The Southern Torch — Vol. 4, Issue 48

Bobby Ledbetter’s

SEASONS GREETINGS FROM TWIN CITY 1411 Glenn Blvd SW, Fort Payne, AL 35967

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2018 / VOL. 4, NO. 48 / $1.00

Beloved Fort Payne Attorney Passes Away

LIKE

FORT PAYNE BATTLES DOWNTOWN FIRE

FOLLOW

TWEET

FRIDAY NIGHT FEVER FULL COVERAGE

(Submitted Photo)

By Marla Jones Reporter FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Richard Igou, who served DeKalb and Cherokee Counties as District Attorney for 20 years, passed away last weekend. He was 74 years old.

In a statement, current District Attorney Mike O’Dell said: “Richard Igou’s passing has deeply saddened me. He served as District Attorney for 20 years, 1976-1996. For sixteen of those years, I served as his Chief Deputy District Attorney. One of the first cases we tried together was the Judith Neelley Capital Murder trial. From that moment on, Richard and I shared a bond that only became stronger over the years.

Richard was my mentor and my friend, and he taught me many valuable lessons over the years

>> FP ATTORNEY, P3

PHOTO BY BRUCE WILSON

And then there was one...

RAINSVILLE COMMUNITY MOURNS WILLMON A fire broke out in a vacant building in downtown Fort Payne on Monday night. The Fort Payne Fire Department responded at almost 100 percent turnout and took down the blaze. (Photo by Orvetta Angelic Patterson)

By Marla Jones Reporter FORT PAYNE, Ala. — On Monday night, a blaze broke out in a vacant building in downtown Fort Payne. Firefighters responded immediately to put out the fire that could have been destructive for the Main Street region of the city.

The empty building is owned by GH Metal.

According to Fort Payne Fire Chief Ron Saferite, there has been a history of homeless people seeking shelter inside the building

The fire gutted the building. (Photo by Molly Manifold)

during the recent cold snap. However, the cause of the fire is still investigation.

“The turnout of Fort Payne firefighters was nearly 100 percent on Monday night,” said Saferite. “The guys did a fantastic job keeping it off the surrounding buildings.

Half of downtown [Fort Payne] would’ve been on fire if they didn’t.” Even off-duty firefighters responded to the call.

The official investigation of this case has begun. Southern Torch will keep you updated on this developing story.

By Marla Jones Reporter RAINSVILLE, Ala. — Rainsville lost a longtime banker and friend on Monday, November 26.

Anthony Willmon, former Vice President of the First Bank of the South, passed away leaving behind a legacy in the City of Rainsville.

Funeral services for Mr. Willmon were held on Thursday, November 29 at 6pm at Rainsville Holiness Church with Bro. Rickey Wooten officiating. A private burial service followed in Mountain View Memory Gardens.

In a statement, First State Bank President & CEO David Henderson said: “I was saddened this morning to hear of the passing of my dear friend and fellow banker, Anthony Willmon. I was blessed to have had not only the opportunity to work with Anthony for many years but to also have him as a friend

>> WILLMON, P2

COUNTY RECOGNIZES MASTER'S STATE OF THE STATE GAMES PARTICIPANTS

LEGISLATORS DELIVER

PHOTO BY MARLA JONES

By Marla Jones Reporter

TORCHCAST

Representative Nathaniel Ledbetter and Senator Steve Livingston delivered the 2018 State of the State address on Tuesday. (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

By Zach Hester Reporter DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — On Tuesday, DeKalb and Jackson counties’ state

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legislators gathered alongside local officials and residents to deliver the 2018

>> STATE, P2

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — The DeKalb County Commission held their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, November 27.

Emily McCamy of the Council on Aging requested the hiring of Joyce Revelitz

as the Council’s activities coordinator. The Commission approved the hire.

