The Southern Torch — Volume 5, Issue 14

SLIDE INTO A GREAT DEAL AT TWIN CITY! 1411 Glenn Blvd SW, Fort Payne, AL 35967

WWW.BOBBYLEDBETTER.COM • 256.844.2210

THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2019 / VOL. 5, NO. 14 / $1.00

LIKE

FOLLOW

TWEET

MAKING RADIO GREAT AGAIN

JENNA SUE JOINS SOUTHERN TORCH

By Eloise Smith General Manager eloise@southerntorch.com

Jenna Sue Payne, pictured with her husband Christian, is excited to be joining the Southern Torch crew!

(Submitted Photo)

Jenna Sue Payne, of Fort Payne, AL, will be joining the Southern Torch as the new Sales Manager.

On Monday, April 1st, Southern Torch acquired FM radio stations WKEA 98.3 and WXMN 101.7 of Scottsboro and will be combining the radio programming with its original products - online news and the weekly newspaper. Jenna Sue will manage the newly formed sales division for the company. The sales division will offer products to customers across all Southern Torch platforms - print, radio, online, and

digital.

Jenna Sue joins Southern Torch after a 20 year career in radio that has included stints in sales and as a morning show host. She has over $6 million in career sales and is a household name in Northeast Alabama. She is a six-time recipient of the Alabama Broadcasters’ Award for best radio commercial in the state.

Additionally, she has developed and created thousands of radio commercials and ad campaigns for clients and is currently the Marketing Director for Bruce’s Foodland Stores based in Fort Payne. “Having the opportunity to work in radio has been a dream

come true,� Jenna Sue stated. “It's a true honor to have worked for Pat and Jeannie Courington for 20 years. I am excited to take on a new challenge of being the Sales Manager for Southern Torch. God has richly blessed me by placing good people and wonderful opportunities in my life,� she added.

In addition to her work, Jenna Sue has helped raise over $2 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and is an active participant in many local civic clubs. Jenna Sue and her husband Christian reside in Fort Payne and attend Fort Payne United Methodist Church. She will begin work with Southern Torch on April 15th. “I’ve been a big fan of

Southern Torch for a long time - their straightforward, honest approach to real news, combined with how active they are in the community is something I admire. The company represents everything I was looking for to start my next chapter in the radio broadcast industry,� Jenna Sue stated. “We are thrilled to add Jenna Sue to our already very talented staff! She will be an integral part of our management team as we continue to build our brand, grow our audience, and deliver products that meet our customers expectations,� Nick Jones, President of Southern Torch, stated.

MISSION CENTER TO CLOSE DOORS IN MAY

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

marla@southerntorch.com RAINSVILLE, Ala. — After 45 years of serving generations across our community, the DeKalb Baptist Child Development Center, also known as the Mission Center, will be closing their doors on May

24.

Parents were notified on Friday that they needed to find alternative childcare.

At the present time, the school employees three teachers, a cook and a part-time daycare director.

According to Mission Center Board Member and previous Director of 12

years, Barbara Bell stated that low attendance was the primary cause for the center’s closure.

The center currently serves students ages 2 1/2 to 12 years. They have 21 preschoolers and offer an after-school daycare for

> MISSION, P2

CCA PRESENTS APPRECIATION PLAQUE FP DISCUSSES CENSUS

Players from the Cornerstone Christian Academy (CCA) football team presented the City Council with a plaque of appreciation for being able to use the City's field for their home games. (Marla Jones | Southern Torch) Deb Goins of the During the work

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — The Rainsville City Council held their regular meeting on Monday, April 1.

session, two players from Cornerstone Christian Academy’s (CCA) football team presented the City Council with a plaque of appreciation for allowing them to use a city field for their home games.

Suicide Awareness and Prevention (SAM) Foundation addressed the Council regarding the upcoming April 9 meeting

> RAINSVILLE, P2

Robert Avery of the 2020 Census Bureau addressed the Council on the upcoming census. (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala.

• ATTENTION DISH HOPPER CUSTOMERS

SOUTHERN TORCH IS JOINING THE DISH NETWORK TO BRING YOU COMMUNITY EVENTS & MEETINGS ON YOUR TV! CHECK US OUT UNDER 'COMMUNITIES' ON YOUR HOPPER!

•

•

— The Fort Payne City Council held their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, April 2.

Robert Avery of the 2020 Census Bureau

> FORT PAYNE, P2

SYLVANIA PHARMACY YOUR FRIEND, YOUR DRUGSTORE! Visit our website at www.southerntorch.com for daily news updates and pick up your weekly print edition at news stands every Friday.

2

FRIDAY — APRIL 5, 2019

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

TRAVEL BY MISTY MISTY HARMON, CTC GRADUATE OF DISNEY COLLEGE OF KNOWLEDGE

256.996.1614 • TRAVELBYMISTY@GMAIL.COM • WWW.TRAVELBYMISTY.COM (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY)

STOLEN VEHICLE ATTENTION & NARCOTICS RECOVERED

The DeKalb County Commission will sponsor their annual county cleanup throughout the month of April.

