The Southern Torch — Volume 5, Issue 2

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019 / VOL. 5, NO. 2 / $1.00

City Employee Arrested for Theft

LIKE

FINAL PAYMENT

FOLLOW

TWEET

GREESON TAKES OFFICE EARLY

By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com

(DeKalb County Sheriff's Office)

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — On Thursday, January 3, 2019, the Rainsville City Council held a special called meeting to discuss the good name and character of a City employee.

After the Council came out of the executive session, the employment of John Casey Jones, a Rainsville Police Officer, was

> THEFT, P2

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — At Monday’s meeting of the Rainsville City Council, Mayor Rodger Lingerfelt announced the final payment on the DeKalb County Schools Coliseum had been received by the DeKalb County Board of Education. The facility was originally known as the Rainsville Civic

Center.

Lingerfelt stated that he wished the facility would have stayed under City control, but he was not in office at the time of the sale. Councilmember Marshall Stiefel echoed what the Mayor said.

“That was the biggest sleight-of-hand trick that had ever been pulled in the City of Rainsville,” said Stiefel.

In a statement made to Southern Torch,

Stiefel elaborated, saying, “I was not on the Council at that time, but I would have never made that deal. We short sold a building that we almost had paid for to get upside down in a building that we are spending five times the amount that it would’ve cost to run the Coliseum.

It was a great deal for the County and I look forward to seeing my

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — In the same week that a new Sheriff swept into town, Circuit Clerk-elect Todd Greeson was also sworn into office early.

Greeson, a former state representative, defeated incumbent Democrat Pam Simpson in last November’s election. Simpson resigned the office of DeKalb County Circuit Clerk on Friday and Greeson was sworn in that same day.

Greeson thanked everyone who attended

> RAINSVILLE, P5

DRUG ARRESTS MADE UNDER NEW LEADERSHIP (Alisha Otinger)

(Amber Malone)

(Amy Jones)

COMMISSION WELCOMES NEW SHERIFF

(Christopher Perryman)

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

TORCHCAST

marla@southerntorch.com

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SATURDAY JANUARY 12

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SUNDAY JANUARY 13

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MONDAY JANUARY 14

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TUESDAY JANUARY 15

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WEDNESDAY JANUARY 16

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the last minute swearing-in and thanked Judge Shaunathan Bell for swearing him in. He also commended Simpson’s 40 years of service to the County.

Greeson’s official swearing-in ceremony will be held alongside Probate Judge Ronnie Osborn and Sheriff Nick Welden on Monday, January 14 at the DeKalb County Courthouse’s second floor courtroom.

(Cory Frazier)

By Staff Reports FORT PAYNE, Ala. — This week, Sheriff Nick Welden and the newly appointed administration hit the ground running and made several drug arrests.

On January 1st, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on Highway 35 between Rainsville and Fort Payne. During the stop,

(Dexter Eldridge) he observed an open beer in the vehicle. With the assistance of Fort Payne Police Department, the Deputy located drug paraphernalia and 2 ounces of Kratom.

The three occupants of the vehicle were arrested and booked into the DeKalb County Detention Center. Amy Jones (38 of Fort Payne) was charged with Possession of Drug

(Harlee Hunt)

(Sandra Allen) Paraphernalia and Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Jones is still incarcerated.

Christopher Perryman (38 of

(Quentin Robinson)

(Vernon Deaver) Oneonta) and Vernon Deaver (64 of Chattanooga, Tennessee) were also each charged

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — The DeKalb County Commission held their first meeting of the new year on Tuesday, January 8, 2019. In the absence of Commission President Ricky Harcrow, President Pro-Tem Chris Kuykendall conducted the meeting.

DeKalb County Road Superintendent Tom Broyles gave the Commission a maintenance update. He asked for patience while

> ARRESTS, P2 > COMMISSION, P2 Visit our website at www.southerntorch.com for daily news updates and pick up your weekly print edition at news stands every Friday.