McCamy spoke on DeKalb County’s Master’s Games participants. The Master’s Games is an Olympic-style competition for Alabama residents that are 50 and older. The games

provide an opportunity for the 500-800 participants from across the state to be active and communicate with the friends they have made through the games.

Some of the 27 events include a one-mile fun walk,

>> COMMISSION, 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 — NOVEMBER 30, 2018

STATE from Page 1 State of the State address at Northeast Alabama Community College.

Rainsville, Fort Payne and Mountain Lakes Chambers of Commerce co-sponsored the event.

House Majority Leader/Representative Nathaniel Ledbetter and State Senator Steve Livingston addressed the crowd with an overview of the 2018 legislative session.

They reported the following: • The largest education budget (6.63 billion) since the Great Recession. The budget included a 2.5% pay raise for teachers and support personnel.

• The announcement of the Alabama School for Cyber Technology and Engineering, which will be based in Huntsville. It will serve as a public magnet school for grades 7-12.

• The state boasts a balanced budget in the general fund with no new tax increases. This year, a targeted increase for the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) to put 30 additional state troopers on the road.

• The budget gives a 3% cost-of-living raise to state employees (the first one in ten years) • Corrections was given a $55 million increase to hire additional mental and medical health staffers. The Mental Health budget was increased by $8 million to address the opioid crisis • The recognition of February 15th as Military Appreciation Day and the Parks for Patriots Act gave current military members

FP ATTORNEY from Page 1 about life, the law, and justice. He was an incredible prosecutor with impeccable character and integrity. He retired in 1996 and I took over the office, yet, he never stopped serving the public, as he came back to work as a

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

and veterans free access to our state parks • The Veterans Employment Act establishes a one-time $2,000 income tax credit for businesses that hire a veteran for a full-time position paying at least $14 per hour • Gave the green light to ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft to operate in the state • Toughened penalties for obstructing human trafficking (which includes child sex trafficking) investigations. The maximum offense is now a Class A felony (minimum ten years sentence).

• The Broadband Accessibility Fund will award grants to telecommunications and cable companies that build broadband infrastructure in underserved areas • The Child Care Safety Act increases safety reporting requirements for daycare centers while protecting faith-based daycares from DHR licensure • Reported a growth of 112 new jobs in DeKalb County and 315 new jobs in Jackson County Ledbetter and Livingston reported that House Republicans retained their supermajority of 77 of the 105 while Senate Republicans maintain their supermajority of 27 of 35 seats. Looking forward, both legislators said the Legislature is ready to get back to work with a conservative agenda.

The 2019 Legislative Session to set to tackle controversial issues like an infrastructure plan, a lottery bill, prison and criminal justice reform, protection of rural health care, and possible Medicaid expansion. contract attorney handling our child support overflow.

Over the years, I grew to love him deeply as a fellow public servant and as a cherished friend. I will miss him dearly.”

Igou’s other colleagues shared their condolences as well.

Deputy District Attorney Scott Lloyd said, “Richard Igou was a great man, a great leader and a great friend. Richard gave me my first job in law and inspired in me a zeal to be a prosecutor. He will be

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FORT PAYNE, Ala. — By now in New York City, there is snow on the ground, but they still don’t have a Cook Castle Christmas like we do.

For the fifth year in a row, if you are one of the lucky ticket holders, you too can view the Christmas beauty of the Cook Castle that sits atop Lookout Mountain. On December 7 and 8 beginning at 5pm, Jeff and Lisa Cook welcome you into their home to enjoy one of the 35 decorated trees and have plenty more in store for these magical nights.

The night boasts entertainment from Canyonland, Me and the Girls, and just maybe a song or two from Alabama’s legendary Jeff Cook. With plenty of Christmas food and goodies in store, the night is expected to once again put you in the true spirit of Christmas in Dixie.

Southern Torch was invited to preview this special venue that sees people flock from across the nation and Canada just to view its beauty. We were treated to cooking lessons

by Jeff and Lisa, along with a special tour of the house.

