ST Vol 9 No 16

Sales

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Fort Payne, Ala.-- (Full Video on Southern Torch Facebook) The Fort Payne City Council held its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, April 18.

At the meeting, the Fort Payne City Council approved a special event license to sell alcoholic beverages to B&B Management for the June Jam, which will be June 3, at the VFW Fairgrounds.

According to Mayor Brian Baine, B & B Management has handled alcohol sales at many events including Pepsi’s Rock the South festival in Cullman.

Councilman John Smith had concerns about

Rainsville Purchases Paving Machine

alcohol sales.

“The paramedic in me thinks 95 degrees, 98% humidity, and cold Coors is not a good combination,” Smith said. “The Alabama Band wants us to approve this?” Smith was informed that the group asked the Council to approve the license.

According to City Clerk Andy Parker, the special event license is $200 with a $335 application fee. The City of Fort Payne will receive 15% of any liquor sales. He also stated that B & B Management has the training to handle crowds expected in the thousands.

“This is the advantage of using a company like them that holds about 150

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, ALA.-- (Full video on Southern Torch Facebook) The Rainsville City Council held its regularly scheduled Council Meeting on Monday, April 1.

The Rainsville City Council purchased a new paving machine that has an asphalt packer that will

replace tar and gravel. The machine was brought to the Council meeting.

“We don’t have to rely on nobody else no more. If we have potholes of our own, we can take care of them ourselves” stated Council Member Rickey Byrum.

“We don’t have to wait on the County, we can do them ourselves. We don’t have to depend on

nobody” concluded Bryum.

The Council announced the first annual Rainsville Chamber of Commerce Jail and Bai event will be on May 2. “Inmates” will each have a $100 bond. Half of the bond can be paid by inmates and the other half must be paid by phone calls for support, with all

Department in the amount of $85,000.

According to Michael Posey of the DeKalb EMA, the land is suitable for the construction of a storm shelter and will meet all qualifications to use funds from the ARPA grant for this purchase.

DeKalb County Engineer, Ben Luther awarded the CR-78 Guardrail Bid Award to Alabama Guard Rail in the amount of

$97,940. This is for the installation of new guard rails on County Road 78, which will aid in traffic going down the Fort Payne Gap. Luther also requested that the commission pass a resolution to vacate the remaining section of CR-196 in the Dawson area, from CR-843 to the point of the previous

Hometown banking, wherever you are!

Fort Payne (256)845-6101 / Rainsville (256)638-2200

Henagar (256)657-2200 / Grant (256)728-8000

fsbal.com

New Sheriff in Town

Woman arrested for Solicitation of Children

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

SCOTTSBORO, Ala.--

A Jackson County woman is facing multiple charges after the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office says she sent “inappropriate messages, images, and videos” to children.

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

SCOTTSBORO, ALA.-- On Thursday, April 13, Rocky Harnen received a call from Governor Kay Ivey’s Office informing him that he had been appointed as the new Sheriff of Jackson County, replacing the now-retired Sheriff Chuck Phillips. Harnen was officially sworn into office by the Honorable District Judge Don Word, with his wife Trish Harnen by his side, on Friday.

Harnen served as Chief Deputy before his promotion.

“First, let me take this opportunity to thank Governor Ivey for having the

confidence in me to appoint me to this position. I understand how important this new role will be and am truly humbled and excited to step into the position as your Jackson County Sheriff. I can assure the citizens of Jackson County that I will continue to uphold the high standards that this Office requires. Know that I will work tirelessly to protect the citizens of Jackson County and will continue to uphold the Constitution of the State of Alabama and the United States” stated Sheriff Harnen.

“Second, I want to thank Sheriff Phillips for his leadership and guidance over the past 12 years as I have served under him as

his Chief Deputy. He has taught me so much about the Sheriff’s Office and I look forward to this new challenge” continued Harnen.

“Lastly, but most importantly, I want to thank all of the employees of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the County Jail. Although they are often understaffed and overworked, they continue to diligently and selflessly protect and serve the Citizens of this County. These employees are a vital and integral part of this office and I will ask them for their continued dedication as we move forward” concluded Sheriff Harnen.

Kasie Renea Stone, 40, of Scottsboro was arrested Friday, April 14, and charged with two counts of electronic solicitation of a child less than 16, transmitting obscene matter to a child by computer, and possession of obscene matter.

Her bond was set

at $250,000.

Investigations of Stone began in March. Search warrants were obtained for social media accounts and interviews were conducted with victims.

There may be additional victims in Marshall and surrounding counties. Contact the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office or local law enforcement agency to file a report.

Take Back Day

SCOTTSBORO, ALA.-- DEA’s next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is this Saturday, April 22. Drop-off sites are open from 10:00 a.m.2:00 p.m. at the

basement side of the courthouse.

