Inside The Statehouse

By Steve Flowers

The new state fiscal year begins October 1, and the two state budgets are flush. Both the General Fund and the State Special Education Budgets will be the largest in state history. The General Fund Budget is a record breaking $2.7 billion. It increases the revenue to mental health and prisons. Medicaid continues to be a money eating monster. State employees are getting a 4% cost of living raise. This is the third time in recent history that state workers have gotten a back-toback pay raise. In addition, retired state employees will get a bonus.

State Senator Greg Albritton (R-Escambia) and Representative Steve Clouse (R-Ozark) the budget chairmen deserve accolades. Veteran Alabama State Employees Association executive director, Mac McArthur deserves a lot of credit for state employees getting a 4% pay increase this year and 2% last year. Ole Mac has put together four raises in five years for his folks.

Alabama Education Association (“AEA”) head, Amy Marlowe, and her chief lobbyist ally, Ashley McLain, deserve kudos for garnering a 4% teacher pay raise. Once again, the AEA has become a power to be reckoned with on Goat Hill.

The legislature passed a record breaking $8.17 billion Education Budget. The historic spending plan increases education funding by about $502 million over the current year. It drew praise from all corners of education for its increases, which includes teachers’ salaries and workforce development. There will be more money for classroom materials, the hiring of technology coordinators and reading coaches and $20 million to implement the K-5 math instruction bill.

The budget includes a 4% raise for teachers and lump-sum bonuses for retirees. There is also about a $33 million bonus to increase teacher longevity. Other states have been giving similar salary adjustments. One of the budget allotments that has gotten the most accolades is the increase from $700 to $900 per classroom in supply money.

The story that has been building the past several years is the resurgence of the AEA as a power player on

Goat Hill. The fruits of their labor emerged immensely during the regular session. It is apparent that AEA was instrumental in crafting the Education Budget with the 4% pay increase for teachers and the money that is going into the classroom. You would have thought that Dr. Paul Hubbert was still sitting in the gallery directing legislators votes with a thumbs up or a thumbs down.

They have built AEA into a power to be reckoned with at the Statehouse. The new leadership of Marlowe/McLain have reorganized by acknowledging that Alabama. and especially the Alabama Legislature. is very Republican. They understand the rule that “money is the mother’s milk of politics,” and “you win more bees with honey.”

The AEA has generously donated to House Republicans like nobody’s business and no other Special Interest entity. It is no longer taboo or heresy for a Republican legislator or State Senator to accept teacher union money.

They have made $10,000 to $15,000 contributions to House members on both sides of the aisle. In reviewing campaign disclosure statements, AEA is the only entity writing checks that large. Checks to senator’s coffers are $25,000 or more.

AEA lobbyists, especially Ashley McLain, have earned the friendship and respect of the Republican House members and Senators. She and her team have gone out to their districts all over the state and gotten to know them and their families. They have connected the legislator with key educators in their hometowns who are respected centers of influence and can orchestrate a field or army of teachers to work the districts for their legislative friends. This footwork and shoe leather coupled with large campaign checks hits home with legislators of both parties.

The telling blow that resonated and echoed off the walls of the Statehouse was the defeat of the so-called School Choice Bill. Senator Del Marsh made it his final mission to place state education dollars into private, parochial and charter schools. His school choice was given a stinging defeat by none other than the AEA. Folks, make no doubt about it, the AEA is back in Alabama politics. See you next week.

FROM PAGE 1 until close (Tickets only)

• Entertainment: The Pickin’ Post presents Crossroads at 6 p.m.

• Horse and Mule Show at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 1

• Gates open at 10 a.m.

• Children and teachers will be admitted free with tickets

• 4-H Chick Chain from 11 a.m. and auction at 3 p.m.

• Circus

Incredible at 1 p.m.

• Entertainment:

32nd Annual DeKalb County VFW Agricultural Fair Gospel Singing featuring Brian Free & Assurance and

The Sharps at 5:30 p.m • Open Beef Show at 6:30 p.m. The fair is at the DeKalb County VFW Fairgrounds, located at 151 18th Street NE in Fort Payne. For more information, visit dekalbcountyvfwfair.com.

Book

FROM PAGE 1 eight months to illustrate the book so as not to run into my school time” stated Clontz.

Clontz excels in school, serving as a Student IT Technician for the DeKalb County School system. He stated that he would like to continue his work with the school system after graduation.

“I certainly thought about pursuing an art degree but art is a very difficult thing to get into” expressed Clontz. “If you like art enough, a safe way to do it is to have a stable income and do art on the side”.

