Stvol1no13

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

/ THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2015 / VOL. 1, NO. 13 / $1.00

COMMUNITY

BUSINESS

POLITICS

NEW FIREMAN JOINS RAINSVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT > PAGE 3

TREAT OF THE WEEK: CHINA HOUSE > PAGE 4

FORT PAYNE CITY MEETING BRIEF ON TUESDAY > PAGE 6

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DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — The cities of Fort Payne and Rainsville were recently recognized by two of the premier community development programs in Alabama. In May, Rainsville Mayor Nick Jones announced that the city had been chosen to take part in the Alabama Community of Excellence (ACE) program. Then in June, Fort Payne Mayor Larry Chesser announced that Fort Payne had been chosen to take part in a similar program called Main Street Alabama.

Both are highly regarded programs with proven track records of success in Alabama.

ACE is a non-profit that partners with communities across the state, providing leadership and community development programs, strategic planning services, commercial and business development, education enhancement, tourism, economic development and other support to help Alabama cities and towns improve and develop their communities, strengthen local economies and create long-term economic success.

Main Street Alabama works to preserve the historic integrity and

improve the downtown economies of selected communities. The organization aims to attract new businesses, create new jobs and attract dollars and people back to the downtown or “Main Street” areas of historic communities.

The primary difference between the two is the scope of focus in terms of community and economic development. ACE takes a broader approach at community development than the Main Street program, focusing on the community as a whole instead of primarily on the downtown area of partner communities.

Because Fort Payne is one of the oldest cities in DeKalb, has served as the county seat for more than 100 years and was developed during an industrial and economic boom, the historic architectural design and sheer size of the downtown area make it

DeKalb County teacher of the year

By Karah Wilson

DEKALB CO, Ala.–– Mrs. Suzanne Hunt is a math teacher and technology coordinator at Crossville Middle School, but this is not all she is. Hunt was nominated by her fellow co-workers for DeKalb County’s teacher of the year last school session.

“It is such an honor. It means so much to know my co-workers are so supportive of me,” Hunt said.

Once Hunt was nominated at the school level, she filled out an application which was put in front of an outside panel who then selects the teacher of the year.

When the panel met during the summer, Hunt was selected as the 2015

teacher of the year. “It was really overwhelming and exciting that I was chosen. The fact that my daughter is now a teacher and was present at the meeting was very special.

It has been a real blessing,” Hunt said.

Being nominated and chosen for teacher of the year is a reward that takes dedication and love for the job. “I love students and I have a passion for teaching. The love is rewarding. I strive to encourage students and the faculty everyday.

When you are able to see that you have made a difference in the lives of others, you can be assured that you have chosen the right path.”

an ideal fit for Main Street Alabama who places strong emphasis on preserving and restoring historical downtowns.

The City of Rainsville, incorporated in 1956, was laid out at a time when there was far less emphasis placed on building a dominant main street and downtown infrastructure. Because it is a smaller, more modern city with industry and commerce spread throughout the community and surrounding rural landscape, the ACE Program is proving to likewise be an excellent fit for Rainsville.

Both cities have undergone the initial assessment phases of their respective community development programs and will be working towards long-term plans in the weeks to come.

THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY

New Fireman joins Rainsville Fire Department The City of Rainsville recently brought on a new addition…

Page 3

THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS

Treat of the Week: China House Hunan Triple Delight…

Page 4

THIS WEEK IN SPORTS

Jamboree games kick off DeKalb County’s football season Are you ready for some football…

Page 5

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

THIS WEEK IN POLITICS

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Fort Payne City meeting brief on Tuesday

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Thursday - August 20, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Publisher, Joseph M. Morgan Layout editor, Dwayne Adams

New Effort designs to locate restitution recipients

By Staff Reports

August 17, 2015 DEKALBCOUNTY, Ala.–District Attorney Mike O’Dell and Circuit Clerk Pam Simpson announced a cooperative effort to locate victims entitled to restitution payments. In a joint announcement, both offices have committed resources to find affected victims and deliver their restitution checks being held by Simpson’s office.

“We have been focused on collecting restitution, fines and court costs,” O’Dell stated, “but we realized that there were a substantial number of restitution payments being held by the clerk that couldn’t be paid out for several reasons. Pam

and I met to discuss ways to rectify this situation, and it was decided to combine our resources in attempting to locate these victims. The Clerk’s Office would process the names and last known addresses of potential recipients, and my investigators would seek to locate them.”

According to Simpson, there is almost $100,000 in restitution payments being held by her office. The vast majority of these payments can’t be paid out due to incorrect or insufficient addresses.

“My office has been ‘short-staffed’ for several years now due to annual budget cuts; thus, we have been unable to come up with the resources to initiate location services,” Simpson pointed out.

“Mr. O’Dell contacted me about this issue and has graciously offered to work with us in this process. These efforts are clearly the right thing to do, for these victims deserve the restitution payments that have been ordered and received on their behalf.”

O’Dell pointed out that the recent efforts mandated by the legislature have all been “geared” toward the defendant. The Sentencing Guidelines passed by the legislature to reduce prison overcrowding, and made mandatory on October 1, 2013, reduce the sentence lengths that defendants face upon conviction, guarantee probation for many offenses, and essentially eliminate any real and meaningful

accountability on the part of defendants. The result is that victims are basically “ignored” and justice is based on economics, not what is suitable punishment. The tools District Attorneys have historically had to make criminals answerable for their crimes and accountable to victims and the community have been removed from our legal arsenal. This trend towards addressing the “needs” of criminals, at the expense of victims, took another giant leap with the passage of the Prison Reform Bill during the last legislative session.

