The Southern Torch — Vol. 4, Issue 9

Bobby Ledbetter’s

1411 Glenn Blvd SW, Fort Payne, AL 35967

WWW.BOBBYLEDBETTER.COM • (256) 844-2210

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2018 / VOL. 4, NO. 9 / $1.00

>> THIS WEEK IN SPORTS

FOLLOW

WATCH

City to end mowing contracts

OPINION: Sheriff Israel failed

(Broward County Sheriff's Office)

By Tyler Pruett Managing Editor

•Unfinished Business >> THIS WEEK IN POLITICS

tyler@southerntorch.com The Rainsville City Council voted to end mowing contracts and do all mowing in house. (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

•Haynes to run for DeKalb County BOE, District 4 •Hanes co-sponsors bill to arm teachers >> THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY

RAINSVILLE, Alabama-- The Rainsville City Council met on Thursday, February 22, 2018. Councilman Rickey Byrum proposed to the Council a plan that includes hiring two additional street department workers to

handle the city’s mowing and landscaping.

Previously the city contracted the mowing of city properties out to a private company through a competitive bid process.

Byrum’s plan calls for the additional workers to form a city sign maintenance crew in the winter months when there is no mowing to be done.

Councilman Marshall

FP Police searching for dog shooter

Stiefel said he felt bringing the mowing in-house would have hidden costs such as equipment purchases, maintenance of equipment, and miscellaneous costs such as fuel. Councilman Brandon Freeman added, “Nothing lasts forever. A car won’t either.” Lingerfelt stated, “It may take two full-time workers to do the mowing, but we will still be

ahead in the money. Plus, the town will look better. If we have these guys in-house and if we want to mow twice a week, we can.”

Bryum’s plan also included hiring the county road department to repair potholes on various city streets. The Council approved the plan to begin mowing of city properties

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — On February 14, 2018, 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz opened fire on students and faculty at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. In the aftermath of the deadly shooting, which killed 17 students and injured many others, it has came to light that the school resource officer, Deputy Scot Peterson, took a "tactical position" and failed to even enter the school for the duration of the shooting.

>> RAINSVILLE COUNCIL, P2

>> OPED: ISRAEL, P5

Man steals truck and assaults officers

By Staff Reports

•Upcoming Events •County Commission honors Jan Brewer for years of service According to Fort Payne Police Chief Randy Bynum, a dog is recovering after being shot by a crossbow on Tuesday. Investigators are currently working to find who was responsible.

(Fort Payne Police Department)

By Staff Reports FORT PAYNE, Ala. — According to Fort Payne Police Chief Randy Bynum: It was reported to the Fort Payne Police Department on February 20th that an American bulldog had been shot by a bolt which had been fired by a crossbow.

This animal was found in the 1900 block of Godfrey Ave NE. The dog was taken by Animal Control to Dekalb County Animal Shelter.

The dog was then retrieved by a concerned citizen and taken to Dekalb Animal Hospital where it remains in improving condition. Our investigators are working to try to find the offender who shot this animal.

We are only working the animal that was found inside Fort Payne, not the one that occurred in Cherokee County.

If you have any information please call the police department at 256-845-1414.

FRIDAY 3/2

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SATURDAY 3/3

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SUNDAY 3/4

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COLLINSVILLE, Ala. — According to the Collinsville Police Department: On Tuesday, February 27, 2018, Deputy Chief Rex Leath was dispatched to the Mapco located at the intersection of AL Hwy 68 and I-59.

When Deputy Chief Leath arrived the clerk told him that a Supreme Beverage delivery truck had been stolen from the parking lot and that the truck was located at the Delta Express just across the highway. Deputy Chief Leath made contact with a black male identified as La Morris Strickland 39 years old of Roanoke, AL. Deputy Chief Leath asked Strickland what he was doing in the truck and he stated he was making deliveries. The Supreme Beverage driver made contact with Deputy Chief Leath and stated that Strickland had gotten into the truck and drove off in it. Deputy Chief Leath then placed Strickland under arrest for Theft of Property 1st. Strickland was transported to the Collinsville City Jail to be booked and processed.

During the booking process Strickland became

39 year old La Morris Strickland of Roanoke, Alabama was arrested after stealing a beverage struck, and then assaulting police officers. (Collinsville Police Department)

belligerent and noncompliant.

Deputy Chief Leath and Reserve Officer Amanda McCormick dry stunned Strickland.

Strickland then began to fight with officers for several minutes. During the confrontation Strickland punched Reserve Officer Amanda McCormick in the face and shoved her to the ground.

Deputy Chief Leath confronted Strickland and they ran outside the front door of the police department. Deputy Chief Leath then tased Strickland.

