Bobby Ledbetter’s
FALL INTO SAVINGS THIS NOVEMBER!
THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2018 / VOL. 4, NO. 44 / $1.00 Don't forget to VOTE!
Next Tuesday November 6th
ADERHOLT MAKES CAMPAIGN STOP
LIKE
Rainsville begins bridge replacement
FOLLOW
TWEET
FRIDAY NIGHT FEVER FULL COVERAGE
PHOTO BY MARLA JONES
MATT NORMAN
By Marla Jones, Reporter RAINSVILLE, Ala. — (Full Video on our Facebook) Southern Torch was pleased welcome Congressman Robert Aderholt to our office on Monday for a brief interview before his campaign stop at the Tom Bevill Enrichment Center. The Torch Talk duo of Sports Editor Marla Jones and Rainsville Councilmember Marshall Stiefel sat down with Congressman Aderholt to discuss today’s burning issues that face Alabama and his bid for reelection. When asked what he felt was the most pressing issue facing the fourth district, Aderholt replied,
>> ADERHOLT, P6
of the Geraldine Bulldogs
By Marla Jones, Reporter RAINSVILLE, Ala. — According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, motorists should be advised that work will begin this week to replace the one-lane bridge over Town Creek on Chavies Road in Rainsville with a two-lane bridge. Miller and Miller will be the contractors in charge of the project. The contractor have installed signs for the roadwork and the road will be shut down near the bridge. All through traffic will be detoured to Fortner Road to Old Highway 35 to Alabama 35 back to
Chavies Road. The detour will be in place for one year while the old bridge is demolished and the new bridge is being built. According to Rainsville Councilmember Ricky Byrum, he has received several positive comments from bus drivers that have been forced to go around this bridge for years. He went to state that this is an ALDOT project that should be completed within 180 workdays, which totals to around 10-11 months. Byrum went on to state, “The key benefit to the completion of this project is the availability of emergency services to the citizens in that area, especially when seconds
count.” It’s expected that by early 2019, the last of the ATRIP projects will have been let to bid. When the program wraps up, it will have provided $1 billion toward more than 1,000 local projects, including 379 bridge replacement projects, across Alabama’s 67 counties. The near $2 million project is funded through the Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation and Improvement Program, which provides 80 perfect of funding for eligible costs on local projects applied for by local sponsors such as cities or counties.
Rainsville adopts subdivision regulations
By Marla Jones, Reporter
TORCHCAST
FRIDAY 10/26
54 • 46
SATURDAY 10/27
56 • 45
SUNDAY 10/28
59 • 44
RAINSVILLE, Ala. — (Full Video on our Website) The Rainsville Planning Commission met on Monday, October 29 to discuss the new subdivision regulations for the City of Rainsville. In the absence of Mayor Rodger Lingerfelt, Councilmember and Committee Liaison Brandon Freeman conducted the meeting. City Attorney Nikki Scott opened the meeting by explaining that these subdivision regulations
were prepared and presented by TARCOG (The Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments) in conjunction with the City of Rainsville. According to the Code of Alabama, this gives the Planning Commission the sole authority to decide to adopt or not. Once voted on by the committee, it will be recorded in the Probate Office and published in the paper. Scott advised that this will maintain uniformity in the City. The Mayor selected the following people to serve on the Rainsville Planning
Commission: Skeeter Logan (chairperson), Carol Laney, Sandy Goff, Kathy Gledhill, Jeffrey Pope, Zane Mitchell, David Snay, and Brandon Freeman. All members, including Mayor Lingerfelt with the exception of Councilmember Freeman, are voting members. Several concerned citizens voiced their questions during the public hearing. Rainsville contractor Trampas Shankles voiced
Unhindered set for Sunday
By Staff Reports RAINSVILLE, Ala. — Band. Beta. Basketball. What do these three have in common? First, they all begin with the letter "b." Not very impressive. Secondly, they all involve competition. That's better. Additionally, they all bring joy to a large number of high school students in our county each and every year. That's even better. However, this Sunday night, at the DeKalb County Schools Coliseum, each of these three programs in one local high school will win some big money that will certainly ensure more good times for students. That's the best! Unhindered. This event will take place on one night — November 4, 2018. Passionately, the one
purpose involves coming together as one county, one voice, and one people to extend hope to our very own. Finally, we will gather in one name — the greatest, most powerful, holiest name that exists, the name that sets the captive free and causes the blind to see. Who should attend? While this event has been designed to benefit a local school's students financially, it is not a youth event. Every person through the door age 12 and up will register with the school of his or her choice. At the end of this event, the school with the most people in attendance will secure a total of $15,000. This prize has been specifically designed — $5,000 each to athletics (not just basketball), band and beta.