Take Back Day is your chance to rid your medicine cabinet of unneeded and unwanted medication. Last Take Back Day, you helped us collect more than

647,000 pounds of unneeded medications. Help us beat our October 2022 collection total! Collecting: tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs.

Bus Tours Departing Scottsboro

join our tours,” said Himburg. Hodophiles (travel enthusiasts) may visit backroadtoursllc.com to see upcoming scheduled outings. The website also shows reviews from previous travelers, frequently asked questions, and is user-friendly.

By Marla Ballard Reporter

SCOTTSBORO

- Since 2016 Backroad

Tours, LLC located in Scottsboro has successfully completed more than 100 trips and served nearly 4,000 travelers. The business offers bus tours which include both day and overnight excursions. “We offer something for everyone, from historical tours to casual experiences,” said Owner, Angie Himburg. “We are not a private group, our tours are open to all travel enthusiasts, and

we appreciate our repeat customers very much.”

Himburg charters a bus to accommodate anywhere from 25 to 50 travelers. Some of the past excursions have included visiting historical homes, plays, plantations, filming locations, waterfalls, festivals, castles, Amish Country, Biltmore Estate, Graceland, wineries, and dinner cruises.

Himburg said all of the trips are different, lasting anywhere from one to five days in length. “I’ve had people as old as 18 and as young as 90

Currently, the next two expeditions are booked, however, on June 9, a modern charter bus with AC, WiFi, and a bathroom onboard will arrive at the Cattleman’s Stampede in Scottsboro at 8:00 a.m. to take booked guests on a tour. Ticket holders will visit a 1927 Prairie type 2-6-2 Baldwin (98 ton) Steam Locomotive and train cars on a track, which include a passenger car and caboose from yesteryear. The train museum and depot are set up to look like they would have when they were in operation.

Lunch will be served in a building built in 1860 and is on the National Historic Register. The building still has the original pharmacy made from oak and the original 1950s soda fountain. The last stop is a guided tour on the whiskey trail at the Big Machine Distillery, a 20,000-square-foot distillery with a tasting room on 28 acres of farmland.

Other upcoming tours include Beechcraft Museum, Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta; World of Coca-Cola Museum; Jurassic World The Exhibition; Autumn Covered Bridge Tour; Wine Tasting Tour,

Graceland, Biltmore Estate; Helen, Georgia; and more.

Arrangements are made for leaving automobiles at pickup locations. Pick-up locations vary from trip to trip and many of the excursions have additional pickup locations along the route. When using the website in this article users will notice that

trips have a registration link posted with the itinerary. After registering, a “Thank You” message will appear on the screen to let users know it went through. Persons who register will be contacted by email within 24 hours or the next business day.

Additional information is on Facebook under Backroad Tours, LLC.

The Jackson County Master Gardeners (MG) will host their Spring Plant Sale on Saturday, April 29, 2023, from 9 AM -2 PM at the Jackson County Senior Center, 146 Rita Williams Drive. Come and see the variety of plants from MG home gardens. Funds raised support the Scholarship Fund for High School graduating students seeking education in one of many horticulture careers.

Scottsboro

April is Child Abuse Awareness

Drive Electric Alabama Event Planned

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Have you ever wondered how often electric vehicle owners charge their vehicles? Or where do they plug in? Or how much money do they save on gas?

Submitted by:

Elizabeth Wheatley, Executive Director DeKalb County

Children’s Advocacy Center

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala.-- Child abuse is not a pleasant thing to think about or discuss. Children suffering physically and emotionally at the hands of an abuser cause emotions of our own to rise to the point of anger and disgust.

It is hard to imagine that a county filled with children who win awards in education and state championships in athletics is a county also filled with children who have lost their innocence because of abuse.

In 2022, DeKalb County Children’s Advocacy Center conducted 165 forensic interviews of children regarding reports of

child abuse or physical abuse. While the number of interviews is astounding, DeKalb County is fortunate to have a team of professionals who come together to work these difficult cases.

DeKalb County team members include the District Attorney’s office, Department of Human Resources, Sheriff’s Office Investigators, Fort Payne City Police Investigators, Juvenile Probation, medical personnel, and the Children’s Advocacy Center. Each of them have specific roles from investigation, disposition, prosecution, child safety, and therapy.

If you see a member of the team that works child abuse cases, thank them for

Collinsville Drugs

“Caring

Drive Electric Alabama, a statewide EV education and awareness campaign administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), is hosting showcase events throughout the state this month where anyone interested can have their questions about EVs answered and take a look at a range of different makes and models of EVs.

“These EV showcases provide a great opportunity for Alabamians interested in EVs to kick the tires, see firsthand the technology featured in these vehicles, and ask EV owners about their experiences with this new generation of vehicles,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “It’s amazing how far automobiles have come in my lifetime, and it’s significant that, as one of the nation’s top auto manufacturers, many of these advancements are being made right here in Alabama. Most folks on the road have probably noticed that EVs are quickly emerging as a major player in the auto industry, and these events allow Alabamians to learn

more about EVs.”