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FRIDAY — JANUARY 11, 2019

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Sheriff Welden made his first appearance before the DeKalb County Commission and introduced his new staff members. (Marla Jones | Southern Torch) alongside Irby Wallace, The retirements and which the Commission resignations were: approved through a Michael Edmondson, from Page 1 resolution.

Jonathan Langley, District 2 Tiffany Graham, Ricky the Road Department Commissioner Scot Higdon, Gary Hill dealt with flood Westbrook stated that (Part-Time), Gerald problems that have there was a resignation Taylor (Part-Time), Tony occurred over the last in his district for the Blackwell, Jake Fowler, few weeks. He reported DeKalb Ambulance Shannon St. John, Shari no major washouts but a Service Board (DAS), Butler few small problems, which he asked to New hires: Brad especially on unpaved appoint Tony Taylor. The Gregg, David Smith, roads. motion was approved by Tyler Pruett, Kevin Broyles hoped that the Commission.

Akins, Wilbur Dunlap, the worst was behind his The Commission Divell Bell, David Davis, department and pledged made another Nick Brown, Dalton Veal, to continue working on appointment to the Jackie Tanner, Ron these issues. In Northeast Alabama Ogletree personnel, Broyles asked Water Board due to the Transfers: Matt the Commission to passing of Bill Richards.

Martin from the DeKalb approve the hire of Mark James May was approved County Emergency Dawson for the position by the Commission to Management Agency, within the Road take his place.

Wesley Greeson from Department that had Chris Burt was School Resource Officer been open for nearly two named the Fleet to Investigator, Priscilla months.

Manager for DeKalb Padgett from Part-Time DeKalb County County.

Deputy to School Engineer Ben Luther The Commission Resource Officer presented the officially named The next meeting of Commission with the February 22-24, 2019 as the DeKalb County traffic striping proposal the Severe Weather Commission will be held award.

Preparedness Tax on Tuesday, January 22 Luther stated that Holiday. at 10am in the DeKalb the District 1 Sheriff Nick Welden County Activities Commissioner Shane made his first Building.

Wooten had requested appearance before the that County Roads 137, Commission as DeKalb 140, and 141 be restriped County Sheriff. He due to the sealer that announced numerous was applied. The recent retirements, resignafrom Page 1 wet weather made the tions, and new hires. roads too dark. He sent terminated immediately.

When asked about out proposals and the In a statement made his first week on the job, lowest bid was awarded Sheriff Welden said, “On to Southern Torch by to J.C. Chee in the Rainsville Police Chief Sunday, I felt raw, like a amount of $22,372.50. raw piece of meat, but a Kevin Smith regarding The Commission couple hours later I was the matter, he reported approved the bid. deep-fried.” Welden that he had received a Michael Posey of the went on to introduce his formal complaint DeKalb County new staff that attended against John Casey Emergency Management the meeting with him: Jones.

Agency addressed the Matt Martin (Chief “After review of the Commission that due to Communications Officer, complaint, I immediately the transfer of Matt EMA Liaison), David Martin to the DeKalb contacted the State Smith (Chief Jail County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Investigation Administrator), Tyler an opening was made in and requested a Pruett (Public the Safety Coordinator Information Officer), and third-party investigation position. Posey asked to to be conducted,” said Brad Gregg (Chief join as a co-coordinator Smith.

Deputy).

On Thursday, state authorities arrested and charged Jones with Theft of Property 2nd.

Jones was booked into the DeKalb County Detention Center on Thursday night on a $7,500 bond.

“The Rainsville Police Department appreciates the time and attention that was devoted by the State Bureau of Investigation in this matter”, Chief Smith concluded.

COMMISSION

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In his first week as DeKalb County Sheriff, Nick Welden hit the ground running and made several drug arrests across the county. (All Photos provided by the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office)

ARRESTS from Page 1 with Possession of a Drug Paraphernalia.

Perryman and Deaver have been released on bond.