A gallery of preview photos for next week’s event can

be viewed on our website at southerntorch.com.

Cook Castle Events offers wedding packages, corporate parties, luncheons and tours. The castle is immaculately decorated and eager to host your event in true Christmas fashion.

Contact Stacey Clark at Cook Sound Studios at (256) 845-2286 for booking information.

All photos are courtesy of Kristy Gallagher.

H — O a o C M f a the blink of an eye. He was R g loved and will be greatly missed by myself and all of the other former First Bank P of the South employees, directors and customers.” O Willmon is survived by g his wife, Sherry; three sons: A Bradley, and wife Heather; s Aaron, and wife Mandy; and W Keith, and wife Shela; two l daughters: LaShea Stopyak A and husband Ron; and Jodi w Buttram and husband f Jarrod; parents Charles and a Martha Willmon; 1 parents-in-law Billy and Ruby Turner; three brothers: t Benji and wife Terry; Nicky h and wife Karen; and Jeff and r wife Cindy. He also leaves a behind fifteen grandchil- c dren: Kennedy, Caleb, p Savannah, Cecelia, Sam, i Shelby, Miles, Britney, p Lance, Jessica, Ambriel, Alex, Colby, Lucas and Tyler; and five great-grandchil- B dren: Tre’, Jalyn, Khidon, m Bosten and Mila. f Mr. Willmon loved his W church and loved to sing. He W loved his grandchildren more than himself and often J went above and beyond for them more than their parents did. He came to know God and and the free gift of salvation at an old time revival held in Scottsboro in a little church on Appletree Street.

The citizens of Rainsville will certainly miss Mr. Willmon as will all who came to know him.

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missed.”

“Richard Igou was a giant in the legal field in this Circuit and in Alabama,” said Circuit Judge Jeremy Taylor. “He was a fierce, but fair, advocate for the State of Alabama. We will miss his work in the courtroom and his friendship. I grew up with his children and know that Mr. Igou was a great father as well. We pray for his family. He was truly a gentleman in every sense.”

Attorney and Circuit Judge-elect Andrew Hairston said, “The DeKalb County legal community lost a good one. Richard Igou was a dedicated public servant, serving as our District Attorney for many years. More importantly, he was a good person, who was always smiling. We will miss him tremendously.

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Our prayers are with his family during this most difficult time.”

"Mr. Igou was a man of integrity and class that served his community with honor and distinction," said Circuit Judge Shaunathan Bell. "He accumulated a lot of accomplishments during his legal career, but he was most proud to be a husband and father to his wonderful family. Because of his faith in Jesus, we have the assurance that he is at rest with his Savior and all of us that share that faith look forward to enjoyed the Marriage Supper of the Lamb with Mr. Igou one day."

Earlier this year, Igou received the prestigious Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce’s V.I. Prewett Lifetime Achievement Award.

Igou is survived by his wife Deema; children: Alex, Christy, Anna and Ellen; sisters: Susan Long and Mary Shurett; and seven grandchildren.

Funeral services for Igou were held at 2pm on Tuesday, November 27 at First United Methodist Church in Fort Payne. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society for pancreatic research or the Robert Purdy Sunday School Class.

WILLMON from Page 1 for over 40 years. Anthony will be greatly missed not only by his family but also by his co-workers, and his many customers that became friends and the community that he served.

On behalf of the Directors, Officers, and Employees of First State Bank our thoughts and prayers go out to the Willmon family.”

First State Bank Vice President Laura Hulgan said in a statement: “There are few people that see value in you and will help you to see it in yourself; that encourage you to the point of absolute frustration; that are willing to invest their most valuable resources (time, energy and knowledge) into you. These are the people who become a part of you and who’s legacy you will help to carry on someday. These are people who are family with or without a genetic connection. Anthony Willmon was one of these people to me. I could not be the banker or person I am today without him having been such a huge part of my life. I am blessed and thankful to have had him as my mentor and extended family, but most importantly my friend. A million memories have passed in

FRIDAY — NOVEMBER 30, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

3

COMMUNITY

DeKalb County Christmas Parades

Fort Payne First Presbyterian welcomes all

By Staff Reports FORT PAYNE, Ala. — FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The weather’s getting colder.

