The Southern Torch — Vol. 6, No. 16

SPRING INTO SAVINGS AT TWIN CITY! 1411 Glenn Blvd SW, Fort Payne, AL 35967

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020 / VOL. 6, NO. 16 / $1.00

Five Year Terms?

THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS

• See Who's Featured in Our Biz Spotlight! • Model Lowers COVID-19 Projection for AL

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THIS WEEK IN POLITICS

• Inside The Statehouse with Steve Flowers • Stimulus Checks Coming Soon?

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THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY

• Letter from the Editor: Comfort in the Storm • FP Kiwanis Delivers Meals on Wheels

Flooding Causes Damage in DeKalb

(Alabama League of Municipalities)

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Alabama League of Municipalities executive committee will meet this week to decide whether to ask for a one-year delay of municipal elections due to the COVID-19 crisis.

The executive committee is expected to ask the state legislature to postpone municipal elections that are scheduled to be held on August 25, 2020, until 2021.

If the Alabama League of Municipalities executive committee votes to postpone municipal elections, it will then be handed over to State Legislators to decide. The legislature will resume their session on April 28 and will be in session until May 18.

The League states several reasons for the postponement.

Congressional elections have been moved from March 31 to July 14. Two

>> TERMS, P5

Sunday night's storms brought several rounds of heavy rain and low-end tornadoes to DeKalb County, resulting in damage to roads across the county. (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — On Easter Sunday, heavy rains caused flooding in DeKalb County. A large amount of water resulted in damage to several roads within the County. “Our local Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is currently working with the State EMA assessing the damage,� stated DeKalb County Commission President Ricky Harcrow. “All road crews are back working full time and working as

quickly as possible to get the roads repaired�.

According to the DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency, the following county roads are closed or otherwise damaged by the recent flooding events: District 1 (Northend of DeKalb County which includes Henagar, Mentone, North Fort Payne and Valley Head): CR 739, CR 667, CR 635, CR 712, CR 641 and CR 757 District 2 (SW portion of the County which includes areas such as Geraldine, Crossville, and portions of Fyffe): CR 360, CR 28, CR 1986, CR 388

and CR 33 District 3 (South Dekalb County, portions of Fort Payne and Lookout Moutain): CR 39, CR 51 District 4 (Sylvania, Rainsville, and portions of Fyffe): CR 44, CR 143, CR 92, CR 695 DeKalb County Engineer Ben Luther stated some roads had washed out pipes that could not even be located due to flooding. Those sections would have full pipe replacements, and most other roads would need backfilling.

After the county meets its threshold, the Federal Highway

Emergency Fund could pay for repairs. If President Trump makes a declaration of emergency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) could also help fund repairs. “We are assessing the damage, taking measurements and pictures and filling out the necessary paperwork,�

Luther said. “It will take a little time to get through the process.�

The DeKalb Road Department is prioritizing the jobs according to damage. “I expect that it will take 8-12 weeks to get

everything back open and repaired,� stated Luther. “The roads with the most damage, such as County Road 641 in the Mentone area and County Road 44, [which] is a major collector of traffic, will receive priority.�

The DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is conducting storm damage assessments. Homes and businesses that suffered damage due to this weather event on Sunday night and Monday mornings should contact the EMA at (256) 845-8569 or email at ema@ dekalbcountyal.us.

The COVID-19 Survival Kit

By Marla Jones, Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — According to DeKalb County EMA Assistant Director Michael Posey, the coronavirus has yet to reach its peak within the County, but studies show that it may happen sometime in the next two weeks.

Only the most critical COVID-19 cases require a hospital stay, and you will be sent home to recover.

Having the right supplies for you and your family is critical during this time.

Supplies that you will need to keep your home

safe and clean are masks that will cover your face and nose, gloves, hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies such as bleach.

The first step is to isolate. The patient should only leave the room to use the bathroom. A mask should be worn when in contact with the patient and caregiver.

