The Southern Torch — Vol. 4, Issue 32

Bobby Ledbetter’s

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2018 / VOL. 4, NO. 32 / $1.00

LIKE

BUILD THE WALL?

FOLLOW

TWEET

Giving Muscular Dystrophy 'The Boot'

Lt. Josh Jennings and Fort Payne Fire Fighter Cameron Norsworthy collected money last week at Five Points. (Submitted Photo)

By Marla Jones, Reporter • marla@southerntorch.com

By Marla Jones Reporter marla@southerntorch.com RAINSVILLE, Ala. — Concerns were brought up by Councilmember Marshall Stiefel at last Monday’s meeting of the Rainsville City Council.

Southern Torch reached out to Stiefel regarding his concerns on spending and

transparency. “Here we are ten months into the 2018 fiscal year and we still don’t have the outside audit for 2017,� he said. “Next month, we will start working on our 2019 budget and we still don’t know if we stayed in budget for 2017. You can’t spend without knowing what you have in the bank.�

Stiefel reached out to Gant, Croft & Associates (who

>> THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY & POLITICS • NACC Fall Registration is underway • YRNEA announces new leadership •Jason Crabb will be in concert at the Barn at Blue Pond! • Marty Haggard is playing Fort Payne!

perform the outside audit) but was told they were out of the office and would return the call. As of print time, the call had not been returned. “Without this information, how can we as city officials, make proper decisions regarding city expenditures?� he continued. “We owe the citizens transparency on the state of our city.�

At the meeting, Mayor Rodger Lingerfelt brought forth the need for renovations at City Hall.

He stated there would be “easier access, more storage, energy efficient, and better working conditions.� Jimmy Traylor Construction submitted a bid for the project at

>> RAINSVILLE, P2

>> THIS WEEK IN SPORTS • Congratulations to Zeb Ferguson on winning the All-Saban Award in Tuscaloosa • Wingfest • The Alabama & Auburn Golf Shootout begins on Thursday, August 23 • Gaye Works is our Catch of the Week!

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — On Saturday, August 4, the Fort Payne Fire Department kicked off their ‘Fill the Boot’ campaign at Five Points.

In the past, fire fighters have set up at the World’s Longest Yard Sale at Five Points and collected around $1,500 to $2,000 during this time.

This campaign specifically goes toward the fight against muscular dystrophy. According to the Mayo

>> FILL THE BOOT, P2

Police Chase

By Staff Reports

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — According to Fort Payne Police Chief Randy Bynum: On today’s date at 11:50am, a resident on Valley View Avenue reported a suspicious truck had backed into a neighbor’s driveway.

The neighbor described the suspect as a heavy white female that went into the carport and picked something up. The neighbor said the suspect left after loading the item. The suspect’s vehicle was spotted by Officer Ray

Morales and he attempted to stop the vehicle. The suspect’s vehicle did not stop and continued on Greenhill Blvd and then to Highway 11 north to outside the city limits. Several police agencies joined in the pursuit that eventually crossed into the state of Georgia.

The suspect and vehicle were apprehended at the Dade County Courthouse square. Laura Leeann Wooten, 35 of Dekalb County, was taken into custody. More details will be released as the investigation continues.

Meet Your Fort FORT PAYNE GOES GREEN Payne SROs!

TORCHCAST

FRIDAY 8/10

82 • 69

SATURDAY 8/11

85 • 69

SUNDAY 8/12

83 • 69

School is back in session! Remember to drive carefully as you make your way through school zones! Fort Payne Police Chief Randy Bynum wants to remind everyone that the speed limit on Godfrey Ave. is 35mph and Williams Ave. is 25mph.

Pictured are: Curtis Massey (Wills Valley), Patrick Jenkins (FPHS), JC Brown (FPMS), and Terry Noles (Williams Avenue)!

By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The Fort Payne City Council held their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday,

August 7.

The Council approved the following resolutions: • Glenn Shedd as City Judge • Dana Grimes as Assistant City Judge • Chris Runyon as public defender The Council

authorized: • City Attorney Rocky Watson to negotiate the acquisition of the “Carden propertyâ€?

The Council continued talks regarding security

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

2

FRIDAY – AUGUST 10, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FILL THE BOOT, P1 Clinic, muscular dystrophy is a group of diseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass. Abnormal genes interfere with the production of proteins needed to form healthy muscle.