>> PLANNING, P6 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 — NOVEMBER 2, 2018
THE SOUTHERN TORCH
DeKALB COUNTY COMMISSION “I humbly ask again for your consideration and vote in the upcoming general election on November 6th. Thank you again for the great opportunity you have given me to serve in this capacity.�
VOTE NOVEMBER 6 EXPERIENCED HARD WORKER PERSON, NOT PARTY
PD. POL. ADV. BY DEWITT JACKSON • 192 COUNTY ROAD 294, SYLVANIA AL 35988
Pam Bailey
SIMPSON
Pd. Pol. Adv. by Pam Bailey Simpson • 600 County Rd. 544 Grove Oak, AL
The People’s Clerk A working Circuit Clerk, not a Career Politician
Check Your Candidates Who is Most QualiďŹ ed To Be Circuit Clerk? SIMPSON
• 1975 — Started as Assistant to the Clerk • 1986 — B.S. Degree from University of Alabama while working full-time in Clerk’s OďŹƒce • 1996 — Promoted to Deputy Clerk Bookkeeper/Supervisor • 2006 — Elected to Circuit Clerk of DeKalb County
GREESON
• 1998 — Elected House of Representatives • 2004-2015 — Worked for NACC/while a State Representative • 2014 — Candidate for State Senate • 2015 — Assigned Assistant Director for State EMA
FRIDAY — NOVEMBER 2, 2018
THE SOUTHERN TORCH
COMMUNITY
Submit your community events to: zach@southerntorch.com
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 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. November 3, Little River Canyon Fest - This year’s 10th annual Canyon Fest is a celebration of arts and nature! Come enjoy live music, nature and arts activities, arts demonstrations and sales, all with great food, vendors, children’s activities and more! It will be held at the Little River Canyon Center from 10am to 3pm on November 3. Cost is free but donations
are welcome! November 3, Dogtown Fire Department Harvest Festival - The Dogtown Fire Department will be hosting their annual Harvest Festival on Friday, November 3 from 5pm to 9pm! There will be fun for the whole family with bingo, cake walk, raffle and more! For more information, call (256) 996-1314. November 3, Henagar Jr. High Harvest Festival - Henagar Junior High Harvest Festival is fun for the whole family. Make plans to come spend the evening with us and have some fun on November 3 from 5pm to 8pm and is free! November 4, Sheriff Harris at First Methodist Church - Sheriff Jimmy Harris will be speaking at Geraldine First Methodist Church this Sunday, November 4 for a special day of words and songs! It begins at 11am and lunch will follow the service. November 4, Unhindered - One local band. One life story from a former addict. One Bible story from a local pastor. It’s not about the money — it’s about meeting together with people from all walks of life for one night of worship — but UNHINDERED wants to
CENTRAL CHURCH OF CHRIST 1114 Main Street West • Rainsville, AL 35986 WOULD LIKE TO INVITE YOU TO OUR
GOSPEL MEETING FAMILY AND FRIENDS SUNDAY MORNING NOV. 4 Fellowship Meal following morning service SUNDAY-WEDNESDAY
NOVEMBER 4-7 BEGINNING AT 7PM with Brother
LARRY KIRBY
THE FISHERMEN SOUTHERN GOSPEL QUARTET
For Bookings call: Glenn Smith (256) 572-6146
bless our community as well. The DeKalb County high school with the most representatives in attendance over the age of 12 (not just students, but family members as well) will receive $15,000. Just show up, sign up and they’ll pay up — giving back to the students. Unhindered will be held on November 4 at the DeKalb Schools Coliseum with doors open at 5pm and event beginning at 6pm. November 9-10, Rainsville Holiday Open House - The Rainsville Chamber of Commerce will kick off the local Christmas shopping season on November 9-10! They encourage everyone in northeast Alabama to shop locally for the remainder of the Christmas shopping season. For a full list of the Chamber’s participating businesses, see their website. November 11, Salem Methodist Singing - A singing will be held at Salem United Methodist Church in Geraldine on Sunday, November 11 at 6pm featuring The Pickers of Guntersville. Everyone is invited! November 12, Fort Payne Veterans Day Parade - Join the City of Fort Payne on November 12 in downtown Fort Payne as we salute and thank all of our Veterans! Please come and enjoy at 4pm and cost is free! Parade forms can be picked up at the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce office. November 16-17, Vintage Pickin’ Christmas Market - Vintage Pickin’ Christmas Market at White Oaks Farm is for you to shop from 50+ hand-selected artisans and pickers from across the Southeast. These vendors have done the hunting for you! They bring truckloads of one of a kind antiques, speciality finds & vintage-inspired handmade goods that will be unique to you. For details regarding time, please visit the Vintage Pickin' Facebook page. November 17, Collinsville Historic Turkey Trot - Join us for food, fun and games. An antique car and tractor show, turkey shoot, cake walk, and historic “turkey toss” from the roof of a building make this an event fun for all ages! It will be held from 9am to 3pm and is free and open to the public! November 22, Thanksgiving - Celebrate Thanksgiving with your family, friends and the people you love!
Staff: Southern Torch (USPS Periodicals #19790) is
Eloise Smith, Business Manager Marla Jones, Sports Editor
published each Friday by Southern Torch, Inc. 203
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Send address changes to Southern Torch, P.O. Box 614 Rainsville, Alabama 35986-0614.