The caregiver should wear gloves when coming in contact with the patient or when gathering the dirty laundry. Paper towels should be used to dry hands versus a hand towel that others use.

Items that the patient touches should be sanitized with antibacterial cleaner or bleach, especially sink, tub and commode handles.

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Your medicine cabinet should be stocked with cough drops, Tylenol for fever, over the counter cold medicines, multivitamins, and a thermometer.

Similar to the flu, patients should drink plenty of fluids. An electrolyte-replacement drink is recommended. Popular sports drinks have high amounts of sugar and should be diluted with water.

You may lose your appetite when sick so having comfort foods on hand is essential.

The best advice to avoid the coronavirus is to stay at home, wash your hands, and practice selfdistancing at least six feet from others.

SYLVANIA PHARMACY YOUR FRIEND, YOUR DRUGSTORE! Visit our website at www.southerntorch.com for daily news updates and pick up your weekly print edition at news stands every Friday.

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FRIDAY — APRIL 17, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

SPRING INTO SAVINGS AT TWIN CITY! 1411 Glenn Blvd SW, Fort Payne, AL 35967

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Roden Appointed to Beauty Can Still Be Found Governor's COVID-19 Economic Advisory Group "God, when you chiseled a raindrop / How did you think of a stem / Bearing a lovely satin leaf / To hold a tiny gem?

- Angela Morgan, God The Artist There is still beauty in nature. Jessie Sampson, a homebound resident of the Rainsville community, has enjoyed watching her snowball bush, or hydrangea, blossom in the midst of what is going on in the world.

Beauty can still be found if you look at your surroundings, stop and think, and reflect on what God has created.

By Dylan Smith JB Managing Editor dylan@southerntorch.com SCOTTSBORO, Ala. — Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce President Rick Roden has been appointed by U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks to serve on the 5th Congressional District Advisory Group dealing with economic issues related to the coronavirus.

The group is tasked with advising Governor Ivey on whether to extend, not extend, or amend her “Stay at Home” Executive Order which is set to expire April 30.

The Advisory Group consists of community leaders from each of the five counties in Alabama’s 5th Congressional District (Jackson, Madison,

NACC Nursing Responds to COVID-19

By Jackson Blaze Staff

Mountain Lakes Chamber President Rick Roden (Submitted Photo)

Morgan, Limestone, and Lauderdale).

Each of Alabama’s seven congressional districts has formed similar groups that will report their recommendations to the governor. The groups will assist in determining the appropriate steps to be

taken in order to resume economic activity statewide.

Roden and the Chamber have consistently been a source of information for local businesses seeking assistance in dealing with hardships due to COVID-19.

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POWELL, Ala. — Northeast Alabama Community College (NACC) has long held an outstanding reputation for training highly educated and skilled nurses. NACC nursing has also woven itself well into the fabric of the local community through partnerships with local healthcare facilities, which have proven to be invaluable during the current Coronavirus crisis.

NACC’s Nursing curriculum includes population health and emergency management principles that prepare students to calmly function on the front lines of any public health event or crisis. These skills and principles have been put to the test in recent weeks at local facilities.

When one local facility was in need of supplies, Northeast programs delivered. All Health Science programs including Nursing, EMS, and Medical Assisting donated isolation gowns, surgical masks, N-95 masks, and gloves to the EMS department at Highlands Medical Center.

NACC has always been dedicated to meeting needs in the community, and this situation is no different.

“Our Nursing staff, led

by Dr. Myrna Williamson, is doing an outstanding job responding to students’ educational needs during these very trying times.

They (our faculty) are very caring and dedicated to see that their students are taken care of and get the best possible education,” stated Dr. David Campbell.

“In addition to that, they are also serving community needs as well, such as donating supplies and equipment to Highland EMS. We are very proud of them and what they are doing.”