“I’ve been to their summer camp,” said Fort Payne Fire Chief Ron Saferite. “The kids would rather be at the summer camp than have Christmas. The looks on their faces are unreal.”

According to mda.org, the MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association) Fill The Boot program allows fire fighters the opportunity to go above and beyond their call of duty. Each year, more than 100,000 fire fighters hit

the streets asking citizens in their community to make a donation to MDA, helping them fill their boot with contributions.

The Fort Payne Fire Department will be taking up donations throughout the month of August. This week, they will taking contributions toward the cause at Walmart. The Fire Department will conclude this month of donations with their annual Poker Run, beginning at 12pm, kickstands up at 1pm, and concluding at the Fourth Saturday Bike Night in the Civitan Park.

If you see a fire fighter asking for contributions to this great cause during the month of August, drop in what you can to help fill the boot.

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RAINSVILLE, P1

$10,420. All of the Council voted in favor except Stiefel.

“I am not against improvements or spending,” commented Stiefel. “To me, the spending is just out of control.”

Stiefel also addressed the recent building of a retainer wall at the Tom Bevill Enrichment Center.

Stiefel stated that, “nothing had been voted on” and that it violated Resolution 4-21-14 that stated that the Mayor and Council cannot spend more than $750 without Council approval. This erupted in a conversation between Councilmembers Stiefel and Taheri when the latter presented an $85 bill for the wall. Stiefel questioned whether or not a retainer wall could be built for such a low cost.

Stiefel rebutted that he had two home builders give estimates on the wall and they determined that the wall would have cost approximately $3,500 for materials alone.

Taheri argued that the wall was an in-house project; therefore, all labor was provided by City employees.

Stiefel continued by saying that, “it still violated the resolution,

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in-house or not, because of the cost of the materials alone.” Councilmember Brandon Freeman spoke up and said he broke the resolution on a weekly basis by stocking the concession stands at the Field of Dreams.

In other business, Caleb Lee gave an update regarding the replacement of a pump station on Highway 35. Lee provided three options with varying costs and upgrades. The Council chose and approved Lee’s second option which would see the City granted $200,000 for improvements. The City’s match would be $175,000 plus $14,000.

The Mayor also reported that the turn lane for RTI was completed and that the Council needed to accept the intersection.

This action was Council approved.

Councilmember Ricky Byrum reported that the bridge on George Wallace Avenue had been inspected and needed steel replaced under the bridge for the additional cost of $28,000.

“If it costs money, it’s better than loss of life,” said Byrum. The Council approved the action.

Byrum also advised that the culverts, that were put in during the 1940s, were cracking and needed to be replaced on Parker Avenue. He said it would be around $6,500 to fix the headwalls and tile on Parker. This action passed as well.

DeKalb County Sheriff Republican nominee, Nick Welden, addressed the Council asking for their support in his upcoming election.

The Council also took the following actions: • Approved the part-time hire of Steve Bowman at Parks and Recreation for nineteen hours at $8 per hour • Accepted the resignation of Andrew Hairston as the City’s public defender (effective on September 12 and currently accepting applications) • Accepted a $2,000 for the Rainsville Chamber of Commerce golf tournament from Sen. Steve Livingston and Rep. Nathaniel Ledbetter • Voted to join the opioid lawsuit being filed by counties across the state to help recover costs from the ongoing opioid crisis (Byrum stated that he wanted any profits

collected from the lawsuit to be earmarked for the Rainsville Police Department) • The Rainsville Police Department will host a Poker Run on Saturday, August 11 beginning at 9am with registration beginning at 9am and the

ride will last until 1pm and resume back at the city park with Still Kickin’ as the special entertainment.

All proceeds will benefit the Rainsville Police Department’s equipment costs.

The next meeting of the Rainsville City Council will be held on Monday, August 20 with workshop beginning at 4:15pm and the meeting starting at 5pm.

SONGWRITERS CONTEST The Pickin' Post, located at 833 Old Highway 35 in Rainsville, will host a songwriting contest on Saturday, August 11 beginning at 6pm. Ticket prices are $10 and can be purchased at the door.

Judges include: Daywind Studios and Chris Golden. Golden is a CMA-award nominee and a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. He is the son of Bill Golden of the Oak Ridge Boys.