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DeKalb Schools spotlight Bus Safety Week
By Staff Reports DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — October 22-26 is National School Bus Safety Week. In DeKalb County approximately 5000 students are transported over 6000 miles per day. It takes 121 regular route drivers to make this happen for 177 school days. With so many students traveling on buses every day, safety has to be a top priority. DeKalb County Schools Transportation Supervisor, Dr. Keith Atchley decided to conduct a safe driver spotlight on a driver in DeKalb County. School administrators were contacted and asked to submit the name of a driver at their school who goes above the call of duty to care for the students every day. Many outstanding drivers were recognized but Sharon Sibert at Geraldine High School stands out. Sharon has been driving for 16 years. On average she transports 50 students a day from the Whiton and Painter communities to GHS, with AL Hwy 75 being the main road on her route. One reason Sharon was chosen for the safety spotlight is the steps she has taken to ensure safe stops on Hwy 75. With illegal passing being a problem, Mrs. Sibert brought it to the attention of Geraldine Assistant Principal Mrs. Chrystal Henderson. The majority of buses in the county have interior
cameras, but only the latest models have exterior stop-arm cameras that record in HD. However, the district has one spare bus equipped with a stop-arm camera system. This bus was assigned to Sibert’s route and she is driving the spare bus with the hope of bringing some of the illegal passers to justice. “I want to commend Sharon Sibert for being proactive and caring for her students,” states Atchley. “It takes everyone working together to keep bus riders safe. If drivers will slow and prepare to stop when they see amber warning lights, and stop when a bus has red lights flashing and stop sign extended bus stops will be safer,” notes Atchley. He also points out that drivers should stop when a bus is stopped on all undivided roads and highways. This includes state four lane highways that have turning lanes.
Jared Gore - Sales
Only when lanes are divided by a median or grassed areas can oncoming traffic proceed. Traffic behind the bus must always stop when the bus stops. When asked what community members can do to help, Sibert responded, “Students are the most precious cargo transported today! Pay attention to school bus warning lights, think about others and not just your schedule, and remember children do the unexpected.” For more information on school bus safety visit www.napt.org. The DeKalb County Schools Transportation Department would like to recognize the following drivers who were nominated for the spotlight: Larry Laney-Valley Head, Rebecca Butler-Sylvania, Stephanie Lacey-Crossville, Dawn Price-Collinsville, and John Kincer-Moon Lake.
Office: (256) 878-1050 www.howardbentley.com Cell: (256) 558-3166 Email: jared@howardbentley.com
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FRIDAY — NOVEMBER 2, 2018
THE SOUTHERN TORCH
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Thursday, November 1st through Sunday, November 4th
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Pink Door Boutique SPECIAL OPEN HOUSE SALES
Refreshments Free Gift Wrapping Free Gift Drawings Daily
First 20 customers to spend $50 or more will automatically receive a free gift.
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Friday, November 2 from 9-5 Saturday, November 3 from 9-5 Sunday, November 4 from 12-5 226 GAULT AVE, FORT PAYNE • 256-845-5680
CLOTHING & UNIQUE GIFTS Refreshments, door prizes & tons of sales! Friday, November 2 • 10am to 5pm Saturday, November 3 • 10am to 3pm 102 GREENHILL BLVD NW FORT PAYNE, AL 35967
256.845.5022
FRIDAY — NOVEMBER 2, 2018
THE SOUTHERN TORCH
BUSINESS
5
Submit your business news to: admin@southerntorch.com
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with Marla & Marshall
EVERY FRIDAY ON FACEBOOK
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James Allensworth • allensworthgold@aol.com
1706 Glenn Blvd., Suite 4
Fort Payne, AL 35968 • (256) 997-7591
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105 Co. Rd. 89 in Fort Payne / Dogtown
256-364-2221
#TorchSports FOLLOW THE LEADER and watch Sports Editor Marla Jones & Reporter Chris Capps in our new Torch Sports online show!
PD. POLITICAL AD. BEN JOHNSTON • 254 CO. RD. 53 • CROSSVILLE, AL 35962
THE FISHERMEN SOUTHERN GOSPEL QUARTET For bookings call: Glenn Smith (256) 572-6146 Check us out on Facebook
DEATH NOTICES BURT Rebecca Payne Barkley - 52, passed away on Thursday, October 25. Funeral services were held on Saturday, October 27 at Burt Chapel-Fort Payne at 2pm with Rev. Ronnie Bevel officiating. Burial followed in Allen Memorial Cemetery.
WT WILSON Jane Getz Cordell - 63 of Fort Payne, passed away on Friday, October 26. No services are planned at this time. Regina Deneace Couch - 66, passed away on Saturday, October 27. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Wednesday, October 31 at Wellington First Baptist Church in Calhoun County with Greg Walker officiating. Burial followed in the adjoining cemetery. Nickey Nichols - 71 of Albertville, passed away on Saturday, October 27. A graveside service was held at 2pm on Wednesday,
October 31 at Mountain View Memory Gardens with burial to follow. Paul Anthony Paschal - 58 of Scottsboro, passed away on Sunday, October 28. Funeral services were held at 11am on Wednesday, October 31 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel. Burial followed in Cedar Hill Cemetery.