Each of the EVents will feature real-life EV owners showcasing their cars and engaging in 1-on-1 conversations with anyone who wants to know more.

Here’s a look at the EVents sponsored by local Drive Electric Alabama chapters on April 22.

North Alabama Drive Electric Alabama Earth Day EVent

When: Saturday, April 22, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: Little River Canyon Center, 4322 Little River Canyon Rim Parkway, Fort Payne.

“Electric vehicles are in the news all the time, and it can sometimes be confusing to separate myth from reality,” said Michael Staley, President of the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition. “That’s why most Alabamians trust EV owners for honest and candid information. These are people who are using EVs to commute to work every day, get their kids to practice,

and maybe even take it on a family vacation.

“That’s precisely why these EVents are so powerful. It gives people the chance to learn more in a low-pressure environment.”

Virtually every major automobile manufacturer has committed to building EVs, including Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai, right here in Alabama.

ADECA has awarded grants totaling $4.1 million in 2021 and another $2.45 million in 2022 to build EV charging stations throughout the state. Applications for this year’s program just opened, with a May 22 application deadline.

On the federal level, applications can now be submitted for a new grant program, which funds EV charging and alternative-fueling infrastructure. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s new Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant

Program will provide $2.5 billion over five years, with this round of funding accounting for $700 million for projects that will be “publicly accessible.”

Applications are due by May 30, 2023.

“Anyone who is considering an EV for their next car purchase, or just wants to learn more about EVs in general, should attend one of the EVents this month,” Staley said.

EVents in Alabama are part of the national Drive Electric Earth Day program, which is designed to share information about electric vehicles to alert potential EV owners about the vehicle’s cost, range, performance, and other factors unique to EVs.

About Drive Electric Alabama Drive Electric Alabama is an initiative of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA). This effort exists with a mission to raise awareness and advocate for the eventual adoption, of electric vehicles in Alabama by engaging and educating Alabama residents about the benefits of electric vehicles in their everyday lives, their futures, and the energy and economic impact for our state. Learn more at driveelectricalabama. com.

April 22, Alabama Federation of Garden Clubs - NE Alabama

Federation of Garden Clubs is having its yearly Spring plant sale on Saturday, April 22 from 9am-12pm at the community center in Henegar City Park, Located on Hwy 75, just South of its junction with Hwy 40.

April 27, Roald

Dahl’s Matilda

The Musical at Northeast Alabama Community College - Packed with high-energy dance numbers, catchy songs and an unforgettable star turn for a young actress, Matilda is

a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.. Visit nacc.edu for tickets!

April 27 -

Family Services of North Alabama - Strengthening Families and Communities Training - FREE. 8a-2p Training is for anyone who works with parents, children or families in a professional or volunteer role. This program will help you identify characteristics that make families stronger and child abuse and neglect

less likely. 5.75 CEUS sherrie@ familyservicesna.org

April 29, Boys in the Band Sowing Seeds of Hope - The SAM Foundation Saturday, April 29th Sweet Seasons Farm Featuring: Boys in the Band, Dad Company and, the Locals! Doors open at 5:00 pm. There will be food trucks (Taco and BBQ), a wine and whiskey wall, 3 luxury raffle items ( 2 beach house vacations and concert tickets), vendors and of course live music from our headlining bands! Don’t miss out -- secure your tickets NOW for an unforgettable night

of fun, friends and music under the stars!

May 4, Jackson County Master Gardeners Association - The Jackson County Master Gardeners Association will host its monthly meeting on Thursday May 4, 2023 at the Jackson County Senior Center on Rita Williams Drive with social time beginning at 10:00 am. Our Program begins at 10:30 am with guest speaker, Keeley Sykes from the North Alabama Zoological Society who will discuss the Society and their

plans for a zoo. If you want more information, the web site is NALZ.org The monthly business meeting will follow the Program. Invite a friend, bring a finger food for our social time, and a gardening item for the door prize drawing.

May 5, 31st

Annual Wildflower SaturdayWildflower Saturday is an annual event held in DeSoto State Park atop Lookout Mountain in Fort Payne, Alabama, always the first Saturday of May. Join DeSoto State Park staff & guest

speakers for a wonderful weekend of learning about the many species of blooming plants found on Lookout Mountain.

June 24, ‘Creek Kids’ Watershed Workshop - Learning about our water….not just for kids! Hosted by DeSoto State Park Experience a view of Little River’s watershed and how it connects to the rest of Alabama and our oceans. Many species of fish and aquatic invertebrates, including some types of crayfish, mussels, and snails, live only in Alabama. Participants of all ages 10:00-3:00 p.m. free to participate!

EV showcase events allow anyone to talk 1-on-1 with electric vehicle owners and check out a variety of EVs on display. (Photo courtesy of Drive Electric Alabama)

vacation, which was approved by the Commission.