Come enjoy a night of fun and great music!

FORT PAYNE, P1

cameras the parks. They voted to include this item in the 2019 budget.

The Friends of DeKalb County Adoption Center requested a permit to have a 5K run on Saturday, October 13, 2018 from 7am to 11am. The City granted the permit.

The Street Department advised the Council on plans for a greenhouse to house the hanging plants that

decorate the streets during the spring and summer, and to raise plants during the winter months. The greenhouse will be geothermal. Fort Payne will be one of the first cities in Alabama to have this.

The next meeting of the Fort Payne City Council will be held on Tuesday, August 21 at 12pm.

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FRIDAY – AUGUST 10, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

COMMUNITY

3

Submit your community events to: zach@southerntorch.com

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON Pete the Cat Day! Abby Grace Shipman (age 9) and Flynn Garrett (age 3) enjoyed Pete the Cat Day on Saturday.

The new alley dedication went well and a star was placed on the sidewalk in honor of this great local childrens' artist. The event concluded with a parade and autograph signing.

UPCOMING EVENTS Haggard will pay tribute to his late father at the DeKalb Theatre in Fort Payne on Friday, August 10. (Marty Haggard Music | Facebook)

By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Marty Haggard, son of country music legend Merle Haggard, will pay tribute to his father through stories and songs at the DeKalb Theatre in Fort Payne this weekend.

The show will be held from 7pm to 9pm on Friday, August 10.

Marty began touring

with his own band in 1979 before signing with Dimension Records in 1981. He toured with his father in the early 1980s before signing to MTM Records in 1986 and releasing Trains Make Me Lonesome. Beginning in 1999, Marty began writing and performing spiritual songs. For ten years, he traveled to churches across the United States sharing his gifts and proclaiming the Word of God. He has recorded two

tribute albums to his father, who passed away in 2016. Marty began the “My Dad” project in 2010, an album that consisted of 15 of his father’s classics. A year later, he recorded a second tribute album.

Enjoy a night of true country music at the DeKalb Theatre in downtown Fort Payne this weekend! Tickets are $25 advance for general admission and $30 at the door on the day of the show.

NACC Fall Registration - Northeast Alabama Community College registration for the fall semester is going on now! Visit nacc.edu, call (256) 638-4418 or (256) 228-6001 or download the free app for more information!

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 Avenue 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.

August 11, Backing the Blue Poker Run - Come out and support your Rainsville Police Department! This is a kid-friendly event and family friendly. Come out and let’s hang out and have a great time! After the run there will be a motorcycle show, food, auctions and

LOTHA KILGORE

Staff: Southern Torch (USPS Periodicals #19790) is

Eloise Smith, Business Manager Marla Jones, Sports Editor

published each Friday by Southern Torch, Inc. 203

Zach Hester, Graphic Design Artist

Main Street E, Rainsville AL, 35986. POSTMASTER:

Amy Thrash, Advertising Representative

Send address changes to Southern Torch, P.O. Box 614 Rainsville, Alabama 35986-0614.

(256) 638-4040

Lindsey Jones, Office Assistant Membership rates: Regular yearly rate–$30 Senior or Veteran yearly rates–$25

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raffles. It begins at 9am on August 11 in the City Park.

It is $25 for single riders and $30 per couple.

closest-to-the-pin and longest-drive on select holes.

August 19, Chavies Singing - There will be a singing at Chavies Baptist Church at 6pm on Sunday, August 19 with Four-In-A-Chord as the special guests!

August 12, Salem Methodist Singing - There will be a singing held at Salem United Methodist Church in Geraldine on Sunday, August 12 at 6pm featuring New Ground of Scottsboro! All are welcome!

August 23, Women in Business Luncheon - The Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce will host its Women in Business Luncheon on August 23 from 11am to 1pm at The Building. The event is presented by Heritage Wire Harness and recognize these distinguished local women: Dr. Aimee Skelton, Brandi Lyles, and Dana Grimes Brewis. To purchase tickets or a table, visit www.fortpaynechamber.com.

August 18, Plainview 50 Year Reunion - The Plainview High School Class of 1968 will hold its 50 year reunion on Saturday, August 18 from 6pm to 9pm in the school’s cafeteria.

