The Southern Torch — Vol. 4, Issue 7

Bobby Ledbetter’s

1411 Glenn Blvd SW, Fort Payne, AL 35967

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2018 / VOL. 4, NO. 7 / $1.00

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>> THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY "Be the Match, Be the Hero"

Harcrow announces re-election bid

Serial Burglar arrested again in Fort Payne

Billy Edward Blake was arrested for yet another string of burglaries earlier this month.

Blake had already been arrested in October for breaking in to Henagar Junior High and again in December for breaking in to Flat Rock School. (Fort Payne Police Department)

Dogs involved in fatal attack euthanized

By Tyler Pruett Managing Editor tyler@southerntorch.com

On Monday, the time for appeal expired for the four dogs involved in the fatal attack in Section in early December. Yesterday morning, the dogs were euthanized. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

By Tyler Pruett Managing Editor tyler@southerntorch.com SECTION, Ala. — Yesterday, the four remaining dogs involved in the December fatal attack of Emily Colvin were put down, according the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.

“The time for appeal expired (Monday) at 4:30 pm.

The defendants did not appeal Judge Word’s decision declaring the 4 pit bull dogs dangerous and ordering them euthanized,” read the statement from Jason Pierce, Jackson County District Attorney.

“According to the local

animal control officers, the 4 pit bull dogs that killed Mrs. Emily Colvin and seriously injured Mrs. Rose Frazier were euthanized (yesterday) morning around 8:30 am,” said the statement. “It is my hope and prayer that this brings some amount of closure for the victims and their families so they can begin to heal from this horrible tragedy.”

Emily Colvin (24 of Section) was killed by five dogs near her home while retrieving a package around 9 am on Thursday, December 7th. The dogs were described as “pit bulls” by Jackson County Sheriff Chuck Phillips after the incident. Mrs. Rose

Frazier was was also seriously injured in the attack when she tried to come to Colvin’s aid.

One of the offending dogs had to be “euthanized,”

by Jackson County Animal Control Deputy Billy Ray Adkins when he arrived on the scene after the dog displayed aggressive behavior towards a deputy. The remaining four dogs were captured and are still being held by animal control.

In an early January interview, Jackson County District Attorney Rupert Pierce explained that his office is in the middle of gathering evidence for a potential criminal case regarding the owners.

“We are going to evaluate the case for possible presentation to the grand jury,” said Pierce.

While a potential civil case against the owners only requires an attorney to prove the animals were dangerous to hold them liable, a criminal case requires prosecutors to prove to a jury that a human is responsible for the actions of it’s animal in some way.

In other words, it has to be proven that the owners intentionally had their dogs attack Colvin, or that there was reckless or negligent conduct that lead to the attack. This adds another layer of complexity to the situation.

("Demand a Leash Law in Fort Payne | The Petition Site) “The criminal case will be filed when we make a decision as to whether or not we have enough evidence to go to the grand jury or not,” said Pierce.

Rachel Abrams, Aunt of Colvin, spoke at the December 19th (2017) meeting of the Fort Payne City Council to discuss the need for expanded leash laws in Fort Payne.

Abrams also has started an online petition, regarding the issue.

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Serial Burglar Billy Blake was arrested for yet another string of break-ins; most recently, targeting storage units in Fort Payne.

Blake was arrested in mid-October, when Valley Head Police Chief Nick Welden and Henagar Chief Randell Smith worked together to solve a break-in that occurred at Henagar Middle School. $3300.00 had been stolen that the Henagar Junior High Beta Club had saved to go to the state convention.

Approximately two months later (early December), Jackson County investigators charged Blake with a break-in that occurred at Flat Rock School.

>> SERIAL BURGLAR P2

Sheriff's Office Black addresses contentious Republican Breakfast statement on

By Tyler Pruett Sylvania incident Managing Editor tyler@southerntorch.com

Surveillance footage of the suspect released by the Board of Education. (DeKalb County Schools)

By Staff Reports

FRIDAY 2/16

62 • 50

SATURDAY 2/17

56 • 48

SUNDAY 2/18

59 • 55

FORT PAYNE, Ala.— According to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office: At approximately 7:30 pm on Tuesday February 13, 2018 the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office received a call

from a teacher at Sylvania School concerning an unidentified male subject. The subject was unknown to the teachers and several students claimed that the unknown subject appeared to have a

>> SYLVANIA SCHOOL P2

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — (Full Video on website) At last week’s meeting of the DeKalb County Republican Breakfast Club, much of the conversation among local Republicans revolved around the the recent challenge of Michael Edmondson’s appearance on the Republican ballot for Sheriff. The primary will be decided on June 5th, 2018.

While qualifying for the 2018 political season just ended yesterday, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s race has already been the cause of contention. On Thursday,

Republican Lester Black addresses his challenge of Michael Edmondson’s appearance on the Republican ballot for DeKalb County Sheriff. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch) February 1, the Republican Executive Committee convened to review the seven letters challenging Edmondson’s qualification to appear on the local ballot.

After it was announced that the challengers would

have to face the qualifying committee and after around 45 minutes had elapsed, it was announced that the challengers didn’t show and

>> GOP BREAKFAST 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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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY–FEBRUARY 16, 2018

Update from the Town of Geraldine

(Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

Contributed by Mayor Chuck Ables The Town of Geraldine met on February 12 for their regular monthly meeting. The invocation was given by Ms. Sherrie Hiett from Family Services of North Alabama.