Also on January 1, 2019, A DeKalb County Drug Task Force Agent along with other Deputies and a Fyffe Police Officer arrested Quentin Phillip Robinson (23 of Fyffe) and Cory Matthew Frazier (39 of Fyffe) and charged both with Conspiracy to Commit a Controlled Substance Crime. Both have since been released from the jail.

Late Wednesday night (January 2nd), Sheriff’s Deputies responded to an overdose call at a residence on Delta Street in Sylvania. Upon arrival, the Deputies located an unresponsive female. A life-saving dose of Narcan was administered. The patient was transported to DeKalb Regional Medical Center for treatment. A Deputy also received treatment after being injured with a needle while conducting the search. He was released and cleared for duty.

The other resident of the house, Amber Malone (27 of Sylvania) was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of a Controlled Substance.

On Friday, January 4,

2019, DeKalb County Drug Task Force Agents received reports of possible drug activity at 537 County Road 507, Rainsville. It was also reported that a small child might be at the residence; necessitating a welfare check.

Agents and Deputies, and Rainsville Police Officers located large amounts of drug paraphernalia, marijuana, and Kratom inside the home.

Multiple firearms were also taken from the home, along with a large sum of cash.

Agents made three arrests, charging each subject with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, First Degree Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The child in question was released into a safe environment

by DHR. Those arrested were: • Dexter Eldridge (29 of Rainsville) • Harlee Hunt (21 of Rainsville) • Sandra Allen (48 of Ooltewah, Tennessee) Items seized in the home (All weights are Approximate): • 337 Grams of Marijuana • 250 Grams of Kratom

• THC Extracts • Scales • Miscellaneous items of drug paraphernalia • 70” TV and Surveillance System • 2 Handguns • 1 Rifle • 1 Shotgun • 1 Semiautomatic AR15 Rifle Also on Friday, January 4, Alisha Jill Otinger (27 of Sylvania) was arrested on warrants of Possession of Controlled Substance and Drug Paraphernalia.

Upon search, she was discovered to have synthetic marijuana.

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden stated of the arrests: “This is who we are and why we are here!”

“We hit the ground running at 12:01am January 1st. We have a great and motivated department and this shows that our folks have already become a family and are taking much needed steps to protect the residents of DeKalb County,” said Welden.

“We greatly appreciate your support and prayers as we continue to move forward to protect you and your family. God Bless,” he concluded.

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COMMUNITY

FIRST BABY OF 2019 Alabama Ballet to perform at NACC

Photo by Alabama Ballet FIRST BABY OF THE NEW YEAR: Congratulations to Phillip & Kelsie Miller on the birth of Parker, the first baby born at DeKalb Regional Medical Center in 2019! Parker was born at 5:37pm on January 1, 2019.

He weighed 6lbs 13oz and was 20 inches long.

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

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

These are historical organizations and you are invited to attend our monthly meetings. Visit us on Facebook.

By Staff Reports DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — Northeast Alabama Community College is proud to be hosting the performance of The Sleeping Beauty by the world renowned Alabama Ballet on Saturday, February 9 at 7pm in the Tom Bevill Lyceum.

This classic and beloved fairytale is full of enchantment, romance and charm. Get swept away by the timeless tale of how the villainous Carabosse and the noble Lilac Fairy cast dueling spells over

Princess Aurora, which can only be broken by her true love’s first kiss.

The Sleeping Beauty, choreographed by Marius Petipa, features spectacular sets, vibrant costumes and a beautiful score by Tchaikovsky.

This will be the 13th year the Alabama Ballet will be performing for Northeast.

“We always enjoy bringing the Alabama Ballet back to our area,” stated NACC President Dr. David Campbell. “The Alabama Ballet is a highly accomplished and nationally recognized company and in addition

to their skills and talents in dance, they will provide a spectacular show with their costumes, stage lighting and sound.”

“We are so fortunate to have the Alabama Ballet performing at Northeast and in our area,” stated Development Director Heather Rice. “This beautiful love story, The Sleeping Beauty, is just in time for Valentine’s Day, and you will not want to miss it.”