Christian illustrated a book before The Brave Little Chipmunk that will be released later this year. The Brave Little Chipmunk by Deanna Skinner was released earlier this month through Barnes & Noble.

You can purchase your copy for $9.95 at www. barnesandnoble.com

Free Carpentry Class

Montgomery— The Alabama Home Builders Foundation has partnered with Northeast Alabama Community College to offer a free eight-week basic residential carpentry course to adults in the Rainsville area. The course will take place on Thursday evenings, 5:00-8:00 p.m., from October 20 through December 15, 2022 at the Northeast Alabama Community College Campus Industry Training Center Building (138 AL Hwy. 35, Rainsville). Through classroom instruction and hands-on application, the class will cover the basics of residential carpentry such as safety instruction, construction layout and reading blueprints, framing, window and door installation, and siding and exterior trim. All who successfully complete the course will receive NCCER credits and a certificate of completion from the Home Builders Association of Alabama.

“With the housing market on the upswing and the construction workforce aging, there’s an everincreasing need for qualified, skilled tradespeople entering the home building industry,” said Foundation President David Lisenby. “The

Alabama Home Builders Foundation is excited to partner with trade schools around the state to help fill that gap through education initiatives such as our carpentry program. The students who complete the program earn a certificate and gain valuable skills that will prepare them for entering the building workforce, and our industry gains more skilled carpenters, a trade which is always in demand.”

For details about the program and to register, contact Kory Boling, Foundation Executive Director, at 1-800-745-4222 or email koryboling@ hbaa.org.

Collinsville Drugs

State Farm

The DeKalb Co Fair

Every Friday and Saturday in October, Trail of Horror - Hollywood Fire Department hosts the Trail of Terror. Every Friday and Saturday in October. Begins at sundown. Located at Hollywood Park, 6759 Co Rd 33, Hollywood AL. Admission $10.

October 1, 50th class reunion - The Geraldine High School Class of 1972 will have their 50th class reunion, Saturday, October 1st, at Top of the River in Guntersville, at 7 pm.

October 3,

Domestic Violence

Crisis Services

Annual Candlelight Vigils - Fort Payne DVCS will hold their annual Candlelight Vigil startig at 5:00PM at the DeKalb County Courthouse. Carla Wood will give a brief introduction of who we are and what services we offer and honor those who aren’t with us today. There will be a reading of a poem and realeasing of balloons.

October 8,

Canyon Half Marathon - Fort Payne, AL -

Jacksonville State University and the Little River Canyon Center is pleased to announce the 9th annual half marathon set to be held on Saturday, October 8th, 2022. Possibly one of the most scenic half marathons in the country, the certified course loops 13.1 miles on paved roads, starting and ending at the Little River Canyon Center.

Starting at 8:00 am, the first 5 miles of the run will follow the Little River Canyon National Preserve’s scenic and sometimes challenging rim of

JACKSON BLAZE • 98-3 WILD COUNTRY • 101-7 THE TORCH the canyon, as the remainder winds through gently rolling farm country including Randy Owen Drive and his famous Tennessee River Music Hereford and Angus cattle ranch. Randy and Kelly Owen are often on hand at the 6 and 8 mile water station pitching Fig Newtons, energy GU and drinks.

October 27, Domestic Violence Crisis Services

Annual Candlelight Vigils - Albertville DVCS will hold their annual Candlelight Vigil startig at 5:00PM at the

DeKalb County Courthouse. Carla Wood will give a brief introduction of who we are and what services we offer and honor those who aren’t with us today. There will be a reading of a poem and realeasing of balloons.

November 5, Canyon FestCanyon Fest is an annual celebration of art and nature featuring local art, crafts, live animal shows, music, food and fun for the entire family. Free and open to everyone. Pets welcome on leashes.

DeKalb Animal Hospital

Legals

IN THE CIRCUIT

COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NO.: CV-22900112

HIDDEN LAKE AT LOOKOUT

MOUNTAIN HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., PLAINTIFF, VS. LOOKOUT

MOUNTAIN RANCHCCC, LLC, DEFENDANT.