Tom Broyles, Superintendent of the DeKalb County Road Department updated the Commission on the recent sales of the

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NO.: CS-23900045

ELENA FRANCISCA

DeKalb County vehicles. Thirteen trucks were carried to auction and after fees, DeKalb County made 1.2 million on sales. Nine trucks are being prepared to carry to the June auction.

“In the twenty-two years that we have been in the program, we

have yet paid for a truck” stated DeKalb County Commission President, Ricky Harcrow.

The Commission also accepted the herbicide bid, for roadside treatments, to IVM Solutions for $129,000. This will allow spring and autumn treatments.

The Commission

accepted a bid of $25,318.50 for (20) headsets for the Sheriff’s Special Response Team.

The Commission approved the hire of Michael Little as part-time courthouse security, and Heaven Traylor as a part-time dispatcher for the DCSO.

Restless Heart), Exile, Mark Wills, Home Free, The Malpass Brothers, and Dee Jay Silver are set to perform. There will also be additional special guest performers that will be announced at a later date.

Southern Torch 2 beginning at 11 a.m. Ticket information is available at the Alabama Fan Club.

In other business

the Council:

• Passed Ordinance 2023-06 establishing a 3-way stop at the intersection of Grand Avenue and 3rd Street Northwest

A new contract to Kellwell Food Management was awarded for inmate feeding.

ORDONEZ

DOMINGO, Plaintiff, vs.

MODESTO GODINEZ PEREZ, Defendant.

NOTICE OF CUSTODY PROCEEDINGS

NOTICE TO:

MODESTO GODINEZ PEREZ

MODESTO GODINEZ

PEREZ, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer the Petition for Custody and other relief filed by Plaintiff/Mother, Elena Francisca Ordonez Domingo, by the 5th day of June 2023, or, thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against him in Case No.: CS-23-900045, in the District Court of DeKalb County, Alabama.

Said notice to be published April 14, 21, 28, & May 5.

By Steve Flowers

As the first Regular Session of the Quadrennium evolves there are a myriad of complex issues arising. I am reminded of three simple truisms regarding the Alabama legislature and the governing of the State of Alabama.

First of all, if anything significant or controversial or any major initiative is to be addressed, then it is dealt with in the first year of the four-year quadrennium. Thus, giving legislators three years before their constituents vote on them again. The political pragmatism and expectation is that voters will forget.

Secondly, there may seem to be an urge to deal with all the hundreds of bills that have been thrown into the hopper and

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NO.: CS-23900046

EMILY VELASQUEZ RAMOS, Plaintiff, vs.

UNKNOWN UNKOWN, Defendant.

NOTICE OF CUSTODY PROCEEDINGS

NOTICE TO:

UNKNOWN UNKNOWN

UNKNOWN

UNKNOWN, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer the Petition for Custody and other relief filed by Plaintiff/Mother, Emily Velasquez Ramos, by the 5th day of June 2023, or, thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against him in Case No.: CS 2023-900046, in the District Court of DeKalb County, Alabama.

Alabama.

Said notice to be published April 14, 21, 28, & May 5.

VIN

3AKJHHDR9KSKE9413

Make/Model

Freightliner/ CASCADIA 126

Year - 2019

Color - White

LEGALS LEGALS AUCTION AUCTION

Location of Sale 1207 GAULT AVE S FORT PAYNE, AL 35967 County DeKalb

Date and Time of Sale 4/13/2023 8:00 am

VIN

1FMCU9GX8GUB75894

Make/Model

Ford/ESCAPE

Year - 2016

Color - Black

Location of Sale 1207 Gault Ave S Fort Payne, AL 35967 County DeKalb

Date and Time of Sale 4/13/2023 8:00 am

The next DeKalb County Commission meeting will be held on May 9, at 1o a.m., on the second floor of the DeKalb County Activities Building.

Sales

FROM PAGE 1

licenses to sell alcohol across the state” ensuring they will have proper insurance and know how to handle crowds” stated Parker.

The motion for alcohol sales passed unanimously. Council President Walter Watson was absent from the meeting.

The musical acts that will be joining Alabama for the June Jam were announced last week. There will be a special appearance by Randy Travis.

Musicians Jamey Johnson, Jake Owen, Neal McCoy, Dailey & Vincent, The Oak Ridge Boys, The Frontmen (Richie McDonald, formerly of Lonestar, Tim Rushlow, formerly of Little Texas, and Larry Stewart of

Mayor Brian Baine announced that there will be a Celebration of Life for group member Jeff Cook, who passed away last November, prior to the musical acts, beginning at noon..