This ill-advised legislation was again premised on the “cost of incarceration” and not appropriate sanctions for those who would prey on

innocent victims.”

“As Chief Law Enforcement officer for the Ninth Circuit (Dekalb and Cherokee Counties), enforcing the law and seeking justice is my mission and responsibility,” O’Dell said. “That mission, first and foremost, should be focused on the rights and needs of the innocent victims of crimes committed against them.

My office has been committed to fulfilling that mission, and we continue to fight for victims’ rights in our community. This joint program with the Circuit Clerk is one more effort by both offices to meet that obligation to victims.”

O’Dell acknowledged CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

DeKalb County teacher of the year CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Teaching is not only about helping students learn what will be on the test or helping them with their homework. It is about showing students what the work force will be like once they have graduated. “I prepare my students to be college and/or career ready. Math

lends itself to analyzing situations that can benefit students in so many different careers. I try to point out where the student will be able to use that skill in class or the work force.”

Hunt grew up in Collinsville but then moved to Georgia after graduating from Jacksonville State

University. Hunt and her family came back to Alabama from their move from Florida. After she spent 19 years away from her home, Hunt taught one year at Collinsville High School. For the past eight years Hunt has been teaching at Crossville Middle School and High School.

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Thursday - August 20, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

COMMUNITY

To submit community news, contact: news@southerntorch.com Tel. 256 638 4040 www.southerntorch.com

Rainsville Chamber to host Sally Barris and the Birmingham scholarship golf tournament Boys to perform tonight in Mentone this weekend

By Karah Wilson

By Karah Wilson

RAINSVILLE, Ala.— The City of Rainsville will be hosting a scholarship golf tournament Saturday Aug. 22. Sign-in will begin at 7 a.m. and the tournament will begin at 8 a.m. This event will be hosted at the Rainsville Golf and Country Club.

The event is a threeperson scramble with three divisions. Trophies will be awarded in each division. The cost for the event is $150 per team or $50 per player. $58,600 has been awarded to local high school seniors through this program.

The proceeds will fund the 2016 scholarship program.

The golf package will include an entry fee, a cart, 18 holes of golf, t-shirt, and a cap.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided at the event.

Golfers can compete for a $1,000 hole-in-one prize, plus closest-to-the-hole and longest-drive contest prizes. These prizes will be awarded on each hole.

For more information, call the Rainsville Chamber of Commerce at 256-638-7800 or like the tournament’s Facebook page.

New fireman joins Rainsville Fire Department

By Karah Wilson

RAINSVILLE, Ala.––The City of Rainsville recently brought on a new addition to their fire department.

Justin Harper served as a volunteer on the Fyffe Fire Department in 2009 and has volunteered with the Rainsville Fire Department (RFD) since January 2015.

Harper was hired as a full-time fireman early this month. Harper is certified with hazard materials

A&O, first response, and as a first response instructor.

Harper will soon complete an EMT certification course. The course provides instruction on how best to respond to the wide variety of emergency scenarios faced by firefighters and EMS personnel on a daily basis. Harper said he is very excited to come on board with RFD. If you have any questions about becoming a volunteer or a full-time firefighter, you can contact Rainsville Fire Chief Thomas Ridgeway at 256-6388055 or online at www. rainsvillealabama.com/ rainsville-fire-dept.

Fort Payne welcomes three new members to Fire Department

By Karah Wilson

FORT PAYNE, Ala.–– Fort Payne recently added three names to the roster of their fire department.

Cameron Norworthy, Lane Kennamer, and Taylor Casey were all hired as full-time firemen for the city early this month.

All three men said they were looking forward to serving their city. “I always wanted to be a fireman,” Norworthy said. “I am excited about starting my career with Fort Payne Fire Department (FPFD).”

Kennamer is a licensed EMT who served as a volunteer with

Rainsville Fire Department before making the move to Fort Payne. Kennamer and Casey also expressed excitement about joining the ranks of FPFD. Norworthy, Kennamer, and Casey will begin 12 weeks of rookie school in March.

For information about employment or volunteer opportunities with the Fort Payne Fire Department, contact Fire Chief Don Fischer or Assistant Fire Chief/Fire Marshall Ron Saferite at (256) 845-6250 or online at www.fortpayne.org.

MENTONE, Ala.–– Nashville singer/ songwriter Sally Barris and the Birmingham Boys will be performing tonight at Kamana Gallery in Mentone.

The Birmingham Boys is an acoustic duo that consists of Jason Bailey on mandolin and Chas Williams on dobro.

Barris has had artists such as Kathy Mattea, Martina McBride, and Lee Ann Womack cover some of her songs.

Barris has had songs in several movies, including “Country Strong”. Her collaboration with the Birmingham Boys began at the most recent performance at the primer listing room in Birmingham at Moonlight on the Mountain.

The show begins at 7 pm and doors are open at 6 pm. The cost is $10 and food will be available. Reservations are encouraged as seating is limited. Call 256-634-3001 to make reservations.

For any questions, contact Russell Gulley at 256-845-0203 or at bwac@ russellgulley.com. For a full schedule of the series, go to www.russellgulleymusic.com/kamanamusic.

The Kamana Music Series is a

yearlong series held in Mentone that showcases musicians talent from all genres including regional, original, singer/songwriter, Americana, and roots. The series is held every Thursday night at the Kamana Gallery.

DeSoto State Park to host “Creek Kids” Watershed Workshop –

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala.— 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 have a good chance of observing some species only found in certain Alabama streams & rivers; they will learn about the impacts of dams on waterways, & learn how pollution moves through aquatic environments.