NACC has outstanding community partners who are committed to allowing NACC nursing students to participate in clinical experiences in their facilities. These community partners are also committed to hiring Northeast students upon graduation. Although there has been much disruption throughout the nation amidst the Coronavirus pandemic, community partners have allowed many NACC nursing students to aid in the crisis.

NACC Director of Nursing, Dr. Myrna Williamson, spoke to this opportunity. “While many hospital systems were asking students to discontinue clinical experiences in their facilities, DeKalb Regional Medical Center’s CEO and CNO reached out to ask our students to continue in their clinical experiences in their facility. With approval and support from NACC President Dr. David Campbell, and support from ACCS Health Programs Director Kenneth Kirkland and state majority leader Nathaniel Ledbetter, several NACC nursing students were able to continue their clinical experiences and meet their course objectives for the semester,” Dr. Williamson said.

Three students who will be graduating in May needed additional precepting hours and were able to complete those hours at DRMC. Twenty-two second semester students, along with NACC nursing faculty were able to staff visitor and employee screening stations at the entrances of the DRMC facility while earning needed clinical

experience and clinical hours. Clinical partners like this are invaluable to the nursing program.

NACC’s Educational Technology Department has allowed nursing curriculum to continue through online delivery.

Throughout the remaining weeks in the Spring 2020 semester, all content in Nursing Concepts and Advanced Evidence Based Clinical Reasoning will be offered through an online format. Recorded lectures, web-based assignments, virtual student meetings, consultations, videos, and more are being utilized by the nursing faculty.

“The Nursing Department at NACC has always been very cohesive group. The changes that we have faced as a college have only strengthened this particular group of instructors. They are constantly looking for ways to better serve the students in the program.

Their efforts have certainly not gone unnoticed,” said Interim Dean of Instruction Chad Gorham.

Along with virtual lectures, NACC nursing faculty has also adapted clinical hours for students.

Clinical hours are being met using virtual simulations with facilitation by the nursing faculty. This will be accomplished over 4-5 days with a variety of virtual, simulated platforms.

Dr. Williamson’s passion for Northeast and her students is evident.

“NACC has outstanding students who are extremely qualified and committed to accomplishing their goals and dreams of becoming a nurse. NACC also has highly educated and professional nursing and general education faculty who are committed to high standards and student success. Northeast has supportive administration and staff who desire to see the NACC nursing program be the best it can be, and this begins with NACC President Dr. David Campbell,” said Dr. Williamson.

FRIDAY — APRIL 17, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

3

COMMUNITY

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Letter from the Editor: Close Call for FP Kiwanis Delivers Comfort in the Storms Rainsville Residents "Meals on Wheels" Gabe Souza | Getty Images

By Southern Torch Staff

(Submitted Photo)

Floodwaters caused concern for several Rainsville residents on Sunday night. (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

By Marla Jones, Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

COLLINSVILLE, Ala. — Often times when you look on social media, you will see complaints about police officers. There will always be the posts complaining about a police officer giving someone a ticket. When I took to social media last night to get information about tornado and flooding damage, I saw an often unfamiliar site, someone was bragging on a police officer.

This particular police officer was Officer Stephen Malone of the Collinsville Police Department. He was on duty during all the bad weather that we experienced last night. As he was patrolling, he noticed that one of the three crosses at Collinsville First Baptist had blown down. He instantly stopped and started trying to put it back up. He struggled to get it to stand in the pouring rain. Litentuant Alfred Rigistad of the DeKalb County Sheriffs Office was on duty in the area and saw Officer Malone struggling.

He stopped and together they get the cross back up.

Unfortunately, due to the heavy rain, the cross fell two more times during the night. Malone went back each time and stood the cross back up, spending over an hour out in the dangerous weather.

When I reached out to Officer Malone, he told his story but said he did not deserve any recognition. “Honestly I think most of us would do the same thing. There is no glory needed.� “I just couldn’t leave it the way it was. If I made one person, that drove by while I was putting it back up, think of their salvation just for a second, it was worth the hour being out in the storm� Malone concluded.