After the pledge to the flag and the adoption of the previous minutes, Ms. Hiett made a presentation to increase awareness of their services.

Some of their services include rape victim counseling, any type of sexual assault counseling as well as online safety classes and assistance

for non-custodial parents in finding jobs to help with child support. To find out more about the many other services they provide go to www. familyservicesna.org. Ms. Qualene Allen addressed the council on behalf of the Senior Center concerning the need for new lighting and internet at the Senior Center. Mayor Ables reported that money for the lights has been provided by our local State Legislators and will be installed soon, and the internet need is being addressed. It was also mentioned that the carpet in one side of the Homemaker's Building/Senior Center needs

Serial Burglar, page 1 Fast forward to last week, and Blake is at it again.

Maybe this time Blake will stay in jail.

Detective Jim Phillips, of the Fort Payne Police Department stated: “On February 3, 2018 Officers responded to the Harris mini storage located at 3018 Greenhill Blvd NW, after a witness was observing a white male attempting to break into the mini storage units called 911.

When Officers arrived

LEGAL IN THE CHILD SUPPORT COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO. CS-2018-900002 NOTICE TO: UNKNOWN FATHER UNKNOWN FATHER, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer the Petition for Custody and other relief filed by Mother/Plaintiff, Guadalupe Pascual Pascual, by the 26th day of March, 2018, or, thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against him in Case No.: CS-18900002, in the District Court of DeKalb County, Alabama.

on scene the witness stated that the white male had gotten into a vehicle, a black Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

Officer made contact with the white male and identified him as Billy Edward Blake, age 41 of Fort Payne.

Officers discovered burglary tools located inside the vehicle and after talking to the witness, Blake was placed under arrest for Possession of Burglary Tools.

He was taken to the Fort Payne City Jail where he was booked.

Investigators continued looking at the evidence and was able to add other charges to Mr. Blake and close a number of cases on the mini storages from units that have been broken into in the Fort Payne area. Mr. Blake’s charges are as follows: Burglary 7 counts, Possession of Burglary tools 2 Counts, Criminal Mischief 3rd 8 Counts, and Attempted Burglary 8 Counts.

Detectives Phillips was assisted by Detectives David Davis, Mike Grant and Andy Hairston in the investigation.

to be replaced. Police Chief Matt Crum gave a report of police activity for January and updated the council on police budget, vehicle maintenance and other police department information. The council agreed to begin a "Yard of the Month" recognition. The council voted to allow the High School softball team to operate the concession stand for their home games. In other council business they voted to : •Pay the yearly insurance premium •Obtain more information before installing a security light at Field 2 •Repair bleachers at Field 2 •Request that youth baseball and youth softball each purchase field

P.O. Box 1068 Albertville, Alabama 35950 Publish: February 2, February 9, February 16, and February 23, 2018

John Baker at Doug Jones’ rally late last year in Fyffe. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

By Tyler Pruett Managing Editor tyler@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Yesterday was the final day for both the local Democratic and Republican Parties to file qualifying paperwork to run for office in 2018.

While Nick Welden and Michael Edmondson will be running in the Republican Primary, a latecomer has entered the race on the Democratic ticket.

John Baker, a DeKalb County attorney, filed paperwork to run yesterday. Baker represented DeKalb County in the Alabama State Senate.

We gave Baker a ring shortly after, and he took a break from tractor work on his farm to give a quick interview: “Sheriff is an interesting career…. it’s something that I feel like I’m as well qualified as anybody. I’ve been a lawyer for 50 years. I’ve tried lots and lots of criminal cases. I’ve probably been in court on criminal matters more than most deputies. So I feel like that I’m qualified in every way,” said Baker.

“I would anticipate keeping all deputies and current sheriff staff; subject to interviewing them all, as long as they are honest.

Regardless of how they vote or their campaign activities I plan on keeping all the staff intact. It’s a pretty good staff there; although I may change the rules a little bit,” said Baker.

“One thing I think I have to offer: I’m retired, and I’m not wealthy, but I don’t have to have income. My home is paid for. I’ve decided if I’m elected, I don’t have to have a salary. DeKalb County can have a free sheriff,” he explained.

“I think it will be fun, the job will fun, campaigning will be fun, and I look forward to it!” Baker said.

“I feel like running for Sheriff is something I can contribute to the county,” concluded Baker.

Sylvania School, page 1 firearm with him.

After the 911 call was placed the faculty took appropriate action to place students and the school on lockdown. From the time of the call, the first officer was on scene within 3 minutes.

The following departments responded: DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, Sylvania Police Department, Henagar Police Department, Rainsville Police Department, Fort Payne Police Department, Alabama State Troopers, DeKalb County Drug Task Force, and DeKalb County Special Response Team.

