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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2019 / VOL. 5, NO. 49 / $1.00
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THIS WEEK IN SPORTS
THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS
THIS WEEK IN POLITICS
THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY
• Battle for the Best • Ultimate Warrior Classic
• Greyhound Adds Stop in Fort Payne • See who's featured in our Business Spotlight!
• Inside The Statehouse with Steve Flowers • Merrill Ends Campaign for U.S. Senate
• Walking Through Bethlehem • Meet the Super 7 Coaches
Council to Extend
Rainsville Sewer
BYRNE STOPS IN DEKALB
PHOTO BY MARLA JONES
By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com
RAINSVILLE, Ala. — The Rainsville City Council held their regularly scheduled meeting on December 2. In the absence of Mayor Rodger Lingerfelt, Mayor Pro Team Ricky Byrum acted as Mayor. The Council voted to extend the sewer line from the pumping station on Hwy 35 to Everett Road and empowered the Mayor to approve bids as long as the amount was under
the State bid law. Rainsville Police Chief Kevin Smith brought before the Council the need for a Stop Stick and Rack It system for the Rainsville Police Department. Stop Stick and Rack It is a nationally known system for tire deflation in high speed pursuits. The Council approved the bid to supply ten police vehicles with the system in the amount of $5,086.60, which includes training and
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Rep. Bradley Byrne, a candidate for U.S. Senate in 2020, stopped by the Southern Torch office for an interview with Managing Editor Marla Jones & Marshall Stiefel.
By Marla Jones, Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com RAINSVILLE, Ala. — U.S. Representative and candidate for U.S. Senate Bradley Byrne made a campaign stop this week at the Southern Torch office in Rainsville. In an exclusive interview, Rep. Byrne discussed impeachment, education and the state of the race. As the only candidate in the race who currently holds office in Washington D.C., Byrne stated called the impeachment inquiry "very frustrating." "The House has issued more subpoenas this year, than we've passed bills that have gone into law," stated Byrne. "We are wasting time." Byrne was famously one of the members of the U.S. House stormed Rep. Adam Schiff's (D-CA) closed door hearings on the impeachment of the President. Byrne, a former chancellor of the Alabama
Community College System, also addressed the plans put forward by several 2020 Democratic presidential candidates to eliminate student debt. "I don't think it's too much to ask these students to borrow some money and pay it back during their working career...I was a financial aid recipient, and I paid it back," he stated. On the state of the race now that former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has announced his own campaign, Byrne said, "I honor Jeff Sessions for his prior service as our U.S. Senator, I don't think he did a good job for us as Attorney General. I think his time is over and we need a new U.S. Senator." In the most recent fundraising quarter, Byrne reported $2.5 million cash on hand with $408,000 raised in the third quarter. Recent polling conducted by Club for Growth had Rep. Byrne tied for third place in the Republican primary at 11 percent. The primary election will be held on Tuesday, March 3.
21 Arrested for Narcotics, Drug House Shut Down
By Southern Torch Staff
DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden: In the last couple of weeks, the DeKalb County Narcotics and Interdiction Team has racked up a total of 21 arrests. Earlier this week, six were arrested at a drug house on County Road 712 in a multi-agency raid. • Johnny Tyler Townson (25 of Fyffe) and Tiffany Gray (19 of Fyffe) were charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug
Paraphernalia. • Dehlila Placos McSpadden (45 of Valley Head) and James Guest (38 of Fort Payne) were charged with Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Unlawful Manufacturing of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana 1st Degree, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. • Mallory Orr (33 of Fort Payne), was charged with Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Marijuana 1st Degree.
• Sebastian Burt (18 of Fort Payne) was arrested and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. • Abby Schrader (57 of Flat Rock) and Steve Holland (64 of Higdon) were both charged with Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
• Samantha Paige Fry (27 of Ider) was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. • Jamie Wayne Porter (48 of Grove Oak) was charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. • Eric Petty (43 of Huntsville) was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine, Possession of a Controlled Substance Heroin, Possession of Marijuana 2nd Degree, Possession of Drug
• Check out next week's edition of Southern Torch for our special Christmas insert!
