The Southern Torch — Volume 5, Issue 4

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2019 / VOL. 5, NO. 4 / $1.00

Williams, FTC Honored at Rainsville Chamber Banquet

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REVEALED: Ag Director used City funds for personal herbal supplements

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MVP

By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com RAINSVILLE, Ala. — At the 52nd Annual Rainsville Chamber of Commerce Banquet, the Chamber honored Rodney Williams as Person of the Year and Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative (FTC) as the Business of the Year. The banquet was held at the city’s Tom Bevill Enrichment Center.

Williams, the owner of Sylvania Pharmacy, opened his first drug store in 1987. He went into the closed door pharmacy business in 1994, but by 2011, he found that he really missed the daily interactions with patients of retail pharmacy and bought his current business.

Fred Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative, accepted the Business of the Year award on behalf of the company.

Congratulations to both Rodney Williams and FTC on this great honor!

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — Southern Torch requested and has now received financial documents and records from the City of Rainsville and the Public Building Authority (PBA), the entity that owns the Northeast

Alabama Agri-Business Center. The documentation includes general ledger accounts of the Ag Center’s general operations as well as credit card statements of the credit card issued to the Center’s director, Mike Sweat.

Previously, the Rainsville City Council held a special called meeting with a private

executive session on January 10 to discuss the good name and character of a City employee. In the meeting, the Council met with members of the Agri-Business Center Board and the PBA Board. Once the Council returned to the public

> AG DIRECTOR, P5

The DeKalb County Tournament MVPS Koby Tinker and Brittany Rivera are shown cutting the net in celebration of their wins last Saturday night. (Photos by Kristy Gallagher | Southern Torch)

COMMISSION HONORS THIRTY ARRESTED DURING JUDGE RANDALL COLE FRIDAY NIGHT'S SATURATION

TORCHCAST

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

FRIDAY JANUARY 25

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — The DeKalb County Commission honored retiring Judge Randall Cole at their regular meeting this week. At the time of him leaving officer, Cole was

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SATURDAY JANUARY 26

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SUNDAY JANUARY 27

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the longest-serving judge in the entire State of Alabama. He began his tenure in 1974.

Commission President Ricky Harcrow extended great appreciation and presented a resolution to

> COMMISSION, P2

By Staff Reports FORT PAYNE, Ala. — On Friday night, January 19th, DeKalb County Deputies, Investigators, and Drug Task Force, with the help of several other law enforcement agencies, conducted a saturation of the Kilpatrick area.

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30 arrests were made as a result of traffic stops and warrants served until the early morning hours.

The charges ranged from possession of controlled substances to driving while under the influence.

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said: “This is a much needed tactic for law enforcement in this county. Visibility is a deterrent for crime and we plan to continue these saturation operations across the entire county.”

“I would like to thank all our deputies and the assisting agencies, which included the Cullman Police

Department, Leesburg Police Department, Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, Crossville Police Department, Boaz Police Department, and State Bureau of Investigations,” said Welden.

“We’ll be coming to a town near you! God Bless!” Welden concluded.

Arrests during Friday night’s Saturation: Amber Leigh McKenzie (32 of Albertville): Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

> CRIME, 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 25, 2019

CRIME, PAGE 1

Michael Shawn Mitchell (37 of Fort Payne) (No mugshot Available): Outstanding Warrant for Failure to Appear Jerry Lee Ellis Jr. (35 of Boaz): Possession of Controlled Substance, Drug Paraphernalia Jesse Manuel Felipe (20 of Painter): Minor Serving/In Possession of Alchohol, Unlawful Possession of Prohibited Beverage Robert Wayne Gladden (56 of Centre): Alcohol Possession/ Open Container Steven Allen Haynes (47 of Albertville): Outstanding Warrant for Failure to Appear Jose Guadalupe Hernandez (19 of Crossville): Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Minor in Possession of Alcohol Christy Terrell Higgins (39 of Fyffe): Failure to Comply, Outstanding Warrant with the Rainsville Police Department Jasmine Amber Kelley (29 of Fyffe): Failure to Comply Steven Shane McDowell (42 of Boaz): Poss. Of Marijuana 2nd, Drug Paraphernalia, Failure to Appear, Failure to Appear Brett Allan McGlaughan (24 of Glencoe): Possession of Controlled Substance Dakota Lee Mooneyham (22 of Boaz): Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana 2nd, Public Intoxication Le Duan MoralesVillaurrutia (40 of Attalla): DUI (Alcohol) Jessie Dewayne Murdock (27 of Albertville): Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana 2nd Alisha Jill Otinger (27 of Sylvania): Failure to Comply Faith Angelic Randolph (24 of Fyffe): Possession of Marijuana 2nd, Drug Paraphernalia

