DISTRICT ATTORNEY Paid political ad by Nick Jones, P.O. Box 5, Rainsville, AL 35986
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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, May 13, 2022 / VOL. 8, NO. 19 / $1.00
Road Expansion for Highway 75
Inside This
Week’s Edition: Page 2 Jackson Blaze • Stamp out Hunger Page 3 • Dare Graduation • Memorial • World’s Longest Yardsale Page 6 • Political Announcements • Inside the Statehouse Page 8 • Sports
By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com
RAINSVILLE, Ala.-- A groundbreaking was held on Tuesday, May 10, for an expansion on Highway 75 in Rainsville.
Teacher Saves a Childs Life
According to the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) a turn-line will be added for the safety of Cornerstone
Christian Academy School and the Northeast Alabama Agribusiness Center.
>See Road, P7
Martin Named Chairman
of Communications
Committee. This committee will bring all the communications, including police, fire, and rescue marla@southerntorch.com squad together. Education members recognized County Adminstrator Matt DEKALB COUNTY, Tammy Weaver, a teacher at Sharp presented the commission Henagar Jr. High School. On April ALABAMA-- (FULL VIDEO ON the resurfacing bid for CR 127. SOUTHERN TORCH FACEBOOK) 25th, Tammy Weaver saved a The DeKalb County Commission Wiregrass was awarded the child from choking in the project in the amount of $140,959. held its regularly scheduled lunchroom. She performed the In the absence of County meeting on Tuesday, May 10. Heimlich maneuver to dislodge Engineer Ben Luther, who was at Anthony Clifton, Director of the student’s airway. a work conference, Sharp the DeKalb County Emergency “I am proud to have teachers presented two Speed Limit like Mrs. Weaver, who goes above Management Agency (EMA), Resolutions. The first one being a introduced Matt Martin as the new Chairman of the DeKalb County Communications By Marla Jones Managing Editor
By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com
Rainsville, Ala.-- (FULL VIDEO ON SOUTHERN TORCH FACEBOOK) The DeKalb County Board of Education held its regularly scheduled meeting on May 5. DeKalb County Superintendent Wayne Lyles and the DeKalb County Board of
>See TEACHER, P4
>See MARTIN, P7
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Stamp Out Hunger By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com
The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) will conduct its 30th annual national food drive on Saturday, May 14. Letter carriers in 10,000 communities nationwide will join forces to help fight hunger. The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, the country’s largest single-day food drive, provides residents with an easy way to donate food to those in need in the community. Over 1.8 billion pounds of food have been collected in twenty-nine years
but communities are still in need across the country. The NALC has partnered with the United States Post Office, AFL-CIO, Kelloggs, Valpak, CVS Health, United Way, VeriCast, and their premiere partner UFCW to make this event a success.
While all non-perishable foods are welcome, foods that are high in protein such as canned tuna, salmon, beans and peanut butter are in high demand. Items that are not accepted include rusty or unlabeled cans, glass containers, perishable items, homemade items, expired items, alcoholic beverages, mixes or soda, and open or used items. To participate, simply place your bag next to your mailbox on May 14. Your donations will be distributed to food banks and pantries in your community.
Check Out Next Weeks Special Graduation Insert
Friday - May 13, 2022 - 3
Southern Torch
DeKalb Co Dare Graduation
By Marla Jones Managing Editor
skills so that adolescents can say “no” to drugs and their friends who may want them to use drugs. The DeKalb County Program is sponsored by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office and the DeKalb County Board of Education. The graduation, which is the first since COVID, had over 600 fifth graders completing the program.
marla@southerntorch.com
RAINSVILLE, Ala.-- The DARE Graduation was held at the DeKalb County Schools Coliseum on Wednesday, May 11. Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) is to teach peer resistance and refusal
Names Added to Memorial
Antique Alley Yard Sale in Full Swing
By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com
Photo provided by Kayron Guffey
By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com
Rainsville, Ala.-- The City of Rainsville will be adding six new names to the First Responder’s Memorial that is located in the Rainsville City Park on Sunday, May 15, beginning at 3:00 p.m. This will event will pay tribute to First
Responder’s who have passed in the last year. The memorial dedicated in 2019, was to recognize the first responders who often were overlooked, according to organizer Kayron Guffey. “I used to be a first responder years ago and it’s a thankless job, and these guys do great and I wanted to do something to honor them” stated Guffey.