Citizens are encouraged to drop all of their leftovers from spring cleaning to the GEK Landfill between Collinsville and Fort Payne.

The GEK Landfill will be open the first three weekends of April (April 6-7, April 13-14, April 20-21). This service is FREE for DeKalb County residents.

FORT PAYNE

On Saturday morning, the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office arrested George Matthews on many charges including possession of a controlled substance and receiving stolen property. (Photo by DeKalb County Sheriff's Office)

from Page 1

By Staff Reports DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden: Early Saturday morning (March 30, 2019), the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a male sitting near the gas station at the intersection of Highway 35 and County Road 47 (Powell Crossing). It was believed that the individual had narcotics in his backpack.

A Deputy and Lieutenant arrived at the scene and located the individual. He was discovered to be in possession of Marijuana, Cocaine, Hydrocodone pills, Alprazolam pills, and Methamphetamine.

The suspect, George Matthews (45 of Madison) was taken into custody. On the way to the jail, he informed the Lieutenant that he had left his vehicle behind the Kangaroo gas station on Highway 35 in Fort Payne. After investigating the vehicle, it was discovered to have been stolen from Birmingham.

Matthews was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance (x4), Receiving Stolen Property 1st Degree, Distribution of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana 2nd Degree, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said of the arrest: “DeKalb County is the home of several major highways and an interstate, meaning many stolen vehicles and narcotics could be passing through. Our deputies are actively patrolling these roads for suspicious activity, and we plan on increasing these patrols.”

“I’d like to commend our deputies for their hard work and due-diligence in making the arrest and following through with investigating the vehicle. I’d also like to encourage citizens to report any suspicious activity on our roadways by calling (256)845-3801,” said Welden.

“As always, God Bless,” concluded Sheriff Welden.

Terrell Chiropractic, LLC OPEN SIX DAYS A WEEK!

Dr. Robert Terrell Dr. Jeff Parker Mon-Wed Thu-Fri Saturday 8:30-5:30 8:30-5:30 8:30-12

65 McCurdy Ave S, Rainsville, AL 35986 Phone: (256) 638-9393 • Fax: (256) 638-9395

addressed the Mayor and Council regarding the upcoming census and its importance for the State of Alabama and our area.

Our area will employ 600 census workers in the height of the census season, which is the middle of the summer.

Half a million people will be hired nationwide. The starting pay is $13 per hour and you may work as little as one hour per day or 40 hours per week. To apply online, visit www.2020census.gov/ jobs.

A public hearing was held to receive comments regarding the proposed vacation of an unopened alleyway off of Elm Street.

The petition had run in the newspaper for four consecutive weeks, as stated by law with no comments made.

Resolution 2019-15 authorizing the vacation of said alleyway was passed by the Council.

Human Resources Director Don Fisher addressed the Council on the need to charge a fee for background checks and payroll verification for City of Fort Payne

employees. The City will now charge a $35 fee for this information.

Mayor Larry Chesser updated the Council on the City’s current sewer projects and stated that Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments (TARCOG) would be holding their annual board meeting at the Pavilion in Fort Payne on June 25, beginning at 12pm.

In other business: • The Council made a budget adjustment of $2,500 for 11 baby changing stations to be placed at various parks and recreational facilities • The Council approved an activity permit for the Friends of DeKalb County Animal Adoption Center Walk/ Run event on the Wills Valley route for Saturday, October 12 • Fort Payne Police Chief Randy Bynum suggested the moving of an existing street light to one pole down at 1601 Dean Road The next meeting of the Fort Payne City Council will be held at 12pm on Tuesday, April 16 at the Council Chambers on the second floor of Fort Payne City Hall.

RAINSVILLE from Page 1 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at the 911 Center.

Chief Kevin Smith of the Rainsville Police Department reported that the new radar units are installed and running smoothly. Smith stated that the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) would be reimbursing them within the next five to seven days.

Councilmember Brandon Freeman reported that the sprinkler system at the fields that CCA plays their football games, and where flag football will be played, is installed. He also said that softball and baseball are wide open at the Field of Dreams.

The Tornado Memorial will hold a candlelight ceremony on April 27, 2019 at 7pm.

The Council passed the following: • Painting contract with John Chisenhall in the amount of $1,950 for painting at the Rainsville Public Library

THE FISHERMEN SOUTHERN GOSPEL QUARTET

For Bookings call: Glenn Smith (256) 572-6146

HENAGAR WRECK MISSION RESULTS IN DEATH from Page 1 approximately 30 children.

The DeKalb Baptist Association will still use the building, only the daycare will be closing.