The TV news and social media just seem to be getting sadder, more aggressive and harder to follow. And yet, during the holiday season, we’re expected to feel happy and joyful. Cries of “Merry Christmas!� and non-stop caroling contrast with the feelings of many people at this time of the year.

For those facing family crises like the impending or recent death of loved ones or other yearly reminders of how challenging your family or employment situation is, this can be a very isolated and challenging time.

Sometimes those feelings can be pretty overwhelming.

Fort Payne First Presbyterian Church is here to remind you that you are not alone this holiday season. To fill this gap, they are offering “Blue Christmas: A Service of Remembrance & Hope.�

The Fort Payne First Presbyterian Church will host Blue Christmas: A Service of Remembrance & Hope, a special service at 12pm on Wednesday, December 5. (Photo by Fort Payne First Presbyterian Church's Facebook)

They are welcoming everyone to this noon service on December 5 in order to offer a time to remember what has been and pray for what will be.

It will be a mix of traditional music and scripture, as well as a time for reflection and prayer.

The service is non-denominational and offers hope to all.

Located at 300 Grand Avenue NW in Fort Payne, First Presbyterian Church has been opening its door to the Fort Payne community for 130 years

in a variety of services and events. The event is meant to mimic the annual Community Holy Week Services that they host every Lent/Easter with a brief service followed by a time of fellowship and refreshments in Haralson Fellowship Hall.

Psalm 121 says, “I will lift up my eyes to the hills.

Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of

Heaven and Earth!� Here in the hills of Northeast Alabama, there is help, refuge and care. If this time of year seems challenging, your church community does care about you and invites you to this special time together.

For more information, feel free to contact the church via Facebook or by phone at (256) 845-2915.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Every Monday, By His Hand Outreach Ministry — The By His Hands Outreach Ministry will host a soup kitchen beginning on Mondays at 6pm. The Clothes Closet will be open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm. Both are at 2494 Church Avenue in Rainsville. Donations are greatly appreciated!

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.

December 1, Sand Mountain Lulapalooza Sale — LuLaRoe Retailers will host a huge sale on Saturday, December 1 from noon to 5pm at the Northeast Alabama Agri-Business Center!

Amazing vendors will be there with wonderful products like Color Street, Plunder Jewelry, Dandelion Wishes, Scentsy and much more! Please come out and join in on the amazing time!

December 7-9, 13-16, NACC Theatre presents A Christmas Carol — NACC Theatre will present “A Christmas Carol� held at the Tom Bevill Lyceum on the campus of Northeast Alabama Community College. Friday-Saturday evening performances will begin at 7pm and Sunday matinees begin at 2pm. All seats are reserved and tickets are $5 each.

December 7, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day — Come and be a part of this remembrance program presented by the

DeKalb County VFW. The program will culminate at the bridge. Each year, Traci’s donates a wreath that is dropped from the bridge and carried downstream in tribute to those who gave their lives in the line of duty at Pearl Harbor. Please join the VFW members in this Pearl Harbor Remembrance ceremony. In the Exhibit Hall of the Little River Canyon Center from 11am to noon.

December 7, Christmas in the Park - Fort Payne's annual Christmas in the Park festivities will be held in the city park on Friday, December 7 from 3pm to 7pm! Festivities include drinks, hot chocolate and apple cider, popcorn, music and fun for the whole family! Be sure to join in this Christmas season!