During this unfamiliar times, we are dealing with, all the people on the front line do need recognition. Thank an essential worker today for going over and beyond their call of duty.

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marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — Residents of County Road 560, past the new Chavies Bridge in Rainsville, had quite the scare last night as the floodwaters of Chavies Creek started rising.

Mary Lou Shankles, a resident of the area since 1960, could only remember one time that the water had ever got as high as it did last night.

The small bridge leading to their neighborhood had water white capping over it around midnight. Ms. Shankles started calling her neighbors to warn them since the road beside her house is a dead end, making it impassable if flooded.

Several neighbors did receive flood damage.

One had water to the vents of the house and the back of their shop building washed away.

The other had a fence knocked down due to the swift waters and had water up to the front door.

After the scare was over, Mrs. Shankles only had some of her landscaping rocks washed away, after having waist-deep water in her yard. To ask her,

she is not lucky she is blessed. “I trust in God. My faith in God kept me from fearing this,� stated Mrs. Shankles.

Shankles’s main concern was that drivers were getting out and moving the barricades to go over the bridge. “The water was knee-deep on the bridge and I was so afraid they would be washed off the road.�

After the storm, the Rainsville Police Department had to block the small bridge to traffic. More rock was delivered to the washed-out driveways.

Neighbors quickly started working on the cleanup at the first daylight.

The community showed how much they care for each other with their strong work ethic, to get their little piece of paradise cleaned up so quickly.

SOUTHERN TORCH • 98-3 WILD COUNTRY • 101-7 THE TORCH Staff:

Southern Torch (USPS Periodicals #19790) is published each Friday by Southern Torch, Inc. 203 Main Street E, Rainsville, Ala. 35986. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Southern Torch, P.O. Box 614, Rainsville, Ala. 35986-0614.

Eloise Smith, General Manager Marla Jones, Managing Editor/Sports Jenna Sue Payne, Media Sales Manager Joe Sims, Radio Operations Manager Zach Hester, Art Director/Reporter Amy Thrash, Account Executive B. Annette Little, Account Executive Jodi Skinner, Account Executive Teresa Smith, Traffic Director Dylan Smith, Jackson Blaze Managing Editor Lindsey Jones, Accounting Marshall Stiefel, Distribution Manager

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FORT PAYNE, Ala. — As part of their long list of service projects in the community, the Fort Payne Kiwanis Club has been delivering meals on wheels every Wednesday for many years to Fort Payne citizens.

When the kitchen that prepares meals on wheels in Guntersville shut down until further notice, Kiwanian board member Christian Payne sprang into action. Payne, an employee of the City of Fort Payne, contacted several local restaurants for help.

Business may be suffering due to COVID-19; however, Sally's Smokin' Butts BBQ picked up the tab for every Thursday with enough food for two meals!

Payne, and his wife Jenna, made the decision to feed the 20 senior citizens until they could find more help to supplement the week's other meals. Like a knight in shining armor, Bobby Ledbetter of Twin City Used Cars came to the rescue.

With just a few phone calls and teaming up with Western Sizzlin', tasty meals will be delivered to these good folks on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday each week.

"We are truly blessed to have good folks like Bobby Ledbetter and businesses like Sally's Smokin' Butts BBQ and Western Sizzlin' to help coordinate these free meals for seniors," said Jenna Sue Payne. "They are a true blessing to our community."

The Meals on Wheels program allows participants to enjoy a nutritional meal that has already been prepared.

For many, it is a highlight to know they have a meal coming.

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IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.: 2020-87 In the Matter of the Estate of Michael Ray Winkles LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the Estate of MICHAEL RAY WINKLES, having been granted unto the undersigned on the 30th day of March, 2020, by the Honorable Ronnie Osborn, Judge of Probate of said county, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law, or the same will be barred.

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Model Lowers COVID-19 Projections for AL

By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com

ALABAMA — A model cited by the White House for projecting COVID-19 data has further lowered the projected impact of the novel coronavirus in Alabama.

