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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 / VOL. 6, NO. 14 / $1.00
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By Marla Jones Managing Editor
marla@southerntorch.com DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — The DeKalb County Courthouse and DeKalb County Activities Building are closed to the public effective immediately until further notice due to circumstances related to COVID-19. According to DeKalb County Commission President Rickey Harcrow, the safety of the citizens are of utmost importance. “Being the only Courthouse open, citizens of neighboring counties and even from other states were coming to the DeKalb County Courthouse to do their business such as registering their boats. Several were turned away
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By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com
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DeKalb Co. Courthouse Closes to Public
Collinsville Hires New Football Coach
COLLINSVILLE, Ala. — On Monday, the DeKalb County Board of Education approved the hire of new Collinsville Panther Head Football Coach Daniel Garrett. Garrett will replace Ernie Willingham, who announced his retirement following the 2019 season, which included a 12-2 finish and an appearance in the Class 2A State Semifinals. Garrett is a graduate of Rogers High School in Florence, AL. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of North Alabama and earned his graduate degree from Arkansas State University. Coach Garrett comes to Collinsville from Madison Academy, where he served as the defensive coordinator for the
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due to having fevers. We have to keep our employees safe. They are still on the job just isolated,â€? stated Harcrow. Harcrow went on to say, “You can not make me believe that the actions we took [within the County] even before the State did, did not slow the spread. Our methods and our motives are right. We will get through this.â€? Those having service needs should attempt to call the appropriate office of the need to conduct business via telephone or online. • DeKalb County Commission: (256) 845-8569 • DeKalb County
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Blessing Box Reaches Out in Fort Payne By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com FORT PAYNE, Ala. — A Fort Payne resident had a vision back in January to help those in need. When the virus that is spreading across the world started showing its ugly head in our area, she had the confirmation of what she needed to do. The family traveled to Athens, Georgia to pick up the perfect cabinet to hold blessings to those in need. Volunteers came to help set up the cabinet in the
front yard of 812 Forest Avenue NW in Fort Payne. In this cabinet, people in need can find groceries. The sign on the side of the cabinet says, “Take what you need and leave what you can�. That is what is happening. People are leaving supplies in front of the “Blessing Box� to help their fellowman. Inside the box, there is a pen and paper for prayer requests or special requests, or just to simply leave a thank you note.
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The Blessing Box is located at 812 Forest Avenue NW in Fort Payne. (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)
IVEY CLOSES NON-ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com
ALABAMA — In a press conference last week, Governor Kay Ivery announced the closure of “non-essential businesses, venues, and activities� as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases continue to climb in the state of Alabama. “I cannot stress to
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you enough the fact that we must be serious about eliminating the spread of this deadly virus,� Ivey stated. “We must protect the people of Alabama.� Governor Ivey went on to say “unfortunately, there is no instruction manual on how to do this.� The following list is closures that went into effect on March 28, 2020, at 5 p.m. and will
extend to at least 5 p.m. on April 17, if not longer. Entertainment venues as follows: • Night clubs • Bowling alleys • Arcades • Concert venues • Theaters, auditoriums, and performing arts centers • Tourist attractions
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