Austin David Baker Samuel (18 of Dalton, Ga): Use False ID to Obstruct Justice, Public Intoxication, Resisting Arrest, Attempting to Elude Police Sherman Francis Sligh (28 of Virginia): Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Attempting to Elude Shannon Leon Smith (40 of Crossville): Possession of Controlled Substance, Drug Paraphernalia Brandy Michelle Speer (36 of Gaylesville): Public Intoxication Jason William Townson (37 of Section): Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Controlled Substance Billy Jack Tucker (40 of Boaz): Giving False ID to LE Officer Jesse Elbert Whiting (26 of Albertville): Unlawful Possession of Prohibited Beverage Sonya Slaton Whitten (46 of Albertville): Possession of Marijuana 2nd, Drug Paraphernalia Jason Heath Wright (38 of Fyffe): Failure to Comply Dennis Lamar Adams (49 of Section): Distribution of Controlled Substance, Drug Paraphernalia Rodney Wayne Allen (43 of Horton): Failure to Comply Elvis Lee Burns (53 of Rainsville): Distribution of Controlled Substance, Drug Paraphernalia Bryan Dwight Cooper (45 of Rainsville): Non-Payment of Child Support (x3) Cory Jacob Daniel (27 of Guntersville): Possession of Marijuana, 2nd Degree, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Derrick Helms (27 of Crossville): Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

COMMISSION, PAGE 1 Judge Cole during the meeting.

“I want to thank you for your kindness to me, for your cooperation and the working relationship that we’ve had,” said Harcrow. “I thank you for all the help that you’ve been to me and the Commission over all these years.”

Cole thanked the Commission for their recognition, saying “I am grateful to the people who have allowed me to serve as one of the public officials of this County for the years that I have.

The Commission also recognized Donald Donaghy of the American Legion. The American Legion will host a memorial for the four military chaplains who died during World War II. Emily McCamy, the Director of DeKalb County’s Council on Aging delivered a few announcements before the Commission.

She announced that Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments (TARCOG) had provided $2,000 for senior citizen resource directories to be printed and passed out through the county. She also announced two events: a caregiver’s support group on the first Thursday of every month starting on February 7 at 10am and the DeKalb County Senior Prom. The prom is presented in conjunction with the Fort Payne Parks and Recreation Department and will feature Still Kickin’ as entertainment. It will be held on Tuesday, March 26 from 5pm to 8pm at the Wills Valley Recreation Center. Please register

by March 12, 2019.

Road Superintendent Tom Broyles asked the Commission to hire Ben Dendio to fill the open temporary position in Commission District 1.

The Commission approved the hire.

County Engineer Ben Luther addressed the Commission regarding a necessary resolution for an ALDOT municipal project. The bridge replacement project is on Highway 11 over Dry Creek and a detour will be set up that will mostly be routed to the Interstate.

The impact would be a short portion of County Road 140 between the exit and Highway 11.

Luther requested

two speed limit resolutions. The first on County Roads 394 and 199 to be posted at 25 miles per hour (mph), and the second on County Road 112 to the Sylvania town limits at 40 mph. He also a road vacation at the intersection of County Roads 283 and 30 in Collinsville. The Commission approved all of Luther’s recommendations.

DeKalb County Revenue Commissioner Tyler Wilks requested the hire of Krista Tramel to fill the open tag clerk position in his office. The Commission approved the hire.

Sheriff Nick Welden announced more personnel changes. The transfers were: Zach Aldridge from full-time deputy to transport deputy and Steve Bobbitt from part-time deputy to full-time deputy. The new hires were: Dustin Fleming as a part-time deputy, John Jackson as part-time courthouse security, Nick Turner as a full-time School Resource Officer (SRO), Bo Cagle as a part-time SRO, Travis Chapman as a full-time jail nurse, Misty Williams as a part-time jail nurse, and Sebastian Gomez as a full-time correctional officer. Welden also announced the resignation of officer Richard Anderson.