The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) model, based in the state of Washington, now predicts 351 coronavirus-related deaths in the State of Alabama through August, assuming social distancing measures are followed through the month of May. Daily deaths are projected to peak at 11 on April 23.

Earlier this month, the model predicted Alabama to have the highest death rate per

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capita and the fourth-highest death rate in the nation, but that projection has now been updated to reflect Alabama’s more stringent social distancing measures, including Governor Ivey’s issuance of a stay-at-home order. At the time, the model projected nearly 10,000 coronavirus-related deaths in Alabama. The model was then lowered to around 5,500 deaths and has continued to fall as mitigation efforts across the state appear to be working.

The model states that Alabama’s hospitals will not be overwhelmed as previously reported.

At the time of press, the model states the need for 299 beds out of a total of 5,743 beds statewide, 89 of 474 ICU beds, and 81 ventilators. “The IHME site...is

probably the most widely used one in the country...what we believe with IHME and several other models is the timeline is pretty accurate,� said Alabama Public Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris in an interview with APTV’s Capitol Journal. “We feel like as they predict the peak number of cases, we know about when that is. Most of the

models agree for Alabama it is going to be around April 19 or 20 or 21, something like that.

But what we really don’t know is what the magnitude of that peak is going to be.�

On Tuesday afternoon at a press conference with Governor Kay Ivey (R-Ala.), Harris stated Alabama is looking "a lot better than we thought when we were talking about this a month ago."

"Whatever surge we see in the next week or so can be handled in the four walls of our hospitals, which is exactly what we would like to see," he continued.

In a tweet on Tuesday, Gov. Ivey stated

"all indicators suggest [Alabama's] #StayAtHome order is working, I can't overemphasize how imperative it is to keep doing what we are doing.

Now is not the time to let our guard down. We must all continue to do our part to #StopTheSpread of #COVID19."

According to the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), Alabama has almost 4,000 coronavirus cases with 115 deaths reported.

As of April 15, DeKalb County has 29 cases out of 271 tested. The ADPH reports 525 total hospitalizations at this time with another 600 people awaiting their results.

FRIDAY — APRIL 17, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

5

POLITICS

Inside The Statehouse

By Steve Flowers ST Columnist

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Allow me to share some more observations from the year.

One of my favorite people in the world and one of the finest gentlemen I have ever known is State Representative Steve Clouse of Ozark. My relationship with Steve goes under the category of Alabama is one Big Front Porch.

His sweet mother, Mrs. Ruth Price Clouse, passed away a month or so ago at 93. There was a nice church service at the First Methodist Church of Ozark. Afterward, Steve and his lovely wife, Dianne, invited folks to come over to their house across the street from their church. It was a splendid gathering.

Our mamas grew up as best friends and Steve and I are close friends.

Mama and Mrs. Ruth were friends through grade school and Troy High School. Mrs. Ruth married Jimmy Clouse from Ozark. They had two children, Steve and Kay. I had a sister named Kay. I always wondered if that

was just a coincidence.

Steve and I would play together as boys. As we grew older, we both went to the University of Alabama and were fraternity brothers. Then I went to the Legislature at around 31. Steve was elected eight years later.

We served together in the House for about a decade.

Our districts adjoined – my district was Pike County and part of Dale County. Steve’s district was Dale County. Our names were so similar that people today get us confused. Whenever I stop in Ozark, invariably people will say to me, “I like the way you voted� on some measure thinking that I am Steve Clouse. He tells me the same thing happens to him; someone will say to him, “I liked your column this week.�

However, that is where the similarities end. Steve is a better man that I am and, as he is quick to point out, he is five years younger.

If anyone knows the Katherine Tucker Windham adage, Alabama is just a Big Front Porch, it is Secretary of State John Merrill. He knows every crook and cranny of this state from one end to the

other. He knows more people one-on-one than any other political figure in the state. He is by far the best retail politician in Alabama and has a tremendous grassroots organization in the Heart-of-Dixie.