August 18, Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament - The Rainsville Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its annual golf tournament on August 18 with sign-in/ registration at 7am and Shotgun Start at 8am at Rainsville Country Club.

Cost is $50 per player. The format will be a 3-person scramble with 2 flights.

Contests will be held at several holes. Come meet for a $1000 hole-in one prize plus nice prizes for

August 24, Jason Crabb in Concert - Join the Barn at Blue Pond for a night of music and worship with Jason Crabb! The show will be held at August 24 at 6pm. Tickets are $20 with VIP tickets at $35.

Meet and greet begins at 5:30pm.

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FRIDAY – AUGUST 10, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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LEGALS IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO: CS-18900072 EUFEMIA ADELA PEREZ PEREZ, Plaintiff/Mother v.

Domingo Miguel Tomas, Defendant/ Father NOTICE OF CUSTODY PROCEEDINGS DOMINGO MIGUEL TOMAS, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer the Complaint and other

relief by the 23rd day of September 2018, or, thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against him in Case No.: CS-18900072, in the District Court of DeKalb County, Alabama.

Dates to Be Printed: August 3, August 10, August 17, August 24 Attorney for Plaintiff: Gabriela Watson, Esq WATSON & WATSON PO Box 1068, Albertville, AL 35950 Phone: (256) 660-1280 Fax: (256) 660-1541

STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF DEKALB MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE NOTICE DEFAULT HAVING BEEN MADE in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain Real Estate Mortgage executed

by DAVID ALAN GOZA and wife, REBECCA S. GOZA, the mortgagors, to FIRST STATE BANK OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA, the mortgagee, which mortgage was recorded on July 22, 2016 in Mortgage Book 2152, Page 46 in the Office of the Judge of Probate, DeKalb County, Alabama; and that certain Assignment of Leases and Rents executed by David Alan Goza and wife, Rebecca S. Goza to First State Bank of DeKalb County and recorded on July 22, 2016 in Miscellaneous Book 456, Page 183 in the Office of the Judge of Probate, DeKalb County, Alabama; and that certain Assignment of Leases and Rents executed by David Alan Goza and wife, Rebecca S. Goza to First State Bank of DeKalb County and recorded on January 27, 2017 in Miscellaneous Book 467, Page 83 in the Office of the Judge of Probate, DeKalb County, Alabama;

AND DEFAULT CONTINUING, notice hereby is given that under the power of sale contained in said mortgage, I will, on behald of First State Bank of DeKalb County, Alabama, proceed to sell on September 11, 2018, during the legal hours of sale; to-wit: 11:00 o'clock a.m. to 4:00 o'clock p.m., in front of the main entrance door to the DeKalb County Courthouse in Fort Payne, Alabama, to the highest, best, and last bidder for cash, the following described real estate situated in DeKalb County, Alabama, and described as follow: Begin at the Northeast corner of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4, Section 1, Township 7, Range 8 East, Fort Payne, DeKalb County, Alabama: thence run South 21 degrees 30 minutes East 990 feet; thence continue on said bearing 533.9 feet; thence West 24 feet; thence South 38 degrees 00 minutes West 571.3 feet; thence South 35 degrees 30 minutes East 239.5 feet; thence South 31 degrees 45 minutes West 100 feet to a point where the Spring Branch intersects with Big Wills Creek to the intersection with the Southerly right

of way line of Airport Road; thence in the Northeasterly direction with the right of way of Airport Road for a distance of 1750.00 feet, more or less, to a point that is North 43 degrees 30 minutes West from the point of beginning; thence leaving said right of way run South 43 degrees 30 minutes East 500.0 feet, more or less, to the point of beginning.

Containing 39 acres, more or less. Situated in DeKalb County of the State of Alabama.

Less and except the following tracts: 1. Property conveyed in Deed Book 409, Page 208 2. Property conveyed in Deed Book 608, Page 168 3. Property conveyed in Deed Book 645, Page 189 4. Property conveyed in Deed Book 684, Page 120 5. Property conveyed in Deed Book 823, Page 153 6. Property conveyed in Deed Book 831, Page 37 7. Property conveyed in Deed Book 887, Page 57, which was released by

Partial Release recorded in Miscellaneous Book 479, Page 84.

Said sale is for the purpose of securing payment of the indebtedness secured by said Mortgage, together with the costs of foreclosure. ***Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process.

An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process.