The next meeting of the DeKalb County Commission will be held on Tuesday, February 12 at 10am in the DeKalb County Activities Building.

Council finally addresses sound issues

By Marla Jones, Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — The Rainsville City Council held their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, January 21.

During the meeting, Councilmember Brandon Freeman brought forth the need for microphones to be added to the city chambers for use in City court.

He added that this would help citizens hear the live feed from local media much more clearly. The Council empowered Mayor Rodger Lingerfelt to check prices on these changes to sound system.

Councilmember Ricky Byrum discussed the need for street lights at the new subdivision behind 50 H Taters on Olive Branch Avenue, Dilbeck Road and M Chambers Avenue. These would be LED lights that H would help save the city money. The motion was M approved by the Council. k Items brought up for approval by the Council M included: C • Councilmember Derek Rosson moved to o empower the mayor to get financing from First F Southern State Bank concerning radios and B • Recommended upgrades to the sound system in A the Bevill of the Bevill Center with a cap of $2,000. D • Declared February 7 as Arbor Day and gave $750a to be used to replace some trees in the Rainsville City Park • Approved two new computers for the Rainsville o Public Library at a cost of between $1,200 and $1,500 • Opened bids for a new truck to the replace a C wrecked one for the street department m • Accepted the resignation of David Snay from hiso full-time position at City Hall C The next meeting of the Rainsville City Council S will be held on Monday, February 4 at 5pm with a work session beginning at 4:15pm. o R t m IS SEEKING WELL-QUALIFIED CANDIDATES TO FILL THE POSITION OF QUALITY CONTROL SUPERVISOR. THIS POSITION IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE QA/QC PROGRAM FOR THE JOIST AND DECK OPERATION IN e FORT PAYNE, AL. AN IDEAL CANDIDATE POSSESSES STRONG COMMUNICATION SKILLS, VAST TECHNICAL ABILITIES, HIGH CAPACITY FOR LEARNING AND A MOTIVATION TO EXCEL. S MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: •EXCELLENT COMMUNICATION AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS 6 •FLUENCY IN MICROSOFT WORD, EXCEL AND POWERPOINT (OR EQUIVALENT)

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FRIDAY — JANUARY 25, 2019

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

3

COMMUNITY

SKI BAMA!

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

MENTONE, Ala. — After much anticipation, Cloudmont Ski Resort, the only ski slope in Alabama, opened on Monday, January 21.

The recent days of below freezing temperatures enabled the resort to make snow and get the slopes covered.

Cloudmont features a 1,000 foot slope with an elevation of 1,800 feet and a vertical rise of 150 feet on one side. The other side is a teaching slope.

The resort offers

PHOTO BY MARLA JONES equipment rentals such as skis, poles, and even snowboards.

Cloudmont also features an instructor and a concession stand.

So whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, Cloudmont offers the best of both worlds for all to enjoy! The

resort is located on County Road 614 in Mentone. Their hours of operation (depending on the weather) are as follows: weekdays from 10am to 4pm, 6pm to 10pm. Weekends and holidays are from 9am to 4pm and 6pm to 10pm.

Skiiers are encouraged

to call to check conditions and make reservations.

For more information, please call (256) 634-4344 or go to www.cloudmont.com. As of press time, the resort was experiencing credit card machine issues, so have cash on hand.

RAINSVILLE LOSES ONE OF ITS BELOVED CITIZENS

By Staff Reports RAINSVILLE, Ala. — On Sunday, Rainsville lost one of its most beloved and oldest citizens.

Sibyl Blackwell, 100 of Rainsville, passed away on January 20, 2019 at DeKalb Regional Medical Center. She celebrated her 100th birthday last September with family, friends and members of Antioch Baptist Church.

Visitation for Mrs. Blackwell was held on Thursday, January 24 from 1pm to 2pm at Antioch Baptist Church.

Funeral services were held at 2pm on Thursday, January 24 at the church with Rev. David Hairston officiating. Burial

followed in the adjoining cemetery.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Rhonal Blackwell, four brothers, two sisters and her parents.