The Mission Center will be missed. We applaud their longtime, successful contributions to our community. Many friendships were made around the old tree in the playground that still lasts until today.

(Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

LOTHA KILGORE

Free at every location:

MATTHEW TAHERI

•FREE monthly vitamins for children ages 2-12 •FREE monthly vitamins for seniors 55+ •FREE bottle of cold water with every visit!

ADRIAN PENDERGRASS

VISIT US!

103 Greenhill Blvd. NW, Ft. Payne • (256) 845-6640 1614 Glenn Blvd. SW, Ft. Payne • (256) 845-3402

• Hired Scott Baswell as part-time at the Rainsville Fire Department (which will make five part-time employees for the department) • Replaced Whitney Whiteside with Whitley Mitchell on the Tom Bevill Enrichment Center Board • Purchased additional signs for the “Welcome to Rainsville” to honor state championship winners (Plainview, CCA) in the amount of $4,000 awarded to Metal Market • Purchased a sign for the Industrial Development Board in the amount of $2,600 to show proper routes to get to the different industries • Purchased three flagpoles and two flags with a cap of $3,000 to be placed at the First Responders Memorial • Closed a dormant bank account at First Southern State Bank (FSSB) and combined remaining funds into the general fund The next meeting of the Rainsville City Council will be held at 5pm on April 15, 2019 with a workshop beginning at 4:15pm.

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com HENAGAR, Ala. — According to Henagar Police Chief Randell Smith: On March 30 at approximately 7:30pm, a traffic accident on Burton Drive in Henagar resulted in the death of Michael Derek Crane. Crane died at the scene.

The other driver was Wualfre Juan Lopez. Lopez, his wife and child were transported to Erlanger Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.

The accident is still under investigation.

ORDER YOUR SUBSCRIPTION TODAY $

15

For six months

30

$

For one year

$

5 OFF Either price for veterans and seniors

FRIDAY — APRIL 5, 2019

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

COMMUNITY

Submit your upcoming events and community news to zach@southerntorch.com.

LATE TO THE MOVIES DUMBO SHINES IN 2019 LIVE ACTION REMAKE

By Zach Hester Art Director Do you know those songs that pop up every now and then with a really upbeat tempo, but pretty depressing lyrics? Well, if you took that, wrapped up its essence into a few strips of film, you’d have the latest live-action remake from Walt Disney Studios, Dumbo.

We all know the story, but in case you need a refresher: the original Dumbo followed the little elephant in the aftermath of being separated from his mother and slowly, but surely learning to use the giant ears, that he got ridiculed for, to become the legendary “flying elephant.” This retelling of the story follows this same story, but goes beyond the boundaries of the original with a star-studded human cast that adds even more layers to the tale.

Director Tim Burton uses a dim optimism to tell the tiny elephant’s story with more than a few dashes of Disney magic.

The film is both bleak and bright at the same time, if that makes sense. The

magic and wonder of a Disney movie is mixed so well with Burton’s own dark tone and cinematography that makes the film feel like a gut punch during its sad moments. Though its saddest moment, the one where Dumbo’s mother rocks him with her trunk while he cries, is shortened in the remake. My overactive tear ducts thank the filmmakers for that.

Of course, the best character of the entire movie is Dumbo himself.

From the moment he steps on screen, you feel joy and embrace the idea of how spectacular this elephant actually is. Each and every time he begins to fly with those big ears on screen, it inspires a sense of childlike wonder that very few outside of Disney can manufacture these days.

2019's Dumbo remake isn't quite as magical as the original 1941 classic film, but it still stands on its own as a very interesting, creative live-action take on the tale. (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

While some of the acting could have certainly been improved (there are just a few dry performances), this remake is one of my favorites that Disney has made so far. We are in for quite a few more this year, but it will be hard to beat the magic created in the original 1941 animated classic about a little elephant that learned to fly that’s still here in its

2019 remake.

Rating: ‡‡‡‡ Late to the Movies is a weekly column featuring a review of the latest and greatest Hollywood blockbusters with YOUR feedback! Be sure to tune in to our website each week to let us know if you liked the movie for a chance to be featured in the paper + a free movie ticket!

We saw it yesterday and really enjoyed it. It wasn't a cartoon, so it didn't keep the three-year-old grandbaby's attention but there were a lot of captivated older children in the audience! Anna from Facebook

Leave your comment on next week's Late to the Movies for a chance to win free movie tickets!

Dumbo was a great movie! Great action and cinematography! It doesn't leave you feeling cheated. Tina from Facebook

Be sure to leave your comments on next week's Late to the Movies post on Facebook to be featured here!

Every Monday, Sons of Confederate Veterans - The Sons of Confederate Veterans meets the 2nd Monday of each month at Burnt Church at 6pm in Sylvania.

Every Monday, Sons of the American Revolution - The Sons of the American Revolution meets the 3rd Monday of each month at Western Sizzlin' in Fort Payne at 6pm.