The memorial boasts three flags, landscaping, and a granite monument in the middle. It honors responders across the board from police, fire, EMS, and dispatch. Funded through donations from local businesses, the city, and the legislative delegation, the memorial is a community effort.
DEKALB COUNTY, Ala.— The Annual Hwy 11 Antique Alley Yard Sale will kick off, Thursday, May 12, and will run through Sunday, May 15 along a 502-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 11 that comes right through the heart of DeKalb County between its starting place in Mississippi and the endpoint in Virginia. The event was started by the Antique Alley Association and
has grown significantly over the years. Each year an estimated 30,000 shop along the 502 miles along U.S. Highway 11 at the Annual Antique Alley Yard Sale. The yard sale starts in Meridian, Miss., then into Alabama through Birmingham, Gadsden, Attalla, Collinsville, and all the towns in between before coming right through downtown Fort Payne along Gault Avenue. North of Fort Payne the route crosses into Dade County, Georgia,
then on to Chattanooga, Tenn., through Knoxville, and finally ending in Bristol, Va. Each town along the route plans its own events such as community festivals, antique sales, flea markets, yard sales and carnivals, and countless other activities. The towns of Collinsville, Fort Payne, and Valley Head, and residents from all over DeKalb County take part in the annual event each year, with numerous sellers and vendors grouped strategically at areas in each community.
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EVENTS Submit your upcoming events to nicky@southerntorch.com for a chance to be featured in next week's print edition of The Southern Torch!
May 13, 14, US 11 Antique Alley Yard Sale - Explore the backroads and enjoy the US 11 Antique Alley and Yard Sale! Over 30,000 visitors travel the 502-mile route shopping for antiques and collectibles. The route spans five states from Meridian, Mississippi through Birmingham, Alabama to Dade County, Georgia on to Chattanooga and Knoxville,
Tennessee and finally Bristol, Virginia. Discover historic cities and charming downtowns along the way. Each community may have 100 booths or more as merchants set up on courthouse squares, residential lawns and fields, and antique storefronts. Started in 1997, US 11 Antique Alley is held annually on a four-day weekend after Mother’s
Day. Hours are loose, but sunrise is a common start time. Anticipate a variety of goods – from metal gliders and wrought iron patio furniture to garden accessories and architectural salvage. May 14, Dekalb Republican Breakfast Club - The Dekalb Republican Breakfast Club meeting is Saturday, May 14, 2022, at 7:30
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Southern Torch (USPS Periodicals #19790) is published each Friday by Southern Torch, Inc. 225 Gault Ave. N. Fort Payne AL.POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Southern Torch, P.O. Box 614, Rainsville, AL. 35986.
am. As always, all candidates for office are welcome to attend. However, speaking time will be reserved for local candidates only. Please make plans to attend and invite all of your fellow Republican friends. We look forward to seeing you at the Cattle Stampede Steak House in Fort Payne, formally the Western Sizzlin. The restaurant is located at I-59, exit 218, on Ala Highway 35. The address is 1114 Glenn Blvd SW. May 15, Names Added to Memorial - The City of Rainsville will be adding six new names to the First Responder’s Memorial that is located in the Rainsville City Park
on Sunday, May 15, beginning at 3:00 p.m. This will event will pay tribute to First Responder’s who have passed in the last year. The memorial dedicated in 2019, was to recognize the first responders who often were overlooked, according to organizer Kayron Guffey. May 20, Nelly w/ Chingy - Fri, May 20, 6:30 – 11:30 PM Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater Fitness Center. 1325 S.M.P.A. Blvd, Albertville, AL Nelly, Chingy, Baby Bash, and DJ Skribble at Sand Mountain Park and Amphitheater. Get your tickets at Etix. com, bandsintown. com, songkick.com, or stubhub.com.