We urge you to purchase your tickets early. Tickets are $10 per person. Visit nacc.edu

for the link or go to www. showclix.com/event/ nacc-sleeping-beauty/ pre-sale to purchase with a credit card. You may also call Heather Rice at (256) 638-4418 or (256) 228-6001 ext. 2301 or purchase tickets on campus in Room 145 of the Pendley Administration Building.

For more information about events at NACC, go to nacc.edu or download our free app at the App Store or Google Play Store. Follow NACC on social media.

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!

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.

January 11-12, PBR Bull Bash - Come and enjoy the excitement of cowboys, horses and bulls at the Northeast Alabama Agri-Business Center in Rainsville on January 11-12! The show starts at 7:30pm and is presented by DeKalb Farmers Co-op and Cavenders Western Outfitters. Advanced tickets are $15 and $20 at the door. Kids 5 and under are free.

January 13, Salem Methodist Church Singing - Salem United Methodist Church in Geraldine will be hosting a singing on Sunday, January 13 at 6pm featuring The Bailey's of Sand Rock as the special singers! All are welcome!

January 14, DeKalb County Elected Officials Swearing-In - DeKalb County's elected officials will be sworn in Monday,

January 14, 2019 in the second floor courtroom in the DeKalb County Courthouse beginning at 10am. The following officials will be officially sworn-in to office: Nick Welden as DeKalb County Sheriff, Ronnie Osborn as DeKalb County Probate Judge, and Todd Greeson as DeKalb County Circuit Clerk.

January 15, Hairston Swearing-In - Andrew Hairston will be sworn in as Circuit Judge on Tuesday, January 15 at 10am at the DeKalb County Courthouse's second floor courtroom.

January 17, 52nd Annual Rainsville Chamber Banquet - Join the Rainsville Chamber of Commerce for their 52nd Annual Banquet! It will feature a catered dinner, live entertainment with Tommy & Dennis George and more. The 2018 Rainsville Person of the Year and Business of the Year will be presented.

The new Chamber board members will be introduced as well. The banquet will be held at the Tom Bevill

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

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

Enrichment Center at 6:30pm on Thursday, January 17. The seating is limited and tickets will be $25 each. To purchase your tickets, contact the Rainsville Chamber at 256-638-7800 or email chamber@farmerstel. com.

Tickets will be $20 in advance and $23 on the night of the show, provided that it does not sell out. To purchase tickets, please call the promoter, Eric McKinney, at (256) 899-2586 between 8am and 8pm.

January 26, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out at DeKalb Theatre - The time has come for the highly anticipated Annual IIIrd Tyme Out concert in downtown Fort Payne at the DeKalb Theatre! The show will begin at 7pm on Saturday, January 26.

February 3, American Legion Memorial - The American Legion of DeKalb County will be holding a memorial on Sunday, February 3 at 2pm at Minvale Baptist Church. This event will honor the four chaplains who lost their lives in

1943 in World War II.

February 7-9, 11 & 14-16, DeKalb County Children's Advocacy Center Dinner Play - The DeKalb County Children's Advocacy Center will present their annual dinner theatre show "Happy Birthday Mama"! The play will be held at the First United Methodist Church at 6pm on the nights of February 7-9, 11 and 14-16. The ticket prices are: Front row $35, $280 per table; Second row $30, $240 per table; Third, fourth and fifth rows $25, $200 per table.

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FRIDAY — JANUARY 11, 2019

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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DEATH NOTICES CORNER STONE Harold Whitfield - 85 of Pisgah, passed away on Wednesday, January 2 at Erlanger Medical Center. Funeral services were held at 6pm at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Bro. Carlton Welden officiating. A graveside service was held on Monday, January 7 at 11am at Lakewood Memorial Gardens South.