NOTICE OF FILING OF COMPLAINT TO LOOKOUT

MOUNTAIN RANCH – CCC, LLC, TINA MCDONALD, THE REGISTERED AGENT FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS FOR LOOKOUT

MOUNTAIN RANCH – CCC, LLC, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES

Lookout Mountain Ranch – CCC, LLC and Tina McDonald, the registered agent for service of process for

Lookout Mountain Ranch – CCC, LLC, take notice that on June 23, 2022 a Complaint was filed in the above-styled case concerning past due HOA dues, late fees, reasonable attorney’s fee and Court costs. The Complaint alleges claims against Lookout Mountain Ranch – CCC, LLC including but not limited to: breach of the terms and conditions of the Declaration of Protective and Restrictive Covenants and Bylaws of the Hidden Lake at Lookout Mountain Subdivision, failure to pay HOA dues, late fees, and attorney fees, and demands monetary judgment upon the same. You are hereby notified to file a responsive pleading within thirty (30) days after the last publication of the Notice or on or about November 11, 2022. Said Notice being published on September 16, 2022; September 23, 2022; September 30, 2022 and October 7, 2022 in the Southern Torch, and on September 21, 2022; September 28, 2022; October 5, 2022 and October 12, 2022 in the Cherokee County Herald.

CIRCUIT CLERK OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

Said notice to be published

September 16, 23, 30, & October 7

Legals

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: CAMILA CORONEL

CASE NO. 2022-346

NOTICE OF PROCEEDINGS NOTICE TO: FERNANDO GONZALEZ CASTILLO, FATHER

RE: Petition for Name Change Order for Camila Gonzalez

Please take notice that a Petition for minor child name change has been filed in said Court by Edith Margarita Coronel. Please be advised that if you intend to contest said Petition for Name Change you must file a written response with the attorney named below and with the Clerk of the Probate Court, 300 Grand Avenue SW, Suite 100, Fort Payne, AL 35967 as soon as possible but no later than 30 days from the last date of this publication.

Said notice to be published September 23, 30, & October 7

Legals

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: MARLON IAN GONZALEZ

CASE NO. 2022-345

NOTICE OF PROCEEDINGS

NOTICE TO: FERNANDO

GONZALEZ, FATHER

RE: Petition for Name Change Order for Marlon lan Gonzalez

Please take notice that a Petition for minor child name change has been filed in said Court by Edith Margarita Coronel. Please be advised that if you intend to contest said Petition for Name Change you must file a written response with the attomey named below and with the Clerk of the Probate Court, 300 Grand Avenue SW, Suite 100, Fort Payne, AL 35967 as soon as possible but no later than 30 days from the last date of this publication.

Said notice to be published

September 23, 30, & October 7

Legals

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

EXECUTRIX’S

NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES RONALD JONES, DECEASED

CASE NO. 2022-342

Letters of Testamentary on the Estate of JAMES RONALD JONES, Deceased, having been granted to the undersigned on the 19 day of Sept, 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

September 23, 30, & October 7

Legals

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

EXECUTOR’S NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MILES L. BEATY, DECEASED

CASE NO.: 2022-347

Letters of Testamentary on the Estate of MILES L. BEATY, Deceased, having been granted to the undersigned on the 21 day of September, 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 September 30, October 7, & 14

Legals

V.

RODRIGUEZMENDIOLA 28-CS-2022900051.00

The following matter was FILED on 5/31/2022 11:24:28 AM

In the Juvenile Court of DeKalb County, Alabama Galvan-Mendoza Celeste, Plantiff v. Rodriguez-Mendiola Roberto, Defendant Order

Upon Varified motion of the petitioner in the above style cause, the court agrees that service by publication of the Petition for custody upon the Respondent, Roberto Rodriguez-Mendiola, whose whereabouts are unknown, is proper in this case and directs the Court Clerk to prepare a Notice and have it published in Southern Torch, a newspaper of general circulation in DeKalb County, Alabama, once a week for the next four (4) weeks. Said notice to be published September 30, October 7, 14, & 21

Great Grandchildren: Jones Chapman and Wyn Chapman friends beginning at 1:00 p.m. until time of service.

Gary Lebron Jackson - 84, of Fort Payne, passed away Saturday, September 24, 2022 at his home. Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Fischer Cemetery with Rev. John Mathieu officiating. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 4 until 7 p.m.

Cornerstone

Ronald Wayne Evans - 62 of Section died Tuesday, September 20 at Highlands Medical Center. Graveside services are Saturday at 5 PM CT at Pisgah Cemetery with Bro. Jody Bell officiating.

John Lee Shuster Sr. - 84 of Flat Rock died Wednesday, September 21 at his residence. Funeral services are Monday at 11 AM CT at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Bro. Roger Little officiating. Burial will follow.

Cleva Dell Stephens Blevins - 93 of Ider died Wednesday, September 21 at Cumberland Health Care. Funeral services are Saturday at 2 PM. Family will receive friends Friday from 6

Elbert Lee Wooten - 65, of Higdon, AL, passed away September 23, 2022.