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

org.

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

April 6,Taste of the Mountain and Art Auction - Join the Mentone Educational Resource Foundation (MERF) for our 6th Annual Taste of the Mountain and Art Auction!

The event begins at 6pm on April 6 at Moon Lake Elementary Gymnasium.

Tickets are sold in advance at the Mentone Market at $35 per ticket or $250 for a table of eight. The event includes a wonderful dinner and a live auction for art made by local artists and students at Moon Lake Elementary School.

April 7, Flat Rock Church Singing - A gospel singing will be held on Sunday, April 7 at 5pm at Flat Rock Church. The special singers will be The Cotton Pickin' Kids.

Everyone is invited to attend!

April 11, NACC Concert Band Performance - On Thursday, April 11, the NACC Department of Music will present

"Another Time and Place", a sci-fi/fantasy concert at 6pm in the Music Auditorium of the William H. Beck Health & Fine Arts building. Admission is free.

For more information, contact Stacy Morris at (256) 638-4418 ext. 2307 or by email at morriss@ nacc.edu.

April 13, Community Easter Egg Drop & Carnival - Join Mentone for Easter celebration like never before! The event goes from 10am to 1pm at Mentone Community Church. There will be carnival games, food, fellowship and lots of fun!

April 13, Bunny Hop 5K & Fun Run - GH Metal Solutions East is presenting the Bunny Hop 5K and Fun Run on Saturday, April 13 beginning at 8am. It benefits Relay for Life and costs $25 per person.

April 19, Hillbilly Saddle Club Tack Auction - Fyffe's Hillbilly Saddle Club will host a tack auction on Friday, April 19 at 6:30pm. They will host a Trail Ride and BBQ supper the following night on April 20 beginning at 4pm. All proceeds benefit St. Jude Children's Hospital. For more information, please call (256) 623-3276 or (256) 899-4295.

Staff: Southern Torch (USPS Periodicals #19790) is published each Friday by Southern Torch, Inc. 203 Main Street E, Rainsville AL, 35986. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Southern Torch, P.O. Box 614 Rainsville, Alabama 35986-0614.

(256) 638-4040

SAM Foundation to Provide Suicide Prevention Training

By Staff Reports

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

3

Eloise Smith, General Manager Marla Jones, Managing Editor/Sports Editor Zach Hester, Art Director/Reporter Amy Thrash, Advertising Executive/Distribution Lindsey Jones, Accountant

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

April 24, Rainsville Chamber Administrative Professional Day Luncheon - The Rainsville Chamber of Commerce will host their Administrative Professional Day Luncheon on April 24 from 12pm to 1pm at the Tom Bevill Center. The cost is $20 for a catered lunch and lots of door prizes. Call the Chamber at (256) 638-7800.

April 24-28, & May 1-5, NACC Theatre presents "Beauty and the Beast" - NACC Theatre presents the classic tale of "Beauty and the Beast" at the Tom Bevill Lyceum from April 24-28 and May 1-5. Reserved seating is $8 each. Call (256) 638-4418 for more information.

April 27, FSB Relay for Life 5K Run/Walk Fun Run - Join First State Bank for the 8th Annual Relay for Life 5K Run/Walk Fun Run. Participants are encouraged to walk or run in memory or in honor of a loved one. The race will be held at DeKalb Lake in Sylvania. The entry fee is $20 if postmarked by April 6, or $25 thereafter.

Registration begins at 7am and the race is at 8am.

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The SAM Foundation will bring its highly educational QPR training program for suicide prevention to Rainsville on April 9. This program is free of charge and open to the entire community, including first responders, emergency personnel, educators and other residents who want to learn more about the signs of suicide and how to help those who may be in crisis.

The SAM Foundation is an organization that provides free suicide awareness training programs across northern Alabama and Georgia and is able to customize its programs for groups of any size. Just in the last six months, training provided by The SAM Foundation to six therapists from the Children’s Advocacy Center in Fort Payne resulted in the successful intervention with 18 high school students who were at risk. The organization is currently focused on expanding its training programs and support groups to reach others throughout Alabama and Georgia.

“What we have found is that the programs The SAM Foundation provides are working,” said Nicole Goggans, Alabama Program Coordinator for the SAM Foundation.

“A few of those who have attended our community workshops have been able to directly help specific individuals who were in crisis and they have been able to get them the help they needed, preventing a much worse outcome. We are really proud that we are already seeing our programs at work and succeeding in helping our community.”

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, Refer, highlighting the most effective steps to help an individual who may be struggling and may be in danger of taking his or her own life. The focus of this program and the other training programs provided by The SAM Foundation is to promote awareness of the warning signs, clues and communications of people who may be considering suicide, and teach those in the community around them how to intervene with those at risk. By learning the steps, QPR, like CPR, can save lives.