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Paraphernalia, and Possession of a Prohibited Beverage. • Saul Gonzalez (51) was charged with Resisting Arrest, Attempting to Elude, and Possession of a Prohibited Beverage. • Shaun Hawes (36 of Flat Rock), Jessie Garner (31 of Ider), Michael Tidwell (39 of Collinsville), Christopher Payne (43), and Christopher Holcomb (46 of Ider) were charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Marijuana 2nd Degree, and Possession of Drug
Paraphernalia. • Quanda Franks (48 of Fort Payne) was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. • Larissa Kilgro (40 of Albertville) and Jamie Bradfield (37 of Albertville) were charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. • Heather Guinn (31 of Ider) was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine with
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THE SOUTHERN TORCH
FRIDAY — DECEMBER 6, 2019
CRIME
FROM PAGE 1 Intent to Distribute, Possession of Marijuana 1st Degree, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in addition to her existing warrants. • Scotty Hodge (28 of Rainsville) was charged with Attempting to Elude and has three existing felony warrants as well as two misdemeanor warrants. DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said of the counter-narcotics operations: “Counternarcotics operations are one of our top priorities as a department. Many of our crimes are tied into
the drug problem. If we do our best to take away the supply of dangerous narcotics, it will take away the motivation for thefts and the fuel for violence.� “We are also blessed to have the full support of the ALEA Task Force and our municipalities in tackling the drug problem. On Monday night of this week, we were able to close down a drug house that has been a menace to the Henagar and Ider area with the help of the Special Response Team and state task force. The SRT is made up of law enforcement officers from all over the county,� he concluded.
Ider Discount Drugs
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DeKalb BOE Donates Fort Payne Begins
to Fyffe Red Devils
Sewer Project
By Marla Jones, Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com
PICTURED: Fyffe Principal Wayne Lyles and DeKalb BOE Member Mark Richards.
By Marla Jones, Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com FYFFE, Ala. — The DeKalb County Board of Education, along with Superintendent Jason Barnett, donated money to the state bound Fyffe Red Devils. The Red Devils will be playing in the Class 2A Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) State Championship on Friday, December 6 at 3pm in Auburn University's Jordan-Hare Stadium. This donation goes toward the expenses of the band, cheerleaders, and football team.
RAINSVILLE FROM PAGE 1 certification for each officer. Chief Smith also reported to the Council that “Shop with a Copâ€? had raised $10,000 to supply Christmas for 100 children. In other business, the Council: • Accepted the bid from Rainsville Heating and Cooling, in the amount of $14,800, to replace the heat and air unit in the City Hall. • Approved a .26 per hour pay increase for part-time CDL Drivers. At this time Rainsville employs three part-time drivers with no benefits. • Awarded the bid to
Ralph Hall for removal of the stage at the City Park. Mr. Hall will remove stage for the material. • Authorized the Mayor to renew a contract with Coca-Cola for five more years at the Field of Dreams • Accepted the resignation of Stephen Malone (Police Department) • Posted a patrolman position with the Police Department for two weeks • Hired Michael Wilbanks as Sanitation Driver with CDLs, beginning next payroll The next meeting of the Rainsville City Council will be held on Monday, December 16 at 5pm with a work session at 4:15pm.
FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The Fort Payne City Council held their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, December 3. The Council suspended the rules and adopted Ordinance 2019-05, authorizing issuance of a General Obligation Warrant in the amount of $8.3 million for a SRF Logan for the sewer project at Terrapin Hills/49th Street. The Council passed Resolution 2019-44, accepting the low bid for a a public works skid steer mulcher from Skid Pro Attachments in the amount of $23,832. The Council approved reappointments for Brad Scott and Wally Smith on the Fort Payne Improvement Authority Board. Both have served two terms for a total of six years. Fort Payne Parks and Recreation Director Robin Brothers announced that the City of Fort Payne had been selected as one of five departments across the nation to be on the Rural Learning Club. Christmas in the Park will be held on Friday, December 6 beginning at 4:45 for a tree lighting ceremony, followed by a movie at the DeKalb Theatre, visits with Santa, refreshments, Candy Cane Lane, H and caroling around the yule log! M The Fort Payne Christmas Parade will be held on H Monday, December 9. w The next meeting of the Fort Payne City Council b will be held on Tuesday, December 17 at 12pm. 6
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Fort Payne Christmas Parade
47th Annual Parade
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THE SOUTHERN TORCH
FRIDAY — DECEMBER 6, 2019
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COMMUNITY
Alabama Ballet Returning to NACC By Southern Torch Staff DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — Northeast Alabama Community College is proud to be hosting the performance of Romeo + Juliet by the world renowned Alabama Ballet on Friday, February 14th at 7 PM in the Tom Bevill Lyceum. This will be the 14th 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.� The ballet is choreographed by Roger VanFleteren, Associate Artistic Director and Resident Choreographer of the Alabama Ballet. Romeo and Juliet is an all-time favorite classical ballet based on Shakespeare’s tragedy. The ballet is known for its breathless pas de deux, dramatic emotions and tragic tale. Faithful to Shakespeare’s original text, the ballet follows the fate of the star-crossed lovers from their first meeting to their untimely, tragic deaths. The tale is full of secrets, passion and eternal love. Romeo and Juliet is likely the world’s best-known love story, and the ballet
version is set to Prokofiev’s dramatic score, widely recognized as a masterpiece of 20th century music. Northeast worked with the Alabama Ballet to bring you this performance during a holiday celebrating romance and love. This performance is a perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. We urge you to purchase your tickets early. Tickets go on sale Friday, December 6th, and are $10.00 per person. Visit www.nacc.edu for a link to purchase with a credit card, or call Heather Rice at 256.638.4418 or 256.228.6001, ext. 2301. You can also purchase tickets on campus in Room 145 in the Pendley Administration Building.
WALK THROUGH BETHLEHEM
Experience the City of Bethlehem at Broadway Baptist Church THIS WEEKEND on Friday, Dec. 6 through Sunday, Dec. 8 beginning at 6pm each night! Guests will walk through the recreated Bethlehem, with live animals, and experience the Christmas story like never before! (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)
MEET THE SUPER 7 COACHES
Front row, from left: Steve Smith, Piedmont (3A); Paul Benefield, Fyffe (2A); Darrell Higgins, Mars Hill Bible (1A); AHSAA Associate Executive Director Alvin Briggs; AHSAA Executive Director Steve Savarese; Christopher Story, Lanett (1A); MattJohnson, Reeltown (2A); Ronnie Cottrell, Mobile Christian (3A). Back row, from left: Mark Freeman, Thompson (7A); Clint Smith, Jacksonville (4A); Terry Curtis, UMS-Wright (4A); Darrell LeBeaux, Pleasant Grove (5A); Danny Horn, Central, Clay County (5A); Keith Etheredge, Oxford (6A); Ben Blackmon, Spanish Fort (6A); Jamey DuBose, Central-Phenix City (7A). (AHSAA Photo)
UPCOMING EVENTS
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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 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.
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, 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
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.