When Deputy Chief Leath tried to get control over Strickland he then punched Deputy Chief Leath in the face. Several bystanders saw what was happening and they tackled Strickland to the ground and he was then

cuffed and placed under arrest for other charges.

DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department and the Crossville Police Department arrived and assisted with Strickland.

As Strickland was being placed into the back of the patrol unit he slapped Deputy Chief Leath in the face. Strickland was transported to the Dekalb County Detention Center and charged with Theft of Property 1st, Escape 1st, and 3 counts of Assault on a Police Officer.

He has bonds totaling $52,500. Deputy Chief Leath would like to especially thank the bystanders that stepped up and assisted and also Dekalb County Deputy Cagle and Dekalb County Deputy Brown and Crossville Police Department Asst. Chief Jacky Clayton.

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–MARCH 2, 2018

Rainsville Council, page 1

by newly hired street department employees.

(Video segment begins at the 20:36 mark) The Council also considered an ordinance to vacate an alleyway easement beside Black’s Tire off of Loftin Street in downtown. Byrum stated, “Black’s Tire is wanting to buy a 10’ by 90’ strip of land so they can put two quick lubes and oil changes in there.” Byrum proposed

selling the property for $3,000. He stated that Black’s Tire is already using the property and would be buying something they already have access to.

Stiefel asked whether the proposed sale could be done in a way for other potential buyers to have an opportunity to purchase the land much like other surplused property of the city is sold.

Byrum said, “That’s

your opinion Councilman and you have that right. So we’re going to vote on it and bring it to them (Black’s Tire) and you do what you feel like you need to do.” Councilman Derek Rosson added, “In my opinion, I don’t think we are in the business of making money. We are just trying to help Black’s Tire so we can get the tax revenue off of it.” The

Sheriff failed, page 1

The 1999 shooting at Columbine High School made law enforcement agencies across the country rethink their tactics during active shooter situations. The reaction of officers on the scene in Florida earlier this month indicates that these lessons were not instilled at the Broward County Sheriff's Office almost 20 years later. (File Photo) While not yet confirmed, The Coral Springs Police Department also alleges that three other deputies from the Broward County Sheriff's Office remained outside the building while the situation was ongoing. If all these allegations are true (in the case of Deputy Peterson, the account has been confirmed) it shows a lack of training in active shooter protocol and a failure to heed the lessons learned in Columbine, Colorado; which occurred almost 20 years ago.

At approximately 11:19 am on April 20, 1999, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold opened fire at Columbine High School after homemade explosives they had planted in the school's cafeteria failed to detonate. Harris and Klebold began firing outside of the school; killing one student and severely injuring six more even before entering the facility.

School Resource Officer Deputy Neil Gardner fired four rounds from his service pistol (all misses) at Harris from the school parking lot; approximately five minutes after the shooting began.

After engaging in the brief firefight, Gardner called for backup and remained outside of the school. Two additional deputies, who were nearby when the incident began, assisted the wounded outside of the school and awaited SWAT. These actions, in 1999, followed existing protocols for this type of situation.

As these three deputies and additional units arrived and remained outside of the school, the two shooters continued throwing pipe bombs and shooting students inside of the school.

Around 11:29 am (10 minutes after the shooting began), Klebold and Harris entered the school's library where 52 students, two teachers, and two librarians were hiding. The shooters remained in the library for an additional 7 minutes while officers remained outside the building. 12 students were injured and 10 more were killed in the Library alone during this time period.

At 11:36 am, the shooters left the library and wandered around the school; shooting aimlessly and detonating additional homemade bombs, while some students and teachers continued to hide in the school. This continued until approximately 12:08 pm; when Klebold and Harris took their own lives. While the shooting ceased at this point, it was still an additional hour (1:09 pm) until two SWAT team members finally entered the building and cleared each room.

Even after law enforcement had finally entered the building, one student wounded in the library (Patrick Ireland) had to crawl to a window and jump out to receive aid; this occurred at 2:38 pm.

Klebold and Harris fired a total of 188 rounds from a 9mm TEC-9, a Hi-Point 9mm carbine, and two 12 gauge shotguns over the course of roughly an hour. Around 110 minutes elapsed between the time the first shot was fired by the shooters until law enforcement entered the building. (It's also important to note, but the subject of a different article, that a Federal "Assault Weapons Ban" was in place from 1994 until 2004.)

While the Columbine shooting lasted almost an hour, the shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School this month only lasted roughly six minutes. In the wake of Columbine, law enforcement agencies across the country have trained their officers in updated protocols, which require the first officer(s) on the scene to immediately confront the shooter to minimize the loss of life.