Ila Jay Parris Smith - 94 of Rainsville, passed away on Friday, October 26 at her residence. Funeral services were held at 3:30pm on Sunday, October 28 at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Kevin McCreless officiating. Burial followed in Rainsville Memorial Park.
RAINSVILLE
Coy Hodges - 81 of Blake, passed away on Friday, October 26 at his residence. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Sunday, October 28 at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Bros. Rayford Brown, Danny Stewart and Richard Hodges officiating. Burial followed in Plainview Baptist Church Cemetery.
Roy Martin Blevins - 88 of Flat Rock, passed away on Thursday, October 25 at Crossville Health Care. Funeral services were held on Saturday, October 27 at noon at Pine Grove Cemetery in Ringgold, Ga. with Bro. Lamar Dietz officiating.
Ovell Edith Waddell - 96 of Rainsville, passed away on Saturday, October 27 at her residence. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Tuesday, October 30 at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Steve Webster officiating. Burial followed
Kenneth Bernard Smith - 65 of Fyffe, passed away on Monday, October 29. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Friday, November 2 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bro. Dustin Henshaw officiating. Burial followed in Green’s Chapel Cemetery.
in Town Creek Cemetery.
Cemetery.
Kathryn “Kathy” Skeens - 70 of Rainsville & Sylvania, passed away on Saturday, October 27 at her residence. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
Dura Brown Kirby - 91 of Ider, passed away on Wednesday, October 31 at Crowne Health Care. Funeral services were held at 11am at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Bros. Randy Tinker, Keith Stanford, and Frankie Carroll officiating. Burial followed in Fuller Cemetery.
Eldridge Gilley - 80 of Dutton, passed away on Saturday, October 27 at his residence. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Monday, October 29 at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Revs. Jason Hawkins and Butch Tanner officiating. Burial followed in Pleasant View Cemetery.
CROSSVILLE Raymond “Wayne” Gilbreath - 68 of Crossville, passed away on Tuesday, October 30 at his home. A graveside service was held at 4pm on Tuesday, October 30 at Mt. Pleasant (Carter) Cemetery with Bob McClendon officiating.
CORNER STONE Judy Sue Porter - 68 of Trenton, Ga., passed away on Saturday, October 27 at her home. Funeral services were held at 1pm CT at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Bro. David Smith officiating. Burial followed in Pine Haven Memorial Gardens. Brian Dewayne Carter - 55 of Pisgah, passed away on Sunday, October 28 at Highlands Medical Center. Funeral services were held at 2pm CT at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Bros. Bud Durham and David Smith officiating. Burial followed in New Home
WILSON Ralph “Buddy” Harris - 80, passed away on Friday, October 26. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Thursday, November 1 at Wilson Funeral Home. Mable Sisk O’Dell - 85 of Fort Payne, passed away on Friday, October 26. A graveside service was held at 2:30pm on Sunday, October 28 in the Mountain View Memory Gardens. Butch Gledhill - 59 of Fort Payne, passed away on Saturday, October 27. Funeral services were held at 11am on Thursday, November 1 at Wilson
Funeral Home. Burial followed in Fort Payne Memory Gardens. Frances E. Wooten - 88 of Fort Payne, passed away on Saturday, October 27. Funeral services were held at 4pm on Sunday, October 28 at Wilson Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed in Town Creek Cemetery. Deborah Denise Clawson - 52 of Fort Payne, passed away on Monday, October 29. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Wednesday, October 31 at Wilson Funeral Home Chapel. Dwayla Harcrow - 64 of Rainsville, passed away on Tuesday, October 30. Funeral services were held at 1pm on Friday, November 2 at Our Lady of the Valley. Burial followed in Glenwood Cemetery.
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FRIDAY — NOVEMBER 2, 2018
THE SOUTHERN TORCH
POLITICS
PLANNING, P1
his concerns on buying a piece of property and spending $5,000 to $10,000 to get a plat ready for approval, only to be turned down by the Planning Commission. The new regulations require the votes of six out of the Commission’s eight voting members. Shankles was concerned with several issues with unsafe and unsanitary issues and who would be the deciding factor on those issues. He was also concerned with the amount of traffic in the subdivisions. Rainsville Revenue Officer Richard Gibson stated that if the developers went by county regulations and got approval from the necessary outlets (which are listed below), then there would not be any problem. “Although the Mayor was not there as the head of the Planning Commission, I do feel that the majority of my questions were answered to my satisfaction. I do feel leery about purchasing any additional property in the City of Rainsville for subdivisions, especially due to the newly mandated 60-foot right-of-way,” said Shankles. The question was asked, “Will this affect existing subdivisions?” to which it was replied that all existing subdivision projects are grandfathered in. One question centered around the complaints from Maple Avenue residents regarding their frustration with a lack of cooperation from the City to help pave their street. The developers for those lots did not get the proposed street up to City specifications once all the lots were sold. The responsibility of paving the road has been in question for over 10 years and has brought heated debate to some Council meetings in the last 2 years. The Planning Commission clarified that the new subdivision regulations were designed in part to prevent future conflicts over street building and specifications such as the issues that have occurred on Maple Avenue. “I hope that we’ll never see that again,” said Councilmember Freeman. “If this was in place, that subdivision would have never happened.” Planning Commission Chairperson Skeeter Logan stated, “Due to continued growth in the Rainsville area, there needed to be a set of regulations and policies in place so developers could know beforehand what was needed. It is a two-prong deal: the area has to be zoned correctly and needs to be in regulation with several different agencies.” “The new regulations require a certificate of approval from Sand Mountain Electric Cooperative, Farmers Telephone Cooperative, Section-Dutton Water Board or Northeast Alabama Water Board, the Rainsville Sanitation and Sewer Board, the DeKalb County Health Department, the Planning and Zoning Board for the City of Rainsville and approval by City Engineer Sam Phillips,” he concluded. The new regulations were passed unanimously by the attending members of the Planning Commission.