We will take a short walk to Laurel Creek & the West Fork of Little River for a dip to view native fish & invertebrates such as crayfish, mussels, and snails up close.

The workshop is based on the ‘Creek Kids’ program, a partnership between the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division (WFF) and Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park.

Alabama State Parks partnered in late 2014 and hopes to offer more

of these opportunities.

Where: DeSoto State Park-Fort Payne, Alabama. Location disclosed at time of registration. Participants should bring a lunch/ snacks/water, clothes & footwear suitable for the river.

Date: Saturday, Aug. 22

Signup by: Friday, Aug. 21 Time: 9:00-2:00 p.m.

Fee: Free & open to ages 5 and up.

Pre-registration is required, please call 256997-5025 or email for details. Workshop is limited to 15 participants.

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Thursday - August 20, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

BUSINESS China House

Hunan Triple Delight,

Chicken, Beef, Shrimp stir fry, Spring Roll and Hot and Sour or Egg Drop Soup

Collinsville, Al EXCELLENT

$4.75

ADDRESS:

312 N Valley Ave Collinsville, AL 35961

CONTACT: Tel. (256) 524-2590

CHAMBER CHATTER August 19, 2015 Carol Beddingfield, Executive Director

Chamber Chatter

The Mayor’s Cup Golf Tournament will be held on September 17th at the DeSoto Golf Course. The Fort Payne Chamber is proud to sponsor this Boom Days Heritage Celebration event.

The tournament will be a 4-Man scramble. Cash prizes will be awarded to the overall winning and last place teams. Second and third place will be awarded by the drawing from all teams.

Tee times will be at 8:30 AM and 1 PM. Preference will be given to the teams that register early.

Deadline to register is September 7th.

Registration fees will include green fees, cart fees, as well as lunch. Tournament gift bags consist of a quality golf shirt and other golf items.

The laughter from the participants usually drowns out any verbal kidding concerning bad shots.

The tournament is an excellent way to network with others who are employed in local businesses.

The Mayor’s Cup recognizes Mayor Larry Chesser for his support of the Chamber. It is an honor to partner with the City of Fort Payne.

The funds generated by the tournament will be used to support the business community as well as the creation of the loft apartments above the Chamber.

If you attended any of the Main Street meetings last week, you heard the presenters talk about the importance of housing for potential downtown residents.

We will have two apartments – 1) two-bedroom with 1700 square feet and 2) one-bedroom with approximately 1,000 square feet. Completion should be before the first of the new year. The monthly rental charge has not been determined.

The view is incredible of Lookout Mountain. The apartments will be an asset to downtown in recruiting specialty shops and restaurants.

For more information contact the Chamber at 256-845-2741.

VERY GOOD

MEDIOCRE

MODERATE

WEAK

The jury is back and it seems the rumors were all true. So far China House in Collinsville has served the best Chinese food we’ve tried in DeKalb County. Period. We’ll go even further to say China House is on par with the very best restaurants we’ve reviewed so far in Torch Treat of the Week. That’s why we’ve ranked it 4.5 stars (if there was a 4.75 ranking, we’d have pulled the trigger)—putting China House in a 3-way tie with the very best restaurants we’ve tested in DeKalb County over our first 12 weeks. Again, it’s not about ambience or decadence.

We don’t care about the price. Torch Treat of the Week rates the food we try based on one principle and one principle alone: TASTE. If it’s delicious, it will be ranked accordingly whether it’s served on fine china (pun absolutely intended) or paper plates. We tried the Hunan Triple Delight—Chicken, Beef and Shrimp and vegetables stir-fried with brown sauce, a Spring Roll and Hot and Sour or Egg Drop Soup. Fresh cuts of real lean beef (not some strange gooey brown meat-like substance that is served at many restaurants), chicken and the absolute freshest jumbo shrimp. If you’ve never tried it, get in your car immediately and drive to Collinsville. China House will change your life. TORCH APPROVED.

Southern Torch Rating: 4.5 stars

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Thursday - August 20, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

SPORTS

Publisher, Joseph M. Morgan Layout editor, Dwayne Adams

Jamboree games kick off DeKalb County football season Each game will be three quarters long.

Field Goals and extra DEKALB COUNTY, points will be played Ala.—Are you ready live. All other kicks for some football? Towill be dead. night!! High School Plainview will be football. Jamboree playing tomorrow style.

(Friday) at Sardis in Tonight (Thursday) at the jamboree there.

Geraldine four Dekalb • Fyffe will be playing Friday at Piedmont at 7:00. high schools will get • Sylvania plays at home together to play two Thursday against Priceville. games.

• Ider plays Friday at 7:00

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

Collinsville Football Coach Ernie Willingham marks the end of the countdown for 2015 football season. Collinsville plays Geraldine tonight at 8 p.m. in the Jamboree at Geraldine

at Dade County

• 6:00 Crossville vs. Valley Head • 8:00 Collinsville vs. Geraldine

• Fort Payne plays Friday Chattooga at 6:00

Want some more football? How about Monday night at Collinsville. And all eight county schools will be playing. In the Junior High Jamboree. Four games will be played.

• 5:30 Collinsville vs. Ider • 6:15 Valley Head vs. Geraldine • 7:00 Fyffe vs. Plainview • 7:45 Crossville vs. Sylvania

Each game will be made up of two ten minute quarters.