“The SAM Foundation is able to provide a variety of awareness training classes for many different sized groups,” said Goggans. “In this case, we are hosting a larger, more extensive training class called QPR training, which focuses on the skills of how to Question, Persuade and Refer someone who may be in crisis. We have found through our research that suicide can be preventable, so we want to reach as many in the community who we can and teach them how to help someone who may be struggling.”

The SAM Foundation’s QPR training will be held from 5:30pm to 7:30pm on Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at the Jimmy Wright Emergency Operations Complex, and will be hosted by DeKalb County 911.

LIBRARY RECEIVES FUNDS FOR RENOVATIONS

PICTURED: Rep. Nathaniel Ledbetter, Donna Carlin (head librarian), Tiffany Taylor, and Henagar Mayor Lee Davis. (Submitted Photo)

On Friday, Representative Nathaniel Ledbetter and State Senator Steve Livingston continued their support of the Henagar Public Library by presenting them with a check for $5,000 for renovations and to help strengthen the sense of community and family in the Henagar area.

4

FRIDAY — APRIL 5, 2019

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

BUSINESS

fsbal.com

with Marla & Marshall

EVERY FRIDAY ON FACEBOOK

Southern Gold & Silver QUALITY JEWELRY

James Allensworth • allensworthgold@aol.com

1706 Glenn Blvd., Suite 4

Fort Payne, AL 35968 • (256) 997-7591

Woody’s

Steak & Seafood Tuesday-Thursday — 10:30-7 Friday & Saturday — 10:30-8 Sunday — 11-3

105 Co. Rd. 89 in Fort Payne / Dogtown

256-364-2221

— s S h S n e o o m f E t a a e l

KANDIELAND DAY CARE CEN ER

256.638.4848

333 DILBECK RD IN RAINSVILLE

ARROW NORTH

(256) 659-TREE LOWEST PRICES

TRIMMING - INSECT/DISEASE CONTROL - TREE REMOVAL & LAND CLEARING - STUMP GRIDING OR COMPLETE STUMP REMOVAL

TREE SERVICE

Kandieland Day Care Center has provided childcare to the kids of our area since 1999! The daycare is owned and operated by Kandie McElyea. Kandieland is located at 333 Dilbeck Road in Rainsville. Give them a call TODAY for all of your daycare needs at (256) 638-4848!

/

475 Main Street W Rainsville, AL

LEGALS

LEGALS

LEGALS

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DeKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF DeKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NO. 2019-80

CASE NO. DR-2019900050

CASE NO. 2019-94

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: ANNA MARIE MILLER, Deceased EXECUTOR NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS LETTERS TESTAMENTARY AS EXECUTOR OF THE WILL OF ANNA MARIE MILLER, DECEASED, having been granted unto the undersigned on the 14th day of May, 2019, by the Honorable Ronnie Osborn, Judge of Probate of said county, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law, or the same will be barred.

LIZBETH MARTINEZ VEGA, Plaintiff v.

ALEJANDRO ROJAS TORRES, Defendant NOTICE OF DIVORCE PROCEEDINGS

NOTICE TO: ALEJANDRO ROJAS TORRES ALEJANDRO ROJAS TORRES, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer the Complaint for Divorce and other relief by the 17th day of May, 2019, or, thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against him in Case No.: DR-2019-900050, in the Circuit Court of DeKalb County, Alabama.

RONNIE OSBORN, Probate Judge of DeKalb County, Alabama

ATTORNEY FOR PETITIONER: Gabriela Watson, Esq WATSON & WATSON P.O. Box 1068 Albertville, Alabama 35950

To be published for three consecutive weeks on March 22, March 29, and April 5

To be published for four consecutive weeks on March 22, March 29, April 5, and April 12

SUBSCRIBE TODAY 256.638.4040 • www.southerntorch.com

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF WINIFRED L. SCOTT, Deceased NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to Susan Scott Hayes, personal representative, on the 1st day of April, 2019, by the Honorable Ronnie Osborn, Judge of Probate Court of DeKalb County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Susan Scott Hayes, Personal Representative To be published for three consecutive weeks on April 5, April 12, and April 19

B A

KANDIELAND DAY CARE CEN ER

256.638.4848

333 DILBECK RD IN RAINSVILLE

THE FISHERMEN SOUTHERN GOSPEL QUARTET For bookings call: Glenn Smith (256) 572-6146 Check us out on Facebook

DEKALB COUNTY HOMEMAKERS & COMMUNITY LEADERS ELECT WOMAN OF THE YEAR Contributed by Carolyn Boatner DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — DeKalb County Homemakers and Community Leaders (HCL) met on February 14,2019 for our Annual Awards Day. Each of the participating clubs: Crossville, Geraldine, Ider, Joyful Hearts, Lookout Mountain, Portersville and Tenbroeck clubs select their own club's Woman of the Year. This years nominees were: Gloria Gregg: Crossville, Carolyn White:Geraldine,Beth Martin: Ider, Sandy Sanders: Joyful Hearts, Sheila Akins: Lookout Mountain, Shirley White: Portersville, and Sue Abernathy: Tenbroeck.