Dates to be Printed: August 10, August 17, August 24 NIKKI PARRISH SCOTT P.O. Box 680639 411 Alabama Avenue SW Fort Payne, AL 35967 (256) 845-7000 Fax: (256) 845-6333

FRIDAY – AUGUST 10, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

POLITICS

5

Inside the Statehouse

By Steve Flowers AL Political Columnist MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Now that the dust has settled on the primaries, allow me to share with you some thoughts on the Alabama political stage.

There is an old saying that says the more things change, the more they stay the same. This old adage is true in Alabama politics.

First of all, “All politics is local.” In the June 5 Primary, the turnout was about 25 percent on the average around the state.

However, the ultimate voter turnout was 27 percent due to local races. Alabamians are more interested in who is sheriff and Probate Judge than who is Lt. Governor, or Attorney General.

Secretary of State, John Merrill, predicted a 27 percent turnout on June 5.

Guess what, there was a 27 percent turnout. Almost 873,000 Alabamians voted.

There were twice as many voters, 590,000, that chose

the Republican ballot than the Democratic slate. There were 283,000 Democratic voters.

What this tells me is that we are still a very red Republican state. We have 29 elected statewide officeholders in the state.

All 29 are Republican. When all the votes are counted in November, that 29 out of 29 figure will still be more than likely the same in the Heart of Dixie. The Democrats have a good horse in Walt Maddox. He may run close to Kay Ivey, but the odds favor an incumbent GOP Governor who has done nothing wrong and sits in the Governor’s office in a robust economy. I would put the odds at 56 to 44 in Ivey’s favor.

The Legislature will remain about the same after the November General Election as we head into the next quadrennium. The Alabama House of Representatives will have an over 2 to 1 GOP majority.

The numbers will be about what they are now, 72 Republicans and 33

Democrats.

The State Senate will more than likely have a 3 to 1 GOP edge. The members now are 26 Republicans and eight Democrats and one Independent. The Democrats may very well pick up a Senate Seat in Northwest Alabama with Johnny Mack Morrow vs Larry Stutts which will bring them to nine. The Independent seat being held

by Senator Harri Ann Smith in the Wiregrass is one of the most Republican in the state. Harri Ann is retiring.

It will be taken by the very Republican and popular state representative, Donnie Chesteen.

Whoever made the decision to oust Harri Ann from the Republican Party six years ago made a very poor and ignorant decision.

She continued to be elected as an Independent. Her popularity exudes my example of all politics is local and home folks know you best.

The GOP control of the Senate will probably be 26 to 9 or 27 to 8.

DEATH NOTICES WT WILSON James Willmon Wilbanks - 79 of Fyffe, passed away on Wednesday, August 1.

Visitation was held from 5pm to 8pm on Thursday, August 2 at the funeral home. Funeral services were held at 4pm on Friday, August 3 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Revs. Nellon Smith, Jerry Walden, and Jerry Beavers officiating. Burial followed in Wesley’s Chapel Cemetery.

Sherry Gail Maddox Langley - 68 of Fyffe, passed away on Saturday, August 4. Visitation was held from 10am to 2pm on Sunday, August 5 at the funeral home. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Sunday, August 5 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bros. Wesley Shepherd and Don Brown officiating. Burial followed in Highway Cemetery.

RAINSVILLE Billy Ray Furgerson 73 of Sylvania, passed away on Thursday, August 2 at his residence.

Visitation was held on Sunday, August 5 from

2pm to 3:30pm at the funeral home. Funeral services were held at 3:30pm at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Kerry Furgerson officiating. Burial followed in Burnt Church Cemetery.

Frances Culpepper 89 of Rainsville, passed away on Friday, August 3 at DeKalb Regional Medical Center. Visitation was Saturday, August 4 from 6pm to 8pm and Sunday, August 5 from 12pm to 2pm at the funeral home.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, August 5 at 2pm at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Gary Haymon officiating. Burial followed in Kirk Memorial Gardens.

CORNER STONE Charles Edward Whitaker - 78 of Henagar, passed away on Monday, August 6 at his residence.

Visitation was held from 4pm to 8pm on Tuesday, August 7 and 9am until service time on Wednesday, August 8 at the funeral home. Funeral services were held at 11am at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with J.C. Dalton speaking and Bro. C.L. Wilborn officiating. Burial

followed at Rainsville Church of Christ Cemetery.