Clifton Hale - 76 of Henagar, passed away on Wednesday, January 2 at Erlanger Medical Center.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, January 12 at 2pm at the Fort Payne Church of God. Mary “Aunt Bess” Elizabeth Patterson - Passed away on Saturday, January 5 at Parkside Nursing Home.

A visitation was held on

Monday, January 7 at 11am until 8pm at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel.

Nora Bowen Lambert - 62 of Flat Rock, passed away on Sunday, January 6.

Funeral services were held at 1pm on Wednesday, January 9 at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Bro. Scott Kirby officiating. Burial followed in Smith Cemetery.

RAINSVILLE Juana Francisco Matias - 43 of Fort Payne, passed away on Tuesday, January 1 at her residence. Funeral services were held at 1pm on Saturday, January 5 at Rainsville Funeral Home with Rev. Mark Spruill officiating.

Burial followed in Glenwood Cemetery.

Lucy Blevins Garrett - 85 of Fort Payne,

passed away on Thursday, January 3 at Summerford Nursing Home in Falkville.

Funeral services were held at 2:30pm on Sunday, January 6 at Minvale Baptist Church with Bro. John Keefe officiating.

Argel Graham - 99 of Rainsville, passed away on Friday, January 4 at Collinsville Health & Rehab. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Sunday, January 6 at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. David Hairston officiating.

Burial followed in Rainsville Memorial Park.

WT WILSON Marvarene Stubblefield - 84 of Scottsboro, passed away on Tuesday, January 1.

Funeral services were held at 2pm on Saturday, January 5 at Skyline Holiness Church with Rev. Vernon Stephens Jr. and Bro. Darrell Gray officiating. Burial followed in Rice Cemetery.

Robert Adams - 22 of Section, passed away on Wednesday, January 2.

Funeral services were held at 2pm on Saturday, January 5 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Rev. Larry Kirby officiating.

Burial followed in Pea Ridge Cemetery.

Lavonia Garner - 97 of Guntersville, passed away on Wednesday, January 2. Funeral services were held at 11am on Saturday, January 5 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Rev. Anthony Barnes officiating. Burial followed in Beulah Cemetery.

Phillip Bearden - 68 of Albertville, passed away on Saturday, January 5.

Robert Chestang - 35 of Albertville, passed away on Sunday, January 6. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

James Waldrop - 69 of Centre, passed away on Sunday, January 6.

Funeral services were held at 11am on Wednesday, January 9 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bro. James Maples officiating. Burial followed in Antioch

Cemetery.

Viola G. Catchings - 85 of Fort Payne, passed away on Sunday, January 6. Funeral services were held at 1pm on Thursday, January 10 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel. Burial followed in Beulah Cemetery in Ider.

RAINSVILLE Gladys Mitchell - 100, passed away on Saturday, January 5.

Funeral services were held at 2pm on Wednesday, January 9 at 2pm at DeKalb Memorial

Gardens.

RAINSVILLE

Winifred Larmore Scott - 84, passed away on Wednesday, January 2 at Collinsville Healthcare & Rehab. Funeral services were held on Sunday, January 27 at the DeKalb Theatre at 2pm.

FRIDAY — JANUARY 11, 2019

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

POLITICS

RAINSVILLE from Page 1

daughters be able to use this facility.”

DeKalb County Superintendent Dr. Jason Barnett addressed the Council regarding the transfer of ownership of the Coliseum from the City to the County.

We reached out to Dr. Barnett to determine the facility’s current operating expenses. He stated that the Coliseum costs approximately “$69,000 per year.” This amount does not include custodial services or the director’s salary.

Councilmember Ricky Byrum, who was serving as a Councilman at the time of the sale, expressed that it all came down to liability in the City and County that regulated the sale.

Dr. Barnett said he was, “excited to finally get some resolution on [this], so we can all begin moving on to the next step.”

Mayor Lingerfelt addressed the requests placed by Southern Torch regarding the effort to obtain financial information pertaining to the Public Building Authority (Agri-Business Center). Despite insistence by Councilmember Stiefel that the requests did not require a vote, the Mayor stated that the matter would be put up for a vote. It was approved with the exception of Councilmember Bejan Taheri, who voted no, and Stiefel, who abstained due to his role with Southern Torch as a co-host of Torch Talk.