Services for Mr. Wooten will be held on Monday, September 26th at 4pm.

Tommye Sue Eakins - 60 of Pisgah died Saturday, September 24. Funeral services are Tuesday at 1 PM CT at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel.

Jayda Selest Evans Barron - 39 of Bryant died Saturday, September 24 at her residence. Funeral services are Tuesday at 5 PM ET.

David Keith Schultz - 60 of Pisgah passed away on September 26. It was David’s wish to be cremated and the family will have a visitation on Friday from 3 to 5 PM CT.

Crossville

Linda Gail Rucks78 of Crossville passed away Tuesday, September 20, 2022 at Crossville Health and Rehab. Her funeral service will be at 2

Peggy Carroll Tuell - 80 of Rosalie passed away on Sunday, September 25, 2022. Funeral service is Friday, September 30, 2022, at 2pm in Kerby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Earnest Corbitt officiating.

William K. Love54 of Henagar, passed away on Monday, September 26, 2022, in Henagar.

Rainsville

Tommie Faye

Robertson Elliott - 84 of Rainsville, AL passed away on Thursday, September 22, 2022 at her residence. Funeral service will be held on Sunday, September 25, 2022 at 3PM at Broadway Faith Chapel with Dr. Kevin McCreless officiating. Burial will follow in Broadway Cemetery with Rainsville Funeral Home, Inc., www. rainsvillefuneralhome. com. Visitation will be at Broadway Faith Chapel on Sunday, September 25th from 12PM-3PM

Survivors Daughter: Marcheta Chapman and Husband Greg Grandchildren: Jake Chapman and wife Kelley Josh Chapman

Preceded in Death

Husband: Wendell

L. Elliott

Parents: Luther & Mae Robertson

Brothers: Eldred

Robertson and LZ

Robertson

Sisters: Lillian

Lindsay and Jo Dean

Townsend

Dorothy Pearcy Badgett - 74 of Rainsville, AL passed away on Wednesday, September 21, 2022. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at 2PM.

Bobby Chester75 of Rainsville, AL passed away on Monday, September 26, 2022 at his residence. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 29, 2022 at 11AM.

Scottsboro

Marlon Hancock - 86, of Scottsboro, lost his battle with cancer, on Thursday, September 22, 2022. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. at Scottsboro Funeral Home with Dr. Robert Gamble and Rev. Donald Jacobs officiating. Burial will follow at Pinehaven Memorial Gardens. The family will receive

Marlon is survived by his wife, Carolyn Hancock; daughter, Beth Hancock

Sosebee (Lyle); son, Darrell Hancock (Cathy); grandchildren, Amber, Todd, Jordan, and Isabella; greatgranchildren, Hunter, Brantley, and Gabriel; sisters, Alinda Arnold and Sue Pickett; and brother, Larry Don Hancock.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Calvary Baptist Church Building Fund.

Donald Gilliam73, of Scottsboro, passed away on Monday, September 19, 2022. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, September 22, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Price Cemetery.

John David

Harrison - 75 of Scottsboro, Alabama passed away Monday, September 26, 2022 at his home. Mr. Harrison was retired from the Scottsboro Power Board. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

W.T. Wilson

Bea Fike Sims - 76 of Cedar Bluff passed away Wednesday, Sept 21, 2022. Funeral is Sept 24 at 3pm. Earl Lee Clark - 81 of Rising Fawn,

Georgia passed away Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Funeral is Sept. 25 at 2pm.

Rachel Maness84 of Fyffe, passed away September 23, 2022. At her request a private graveside service was held September 24, 2022.

James Leon Leath, Jr. - 49 of Albertville, passed away Friday, September 23, 2022. Services will be held at 12pm on Saturday, October 1, 2022.

Dorothy Louise Lewis - 84 of Fort Payne passed away on September 23, 2022, at her residence. Funeral services are set for 3:00pm Tuesday.

Sammy Dale Gilliland - 64, of Rainsville passed away on Friday, Sept. 23, 2022. Graveside services will be held at 4pm Sunday, September 25, 2022.

Anneva Hard - 74, of Albertville passed away on Friday, September 23, 2022. Funeral services are set for 1pm Tuesday, Sept 27, 2022.

Nellie Bea Pullen - 87 of Pisgah passed away Friday, Sept. 23, 2022. Funeral is Sept 25 at 11am.

Ruben Palacios67 of Fort Payne and formerly of El Salvador, passed away Saturday, September 24, 2022. Services will be held at 6pm on Wednesday, September 28.