She is survived by her son Rodney (Jackie), granddaughter Krista Chain (Jason), brother Jody (Janice), and two sisters: Eunice Martin of Fyffe and Betty Sue White of Pelham.

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 0appreciated!

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.

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.

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.

February 1, Turkey Shoot for Keosha - The VFW and Artemis Shielding, will be hosting a fundraiser for Keosha at the VFW Fairgrounds on February 1 at 6pm. All proceeds will benefit the Underwood Family.

Donations can also be made at any First Southern State Bank.

Contact Stacey Lockwood at (704) 264-7188 or stacey. lockwood77@gmail.com for more information.

February 1, DERA Meeting - The DeKalb Education Retirees Association (DERA) will

meet on Friday, February 1 at Kelly’s Kitchen in Rainsville at 10am. The program will include comments about the 2019 legislative session from Senator Livingston and Representative Ledbetter. There will also be a question and answer time. All retired educators, active and support professionals, are invited and encouraged to attend.

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 4 & 5, Loomis Brothers Circus - Come and enjoy the show! The Loomis Bros.

Circus features performing elephants, white tigers, dogs, ponies, acrobats, clowns, jugglers, trapeze acts and more! There are two shows each day at 4:30pm and 7:30pm.

Doors open one hour before the show and tickets are $15 for adults, two children 12 & under are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult. Additional children are $8 cash only.

February 8 & 9, THRIVE Marriage Enrichment Weekend - Word of Life Ministry in Fort Payne will be hosting “THRIVE

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

Marriage Enrichment Weekend” on February 8 and 9. The weekend conference is an annual event designed to enjoy time with your spouse, find fresh inspiration for your life together, and connect with a community of couples as you uncover the purpose, passion and fulfillment that God has planned for your marriage! The speakers will be Marlon & Brenda Williamson, Darrell & Donna Barber and Dr. Don G. Brock.

Friday’s session is from 6pm to 8:30pm, Saturday’s first session is from 9am to 11:30am

and the second session is from 1pm to 3pm. Meals and childcare are provided and door prizes will be given out.

Register at www. wolministry.org or call (256) 845-1111.

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.

February 9, Alabama Ballet presents Sleeping Beauty - Spend a perfect evening with the Alabama Ballet at Northeast Alabama Community College on Saturday, February 9 at 7pm with a performance of Sleeping Beauty! A cookie reception will be held during intermission. Tickets are general admission and cost $10.

If you are looking to adopt or fister, please consider the DeKalb County Animal Adoption Center! Go to their page to complete an adoption or volunteer/foster application today.

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FRIDAY — JANUARY 25, 2019

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

BUSINESS

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DEATH NOTICES WILSON Ted Burt - 61 of Fort Payne, passed away on Monday, January 14.

Funeral services were held at 2pm on Thursday, January 17 at Wilson Funeral Home. Burial followed in Black Oak Cemetery.

Odessa Bowman Guffey - 82 of Fort Payne, passed away on Wednesday, January 16.

Funeral services were held at 1pm on Friday, January 18 at Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Revs. Barry Godwin and James Grindstaff officiating.

Frankie Eller Crane - 86 of Fort Payne, passed away on Thursday, January 17.

Funeral services were held at 2pm on Sunday, January 20 at Wilson Funeral Home. Burial followed in Adamsburg Cemetery.

Nancye Joe Hawk Hunter - 92 of Mentone, passed away on Friday, January 18 at Shepherd’s Cove in Albertville.

Funeral services were held at 2pm on Monday, January 21 at Wilson Funeral Home with Dr. Pat McFadden officiating. Burial followed in Glenwood Cemetery.

LaVaugh “Bull” Bowers - 88, passed away on Monday, January 21. Funeral services were held at 1pm on Saturday, January 26 at Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Pat McFadden and Rev. Keith Pugh officiating. Burial followed in Glenwood Cemetery with military honors.

James Michael Gilbreath - 67 of Fort Payne, passed away on Monday, January 21.

Funeral services were held at 2pm on

Wednesday, January 23 at Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with military honors.

WT WILSON Raymond Wilkerson - 73 of Dawson, passed away on Thursday, January 17. Funeral services were held at 11am on Saturday, January 20 at WT Wilson Funeral Home. Burial followed in Green’s Chapel Cemetery.