ADERHOLT, P1 “Something that we hear over and over again is transportation. This district being a rural district, transportation is important. Having a good way to travel is crucially important, so [we] need to make sure there’s money for federal highways.” Stiefel asked Aderholt to discuss the President’s readjustment of NAFTA and global trade that affects us even here in DeKalb County. “I think it’s a great idea and for too long, the Chinese especially, have been able to put us in very difficult positions regarding our trade policy. President Trump has done a much better job than any other Republican President has done as far as standing against the Chinese and against some of these other countries who try to come in and get our jobs.” Jones asked about Aderholt’s views on immigration and the building of the wall. “I think [President Trump] had a mandate and said we need to have a wall. Obviously there are some parts on our southern border that people are constantly coming across. Obviously, there are some
of these people that are well-intended, but the problem is that so many are coming across bringing drugs and bringing crime in. We do have to have a handle on our borders.” Stiefel’s final question addressed Alabama’s statewide amendment two that will appear on the ballot this November regarding recognition of Alabama’s status as a pro-life state. “I support it. I am pro-life. My voting record proves I am 100% pro-life.” The last question from Jones was regarding the Kavanaugh hearing. Despite not being able to vote for now-Justice Kavanaugh, Aderholt said the resulting division after the confirmation was the most unbelievable since he has been in Washington. For our full interview with Congressman Aderholt, please visit our Facebook.
Stevenson I Centre I Scottsboro I Higdon I Leesburg Rainsville I North Ft. Payne I South Ft. Payne
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INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE
By Steve Flowers AL Political Columnist MONTGOMERY, Ala. — This time two years ago, I was bubbling over with anticipation with expectations that I would have two years of fun following an exciting governor's race. Well, Ole Robert Bentley spoiled my parade. Back in the old days, governors could not succeed themselves. They were governor for one four-year term and then you were out. That means we had a governor's race every four years and man would they be doozies. We would have 10 candidates, about half of them would be "run for the fun of it" candidates. The most colorful would be Shorty Price. However, there would be 3 to 4 viable candidates. These handful of bigtime candidates would fight it out for a place in the runoff. It would be for a place in the Democratic runoff. In bygone days the Democratic Primary nomination was tantamount to election. Today, it is just the other way around. Nowadays, winning the Republican Primary is tantamount to election in the good ole Heart of Dixie. The more things change, the more they stay the same in Alabama politics. Boy, when we change, we really change. We were a one-party state then and we are a one-party state now. When Kay Ivey won the GOP mantle back in June, she essentially won the governor's race. By the way, she won her Republican Primary impressively, 56 to 44. Ironically, she is poised to win the General Election by about the same margin. She will win next Tuesday because she is the Republican nominee. When Bentley left office early in disgrace that allowed Kay to ascend from Lt. Governor to Governor. She was wise and politically savvy enough to not rock the boat. She has surrounded herself with good people and has run an excellent campaign. As the quasi incumbent, she has been able to look very gubernatorial. Her mature, grandmotherly appearance and demeanor have actually been an asset rather than a deterrent. Most folks who vote are older and look a lot like Kay. She has done an exemplary job of not saying anything about pertinent issues or debating. Her handlers knew how to take advantage of incumbency and show her cutting ribbons and kissing babies. Kay has been around awhile. She cut her political teeth campaigning for the Wallace's, George and Lurleen. Her subtle message was, I'm the conservative female Republican candidate. In the primary, she ran on a platform of saving the Confederate
monuments. In the fall, she ran an ad with school children and of course, contrary to the demographics of today's Alabama classroom, all the school children were little white girls. The Wallace's would have been proud of Kay. Walt Maddox, the dynamic Democratic nominee for governor, is the best candiate that the Democrats have fielded in more than two decades. He is bright, articulate, energetic and well qualified having served as Mayor of Tuscaloosa for more than 10 years. He has run an excellent campaign. He has raised good money, primarily from grassroot Alabamians. However, he is a real card-carrying Democrat. If the polls had shown he was closing in, Kay's folks would have played the ace of all race cards. Walt supported and voted for Barack Obama. Kay will beat Walt because she is the Republican nominee and he is the Democratic nominee. The two rising political stars in the state, John Merrill and Will Ainsworth will win their reaces for Secretary of State and Lt. Governor, overwhelmingly. They will be vying to see which one is the top vote getter on the ballot. These two may also be vying to be the Republican to take out Doug Jones in 2020. Whoever is the Republican nominee will beat our anomaly Democratic Senator. Mr. Jones sealed his fate by gleefully voting against Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation. We have essentially ceded our second seat in the Senate to California. Doug Jones and Dianne Feinstein are in the same boat philosophically and with their voting. There may be one Democratic surprise next week. Longtime conservative Democratic lawmaker, Johnny Mack Morrow, may pull off an upset victory over a Republican incumbent in a Northwest Alabama state senate race. Y'all vote Tuesday. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama's leading political columnist. His weekly paper 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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THE SOUTHERN TORCH
