Hometown banking, wherever you are! Fort Payne (256)845-6101 / Rainsville (256)638-2200 Henagar (256)657-2200 / Grant (256)728-8000
fsbal.com
Follow & Subscribe
THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, Mach 24, 2023 / VOL. 9, NO. 12 / $1.00
VH Remains Without a Fire Chief
By Marla Jones Managing Editor
Councilman Chris Busby asked for a special called meeting after the suspension left the Town of Valley Head without a Chief and no successor named. As the crowd began to gather at the meeting, Mayor Key stated that the Fire Marshall would only allow twenty people to be in the council chambers. That number included the four council members in attendance and the Mayor, the Town Clerk Debra Rhodes, and Town Attorney Patrick Tate. Four media representatives from various outlets along with those who were placed on the agenda to speak claimed their chairs, which only left five empty seats.
marla@southerntorch.com
VALLEY HEAD, Ala.--(Full video on Southern Torch) The Town of Valley Head held a Special Called Meeting on Monday, March 20, to discuss the duties of suspended Volunteer Fire Chief, Dustin Burt. Southern Torch reached out to Mayor Mike Key on Wednesday, March 15 for his reasoning for the suspension of Dustin Burt. Mayor Key stated that after a tour of the Fire Hall and a review of the trucks, he elected to suspend Burt from his title as Chief for a period of thirty days. He was not to represent himself as Chief but he could still volunteer as a firefighter.
A large crowd waits outside at the Valley Head Special Called Meeting, due to regulations by Fire Marshall that only twenty people would be allowed inside the Town Hall. Photo courtesy of Michael Chambers
>See Chief, P6
Hammondville FP Nucor to make 6M Mayor to Resign Investment
Mayor Checkler is shown being sworn in as Hammondville Mayor in July 2022. Marla Jones | Southern Torch
By Marla Jones Managing Editor
marla@southerntorch.com
HAMMONDVILLE, ALA.-- Hammondville Mayor Gene Checkler, announced at a council work session held on March 16, that he would resign from his position as Mayor, effective March 31. Checker took office in July 2022. He did not give a reason for his resignation. According to Alabama Code Title 11-44B-8, Whenever any vacancy in the office of mayor shall
occur by reason of death, resignation, removal, or any other cause, the president (or mayor pro-tem) of the Council shall assume the duties of the office of mayor effective on the date such vacancy occurs and shall serve as acting mayor until a new mayor is elected. Mayor Pro-Tem Felicia Harrison will serve as acting Mayor until a new Mayor can be appointed. Council member Anthony (A.C.) Windom
>See Resign, P6
Nucor will make a 6.6 million dollar investment in the City of Fort Payne. Shown are members of Nucor and the Fort Payne Council and Mayor. Marla Jones | Southern Torch
Adam Watkins of Nucor thanked Fort Payne for their commitment to their marla@southerntorch.com company. Mayor Brian Baine FORT PAYNE, spoke of the Council and ALA.-- (Full video on his recent visit to Southern Torch Facebook) Washington, DC. The The Fort Payne City three main topics Council held its regularly discussed with officials scheduled meeting on were the overpass, Joe’s Tuesday, March 21. Truck Stop, and Gault The Council granted non-educational sales and Avenue Downtown. The Mayor along with the property tax abatements Council requested to Nucor on an investment of $6,641,000. funding for a feasibility study for these projects. (Resolution 2023-05) By Marla Jones Managing Editor
Your Weekend Torchcast 76 / 47
>See Nucor, P6
SYLVANIA PHARMACY
Fri. Mar 24 Sat. Mar 25 Sun. Mar 26
78 / 61
At the time of the meeting, all requests had been submitted to Senator Katie Britt, Senator Tommy Tuberville, and to U.S. Representative Robert Aderholt. Mayor Baine updated the Council on projects within the City. Specifications will be reviewed for the Fort Payne Police Department and then will be submitted
74 / 56
Tune in for great music and daily talk shows!
Rodney Williams RPH
(256)638-6070
YOUR FRIEND, YOUR DRUGSTORE!
Visit our website at www.southerntorch.com for daily news updates and pick up your weekly print edition at news stands every Friday.