary of State John Merrill will waltz to a second term as Secretary of State. He is the best retail politician on the Alabama political scene. Even though he has token opposition, he has probably outworked every candidate on the ballot. When his office counts all the ballots on June 6, Merrill will probably be the top vote getter in all statewide races. Right behind Merrill winning in a landslide, will be Agriculture Commissioner John McMillan, who will have an overwhelming victory as State Treasurer. Rick Pate has gotten a lot of traction in the Agriculture Commissioner race. He has garnered most of the major endorsements, including ALFA and BCA. Jeremy Oden and Chip Beeker should coast to reelection victories as members of the Public Service Commission for another four years. Beeker, Oden and Twinkle Cavanaugh should
benefit from their recent vote to save Alabama Power customers $337 million over the next two years, a cut made possible by the Trump administration and Republican Congress’ passage of federal tax reform. Folks, that is a big win for Alabama’s economy. It is sure to put a smile on the faces of families and small business owners across the
state. Cavanaugh, Beeker, and Oden deserve credit for making it happen. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www. steveflowers.us.
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FRIDAY–MAY 18, 2018
THE SOUTHERN TORCH
LADY BEARS ARE STATE BOUND
(Submitted Photo)
By Marla Jones Sports Editor HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The Plainview Lady Bears softball team are headed to the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) State Finals held in Montgomery after a perfect 3-0 showing during the 3A North
Regional Tournament in Huntsville. In the first game of regional play, Plainview defeated Colbert Heights, 11-5. Neither team scored until the third innings when Plainview scored two from Krimson Kidd and Ava Jacobs. Colbert Heights gained
ELECT
the lead in the fourth due to an error, then went on to score two more in the fifth. That was the last time Plainview was ever behind in the tournament. Jacey Crowell finished the first game of the tournament, going 2-for-3 and scoring two home runs. She led the Lady Bears with three RBIs.
Plainview easily defeated East Lawrence, 22-4, in the second game of Regionals. The ballgame was called in five innings due to the mercy rule. Krimson Kidd was 3-for-5, scored two times and batted in seven RBIs. Kenzi Traylor was 3-for-4 and scored four times. In the Region Title
Game, Plainview defeated Lauderdale County, 10-3. Plainview grabbed the early lead at the top of the first inning with a 2-run rally and the Lady Bears never looked back. Lauderdale County hit a home run in the bottom of the first. Plainview built their lead by five in the third.
In the sixth, the Lady Bears had the 7-2 before adding three more runs. Plainview (30-7) will face the north central runner-up, the Pleasant Valley Raiders (36-16) in the State Tournament opener on Thursday beginning at 10:45am at Lagoon Park in Montgomery.
CAROL HIETT DeKalb County Board of Education • District 3
Good Luck at State! Vote June 5! PD. POL. ADV. BY CAROL HIETT • P.O. BOX 1661 RAINSVILLE, AL 35986
FORT PAYNE GOLF COMES UP SHORT By Marla Jones Sports Editor
(Submitted Photo)
MUSCLE SHOALS, Ala. — At the 80th Annual Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) State Golf Championship, held at the Robert Trent Jones - Shoals Golf Club, Muscle Shoals totaled 8-over 296 on Monday, May 14 to take the first day lead. Homewood was two strokes back at 298 and the Fort Payne Wildcats shot 211 to round out the
team scoring. Fort Payne's Dawson Garrett shot 5-under 67 for the low round of the day. On the final day of the tournament, Muscle Shoals captured the championship with a 296-285-581 total. Homewood came in second just six strokes behind. Benjamin Russell had 615 and the Fort Payne Wildcats shot 621. Fort Payne's Dawson Payne followed Monday's 67 round with a 77 and a 144 total.