TWIN CITY
USED CAR SALES
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FRIDAY — NOVEMBER 2, 2018
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FRIDAY — NOVEMBER 2, 2018
THE SOUTHERN TORCH
TEAM OF THE WEEK
GERALDINE BULLDOGS PHOTO BY KRISTY GALLAGHER
By Marla Jones Sports Editor SYLVANIA, Ala. — The Geraldine Bulldogs defeated the Sylvania Rams, 21-20 in a game some have said was the biggest battle of the 2018 football season. The Bulldogs were not only the victor but they remain perfect in region play. The Rams started the game by taking the opening kickoff down the field for 72 yards in nine plays. Nathan King took the handoff to score but fumbled in the endzone. Winston Wilks recovered the ball for the Ram
touchdown. The extra point attempt failed but put the Rams up 6-0 with 5:33 remaining in the first quarter. On the final play of the second quarter, Geraldine scored on a 2-yard dash into the endzone by Andrew Hall. The extra point attempt was good and the Bulldogs carried the 7-6 lead into halftime. With 4:46 remaining in the third quarter, PJ Watts scored on a 1-yard scamper into the endzone. The PAT was good and Geraldine took the 14-6 lead. With 1:11 remaining to play in the third Gareth Anderson bulldozed down the field for 37 yards for the score. The Rams sent Anderson back into battle, bringing in the two-point conversion to tie the game with a score of 14-14.
With 9:56 remaining in play, Hall stampeded down the field for 62 yards to score for the Bulldogs. The extra point attempt was good and the Bulldogs took the 21-14 lead. With 1.4 seconds remaining in the game, Brody Smith made the 10-yard connection with Grant Atchley for the score. As fans from both teams were on the edge of their seats, the Rams made the decision to go for two, instead of going into overtime play. The Bulldogs stopped the Rams and won with the score of 21-20. Sylvania will host the Fyffe Red Devils on Friday night. Geraldine will close out their regular season play, hosting Piedmont on Friday.
TODD GREESON REPUBLICAN FOR CIRCUIT CLERK
PD. POL. ADV. BY TODD GREESON • P.O. BOX 159, IDER, AL 35981
RICKY HARCROW
• Experience • Integrity • Dedication  Â?Â? Â? Â? Â? Â?€Â?€ ‚ • ƒ „…† ‡€ …ˆ‰
Vote for
Lester Black
DEKALB COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 4 Pd. Pol. Ad by Lester Black, 2559 Rainbow Ave., Rainsville, AL 35986
FRIDAY — NOVEMBER 2, 2018
THE SOUTHERN TORCH
FYFFE 54, IDER 0 FORT PAYNE 37, CULLMAN 22 PISGAH 18, PLAINVIEW 17
THIS WEEK’S SCOREBOARD IS SPONSORED BY
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GERALDINE 21, SYLVANIA 20 COLLINSVILLE 31, CEDAR BLUFF 0 SOUTHSIDE 54, CROSSVILLE 21 COOSA CHRISTIAN 71, VALLEY HEAD 14
256-273-4900
Wildcats Crush PANTHERS CAGE THE TIGERS Cullman PHOTO BY AMY THRASH
By Amy Thrash, Sports Reporter FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The Fort Payne Wildcats celebrated Senior Night with a 37-22 win over the Cullman Bearcats. With 8:20 remaining in the first quarter, the Bearcats put the first points on the board of the night, giving them the 7-0 lead. For Fort Payne, Alex McPherson nailed a 27-yard field goal to make the score 7-3 with 2:26 left in the first. Zach Ridgeway intercepted the Bearcats ball. Jordan Bain connected with Samuel Hotalen on a 18-yard pass to give the Wildcats a 10-7 lead with 10:07 remaining in the second quarter. At the end of the second McPherson made his second field goal of the night to make the score 13-7 at the half. To start the third quarter, Cullman had no trouble moving the ball and scored on a 34-yard run giving them the 14-13 lead. With 11:06 left in the third, Junior Marques scooped up a fumble and returned it for a 65-yard touchdown to make the score 20-14. With 3:35 to go in the third, McPherson nailed a 41-yard field goal to bring the score to 23-14. In the fourth with 4:16 remaining on the clock, Bain found Carter Pinholster for a 2-yard touchdown pass, the PAT was good making the score 30-14. The Bearcats answered back with a touchdown and a 2-point conversion making the score 30-22 with 3:11 to go in the game. Fort Payne made their second interception of the night by Nate Crane. Shaddix followed with a score on a 9-yard run to make the score 37-22. Levee Hall made the third interception of the night and the Wildcats kneeled on the ball to give them the 37-22 win over the Bearcats. “This is a great team win against a tough opponent,” said Head Coach Chris Elmore. “After getting behind early in the third our defense made another big playto regain the lead, and we were able to hold on after that.” Samuel Hotalen is the Offensive Player of the Week, and Defensive Player of the Week is Austin Travis. The Fort Payne Wildcats will travel to Birmingham to take on the Carver Rams.