May 21, Landowner Field Day - Sat, May 21, 2022. 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM CDT Location - 12196 Centre Road. Gadsden, AL 35903. The purpose of our landowner field day is to provide private landowners with the knowledge needed for creating and preserving habitat on your land. Wild turkey populations can especially be impacted by lack of nesting habitat. After reading the bios on our speakers , you will see that they have the knowledge to help all of us in creating and/ or improving our property. Tickets are $50. For more info visit www. eventbrite.com/e/ landowner-field-daytickets-294099498517
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Southern Torch
LEGALS LEGALS
LEGALS
LEGALS
STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF DEKALB
IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA
NOTICE OF SALE
KAREN REBECA LANDA VASQUEZ, Plaintiff,
DEFAULT HAVING BEEN MADE in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain Security Agreement executed by Edmond Cash, the debtor, to Bruce Cash, the secured party, which Security Agreement is dated December 26, 2019, and which debt further was secured by a UCC Financing Statement recorded on December 30, 2019 in the Office of the Alabama Secretary of State; AND DEFAULT CONTINUING, notice hereby is given that under the power of sale contained in said Security Agreement, I will, on behalf of the secured party, proceed to sell on May 26, 2022, during the legal hours of sale; to-wit: 11:00 o’clock a.m. to 4:00 o’clock p.m., in front of the main entrance door to the DeKalb County Courthouse in Fort Payne, Alabama, to the highest, best, and last bidder for cash, 25 membership units in Grenadier Land Company, LLC. Said sale is for the purpose of securing payment of the indebtedness secured by said Security Agreement and UCC Financing Statement, together with the costs of sale.
vs. JOSE MANUEL VILLA VALDEZ, Defendant.
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JULIA ANN MARTIN, DECEASED
CASE NO.: CS-22-900039
CASE NO.: 2022-173
NOTICE OF CUSTODY PROCEEDINGS NOTICE TO: JOSE MANUEL VILLA VALDEZ JOSE MANUELVILLA VALDEZ, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer the Petition for Custody and other relief filed by Plaintiff/Mother, Karen Rebeca Landa Vasquez, by the 13th day of June, 2022, or, thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against him in Case No.: CS-22-900039, in the District Court of DeKalb County, Alabama. Said notice to be published April 22, 29, May 6, & 13
LEGALS
Letters of Testamentary on the Estate of JULIA ANN MARTIN, Deceased, having been granted to the undersigned on the 3rd day of May, 2022, by the Judge of Probate of said county, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate, are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law, or the same will be barred. Said notice to be published May 13, 20, & 27
LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: SHIRLEY JEAN ALLEN.
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA
Case Number: 2022125
IN RE: THE ESTATE OF LARRY WALTER HENDERSON, DECEASED
EXECUTRIX’S NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS
CASE NO.: 2022-172
NIKKI PARRISH SCOTT, Attorney at Law, LLC Attorney for Secured Party
ADMINISTRATOR’S NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration having been granted to ROBIN LYNN HENDERSON, as Administrator of the Estate of LARRY WALTER HENDERSON, deceased, on the 5 day of May,2022 by the Honorable Ronnie Osborn, Probate Judge. 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.
Said notice to be published April 29, May 6, 13, & 20
Said notice to be published May 13, 20, & 27
Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process.
EXECUTOR’S NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS
IN RE: THE ESTATE OF SHIRLEY JEAN ALLEN LETTERS TESTAMENTARY AS EXECUTRIX OF THE WILL OF SHIRLEY JEAN ALLEN, DECEASED, having been granted unto the undersigned on the 3 day of May, 2022, by the Honorable Ronnie Osborn, Judge of Probate of said county, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law, or the same will be barred. Said notice to be published May 13, 20, & 27
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Teacher FROM PAGE 1
and beyond to serve our students. People are put in the right place at the right time for a reason. Mrs. Weaver spent many years as a nurse before going into education” stated Henagar Jr. High Prinicipal Scott Timmons.” She never wants any recognition, but in this case I am glad Mr. Lyles and the Board chose to recognize her.” Superintendent Lyles updated the Board on construction projects within the school system: • At Collinsville, retaining walls are being formed for the new Panther Gym. Lights are being moved for the renovation of ballfields. • A potential location for a new Crossville Agricultural building is being surveyed and a solid test is being performed. • Sylvania and Geraldine Schools are on track for Science Lab remodels along with a state-required storm shelter for those schools. • Ider will receive upgrading and renovation for the Science Lab and the gym project is moving forward. • Gym Floor Replacement/Repair for Fyffe and Plainview is being scheduled. Superintendent Lyles also informed the School Board that a Career Tech/ Hiring Day was held with over 40 employers participating. Seniors brought resumes and onsite interviews were conducted. Fifteen seniors were hired, with most jobs starting out at $17.00 per hour. Miranda Lambert of Ider High School, was approved as an early graduate. The Following bids were accepted: • Roofing Bid for Collinsville, Crossville, and Fyffe - GKL Companies, Inc. - $680,000 • Roofing Bid for Sylvania and Valley Head - Johns & Kirksey, Inc. - $312,000 In Personnel, Robin Pair of Sylvania High School, canceled her application for retirement, effective 4/21/22. The following
