Bobby Ledbetter’s
GRAB A GREAT DEAL THIS WINTER! 1411 Glenn Blvd SW, Fort Payne, AL 35967
WWW.BOBBYLEDBETTER.COM • 256.844.2210
THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 / VOL. 5, NO. 3 / $1.00
JUSTICE SERVED
LIKE
DeKALB OFFICIALS SWORN INTO OFFICE
FOLLOW
TWEET
election changes?
By Marla Jones Managing Editor
marla@southerntorch.com
Lora Leeanne Wooten, 35 of Henagar, faced several charges in Alabama and Georgia after a car chase last year. (Fort Payne Police Department)
By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com
FORT PAYNE, Ala. — On August 7, 2018, a resident on Valley View Avenue reported a suspicious truck in a neighbor’s driveway. The neighbor had described the suspect as a heavy, white female that went
> JUSTICE, P2
TORCHCAST FRIDAY JANUARY 18
56 • 45
SATURDAY JANUARY 19
61 • 39
DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — (Full LIVE Videos on our Facebook) Earlier this week, family and friends gathered for the swearing-in ceremonies of DeKalb County's new elected officials and Sheriff's deputies. On Monday, Todd Greeson was formally sworn-in as DeKalb County Circuit Clerk with his father there to hold the Bible that his late mother, Virginia, bought him when he was baptized. Probate Judge Ronnie Osborn was sworn-in to a new term after 22 total years of public service to DeKalb County. Osborn has served as Probate Judge since 2004 with eight years of service on the DeKalb County Commission prior to his current office. Sheriff Nick Welden was sworn-in once again after taking an early oath of office on January 1. He also led the swearing-in ceremony for his new deputies and staff at the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office. On Tuesday, the investiture ceremony for Judge Andrew Hairston was held. He was sworn-in to office by outgoing Circuit Judge Randall Cole, whom Hairston replaced. Each official spoke on their plans to lead the citizens of DeKalb County in a positive, new direction for the future.
PHOTO BY MARLA JONES
marla@southerntorch.com
PHOTO BY CHERYL BOYDSTON
MONDAY JANUARY 21
35 • 24
TUESDAY JANUARY 22
44 • 36
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 23
46 • 36
THURSDAY JANUARY 24
42 • 31
FORT PAYNE, Ala. — (Full Video on our Website) The Fort Payne City Council held their first meeting of the year on Tuesday, January 15, 2019. Council President Brian Baine addressed the Council on behalf of the Fort Payne Police Department regarding the loss of several officers who went to
work for the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office. Baine announced that Chief Bynum had replaced five officers and were on the lookout for more. City Clerk Andy Parker reported that a meeting was held with Mike Shirey of the Fort Payne Improvement Authority and that 260 lights would no longer be billed to the City, which
> FORT PAYNE, P5
MISSING JUVENILE FOUND By Staff Reports PHOTO BY CHERYL BOYDSTON
PHOTO BY AMY THRASH
PHOTO BY CHERYL BOYDSTON
FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Earlier today, Investigators with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office located the 17-year-old missing female from Sylvania. The juvenile was located and found to be safe. No foul play is suspected. Due to the age of the subject and to respect the right to privacy of the family, no more information will be released at this time. DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden stated on the matter: “I am extremely proud of the hard work put in by our Investigators to handle this matter in a quick and professional manner!” “They definitely went above and beyond in this case,” continued Welden. “Many long hours, combined with strong willed determination is exactly why this child was located.” “This case involved cooperation with several other states. In the end cooperation was key,” he said. “The family has since made contact with their child. They request their privacy be respected in this situation,” said Welden. “As always, God Bless!” Sheriff Welden concluded.
ATTENTION
DISH CUSTOMERS WITH A HOPPER
SUNDAY JANUARY 20
39 • 17
By Marla Jones Managing Editor
FOR SUPER BOWL SUNDAY from SOUTHERN TORCH & ROADSIDE ‘QUE
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!
SOUTHERN TORCH IS JOINING THE DISH NETWORK TO BRING YOU COMMUNITY EVENTS AND MEETINGS SUCH AS
TORCH TALK RAINSVILLE CITY COUNCIL FORT PAYNE CITY COUNCIL DeKALB CO. BOARD OF EDUCATION DeKALB CO. COMMISSION & MUCH MORE! Our channel can be found on the Hopper by clicking the home button in the top left corner then go to communities and find our ‘Southern Torch’ channel with our flame logo! Visit our website at www.southerntorch.com for daily news updates and pick up your weekly print edition at news stands every Friday.