By Marla Jones Sports Editor
COLLINSVILLE, Ala. — The Collinsville Panthers shutout the Cedar Bluff Tigers, 31-0 on Friday night. Jason Perez put the Panthers on the board first with a Cedar Bluff interception that he took back for 40 yards, with 4:10 remaining in the first Perez then went on to kick the extra point to give Collinsville the early 7-0 advantage. With 2:07 remaining in the first quarter, Jarrod Barkley stampeded into the endzone from 39 yards out. The PAT by Perez was good, giving the Panthers the 14-0 lead. With 10:00 remaining in the first half, Perez kicked a 33-yard field goal, increasing the Panther lead to 17-0. With 7:30 remaining in the second quarter, Kaleb Jones made a 21-yard touchdown connection with Garrett Skelton. The extra point attempt was good and the Panthers went into the half with the 24-0 advantage. Cedar Bluff attempted an onside kick to start the third quarter but failed. Barkley then put the nails in the coffin for Cedar Bluff on a 47-yard stampede into the endzone. The extra point attempt by Perez made the final score of the night, 31-0. The Southern Torch Stand Outs for the night were Jason Perez, Mason McKinney and Jarrod Barkley. Jason Perez was
PHOTO BY MARLA JONES
perfect for the night, making all four point after attempts. His six kickoffs averaged 51 yards each. His four punts of the night averaged 29.8 yards. He intercepted a pass and brought it back for a pick 6. Mason McKinney had 14 rushes for 65 yards. He had an interception with a 27 yard return that set up a touchdown. He also had a fumble recovery.
Jarrod Barkley scored two touchdowns for the night. He had 11 rushes for 120 yards. Collinsville will host the Valley Head Tigers on Thursday to end their regular season play. The win over Cedar Bluff insured them home field advantage for the first round of Class 2A AHSAA State Playoffs.
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FRIDAY — NOVEMBER 2, 2018
THE SOUTHERN TORCH
Panthers Pound VALLEY HEAD FALLS the Lions TO COOSA CHRISTIAN
PHOTO BY MARLA JONES
By Amy Thrash Sports Reporter SOUTHSIDE, Ala. — The Crossville Lions were defeated by the Southside Panthers 54-21 on friday night. To start the first quarter, Southside ran a 44-yard touchdown to give them the 7-0 lead. Crossville’s Trent Bryant made a interception and ran it for a 60-yard
touchdown. The Panthers answered back with a 46-yard touchdown to make the score 14-7. The Panthers fumbled the ball and it got picked up by Bryant who returned it to the 1-yard line, where Hunter Haston dashed in the endzone for a touchdown to tie the game 14-14. Southside scored two more times by the end of the first to make the score, 27-14. In the second quarter,
Southside was on a roll and scored four more touchdowns to make the score 54-14 at the half. The last score was made in the fourth quarter as the Crossville Lions scored with .42 seconds remaining in the game. The final was 54-21. The Crossville Lions will travel to Rainsville to take on the Plainview Bears for their last game of the season.
SO CLOSE... PHOTO BY MARLA JONES
By Marla Jones Sports Editor PISGAH, Ala. — For the first time in thirty years, the Pisgah Eagles defeated the Plainview Bears, 18-17. The first quarter was a back and forth battle with neither team making it into the endzone. Pisgah put the first points on the board with 5:46 remaining in the first half on a 1-yard dash into the endzone. The Eagles successfully went for two,
PHOTO BY MARLA JONES
By Marla Jones Sports Editor GADSDEN, Ala. — The Valley Head Tigers fell to the Coosa Christian Conquerors, 71-14 on the road Friday night. The Conquerors jumped to an early lead scoring 21 unanswered points in the first quarter.
Valley Head put their first points on the board with 1:08 remaining in the half. The Tigers successfully went for two, making the score 49-8 going into the half. By the end of the third, the Conquerors had the 65-8 lead over the Tigers. With 9:18 remaining in the game, Valley Head
scored. The Tigers went for two but were unsuccessful, making the score 65-14. The Conquerors added another touchdown at the closing of the game to make the final score 71-14. Valley Head will be on the road for the last regular season game, this Thursday, as they face the Collinsville Panthers.