Non-Renewals/ Terminations were made: • Shawn Hutcherson - CNP Worker - Plainview High School - 5/27/22 • Chelsea Patterson - Itinerant Special Education Paraprofessional - Collinsville High School - 5/27/22 • Akela Barkley - English Language Arts Teacher Henagar Jr. High School - 5/27/22 • Jaclyn Ashley Itinerant Special Education Teacher Plainview High School - 5/27/22 • Allie Davis Indian Education/ Migrant Teacher District - 5/27/22 • April Ivey Itinerant Special Education Teacher - Crossville High School - 5/27/22 • Jeremy Tuttle - Social Science Teacher - Crossville High School - 5/27/22 The following Retirements were approved: • Chris Pierson - Nurse Supervisor Facilities Retirement - 7/1/22 • Lynne Wagner - Elementary Teacher - Valley Head High School - Retirement - 6/1/22 • Tim Cochran - Secondary Social Sciences Teacher - Fyffe High School Retirement - 6/1/22 • Gloria McGee - CNP Worker Collinsville High School - Retirement - 6/1/22 The following Resignations were granted: • Christy White Junior Varsity and Varsity Coaching Duties - Crossville High School Resignation - 6/1/22 • Dillyn Mitchell - Head Soccer Coaching Duties Sylvania High School - Resignation 5/27/22 • Jana Wheeler Elementary Teacher - Valley Head High School - Resignation - 5/27/22 The following Leaves of Absence were granted: • Chick Waycaster - Bus Mechanic - Bus Garage - 4/19/22-5/4/22 • Alaina Brynn Stevens - Secondary Science Teacher Ider High School 4/18/22-5/27/22 - Intermittent • Tia Jenkins Elementary Teacher - Plainview High School - 9/6/22-12/16/22 • Molly Bowlan Elementary Teacher
- Crossville Elementary School - 5/1/22-5/27/22 The following Transfers were made: • Anna Walker from Elementary Teacher at Collinsville High School to Itinerant ARI Instructional Coach at District Collinsville High School (Effective 8/1/22) • Ariel Johnson Brumbeloe from Library Media Specialist to Secondary Mathematics Teacher (TEAMS) at Crossville High School The following Placements were made:(All placements are made pending a background review meeting suitability criteria and negative, pre-employment drug screen and appropriate certification) Certified • Kellie Hancock - Supervisor (Assistant to the Special Education Coordinator) - Annex (Effective 6/1/22) • Aubrey Traffanstedt - Elementary Teacher - Collinsville High School • Colby Cochran - Secondary Science Teacher - Fyffe High School (2022-040) (Effective 8/1/22) • Mark Whitt Secondary Health and P.E. Teacher / Head Boys Basketball Coach - Ider High School (Effective 8/1/22) • Jerry Harris - Varsity Girls Volleyball Head Coach - Crossville High School Support • Roberta Stanley - CNP Worker Collinsville High School (Effective 5/2/22) The following Principal Contracts were approved: • Bradley Crawford Collinsville High School - 7/1/22-6/30/25 • Jon Peppers Crossville High School - 7/1/22-6/30/25 • Stevie Green Ruhama Jr. High School - 7/1/22-6/30/25 The date of the next DeKalb County Board of Education meeting will be held on May 19, with a regular meeting at 4:00 p.m. in the Meeting Room at the Facilities Building.
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Friday - May 13, 2022 - 5
Southern Torch
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OBITUARIES Wilson Helen Elizabeth Dobbs - 94, of Fort Payne, passed away Thursday, May 5, 2022. Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Monday at Wilson Funeral Home with Dr. Marshall Henderson officiating. Burial will follow in Walkers Chapel Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2 until 3 p.m. Daisy Ruth Barnard - 76, of the Fischer community, passed away Saturday, May 7, 2022. She worked for Laymon Hughes Hosiery for over 30 years. Graveside services will be 3 p.m. Tuesday at Fischer Cemetery with Rev. Ronnie Highfield officiating. Jimmy Wayne Ballinger, Jr. - 34 of Fort Payne, passed away Monday morning. Jimmy was born on June 22, 1987 in California to Jimmy Wayne Ballinger, Sr. and Teresa Wallace Lyberger. He owned and operated Not Your Mama’s Deli. Graveside services will be at 2p.m., Saturday, May 14, 2022 in the Walkers Chapel Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday evening from 4pm until 8pm at the
funeral home. Johnny Max Kuykendall - “Johnny Mac”, passed away Monday, May 9, 2022 at his home. Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Friday, May 13, 2022 at the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Jeff Baker and nephew, Ron Sparks, officiating. Burial will follow in the Stewart Cemetery with military honors.