CHRISTMAS PARADES December 7, 2019 Crossville, 5pm Fyffe, 12pm Geraldine, 2pm Ider, 1pm Rainsville, 11am Sylvania, 2pm Valley Head, 10am December 9, 2019 Fort Payne, 6pm December 14, 2019 Collinsville, 6pm
Every Third Thursday, Alzheimer's Caregivers Support Group - The Alzheimer's Association will begin hosting a caregivers support group solely devoted to those who provide care for people with Alzheimer's on the third Thursday of every month from 11am to 12pm at the Rainbow City First United Methodist Church. For more information, please call Olivia Kendrick at (256) 454-4375. December 6, NACC Swingin' Christmas Northeast Alabama Community College Music Department invites you to attend their Swingin' Christmas Concert on Friday, December 6 at 6:30pm! Cost is free and the event will feature the NACC
SOUTHERN TORCH • 98-3 WILD COUNTRY • 101-7 THE TORCH Southern Torch (USPS Periodicals #19790) is published each Friday by Southern Staff: Torch, Inc. 203 Main Street E, Rainsville, Eloise Smith, Business Manager Ala. 35986. POSTMASTER: Send address Marla Jones, Managing Editor/Sports changes to Southern Torch, P.O. Box 614, Jenna Sue Payne, Media Sales Manager Joe Sims, Radio Operations Manager Rainsville, Ala. 35986-0614. Zach Hester, Art Director/Reporter Amy Thrash, Account Executive B. Annette Little, Account Executive Teresa Smith, Traffic Director Marshall Stiefel, Distribution/Radio Lindsey Jones, Accounting
256.638.4040 • 256.259.2341 MEMBERSHIP RATES:
Regular Yearly Rate — $30 Senior /Veteran Yearly Rates — $25
Band, Chorus and Encore! at the Northeast Alabama Community College Lyceum. December 7-8, Victory Baptist Church Christmas Program Victory Baptist Church, located on Marshall Road in Rainsville, will hold a live nativity scene on Saturday, December 7 from 5pm to 7pm and Sunday, December 8 from 5pm to 7pm. All are welcome to attend! December 9, Vulcraft Holiday Market - Come enjoy a night of food, crafts, clothing, jewelry and silent auction at the Vulcraft Holiday Market in The Building downtown Fort Payne on Monday, December 9 from 4pm to 9pm! All proceeds go to the DeKalb County Children’s Advocacy Center. December 13, Cook Castle Christmas Celebration - Cook Castle Events is hosting a
Christmas Celebration for the holiday. Join us for music, fun and a wonderful Christmas celebration at Cook Castle on Friday, December 13 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. December 14, Breakfast with Santa at Applebee's - Enjoy a Pancake Breakfast and a picture with Santa at Applebee’s from 8am to 10am on Saturday, December 14. You will get 3 pancakes with sausage
and drink. This is a Relay For Life Event. December 15, Janet Paschal at FBC Rainsville - Janet Paschal, member of the Gospel Hall of Fame and frequent guest on the Gaither Homecoming Tour, will be performing a Christmas Concert at Rainsville First Baptist Church on Sunday night, December 15 at 6pm. For more information, visit www.rainsvillefirst.com or call 256-638-3141.
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THE SOUTHERN TORCH
FRIDAY — DECEMBER 6, 2019
BUSINESS
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IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ALABAMA
NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration having been granted to LISA TUMLIN BADGETT, as Personal Representative of the Estate of HUGH TUMLIN, deceased, on the 15th day of November 2019, by the Honorable Ronnie E. Osborn, Judge of Probate. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.
LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ALABAMA Case No: 2019-315 IN RE: The Estate of Hugh Tumlin,
Phone: 256-845-5680 Fax: 256-845-5165
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deceased
To be published: November 22, 29 & December 6
226 Gault Ave. N • Fort Payne, AL 35967
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NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration having been granted to WILLIAM VAN JACOWAY a/k/a BILL JACOWAY, as Personal Representative of the Estate of MARTHA EVELYN JACOWAY, deceased, on the 14th day of November 2019, by the Honorable Ronnie E. Osborn, Judge of Probate. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.
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Case No: 2019-318 IN RE: The Estate of Martha Evelyn Jacoway, deceased
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LISA TUMLIN BADGETT, personal Representative of the Estate of HUGH TUMLIN, deceased To be published: November 22, 29 & December 6
LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ALABAMA Case No: 2019-299 IN RE: The Estate of Mary Ruth Wooten, deceased NOTICE OF LETTERS TESTAMENTARY TO BE PUBLISHED BY PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said de-
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ceased having been granted to RENAE MICHELLE WOOTEN COLVIN BURGESS, Personal Representative of the Estate of MARY RUTH WOOTEN on the day of nur , 2013 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 six months after the grant of letters, or within five months from the date of the first publication of this notice, whichever is the later to occur, or the same will be barred. To be published: November 22, 29 & December 6
LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ALABAMA Case No: 2019-323 IN RE: THE ESTATE OF MARY LOUISE BEARDEN, Deceased NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Rhonda Parris, as Executor of the Estate of Mary Louise Bearden, deceased on the 7th day of October, 2019, by the Honorable Ronnie Osborn. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.