From these nominees a special "Woman of the Year" is elected for DeKalb County.

The Woman of the Year is chosen based on their accomplishments in their local, county and state clubs. In addition to their club activities they are also judged on their personal accomplishments such as volunteer time, church work, community involvement and other worthy causes.

This year the candidate from Joyful Hearts club, Sandy Sanders was elected as the DeKalb County Woman of the Year. Sandy Sanders moved to the Crossville, Alabama area in 1993. The next spring in 1994 a friend asked her to join the HCL club there. Sandy has, since that time, been a great asset to her club and the county. She has served as president of the Crossville Club and the Joyful Hearts Club as well as President of DeKalb County HCL. While serving in that capacity, she implemented our Annual Picnic, which for many years she hosted at her home, near Lebanon, Al. Sandy helped to prepare and publish the county's first cookbook as a means of raising funds. This endeavor proved very successful. She also started the annual "President's Appreciation Award", which honors a special person who has given extra special effort to both local and county club activities.

One of Sandy's most significant accomplishments is the founding of a new club, Joyful Hearts, in the Fort Payne area. The club is now very successful and meets at the Fort Payne Senior Center. They welcome all who would like to become a member.

Sandy is married to B.J. Sanders. They have five children, ten great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.

Sandy enjoys participating in our cultural arts day each year. There she has constructed a quilt, as well as other crafts for competition. She enjoys painting, and especially walking around their beautiful farm, caring for her grandson, Nicholas and most of all working in her extensive plant collection.

s t m r m i f B o w i s t t

FRIDAY — APRIL 5, 2019

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

5

POLITICS

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE

By Steve Flowers AL Political Columnist

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — After their successful special five-day Special Session, the Legislature has been in their Regular Session for a few weeks now. The Session will end in June so it is about one-fourth over. Almost one-third of the members are new, freshmen if you will.

Even though they are, for the most part a bright and talented group, they are still wet behind the ears when it comes to legislative ways.

Most are still striving to find their way to the bathrooms. Most major issues, especially revenue enhancement measures, are addressed in the first year of a four-year quadrennium.

Bless their hearts, right off the bat they were hit with a major vote to increase the gas tax to support an infrastructure plan. That will make the rest of their first year

a downhill slide.

There are indeed other issues that need addressing in the good old Heart of Dixie. Most Alabamians want the right to vote for a lottery, which they would vote for in a New York minute. Most folks think it is ludicrous that we simply give our money to our sister states. It is not a popular subject, but our prison overcrowding problem has to be addressed. Democratic members are vitally interested in expanding Medicaid to improve and meet the state healthcare needs. Rural hospitals need help.

There is also a lot of interest in reforming our criminal justice system.

Even though these above mentioned problems and priorities need to be addressed, there is one Constitutional certainty that the two state budgets must be crafted and put to bed. Our state constitution also

mandates that they must be balanced.

The Education Trust Fund budget is in good shape. Tax revenues that support education grew tremendously last year.

Lawmakers will have more money to appropriate for schools.

In fact, this will more than likely be the largest education budget in state history.

The Education coffers will also be enhanced by the Supreme Court ruling that allows the state to collect online sales taxes. In Alabama state and local sales taxes are the cornerstone of support for basic services.

The state’s growth taxes, income and sales, are earmarked for education. This lack of growth in the dollars that support the General Fund has caused headaches for the legislative leaders who write these budgets.

However, these budget

leaders have done a good job. In this current year’s General Fund budget, they were able to increase funding for state prisons. They also added extra dollars for mental health and law enforcement, as well as the state court system.

In addition, the State Budget gave state employees their first cost-of-living raise in decades.

The $2.04 billion General Fund budget passed easily in the 2018 election year session. It was a different scenario in 2015 and 2016 when lawmakers took multiple special sessions to pass the budgets and reject an array of tax increases and lottery bills to close a large funding gap.

A bill passed in 2016 during a Special Session created a salvation for the General Fund – a plan to allocate most of the one-million BP oil spill settlement monies.

It allowed legislators to carry over $93 million

from the 2018 budget to this year.

In actuality, the state legislative leadership has very little discretion in budgeting. The vast majority of our state dollars directed to our state General Fund needs are earmarked.

The General Fund Budget accounts for only 13 percent of Alabama’s total spending of $15.6 billion. For example our states gasoline tax is earmarked for roads and bridges and goes into the Road and Bridge Fund, which currently totals $492 million in this year’s budget. Of course that will be increased beginning in September.

Most folks are not really cognizant of the fact that most legislators do not really have a lot of input into the state budgets. The chairmen of the Budget Committees of each body, Ways and Means in the House and Finance and Taxation in the Senate, do the work and

hold the power.