2015 FOOTBALL SCHEDULES Collinsville Panthers Aug. 27 Cedar Bluff…………...A Sept. 4 West End……………...A Sept. 11 Holly Pond ……..…...H Sept. 18 Cleveland………..…..H Sept. 25 Horseshoe Bend…....A Oct. 2 Section……………….....A Oct.9 Ider……………………....H Oct. 16 Gaston………………...A Oct. 23 Fyffe…………..….…...H Oct. 29 Valley Head…………...H Fort Payne Wildcats Aug. 28 New Hope………….….H Sept. 4 Arab………………...…..H Sept. 11 Brewer………...…..…..A Sept. 18 Albertville…………......A Sept. 25 Hazel Green…………..A Oct. 2 Lee…………………….....H Oct. 9 Scottsboro……………….A Oct.16 Gardendale……………..H Oct. 23 Southside……………....H Oct. 30 Anniston………………..A Fyffe Red Devils Aug. 28 Geraldine………………A Sept. 4 Cleveland……………….H Sept.11 Section………………….A Sept. 18 Ider……………………..H Sept. 25 Sylvania………………..A Oct. 2 Gaston…………………….A Oct. 9 Valley Head……………….H Oct.16 West End……..…………..H Oct. 23 Collinsville………………..A Oct. 30 Plainview ………………...H

Pisgah Eagles Aug. 21 Section ……………...A Aug. 28 Cleveland…………...H Sept. 4 Sylvania……………...H Sept. 11 Geraldine…………...A Sept. 18 New Hope ………….H Oct. 2 Plainview……………….A Oct. 9 Brindlee Mtn……………H Oct. 16 North Sand Mtn……….H Oct. 23 Sand Rock …………...A Oct. 30 Ashville ………………..A

Crossville Lions Aug. 28 Douglas……………..A Sept. 4 Jacksonville ………...H Sept. 11 Hokes Bluff ………..A Sept. 18 Cleburne Co……….H Sept. 25 Sand Rock………...H Oct. 2 Saks ………………….H Oct. 9 Cherokee …………….A Oct. 16 White Plains ………..H Oct. 23 Sardis ……………….A Oct. 30 Geraldine …………..A

Sand Rock Wildcats Aug. 27 Gaylesville ………….H Sept. 4 Brindlee Mtn ………...H Sept. 11 North Sand Mtn …...A Sept. 18 Plainview …………...H Sept. 25 Crossville …………..A Oct. 2 Sylvania ……………….A Oct. 9 Geraldine ……………..A Oct. 16 New Hope …………..H Oct. 23 Pisgah ……………….H Oct. 29 Cedar Bluff ………….A

Section Lions Aug. 21 Pisgah………………..H Sept. 4 Gaston ……………….A Sept. 11 Fyffe ………………...H Sept. 18 West End …………...A Sept. 25 Plainview …………...A Oct. 2 Collinsville …………….H Oct. 9 Cleveland……………...A Oct. 16 Cedar Bluff…………..H Oct. 23 Ider …………………...H Oct. 30 North Sand Mtn……...A

Geraldine Bulldogs Aug. 28 Fyffe ………………..H Sept. 4 New Hope ………….A Sept. 11 Pisgah ……………..H Sept. 18 Brindlee Mtn ……....A Sept. 25 Sardis……………….H Oct. 2 North Sand Mtn ……...A Oct. 9 Sand Rock …………...H Oct. 16 Sylvania …………….A Oct. 23 Plainview …………...A Oct. 30 Crossville …………..H

Plainview Bears Aug. 28 Glencoe …………….A Sept. 4 North Sand Mtn …….H Sept. 11 New Hope ………....A Sept. 18 Sand Rock ………...A Sept. 25 Section …………….H Oct. 2 Pisgah ………………..H Oct. 9 Sylvania ……………..H Oct. 16 Brindlee Mtn ………..A Oct. 23 Geraldine …………..H Oct. 30 Fyffe ………………..A

Ider Hornets Aug. 28 Valley Head ………..A Sept. 4 Gaylesville ………….H Sept. 11 Gaston ……………..H Sept. 18 Fyffe ………………..A Sept. 25 North Sand Mtn…....H Oct. 2 West End ……………..H Oct. 9 Collinsville …………….A Oct. 16 Cleveland …………...H Oct. 23 Section ……………...A Oct. 30 Sylvania …………….A

Sylvania Rams Aug. 28 Sardis ……………..A Sept. 4 Pisgah ……………..A Sept. 11 Brindlee Mtn ……..A Sept. 18 North Sand Mtn ….H Sept. 25 Fyffe ……………...H Oct. 2 Sand Rock ………….H Oct. 9 Plainview …………....A Oct. 16 Geraldine ………….H Oct. 23 New Hope ………….A Oct. 30 Ider ………………...H

Valley Head Tigers Aug. 28 Ider …………………..H Sept. 4 Coosa ………………..H Sept. 11 Cedar Bluff………….H Sept. 18 Gaylesville ………….A Oct. 2 Spring Garden ………..A Oct. 9 Fyffe …………………...A Oct. 16 Jacksonville Chr……..H Oct. 23 Woodville …………….A Oct. 29 Collinsville…………….A

DO YOU KNOW DEKALB COUNTY SPORTS? Southern Torch is looking for a Sports Editor We are holding interviews this week, so if you are interested in joining the Southern Torch team, call 256-638-5296 today!

FAITH COLUMN

Ready for the bomb fire drills where we left the building. And bomb drills where we all went into the hall and sat against the wall. One night I stood in my front yard to watch Sputnik, the world’s first satellite, pass overhead.

Put into space by the Russians. Scary.

By Dr. John E. Morgan Pastor - Collinsville Baptist Church I grew up during the Red Peril. The fear that the Russians were going to drop “the Big One.” An atomic bomb.

