FALL INTO SAVINGS AT TWIN CITY! 1411 Glenn Blvd SW, Fort Payne, AL 35967
WWW.BOBBYLEDBETTER.COM • 256.844.2210
THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2019 / VOL. 5, NO. 46 / $1.00
LIKE
FOLLOW
TWEET
THIS WEEK IN SPORTS
THIS WEEK IN POLITICS
THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY
• Second Round Bound • Fyffe Shuts Out Sheffield
• Medical Marijuana to Be Introduced Next Session • Mauney Announces Retirement
• Dixie Echoes & New Ground Live Recording • See what's going on in our Upcoming Events!
Sessions Incumbent Democrat Judge Whitmire Qualifies for Re-election as Republican Announces By Eloise Smith General Manager DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — DeKalb County District Judge Steven Whitmire (D) has announced his intention to run for re-election in 2020 as a Republican. “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the citizens and families of DeKalb County as District and Juvenile Court Judge for the last 17 years. I hope the voters will allow me to continue contributing to our community in this capacity.� said Whitmire. Judge Whitmire was first elected, as a Democrat, in 2002, and re-elected, as a Democrat, in 2008 and 2014. He qualified with the state party, as a Republican on October 8, 2019. Judge Whitmire currently presides over
the DeKalb County Drug Court which is an alternative sentencing program for qualified individuals charged with drug offenses. “In Drug Court, we have a real opportunity to help folks regain control of their lives. One of the most inspiring parts of this job is being a part of that - seeing the commitment of our participants who successfully return to their families and communities as drug-free, productive citizens.� stated Whitmire. Judge Whitmire was involved in establishing the DeKalb County Youth Service Center (D.Y.S.C.), a program serving children in the DeKalb County and Fort Payne City School Systems who are removed from school due to delinquency or behavioral problems. The students
complete the same schoolwork while receiving psychiatric help, substance abuse treatment, and/or family counseling, tailored to each child’s individual needs. “Several years ago, the local school boards joined in creating a way to help our children here at home. Thanks to their support, and the hard
work and motivation of Director Whitten and the Center’s staff, the D.Y.S.C. has been successful in helping the children and families of our County.� Judge Whitmire, who grew up in Fyffe, is a graduate of Auburn University and the University of Alabama School of Law. He practiced law in Rainsville
from his admission to the Alabama State Bar in 1998 until his election in 2002. He is an active member of the DeKalb County and Alabama State Bar Associations. Judge Whitmire and his wife Heather, a high school history teacher, have two children. “I am blessed to be your District Judge and I sincerely thank you all for entrusting me with this position. This office provides a special opportunity to serve our community by reaching individual citizens, young and old, on a daily basis. That’s what I’ve tried to do, and what I will continue to do. I only ask for the opportunity to carry on serving you and our county as District Judge for as long as you will have me,� stated Whitmire.
FORT PAYNE, Ala. — From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden: Over the last two weeks, DCSO Narcotics and Interdiction Agents have made and assisted with 23 drug related arrests. Three stolen cars were recovered; with one of the three being recovered after a pursuit Wednesday night. The following were arrested: • Brittany Furline, 28 of Pisgah: unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia • Preston Tyrone Swain, 42 of Boaz: possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia • Wes Grider, 22 of Ider: unlawful possession
of a controlled substance, promoting prison contraband 2nd (added to existing charges) • Jeffrey Tyler Harrison, 32 of Fort Payne: unlawful possession of a controlled substance, promoting prison contraband 2nd (added to existing charges) • Ronald Coots, 53 of Rainsville: unlawful possession of a controlled substance (3x), unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia • Mildred Thompson, 44 of Fort Payne: distribution of a controlled substance (5x), unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia • Donald Patterson, 45 of Rainsville (who was currently out on bond): possession of a controlled
substance, illegal possession of a prescription drug, possession of drug paraphernalia • Crystal Poe, 28 of Valley Head: possession of a controlled substance, illegal possession of a prescription drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, loitering in a drug house • Whitney Davis, 29: possession of a controlled substance, illegal possession of a prescription drug,
possession of drug paraphernalia, loitering in a drug house • Chasaty Lashay Johnson, 37 of Rainsville: trafficking in methamphetamine, unlawful possession of marijuana 2nd, illegal possession of prescription medication, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia • Linda House, 55 of Section: unlawful possession of marijuana 2nd, illegal possession of prescription medication, loitering in a drug house
• Listen to 98-3 Wild Country for Fort Payne football and 101-7 The Torch for Scottsboro football! After the games, listen to the Southern Torch scoreboard roundup show with host, Marla Jones!
•
•
By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com
• Glenn Childress, 56 of Dawson: trafficking in methamphetamine, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia • Jamie Harrell, 42 of Rainsville: trafficking in methamphetamine, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia • Delila Simmons, 35 of Fort Payne: trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia • Samuel Easler, 26 of Fort Payne: trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, loitering in a drug house • Cody Nesmith, 35 of Union Grove: unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug
ALABAMA — Jeff Sessions is looking for a comeback. On Thursday, the former U.S. Senator and U.S. Attorney General announced his intentions to seek another term to the U.S. Senate seat he held from 1997 to 2017. In a statement released on his website, Sessions said: “When I left President Trump’s cabinet, did I write a tell all book? No. Did I go on CNN and attack the President? No. Have I said a cross word about President Trump? No. And I’ll tell you why: First, that would be dishonorable. I was there to serve his agenda, not mine. Second, the President is doing a great job for America and Alabama, and he has my strong support. As everyone knows, President Trump and I have had our ups and downs. But here’s the important part: the President is doing great work for America. When President Trump took on Washington, only one Senator out of a hundred had the courage to stand with him: me. I was the first to support President Trump. I was his strongest advocate. I still am. We must make America great again. Our freedoms have never been under attack
> CRIME, P2
> SESSIONS, P2
24 Arrested by DSCO Narcotics & Interdiction By Southern Torch Staff
Senate Run
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.