Shelley R. Powell - 70 of Powell, passed away on Friday, January 18. A graveside service was held on Sunday, January 20 at 3pm at New Bethel Cemetery with burial following.

CORNER STONE Donna Cornelius - 72 of Ider, passed away on Tuesday, January 15 at DeKalb Regional Medical Center. Funeral services were held at 1pm on

Saturday, January 19 at New Life Ministries with Bro. Jeff Watkins officiating. Burial followed in Fuller Cemetery.

Hildred Lamberth Lochamy - 95 of Rosalie, passed away on Wednesday, January 16 at Crowne Health Care.

Funeral services were held at 3pm on Saturday, January 19 at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Bro. Roger Little officiating. Burial followed in Green Haven Memorial Gardens.

RAINSVILLE Alton Martin - Infant, passed away on Thursday, January 17 at DeKalb Regional Medical Center. Funeral services were held at noon on Thursday, January 24 at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Earnest Corbitt officiating. Burial followed in Pleasant Grove Baptist Church

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Cemetery.

Sibyl Blackwell - 100 of Rainsville, passed away on Sunday, January 20 at DeKalb Regional Medical Center. Funeral services were held at 2pm at Thursday, January 24 at Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. David Hairston officiating. Burial followed in the adjoining cemetery.

BURT Evelyn Sara Hulsey - 85, passed away on Sunday, January 20.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, January 23 at Burt Chapel-Fort Payne at 2pm. Burial followed in Glenwood Cemetery.

FISH DAY!

IT’S TIME TO STOCK YOUR POND! Delivery Will Be: Wednesday, February 6

Albertville 7:30-8:15 @ Albertville Farmers Co-op Boaz 8:30-9:15 @ Farmtown Crossville 9:45-10:30 @ DeKalb Farmers Co-op Collinsville 11:00-11:30 @ Tyler Farms Centre 12:00-12:30 @ Cherokee Farmers Co-op Gadsden 1:15-2:00 @ 411 Feed & Seed Garden Center

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FRIDAY — JANUARY 25, 2019

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

5

POLITICS

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE

By Steve Flowers AL Political Columnist

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Regardless of what happens in Donald Trump’s administration over the next two years, he will have a proven record of success as President especially if you are a conservative American.

One of, if not the most important accomplishment of any president is the opportunity to appoint a United States Supreme Court Justice. Folks, Trump has appointed and gotten confirmed two members of the Supreme Court in two years. This is a remarkable achievement. Justices Neal Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh will have an immense impact on American laws and values for more than likely over two decades, long after Donald Trump is dead and gone. Both Gorsuch and Kavanaugh are young, in their early 50s and will be a part of many landmark rulings that will profoundly affect American public policy.

Trump’s selection of these two extremely well

qualified jurists were wise ones, both are exceptionally groomed and scripted to be outstanding Justices.

They are considered mainstream, moderate conservatives with the perfect educational and judicial background and experience.

Kavanaugh’s confirmation was more controversial because his choice is a pivotal swing vote on the Court that tilts the Court to a conservative majority.

Gorsuch was an even swap, a conservative for a conservative. He replaced conservative Justice Antonin Scalia.

Kavanaugh’s appointment was critical. The liberal Democrats had to go to the wall and declare all out war by whatever means to derail and delay the Kavanaugh confirmation. The Court swung to becoming a conservative tribunal with Kavanaugh. The Court had four liberals and four conservatives.

Kavanaugh replaced the swing vote on the Court, Anthony Kennedy.

Therefore, the Court is now five conservatives to four liberals. Make no doubt about it, the

confirmation of a Supreme Court Judge is very political.

The liberals had to resort to extreme measures to preserve the possibility that the Republicans could lose their control of the U.S. Senate which, gives consent to a President’s SCOTUS appointments.

In today’s extremely partisan politics, lines are drawn and there are no prisoners kept, both sides go for the jugular vein. Therefore, the only way for Trump to be successful in his garnering the placement of two conservative justices is because he has a Republican majority Senate with some very adroit veteran GOP Senate leaders like Mitch McConnell, Chuck Grassley and Richard Shelby paving the way.

Speaking of our Senior Senator, Richard Shelby, he has masterminded and orchestrated a legendary coup of his own when it comes to our U.S. Federal Judges in Alabama.