My father, a proud Marine, had been preparing to invade Japan at the end of World War II when Hiroshima and Nagasaki were bombed seventy years ago this month. Our family felt that the bomb saved daddy’s life. He came home, and gave himself to his family. Then the USSR began the arms race with America.

I was born after the War, so I grew up understanding that it was us against the Evil Empire. In elementary school we had

When I got to high school, I was fortunate to have a great chemistry teacher, Mr. Randall. He thought it would be good to have a class a few times for parents and other adults in the community. To teach them about atoms. And how atomic bombs work. And what they could do about the bombs.

By that time, a lot of people had bomb shelters in their back yard. You could have a shelter built, or you could build your own and stock it with food and water to use until it was safe to come out of the shelter.

I was one of three or four Mr. Randall chose to help him teach our parents.

There I was in front of the class explaining atoms, protons and electrons. It was actually fun. Mr. Randall explained to them how an atom could be split and release lots of energy. Enough to make a bomb. We had seen pictures of mushroom clouds and the remains of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. So we knew

why so many Americans were afraid.

much smaller.

The class concluded with discussions about fallout shelters. And the terrible danger of radioactivity.

Another thing I know is that we who are Christians can be better Christians. We can do a better job of sharing the Gospel with bad people who live in hate. Like the fanatics of ISIS. They desperately need Jesus. And we can be peace makers. And justice bringers so that there will be less hatred in the world.

Someone asked what to do if you had no shelter and no basement and little warning. Mr. Randall described an emergency fallout shelter. Go outside next to your house, dig as deep a hole as you can in the time you have, angle a piece of plywood from the ground to the house, cover the wood with the dirt from the hole, and climb inside.

I grew up about five miles from downtown Nashville. Chance of surviving an atomic bomb dropped in town by crawling under plywood? Zero. And the same zero for pretty much everything else you would try. Houses, buildings and people would be vaporized in a millisecond. Plywood, too.

The bombs never fell. Thank God. Fallout shelters are now mostly storm shelters.

And yes, I feel a little fear now about Iran.

And Pakistan. And ISIS. Don’t want those people to have the bomb.

But I know some things. One is to fear God, not the bomb or the terrorists. Trust Him and the fears of this world seem

And there is one more thing that I know.

One day my life will end. And so will yours. And we will stand before God. Shouldn’t we be ready for that? Jesus told a story about a man who spent his life building buildings to hold all his things. And then, just as the man was ready to retire, he died. God told the man he was a fool to have spent his time with the things of this world that were now gone. And he was “not rich toward God”.

Shouldn’t we be ready to meet God? We don’t want to have to hide in fear from God when we come into His presence.

Hide behind a piece of plywood. Or a couple of fig leaves. They wouldn’t do much good.

The Bible story mentioned above can be found in Luke 12.

6

Thursday - August 20, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

POLITICS

Political editors contact information jordan@southerntorch.com Tel. 256.638.4040 www.southerntorch.com

Fort Payne City meeting brief on Tuesday

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

The Fort Payne City Council met Tuesday night and took up the following business at their meeting: The council voted to table Ordinance 2015-08, an ordinance restricting Fort Payne’s participation in the Court Referral Program The council voted to unanimously approve the following permits: table Ordinance 2015-09, an ordinance Establishing a speed limit on 49th Street N.W. -Fort Payne Christian Life Center, Church Service, Rotary Pavilion, Saturday August 29, 2015, from noon until 4:00 p.m.

-Gospel Revival, Rotary Pavilion, Saturday September 5, 2015, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

-Reunion, City Park, Sunday September 13, 2015, from noon until 4:00 p.m.

-Picnic, Hawkins Spring Park, Sunday September 20, 2015, from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

The next council meeting will be held on Sept. 1 at 6 p.m. followed immediately by a public forum and Q&A about potential new taxes.

Rainsville City Council discusses paving projects, vote to adjourn until Sept. 3 to discuss interest rates on bond issue

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

The Rainsville City Council had a productive meeting Monday night, but chose to delay the official adjournment of the meeting to be able to set interest rates on a bond issue on Sept. 3 at 5:30 p.m. instead of taking up the business at the normally scheduled meeting this past Monday.

In other business: - The council approved the replacement of a crosswalk signal for $3,500.

- Approved the emergency job posting for two new police officers.

- Approved Tennessee Valley Archeological Research to do an archeological survey of the Boozer Bridge site for $3,900.

- Passed a resolution to accept a grant that will allow Top of Alabama Regional Council on Governments (TARCOG) to begin work on a comprehensive plan for Rainsville.

- Approved a $1,000 donation from the City of Rainsville to the DeKalb County Schools Connecting Champions Initiative and established city hall as a drop-off for

technology donations.

- Corrected the starting pay scale for two city employees hired at the previous council meeting at the incorrect hourly wage.

- Approved a $13,000 match for a grant to purchase a truck for the fire department.

- The Council voted to delay the adjournment of Monday night’s meeting until 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 3

in order to set interest rates on a bond issue.

- The council’s first meeting in September was previously scheduled to fall on Labor Day. The council voted Monday to change the date from Sept. 1 until Sept. 8 to avoid a conflict with the holiday (unrelated to the delayed discussion about interest rates that will take place on Sept. 3 at 5:30 p.m.).

New Effort designs to locate restitution recipients CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

that his resources are also limited due to on-going budget cuts. “I lost two long-time investigators to retirement that I have been unable to replace.

My office budget has suffered a nearly 50% reduction since 2008.

The prognosis for this year is even more draconian for both the DA and Circuit Clerk’s Offices; however, Pam and I believe so strongly in this effort, and the rights of our victims, that we are willing to commit

staff members to locate as many victims as possible. It is a matter of tracking them down and getting these restitution checks in their hands.”

