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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2020 / VOL. 6, NO. 44 / $1.00
Explaining the Amendments on Your Nov. Ballot By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com ALABAMA — The presidential contest and a U.S. Senate election won’t be the only thing on the ballots of Alabama voters this fall, as November’s election will also include six potential statewide amendments to the state constitution. To be added to the constitution, amendments must be approved by the vote of a majority of voters. Here is a full breakdown of the amendments on November 3’s ballot: • Amendment 1: Would “grant the right to vote to only U.S. citizens who meet the requirements.â€? This amendment — sponsored by State Sen. Del Marsh (R-Anniston) — would change the wording in the Alabama constitution from the right to vote for “everyâ€? U.S. citizen to “onlyâ€? U.S. citizens. It makes no changes to voting requirements at the state level, as it is already a federal requirement to be a U.S. citizen to vote in American elections. • Amendment 2: Would address changes to the State of Alabama’s judicial system, including allowing the Alabama Supreme Court, instead of just the Chief Justice, to appoint the Administrative Director of Courts; increase the number of members on the Judicial Inquiry Commission from nine to 11; allow the Governor, instead of the Lieutenant Governor, to appoint a member of the Court of the Judiciary; allow for the removal of judges by the Court of the Judiciary alone; and, prevent automatic disqualification from holding public office due to complaints filed with the Judiciary Inquiry Commission.
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PICTURED: Local breast cancer survivors Misty Bruce (left) with her husband Eric, and Jenni Bobo (right) with her husband, William. (Submitted Photos)
By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — Two local women have fought and conquered the same type of breast cancer diagnosis within one year of each other. Misty Bruce and Jenni Bobo were both diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma on February 20, 2014 and July 13, 2015, respectively. According to the Mayo Clinic, invasive lobular carcinoma is a type of breast cancer that starts in the milk-producing glands of the breast. Early symptoms include an area
of thickening in part of the breast, a new area of fullness or swelling, or a change in the texture or appearance of the skin over the breast. Bruce received eight chemotherapy treatments and 36 radiation treatments during her fight, while Bobo had four chemotherapy treatments and 20 radiation treatments. Misty Bruce has now been cancer free for six years as of February 2020. "The biggest fear I faced was if I was going to be alive to watch my children grow up," said Bruce. "I remember saying 'please take care of my
kids' to my husband and family." "I would not have made it through my journey without my faith in God," she continued. "I committed to give it to God and that every step of my journey would glorify Him. God gave me a peace that no one else could." Jenni Bobo has been cancer free for five years as of July 2020. "My first thought was: how will this affect my family? And how hard is it going to be to get through this?" said Bobo. "I was never sick, never tired, and never missed a ball game. You have to believe in yourself and the fight
you're going through. If you have a bad day, so what? Your version of normal is changed forever. Lean on your family, love every day because those are gifts from God." Both of these survivors stated they felt so thankful to win their battles with this disease. This diagnosis changed both of their lives for the better, because "they wouldn't take anything for the journey...you realize what is important in life." On a personal note, please have your yearly mammogram and self-check because early detection could be the key to saying, "I'm a survivor."
• Basscats Represent Jackson County • Sand Mtn. Park Set to Open
COMMUNITY • See Our Full List of Halloween Events This Weekend • Limon's Halloween Party!
BUSINESS • Lloyd Retires from District Attoney's Office • Who's In Our Business Spotlight?
BOE Addresses Ongoing Controversies By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — The DeKalb County Board of Education held their regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday. DeKalb County Board of Education Chairman Randy Peppers responded to the ongoing situation at Sylvania High School and the arrest of Dustin Wade Dalton. Dalton was arrested on multiple charges related to inappropriate contact with students.
Peppers read a letter during the regular meeting addressing the ongoing investigation. Following is an excerpt of the letter: “The DeKalb County Board of Education desires to see justice served for any and all victims associated with the ongoing investigation involving a former DeKalb County teacher. In order to fully cooperate with the ongoing criminal investigation, the board is not able to disclose to the public all the facts and circumstances of which the board is aware. The board’s
cooperation with law enforcement in this regard is in the best interest of a full and fair investigation and a just result for the victims.� The Board honored Danny Lindsey for achieving his School Bus Mechanic Certification. The Board approved the Water Bottle Filler Project to Storm Master in the amount of $273,386.16 The Board approved the following Retirements and Resignations: • Tim Hixon Custodian - Fyffe High School- Retirement -
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9/30/20 • Billy Durham - Bus Driver - Ider High School Retirement - 1/1/21 • Helen Carter Jones CNP Worker - Collinsville HighSchool - Retirement - 10/1/20 The following Leave of Absences was granted: • Brett Smith - Science Teacher - Henagar Jr. High School - 10/19/20-12/17/20 • Chris Davis - Band Director - Plainview High School - 11/13/20-5/27/21 • Christina Watkins Elementary Teacher - Ider High School - 11/30/20-3/26/21
• Dana Kittle - Bus Driver - Crossville Elementary School - 9/16/20-11/2/20 • Dana Willis - CNP Worker - Plainview High School - 9/23/20-11/2/20 • David King - Bus Driver - Sylvania High School - 10/7/20-11/30/20 • Zeb England Custodian - Geraldine High School - 9/25/20-11/18/20 The following Transfers were granted: • Jim WomackAssistant Custodian
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