Tickets for the June Jam are on sale now on ticketmaster. com and at the Alabama Fan Club. Events that are scheduled for Alabama’s Fan Appreciation Week are as follows: Teddy Gentry’s Singing with the Stars Talent Contest, on June 1 at the Fort Payne City Hall Auditorium, beginning at 6 p.m., The Fans Songwriter Showcase Spectacular on June 2 at the Fort Payne City Hall Auditorium beginning at 7 p.m., and a brunch at Cook Castle for the Jeff & Lisa Cook Foundation on June

• Approved a Subdivision, which is 13.02 acres located at the intersection of Chisenhall Road and Houston Loop Road W. to be subdivided into 4 lots of varying acreage to be used by family members for Emily Rosas.

• Authorized Fire Chief Smith to submit the name of M.L. “Pete” Leath for consideration to be added to the Fire Fighter Memorial at Patriot’s Memorial Park.

• Approved Activity Permit for Clara Washington, National Day of Prayer, Thursday, May 4th, Rotary Pavilion, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The next meeting of the Fort Payne Council will be held on May 2, beginning at 12:30 p.m., on the second floor of the Fort Payne City Hall.

Inside The Statehouse

Our National Debt is Unsustainable

special interest groups or lobbyists are espousing that a particular piece of legislation has to be dealt with or it will be the downfall of the state. Not so. The only definitive legislation that has to be dealt with are the state budgets. That is the only constitutional mandate required of legislators in a session.

The third truism surrounds the second. In regard to passage of the budget, our Constitution wisely has a sacrosanct conservative mandate that there must be a balanced budget. The Alabama Legislature cannot deficit spend or overspend the projected revenues for the year. Our current super Republican majority

DeKalb Animal Hospital

Joseph K McNew D V.M Linda Galbraith, D V.M. Jessica Jones, D V.M

Congress.”

Office: (256)845-0046

Emergency: (256)845-3031 125 22nd Street NW Fort Payne, AL 35967 www.dahvets.com

legislature is so conservative, they not only adhere to the Constitutional prohibition against deficit spending, they do not even spend 100% of the year’s budget. For the past decade they have put state revenues away into a rainy day fund. They are truly budgeting conservatively. If that were only true of our United States Congress. Our U.S. Congressmen and Senators are simply printing money in Washington. They are recklessly spending our nation into an abysmal hole, one that we may never be able to get out of. This tremendous federal deficit is our nation’s most acute problem. The United States cannot survive and keep spending money that we

do not have. Our national debt is so high that we are basically nothing more than a third world country.

Communist China will not take us over militarily or by flying balloons over our country. They will take us over without firing one bullet. They will defeat us economically. Again, it is a serious problem that must be addressed if we are to survive as a nation.

The national debt is so devastating that within the next year it will be higher than our Gross National Product (GNP). In fiscal year 2022 alone, the deficit was $1.4 trillion. The total national deficit is so high that it is difficult for the treasury or economic analysts to accurately assess. It is between $400 trillion to $528

trillion. Folks, that is trillion with a “t” not billions. To put it closer to home, the federal debt per person for every man, woman, and child and yes, that includes you and your children and grandchildren, is $96,403 per person. That is what your federal government legislators have done to you. It is simply unsustainable.

The United States cannot continue down this path of spending ourselves into oblivion. We cannot keep spending like drunken sailors. Our great conservative President, Ronald Reagan, made a legendary statement when facing a free spending Democratic Congress, “You know people are saying that the Democratic Congress is spending money like drunken sailors. That’s an insult to sailors, they don’t hold a candle to

One of my wise readers wrote me this anecdote about the crisis. She said, “Democrats are determined to bankrupt the country. Just paying interest on the debt is going to wreck the economy and very soon. What they are doing would be analogous to my going out and buying a luxurious ocean liner, a castle in Spain, and a Lamborghini and charging it all to my grandchildren and great grandchildren.” She is not the only one of my readers that are concerned with this crisis. Our United States Federal deficit and debt is our nation’s number one problem. Hopefully, one of the GOP Presidential aspirants will make this their major political platform. They may be surprised at how many conservative Americans will follow them. We will see.

See you next week.

Wilson Rainsville

Patricia Crowe

Rice - 70 of Fort Payne, passed away on Thursday, April 13, 2023. She was born on July 29, 1952 in Fort Payne to the late Eugene & Imogene Harper Crowe. Funeral services will be 3p.m. Sunday, April 16, 2023 at the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Chris Murdock officiating. Burial will follow in the Glenwood Cemetery.

Burt

Evelyn Annette Hawkins - 60, of Mentone, Alabama, passed away on Sunday, April 16, 2023 at DeKalb Regional Medical Center. Date of Funeral: Friday, April 21, 2023at 2PM.

Cornerstone

Stanley Wayne

Harrison - 69 of Flat Rock died Monday, April 17 at his home.

Funeral services are Wednesday at 11 AM

CT at Corner Stone

Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow in Friendship Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 3 to 8 PM on Tuesday and 9 am until service time on Wednesday.

Irene Rose - 96 of Fort Payne passed away on Friday, April 14, 2023 at Collinsville Health and Rehab. Funeral service will be held on Monday, April 17, 2023 at 1PM in Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ron Johnson, Rev. Robert Oyler & Rev. Mickey Watts officiating. Burial will follow in Mountain View Memory Gardens.