In conjunction with the Trump administration, Shelby has placed six new Federal Judges in Alabama, all young and conservative. This

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Shelby/Trump triumph has secured a two to three decade dominance of conservative federal judges in the Heart of Dixie.

During the Obama years at least six federal judgeships became vacant in Alabama.

President Obama appointed replacements but Senator Shelby and our former Senator Jeff Sessions sat on them and refused to allow them to be confirmed.

These seats have remained vacant due to partisan gamesmanship.

Shelby and Sessions were hoping that a day would come when there would be a Republican President and they could place these lifetime appointments into conservative hands.

That day miraculously arrived last January.

Senator Shelby and his former Chief of Staff and now BCA President, Katie Britt, spent the entire year of 2018 interviewing, vetting and selecting these judges to assure that they were young, conservative, qualified, and confirmable.

They have indeed accomplished this lifetime feat for

Alabama. Liles Burke and Anne Marie Axon are the two new judges for the Northern District.

Emily Marks and Andrew Brasher will join conservative Chief Judge William Keith Watkins in the Middle District. The Southern District will have two new Trump-Shelby appointees in Terry Moorer and Jeffrey Beaverstock.

Senator Richard Shelby has further

enhanced his legacy for decades to come and has placed an indelible stamp on the federal judiciary in Alabama with these judicial appointees.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in more than 60 Alabama newspapers.

He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www. steveflowers.us.

THE FISHERMEN SOUTHERN GOSPEL QUARTET

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

AG DIRECTOR, PAGE 1 portion of the meeting, Councilman Marshall Stiefel made a motion to terminate the employment of Agri-Business Center Director Mike Sweat, who is a City employee.

Stiefel stated, “After reviewing the financial records presented by the PBA, I feel that Mr. Sweat must go. He is one of the highest paid employees in the City of Rainsville and should be held to a higher ethical standard.”

The motion died due to the lack of a second motion by any other Councilmembers. The meeting then adjourned.

Aside from normal charges on the PBA credit card such as facility supplies, fuel, and equipment expenses, there were questionable charges on the monthly statements.

The suspect charges we discovered were: $1,707.50 paid to Parker Realty of Mexico Beach, FL $199.56 paid to GoDaddy.com $864.47 paid for personal herbal supplements such as Nitro Muscle Boost, Anavar Boost and others Numerous charges were made at local restaurants in amounts ranging from $6 to $90+ Southern Torch reached out to Rainsville Mayor Rodger Lingerfelt for clarification on the questionable charges, but he could not be

reached. Sweat was contacted for comment, but declined to give a statement.

PBA President Eric Samples commented that the recent changes in financial management procedures were implemented on the recommendation of auditors and that the PBA credit card now was controlled by the PBA Board. Recently, the PBA Board informed the City Council on December 17th, 2018 that the Director’s authority to manage finances and sign checks on behalf of the PBA had been taken away. As to any impropriety pertaining to Sweat’s handling of PBA finances, Samples stated, “I don’t know of any...so I can’t comment on that.”

Councilman Brandon Freeman is the City Council liaison to the PBA Board. When contacted for comment on the contents of the documents disclosed, Freeman stated, “The credit card he (Sweat) had had a $2,000 limit

on it...he could do whatever he wanted on that (credit card) without (PBA) board approval.”

Financial records reflect that in fiscal year 2018, the City paid on the behalf of or contributed to the PBA Board: $154,187.88 for the Director’s salary, benefits, facility insurance, & utilities $150,644.96 for general operations $204,000 for debt service Total: $508,832.84 Southern Torch will continue to follow this story as it unfolds. We plan on requesting additional documentation to clarify some of the questionable expenses that the PBA Board has incurred.

These public records are available for inspection (during business hours) to anyone who is interested in stopping by The Southern Torch office to review them.