To put it in perspective under the updated protocols, if an active shooting occurs, the first officer(s) on the scene must move as quickly as possible to locate the shooter and attempt to neutralize the threat. The reasoning behind these tactics is that every second a shooter is forced to engage law enforcement or security

personnel, is a second that the shooter is not firing on their intended victims.

This tactic also requires that officers on the scene ignore wounded students until it's confirmed the shooter(s) is down. While it is has hard to imagine ignoring a wounded child when responding to a scene; even 30 seconds spent helping one wounded student may give the shooter time to kill or wound 10 more. After the shooter is incapacitated and it appears there are no more additional threats, then all efforts must be directed towards helping the injured.

Even in the event a stray bullet fired from an officer's weapon at a shooter strikes a bystander, stray bullets are less of a threat to innocents than aimed fire from a gunman intent on killing as many as possible.

If "running towards the gunfire" leads to the officer's death, the time the shooter spends engaging the responding officer can save multiple lives. While this outcome is hard to stomach for some, those that wear a badge have sworn an oath to protect those in need and Columbine made it clear that aggressively engaging the threat is the best way to do that.

In 1999, if Deputy Neil Gardner had pursued Harris into Columbine High School and continued to engage the threat, he may very well have taken one shooter out of the fight and saved many lives.

Even if Gardner were killed, he still would have delayed the shooters' actions and potentially saved lives.

Gardner was following his training and protocols at the time, but in 2018, the Broward County Sheriff's Office does not have this excuse.

Yesterday, Peterson's lawyer issued a statement that attempted to explain his clients actions; telling NBC News that he, "thought that the shots were coming from outside," which was why he "took up a tactical position."

Even if true, Peterson made no attempt to immediately find the shooter, or enter the building to make sure the students he was assigned to protect were safe.

After every shooting incident, we can guarantee the "Monday Morning Quaterbacks" will be all over the network news; stating what should or shouldn't have been done. This is different when almost the same situation played out 20 years ago, and law enforcement reacted the same way in 2018.

This leads one to question how seriously leadership at the Broward County Sheriff's Office took this training...

Council will hold a formal vote to consider the sale of the property at the next meeting (Video segment begins at the 25:54 mark) Other business considered and approved: •Purchase wireless microphones for TBEC with a cap of $800 Increased the duties of Mary Barrontine at the TBEC •Hired Clem Construction to install a gravity flow line in the Industrial Park for $48,000.

•Hired Clem Construction to install a septic tank at the Field of Dreams for $5,000 •Empowered Lingerfelt sign a contract with Sweet Tea Trio for $5,500 to perform at Freedom Fest

•Empowered Lingerfelt to close out a temporary loan for the wastewater plant and open with a USDA loan •Surplused items including Christmas lights and furniture •Changed Chris Hampton from part time to

full time in the Parks and Recreation Department •Empowered Lingerfelt to sign a sewer contract with Sylvania The next regular scheduled meeting will be March 5, 2018. Workshop begins at 4:15 and Council meeting at 5 p.m.

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY–MARCH 2, 2018

Community

3

Submit your community events to: zach@southerntorch.com

Brewer honored by UPCOMING EVENTS County Commission

June Brewer was honored by the DeKalb County Commission on her retirement from The Council on Aging on Tuesday. The council helps provide a link to essential services for DeKalb County's senior citizens. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

By Tyler Pruett Managing Editor tyler@southerntorch.com FORT PAYNE, Ala. — (Video on our Website) At yesterday's (February 28, 2018) meeting of the DeKalb County Commission, June Brewer was honored for 20 years of service to DeKalb County and the Council on Aging.

This Council on Aging is funded by the Older Americans Act of 1965 as amended, through the Alabama Commission on Aging, the Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments (TARCOG), Area Agency on Aging, and DeKalb County Local Governments and sponsored by The DeKalb County Commission, according to their website.

The council helps assist Senior Citizens link up with crucial services; such as transportation, nutrition services, home delivered meals, senior centers, and in-home care.

The commission honored Brewer as the first order of business. Commission Pro Tem DeWitt Jackson, who was filling in for President Ricky Harcrow, who was currently in Montgomery working on getting the county additional road funding, recognized Brewer: "We are so thankful for you, and all your years of service. You've been a good friend to this commission body, and we thank you for your willingness to work together, and we've had a good run at the council on aging. You've done a tremendous job," said Pro Tem Jackson.

County Administrator Matt Sharp read aloud the resolution: "June Brewer has over the last twenty years dedicated her skills, time, and energy to the DeKalb County Council on Aging. Whereas her personal cooperative efforts to maintain and conduct the operations of this organization have been so beneficial to so many in our area," read Sharp.