Daisy Johnson - 97 of Rainsville, AL passed away on Sunday, April 16, 2023 at Crowne Health Care. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 3PM at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. David Smith & Bro. Jerry Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Mountain View Memory Gardens.

Alice Mae Bouldin Cowart - 81 of the Blake Community went home to be with the Lord on Monday, April 17, 2023 at Shepherd’s Cove. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at 2:00PM at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Mountain View Memory Gardens. Visitation will

OBITUARIES

be Wednesday, April 19th from 5PM-8PM & Thursday, April 20th from 10AM-2PM.

Scottsboro

James Thomas Pritchett - 51 of Hollywood, Alabama passed away

Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at his home. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 15, 2023 at Pinehaven Memorial Gardens with . Rev. Dustin Henshaw officiating. The family will receive friends at Scottsboro Funeral Home on Saturday beginning at 10 a.m.

Randell “Randy”

Gene Duncan - 52 of Woodville, Alabama passed away April 14, 2023. Randy was born on March 24, 1971, in Jackson County to Luther and Shelby Duncan of Woodville. Randy enjoyed hunting, fishing, and being outdoors. He loved building things, working as a mason and carpenter. Randy also loved sports, especially baseball. He was a lifelong Atlanta Braves fan. Randy loved his sons and enjoyed helping them Randy is survived by sons, Zack (Tiffany) Duncan and Hunter (Ellie) Duncan; grandson, Archer Duncan; father, Luther Duncan; brother, Leslie Duncan; nieces Nikki (Johnny) Lowery and Hannah Duncan; nephew, Luke (Tori) Duncan; 4 great nephews and 1 great niece. He was proceeded in death by

his mother Shelby Duncan; grandparents, Lewis Duncan, Ruth Duncan, Vera Mae Moon, and Isham Moon; aunt, Mary Katherine Moon. Visitation will be Saturday, April 15 from 5-8 pm at Scottsboro Funeral Home. There will be a Graveside Service on Sunday, April 16 at 2 pm Mt. Olive Cemetery.

James Leon Leath, Sr. - 72, of Albertville passed away on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. A memorial service will be held at 4pm Sunday, April 16, 2023 from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel. The family will receive friends from 3 until 4pm Sunday at the funeral home. W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. He is survived by his daughters, Billie Lowe and Sherrie Harville; son, Robert Martin Leath; sister, Betty Jean Clark; 11grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Angela Leath; mother, Helen Ruth Oliver; father, Bill Leath; brothers, Billy Earl Leath, William “Pee Wee” Leath; daughter, Mary Ruth Leath; and son, James Leath, Jr. Charlotte Renea Woods - 63, of Boaz passed away on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. Funeral services are set for 1pm Saturday, April 15, 2023 from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bro. Tracy Hulgan officiating. Burial will

(256)605-4427

marla@southerntorch.com

be in Dekalb Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 11am until 1pm Saturday at the funeral home. W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel is in charge.

Rebecca Darlene Walden - 64 of Guntersville, passed away Thursday, April 13, 2023. Funeral Services will be held at 1pm on Monday, April 17, 2023 from the graveside of Clear Springs Cemetery in Guntersville with burial to follow.

Bobby Jim Strickland - 76, passed away peacefully surrounded by family in Crossville, Alabama after a brief illness. Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, Bobby Strickland and Beatrice Johnston Strickland Bruce; stepfather, D.B. Bruce; sister, Rita Gilbreath; stepbrothers, Terry and Jeff Bruce; and brother-in-law, Joe Hawkins. Bobby was born in Knoxville, Tennessee and was a member of the Crossville High School Class of 1966. He loved spending time with his family and friends, fishing, telling stories, and cheering on the Crimson Tide. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, April 22, at Crossville Community Church (Crossville Methodist Church), followed by refreshments in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, please bring stories and pictures to share.

Martha Louania Treece Lee - 71 of Fyffe, passed away Thursday, April 13, 2023. Funeral services

will be held at 2pm on Sunday, April 16, 2023 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial to follow in Pleasant View Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11am-8pm on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at the funeral home. Officiating are Bro. Jimmy Summerford and Bro. Randall Harper.

Karl Jackson Kuykendall - 61 of Collinsville, passed away Friday, April 14, 2023. Funeral Services will be held at 2pm on Monday, April 17, 2023 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial to follow in Fairview Cemetery @ Dawson. The family will receive friends from 5pm-8pm on Sunday, April 16, 2023 at the funeral home. Officiating are Bro. Charles Bishop and Bro. Billy Smothers.

Edith Kay Brown - 70 of Section, passed away Friday, April 14, 2023. Funeral Services will be held at 2pm on Monday, April 17, 2023 from the graveside of New Bethel Cemetery @ Powell Crossroads with burial to follow. Officiating is Bro. Matt Ward.

