The Southern Torch Volume 1, No 5

THE

SOUTHERN TORCH THE SOUTHERN TORCH

/ THURSDAY JUNE 25, 2015 / VOL. 1, NO. 5 / $1.00

DEKALB SET FOR SPECIAL ELECTION

TORCH TREAT OF THE WEEK

FREEDOM RUN 10K AND 5K

> POLITICS PAGE 7

> BUSINESS PAGE 6

> COMMUNITY PAGE 4

Alabama Band hosts Fan Appreciation Weekend

By Joseph Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com FORT PAYNE, Ala. — ­ Country music fans from across the U.S. came to Fort Payne this weekend to attend the Alabama Fan Appreciation

Weekend. The four-day event kicked off Thursday night at Northeast Alabama Community College where Teddy Gentry and Rockit City Band performed for a sold-out crowd. Thursday’s event was followed with a performance

by Jeff Cook and the Allstar Goodtime Band performed on Friday night at the DeKalb Theater in downtown Fort Payne. On Saturday, Alabama frontman Randy Owen hosted Fandemonium on the Farm.

Fans began arriving for the

popular annual event as early as 10 a.m. to attend the 5 p.m. show. Finally, on Sunday, A labama wrapped up the action-packed weekend with a private, sold-out performance exclusively for Alabama Fan club members featuring the

Governor has Confederate flag removed from Alabama Capitol

THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS

The office of Kayleigh Smith is, appropriately enough, blossoming with creativity. The walls display playful images...................................... PAGE 5

Torch Treat of the Week

Pork Plate with JoJo’s and slaw from The Bar-B-Que Place..................... PAGE 6

THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY

Freedom Run

Annual 10K and 5K race breaks record with over 600 runners.............. PAGE 2

Short Film Filmed in Pisgah

the South Carolina state capitol has sparked heated debate in every Southern state.

South Carolina Governor Niki Haley and Senator Lindsey Graham have been steadfast in their views on removing the flag since that tragic night.

“After the tragic, hate-filled shooting in Charleston, it is only appropriate that we deal

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Studio 3 - Business Profile

By Jordan Doufexis jordan@southerntorch.com MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Wednesday morning at 8:20 am, workers removed the Confederate battle flag which stood at the foot of the confederate memorial on the state Capitol grounds.

Shor tly therea f ter, Governor Bentley told al.com, “This is the right thing to do.

We are facing major issues in this state regarding the budget and other matters that we need to deal with. This had the potential to become a major distraction as we go forward.

I have taxes to raise, we have work to do. And it was my decision that the flag needed to come down.”

The Confederate flag took center stage earlier this week after the tragedy in South Carolina. Police say 21-year old Dylann Roof killed nine i n side Emanuel A f r ican Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston last Wednesday night to create a “race war”.

Calls for the Confederate flag to be taken down outside of

entire band at the Alabama Fan Appreciation Concert held at the Alabama Fan Club and Museum.

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once and for all with the issue of the flag, “ said Graham. “I hope that, by removing the flag, we can take another step towards healing & moving South Carolina forward.”

Many Southerners are outraged that the Confederate flag is being removed from memorials and argue that the flag is a symbol of the history of the South and the home they

love so dearly, not a symbol of slavery and racism.

How do you feel about Governor Bentley removing the Confederate flag from the Confederate memorial on the grounds of the Alabama State Capitol?

Join the discussion at www. southerntorch.com.

The Southern Torch – Southern Torch, Inc. News every Thursday.

For Subscriptions: Call (256) 638-4040 or email subs@southerntorch.com

The quiet town of Pisgah played host to the cast and crew of a short film produced by............................................. PAGE 3

Singing with the Stars

On Thursday, June 18, Northeast Alabama Community College held it’s 2nd Annual Singing with the Stars benefit at the Tom Bevill Lyceum.............................PAGE 3

THIS WEEK IN POLITICS

Prickling Paths

Who knew there were so many types of cactus in the world? I didn’t, but I found that out in.................................. PAGE 7

“Opposing Gambling Legislation Protects Gambling Interests, Not The People”

Last week, Gov. Bentley announced that he would not include any gambling proposals.............................. PAGE 7

PRESORTED STANDARD MAIL U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT NO. 60 RAINSVILLE, AL

2 Thursday - June 25, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

ANNUAL 10K AND 5K RACE BREAKS RECORD WITH OVER 600 RUNNERS 5K WINNERS FEMALE OVERALL AGE: 1 - 98

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — The Rainsville Freedom Run set records on Saturday morning as over 600 runners crossed the finish line. Among them, Carlos Perez, who finished the

5K with a blistering pace of 14:52.

The Freedom Run Annual 10K and 5K is becoming a staple on the calendar for runners across the Southeast.