After Stiefel asked the Mayor if he would elaborate on the

e

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long-awaited outside audit by Gant & Croft, Lingerfelt stated that every time that they thought the auditors had everything they needed, they came up with more requests. This time, it was the tax abatements made in 2017 for RTI. Stiefel stated to the Southern Torch that after the last meeting of 2018, which the Mayor was absent from, he [the Mayor] signed the last payment to Gant & Croft and felt assured that the audit would be presented at this week’s meeting.

Southern Torch reached out to Gant & Croft several times but as of press time, the calls were never returned.

“What doesn’t need to be lost on the shuffle is that this is the 2016-17 audit,” said Stiefel. “We are now into the third year of our term and have yet to see any numbers.”

In other business, the Council: • Accepted the retirement of Revenue Officer Richard Gibson and hired him part-time for the Tom Bevill Enrichment Center • Posted the job of Revenue Officer internally for fourteen days • Promoted Matt Crum to Sergeant within the police department • Hired Tony Blackwell as a patrolman for the police department • Amended Ordinance 03-20-2017 creating and approving Ordinance 01-07-2019 for culvert specifications The next meeting of the Rainsville City Council will be held on Monday, January 21 at 5pm with the workshop beginning at 4:15pm.

Inside the Statehouse

By Steve Flowers AL Political Columnist MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Recently I came across a copy of an old congressional directory from 1942. It is always fun for me to read about this era in American political history.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt had been first elected in 1932 in the depths of the Great Depression. He would go on to be reelected in 1936, 1940 and 1944 and would have been reelected into perpetuity. However, he died in Warm Springs, Georgia in April of 1945, only four months into his fourth term. He was the closest thing we Americans have ever had to having a king. Nobody has or ever will serve four terms as President.

After FDR's omnipotent reign, the Constitution was changed to limit our presidents to two four-year terms.

Roosevelt brought the country out of the Depression with his New Deal. However, he did not do it alone. He worked closely with a Democratic Congress.

They congruently changed the nation and it’s government. Our Alabama delegation was an integral part of that transformation. Our delegation in Washington was seniority laden and very much New Dealers.

A cursory perusal of Tom Brokaw’s book, The Greatest Generation, reveals that a standard prerequisite for being successful in politics in Alabama during that time was to have been a military veteran. All of our congressmen had

been veterans of World War I, unless they were too old to have served.

In the 1940’s we had nine congressmen, whereas today we have seven. All nine members of our congressional delegation were men and all were Democrats.

Today, we have six Republicans and one token Democrat.

There are several differences in our delegation on the Potomac today and our group of gentlemen congressmen of over 70 years ago. Obviously, their partisan badges have changed as have Alabamians. Another observation is the tremendous difference in power and seniority of the 1940s group versus our group today. Of that group of men, which included Frank Boykin, George Grant, Henry Steagall, Sam Hobbs, Joe Starnes, Pete Jarman, and John Sparkman, many of them had been in Congress for decades and wielded significant influence. Indeed, from the mid 1940s through 1964 ours was one of the most powerful delegations in the nation’s capital. They had risen to power through their seniority and their allegiance to Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal policies.

Henry Steagall from Ozark in the 3rd Congressional District was Chairman of the prestigious Banking Committee. He was instrumental in the passage of much of FDR’s New Deal banking laws which were revamped in the wake of the collapse of America’s banks in 1929 and the subsequent

Great Depression. He was the sponsor of the Glass-Steagall Banking Act, which was a lynchpin foundation of FDR’s Banking Resurrection Plan coming out of the Depression.

One of the monumental differences in that era’s delegation and today’s is their philosophical voting records. As mentioned, that group of men were witnesses to and participants of the Great Depression. Every one of them had been born in the late 1800s, therefore, they were in the prime of their life when the Great Depression struck. They witnessed the devastation of the country.