Cornerstone Jessie Miller West - 65 of Bryant died Friday, May 6 at Hospice Care of Chattanooga. Funeral services are Tuesday at 2 PM CT at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Bro. Nathan Blevins officiating. Winfred Mason Reeves - 82 of Rising Fawn, GA died Sunday, May 8 at his residence. Funeral services are Tuesday at 12 Noon ET at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Pastor Chris Hagler and Bro. Robert Goff officiating. Burial will follow in Sulphur Springs Cemetery.
Crossville Phillip Michael Holcomb - 66 of Albertville passed away Friday, May 6, 2022 at Marshall
Medical Center South. His Funeral Service will be 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at Crossville Memorial Chapel with burial to follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Rev. Glenn Bruce will be officiating. Pallbearers will be Michael Holcomb, Jeremy Holcomb, Shannon Hyde, Nick Bowen, Tim Bowen, Gary Coody, Rickie Davies and Shane Holcomb. Visitation will be 2:30 until 4 Tuesday at the funeral home.
Kerby Tony Parton - 58 of Ider passed away on Friday, May 6, 2022 at Hospice of Chattanooga. Funeral Service is Monday, May 9, 2022 at 11:00 am in Kerby Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jeff Watkins officiating. Burial will follow in Rainsville Memorial Park. Jackie Roberts - 86 of Soddy Daisy, formerly of Pisgah passed away on Monday, May 9, 2022 at his residence. Funeral Service is Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 1:00 pm in Kerby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Bill Jeffery officiating. Burial will follow in Friendship cemetery.
Rainsville Angela Clark Patterson Baker - 61 of Henagar passed away on Thursday, May 5, 2022 at Crossville Health & Rehab. Funeral Service is
Friday, May 6, 2022 at 4:00 pm with Bro. Randall Beagles officiating. Burial will follow in New Home Cemetery.
Scottsboro Helen Lucille Kern, née Hammer - 97, passed from life on March 24, 2022. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 14 at the First Baptist Church, Scottsboro. Thomas (Tom) McCoy Petty - 80, of Scottsboro, passed away on Tuesday, May 3, 2022. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, May 5, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. at Pinehaven Memorial Gardens with Pastor Ron Harvey officiating. Amie Othia McIntire - 83, of Scottsboro, AL, won her race and went to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 5th, 2022. Lewis Wendell Page, Jr. - died on May 5, 2022, in his hometown of Scottsboro, Alabama. A graveside memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at 12:30 PM at the Cedar Hill Cemetery, Scottsboro. Charles Anthony “Tony” Hale - 65 of Hollywood, Alabama passed away Friday, May 6, 2022 at Gadsden Regional Medical Center. Graveside funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 10, 2022. Zavion Shores - 7
months of Scottsboro. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, May 9, 2022 at Scottsboro Funeral Home. Burial will follow. Rosalind Joan Jackson - 79 of Scottsboro, Alabama passed away Monday, May 9, 2022. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 13, 2022.
W.T. Wilson Johnny Alan White - 55 of Collinsville, passed away Tuesday, May 3, 2022. Memorial Service will be held at 1pm on Saturday, May 14, 2022. Dallan Lee Roden - 54 of Dawson, passed away Tuesday, May 3, 2022. Funeral Services will be held at 11am on Saturday, May 7, 2022 from W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial to follow in Geraldine Cemetery. Hoyt Junior Rowell II - 54 of Crossville, passed away Tuesday, May 3, 2022. The family will be having a memorial service at 2pm on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at the High Falls Pavilion. Cremation services provided by W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel. Tonya Kay Blair 51, of Albertville passed away Wednesday May 4,
2022. Visitation will be Saturday May 7, 2022, 2 - 4 pm at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel. Funeral Will be at 4 pm from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with Rev. Bobby Shutt officiating. Sandra Kay McMullan - 78 of Geraldine, passed away Wednesday, May 4, 2022. Funeral Services will be held at 2pm on Saturday, May 7, 2022 from W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial to follow in Pilgrims Rest Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10am-2pm, prior to the service, on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at the funeral home. Officiating will be Bro. Paul Vick and Bro. Ben Luther. Camden Drake Brown - 4, of Dutton passed away on Thursday, May 5, 2022. Services are set for 1pm Monday, May 9, 2022 from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bro. James Ledwell officiating. Burial will be in New Hope Cemetery in Rosalie. The family will receive friends from 2 until 8pm Sunday Barry Don Harper - 57 of Section, passed away Monday May 9, 2022. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.