According to Mrs. Simpson nearly $40,000 in restitution checks have already been presented to formally “lost” victims under the new program.

“Both our offices have put a great deal of effort in trying to locate these victims and getting restitution checks in their hands. The program is already a tremendous success, and it has

encouraged us to try even harder to locate all the potential recipients. We will be utilizing every possible location device at our disposal, and when we reach a dead-end, we will seek to engage the services of the local media. Finally, if a victim is deceased, we will endeavor to identify estate information in order to get the money to “As you can imagine, the response from the recipients of these checks has been very positive.

Many had “written off their restitution”

believing the defendants had just gotten away without paying. Their surprise turned to joy when Mike and I were able to hand them their “long lost” restitution. It has been very gratifying for both of our offices.”

This is not the first time that these two elected officials have joined forces for the benefit of the citizens of Dekalb County. “Mike and I have a great working relationship,” Simpson said, “and we have worked together on other projects designed

to assist victims and help make our local court system run smoother.”

O’Dell agreed. “Pam

and I have always worked well together. She is not only a fellow elected official, but a close friend, as well. I have tremendous respect for her as a person and for the great job she does as Circuit Clerk. I am very pleased that we have been able to collaborate on this wonderful project.”

7

Thursday - August 20, 2015

Date: 08/07/201

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

CRIME

Activity for August 3rd thru August 6, 2015 Monday August 3rd

Incidents Theft of Property – Occurred at 1801 Gault Ave N Suite 104, a Verizon Android cell phone was taken, valued at $600.00 Theft of Property – Occurred at 1509 Glenn Blvd SW, $100.00 in currency was taken from a wallet Theft of Property – Occurred at Wal-Mart, an assortment of ladies clothes, two bottles of hair spray, and a ladies wallet were taken, valued at $129.97 12 Arrests Joseph Thomas Blevins, age 47 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency at 5:33 am.

Roderick Keith Orr, age 54 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency at 10:38 am.

Daniel Lopez, age 34 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Revocation Warrant at 12:56 pm.

Matthew Scott Cromer, age 29 of Boaz, was arrested for Bail Jumping at 2:59 pm.

Debra Lynn Westmoreland, age 58 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Theft of Property at 4:24 pm.

William Shannon Crane, age 40 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Court Order to Serve 20 Days at 6:45 pm.

Justin Eli Cornelius, age 33 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Court Order to Serve 92 Days at 7:05 pm.

Ronald Lee Foster, age 42 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Court Order to Serve 90 Days at 7:20 pm.

Missy Sue Gilbert, age 48 of Henagar, was arrested on a Court Order to Serve 30 Days at 7:20 pm.

Mitchell Edward Kyle, age 49 of Leesburg, was arrested on a Court Order to Serve 55 Days at 6:45 pm.

William Joseph Keener, age 36 of Mentone, was arrested on a Revocation Warrant at 4:15 pm.

Steve Lynn Hartline, age 49 of Mentone, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency at 9:08 pm.

Justin Ryan Pasquill, age 29 of Leesburg, was arrested for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and a Revocation Warrant at 8:59 pm.

Chasity Paige Jones, age 22 of Collinsville, was arrested for Fiving False Identification to Law Enforcement at 11:02 pm.

3 Accidents with 0 Injuries

Sunday August 9th

Incidents 2 Arrests Sanjaykumar M Patel, age 43 of Rossville, GA, was arrested for DUI at 12:53 am.

Tyler Austin Griffin, age 18 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Carrying Brass Knuckles at 3:20 am.

1 Accident with 1 Injury An accident occurred at Gault Ave S and 3rd Street SE, Sidney Junior Carter, age 73 of Fort Payne, driving a 2014 Chevrolet Equinox struck Robert W Sims, age 23 of Fort Payne, driving a 2003 Ford Explorer. Carter was taken to Dekalb Regional

by Dekalb Ambulance Service.

Date: 08/13/2015

Akins Arrest Chief Deputy Michael Edmondson reports that…

Van Akins, 58 of Fort Payne turned himself into the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office today on the warrant for harassment that was taken out by a family member.

A Deputy tried to serve the warrant at his residence on August 11th. When the deputy went to the door of the residence and knocked he could hear dogs barking and growling from inside of the residence. After waiting for a short period of time the deputy was about to leave when the dogs came out of the back of the house and around the porch in an aggressive manner. The deputy had to use lethal force on the dogs for his protection and safety.

Chief Deputy Edmondson states “all of our deputies are equipped with body cameras for incidents like this and this incident was filmed. The assistant Chief Deputy and I have reviewed this and we find that the deputy acted properly in this situation. It’s a bad situation to have to take any animal’s life but my officer’s safety is top priority for myself and Sheriff Harris.”

4 Accidents with 0 Injuries

Tuesday August 4th

Date: 08/14/2015

Theft of Services – Occurred at 1302 Chitwood Ave SE, a power meter was damaged and electricity was used without authorization, valued at $100.00

Activity for August 10th thru August 13, 2015

Incidents Theft of Property – Occurred at 3108 Wallace Ave NE, a purse and $254.00 in currency were taken, valued at $274.00

1 Arrest Ricky Earl Willyard II, age 29 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Judicial Court Services at 2:15 pm.

2 Accidents with 0 Injuries

Wednesday August 5th

Incidents 3 Arrests Raymond Jerril Buckles, age 29 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Criminal Littering at 1:00 pm.

Sally Letone Denton, age 39 of Rainsville, was arrested for Open Container at 1:31 pm.

Jennifer Diannia Waldrop Williams, age 37 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency at 11:12 pm.