WILSON Barbara Tindle - 78 of Fort Payne, passed away on Sunday, August 5 at her home in Panama City, Fla. Visitation was held on Monday, August 6 from noon until service time at the funeral home. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Monday, August 6 at Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Bill Smith officiating. Burial followed in Stewart Cemetery.

Denise Marie Santiago - 39 of Fort Payne, passed away on Wednesday, August 1. Visitation was held on Friday, August 3 from 4pm to 8pm at the funeral home. Funeral services were held at 11am on Saturday, August 4 at Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ron Johnson officiating. Burial followed in Glenwood Cemetery.

Speaking of control, the Big Dog still walks the halls of the State House. The Alabama Farmers Federation or Alfa still controls the legislature.

They ran the table in legislative races all over the state. That is because they ran most of the races for their candidates. They are the kings of Goat Hill, the same way they were in 1901 when the state constitution was written. The more things change the more they stay the same.

Alfa perennially puts their power, muscle and interest in the legislature.

They endorse in the statewide races and their endorsement is invaluable, especially in secondary state races. Their members vote that ballot and many conservative Alabamians look over the Farmers’ shoulder and vote along with them.

Alfa may give a token contribution to the Agriculture Commissioner, Attorney General, or Lt. Governor race and maybe

$25,000 to the governor’s race. However, it is not unusual for them to put up to $50,000 in a House race and over $100,000 into a Senate race, along with excellent political strategy and pastures along interstates to put big signs on.

They use to play in the governor’s race. However, they got burned badly by Bob Riley when they helped him get elected and the first thing he did was stab them in the back. However, they have slipped around this year and will not only own the legislature, they will probably have a good friend in the governor’s office.

The day before the primary, Kay Ivey boarded Jimmy Ranes jet to fly around the state. The first

person to board with her was Beth Chapman, Alfa’s political consultant. The next night when she came off the platform after giving her victory speech, guess who was helping her off the stage and holding her arm so that she would not fall?

It was Jimmy Parnell the Farmers Federation president.

Folks do not look for property taxes to be increased in the Heart of Dixie over the next four years.

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 legislature. Steve may be reached at steveflowers.us.

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YRNEA WELCOMES NEW LEADERSHIP Contributed by Young Republicans of NE Alabama SCOTTSBORO, Ala. – The Young Republicans of Northeast Alabama are excited to announce the seating of new leadership on their Executive Board.

Dylan Smith and Lewis Pitchford will serve as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the organization, respectively.

Smith and Pitchford bring impressive political resumes to YRNEA. Smith serves as Vice Chairman of the Jackson County GOP and chairs its Victory Committee. He also holds a seat on the Alabama Republican Party State Executive Committee. Most recently, he was Campaign Manager for the successful re-election bid of Rep. Tommy Hanes (R-Scottsboro).

Pitchford has served as Field Worker for the Alabama Republican Party.

His campaign experience includes Mo Brooks for U.S. Senate as a Political Intern, and Field Representative for Will Ainsworth’s campaign for Lt. Governor. Pitchford also served as Deputy

Campaign Manager for Rep. Tommy Hanes.

Under their leadership, YRNEA is rolling out their ‘Bold.

Strong. Conservative.’

Agenda.

“I’m thrilled to implement our ambitious conservative agenda,” says Smith. “It is incumbent upon our generation to fight for the values that make our families and communities strong. We will continue to strive for honest and principled leadership so our region can continue to grow and prosper. I look forward to working with the tremendous leadership we have in Northeast Alabama to accomplish that.”

Smith continues, “The Republican Party is the party of working class America. The democrats have moved further and further to the left and are now advocating for a radical socialist agenda.

Our generation has a responsibility to educate and empower millennials on the ideals of God-given liberty and constitutionally limited government.”

Pitchford reiterates, “A new era has begun in Northeast Alabama. Jobs, industry and economic confidence are booming more than ever before. We

live in exciting times.

Because of this growth, it is imperative that we retain our conservative values, support causes for liberty and believe in the power of the free market.”

Pitchford continues, “We, as young republicans are dedicated to protecting our cause and are entirely devoted to bold leadership, strong families and conservative principles that make our communities great. I’m very excited to work with our party and expand the message of liberty to all those we reach.”