These men voted lockstep with FDR’s liberal agenda to transform America.

Given this partisan progressive loyalty to FDR and the New Deal, this delegation’s voting record was one of the most liberal in the nation. Because of their loyalty to FDR’s

programs, coupled with this group’s seniority, no state benefited from the New Deal agenda more than Alabama. Through the Works Progress Administration and the creation of the Tennessee Valley Authority, Alabama progressed. The Tennessee Valley of North Alabama was especially transformed.

Later John Sparkman would create the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, which made this North Alabama city one of the most prosperous and progressive areas of the country.

To the contrary, our delegation today is one of the most conservative in America. It was a different era.

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.

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FRIDAY — JANUARY 11, 2019

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

2018 ALL-COUNTY FOOTBALL

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — Coaches from across DeKalb County recently gathered to make their selections for the 2018 All-County Football team.

Fyffe senior runningback Payton Anderson was named the Player of the Year.

Junior quarterback Caleb Jones of Collinsville was named the Offensive MVP. Senior defensive lineman Ashley Spigner of Plainview was named the Defensive MVP. The remaining All-County roster is as follows: Fyffe: Senior DB Payton Stoner, Senior DL Wyatt Goodwin, Freshman QB Zach Pyron, Sophomore OLB Malachi Mize, Sophomore OL Caleb Lyles, Senior OL Tyler Kinard, Senior OLB Jake Stone, Senior DL Japeth Long.

Collinsville: Junior

Kicker Jason Perez, Senior RB Jarrod Barkley, Senior DB Mason McKinney, Junior DL T.J. Osborn, Junior OL Calvin Willingham, Sophomore LB Blake Sparks.

Geraldine: Junior LB Jackson Bearden, Senior LB Matthew Lawson, Senior OL Patrick Gilreath, Senior RB Andrew Hall, Senior OL Larkin Rogers, Junior RB Chase Kermondy Plainview: Senior LB Drew Smith, Senior DL David Mejia, Senior OL John Brown, Sophomore FB Brody McCurdy.

Sylvania: Junior OL/ DL Riley Johnson, Junior WR/S Grant Atchley, Senior TE/LB Winston Wilks, Sophomore OL/ DL Caden Tuttle Crossville: Senior ATH Jay Luther, Senior WR Cam Adkins, Senior OL Jacob Chamblee Ider: Senior RB Jacob Higdon, Junior OLB Seth Hawkins Valley Head: Junior RB Marlon Trinidad Honorable Mentions Fyffe: Freshman LB Kyle Dukes, Sophomore

Payton Anderson is DeKalb County MVP!

TE Brody Dalton, Junior LB Cage Cochran, Sophomore DB Ike Rowell, Sophomore DE Eli Benefield Collinsville: Junior LB Brian Lopez, Junior DE Miles UNderwood, Junior REC Michael Tucker, Sophomore OL Bryant Patton Geraldine: Junior Kyle Thackerson, Junior D.J. Graham, Junior Austin King, Junior Gattlon Riddle Plainview: Freshman OL Mason Cooper, Senior DL Jacob Dover, Junior DB Trey Greenwood, Junior DB Zeb Ferguson, Junior LB Matt Brown

Sylvania: Sophomore RB Gareth Anderson, Senior Kicker Christian Andrede, Senior CB/WB Nathan King, Freshman LB Styles Hughes, Senior OL Dylan Roper Crossville: Sophomore LB Hunter Haston, Senior ATH Trent Bryant, Senior DL Garrett Masters Ider: Senior DL Jared Swanson Valley Head: Sophomore RB Bryson Morgan, Sophomore TE Tony Phillips, Sophomore OL Luke Harrison

NEW YEAR BASKETBALL ACTION

BOYS:

GIRLS:

Plainview 77, Sylvania 44 NSM 73, Fyffe 72 Oxford 73, Fort Payne 63 Pisgah 71, Geraldine 66

Section 50, Ider 43 Collinsville 49, Asbury 33 Pisgah 79, Geraldine 35 Boaz 36, Crossville 27

Boaz 51, Crossville 40 Section 73, Ider 53 Collinsville 48, Asbury 45 Skyline 64, Valley Head 55

REGISTRATION

The City of Rainsville registration for tee ball and softball will be on Saturday, January 19 and Saturday, January 26 from 10am to 2pm at the Field of Dreams. For information, call Sammy Smith at (256) 717-3401.