Along with law enforcement personnel, DeKalb County Superintendent Dr. Jason Barnett, DeKalb County School Board member Matt Sharp, Sylvania Principal Wesley King also responded and stayed on scene to assist law enforcement until the subject was in custody. When officers arrived, all buildings

/s/ Gabriela Watson, Esq WATSON & WATSON

conditioner for one field and the Town will take care of shipping •Do more research on changing the vendor for garbage pick-up in Town •Obtain quotes on painting the inside of the Splash Pad building and make it available to H.S. Softball for use as a dressing room •Decline a request to purchase an ad in The Times-Journal Progress Edition In other council business Mayor Ables thanked American Legion Commander Tillman for contribution of a heating system for the Homemaker's building as well as other improvements they have done. Mayor Ables announced that Democrat Gubernatorial candidate Walt Maddox will be at Fyffe Senior Center on Tuesday February 13 at 5:30 for a "meet and greet".

Everyone is invited.

The council then voted unanimously to hire Jeff Buckles as a full time Police Officer. The meeting was then adjourned.

Baker joins the race for Sheriff

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on school campus were searched and secured. Once the scene was deemed safe, the students were released to their parents.

Law enforcement obtained a photo of the subject from the school surveillance system and released to the public for assistance in identifying the subject. Calls were received almost immediately after the release of the photo with information pertaining to the subjects’ name and possible whereabouts. From the tips received and subsequent investigation, it was determined that the subject was Cole Joseph Barnes, 21, of Sylvania.

Barnes was located at his residence on Blue Pond

Cole Joseph Barnes, 21 of Sylvania, was arrested at his residence on Blue Pond Boulevard in Sylvania after entering Sylvania High School.

(DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office) Boulevard in Sylvania, just a couple of miles from the school. When Barnes was located he was detained without incident for questioning to the situation at Sylvania School. During the investigation, it was determined that the firearm

in question was actually a pellet pistol.

After the investigation was concluded, Barnes was arrested and charged with criminal trespass 3rd, menacing, and disorderly conduct. Barnes is currently being held in the DeKalb County Detention Center awaiting bond.

DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Michael Edmondson stated, “We appreciate every agency that responded to assist at Sylvania School. We are thankful for a great working relationship with all surrounding agencies. The protection of our children is of the upmost importance to us at the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office.”

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY–FEBRUARY 16, 2018

Community

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Submit your community events to: zach@southerntorch.com

"Be the Match, UPCOMING EVENTS Be the Hero"

Robert Lynch (left) of Tifton, Georgia with Jordan Tatum (right) of Henagar. Tatum chose to donate bone marrow to Lynch several years ago; saving his life. Recently, the two got to meet.

(Contributed Photo)

By Marla Jones Reporter

nmarla@southerntorch.com e HENAGAR, Ala. — Everyday, we turn on the television or pick up a newspaper, and all we see is bad news. The World needs a little good news; news that makes you wonder in awe, how small the world is and what a big God we serve.

Jordan Tatum, a 2008 Sylvania graduate, went to a blood drive in Ider, Alabama, for a close friend who was suffering from cancer. He was not aware that donating and swabbing his cheek, to #bethematch for stem cells and bone marrow, would be the good news for Robert Lynch, of Tifton, Georgia, who had recently been diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CCL).

According to the American Cancer Society, Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a type of cancer that starts from cells that become certain white blood cells (called lymphocytes) in the bone marrow. The cancer (leukemia) cells start in the bone marrow but then go into the blood.

After making a blood donation, Tatum went on about his everyday life. In Spring of 2016, he received a call from the “Be the Match” Center in Johnson City, Tennessee. Be the Match, helps find the match to the save lives of patients in need. For patients diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma and other life-threatening diseases, a bone marrow or cord blood transplant may be their best or only hope for a cure. Yet 70 percent of patients who need a transplant do not have a fully matched donor in their family.

Tatum was told that he was one of three people who was a close enough match to help.

Tatum was faced with a tough decision. As a farmer who is the part-owner of chicken houses, this was the worst time possible to help. He talked it over with his wife, Jana, a nurse at Erlanger Hospital. Jana, had recently found out she was pregnant with the Tatum’s first child.

The Be the Match foundation could only tell Jordan a few things about the recipient. He was a 59 year old male, the same age as Jordan’s dad.

Jordan knew the excitement his dad had over his grandchildren. He wondered if the recipient had children or grandchildren. The deciding

factor for Jordan was a statement made by his wife, Jana: “I watch people die everyday because of people like you that can help but choose not too.” Jordan told Jana to pull the knife out of his heart and call and tell Be The Match, he agreed to the donation.

The first step of the stem cell donation was a strict physical at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. Tatum was deemed healthy enough.

He was advised that out of the three eligible donors, he was the one young enough and the only one who decided to help.

Jordan was told that he would have to receive seven shots per day of Neupogen, fourteen days before harvest date. Neupogen is a injection that will help you body make more blood cells increasing bone marrow. The closest facility to obtain the shots would be back at Vanderbilt.

Tatum knew that during his planting season, it would be impossible to drive to Nashville, seven days in a roll.

Tatum made the request that his brother Patrick, a nurse practitioner, at Northside Medical in Fort Payne, and Dr. Robert Theakston, give him the shot. After paperwork was filed and approved, the vials of Neupogen was delivered to Northside Medical. Theakston donated syringes and everything else for Tatum to receive the necessary shots.

The shots increased bone marrow production and causes intense pain as the bone marrow pushed thru the blood stream. Tatum experienced terrible migraines, hurting in his sternum, femur and in his hip joints. “The flu would be a walk in the park to the pain I felt,” said Tatum.