Bradley Byrne worked hard in every county of the state in his race for the U.S. Senate. He has nothing to be ashamed of nor could he have done anything differently. He received 26% to Tommy Tuberville’s 33% and Jeff Sessions’ 32% in the March 3 primary. He could have won the race had Sessions not gotten in it at the last minute. He still would have probably made the run-off if a Super PAC, called the Club of Growth, had not spent over a half-a-million dollars in negative ads against him.

Byrne seems to be snake-bit by third-party interlopers getting into his race. He would have won the 2010 governor’s race had Dr. Paul Hubbert and the AEA not spent two million dollars in negative ads against him.

Now the Club for Growth kicks him out of the Senate race.

Very few Alabamians

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.

are aware that one of Alabama’s finest ladies, Vicki Drummond, of Jasper is Secretary of the National Republican Party. Mrs. Drummond was elected by her peers on the national committee to this prestigious and important post. She is the only Alabamian in state history to hold this position on the national political stage.

Vicki was a Republican before it was cool. She has worked in the state and Republican vineyards her entire adult life. She and husband, Dr. Mike Drummond, a Jasper dentist, have been leaders in their community and church, as well as the Republican party. They have two sons, Michael and Matthew, who both worked in the George W.

GAMES

Bush White House.

Mike Cason continues to be the premier political reporter in the state. The veteran follower of Alabama politics is concise and factual. You can take what he writes to the bank. He has taken the throne left by Phil Rawls as the best-on-theblock. He is also a good writer.

Joe Reed’s day as the King of the Democratic Party is over. A new, young group of outstanding leaders have taken the state Democratic Party away from him. His Alabama Democratic Conference took a terrible beating in the recent Democratic Presidential Primary in the state. Reed went out on a limb and endorsed Michael Bloomberg. Joe Biden gave him a good old-fashioned whipping in Alabama. Bloomberg only got 12 percent of the vote in the state.

Former governor Don Siegelman has a new book out, Stealing Our Democracy. It is a memoir that reveals how the political assassination of a governor threatens our nation.

See you next week.

TERMS

FROM PAGE 1 elections within such a short timeframe could possibly cause a hardship on county registrars.

Registrars are charged with the task of keeping all eligible voter lists updated.

The timeframe of the August 25 election could make that task difficult.

The companies that provide the voting machines to the municipalities would also have difficulties in turnaround so quickly after the July election.

For some municipalities, having two elections within a two-month timeframe would be financially difficult. The League cited the loss of revenue due to the coronavirus.

The final reason for the proposed delay would be for health reasons. The League stated that the majority of poll workers are older. The older poll workers would be more susceptible to the coronavirus and possibly would not agree to work the polls.

With the postponement of the municipal elections, elected officials would be serving a five-year term. According to the League, these officials would have the option to resign. These officials would be replaced through the means of replacement on record with the municipality.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.

Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

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FRIDAY — APRIL 17, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

DEATH NOTICES BURT Taylor David Brown - 85, passed away on Saturday, April 11. Due to gathering restrictions, the family will hold a private service with burial in Little River Cemetery.

CROSSVILLE Gary Coker - 76 of Dawson, passed away on Monday, April 13. A private graveside service was held on Thursday, April 16 at DeKalb Memory Gardens.

passed away on Wednesday, April 8. The family will hold a private service.

Alice E. McCurdy - 91 of High Point, passed away on Wednesday, April 8. A private graveside service will be held at Pine Grove Cemetery in the High Point Community.

Ronald Wayne Centers - 68 of Albertville, passed away on Thursday, April 9. The family will hold a private graveside service.

Chris Walling - 47 of Crossville, passed away on Monday, April 13. A graveside service was held on Thursday, April 16 at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.

James Lester Sargent - 71 of Section, passed away on Friday, April 10. A private graveside service will be held.