"We the DeKalb County Commission, on this 27th day of February 2018, do wish to commend her for her many years of thankful service to our county, and it's citizens, and ask continued special blessings for her in days to come. Signed by the commission," said Sharp.

After accepting the resolution, Brewer stated, "This has been hard, making

the choice (to retire). My work family, I spend more time with them than my real family. I'm real excited, but I appreciate the opportunity to have this job for this 20 years.

Excuse me, I'm going to cry. I would like for all the commissioners to know, but in November, the transportation department was awarded a certificate for perfect management. And then we got a letter, commending us for having a federal audit (this is federal transit people that come in, and they ask for whatever they want to ask to see), and we are the only county in the State of Alabama to have a federal audit, and have no findings; nothing that we had to go back and correct."

"To me that's very good, not speaking just for me, but the whole staff; I didn't do it by myself," said Brewer. "Then this week, I have not seen the print on it, but it will come out in the Newsletter from TARCOG, we helped more people this past year with the SHELL program, which is helping people choose a prescription drug plan, we helped more people than any county in the five county area.

Which includes Madison County, and Madison county is way bigger than DeKalb. So, I want ya'll to know, this group of people over there work hard," said Brewer.

Then, members of the DeKalb County Commission expressed their appreciation for Brewer's hard work over the years: District III Commissioner Chris Kuykendall said, "Thank you for everything you've done; people you've worked with, and people you've helped. And I expect those tears of joy to be relief as well, but we appreciate it. The program that you've done so much for so many people, the prescription drug program, is one of the most important programs for our citizens. It's a very confusing situation.

I've helped some of my clients over the years, and decided quite frankly, with all the changes it was beyond my expertise to do so. I've referred them to you consistently, and I've yet had anyone come back and say they didn't get what they needed. Thank you so much for everything."

County Attorney Charles E. Mauney then said of Brewer: "Mrs. Brewer I personally thank you. We've only had a few legal issues develop since you've been there, and I've been here, but

you've always cooperated so fully. And that makes an attorney's job so much easier.

And we've yet to fail to get through one of those programs clearly, before that TARCOG issue which developed, and that really was not your fault. That issue got resolved, so thank you for your service since I've been county attorney. I appreciate you."

County Administrator Matt Sharp said: "June, I appreciate you and all your hard work. I know this is a tough decision for you, to want to retire. But I'm sure you want to keep busy, and keep doing a variety of things like we talked about. But I want to tell you, I appreciate you and working with us, and I wanted to wish you a very happy retirement."

District II Commissioner Scot Westbrook said: "I'm relatively new here; I think I was referred to again this morning as, 'the new guy,' again. And I don't believe I've met you before today, but I see your name quite often, and it's always associated with good things. And one thing I would like to say, you've done an excellent job, from what I've understood, and as long as I've been acquainted with what goes on over there. And I think you've laid a really good foundation.

And I hope we are fortunate enough to find a person to take your place. (That person) has an easy road to hold because of what you have done over the last 20 years.

Congratulations on your retirement!"

District I Commissioner Shane Wootten said of Brewer: "Mrs. Brewer, as everybody has said, and I'll say it again: Congratulations!

It's sad that we are losing you because of the passion that you have for your job. It's always a pleasure to see people that have a passion for their job. That means that you care about the people that ya'll serve, as well as the employees over there. Your passion is going to be missed in the county."

"I've been here five years, and I reckon that a commissioners job is to take complaints; that seems to be all I do nowadays. But I've never heard one complaint about the job that you do. It's all always been positive, and that's very unusual; and very, very good. Thank you for the job you've done. I hope you have a wonderful retirement," said Wootten.

"If you hire the right person in my place, it will go forward," said Brewer.

"Thank you so much Mrs. June; we wish you the best of luck in your retirement. Get your loaferin' all done, all those trips you've been planning," said Jackson.

"I'm looking forward to it, I really am, but at the same time it's sad; to walk away from it," said Brewer. "But I'll keep involved some way."

"I'm sure you will. Thank you, Mrs. June," concluded Jackson.

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 Zach Hester, Graphic Design Artist Amy Thrash, Advertising Representative

Send address changes to Southern Torch, P.O. Box

Lindsey Jones, Office Assistant

614 Rainsville, Alabama 35986-0614.

Membership rates:

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Regular yearly rate–$30 Senior or Veteran yearly rates–$25

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

Every Wednesday, Breakthrough Church free meal - Come and enjoy a free meal and hear the Word of God on Wednesday nights starting January 3 at 5:30pm. If you need a ride, please contact: Lynn Haas at 256-605-7854 or Connie Holdem at 256-605-1776.