On the donation date, Tatum and his family were unsure of how the bone marrow would be harvested. It could be thru a shot in the hip to extract or thru the elbow.

Tatum received a needle as Tatum describes it as “the size of a #2 pencil” in his elbow.

The procedure took over six hours and was extremely painful. He only could lay in the bed and endure the pain.

The blood left his body at ninety-eight degrees and came back in filtered, at seventy degrees.

After the procedure,Tatum was released to go. After resting a couple hours, he went and “ate the biggest steak he could find”.

For weeks leading up to the donation, he could not eat any sushi, raw shrimp, or even a

rare steak. His blood had to be completely clean. The recipient had to have a strong dose of chemotherapy to deplete all of his white blood cells to make it less likely to reject.

It took Jordan several months to get back to one hundred percent after the donation. Tatum went back to his life, receiving calls to check on him, weekly from Be the Match. He also received calls telling him how the recipient was doing as well. The recipient had to stay in the hospital for five months after receiving the donation. He did not know where the recipient lived but knew if he was from the United States, that he could fill out the necessary paperwork to reach out to him, after a year. If he was from outside the United States, it would be two years before he could reach out to the recipient.

One year from the donation date, Tatum received a call that he could fill out paperwork to talk to the recipient. “I was so excited to know I helped out a fellow American,” said Tatum. “I submitted my paperwork not knowing if he would agree to getting in contact with me.

Working thru a third party, we made contact with each other and agreed to meet as he was returning from a checkup at Vanderbilt.

On February 6, 2018 Jordan Tatum met Robert Lynch in Douglasville, Georgia.

The two talked several hours.

They neither one, knew what the other one had went thru for the donation. Lynch’s blood type was A+ but after the donation, he took on Tatumns blood type of 0+. Tatum was pleased to find out that Lynch was very much like his dad and had four grandchildren.. The help by Tatum will insure that he will be around for many years to enjoy them. “Robert Lynch and his wife are the most down to earth people you could ever meet” said Jordan Tatum. “I could not be more proud to help. It’s easy to help someone financially, but this was something money could not buy. This was life-saving help.”

Lynch is in remission and enjoying life with his wife, children and grandchildren. “I appreciate everything Jordan did to help. He will be in my thoughts and prayers for the rest of my life” said the recipient, Robert Lynch. “I give me a shot at life. I got lucky that he decided to go thru it.

He was the youngest and closest match.”

“Normally, I wouldn’t want to be in the spotlight” said Jordan Tatum. “I was oblivious of the impact that this would be. The support was awesome. I hope this inspires people to donate and do the right thing . If you are a match, you are one of the few who in the world who could actually say you helped save someone’s life.”

To learn more on how you can be the good news in someone’s life, go to http:// www.bethematch.org.

Staff: Eloise Smith, Business Manager

Southern Torch (USPS Periodicals #19790) is published each Friday by Southern Torch, Inc. 203 Main Street E, Rainsville AL, 35986. POSTMASTER:

Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor Marla Jones, Sports Editor

Every Tuesday, Parents of Addicted Love Ones - A new support group for Parents of Addicted Loved Ones is starting in Fort Payne at Word of Life Ministry located at 3610 Gault Ave North. The meeting will be held every Tuesday from 6pm to 7:30pm. Any adult family member over 18 is welcome to attend these PAL meeting, however, for insurance reasons, no one under the age of 18 may attend and child care will not be provided. For more information, go to 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 Holkem at 256-605-1776. We would love to have you!

from 9am to 3pm. They are located on Trinity Lane between Rainsville Funeral Home and Cabletime. There are several local vendors setting up with a huge variety of items!

February 17, 2018 Meet the Hornets Dinner Auction - The Ider Hornets will be hosting a dinner auction with proceeds going to help pay for new equipment, field prep supplies, uniforms and day items needed to run a successful softball and baseball program.

February 17-18, Gun and Knife Show - This event will be held at the DeKalb County VFW Fairgrounds in Fort Payne on Saturday, February 17 from 9am to 5pm and on Sunday, February 18 from 10am until 4pm. It will house 350 tables of rifles, shotguns, handguns, knives, edged weapons, modern and antique weapons and other related items. The cost is $5 per person.

February 17, Rainsville Holiness Vendor Sale - The Rainsville Holiness Church will be hosting a vendor sale on Saturday, February 17

February 19, President's Day February 24, Canyon Concert: Winter Jazz - The 3rd Annual Winter Jazz Concert is set for Saturday, February 24, 2018. This exclusive event is sure to please jazz enthusiasts and music lovers alike. This event has become a much anticipated annual fundraiser for environmental education.

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February 24, Sand Mountain Soiree - Northeast Alabama Community College invites you to attend the Sand Mountain Soiree on Saturday, February 24 at 11am at the Tom Bevill Lyceum. Tickets are $30. The soiree will feature Margot Shaw, the founder and editor-in-chief of Flower Magazine, a floral lifestyle magazine.