December 7, DERA Meeting — The DeKalb Education Retirees Association (DERA) will meet on Friday, December 7 at Kelly’s Kitchen in Rainsville at 10am. Our program will focus on the best balance exercises for seniors. All DeKalb County and Fort Payne City School retired education

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employees, active and support, are invited and encouraged to attend.

December 8, Canyon Christmas - An annual tradition to celebrate the season that is filled with holiday spirit and activities including Christmas arts and crafts, a gift shop, puppet shows and a visit with photos with Santa and more! It will be held at the Little River Canyon Center on Lookout Mountain from 10am to 3pm on Saturday, December 8.

December 8, Exile at the Pickin' Post - You're invited to a spectacular night of country music!

Join Exile at the Pickin' Post in Fort Payne on Saturday, December 8 at

6pm for a great concert!

Tickets are available at Black's Tire in Rainsville and at Rogers Pawn, Music & Jewelry in Fort Payne.

Tickets are $ 30 per person. For more information, you may call (256) 845-4115 or (256) 657-3817.

December 14, Vulcraft Holiday Market — Come enjoy a night of food, crafts, clothing, jewelry and a silent auction at the Vulcraft Holiday Market in The Building, located in downtown Fort Payne! All proceeds go to the DeKalb County Children’s Advocacy Center. It will be held from 4pm to 9pm and everyone is invited.

December 14, Wilburn / Wilburn & The LeFevre

Quartet at the Pickin' Post — Everyone is invited to a special Christmas show!

Come enjoy Wilburn/ Wilburn & The Lefevre Quartet at The Pickin' Post in Fort Payne, Alabama.

Tickets are available at Black's Tire in Rainsville and Rogers Pawn, Music and Jewelry in Fort Payne.

The show will be held on Saturday, December 14 at 7pm. Tickets are $15 per person.

December 15, TVRA at the Agri-Business Center — Tennessee Valley Roping Association presents the Team Roping Competition at the Northeast Alabama Agri-Business Center in Rainsville at 9am. Books open at 8:30am, roping starts at 9am sharp!

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FRIDAY — NOVEMBER 30, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

BUSINESS

Submit your business news to: admin@southerntorch.com

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DEATH NOTICES WILSON Fred Donald Teague - 82 of Fort Payne, passed away on Wednesday, November 21. Funeral services were held at 1pm on Saturday, November 24 at Wilson Funeral Home.

Burial followed in Walker’s Chapel Cemetery.

Elizabeth Blackburn Mince - 84, passed away on Thursday, November 22.

Funeral services were held at 2pm on Sunday, November 25 at Wilson Funeral Home with Rev. John Keefe and Dr. Nathan VanHorn officiating. Burial followed in Mountain View Memory Gardens.

Wallace Edward McCue - 89 of Fort Payne, passed away on Friday, November 23. Funeral services were held at noon on Wednesday, November 28. Burial followed in Lebanon Cemetery.

Richard Igou - 74 of Fort Payne, passed away on Saturday, November 24.

Funeral services were held at 2pm at Fort Payne United Methodist Church with Rev. Michael Miller officiating. A private burial service followed.

Martha Marie Jackson - 84 of Adamsburg, passed away on Monday, November 26 at her

residence. Funeral services are set for 11am on Friday, November 30 at Wilson Funeral Home Chapel.

Burial followed in the Adamsburg Cemetery.

BURT James O. Sharp - 91 of Valley Head, passed away on Saturday, November 24 at Collinsville Nursing Home. A graveside service was held on Monday, November 26 at Valley Head Cemetery at 3:30pm with Rev. Darrell Haney officiating. Burial followed.

CORNER STONE Charles Fredrick Stark - 84 of Ider, passed away on Saturday, November 24 at his residence. A visitation was held on Wednesday, November 28 from 4pm to 8pm CT at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel.

June Bethune - 83 of Henagar, passed away on Saturday, November 24 at DeKalb Regional Medical Center. Funeral services were held on Monday, November 26 at 2pm CT at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Bro. Kerry Bryant officiating. Burial followed in Green Haven Memorial Gardens.