Northeast Alabama currently lays claim to three prominent leadership positions within state government: Mac McCutcheon (R-Huntsville) as Speaker of the House, Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) as House Majority Leader, and Will Ainsworth (R-Guntersville) is the Republican nominee for Lt. Governor.

Sen. Steve Livingston (R-Scottsboro) played a pivotal role in recruiting Google to Jackson County and is leading the attempt to jumpstart Bellefonte Nuclear Plant, while Rep. Tommy Hanes (R-Scottsboro) is a firebrand conservative who is known for fighting corruption and protecting taxpayer money.

The Young Republicans of Northeast Alabama will seek to expand regional influence statewide.

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6

FRIDAY – AUGUST 10, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

A RISING STAR

By Marla Jones Sports Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Zeb Ferguson attended NSFC (Nick Saban Football Camp) in June, at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.

The grueling 3 day camp was full of practices, drills and 7 on 7’s. The days consisted of early rising, breakfast, practice, lunch, practice, dinner, and practice again.

“By days end we were dog tired," said Ferguson.

"It was exciting to get to work with Javier Arenas, a Bama legend from the 2010 BCS national Championship team. He was a very encouraging coach."

Zeb spent the first day working with rising Juniors (like himself)

AL & AU GOLF SHOOTOUT

The 2018 University of Alabama and Auburn University Golf Shootout will be held Thursday, August 23 at Terrapin Hills Country Club.

The annual four man scramble tournament will tee off at noon and proceeds will benefit scholarships for both universities. The tournament is set up by the local alumni chapters and benefit local DeKalb County students.

The tournament's entry fee is $60 per player and includes dinner after golf. To register, call Terrapin Hills at (256) 845-4624. Come out and support your favorite team and local scholarships!

then they moved him up to work with rising Seniors. That is when he got to work with Coach Arenas.

At the camp, Zeb had to pick one position, either offense or defense, so he picked safety (which included safety/ strong safety/nickel). He also plays wide receiver, but since he could only pick one position, he chose safety.

Having been to camp before, when he was several years younger, Zeb knew the routine.

Coach Saban speaks, everyone listens intently.

On the last day, awards are given out.

When awards started, a guy sitting beside him said “don’t worry, none of us are gonna get these” and then they called Zeb’s name for the All Saban Award. It is given to one

player per position per grade. He was going up against about 40 guys.

He was excited to say the least.

"It was great getting to spend time where National champions practice and prepare, with the greatest coach of our time", Ferguson stated.

Congratulations to Zeb, we look forward to seeing you on the field this fall!

Zeb Ferguson was awarded the All-Saban Award given to one player per grade. (Submitted Photos)

CATCH OF THE WEEK

This week's Catch of the Week is Gaye Works!

Gaye is enjoying her retirement and catching whoppers like this any chance she gets!

Submit your photos to marla@southerntorch. com to be our next Catch of the Week!

WINGFEST

CHAMP CAMP

The Sylvania Rams football team will host their fourth-annual Wingfest on August 11 from 6pm to 10pm at the Sylvania Football Stadium. The festival will feature live music, a kids zone, vendors and hundreds of chicken wings to taste and vote on. Tickets for the event can be purchased for $10 each at the school or through a Sylvania High School football player. Tickets sold on the day of the event will cost $15 each.

Coach Paul Benefield, his coaching staff and Fyffe's Varsity football players hosted the 2018 Champ Camp to help build future champions for the Fyffe Red Devils! Fyffe will host their Fan Day on Saturday, August 11.

Come out and support your Fyffe Red Devils!

FRIDAY – AUGUST 10, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

7

Are you ready for what’s next?

Apply Check into Financial Aid Establish Placement Get Advice and Register Start Your Journey! ! FALL SEMESTER 2018 Early registration is going on now.

Please contact your Advisor or the Admissions Office

Northeast Alabama Community College

Begin your future TODAY at one of the nation’s top community colleges 256-638-4418 256-228-6001 www.facebook.com/naccmustangs

nacc.edu

northeastalcommunitycollege

138 AL Hwy 35 | P.O. Box 159 Rainsville, Alabama 35986 www.pinterest.com/naccmustangs

@NACCmustangs

8

FRIDAY – AUGUST 10, 2018

OVER 71 CARS

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

OVER 75 TRUCKS

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