March 11, Dr. Ted Traylor at Rainsville FBC Dr. Ted Traylor of Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola will be preaching at Rainsville First Baptist Church on Sunday, March 11 in both the 10:15am and 6pm services. Everyone is invited to attend. For more information, visit www. rainsvillefirst.com

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY–FEBRUARY 16, 2018

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DEATH NOTICES CORNER STONE Connie Pair Trewhitt - 62 of Hixson, Tenn. passed away on Sunday, February 11 at Hospice Care of Chattanooga. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, February 14 at noon ET at Rhea Memory Gardens in Dayton, Tenn. with Bro. Matt Futch officiating. The family will visit one hour prior to the service.

Irene Shrader Haswell - 80 of Trenton, Ga. passed away on Monday, February 12 at Dade Health and Rehab. The family will receive friends from 4pm to 8pm on Wednesday, February 14 and from 10am until service time on Thursday, February 15 at the funeral home. Funeral services are set for 2pm on Thursday, February 15 at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow in Pine Haven Memorial Gardens.

RAINSVILLE James Lang - 82 of Geraldine, passed away on Sunday, February 11 at Shepherd’s Cove. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 14 from 11am until 2pm at the funeral home. Funeral services are set for Wednesday, February 14 at 2pm at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Bros. Earnest

Corbitt & Randy Salisbury officiating. Burial will follow in Rainsville Memorial Park.

Ann Owens - 83 of Fyffe, passed away on Sunday, February 11 at Crossville Health Care.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 12 from 5pm to 8pm and Tuesday, February 13 from 10am until 1pm at the funeral home. Funeral services are set for Tuesday, February 13 at 1pm at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Tony Pope officiating.

Jim Browder - 87 of Rainsville, passed away on Saturday, February 10 at his residence. Visitation will be held at Broadway Baptist Church on Monday, February 12 from 10am until 2pm. Funeral services are set for Monday, February 12 at 2pm at the church with Dr. Kevin McCreless officiating.

Burial will follow in Broadway Baptist Church Cemetery.

Phyllis Hall - 80 of Rainsville, formerly of Ider, passed away on Friday, February 9 at Erlanger Hospital. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 11 from 2pm to 4pm at Lighthouse of Hope Church in Rainsville.

Clinton Goodridge 96 of Rainsville, passed away on Friday, February 9 at Crowne Health Care.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 11 from 4pm to 8pm and on Monday, February 12 from 10am until 3:30pm.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 12 at 3:30pm at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Bros. Melvin Dawson and Donnie Dover officiating.

Burial will follow in Rainsville Memorial Park.

Wilford “Whitey” Higgins - 65 of Fort Payne, passed away on Thursday, February 8 at DeKalb Regional Medical Center.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 12 from 9am until 2pm at the funeral home. Funeral services are set for Monday, February 12 at 2pm at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Bros. JT Williams and John Keef officiating. Burial will follow in Rainsville Memorial Park.

WT WILSON Wanda Fay Wilbanks - 59 of Sylvania, passed away on Friday, February 9.

The family will receive friends from 10am until 8pm on Sunday, February 11 at the funeral home and from 1pm to 2pm on

Monday, February 12 at Lighthouse of Hope Church. Funeral services will be held at 2pm on Monday, February 12 at the church with Bro. Mike Adams officiating. Burial will follow in Unity Cemetery.

Gary Wayne Parker - 54 of Fyffe, passed away on Thursday, February 8.

The family will receive friends from 5pm to 8pm on Saturday, February 10 at the funeral home. Funeral services are set for 2pm on Sunday, February 11 at WT Wilson Funeral Home with Bro. Eddie Arnold officiating. Burial will follow in Beulah Cemetery.

Eunice Hosch Liles - 83 of Shiloh, passed away on Thursday, February 8.

The family will receive friends from 5pm to 8pm on Friday, February 9 at the funeral home. Funeral services are set for 1pm on Saturday, February 10 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bro. Paul Long officiating. Burial will follow in Green’s Chapel

Cemetery.

RAINSVILLE Cindy Smith - 42 of Valley Head, passed away on Saturday, February 10 at her residence. The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 11 at Rock Bridge Holiness Church beginning at 5pm.

Funeral services are set for 1pm on Monday, February 12 at the church. Burial will follow in New Home Cemetery.

Brenda Kay Partridge - 70 of Fort Payne, passed away on Sunday, February 11 at her residence. The family will receive friends

from 4pm to 7pm on Tuesday, February 13 at the funeral home. Funeral services are set for 3pm on Wednesday, February 14 at Wilson Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery.

Imogene Harper Crowe - 85 of Fort Payne, passed away on Sunday, February 11 at her home.

The family will receive friends on Friday, February 16 from 4pm to 7pm at the funeral home. Funeral services are set for 2pm on Saturday, February 17 at Wilson Funeral Home with Rev. Tim Scott officiating.

Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery.

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

5

Black addresses GOP Breakfast, page 1 Edmondson would be on the ballot.

After the meeting, Edmondson released a statement seeming to accuse his opponent of being behind the challenge. Edmondson also said that if he were not behind the challenge, “then he should disassociate himself from these supporters of his.”

At this morning’s meeting, one challenger stood up to face Edmondson directly: Lester Black. Black is a longtime Republican and currently running for DeKalb County Commission, Place 4.

“I’m Lester Black, I’m running for County Commission, Place 4, and I did write a letter,” began Black.

Black then approached Probate Judge Ronnie Osborn and said, “I run against you 12 years ago, while you were sitting Judge. Was there any time we weren’t friends?”