GERALDINE Melvin Delbert Johnson - 95 of Geraldine,

passed away on Saturday, November 24 at Shepherd’s Cove Hospice. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, November 27 at 11am at the Geraldine Funeral Home Chapel with Revs. Glenn Bruce, Melvin Hilley and Terry Johnson officiating. Burial followed in Geraldine Cemetery.

RAINSVILLE Dell Ray Rucks - 84 of Rainsville, passed away on Monday, November 26 at his residence. Funeral services were held on Friday, November 30 at 2pm at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Bros.

Kenneth Goggans, James Grindstaff and Briggs King officiating. Burial followed in Plainview Baptist Church Cemetery.

Anthony Willmon - 62 of Rainsville, passed away on Monday, November 26 at his residence. Funeral services were held at 6pm on Thursday, November 29 at Rainsville Holiness Church with Bro. Rickey Wooten officiating. A

For bookings call: Glenn Smith (256) 572-6146 Check us out on Facebook

LEGALS private burial will follow in Mountain View Memory Gardens.

Bobby Stephens - 77 of Rainsville, passed away on Tuesday, November 27 at his residence. A graveside service was held on Thursday, November 29 at 3pm at Rainsville Memorial Park with Bro. Earnest Corbitt officiating. Burial followed in Rainsville Memorial Park.

GERALDINE Franklin Delano Hammond - 83, passed away on Thursday, November 22 at Shepherd’s Cove Hospice in Albertville.

Funeral services were held at 1pm at Highway Church of God in Lakeview. Burial followed at Highway Cemetery.

Terry Wayne Brewer - 63 of Fyffe, passed away on Thursday, November 22.

Funeral services were held at 2pm on Sunday, November 25 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel. Burial followed in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.

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IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALA.

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALA.

CASE NO: CS-18-900115

CASE NO: CS-18-900116

HERMELINDO GONZALEZ VELASCO, Plaintiff/Father v.

ALICIA MENDOZA SANTIAGO, Defendant/Mother

ANA MARTIN TOMAS FRANCISCO, Plaintiff/Mother v.

TOMAS ANDRES TOMAS DOMINGO, Defendant/Father

NOTICE OF CUSTODY PROCEEDINGS

NOTICE OF CUSTODY PROCEEDINGS

ALICIA MENDOZA SANTIAGO, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer the Complaint and other relief by the 25th day of January, 2019 or, thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against her in Case No.: CS-18-900115, in the District Court of DeKalb County, Alabama.

TOMAS ANDRES TOMAS DOMINGO, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer the Petition for Paternity and Custody Determination and other relief, by the 25th day of January, 2019, or thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against him in Case No.: CS 2018-900116, in the District Court of DeKalb County, Alabama.

To Be Published: November 30, December 7, December 14, December 21

To Be Published: November 30, December 7, December 14, December 21

Attorney for Plaintiff: Gabriela Watson, Esq WATSON & WATSON P.O. Box 1068 Albertville, Ala. 35950 Phone: 256-660-1280 Fax: 256-660-1541

Attorney for Plaintiff: Gabriela Watson, Esq WATSON & WATSON P.O. Box 1068 Albertville, Ala. 35950 Phone: 256-660-1280 Fax: 256-660-1541

FRIDAY — NOVEMBER 30, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

5

POLITICS

Inside the Statehouse

By Steve Flowers AL Political Columnist MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A few last thoughts and observations on our November 6 General Election in Alabama.

Our new 55th Governor looked and sounded more like the old Kay Ivey, than the one we have seen the past few years and during the campaign. She was vibrant, succinct to the point, had a perfectly timed and unscripted victory speech.

Her green jacket was

becoming. She will be a good governor. She will tackle the tough issues the state must face in the next four years, especially our infrastructure needs.