March 13, DeKalb Democrats Club - The DeKalb County Democrats will hold their monthly meeting at Chow King on March 13 at 5:30pm with the executive committee meeting at 5pm.

March 17, Spring Fling - Pine Ridge Baptist Church will host Spring Fling, a craft and vendor event from 8am to 4pm on Saturday, March 17.

for Circuit Judge (9th Circuit): Andrew Hairston, Scott Lloyd, and Jeff McCurdy! It will be held at the JSU Canyon Center.

Doors will open at 5:30pm and the forum will begin at 6pm. Times are subject to change. There will be limited seating, so feel encouraged to join the conversation on our live feed on Facebook!

April 5, Southern Torch Judicial Candidate Forum - Be sure to tune in on April 5 for our Judicial Candidate Forum featuring the Republican candidates

March 5-10, Long Ranch 4 Boys Old Timers Allstar Basketball Games - The Long Ranch 4 Boys Old Timers Allstar Basketball Games will be held at the DeKalb County Schools Coliseum on March 5-10. There will be both men’s and women’s divisions. To register your team, fill out the form on their website. Cost per player is $90, you provide your own team jersey.

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.

March 11, Salem United Methodist Church Singing - A singing will be held at Salem United Methodist Church in Geraldine on Sunday, March 11 at 6pm with the featured group, Exodus. All are welcome to attend!

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY–MARCH 2, 2018

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DEATH NOTICES BURT Esther Meadows - 101, passed away on February 21, 2018. Visitation was held on Thursday, February 22 from 5pm to 8pm at Burt Chapel-Fort Payne.

Funeral services were held on Friday, February 23 at 11am at Burt Chapel-Fort Payne with Revs. Thomas Cagle and Steve Davis officiating.

Judy Ann Burt - 65, passed away on February 24, 2018. Visitation was held on Sunday, February 25 from 5pm to 8pm at Burt Chapel-Fort Payne.

Funeral services were held on Monday, February 26 at Burt Chapel-Fort Payne at 11am with Rev. James Ledwell officiating. Burial followed in Walker’s Chapel Cemetery.

Stanley Lawton - 64, passed away on February 24, 2018. Visitation was held on Monday, February 26 from 4pm to 6pm at Burt Chapel-Valley Head. A memorial service was held

on Monday, February 26 at 6pm at Burt Chapel-Valley Head.

Ryleigh Whittle - 1, passed away on February 24, 2018. Visitation was held on Wednesday, February 28 at Burt Chapel-Fort Payne from noon to 2pm and 4pm to 7pm. A graveside service was held on Thursday, March 1 at 1pm in Bankhead Cemetery in Mentone with Rev. Tim Miller officiating. Burial followed.

CORNER STONE Levoy Burk - 73 of Flat Rock, passed away on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at his home. The family received friends from 3pm to 8pm on Friday, February 23 and from 10am until service time on Saturday, February 24. Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 24 at 2pm CT at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel.

Burial followed in Oak Lawn Memorial Park.

Hazel Molene Smothers - 84 of Chattanooga, passed away on Saturday, February 24 at Standifer Place Health Care. A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, March 3 from 2pm to 4pm CT at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel.

KERBY Bryan Peek - 52 of Henagar, passed away on February 22, 2018 at his residence. The family received friends on Saturday, February 24 from 2pm to 8pm and Sunday, February 25 from 11am to 2pm at the funeral home.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, February 25 at 2pm at Kerby Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Benjamin Young officiating. Burial followed in Liberty Cemetery.

KERBY Grady Webb - 98 of Grove Oak, passed away on Thursday, February 22, 2018 at his residence.

Visitation was held on Saturday, February 24 from 5pm to 8pm and Sunday, February 25 from 11am to 1pm. Funeral services were held on Sunday, February 25 at 1pm at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor John Satterfield

officiating. Burial followed in Hopewell Cemetery.

Rachel Barkley - 76 of Valley Head, passed away on Friday, February 23, 2018 at her residence.

Visitation was held on Saturday, February 24 from 5pm to 8pm and Sunday, February 25 from 9am to 3pm. Funeral services were held on Sunday, February 25 at 3pm at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Donnie Dover officiating. Burial followed in New Home Cemetery.

Phyllis Chase - 91 of Fort Payne passed away on Friday, February 23 at Serenity Place.

KERBY Albert Slaton - 78 of Collinsville, passed away on Saturday, February 24, 2018.

A graveside service was held at 1pm on Tuesday, February 27 at Fairview Cemetery in Dawson with Rev. Arnold Hope officiating. Burial followed the service.