Tony Jennings, Attorney fot the Estate of Mary Louise Bearden, deceased To be published: November 29, December 6 & 13
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IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ALABAMA Case No: 2019-019 IN RE: THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF PEGGY PIPPIN, DECEASED NOTICE OF PETITION FOR FINAL SETTLEMENT A Petition for Final Settlement in the Estate of Peggy Pippin, deceased, having been filed by Executrix, Cynthia Lynn Trimble, in the Probate Court of DeKalb County, Alabama, notice is hereby given to all those heirs at law and next of kin and devisees of Peggy Pippin, deceased, whose whereabouts are unknown, including but not limited to PATRICIA DARLENE VELA, that this matter shall come for hearing on the Petition for Final Settlement on the 17 day of December 2019 at 9.00 o'clock am on the Probate Courtroom of the DeKalb County Courthouse. To be published: November 22, 29, December 6 & 13
Your loyal companion, Our dedicated focus!
PHOTO BY MARLA JONES
By Zach Hester, Reporter zach@southerntorch.com
FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Fort Payne residents can soon expect a closer location to hop on the Greyhound bus. On Monday, December 10, Greyhound will begin stopping at the Citgo Eagle Express near Interstate 59's exit 222. The morning bus will stop at 11:20am en route from Birmingham, Ala. to Chattanooga, Tenn., where it will arrive at 1:45pm. A second bus will return from the Chattanooga area to Fort Payne at 3:55pm. Information regarding tickets can be found via greyhound.com or the company's mobile app.
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THE SOUTHERN TORCH
FRIDAY — DECEMBER 6, 2019
5
POLITICS
Inside The Statehouse
By Steve Flowers ST Columnist
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — We are less than three months away from the election for our number two U.S. Senate Seat. The winner of the Republican Primary on March 3, 2020 will be our next U.S. Senator. Winning the GOP Primary for any statewide office in a presidential year is tantamount to election in the Heart of Dixie. Jeff Sessions is the prohibitive favorite to win back his seat he held for 20 years. He probably regretted from day one leaving a safe U.S. Senate Seat with 20 years of seniority and four-years left on his term, to take a temporary Attorney General appointment for at best a four- year tenure. It amazed me when he did it. Sessions and Trump were at odds from the beginning over Sessions’ recusal from the Russian collusion probe by the Democrats. Trumps’ disenchantment with Sessions was quite obvious
and outspoken. Sessions was right, legally. However, Trump is very popular in Alabama among Republican voters. Therefore, Trump won the public relations battle over Sessions in Alabama. Trump’s tweets were harsh, bitter and vitriolic. When Sessions was in this seat three years ago at this time he was considered the most popular political figure in the state. He was damaged by the two years of constant bombardment and ridicule from the President. However, Sessions has a reservoir of support from having been a very popular Senator for two decades that will allow him to win back his seat. Sessions will lead the field in the March 3 Primary. However, it is doubtful that he can win without a runoff. His late entry into the race allowed several elite high profile candidates to begin a race for the senate seat. Most have been running vigorously for over a year. One of the early frontrunners, Secretary of State John Merrill, who
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probably has the best grassroots organization in the State, has opted out due to Sessions’ entry. At age 54 Merrill can wait. It is now or never for Roy Moore, Tommy Tuberville, and Bradley Byrne. Like Sessions they are not spring chickens. Current polling has Sessions at 30%. Former Auburn football coach, Tommy Tuberville, at 21%. First District Congressman, Bradley Bryne at 14% and former Chief Justice, Roy Moore at 12%. However, a better barometer of the challengers is the amount of money they have raised and have on hand. Sessions has $2.5 million left over from his war chest when he was in this Senate Seat. The candidate who is in the catbird’s seat to move up in the polls is Congressman Bradley Byrne who is sitting on $2.5 million. Coach Tuberville is showing $1.4 million. However, $1 million is his money he has loaned to his campaign. Judge Moore has $33,000. Money is the “mother’s milk� of politics. Money talks and everything else walks. It buys name identification and image building. Jeff Sessions can raise another $1 million or more in Washington. Bryne can add another $300,000 from Washington. Tuberville may have tapped out all of the Auburn football fan donations that he has already done well with. Moore will not raise much money. He really does not need to. He is going to get 12-15% come hell or high water. They are with him no matter if he decides to get