DEVILS SWAT THE HORNETS
PHOTO BY CHERYL BOYDSTON
making the score 8-0. Plainview quickly got the ball down the field before the half and cashed in on a field goal by David Mejia. As the second quarter ended, Pisgah had the 8-3 advantage. With 5:12 remaining in the third, the Bears take the lead with a 1-yard scamper into the endzone by Brody McCurdy. The Bears went for two making the score 11-8. With 2:00 remaining in the third quarter, Pisgah kicked a
35-yard field goal to tie the score at 11-11. With just :10 ticked off in the fourth quarter, Pisgah ran it in from 49 yards out to take the 18-11 lead. With 2:37 remaining in regulation play, Drew Smith brought it in from 6-yards out. The Bears went for two but were stopped by the Eagles, making the final score 18-17. Plainview will host the Crossville Lions on Friday night.
By Marla Jones Sports Editor FYFFE, Ala.-- The Fyffe Red Devils shutout the Ider Hornets 54-0 on Friday night. Zach Pryon scored the first touchdown of the night, with just :45 seconds ticked off the timeclock. Pryon scored on a quarterback keeper from 29 yards out. With 5:15 remaining in the first, Pryon struck again with a
66-yard touchdown. To close out the first quarter, Pryon scored his third touchdown of the night from 25 yards out to make the score 21-0. Payton Anderson bulldozed his way into the endzone from 6-yards out, with 10:19 remaining in the second quarter. With 5:38 remaining in the first half, Jake Stone stampeded into the endzone from 31-yards out. Cage Cochran plowed down the field for 74-yards to close out the first half
with the 41-0 advantage. Dalton Dukes scored on a 1-yard dash into the endzone with 1:00 remaining in the third quarter. With 2:32 remaining in the game, Ty Bell darted into the endzone from 1-yard out to make the final score of the game, 54-0. Fyffe will finish their regular season play, as they travel to take on the Sylvania Rams on Friday. Ider will host Spring Garden.
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FRIDAY — NOVEMBER 2, 2018
THE SOUTHERN TORCH
Vote November 6th AUCTIONS UNITED INC.
CIRCUIT
CLERK
OF DEKALB COUNTY
The Leadership We Need Experience You Can Trust
Todd Greeson is a family man, experienced public servant, and proven conservative with a track record of success. He believes in providing real, common sense solutions for our community, that is why he takes the time to listen and understand how he can best help people. To Todd, the folks of DeKalb County are more than constituents; they are his family, friends, and neighbors. • DeKalb County Native and Life-long Resident • Masters of Public Administration from Troy University • Served Community as State Representative for 16 Years • Former Assistant Director Alabama EMA • Married to Dana Greeson and they have two
sons, Garrett and Daniel r • Member of Mountain View Baptist Church in Sylvania Pd. Pol. Adv. Todd Greeson for Circuit Clerk, PO Box 159, Ider, AL 35981
INCOME PRODUCING COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES ALSO SELLING ALL TYPES OF OFFICE SUPPLIES Real Estate Terms: A 10% Buyers Premium will be added to the highest bid and will be paid the day of the sale. The balance is due at closing on January 8, 2019. Office Furniture & Property Terms: A 10% Buyers Premium will be added to the highest bid. The total amount will be due the day of the sale.
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LOCATION: The Main Street Plaza Shopping Center is located at 200 Main Street West in Rainsville, AL. The Rainsville Finance property is located at 180 Main Street West in Rainsville, LA. (Next to the Main Street Plaza Shopping Center). ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS BROCHURE WAS DERIVED FROM SOURCES BELIEVED TO BE CORRECT, BUT IS NOT GUARANTEED. ANY ANNOUNCEMENT MADE FROM THE AUCTION STAND SHALL TAKE PRECEDENCE OVER ANY PRINTED MATTER IN THIS BROCHURE.
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FRIDAY — NOVEMBER 2, 2018
THE SOUTHERN TORCH
“FOR A GREAT ACHIEVER, IT’S ALL ABOUT ME...... Lester Black, DeKalb County Commission Todd Greeson, DeKalb County Circuit Clerk Ronnie Osborn, DeKalb County Probate Judge Nick Welden, DeKalb County Sheriff Ricky Harcrow, DeKalb County Commission President
FOR A GREAT LEADER, IT’S ALL ABOUT THEM!” - Alan Mulally
IN AN AGE OF INCREASED VIOLENCE AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT, THEY DESERVE A FIGHTER!!!
PROUD TO BE SUPPORTED BY DEKALB COUNTY’S FINEST!
19 YEARS OF WEARING A BADGE...
Nick will bring 19 years of experience to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office. He has served at the state level as both a State Trooper and Game Warden. Locally, he served as Valley Head’s police chief. Nick has been in car chases. He has been in shootouts. He knows what it means to wear a badge.... Our Citizens and Law Enforcement Officers deserve experience, not a politician.... 6 . OV
N E T
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256-717-4003
Paid Political Advertisement by Nick Welden, 11684 US HWY 11, Collinsville, Ala. 35961