Cathy Headrick - 62 of Pisgah, passed away on Saturday, February 24, 2018.

The family received friends from noon until 7pm on Monday, February 26 and from 8am until service time on Tuesday, February 27 at the funeral home. Funeral services were held at 1pm on Tuesday, February 27 at WT

Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bro. Billy Helton officiating.

Burial followed in Geraldine Cemetery.

Dewayne Stone Centre, passed away on Friday, February 23, 2018.

Cremation services are provided by WT Wilson Funeral Chapel.

Dwight Strother - 74 of Rainsville, passed away on Friday, February 23, 2018.

The family received friends from 4pm to 8pm on Saturday, February 24 at the funeral home. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Sunday, February 25 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bros. Keith Atchley and Terry Turner officiating.

Burial followed in Kirk Memorial Gardens.

Aubrey Mauldin - 76 of Fyffe, passed away on

Saturday, February 24, 2018.

The family received friends from 5pm to 8pm on Sunday, February 25 and from 8am until 8pm on Monday, February 26 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel. Funeral services were held at 3pm on Tuesday, February 27 at the funeral home. Burial followed in Piney Grove Cemetery.

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Joyce Hughes - 73 of S Collinsville, passed away on A Sunday, February 25, 2018.

The family received friends from 11am until 8pm on Tuesday, February 27 at the funeral home. Funeral services were held at 3pm on Wednesday, February 28 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Revs. J.T. Williams and Larry McKinney officiating.

Burial followed in Stewart Cemetery.

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY–MARCH 2, 2018

Politics

Submit your political news to: tyler@southerntorch.com

Haynes to run for DeKalb Hanes co-sponsors bill to arm teachers Co. BOE, District 4

By Staff Reports FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Hazel Haynes is a candidate for DeKalb County Board of Education, District Four.

She is a graduate of Ider High School, Northeast Alabama Community College, and Jacksonville University with degrees in Early Child Education, B.S, Elementary Education, B.S., School Counseling and School Administration, A.S., SPE. Ed. She was employed with the DeKalb County Board of Education for 26 years as a classroom teacher and guidance counselor. She began her journey in education at Ider as a migrant teacher (3 years) and guidance counselor (10 years). She transferred to the DeKalb County Technology Center and completed 13 more years as a guidance counselor before retiring in 2014. She worked diligently for all students and the board of education.

During her tenure, there were positive advancements in education that revolutionized the way technology was incorporated into the schools that required major changes in the teaching process. “When I began as a teacher at Ider, we were a pencil and paper school. We did attendance, monthly reports, report cards, schedules and other required documents with a pencil or the typewriter.

We had a few Apple computers sparsely located in various classrooms, used floppy disks, and no internet.

Now DeKalb County Schools and the board of education have classroom

Contributed by Steve Flowers AL Political Columnist The Alabama Legislature usually gets very little done during an election year session except passage of the budgets.

However, the Legislature may have to address issues pertaining to prison health care. A Federal judge has ruled that our prison mental health care is “horrendously inadequate.” This year the solution will probably be to simply add $30 to 50 million to the prison budget and kick the can down the road to the next quadrennium.

Our Medicaid agency funding is always a key issue. Medicaid now consumes more than a third of the General Fund budget.

Using part of the BP Oil spill money will allow legislators to wait until next year to tackle this money eating monster.

Mental health or drug addiction issues will probably be pushed back until next year after elections, as will the

(Contributed Photo)

computers, computer labs, tablets, etc. and a stateof–the-art technology system. The school system is ever emerging to meet the needs and goals for all students”, said Haynes.

“Board members should be knowledgeable of all aspects of the educational system.

Decision making is a must for plant management, knowledge of financial priorities and academic excellence, along with strong social skills. These qualifications and attributes keep the wheels turning smoothly in the DeKalb County School System. I feel my work ethic as an educator has given me insight in what it takes to educate students and maintain a safe environment for learning,” Haynes said.

“My work ethic has gone beyond the classroom. I grew up in a family of four brothers and both parents. My dad was self-employed as a farmer and carpenter. Growing up on a farm was hard work for our family and all five of we children helped my parents with any job that needed to be done. We were taught honesty, integrity, living within our means, making wise choices and most of all, our word was to be our bond, and I have tried to live by those standards.” Haynes said.

“I am married to Larry Haynes and have two sons,

5

Tony and Adam (both graduates of Sylvania High School) and five grandchildren. We live in the High Point community and attend the High Point Church of God where I have taught the ladies’ adult Sunday school class for 43 years and was nominated for the National Sunday School teacher of the year award. I take great pride in my family, church, community, and school system.” Haynes continued.