The chairmen of these prestigious and powerful committees are Rep. Bill Poole (R-Tuscaloosa), who chairs the House Education Budget Committee, and Rep. Steve Clouse (R-Ozark), who heads the General Fund. Sen. Greg Albritton (R-Escambia), chairs the Senate General Fund committee and veteran Senator Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) heads the Education Finance Committee As legislators grapple with all of the issues on their plate, one thing remains the same, the State Budgets are Priority number one!

See you next week.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www. steveflowers.us.

- 83 of Trenton, Ga., passed away on Thursday, March 28 at his residence. Funeral services were held at 2pm CT on Sunday, March 31 at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Bros. Reggie Byrum and Thomas Bearden officiating. Burial followed in Fuller Cemetery.

Care. Funeral services were held at 1pm on Tuesday, April 2 at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Bros. Darrell Sears and Luke McKay officiating.

DEATH NOTICES BURT Barbara Hammon Hill - 77, passed away on Monday, April 1. Funeral services were held at Burt Chapel-Fort Payne at 11am with Dr. John Screws and Rev. Will Ramage officiating.

Burial followed in Walnut Grove Cemetery.

Priscilla Russel Shurtleff Gregory Monroe - 94 of Valley Head, passed away on Monday, April 1 at her residence. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Thursday, April 4 at Burt Chapel-Valley Head with Rev. Darrell Haney officiating. Burial followed in Valley Head Cemetery with military honors.

WILSON

officiating. Burial followed in Walnut Grove Cemetery.

RAINSVILLE Joe John Raulston - 73 of Pisgah, passed away on Wednesday, March 27. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Saturday, March 30 at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed in Concord Cemetery.

Derek Crane - 34 of Henagar, passed away on Saturday, March 30.

Funeral services were held at 1pm on Wednesday, April 3 at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Paul Long officiating. Burial followed in Rainsville Memorial Park.

James Ray Hairel 59 of Fort Payne, passed away on Thursday, March 28. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Sunday, March 31 at Wilson Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed in Glenwood Cemetery.

Linda Pittman Gentry - 61 of Scottsboro, passed away on Saturday, March 30 at Highlands Medical Center. Funeral services were held at 11am on Wednesday, April 3 at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed in Head Springs Cemetery in Valley Head.

Mary Annette Thornberry Chappell 62 of Fort Payne, passed away on Monday, April 1.

Funeral services were held at 2pm on Thursday, April 4 at Walnut Grove Baptist Church with Revs. Brent Wilborn and Brian Thomas

Tracy L. Johnson - 52 of Fort Payne, passed away on Tuesday, April 2 at her residence. Funeral services were held at 3pm on Thursday, April 4 at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Kevin McCreless

officiating. Burial followed in Mountain View Memory Gardens.

John D. Hunter - 70 of Rainsville, passed away on Tuesday, April 2 at Erlanger Medical Center. Funeral services were held at 5pm on Thursday, April 4 at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Earnest Corbitt officiating.

WT WILSON Alma Maunee Wright - 91 of Scottsboro, passed away on Wednesday, March 27.

A graveside service was held at 11am on Saturday, March 30 at Rice Cemetery with Bro. Junior Stephens officiating.

Sydney Hunt Cofield - 92 of Geraldine, passed away on Thursday, March 28. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Sunday, March 31 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bros. Jed Richey and Charles Jones officiating. Burial followed in Geraldine First Baptist Church Cemetery.

Kenny J. Brown - 57 of Trussville, passed away on Friday, March 29. Funeral services were held at 12pm on

Monday, April 1 at Deerfoot Memorial Funeral Home and a graveside service was held at 3:30pm on Monday, April 1 at Geraldine Cemetery.

Bruce Wayne Jones - 20 of Crossville, passed away on Monday, April 1.

Funeral services were held at 3pm on Thursday, April 4 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel. Burial followed in Poplar Springs Cemetery.

CORNER STONE Luther Elmore Colvin - 87 of High Point, passed away on Wednesday, March 27 at his residence. Funeral services were held at 2pm CT on Friday, March 29 at Lee’s Chapel Baptist Church. Burial followed in the Pine Grove Cemetery.

James William Bryant - 76 of Ider, passed away on Wednesday, March 27 at his residence. Funeral services were held at 2pm CT on Saturday, March 30 at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Bro. Gary Smith officiating. Burial followed in Smith Cemetery.

John Allen Bolton

Joseph K. McNew, D.V.M • Linda Galbraith, D.V.M. • Jessica Jones, D.V.M.

Your loyal companion, Our dedicated focus!

James “Jim� Edgar Hammonds - 76, formerly of Ider, passed away on Sunday, March 31 at Crowne Health

Michelle Wilborn Gregory - 53 of Valley Head, passed away on Sunday, March 31 at Shepard’s Cove Hospice.