out and campaign or stay home and ride his horse Sassy. My guess or you can call it a prognostication with three months out. Jeff Sessions spends $3 million and uses a message that he is still pro Donald Trump and was the first sitting Senator to endorse him and is prepared to diffuse any negative attacks reminding GOP Trump voters of the vitriolic tweets about him sent by the President. He leads the primary with about 39%. Judge Roy Moore gets his 13%. I’m afraid the Judge may be running his last race and finishes a respectable fourth. About 3% go to the also ran candidates. That leaves 45% of the vote for Tommy Tuberville and Bradley Byrne to fight over and hope to get into a runoff with Sessions. The next month will be down time with very little mention of politics due to the holidays. The campaigns will kick into high gear by mid-January with the final week being the key to victory. Again, who has the money to spend in the final 10 days is critical. The bottom line is whichever Republican – Jeff Sessions, Tommy Tuberville, or Bradley Byrne – wins the GOP nomination, any one of them beat the Democrat Doug Jones. It does not matter how much left-wing money Jones raises from California, it is all for naught. Alabama is a conservative Republican state. Jones really should run for the Senate from California.
Merrill Suspends Senate Campaign By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com MONTGOMERY, Ala. — On Sunday night, Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill announced the suspension of his 2020 campaign for United States Senate. Secretary Merrill released the following statement via Facebook: "For the past five months I have made many of these visits as a candidate for the United State Senate. I have spoken to tens of thousands of Alabamians about the future of our nation and our need to replace Doug Jones with a conservative Republican Senator who represents Alabama thinking and Alabama values. With the announcement by Senator Jeff Sessions on November 7th, the dynamics of this election have changed dramatically. When I entered the race on June 25th, I, along with my family and closest supporters, saw a path to victory. We met our initial goals and had six months of successful fundraising. We actually led the third-quarter in fundraising for all Republican candidates. With Senator Sessions’ late entry into this race, we have come to realize that a crowded Republican primary only benefits Doug Jones and the out of touch
Merrill has served as Alabama Secretary of State since 2015. (Brynn Anderson | AP)
liberal Democrats. Therefore, after thoughtful consideration, much prayer, some honest discussions with my family and campaign team, I have decided to suspend my campaign for the United State Senate, effective immediately. I am honored by the support and encouragement we have received and I look forward to my continued service to the people in our state as Alabama’s Secretary of State." Merrill's exit from the race leaves seven candidates remaining: businessman Stanley Adair, U.S. Representative Bradley Byrne, State Rep. Arnold Mooney, former Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court Roy Moore, community activist Ruth Page Nelson, former U.S. Attorney General and former U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions, and former Auburn Head Football Coach Tommy Tuberville. Alabama's primary elections will be held on March 3, 2020.
DEATH NOTICES CORNER STONE Elaine Wells Phillips - 71 of Flat Rock, passed away on Saturday, November 30 at her residence. Funeral services were held on Monday, December 2 at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with burial in Smith Cemetery at Flat Rock. Howard Lee Boyd - 65 of Henagar, passed away on Monday, December 2 at his residence. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, December 4 at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel.