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6 - Friday - May 13, 2022
Southern Torch
Saferite Announces Stiefel Announces Executive Committee Run Candidancy for Commission
By Marla Jones Managing Editor
marla@southerntorch.com
DEKALB COUNTY, Ala.-- D.L. Stiefel recently announced his bid to run for both the DeKalb County Republican Executive Committee, Place 2, District 4, and the State Republican Executive Committee, Place 1. Stiefel has served on both boards for numerous years. He has not missed a meeting at the local or state level since 2002. He has served in almost every position on both boards and is very familiar with the process and procedures of the board. Stiefel is a lifelong DeKalb County Conservative Christian who supports the Bible and the Constitution. Stiefel is a proud American who served six years in the U.S. Air Force with an honorable discharge. The DeKalb
County Republican Executive Committee and the State Republican Executive Committee are volunteer committees that serve as oversight and guidance organizations at the respective levels. The most important resolutions of the Citizens of Alabama are submitted to elected officials and the state legislature. Some of the most recent resolutions that Stefel has helped submit to elected officials are: • Requesting all House and Senate Republicans to support the Alabama
Freedom Bill which eliminates school counselors from indoctrinating public school students without the knowledge of the parents • Support of Parental School Choice in recognizing that parents know and deserve the right to control the education decisions of their children • Urged Governor Kay Ivey to issue an Executive Order forbidding the mask mandates to continue in all Alabama Public Schools “I would lie to continue to carry the concerns of DeKalb County and Alabama State Citizens forward. I am retired and I have the time to devote as needed to these committees,” stated Stiefel. “I ask for your vote on May 24, 2022. If you have questions, I am available to talk at (256) 638-2004.
By Marla Jones Managing Editor
and seek to destroy their opposition. Why? Because negative ads work. The other political adage that has never changed is that money is the mother’s milk of politics. These three candidates possess or have received plenty of campaign resources, mostly from out of state. Allow me to summarize the top three U.S. Senate candidates, as well as their benefactors, their positions and potential. Mo Brooks is backed by the Club for Growth. This group of very rich folks want less government and free trade with China. They and Mo Brooks are made for each other. They have been tied to the hip during Mo’s entire 11-year career in Congress. They want a senator who will have total disregard for their state or district and have total allegiance to their laissez-faire pro-China trade agenda. That is why Mo has voted
against the needs of his district and Alabama. He has actually voted against agriculture and military defense spending, which are the mainstays of Alabama. Mo has dropped dramatically in the polls since the race began this time last year. He will now probably finish a distant third. When the race first began and it looked like Brooks might be a player, the popular, wise and witty Republican Senator from Louisiana, John Kennedy, quipped, “A senate seat is a terrible thing to waste.” The runoff will probably be a Mike Durant and Katie Britt contest. Mike Durant has been the wild card in this race, who nobody saw coming but he is a perfect prototype for winning an open U.S. Senate Seat, especially in a promilitary state like Alabama. Durant is a war hero, a POW, and started his own military defense
marla@southerntorch.com
DEKALB COUNTY, Ala.-- Ron Saferite has announced his candidacy for District 3 Commissioner of DeKalb County. Saferite has lived in DeKalb County, high atop Lookout Mountain for most of his life. He is a Fort Payne High School graduate, obtained his degree from Northeast Community College, and is a graduate of the Alabama Fire College from Shelton State. Ron is married to Sabrina Parker Saferite. The couple has two children, Keisha Saferite Silver, Dustin Bradley, and his wife Mary Katherine Dunne Bradley. They are also proud grandparents to their grandson, Brantley Silver. Saferite has 37 years of public service experience which began as a volunteer for the Adamsburg Volunteer Fire
Department. He volunteered as a firefighter for Adamsburg for fourteen years. Starting as a dispatcher for the Fort Payne Fire Department, Saferite served in every capacity in his 31-year career. He retired as the Fort Payne Fire Chief. While serving as the Fort Payne Fire Chief, Saferite operated on a multi-million dollar budget and has dealt with the public as a
business owner. In 2019, Saferite received the Top 20 Leadership Award for DeKalb County. Saferite is a patriotic American, not a politician. “As your District 3 Commissioner, I want to go in the direction of making DeKalb County better for today and for future generations “ stated Ron Saferite. “I appreciate your support and vote on May 24.”