“Not at all,” Osborn responded.

“It tore my heart out when I lost to you, but I still voted Republican. We’ve got three (Republican) circuit judge candidates here today.

Two of them won’t win. I’ve got one I’m going to vote for, and then I’ll vote for who wins the primary. I’m not going to go around spreading rumors that I’m going to vote for a Democrat,” Black stated.

“The reason I’m standing up here today, I really wanted that job 12 years ago, but running for commissioner this time…. it wasn’t me. I was talked in to running for commissioner. But if the

people of this county elects me for that job, I promise you, I will do a good job of it, but that’s not what I wanted to tell you,” said Black.

“Over two-thirds of the people that came to me wanting me to run, and I thought the issue would be roads, but it was the Sheriff’s Office. Mayors, former county commission members, a host of municipal police officers, thought that I would help them out (with the issues at the Sheriff’s Office), and I’ll do the best job I can,” he said.

“The reason I’m standing up here today, is within two hours (of qualifying), our newest Republican member (Edmondson) starts attacking my pride and accusing me…. I was following the DeKalb County Republican by-laws.

In everything I did. I did not know they were having that meeting….. I was not informed of us having a meeting. I was called later, and informed that the vote was 3-1,” Black said.

“I was asked if I wanted to appeal it, and I said, ‘no, I was (one of) the ones who voted for the qualifying committee, and I stand by what they believe, and that would have been the end of it.

But my character was attacked, it was said I was sheepish (and) a coward.

That’s why I’m here today,” stated Black. “(Nick Welden) had nothing to do with writing that letter. If he would not have been running for sheriff, I would have still wrote the letter. And him telling me, two

people that has never broke the law, we have to disassociate ourselves with one another; I feel like that’s a violation of a person wearing a badge to tell people that has never broken a law, is not only unethical, but I think that’s a violation of civil rights,” Black said.

“I’m not going in to what was in the letter, but I’m going to give it to the Southern Torch, so you can all read it,” said Black.

After the meeting, Black gave us his letter submitted to the qualifying committee (full letter below). After Black concluded his remarks, Jack Stiefel gave a chance for further comments from the crowd. Edmondson, who was present at the breakfast, offered no response.

The DeKalb County Qualifying Committee: In the Summer of 2012, while my brother was in the hospital, his riding lawn mower, garden tiller, chainsaws, welder, and all of his shop equipment and wrenches as well as many items in the house was stolen.

A neighbor seen a truck and trailer with his belongings going down the road and followed at a distance to see where it was going and seen him pull in to his main shop. After my brother was released from the hospital, we (myself, Melvin, Harvey, Dean, Kevin, Brent, and Johnny Black) went to Sheriff Jimmy Harris’ office.

We told him where the stolen items were at. The sheriff told us he would send deputies to this place at 6 am

the next day. That was in 2012. No deputy was ever sent.

A week or so later his pick-up truck was stolen by the same man and to another man living in Jackson County.

The Jackson County Sheriff got his truck back for him.

About a week after we talked with the sheriff for the first time, a person watching this man’s shop for us called to say some of the items were outside of the shop. I left work, went there, and got the riding law mower, garden tiller, and chainsaw since it was outside of the building.

At this time we left, we went back to the sheriff’s office and were told the Sheriff or Deputy Brown, who was assigned our case would call as soon as possible. We waited about 45 minutes, and

neither one ever called us back to this day.

We were never given a reason why later phone calls were not returned. I can only think because this man was a strong Democrats and we were all Republicans. I truly felt it was political.

In March of 2017, the DeKalb County Executive committee voted not to allow party switching till after the 2018 Elections cycle. In July of 2017, Michael Edmondson called me about running on the the Republican ticket for Sheriff. I told him I was not on the qualifying committee this year. He ask who was and I told him and gave him their phone numbers.

Michael then asked what questions were asked and he agreed they were his values also, except for the last

question, which was, “Have you ever given money or helped a Republican get elected; or, have you ever given money or helped a Democrat get elected?” He did not comment….

Michael was offered a job with the District Attorney’s office. After several months of needing to get things in order before he quit, he declined the offer. Seems he must be comfortable with where he is working.

In closing, it would not be in the interest of the Republican Party to have the first Sheriff elected as a Republican in years here, to have to resign because of his association with his former-boss, Jimmy Harris.

Signed, Lester Black, January 28, 2018.

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY–FEBRUARY 16, 2018

Politics

Submit your political news to: tyler@southerntorch.com

Harcrow announces candidacy for re-election

By Staff Reports

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Dekalb County Commission President Ricky Harcrow is announcing his candidacy for reelection. Mr. Harcrow is a resident of Ider and grew up in Rainsville. He has been married for forty four years to Susan Rosser Harcrow of Birmingham and they have two children. Son Jackson Harcrow and his wife Leeah of Arab and daughter Sarah Harcrow Jenkins and husband Joel of Lafayette, Georgia and five grandchildren. He is the son of the late Jack and Zelma Tumlin Harcrow of Rainsville. He is a graduate of Plainview High School, attended Northeast State Community College and Jacksonville State University. He worked for the Tennessee Valley Authority from 1976 until 1996 in the electrical division of the Nuclear and Hydro systems and has served as city councilman and Mayor, elected three terms to the County

Commission district one and two terms President of the Commission.