GERALDINE Bobbie Lou Crowley - 84 of Crossville, passed away on Thursday, November 28 at her residence. Funeral services were held on Sunday, December 1 at Geraldine Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Painter Cemetery. Domingo Juan Andres - 38 of Albertville, passed away on Friday, November 29 at Shepherd’s Cove. Funeral services were held on Monday, December 2 at Geraldine Funeral Home Chapel with burial in DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Ramona Kay Turner - 61 of Boaz, passed away on Sunday, December 1 at Huntsville Hospital.
Funeral services will be held at a later date.
RAINSVILLE Edna Lee Bouldin - 49 of Fort Payne, passed away on Wednesday, November 27 at her residence. Funeral services were held on Friday, November 29 at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel. Don Tilley - 67 of Rainsville, passed away on Thursday, November 28 at his residence. Funeral services were held on Sunday, December 1 at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel. Ivelene Derrick - 97 of Fyffe, passed away on Thursday, November 28 at Collinsville Health & Rehab. Funeral services were held on Saturday, November 30 at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with burial following in Corinth Cemetery. James McAlpin - 73 of Sylvania, passed away on Saturday, November 30 at Erlanger Medical Center. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, December 3 at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel. Angie Willkie - 54 of
Rainsville, passed away on Sunday, December 1 at DeKalb Regional Medical Center. Funeral services were held on Thursday, December 5 at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Green’s Chapel Cemetery.
Betty M. Landau Born December 30, 1932 in Waterloo, Iowa passed away on December 1, 2019 unexpectedly. She had been married 68 Years to Gene Landau who passed away on September 26, 2019. Betty had retired from Signal Knitting Mill of Chattanooga, Tennessee. She was President of WSMQ in Bessemer, Alabama, which she and her husband owned for 15 years. When she and Gene sold the radio station they retired to Rainsville, Alabama. Betty traveled with Gene to South America, Mexico and Australia. They had a blessed 68 years marriage that was an example of true love
and partnership. Betty is preceded in death by parents, 2 brothers and 2 sisters, her youngest daughter Jane Shelton and her husband Gene Landau. She is survived by two daughters Mary Ballard and her husband Gary, Marji Bryant and her husband Ken, 6 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Visitation will be on Thursday, December 5, 2019 from 12PM-1PM with funeral services following at 1PM at the Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. Gene Evans officiating. Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery with Rainsville Funeral Home, Inc. directing, www. rainsvillefuneralhome. com.
W.T. WILSON Charles Allison Jolley - 67 of Fyffe, passed away on Wednesday, November 27 at DeKalb Regional Hospital. Funeral services were held on Sunday, December 1 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial in Mt. View Memory Gardens. Wanda Robbins - 67 of Rainsville, passed away on Friday, November 29. Funeral services were held on Monday, December 2 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel
with burial in New Canaan Cemetery. Michael David Redwood - 65 of Fyffe, passed away on Friday, November 29. A visitation was held on Sunday, December 1 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.
Tammy McElrath - 52 of Boaz, passed away on Sunday, December 1. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, December 4 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial in Piney Grove Cemetery.