0 Accidents with 0 Injuries

Thursday August 6th

Incidents Fraudulent use of Credit/Debit Card – Occurred at 1206 Mountain Brow Road, charges of $1000.00 were made without authorization 1 Arrest Steven Artis Ray II, age 33 of Rainsville, was arrested on a Warrant for Failure to Pay Fines at 1:45 pm.

2 Accidents with 0 Injuries

Title: Press Release Posted By: Chief Randy Bynum

Monday August 10th

Incidents Unlawful Breaking and Entering a Vehicle – Occurred at 503 Malone Street NW, a back window on a 2001 Volvo 560 was damaged and a Sony docking station was taken, valued at $550.00 Theft of Property – Occurred at Wal-Mart, items taken were a Murray leaf blower, Better Homes comforter set, two Better Homes pillowcases, and a Better Homes sheet set, valued at $217.98 Damaged Vehicle – Occurred at 1402 Forest Ave NW, a rear bumper on a Chevrolet Astrovan was damaged, valued at $200.00 Unlawful Breaking and Entering a Vehicle – Occurred at 5909 Desoto Pkwy NE, a change purse and wallet were taken, valued at $30.00 5 Arrests Robert Daniel Adams Jr., age 44 of Chattanooga, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency at 12:53 am.

Terry Wayne Carlton, age 58 of Dutton, was arrested on Warrant to Serve 60 Days at 4:30 pm.

Kendyce Michelle Baker, age 40 of Gadsden, was arrested for Theft of Property, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Disorderly Conduct and Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance at 5:40 pm.

Heather Dawn Perryman, age 32 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency at 5:44 pm.

Tenice Ann McCullough, age 41 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency 11:45 pm.

0 Accidents with 0 Injuries

Date: 08/07/201 Activity for August 7th thru August 9th, 2015 Monday August 9th, 2015 Date: 08/10/2015 Title: Press Release Posted By: Chief Randy Bynum

Friday August 7th

Incidents 1 Arrest Christopher Lee Walls, age 40 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Revocation Warrant at 7:09 pm.

3 Accidents with 0 Injuries

Saturday August 8th

Incidents Criminal Mischief – Occurred at 2001 Glenn Blvd SW, a hood, roof, and trunk on a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu were damaged, valued at $600.00

Tuesday August 11th

Incidents Robbery – Occurred at 1320 Godfrey Ave SE, $70.00 in currency was taken Criminal Mischief – 1962 Reece Road NE, a sign and post were taken, valued at $50.00 9 Arrests Jeffery Steven Williams, age 38 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia at 10:24 am.

Edward Eugene Herrin, age 44 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Possession of Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia at 4:34 pm.

Billy Michael McKinney, age 43 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance at 4:34 pm.

Johnathon Brett Wooten, age 24 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Giving False Identification to Law Enforcement, and Four Warrants for Speeding, Expired Tag, Driving while Suspended and No Seat Belt at 6:17 pm.

Derek Guinn Loudermilk, age 35 of Trenton, was arrested on Two Warrants for Probation Violation and Seatbelt Violation at 7:02 pm.

Brian Joseph Ball, age 37 of Leesburg, was arrested on a Warrant for Probation Violation at 8:39 pm.

Recovered Stolen Property – Occurred at 3300 Godfrey Ave NE, Alabama license plate 59CL634 was recovered, valued at $132.00

Perry Lee King Jr., age 36 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Assault at 9:06 pm.

Recovered Stolen Property – Occurred at 3300 Wallace Ave NE, a 1989 Bombardier Wave Runner was recovered, valued at $1200.00

Johnny Otto Brumett, age 35 of Fort Payne, was arrested on Public Intoxication, Domestic Violence and a Warrant for Contempt of Court at 11:11 pm.

3 Arrests Kimberly Ann Hulgan, age 45 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency at 7:27 pm.

Alysia Lynnette Mefford, age 30 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Public Intoxication at 11:11 pm.

0 Accidents with 0 Injuries

8

Thursday - August 20, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

CRIME Wednesday August 12th

Incidents Theft of Property – Occurred at 4301 Gault Ave N, two Third Eye back-up cameras, a Third Eye Camera monitor, 14 automotive lights and 1 spool of wire were taken, valued at $3900.00

Date: 08/17/2015 Activity for August 14th thru August 16, 2015 Friday August 14th

10 Arrests

Incidents Theft of Property – Occurred at 218 Godfrey Ave NE, nine light switches were taken, valued at $336.64

Jared Ewell Peace, age 34 of Sylvania, was arrested on a Warrant for Probation Violation at 12:24 pm.

Michael Dewayne Johnson, age 50 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Failure to Pay Fines at 12:04 am.

Christina Marie Gazaille, age 36 of Valley Head, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency at 2:52 pm.

John Daniel Adams, age 41 of Henagar, was arrested on a Revocation Warrant at 3:08 pm.

Brian Latrent Heard, age 30 of Section, was arrested on a Warrant for Judicial Court Services at 4:34 pm.

Robert James Reynolds, age 56 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Judicial Court Services at 4:29 pm.

Jessica Susan Parham, age 27 of Albertville, was arrested on a Court Order to Serve 125 Days at 4:20 pm.

Jason Paul Lindsey, age 40 of Fort Payne, was arrested on Three Warrants for Theft of Property , Public Intoxication and Revocation at 3:05 pm.

Chad Dewayne Roberts, age 29 of Valley Head, was arrested on a Warrant for Judicial Court Services at 5:18 pm.

Steven Caleb Colvard, age 25 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Contempt of Court at 7:32 pm.