Mr. Harcrow says, “Qualifications are so important for any job and this one is no different. To add to my time in office it has been my privilege to be chosen by county commissioners statewide as President of the Association of County Commissions of Alabama. I presently serve on the legislative Conference for all 67 Counties in Alabama, a representative from Alabama for the Rural Action Caucus for the National Association of counties in Washington, DC and appointed, with other officials, by the State Treasurer on the advisory board of the Alabama Trust Fund. As President of the Association of County Commissions of Alabama (ACCA) I had the privilege of helping to pass, in 2013, the Alabama Rural Transportation Initiative Program (ARTIP ONE). This provided funding, state wide, for some major collector roadways and

DeKalb County Commission President Rickey Harcrow has announced that he will seek another term. (DeKalb County Commission) bridge construction in every county that qualified.

At this time details are in progress for an ATRIP TWO program also which we hope will come to a culmination in the next two years. We appreciate the work of our state representatives and the

Contributed by Steve Flowers AL Political Columnist MONTGOMERY, Ala. — I have written about the legendary capitol reporters who use to cover Goat Hill.

There was Bob Ingram of the Montgomery Advertiser, Al Fox of the Birmingham News, Hugh Sparrow of the Birmingham News, Rex Thomas of the Associated Press, Don Martin of UPI and Clarke Stallworth of the Birmingham Post Herald. A young cub reporter named Jim Bennett joined the Post Herald in 1961 and later had a distinguished career in Public Service. None of these legends is any longer with us.

Today’s capitol press corps also works hard, they stick with “just the facts� by conscientious research of their stories and leave out the speculations, “what-ifs�, opinion and political slants.

The men and women I knew in the Montgomery press corps then and today, may have personal views, but they all were and are vigilant in their work as professional journalists. They defended

working relationship we have with them which is foundational to our functions “We have gone through some of the most difficult times in our recent history. The Devastating tornados of 2011, the recession and other things combined affected government in every way from the federal government down to state, county and cities. During all of this we have maintained a balanced budget, kept every service in place and worked closely with every office holder without regard to partisan politics. We have worked with the board of education and law enforcement departments and help to provide officers in our schools for the protection of our children and teachers�. “Our commission has worked in harmony with one another and with every office holder to provide the best we can with the revenue we have been allotted and we intend to continue in that avenue. A good working relationship with office holders has been and will continue to

be a top priority. All our Audits have been in order without exception. Of course as it is with every county and city there is never enough to do what is actually needed however, our county is as financially sound as any county in the state with the resources that we have allotted to us.

This is because our administrator and capable staff, who work together with us, are experienced and efficient in what they do. We have worked closely with and helped provide avenues for our municipalities and many

county residents to install community storm shelters if they desired to do so, provided a severe weather warning system and over 400 individual storm shelters have been approved and installed through the state EMA with the assistance of our local EMA� “It has been a privilege for me to serve the county where I have lived all my life, reared my family and where my family has lived for generations and I take this opportunity to ask again for your support�.

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Inside the Statehouse the freedom of the press and the right of the public to know the facts and events of public officials, their decisions and actions that will impact education, taxes and the economy.

Over the last few years, an ongoing debate has emerged as to whether reporting on political news is still just the responsibility of professional journalists and whether online bloggers can be a trusted source of news reporting.

The contemporary capitol press corps, like their colleagues of a bygone era, work hard to meet their deadlines. These professional reporters put in long hours by getting evenhanded quotes, verify pertinent facts and simply report an issue, controversy, or an event in an evenhanded way.

Online bloggers will do the same but add twists of innuendo, supposed behind the scenes reasons, and anonymous inferences. Often the online ‘journalists’ story will present a story but give contorted extraneous, often incendiary, perspectives which have no basis in reality.

Some suggest this is done to enhance the number of online “clicks�, make the story more salacious, attack someone’s reputation either directly or indirectly, make it cynical and infer insider deals and corruption – and you will get your clicks!

In many cases, stories are published by journalists only to be later “reinterpreted� by online bloggers with an editorial or political agenda.

Because of the cynicism and negativity that this new 24/7 online blogging creates, I have heard of many good men and women who would otherwise wish to give back to their communities by serving in public office essentially say – no thanks! They have spent a lifetime building up a good reputation in their communities and businesses.

They cannot imagine where a pseudo-journalist, who is trying to build their reputation by the number of online clicks they get, can get away with attacking someone’s reputation in such a careless way.

We must make sure that individuals get the news and

information they need to be informed, responsible citizens. Those sources can be from journalists, bloggers, and other digital platforms.

Let’s be vigilant about the freedom of press whether it is old fashion, hard-nosed journalism or 24/7 blogging.

However, let’s also clearly delineate whether it is political opinion and gotcha stories whose sole purpose is to tarnish reputations and add to further public alienation from politics and cynicism. Opinions are great and important to public discourse but see them for what they are – opinions of one – do not try to mask those as ‘facts’.

Recently, the Alabama Political Reporter brought the documentary, “Atticus and the Architect�, to the Davis Theatre in Montgomery. A packed house watched the story of former governor, Don Siegelman’s persecution. The film left no doubt that Siegelman was prosecuted for political reasons.