W.T. WILSON

Charles Verbon Jordan, Jr. - 75 of Albertville, passed away on Saturday, April 11. The family will hold a private

Coy Austin Tidwell - 33 of Guntersville,

Burt Funeral H omes

since 1982

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graveside service.

Dennis Leon Murphy - 56 of Fort Payne, passed away on Monday, April 13. The family will hold a private visitation followed by cremation.

GERALDINE Corina Drain Cash - 88 of Gallatin, Tenn., passed away on Sunday, April 12. A private visitation and graveside service will be held.

CORNER STONE Lena Mae Whisenant Crain - 81 of Flat Rock, passed away on Saturday, April 11. A private graveside service will be held by the family followed by burial in Green Haven Memorial Gardens.

RAINSVILLE Tomas Fernandez - 57 of Section, passed away on Thursday, April 9. The family will hold a private graveside service.

Gaynell Morelock -

FINANCE 69, passed away on Sunday, April 12. A private visitation will be held with burial in Mountain View Memory Gardens.

Stimulus Checks Coming Soon?

KERBY Russell Ervin Rogers - 88 of Pisgah, passed away on Thursday, April 9. The family will hold a private visitation and service before burial in Green Haven Memorial Gardens.

Carol Moore Frizzelle - 62 of Henagar, passed away on Thursday, April 9. The family will hold a private graveside service.

Onvil K. O’Brien - 63 of Pisgah, passed away on Saturday, April 11.

Private arrangements will be held.

WILSON Edferd Ray Aaron 75 of Fort Payne, passed away on Thursday, April 9. Due to gathering restrictions, the family will hold a private service.

By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com ALABAMA — According to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, as many as eighty million Americans are expected to receive their stimulus checks this week.

Those receiving the initial payments will be citizens who have already filed their 2018 or 2019 tax returns and authorized a direct deposit if a refund was due. Within that group of people, those with the lowest income will receive their checks first. Social security recipients will also receive an automatic payment, even without filing their tax returns.

The stimulus, which was part of an economic rescue package passed in Congress last month, provides up to $1,200 for individuals earning upwards of $75,000 per year and as much as $2,400 for married couples who file jointly and earn less than $150,000 per year. For every $100 earned over those totals, the recipient’s stimulus will be lowered by five dollars. Single filers who earn more than $99,000 per year and joint filers earning more than $198,000 per year are not eligible for the stimulus. $500 will also be provided for each qualifying child.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has now set up a “Get My Payment� tool on their website to track your payment. At the time of press, the website was active.

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FRIDAY — APRIL 17, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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FRIDAY — APRIL 17, 10, 2020 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Twin City Used Car Sales Economic Stimulus Sale BOBBYLEDBETTER.COM • 256.844.2210

IT HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER TO BUY A VEHICLE RIGHT NOW AT TWIN CITY! Buy a car and receive up to $3,000 in cash when you purchase!

Receive up to $3000 in cash when you purchase a vehicle from April 8 through April 11. We are also offering up to $4,000 over KBB for trade-ins.

NO PAYMENT FOR 90 DAYS We want to help our community!

WE GUARANTEE CREDIT APPROVAL

on a vehicle loan as long as you bring home at least $1,800 per month and you have been with your current employer for at least 18 months.

GUARANTEED APPROVAL CERTIFICATES must be reserved and are FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED!

CERTIFICATES MUST BE REQUESTED AND RESERVED VIA TWIN CITY'S POST ON FACEBOOK!

THE BIGGEST EVENT OF THE YEAR WE HAVE MARKED EVERY CAR ON OUR LOT TO THE

LOWEST PRICES OF THE YEAR

THAT MEANS LOW PAYMENTS AND EASY FINANCING! YOU CAN EVEN TRADE UP & LOWER YOUR PAYMENT!

1015 Gault Avenue South, Fort Payne, AL 35967

EVENT STAFF is standing by to answer all your questions and to secure your APPROVAL CERTIFICATE. Send us a message now!

...And Don't Forget to Wash Your Hands