Danny Ray Stephens - 46, of Albertville passed away on Monday, April 17, 2023. Funeral services are set for 3pm Thursday, April 20, 2023 from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bro. Kevin Stephens officiating. Burial will be in Martling Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 until 8pm Wednesday at the funeral home.

W.T. Wilson

Local Government Transparency Under Attack

Letter to the Editor

Public notices serve a crucial function in keeping residents and taxpayers informed about the activities of governments. These government notices let citizens know about impending actions that can affect their lives, property, and community.

You’ve seen, and benefitted, from these public notices, which include reminders of upcoming meetings and hearings, proposed zoning and land-use changes, information on government budgets and taxes, requests for bids on government contracts, and details on foreclosures and abandoned property.

For decades, public notices have been required by law to be

published in local newspapers. But some members of the Alabama House of Representatives no longer think that public notices appearing in newspapers is relevant or necessary. A bill filed by Rep. Cynthia Almond from Tuscaloosa, which was approved in committee recently, would allow these notices of local governments to be posted on a website controlled by the very government public notices are designed to oversee.

And the notices would no longer be required to be published in a local newspaper. This is the wrong move today, tomorrow and for the future.

Currently, Alabama has a system in place that

provides maximum access to public notices -- both online and in print.

Public notices printed in a newspaper are also uploaded to an independent, statewide website (AlabamaPublic Notices.com). Newspapers also publish public notices on their websites. When their public notices are published in newspapers, government bodies can rest assured the critical information remains available to everyone in a format that has stood the test of time for accuracy and accessibility. Why should public notices continue to be published in newspapers? The basis for doing so remains as important

Resurfacing of Alabama 40 may begin this week

HUNTSVILLE

— The Alabama Department of Transportation advises motorists that resurfacing of Alabama 40 between from Alabama 35 near Scottsboro to Alabama 71 north of Dutton in Jackson

County may begin Thursday, April 20, weather permitting.

Expect delays due to single-lane closures during daytime. Traffic will be stopped in alternating directions and shuttled through the work zone by a pilot car. Please plan

additional travel time or use alternate routes.

The $2.9 million project with Whitaker Contracting will include milling and paving the sevenmile segment. Completion is anticipated this summer.

Dabbs Found Guilty

as ever:

• Requiring an independent, third party to publish the notices in accordance with the law helps prevent government officials from hiding information they prefer the public not to see. The government cannot be in charge of holding itself responsible.

• Publishing the notice in a newspaper ensures that the information is widely accessible to the public. Newspapers are trusted sources of information that are available to everyone, regardless of whether a person has access to the internet or not.

• A public notice must be archived in a secure and publicly available format. A public notice published in a

Paving FROM PAGE 1

proceeds going toward the Rainsville Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Program.

The Council approved the upgrade of electrical outlets and the addition of more poles at the Freedom Festival Location by Laney Electric in the amount of $13,700.00.

The Rainsville Freedom Fest will be held on June 24. Gates will open at 1 p.m. and musical entertainment will be throughout the day. Entertainers include Molly Griffith, John Allen Jones, Hugh Jack Bell, Country Case, Alliance Quartet, and Boys in the Band. The main act, Shenandoah will take the stage beginning at 7:30. Immediately following will be the biggest fireworks show ever, sponsored by The City of Rainsville and

newspaper is already archivable and accessible. This is particularly important for notices that contain information about government decisions and actions that impact individuals and communities for years to come.

• The public must be able to verify that a legal notice is not altered after being published or placed only on a website that is vulnerable to today’s hackers. In a newspaper notice, an affidavit is provided by the publisher, which can be used in an evidentiary proceeding to demonstrate that a true copy was published, as well as the exact wording that was used.

While Rep. Almond’s bill does not prohibit local government bodies

FTC. In other business, the Council:

• Passed

Resolution 04-172023 (A) for the construction of a new access road to the new proposed Public Works Facility site by Vantage Construction, LLC in the amount of $160,175.74 (Project No. CRP-ACRPW-2023-01)

• Accepted Kevin Smith’s Resignation from Park & Rec— Effective 4-6-2023

• Hired Luke Posey for Park & Rec—Effective 4-26-2023 at $15.13 per hour

• Appointed Attorney Pat Tate as the Hearing Officer, and Attorney Al Shumaker as the Prosecuting Attorney for the purpose of conducting a Due Process Hearing in a pending personnel matter to be held in a Special Called Meeting on 4-26-2023 beginning at 4:00 P.M.

• Contracted Tammie Smith— Acting Court Clerk/

from publishing public notices in newspapers, it removes the requirement for doing so, and that will most certainly result in local county and municipal governments discontinuing the publication of public notices in local newspapers. We believe that unfettered government control of public information is a very bad idea. Government should not distribute its own public notices. The more open and accessible government information is, the less room there will be for potential errors and possible abuse. Tell your state representative to keep public notices where they belong – in their local newspaper.