Siegelman spent close to ten years in prison, unduly. It is one of the saddest stories I have witnessed in my lifetime

of following Alabama politics.

The travesty has not gone unnoticed by young potential leaders in the state.

I have the opportunity to get to know some brilliant, young Alabamians in my University classes on Alabama and Southern politics. Many of them are political science and prelaw majors. I will inquire as to

whether they are interested in pursuing a political career.

Most will tell me that they would never seek political office, not even a judgeship.

Invariably, they will point to the Siegelman prosecution as one of their reasons for not being a part of the political process. They realize that their lives could be ruined by political persecution.

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY–FEBRUARY 16, 2018

7

Area Champions Congratulations to these local Varsity Basketball teams for excelling and being named the best of the best in their respective area tournaments!

Collinsville Varsity Boys Collinsville Varsity Girls The Collinsville Varsity Panthers roared by Westbrook Christian 56-46 to claim the 2018 Class 2A Area 12 Tournament Championship. Members of the All-Area Tournament Team for the Panthers were Keaton Kilgro, Isaac Jones, and Kaleb Jones (MVP).

The Collinsville Lady Panthers rolled past Sand Rock 57-51 to claim the 2018 Class 2A, Area 12 Tournament Championship. Members of the All-Area Tournament Team for the Lady Panthers were Brittany Rivera, Hadley Hamilton, and Trinity Garner (MVP).

Geraldine Varsity Boys

Geraldine Varsity Girls

The Geraldine Varsity Bulldogs gave new Head Coach Joey Rowell his first area tournament championship as the Bulldogs took away all hope for New Hope with a 57-47 win in the Class 3A Area 13 finals last Thursday night. This is the Bulldogs first area title since 2014.

The Geraldine Lady Bulldogs took a bite out of Brindlee Mountain, defeating them 54-26 to claim the Class 3A Area 13 Area Championship for the second consecutive year! The last time that the Lady Bulldogs pulled this feat off was in 2009 and 2010.

Fyffe Lady Red Devils

Plainview Varsity Boys

The Fyffe Lady Red Devils rallied in the last second to defeat the Section Lions 43-41 to claim the Class 2A Area 15 Championship for the second year in a row!

Members of the All-Area Tournament Team for the Lady Red Devils were Anabelle Taylor, Marie Woodall, and Alexia Barber.

For the third year in a row, The Plainview Varsity Boys won the Class 3A Area Championship! They soared over the #4 ranked Pisgah Eagles 86-73 to claim their most recent win. This victory gives the Bears the opportunity to host the sub-regional tournament for the third consecutive year.

8

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY–FEBRUARY 16, 2018

SUB-REGIONAL WINNERS

By Marla Jones Sports Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

DEKALB CO., Alabama— Several Dekalb County teams won their area championship and advanced to sub regional play, earlier this week.

Regionals will be held at the Pete Mathews Coliseum at Jacksonville State University, beginning on Friday, February 16, 2018. (See below for all matchup and game time information).

In Class 2A, Area 12 both Collinsville Varsity Girls and Boys won their respective area titles and

hosted sub-regional play on Monday and Tuesday.

The Varsity Girls defeated Lanett, 58-39.. The Collinsville Varsity Boys were defeated by Lafayette, 57-49.

In Class 2A, Area 15, The Fyffe Varsity Boys were runner-up in area play and traveled to take on Vincent. The Red Devils were defeated by Vincent, 53-36. The Varsity Girls hosted Vincent in sub-regional play. The Lady Red Devils defeated Vincent, 60-29.

In Class 3A, Area 13, The Geraldine Varsity Boys and Girls won their area

title and hosted sub regional play. The Varsity Boys faced Glencoe. The Bulldogs defeated Glencoe, 69-36. The Varsity Girls faced Piedmont and won, 55-49.

In Class 3A, Area 14, the Plainview Bears hosted their sub-regional matchup and defeated Ohatchee 81-44.

Southern Torch wishes the best of luck to all teams as they continue their road to the Championship. We will have up-to-date coverage at all Regional games on Facebook and in our regular print paper.

ahsaa regional brackets All games will be held at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville, AL

GERALDINE 2/17/18 12PM

PISGAH COLLINSVILLE 2/16/18 6PM

FYFFE GERALDINE 2/17/18 10:30AM

PLAINVIEW

WINNER The winner will play in the Regional Finals on 2/20 at 4pm

GERALDINE LADY BULLDOGS COLLINSVILLE LADY PANTHERS

WINNER The winner will play in the Regional Finals on 2/19 at 3pm

FYFFE LADY RED DEVILS PLAINVIEW VARSITY BOYS

WINNER The winner will play in the Regional Finals on 2/20 at 5:45pm

GERALDINE VARSITY BOYS

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY–FEBRUARY 16, 2018

Please join Southern Torch and these exceptional advertisers in congratulating ALL of our local area champions! Best of luck at Jacksonville and beyond!

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TO ALL AREA TEAMS!

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY–FEBRUARY 16, 2018

PD. POL. ADV. BY TODD GREESON • P.O. BOX 159, IDER, AL 35981

CIRCUIT CLERK

Congratulations to the Geraldine Bulldogs!

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Congratulations to ALL Area Teams!

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CONGRATS TO THE COLLINSVILLE PANTHERS!