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SOUTHERN TORCH SCOREBOARD

6

FRIDAY — JANUARY 25, 2019

VARSITY BOYS

FINALS PLAINVIEW 72, FYFFE 68 SEMI-FINALS PLAINVIEW 77, COLLINSVILLE 43 FYFFE 78, SYLVANIA 65

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

VARSITY GIRLS

FINALS COLLINSVILLE 51, FYFFE 45 SEMI-FINALS FYFFE 57, SYLVANIA 27 COLLINSVILLE 49, IDER 36

&

TWIN CITY

USED AUTO SALES

BACK TO BACK CHAMPS

PLAINVIEW VARSITY BOYS COLLINSVILLE LADY PANTHERS In a nailbiter Championship game, the Plainview Varsity Boys defeated the Fyffe Red Devils 72-68 to claim the DeKalb County Championship for the second year in a row. Koby Tinker led the Bears with 23 points and three 3-pointers. Caden Millican had 15 points, Tristan Willingham and Cole Millican finished the night with 12 points. For Fyffe, Austin Buster led the Red Devils with 24 points. Parker Goodwin had 16 points and Gabe Gardner finished the night with 15 points. Micah Johnson led Fyffe with ten rebounds.

The Collinsville Lady Panther claimed the DeKalb County Varsity Girls Championship for the second year in a row with a 51-45 win over the Fyffe Lady Red Devils. Hadley Hamilton led the Lady Panthers with 20 points and ten rebounds. Brittany Rivera had 13 points and nine rebounds, while Olivia Akins and Kallie Kilgro finished the night with eight points each. Madison Myers led Fyffe with 12 points. Alexa Barber had ten points. Maggie Woodall added eight points while Gracie Hicks and Annabelle Taylor each had six points for the night.

VARSITY ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAMS

VARSITY BOYS ALL-COUNTY TOURNAMENT TEAM

Caden Millican (Plainview), Micah Johnson (Fyffe), Tristian Willingham (Plainview), Parker Goodwin (Fyffe), Haden White (Plainview), Austin Barber (Fyffe), Cole Millican (Plainview), Jared Higgins (Sylvania), Grant Atchley (Sylvania), Isaac Jones (Collinsville), Kaleb Jones (Collinsville), MVP Koby Tinker (Plainview)

VARSITY GIRLS ALL-COUNTY TOURNAMENT TEAM

Savannah Seals (Ider), Gracie Flynn (Ider), Kenadie Lee (Sylvania), Cassie Black (Geraldine), Annabelle Taylor (Fyffe), Maggie McKinney (Collinsville), Madison Myers (Fyffe), Kallie Kilgro (Collinsville), Marie Woodall (Fyffe), Hadley Hamilton (Collinsville), MVP Brittney Rivera (Collinsville)

JV CHAMPIONSHIP WINNERS

SYLVANIA JV BOYS

FYFFE JV GIRLS

ALL-COUNTY FOOTBALL & CHEERLEADERS

(ALL PHOTOS BY KRISTY GALLAGHER | SOUTHERN TORCH)

FRIDAY — JANUARY 25, 2019

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

CONGRATULATIONS

7

TO THE PLAINVIEW BEARS VARSITY BOYS AND THE COLLINSVILLE LADY PANTHERS FOR THEIR BIG WINS IN THIS YEAR'S DeKALB COUNTY BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT!

CONGRATULATIONS!

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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE PLAINVIEW BEARS - VARSITY BOYS! PD. POL. ADV. BY CAROL HIETT • P.O. BOX 1661 RAINSVILLE, AL 35986

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UP TO TO 55 TOPPINGS TOPPINGS FOR $5 ANY MEDIUM UP UP TO TO 55 TOPPINGS TOPPINGS FOR $8 ANY LARGE UP HUNTER OF THE WEEK MEET THE HORNETS Hosted by: Ider High School Baseball & Softball JANUARY 26, 2019 • Ider Baptist Church Life Center

FOOD SERVED @ 5PM, AUCTION @ 6PM We would like to invite you to our 2nd Annual Meet the HORNETS Dinner Auction! We are excited about this opportunity to introduce our baseball and softball players at Ider High School for the 2019 season. Our programs are working hard daily to build winning cultures on and off the field.

BBQ DINNER PLATES WILL BE $10 Plates will include BBQ, Potato Salad, Baked Beans, Roll, Dessert & Drink

$5 DONATION PER TICKET

This week's Southern Torch Hunter of the Week is Collin Wilson! Collin is 10 years old and he killed his first deer on January 17, 2019 on his property in Fort Payne. It was a nine-point buck.

Congratulations Collin on your big kill!

To be featured as the next Hunter of the Week, submit your photos and information to marla@southerntorch. com!

8

FRIDAY — JANUARY 25, 2019

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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