2 Accidents with 0 Injuries

Thursday August 13th

Incidents Delayed Accident Report – Occurred at 2302 Gault Ave S, a bumper on a 1995 Chevrolet S10 was damaged, valued at $50.00 Theft of Property – Occurred at 1221 Scenic Road E, a 32 caliber pistol, a 1901 gold coin, three check books, and $1700.00 in currency were taken, valued at $2951.00 3 Arrests Robert Lee Pratt-Crocker, age 25 of Rainsville, was arrested on a Warrant for Failure to Appear at 10:22 am.

Donald Curtis Arnold, age 49 of Reese City, was arrested on a Warrant for Judicial Court Services at 3:23 pm.

Rickey Charles Petty, age 55 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, Two Counts of Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia at 11:23 pm.

3 Accidents with 0 Injuries

6 Arrests Christopher Michael Woodle, age 26 of Grove Oak, was arrested on a Warrant for Failure to Appear at 11:43 am Dakota Lynn Greene, age 20 of Rainsville, was arrested on a Warrant for Failure to Pay Fines at 11:55 am.

Byron Trey Peppers, age 23 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Failure to Pay Fines at 2:27 pm.

Albert Arnold Moreland, age 43 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Failure to Pay Fines at 6:20 pm.

Robert Eric Warfield, age 50 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Public Intoxication and Open Container at 7:39 pm.

Kristie Michelle Thompson, age 39 of Gardendale, was arrested for Open Container at 11:31 pm.

6 Accidents with 0 Injuries

Saturday August 15th

Incidents

2 Arrests Justin Lee Dunn, age 25 of Fort Payne, was arrested DUI and Open Container at 5:46 am.

Stacie Nicole McBride, age 30 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Disorderly Conduct at 9:39 pm.

2 Accidents with 0 Injuries

Sunday August 16th

Incidents Theft of Property – Occurred at 4220 Godfrey Ave NE, $75.00 in currency was taken Duty upon Striking an Unoccupied Vehicle – Occurred at 2001 Glenn Blvd SW, a tailgate on a Chevrolet 1500 was damaged, valued at $500.00 1 Arrest Kevin Joe Fraley, age 48 of Fort Payne, was arrested on Three Warrants for Probation Violation, Public Intoxication and DUI at 6:49 pm.

0 Accidents with 0 Injuries

Date: 08/15/2015 Chief Randy Bynum states:

Date: 08/18/2015

Several Arrested Chief Deputy Michael Edmondson reports that…

Chief Michael Edmondson reports the arrest of Nicholas Butler, 32 of Scottsboro on August 17th. Butler was arrested by the Scottsboro Police Department at his residence on 5 more counts of Tampering with Government Records. Butler was transported to the DeKalb County Detention Center without incident and was bonded out shortly. This is still an ongoing investigation with the Department of Homeland Security and more charges are pending.

Sheriff Harris states “it’s always bad when you have to arrest one of your employees. This is still being investigated and we hope it will be over soon.”

On an unrelated note: Chief Michael Edmondson also reports that on August 17th DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a vehicle sitting in the road on County Road 50 in the Grove Oak area. When deputies arrived the two occupants of the vehicle appeared to be passed out. Deputies went up to the vehicle and saw a hand gun in plain view. The two occupants were removed from the vehicle. At which time the deputies got consent to search the vehicle. During the search deputies realized the serial numbers on the gun had been altered and found spice in the passenger seat. After further search of the vehicle they also found a large quantity of drug paraphernalia, methamphetamine, and marijuana. The DeKalb County Drug Task Force was called to the scene. William Duke, 30 of Albertville and Cortney Hillis, 25 of Oxford was arrested and charged with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd, Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance (methamphetamine), Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance (Spice), Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Trafficking in any Illegal Drug. Both was transported to the DeKalb County Detention Center.

Sheriff Harris states “the deputies did a great job on noticing the gun and drugs.”

On August 18th, at approximately 7:40 pm, Fort Payne Fire received a call about a possible house fire at 65 Green Valley Circle NE. Fort Payne Fire Department and Fort Payne Police responded to the possible house fire when the caller called back and saying everything was alright at the residence. Officers and the fire personnel continued on and upon their arrival saw what appeared as heavy smoke coming from the residence. Fire personnel and officer’s entered the residence to remove any occupants and stumbled upon an active meth lab. Present at the residence was home owner Lea Ann Sims, age 51, and Jeremy Blake Tolbert, age 28 of Pisgah. Sims and Tolbert were both charged with Manufacturing of a Controlled Substance in the 1st Degree, Possession of Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. They are currently in Fort Payne City Jail waiting on a bond to be set. Officers from the Fort Payne Police Department and Fort Payne Fire Department were taken to Dekalb Regional Hospital due to inhaling toxic fumes from the meth lab.

Chief Bynum would like to thank Agents from the Dekalb County Drug Task Force which are made up of Fort Payne Police Department Officer’s and Dekalb County Sheriff’s Office for responding to collect the evidence and remove the remnants of the active meth lab.

This meth lab was discovered 3/10 of a mile from Fort Payne Middle School which could possibly enhance the sentencing of these individuals.

Southern Torch seeks new professionals SOUTHERN TORCH IS HIRING FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS: Sports Editor–experience writing and background in athletics Advertising Account Manager–minimum of 3 years outside sales experience required, advertising experience a plus Staff Reporter–writing experience required

Sales Representative–Sales experience preferred, but not required Subscription Sales Representative–Inside sales, telephone sales, retail experience, food industry experience, or customer service experience required Includes generous commission earning opportunities.

We are holding interviews this week, so if you are interested in joining the Southern Torch team, call 256-638-5296 today!