FRIDAY–MAY 18, 2018
THE SOUTHERN TORCH
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Brant Rowell is the 2018 Hitter of the Year. (Contributed Photo)
Cade Willingham was named the All-DeKalb County Most Valuable Player (MVP) for 2018. (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)
Seth Benefield was named the 2018 All-DeKalb County Pitcher of the Year. (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)
By Marla Jones Sports Editor
Cade Willingham, MVP (Plainview) Seth Benefield, Pitcher of the Year (Fyffe) Brant Rowell, Hitter of the Year (Fyffe) Clay Cooper, 2nd Base (Plainview) Zack Allen, 3rd Base (Plainview) Fisher Goza, Outfield (Sylvania) Blake McCurdy, Utility (Sylvania) Justin Stiefel, Pitcher (Fyffe) Cole Lyles, Designated Hitter (Fyffe) Jesse Pursell, 1st Base
2018 All-County Baseball Honors
DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — Twenty-seven local athletes were chosen to the 2018 All-DeKalb County Baseball Team. Fyffe, Plainview and Sylvania lead the county with five selections for this year’s team. Crossville had four players named to the team. Collinsville and Geraldine had three placements and Ider had two named to the team.
The DeKalb County Most Valuable Player (MVP) was Senior Cade Willingham, from Plainview. From the mound, Willingham only gave up 30 hits and 18 runs. He struck out 47, pitched a shutout and walked 17 batters. At the plate, he scored 27 runs, and drove in 24 RBI’s. His batting average was .463 for the season. The DeKalb County Pitcher of the Year was Senior Seth Benefield from Fyffe. Benefield pitched 53
innings, and had shutouts for the 2018 season. He struck out 76 batters, and only walked 13. He had a 2.24 ERA for the season. The DeKalb County Hitter of the Year was Senior, Brant Rowell. His batting average for the 2018 season was .477. Rowell had 42 base hits, (including six double and nine triples). At the plate, he scored 41 runs, stole 16 bases, and only struck out 13 times in the season. All-County First Team Selections:
(Crossville) Blanton Jones, Shortstop (Crossville) Banks Jolley, Outfield (Crossville) Peyton Mooney, Pitcher (Geraldine) Jake Peppers, Catcher (Geraldine) Jordan Cookston, Utility (Geraldine) Keaton Kilgro, Pitcher (Collinsville) Kaleb Jones, Utility (Collinsville) Chase Townson, Outfield (Ider) Second Team All-County Honors:
Elijah White, Outfield (Plainview) Tristan Willingham, Outfield (Plainview) Blake Spears, Pitcher (Sylvania) Gareth Anderson, 3rd Base (Sylvania) Eli Gurley, Shortstop (Sylvania) Ike Rowell, 2nd Base (Fyffe) Andrew Driskill, First Base (Crossville) Dalton Hughes, Catcher (Collinsville) Dylan Avery, Outfielder (Ider)
senior forward Eric Hepp scored on an assist from Connor Smith. Hepp, who earned Class 6A state championship MVP, added his second goal at 68:02 driving past two Wildcat defenders to score. Jackson Wallace tacked on the third goal less than two minutes later. Fort Payne (19-4-3), coached by Mario Limon, had several good shots on goal thanks to its strong passing and on offense. Christian Hernandez had three shots on goal, one from 30 yards out on a free kick that hooked just over the front bat of the goal that almost tied the match 1-1 late in the second half.
Homewood goalkeeper Ian Myers had four saves for the Patriots and Luis Ramirez of Fort Payne had one save. The two teams met once earlier in the season and finished in a tie. The championship was the fifth in school history for Homewood and the first since 2014. Fort Payne won state titles in 2011 and 2015.
FORT PAYNE SOCCER FALLS AT STATE By Staff Reports
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(Submitted Photo)
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Fort Payne Soccer faced Homewood in the State Championship game on Saturday. The Wildcats were defeated 3-0. Homewood scored two goals in a two-minute stretch late in the second half to seal a hard-fought 3-0 victory over Fort Payne in the AHSAA Class 6A Boys’ State Soccer Championship match at Huntsville’s John Hunt Soccer Complex Saturday. The Patriots (24-0-2), coached by Sean McBride, took the lead 1-0 early in the second half when
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FRIDAY–MAY 18, 2018
May 25th through June 4th
THE SOUTHERN TORCH