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THE SOUTHERN TORCH
FRIDAY — DECEMBER 6, 2019
Battle of the Best PHOTO BY CHERYL BOYDSTON
By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com
FYFFE, Ala. — As fans from each team filled the bleachers and lined the fences, the Fyffe Red Devils defeated the Collinsville Panthers 21-0 in the Class 2A Alabama High School Athletic Association
(AHSAA) State Semifinal game on Friday night. Fyffe took no time to put points on the board, scoring with 7:22 remaining in the first on a one yard touchdown by Ike Rowell. The kick by Brody Dalton was good, giving the Red Devils the 7-0 lead. The Devils scored at the start of the second
quarter with a 2-yard dash into the endzone by Rowell. The kick by Dalton was good, giving the Red Devils the 14-0 advantage going into the half. The third quarter was back and forth between the two teams with neither team scoring. Rowell scored his
third touchdown of the night bulldozing his way down the field for 18 yards, with 10:04 remaining in the game. The kick by Dalton was good, making the score 21-0. Fyffe had a total of 296 yards for the night. They scored on their first two possessions of the game. They completed a
long pass on each drive, Zach Pyron to Rowell for 66 yards and 46 yards. Pyron ran for 92 yards and passed for 112 yards. Rowell ran for 55 yards and three touchdowns on 14 carries. He also completed a 15-yard pass. Collinsville had 202 yards for the night. Kaleb Jones ran for 58 yards and passed for 120 yards. Michael Tucker had 29 yards rushing and 80 yards receiving. The Collinsville Panthers finished the 2019 season with a 12-2 record. “Collinsville is such a great team. They are very physical. They stopped us a lot of the night. I had to run a couple of plays I had not run all year. That a tribute to them,� said Fyffe Head Coach Paul Benefield. “This was a great game for us. I am very proud of our kids. Fifteen weeks of games is a long time. We have played a lot of teams that
are very physical. We have to get ready to go to Jordan-Hare now. Any time you can win a state semifinal, that's a great win.� “I’ve got a great bunch of kids. I am proud of their play. They played so hard all year. They had a great team. They love each other,� said Collinsville Head Coach Ernie Willingham. “We knew we had to score some points, and we didn't. We had a couple of great chances but we didn't get the scores. Fyffe is such a great team. They are a machine. They have good kids and good parents. They expect to win. They are so fast this year. Coach Benefield has built such a great program.� Fyffe will return to the AHSAA Super 7 State Championship on Friday. The Red Devils will face the Reeltown Rebels. The game will begin at 3pm.
The Class 2A Region 8 Champions, the Fyffe Red Devils! (Kristy Gallagher)
The Class 2A Region 8 Semifinalist Collinsville Panthers. (Submitted Photo)
Ultimate Warrior Classic By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com RAINSVILLE, Ala. — The AYWO-AAU Fort Payne Ultimate Warrior Classic will be held December 7 at the DeKalb County Schools Coliusem at 9am. This event is licensed by the Amateur Athletic Union. Notice to all warriors! You are about to compete in a time-honored event of battling hardened and elite competitors. Do you have what it takes to defeat the other warriors and receive the Warrior Hammer! The war hammer was created to deliver a full force blow and overtake the opponents that were wearing hardened steel armor. If you’re ready for the fiercest competition in the state, bring your inner warrior and compete for the Warrior Hammer. All participants must have a current AAU card. Late registration begins at 9am on the day of the event.
SCOREBOARD VARSITY BOYS
VARSITY GIRLS
Plainview 80, Sylvania 55 Fyffe 79, Geraldine 64 Douglas 70, Crossville 59 Fort Payne 62, Gadsden 61 (OT) Woodville 68, Valley Head 37 Ider 64, Appalachian 34
Plainview 58, Sylvania 55 Fyffe 54, Geraldine 20 Douglas 69, Crossville 41 Fort Payne 58, Gadsden 20 Valley Head 54, Woodville 19 Ider 73, Section 49 Collinsville 67, Handley 38
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THE SOUTHERN TORCH
FRIDAY — DECEMBER 6, 2019
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THE SOUTHERN TORCH
FRIDAY — DECEMBER 6, 2019
IT'S A FYFFE AFFAIR AT JORDAN-HARE!
BEST OF LUCK TO THE FYFFE RED DEVILS FROM
BEST OF LUCK TO THE FYFFE RED DEVILS!
LESTER BLACK
DEKALB COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 4
best of luck to the FYFFE RED DEVILS!
PAID POL. ADV BY LESTER BLACK
Best of Luck to the Fyffe Red Devils! pibonline.com Fyffe • Powell • Sylvania • Boaz • Scottsboro • Hokes Bluff • Douglas • Steele • Gurley
DISTRICT JUDGE
STEVEN WHITMIRE
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Fort Payne 256-845-6101 Rainsville 256-638-2200
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