She is extremely qualified and ready to be governor. She is a real Republican with a real Republican super majority State Legislature. There are 27 Republicans and eight Democrats in the Senate.

The numbers are 77 Republicans and 28 Democrats in the House.

Kay also has a unique and advantageous relationship with all of the

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Alabama Senate. She was the presiding officer of the Senate the last six years and was considered fair and impartial. She worked with and developed a very good working relationship with the GOP leadership. The three primary leaders of the Senate, Del Marsh, Jabo Waggoner and Greg Reed, have a close knit, trusting bond with Kay. Kay not only becomes the 55th Governor, she is the first Republican female elected as governor and the second female governor in our state history. Ironically, Kay cut her teeth in politics working in our first female governor, Lurleen Wallace’s campaign for governor. Kay was a student at Auburn University. Little did she know that 52-years later she would be the second female governor of our State.

The more things change, the more they stay the same in Alabama politics. The Alabama that Kay Ivey and I grew up in and knew 50 years ago was totally Democratic. In fact, the word tantamount was used continually to describe the dominance of the Democratic Party. It was an accurate statement. The dictionary describes tantamount as “the same as.” Today I use the word

tantamount when explaining winning the Republican Primary in Alabama. We were a one-party state 50 years ago and we are a one-party state in statewide politics, today. The difference is we changed parties. We are now a Republican state, yesteryear we were a Democratic state.

Winning the Republican nomination for statewide office in Alabama is tantamount to election.

The proof is in the pudding.

We have 29 elected statewide offices in Alabama, all 29 are held by Republicans. I’m not prophetic, but allow me to share a short passage with you from my column the week before the election.

“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 ol’ 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.” That was my statement Wednesday before the election. My belief was overwhelmingly confirmed on Tuesday, November 6th. We are a Republican state and I don’t see it changing anytime soon. That was my foremost takeaway from the election.

My second observation is akin to my first, we are so Republican that folks are just voting a straight ticket.

We have joined the rest of the Nation in that we simply vote straight Republican or straight Democratic. Our voting has become nationalized. Over 65 percent of Alabamians voted a straight lever ticket.

It is primarily along racial lines. Alabamians are essentially African American Democrats or Caucasian Republicans.

Therefore, Alabama is a red Republican state for statewide politics.

However, just the opposite is true for the metropolitan counties of Jefferson and Montgomery. If you are going to win a countywide office in these locales, you must run as a Democrat.

The third takeaway was the tremendous turnout at the polls. A recordbreaking 50 percent of Alabamians voted on November 6th. Again, this was driven by national politics. Folks are either hardcore, conservative Republicans or hardcore liberal Democrats. There are few in between.

Alabamians voted the national party brand. It is apparent that more Alabamians like and agree with Donald Trump than they do with Nancy Pelosi, Hillary Clinton, or Barack Obama.

See you next week.

Steve is Alabama’s leading political columnist.

His weekly column is seen in more than 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www. steveflowers.us.

COMMISSION

County Engineer Ben Luther asked the Commission to award the Traffic Striping bid to contractors J.C. Chi in the amount of $18,940 for County Road 78 and portions of County Roads 50 and 122.

Luther also asked that the speed limit on County Road 141 to 117 at the Jackson County line be changed to 35 miles per hour, which the Commission approved.

As part of a federal aid project, Luther requested the water line relocation and approaches for County Road 165. The Commission passed the resolution to enter into an official agreement with the State for this project.

Jonathan Langley of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office requested that the Commission hire Ury Acevedo in a part-time dispatch position to replace Christina Ferguson. The hire was approved.

County Administrator Matt Sharp brought before the Commission an agreement between the County and Coosa Valley to house juveniles, which was approved.

In his first official meeting as a Commissioner, Lester Black recommended Willie Wright as a replacement for Charles Centers who came off of the 911 Board on October 25.