“If elected, I pledge to help advance the DeKalb County School System forward, working with an astute group, e.g. the superintendent of education, board members, faculty, parents and students,” Haynes said.

“I will be a listener, voice and vote for educational excellence.

Together we can be the best school system in Alabama! Your support will greatly be appreciated on June 05, 2018, Republican Primary, District 4,” Haynes said.

By Staff Reports

SCOTTSBORO, Ala. – In the wake of the tragic Florida school shooting, Rep. Tommy Hanes is co-sponsoring Rep. Will Ainsworth’s legislation allowing trained school administrative staff and teachers to carry a firearm on campus to serve as a deterrent for future school shootings.

“I am proud to co-sponsor Rep. Will Ainsworth’s legislation that will allow public school teachers with proper law enforcement training and certification to carry firearms during school hours in case an active shooter situation occurs.

The average school shooting incident lasts three minutes from beginning to end, and our teachers should have the ability to protect their students and themselves until law enforcement arrives.”

Rep. Hanes believes enacting gun control legislation infringes upon the constitutional liberties of responsible, law-abiding citizens. Instead, we should use the Second Amendment

LEGAL IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO. CS-2018-63 NOTICE OF GUARDIANSHIP PROCEEDINGS NOTICE TO: ANDRES FELIPE, FATHER

(Contributed Photo)

as a means of security for our children.

“Gun-free zones are a magnet to those who want to do harm, so it is time to utilize our Second Amendment gun rights in order to defend students, teachers, and others within our school communities.

Someone who is already willing to break laws against murder isn’t going to follow a gun control law.

We must put safeguards in place now before it is too late and a school shooting occurs in Alabama.”

During his service in the Alabama House of Representatives, Tommy Hanes has been a leading advocate of public safety legislation. He has passed many policy measures into law championing the safety of Alabama’s citizens, such as the Kelsey Smith Act, that streamlines the process for law enforcement and rescuers to locate a kidnapped individual’s phone via ping.

This legislation is a life-saving measure for the people of Alabama. Rep. Hanes believes ensuring student safety in our schools is a top priority and will work tirelessly to see that our children are protected.

RE: Petition for Guardianship Order for PABLO FELIPE PASCUAL

Please take notice that a Petition for Guardianship has been filed in said Court by Alicia Felipe Miguel and that on the 28th day of March, 2018, at 10:00am has been set for a hearing on the same in the Probate Court of DeKalb County. Please be advised that if you intend to contest said Petition for Adoption you must file a written response with the attorney for the Petitioner named below and with the Clerk of the Probate Court, 300 Grand Avenue SW, Suite 100, Fort Payne, AL 35967 as soon as possible but no later than thirty (30) days from the day this notice is received. /s/ Gabriela Watson, Esq WATSON & WATSON P.O. Box 1068 Albertville, Alabama 35950 Publish: March 2, March 9, March 16

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Inside the Statehouse gasoline tax issue. The gas tax was not been raised since 1992. The state’s gas tax is earmarked for roads and bridges. Business groups, county governments and legislative leaders, especially Speaker Mac McCutcheon and Legislators from Huntsville and other growth areas, are emphasizing the need for adequate transportation infrastructure.

The Trump administration is advocating for a national infrastructure initiative. If this comes to fruition in Washington, the state will have to act in order to match federal dollars.

The two budgets will not be difficult since both the General Fund and Education budgets are in better shape than normal, especially the Special Education Trust Fund budget. It is dependent on sales and income growth taxes and the economy is growing.

Teachers and state employees may receive a cost of living raise. Alabama state employees have not received a cost of living raise since 2009.

Speaking of the economy, Alabama has been blessed with two gigantic coups in the past few months. The landing of the new Toyota-Mazda plant near Huntsville was huge. In addition, the decision by the U.S. Defense Department to locate the F-35 lightning aircraft deployment to Maxwell/Gunter in Montgomery will translate into a significant boom to the River Region for years to come.

The January announcement that Alabama won the coveted Toyota-Mazda plant was tremendous. We beat out North Carolina for the $1.6 billion facility, which will be located at a Limestone County mega site adjacent to Huntsville.

Alabama currently has 57,000 residents employed in the automotive industry.

Exports of Alabama made vehicles and parts total over $9 billion. We are now the number two state in America for automotive production. Community College Chancellor Jimmy Baker is moving in the right direction to prepare our

young people for these opportunities in the state’s industrial expansion.

