BUY YOUR SWEET A TREAT ON VALENTINE’S DAY!
THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2021 / VOL. 7, NO. 7 / $1.00
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Two Nights Under the Big Top
Shelby to Retire from U.S. Senate
U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) announced that he will not seek a seventh term to his office on Tuesday morning. (shelby.senate.gov)
By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com
DeKalb County citizens got treated to two nights under the Big Top when the Loomis Bros. Circus returned to Rainsville on Monday, February 8 and Tuesday, February 9! Featuring live elephants and tigers, alongside clowns and other classic circus acts, the Loomis Bros. travels across the United States throughout the year providing family fun and lots of laughs! Tuesday night's 7:30 p.m. performance was labeled "Southern Torch Night." (Submitted Photos)
Commission Keeps Health Incentives
Scams Circulate Around DeKalb By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com
By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — The DeKalb County Commission held their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, February 9. At the meeting, County Administrator Matt Sharp reported for the past five years, the County had been offering health and wellness screenings to County employees in exchange for discounts
on their selected insurance provider. In the past, employees have received upwards of $25,000 in discounts, and in 2021, the provider has stated that discounts will be discontinued. However, the County will continue to offer a $100 incentive to obtain 80% participation within the pool of County employees. Sharp also addressed the continuation of the
>> See SHARP, P3
FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Reports have been coming in about a scam that has been circulating across DeKalb County. According to Fort Payne High School Principal Brian Jett, a scam regarding advertising for the Fort Payne Cheer and Football team tee shirts has been making rounds throughout the city. "If it doesn't come from a Fort Payne High School letterhead or from the head coach, please do not respond," said Jett. Jett stated that if a donation is valid, you
will receive an invoice from the school and checks would only be made out to the school. "We will never go through an outside agency or company. We will always identify ourselves as a Fort Payne City Schools coach, band director, or representative," Jett concluded. "You can feel free to call our office at (256) 845-0535 to verify before making any donations. Please do not do anything online or
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over the phone." A similar, possible the same, scam has been circulating at DeKalb County Schools as well. "Today, I have been notified that a similar call has gone out to various communities, specifically Ider High School community claiming to be fundraising on behalf of the school and cheerleader program," said DeKalb County Superintendent Dr. Jason Barnett. "Please report any of these calls/ inquiries and make sure that any donation be made directly to the school in which you would like to make a donation or support."
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), 86, announced his intentions to retire from the Senate at the end of his current term in 2022. "Today I announced that I will not seek a seventh term in the United States Senate in 2022," said Shelby in a statement. "For everything, there is a season." Shelby is expected to serve the remainder of his current term, despite reports stating otherwise. "I am grateful to the people of Alabama who have put their trust in me for more than forty years," Shelby continued. "I have been fortunate to serve in the U.S. Senate longer than any other Alabamian...Serving in the U.S. Senate has been the opportunity of a lifetime. I have done my best to address challenges and find ways to improve the day-to-day lives of all Americans." Shelby, a native of Birmingham, was first elected to public office in
>> See 2022, P6
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