A memorial service will be held at 1pm CT on Saturday, April 6 at Sulphur Springs Baptist Church with Bro. David Brown officiating.

FULL-TIME JOB OPEN TRANSPORTATION COORDINATOR OF THE DEKALB COUNTY RURAL PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION $13.55 per hour with insurance and state retirement. Monday-Friday 8am to 4pm, but must be available before & after office hours for drivers in case of an emergency. Position oversees the daily operations of the transit system & drivers; develops and assigns routes; prepares and submits reports to funding agencies; assists with Council on Aging programs as needed. CDL License with Passenger Endorsements required, but can be obtained on the job.

Applications will be accepted through April 17. Pick up applications at 600 Tyler Ave. SE in Fort Payne or go to https://bit.ly/2FJLQy3.

For more information, call (256) 845-8593.

6

FRIDAY — APRIL 5, 2019

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

SCOREBOARD BASEBALL SOFTBALL Collinsville 6, Cedar Bluff 4 Boaz 21, Crossville 0 Geraldine 9, Pisgah 0 Fyffe 12, Ider 0 Sylvania 12, Plainview 3 Valley Head 1, Sylvania 0 Oxford 5, Fort Payne 0

Plainview 6, Collinsville 3 Sardis 9, Crossville 4 Geraldine 9, Fyffe 6 Ider 7, Section 3 Spring Garden 10, Valley Head 1 Fort Payne 7, Madison Co. 5

LET'S PLAY BALL, Y'ALL!

On Tuesday, April 2, the Fyffe Red Devils played host to the Ider Hornets. The Red Devils shut out the Hornets, 120. (Photo by Cheryl Boydston | Southern Torch)

The Sylvania Rams traveled to take on rival Plainview Bears on Tuesday, April 2. The Rams defeated the Bears, 12-3. (Photo by Kristy Gallagher | Southern Torch)

The Ider Lady Hornets defeated the Section Lady Lions, 7-3 in a fierce battle last week. (Photo by Cheryl Boydston | Southern Torch)

A STAR IS BORN HUNTER OF THE WEEK Emerson Blaire "Emmy" Guffey is this week's Star of the Week!

She is eight years old and in the second grade at Sylvania Elementary School.

Emmy plays second base for the Sylvania 8U softball team.

Parents, please submit your shining star's photo to Sports Editor Marla Jones at marla@southerntorch.com for a chance to be featured as next week's Star of the Week!

Bryson Richey is this week's Southern Torch Hunter of the Week!

Bryson is 16-years old and a sophomore at Plainview High School.

He bagged this double-bearded bird while hunting on private property in Jackson County.

Submit your photos to Sports Editor Marla Jones at marla@southerntorch.com for a chance to be featured as next week's Hunter of the Week!

• •

• •

 Â

• •

FRIDAY — APRIL 5, 2019

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

You’ve Got Options !

0%

0%

FINANCING

interest

for

60

months

JERRAL INGLE

* With approved credit.

• CARPET CLEANING • UPHOLSTERY CLEANING • WATER RESTORATION • TILE & GROUT CLEANING

REBATE !!!

CASH

CASH REBATE

up to a

DAIKIN units.

Limited time offer.

A New System!

REFUND

• VCT (STRIP & WAX) • CONCRETE STAINING • GYM FLOORS

12 X 12 ROOMS

$1,500.** On qualifying INSTANT REBATE*!

TAX

256-845-7648

SPRING CARPET SPECIAL

What a smart use of your refund

!

Serving Our Community for 36 Years !

256-845-1742

Auto Loans

Spring into action.

Let us help you get the car you’ve been dreaming of.

Spring in. Get approved. Roll out.

% 2.75 RATES AS LOW AS

APR*

Ft. Payne Office

700 Gault Ave S

OFFER GOOD THROUGH JUNE 30th

|

UP TO 60 MONTHS FINANCING 90 DAY PAYMENT DEFERRAL OPTION

Ft. Payne, AL 35967

256.997.9002

MEMBERSHIP OPEN TO ALL DEKALB COUNTY RESIDENTS.

*APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Must meet membership and credit requirements. Rate may vary based on each individual borrower’s credit history and other underwriting factors. Offer is not applicable to existing ATCU loans. Promo rates for model years 2015 - 2019. Estimated monthly repayment amount of $17.86 per $1,000.00 borrowed at 60 month term. Borrower(s) may elect to defer the first payment due date up to 90 days from the date the loan is originated; however, interest will continue to accrue from origination until the date of the first payment. Programs, rates, terms, and conditions subject to change without notice. For more information, see an ATCU loan officer. Federally insured by NCUA. ATCU NMLS# 402558

7

8

FRIDAY — APRIL MARCH 5,29, 2019 2019

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

E SAL ED END T X E

300+ SUV’S • TRUCKS • CARS TO CHOOSE FROM! LE SA DED N E EXT