Huntsville mayor, Tommy Battle, battled mightily for the new automotive facility. He deserves kudos for the victory as does Montgomery mayor, Todd Strange, for landing the F-35 to Maxwell/ Gunter. Our senior senator, Richard Shelby, was instrumental in both of these bonanzas behind the scenes.

Speaking of the legislature and their adjourning early for an election year, there will be 10 open Senate seats and 22 House seats with no incumbents. One of the most hotly contested state senate races will be in the Huntsville area. It will be an intra-party battle between Sam Givhan and Mary Scott Hunter. It is for the seat currently held by State Senator Bill Holtzclaw, who is not seeking reelection.

Ms. Hunter is a State School Board member, who is close to the BCA. Givhan is a lawyer and heads the Huntsville/Madison GOP. He has been endorsed by

ALFA. It is fitting and proper that the Alabama Farmers Federation is backing young Sam Givhan. His grandfather was the legendary State Senator, Walter Givhan, who was a Black Belt planter and stalwart ally of the farmers.

State Representative, Mack Butler, is favored to win the Republican Gadsden area seat of retiring Senator Phil Williams.

The Wiregrass will see a battle royale between State Representative Donnie Chesteen and incumbent State Senator Harri Anne Smith.

The open Republican Senate seat of retiring State

Senator Dick Brewbaker in Montgomery and Pike Road may be the best senate race in the state.

There are numerous powerful and popular incumbents, who will coast to reelection most with no opposition. That list includes Jabo Waggoner, Jimmy Holley, Jim McClendon, Cam Ward, Greg Reed, Steve Livingston, Clay Scofield, Shay Shelnutt, Clyde Chambliss, Billy Beasley, Bobby Singleton, Gerald Allen, Tom Whatley and Senate President, Del Marsh.

The leadership of the State Senate will return.

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY–MARCH 2, 2018

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY–MARCH 2, 2018

7

Unfinished Business

Senior Bailey Dukes takes it to the hoop against the American Christian Patriots in the Class 3A State Semifinals. (Kristy Gallagher | Southern Torch)

By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.--In the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Class 3A State Basketball Semifinals held at the BJCC Legacy Arena, Plainview defeated the American Christian Patriots, 73-56 on Tuesday, February 27, 2018 to advance to the Championship Game.

Plainview will meet a familiar foe, the Hillcrest-Evergreen Jaguars, in the Championship game held on Friday, March 2, 2018 at 2:15 p.m. Plainview defeated HillcrestEvergreen last year, in the State semifinals, 68-52.

The Bears advanced to the

State Championship game where they faced, the Midfield Patriots. The Bears were defeated, 60-46. This year, the Plainview Bears have some unfinished business to take care of, and are on a mission to win the State Championship.

In Tuesday’s semifinal game, the Bears shot fifty-four percent from the field. The Bears took the early 19-12 lead in the game. The Patriots battled back in the second and brought the score within six points to go in the half trailing Plainview, 37-31.

After the half, the Bears came back ready to battle. In the third quarter, the Bears outscored their opponent, 19-14. Jeffery Armstrong had foul trouble in the

first half of the game and sat out most of the second quarter. Armstrong scored 16 of his 19 points in the second half of the game.

The fourth quarter saw the Plainview Bears leading the Patriots by twenty points. As the game intensified, a player from each team received a technical foul that was washed out by the other.

Plainview Head Coach, Robi Coker, allowed everyone on the team to have playing time as the play clock wound down and the Bears, defeating American Christian, 73-55.

Plainview was 27-of-50 from the floor and made 2-of-5 three-point goals. Clay Cooper and Caden Millican scored the two

3-pointers in the game The Patriots were focused on taking away Plainview’s strength, by stopping their three-point attempts. Along with Armstrong’s 19 points for the game, he had seven rebounds and three assists. Caden Millican netted 14 points. Koby Tinker added 12 points to the scoreboard and Cade Millican scored 10 points.

The Bears held American Christian to five offensive rebounds.

For American Christian, Luke Skinner led the team with 30 points and six rebounds.

“This was a rough, physical game,” said Coach Robi Coker. “Our guys did a great job of showing who they are as people and ultimately that's why we won the basketball game.”

Plainview Head Coach Robi Coker directs his players to a win in the State Semifinals. (Kristy Gallagher | Southern Torch)

8

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY–MARCH 2, 2018

too much blue Congratulations to the Plainview Varsity Boys on punching your ticket to the State Championship! Bring home that blue trophy!

(All Photos by Kristy Gallagher | Southern Torch)

Please join all of us at Southern Torch and these great advertisers in wishing the best of luck to the boys at this Friday's State Championship!

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY–MARCH 2, 2018

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10

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY–MARCH 2, 2018

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