The Commission reappointed Helen Watson to the Library Board. They also gladly renewed the Engineering contract with Ben Luther. The State of Alabama pays 70 percent of Luther’s salary, while the County pays the remaining 30 percent.

The DeKalb County County Commission will hold their sole meeting next month on Tuesday, December 11 at 10am in the DeKalb County Activities Building.

from Page 1 Rook, and 3-on-3 basketball.

This year’s District games were held in Huntsville with 17 participants from DeKalb County with 14 participants making it to the state games in Valley. Overall, DeKalb County’s participants took home over 60 ribbons at the District games and 27 at the State games.

Road Department Superintendent Tom Broyles gave a brief maintenance update. He reported that the department had been working on pothole patching. The cleanup crew has been finishing up their rounds through the districts as well. Broyles also requested that the department’s open position be held open for another two weeks.

6

FRIDAY — NOVEMBER 30, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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By Marla Jones Reporter FYFFE, Ala. — The number one ranked, Class 2A Fyffe Red Devils defeated the Ohatchee Indians, 21-13 on Friday night.

Fans were on the edge of their seat most of the night as the Fyffe Red Devils proved once again that are truly a force to be reckoned with.

To start the game, Ike

Rowell took the opening kickoff and ran it back to the 5-yard line. With 10:34 remaining in the first, Zach Pyron scored on a quarterback keeper. The extra point attempt failed but gave the Red Devils the jumpstart on scoring. With 2:38 remaining in the first, Ohatchee slipped into the endzone from 2-yards out.

The extra point attempt was good and the Indians took the 7-6 lead.

After a battle between

the two teams, Eli Benefield capitalized on a Indian fumble with :46 remaining in the second quarter, giving the Red Devils perfect field position. Pyron dashed down the field for eight yards, when the call against Ohatchee for defensive holding was made, giving the Red Devils first-andgoal. After Ohatchee defense held the Red Devils on three plays, Fyffe went for it on fourth-and-goal. Payton Stoner scored with :01

remaining in the first half.

Fyffe went for two but were unsuccessful, carrying the 12-7 lead into the half.

The third quarter was a battle between two teams who were desperate to advance to the semifinals.

Fyffe’s defense was too strong for the Indians, forcing a three-and-out.

Pyron hustled down the field and set up an Ike Rowell score with 7:53 remaining in the third. The extra point attempt was blocked but the

Red Devils had the 18-7 lead.

Stoner, stepped up big, with a interception. Jake Stone rambled down the field before a unsportsmanlike conduct call was made against Ohatchee. The Red Devils were unable to profit from the call and turned the ball back over on downs. The Indians scored on a 76-yard touchdown run to narrow the Red Devil lead to 18-13 at the end of the third.

Ike Rowell intercepted the ball to start the fourth

quarter out with a bang but the touchdown was called back but set up good field position for a Brody Dalton field goal with 4:20 remaining in the game to make the final score, 21-13.

Fyffe (13-0) will host the Aliceville Yellow Jackets (11-2) on Friday night.

Aliceville is no stranger to the Fyffe Red Devils. They shutout the Yellow Jackets, 28-0 to win the 2016 Class 2A State Championship.

FYFFE FANS HUNTER OF THE WEEK FYFFE FANS OF THE WEEK OF THE WEEK

Gage Griggs, a senior at Fort Payne High School, brought down this eight-point buck last weekend. Submit your photos to marla@ southerntorch.com to be our next Hunter of the Week.

This week's Fans of the Week are Crimson Long, Anabelle Taylor and Lily Taylor. Submit your photos to marla@southerntorch.com to be our next Fyffe Fans of the Week.

See our website on Friday, November 30 for our first basketball review of this season!

This week's Fans of the Week are Callie Watkins and Cason Ridgeway. Submit your photos to marla@ southerntorch.com to be our next Fyffe Fans of the Week.

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FRIDAY — NOVEMBER 30, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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FRIDAY — NOVEMBER 30, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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