business. He has spent some of his own money, but has been extensively backed by a national liberal group called the “More Perfect Union PAC.” The founder and major benefactor, Jake Harriman, is striving to elect more moderates, including Democrats and Republicans. This PAC wants “Republicans in Name Only” (RINOs). Therefore, RINO probably is the more accurate description of Durant. Durant is a phantom candidate, who has run primarily a media campaign revealing he was shot down as a helicopter pilot over 40 years ago. If the term carpetbagger ever applied in modern day Alabama politics, it applies to Durant. He has barely campaigned in Alabama and he probably knows very few Alabamians. He hails from New Hampshire, but prefers his palatial home in Colorado. A vote for Durant is like a pig in a poke,
you do not know what you will be getting. However, you would be getting a person who decided he wanted to be a United States Senator, but does not care what state you put behind his name: New Hampshire, Colorado or Alabama. With Durant running a slick television only campaign and not discussing issues, nobody knows where he stands on important issues. The one group that is extremely skeptical and apprehensive of him are the second amendment gun owning NRA members of our state. Katie Britt is the mainstream conservative, probusiness candidate that understands Alabama and our needs. Most of her campaign contributions have come from Alabamians. In fact, she is the only real Alabamian in the race. See you next week.
Inside The Statehouse
By Steve Flowers The GOP Primary is less than two weeks away on May 24. It has been an interesting and expensive race to fill the seat of our venerable and powerful senior Senator Richard Shelby. There are three major primary contestants. Katie Britt, Mike Durant, and Mo Brooks are the horses or as some might say combatants given the nature of the prevalence of negative advertising. Two of these three gladiators will be the recipient of the most votes on that momentous day and will face off in a runoff set for six weeks later on June 21. The winner of that June 21 runoff will be our next U.S. Senator. Winning the GOP Primary is tantamount to election for a statewide office in the Heart of Dixie, especially for a U.S.
Senate Race. This race will probably wind up being the most expensive race in Alabama political history, especially when you add up the third party expenditures. In modern day national politics, a candidate’s individual war chest is not the telling story. We live in a world of third party political action committees (PACs). These third party PACs, based out of Washington, have spent more on their preferred candidate than has been spent directly by the candidates’ campaigns. These PACs are not supposed to coordinate with their preferred candidate, but they do. They share all information and polling, and script their attack ads based on what they think you want to hear. These innocuous PACs have the meanest hired guns, who relish negative ads
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Music in the Park This Weekend
The Geraldine Town Council met on Monday, May 9. The Council heard from Craig White, candidate for Sheriff of DeKalb County. Minutes from previous meetings were approved. Mayor Ables talked about “Music in the Geraldine Park” which is a free event on Saturday, May 14, at 4:00 PM. Food will be available for purchase and there will be drawings throughout the event
for prizes. It will feature Point of Honor, and also includes Ricky Luster, Sr., and Bro. Billy Bob Bohannon (aka known as Bill King from Rainsville). There will also be a Picnic in the Park on Saturday, June 11 beginning at 3:00 PM, and it is a free event also. The council voted to ask Councilmember Stanley Rooks to secure someone to provide sound equipment for the
Joseph K. McNew, D.V.M • Linda Galbraith, D.V.M. • Jessica Jones, D.V.M.
event. That event will feature Leah Seawright and includes The Bridge Church Praise Band and Backwoods Revival. Food trucks and vendors are welcome. June 18 has been designated Community Yard Sale Day in Geraldine. Kristina Moses was hired to oversee the Farmer’s Market this year which is open on Wednesday and Saturday at the Town Park located at 13099 County Road 52. The Council discussed some possible updates to the Zoning Ordinance, but no action was taken. More information about events can be found at townofgeraldineal. com and on the Town Facebook page.