CCA EXTINGUISHES VALLEY FIRE

Fyffe 67, NSM 49 Sylvania 54, Collinsville 51 Pisgah 59, Plainview 37 Skyline 70, Valley Head 39

Matthew Ferguson led the Eagles with 42 points.

Special to the Southern Torch Story and Photo by Dale Crawford RAINSVILLE, Ala. — The Cornerstone Christian Academy Eagles hosted the Valley Fire from Huntsville for both boys and girls varsity contests.

The games were played at Minvale Life Center in Fort Payne.

In the opening game, the Lady Eagles took an impressive 65-24 region win over the Valley team.

Valley managed to stay within one point (12-11) at the end of the first period. In the second quarter, the Lady Eagles began pulling away outscoring the Fire 14-8. The third quarter domination continued with the Lady Eagles scoring 24 while allowing only 5.

Cornerstone added another 15 in the final stanza while holding the Fire scoreless.

Dabney Culpepper led the Lady Eagles in scoring with 21 points while Abbie Sims and Laura Beth Wells each tossed in 12.

The varsity boys took an equally impressive win (74-44) in their region match up. The Fire jumped out to a 13-10 advantage at the end of the first quarter.

The Eagles began taking control in the second period and went into the half leading 28-26.

In the 2nd half, the Fire could find no answer for Matthew Ferguson who would leave the game mid-way through the final period with 42 points.

After three periods, the Eagles were in control 57-37.

Going into the final stanza, the Fire was completely out of gas on both offense and defense.

Consequently, the Eagles outscored them 17-7.

Besides Ferguson's 42 points, eight other Eagles got into the scoring; Bryce Dupree 8; Eli Carter 6; Grady Camp 5; Ethan Wooten 4; Matthew Johnson 3; Brady Biddle, Jeremy Andrews and Jackson Furlong each had 2.

INTO THE WOODS

The Fort Payne Rec. Department for Youth baseball, softball and tee ball will open on January 22 and close on February 15 at the Wills Valley Recreation Center. The cost is $65 and requires a birth certificate.

PHOTO BY KRISTY GALLAGHER | SOUTHERN TORCH

My name is Gage Hunter Griggs. I am 17 and I am a senior at Fort Payne High School.

This weekend I went hunting at Adamsburg and bagged this beautiful buck. It's spread was not wide but he had a nice, ten-point rack.

The buck was in full rut and I heard him running through the woods, chasing a doe from my tree stand.

I am from a long line of hunters. My dad, mom, PawPaw and even my grandmother enjoyed their time in the woods.

Thank you Gage for sharing the story of your hunt with us!

Into the Woods is a weekly column that will give hunters a platform to talk about their hunt, their kill and their experience in the woods.

Submit your hunting stories for a chance to be featured on Into The Woods to marla@southerntorch.com!

FRIDAY — JANUARY 11, 2019

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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HUGE GIVEAWAY FOR SUPER BOWL SUNDAY Take a picture with our sign at Roadside 'Que in Fort Payne to be entered to win a 55" flat screen TV and a family pack of food (value of up to $150!) for the game! Just be sure to post to either Facebook or Instagram and tag us @southerntorch so we can find your entry!

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607 Gault Ave. Suite A • Fort Payne, AL

Monday-Saturday 10:30am-7pm • Sunday CLOSED Roadside 'Que uses hickory wood in their Yoder Smoker, their team smokes slow and low using time tested proven American style techniques. Come get some!

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