Magistrate Effective 4-18-2023

• Approved the ALDOT Agreement for Installation, Operation, and Maintenance of Fire Station Emergency Beacon—Resolution 04-17-2023(B) and Empowerd the Mayor to Sign necessary paperwork for the ALDOT Agreement for the Fire Station Emergency Beacon

• Purchased (5) 8 yd Dumpsters— Wastequip

$5,945.00

• Purchased (8) 4 yd Dumpsters— Wastequip $6,224.00

• Water Line— New Proposed Public Works Facility Site/Section Dutton Water

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Rainsville City Council will be held on May 1, with a work session beginning at 4 p.m. and the Regular Council Meeting at 4:30 p.m

District Attorney Summer McWhorter

Summerford

announced today that Matthew Dabbs was found guilty on three separate charges by a DeKalb County jury on April 13, 2023.

On August 13, 2020, reports of a wrecked motorcycle on Carlyle Road in Rainsville were called into dispatch. Several witnesses reported to law enforcement they saw a large black truck “chasing” a motorcycle on Carlyle Road. The driver of the motorcycle was William Travis Skinner who died at the scene as a result of his injuries. Dabbs told officers that he had been in a relationship with the female passenger on the motorcycle but denied any

involvement with the wreck. Several days later, Dabbs told officers that he saw the two on the motorcycle and he followed them. When Skinner passed a vehicle to get away from him, he also passed that vehicle. He told officers he was trying to get around the motorcycle and make them stop. Dabbs’ truck and the motorcycle made contact, causing the motorcycle to wreck. Dabbs admitted to fleeing from the scene of the accident.

A jury trial began on Monday, April 10, 2023 and a verdict was returned on Thursday, April 13 th .

The jury found Dabbs guilty of Criminally Negligent Homicide, Leaving the Scene of an Accident with

Injuries, and Failure to Give Information and Render Aid. Dabbs will appear in front of Circuit Judge Jeremy Taylor on June 16, 2023 for sentencing. Summerford stated, “This has been a long, hard road for the family of William Travis Skinner.

While we are nearing the end of the criminal court case, we know that the pain of losing their loved one is something the family will have to live with forever. They continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.

We appreciate their cooperation and participation in this process.” The case was prosecuted by Summerford and Deputy District Attorney Brady Burns.

Family Fun At Earth Fest

By Marla Ballard Reporter

FORT PAYNE -

Every year on April 22, Earth Day marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970.

The first Earth Day was celebrated when Senator Gaylord Nelson, from Wisconsin, organized a demonstration to raise awareness about environmental issues. Rallies took place across the country when 20 million took to the streets to demonstrate against the impact of 150 years of industrial development on people’s health. By the end of the year, the U.S. government had created the Environmental Protection Agency.

The stage was set for change when Rachel Carson’s New York Times bestseller “Silent Spring” in 1962. The book was sold in 24 countries and raised awareness concerning the link between pollution and public health. Earth Day became the voice to the emerging environmental consciousness, putting ecological concerns in the forefront.

By 1990 a major campaign mobilized 200 million from 141 countries putting environmental issues on the world stage.

This paved the way for the 1992 United Nations Earth Summit. It also prompted President Bill Clinton to award Senator Nelson the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor given to civilians in the United States, for his role as Earth Day founder.

To help keep the awareness and movement going Jacksonville State University will celebrate Earth Day at the Little River Canyon Center on Saturday, April 22. The family friendly event will include a hike at 10 AM (best for ages 10 and up) with author Heather Montgomery. She is the author of several children’s books including “What’s in Your Pocket” and “Bugs Don’t Hug.”

At noon Montgomery will have a hands-on class and a book signing. “Montgomery is a phenomenal naturalist, I always learn something on every hike I go on with her,” said Rebekah Moore Taylor, Field School Assistant Director.

At 9 AM Yoga by Soul Shine, at 11 AM a snake presentation by the Alabama

Herpetological Society, at 1 PM an herbalist presentation, and at 2 PM a hike, for all genders, will be hosted by Girls Who Hike Alabama. The events are free to attend.

Lowe’s Home Improvement donated bird house kits for children and parents to build together without cost at the Canyon Center. The bird house building will begin at 10 AM and continue until supplies run out. Children may acquire buttons and badges for junior rangers.

Other presentations: The JSU Geology Department will demonstrate a drone presentation showcasing how they utilize this technology and the Valley Head FFA Bee Lab.

Mobile Munchies and Blue Jug will also be at Earth Fest to supply food for attendees.

At 6 PM a ticketed concert “Rock The Canyon” will be held at the Canyon Center Amphitheater. Tickets in advance are $20 and $25 on day of. Students $15 and children 12 and under are free. The music will be by The Jess Goggan’s Band and David Sanford.

Little River Canyon Center is located at 4322 Little River Canyon Rim Pkwy, Fort Payne.