A
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35 mph speed limit on CR 681. The second resolutions was to decrease the speed to 25 mph on parts of CR 371. Sharp also requested a damage claim , totaling $2,400 be forwarded to the insurance carrier. In other business, the Commission: •Appointed Mark Cotton to the Aroney Volunteer Fire Department Board • Passed the IAC Joint Bid Resoltion which allows DeKalb County to join over 40 counties in a competitive bid
Road
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Cornerstone Christian Academy, a K-12 school system along with the Northeast Alabama Agribusiness Center has experienced
Friday - May 13, 2022 - 7 program • Approved DeKalb County Commission President Ricky Harcrow and DeKalb Admistrator Matt Sharp to offer $155,000 for property in Dawson that will be used for District 2 Road Department Shop • Approved the hire of Rodney Burke to the DeKalb County Road Department • Approved training for the DeKalb Couty School Resource Officers (SRO) Conference in June • Approved a new communications position at the DeKalb County Council of Aging for
25 hours per week at $12 per hour • Moved the voting location to the Church building at Macedonia #2 • Renewed the Inmate Telephone Contract The Commission reported that the annual DeKalb County Spring Cleaning netted 80.15 tons of household garbage. Republic Landfill provided their service free of charge to DeKalb County. There will be another clean up week announced in the fall. The next meeting of the DeKalb County Commission will be held on June 14, 2022.
problems with the traffic flow on a daily basis. Alabama House of Representatives Majority Leader Nathaniel Ledbetter plans to seek additional funding to increase the expansion of a three-lane that will run to Dilbeck Road in
Rainsville. Numerous businesses use the road for commercial traffic and the added turn lane would be a useful addition for traffic flow and safety. Surveys have been made for the addition but a timeframe for when the work will begin is unknown.
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SPORTS
All Roads Lead To State By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com
DEKALB COUNTY, Ala.- Three DeKalb County Varsity Soccer teams will be competing in the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Boys Soccer State Championships at the John Hunt Soccer Complex in Huntsville this week. On Thursday, May 12 beginning at 1 p.m., the Collinsville Panthers (18-7-0) will compete against Mars Hill Bible (16-7-1) n Class 1A/3A action. The winner will compete in the State Final on Friday, May 13 at 7 p.m. The Crossville Lions (15-2-0) will compete against Russellville (17-2-1) in Class 4A/5A action on Thursday, May 12 at 5 p.m. The winner will compete in the State Final on Friday, May 13 beginning at 5 p.m. In Class 6A action, the Fort Payne Wildcats (14-7-2) will compete against Mountain Brook (23-2-2) on Friday, May 13 beginning at 11 a.m. The winner will compete in the State Final on Saturday, May 14 at 10 a.m.
The 98th State Championships got underway at Gulf Shores Sports Complex Friday with a delayed start due to weather conditions. The wait was well worth it. Maddox Hamm set a new AHSAA Outdoor Track State Championships record with a 17-10 clearance to win the 6A competition. He went over 18 feet during the regular season and shattered his own
state record (17-00.25) he established at last year’s state meet by almost afoot. Scottsboro’s Evan Hill crossed the finish line in 9:01.73 to win the 1,600-meter race in Class 6A – breaking the previous state-meet recordset (9:01.75) in 2021 by former Scottsboro standout Cooper Atkins by 2/100ths of a second.
Tickets for the 2022 DeKalb County Sports HOF banquet are on sale. Banquet is June 25, 2022 at 6:00PM at DeKalb Schools Coliseum. Tickets are $30. Contact any HOF Board Member or call C.M. Sanford (256)996-0513
Subject to the Republican Primary, May 24, 2022 • Run off, June 21, 2022 • General Election, November 8, 2022 Pd. Pol Adv. by Don Stout • 903 Driver Road, Fort Payne, AL 35967 • Phone (256) 845-5171 • dstoutfp@bellsouth.net
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VOTE RON
Friday - May 13, 2022 - 9
37 Years in Public Service • 14 years at Adamsburg Fire Department • 31 years at Fort Payne Fire Department • Experience Operating Multi-Million Dollar Budgets • Experience as a buisness owner • Lived in DeKalb Co. most of my life • 2019 Top 20 Leadership Award, DeKalb Co. • Patriotic American, Not a Politician
Special Meet and Greet at the Sylvania Fire Station
Great Food and Fellowship Pd. Pol. Ad by Lester Black, 2559 Rainbow Ave., Rainsville, AL 35986
Pd. Pol. Ad by Ron Saferite, 296 Valhalla Rd. East, Fort Payne AL. 35967
Experience Does Matter! Re-Elect
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