With 18 divisions, there is truly a place for everyone

interested to be able to participate.

The Freedom Run is the kickstarter that leads to the Rainsville Freedom Fest which takes place Saturday, June 27, at the Rainsville City Park.

10K OVERALL WINNERS

Oscar Ogwaro » 10K - 32.04

Jill Horst » 10K - 39.38

COMMUNITY

news@southerntorch.com Tel. 256 638 4040 www.southerntorch.com

Freedom Run

STAFF REPORTS

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

To submit community news, contact:

COMMUNITY

All photos courtesy of Logan Ingle Images

3 Thursday - June 25, 2015

10K WINNERS FEMALE OVERALL AGE: 1 - 98

Justyna Mudy, age 30 - 17:21

Jill Horst, age 36 - 39:41

MALE OVERALL AGE: 1 - 98

MALE OVERALL AGE: 1 - 98

Carlos Perez, age 25 - 14:53

Oscar Ogwaro, age 26 - 32:05

FEMALE AGE GROUP AGE: 1 - 12

FEMALE AGE GROUP AGE: 1 - 12

Camryn Davis, age 11 - 24:25

September Abbott, age 12 - 1:11:52

MALE AGE GROUP AGE: 1 - 12

MALE AGE GROUP AGE: 1 - 12

Jack Lowe, age 11 - 20:42

Collin Mayfield, age 12 - 1:04:13

FEMALE AGE GROUP AGE: 13 - 19

FEMALE AGE GROUP AGE: 13 - 19

Destiny Lowden, age 18 - 24:34

Gracie Groat, age 14 - 48:25

MALE AGE GROUP AGE: 13 - 19

MALE AGE GROUP AGE: 13 - 19

Will Stone, age 14 - 18:21

Eli Anderson, age 13 - 54:55

FEMALE AGE GROUP AGE: 20 - 29

FEMALE AGE GROUP AGE: 20 - 29

Georgia Izard, age 26 - 19:39

Michelle Kruse, age 22 - 43:20

MALE AGE GROUP AGE: 20 - 29

MALE AGE GROUP AGE: 20 - 29

Festus Chemaoi, age 28 - 16:44

Aaron Goss, age 25 - 47:15

FEMALE AGE GROUP AGE: 30 - 39

FEMALE AGE GROUP AGE: 30 - 39

Jessica Vihon, age 34 - 21:41

Jill Green, age 30 - 44:42

MALE AGE GROUP AGE: 30 - 39

MALE AGE GROUP AGE: 30 - 39

Brandon Mader, age 30 - 17:12

Ben Thacker, age 36 - 38:42

FEMALE AGE GROUP AGE: 40 - 49

FEMALE AGE GROUP AGE: 40 - 49

Lindy Vizzinia, age 43 - 21:31

Vicky Lyles, age 43 - 50:58

MALE AGE GROUP AGE: 40 - 49

MALE AGE GROUP AGE: 40 - 49

Danny Potter, age 48 - 20:49

Bronson Lee, age 42 - 38:50

FEMALE AGE GROUP AGE: 50 - 59

FEMALE AGE GROUP AGE: 50 - 59

Glynis Hadaway, age 51 - 23:02

Marien Amerigo, age 53 - 1:01:25

MALE AGE GROUP AGE: 50 - 59

MALE AGE GROUP AGE: 50 - 59

Anthony Shelton, age 52 - 23:51

Dewayne Satterfield, age 50 - 40:33

FEMALE AGE GROUP AGE: 60 - 69

FEMALE AGE GROUP AGE: 60 - 69

Pamela Willmore, age 61 - 33:55

Vicki Corbett, age 62 - 1:02:27

MALE AGE GROUP AGE: 60 - 69

MALE AGE GROUP AGE: 60 - 69

David Micale, age 67 - 23:00

Steve Rogers, age 65 - 56:05

FEMALE AGE GROUP AGE: 70 - 98

FEMALE AGE GROUP AGE: 70 - 98

Imogene Greene, age 85 - 47:32

N/A

MALE AGE GROUP AGE: 70 - 98

MALE AGE GROUP AGE: 70 - 98

Ted Hegenbarth, age 73 - 29:59

Jim Upton, age 71 - 49:35

Short film shot in Pisgah, Alabama

By Zach Moore PISGAH, Ala. — The quiet town of Pisgah played host to the cast and crew of a short film produced by Shelby Elwood called Mt. Pisgah, Vermont last week.

The film, which was funded via Indiegogo, is to serve as an MFA thesis for its writer/director Todd Folts, of Rockville, Maryland.

During production, the

film employed many local actors and entertainment technicians.

Production wrapped Saturday after four days of shooting at numerous locations throughout the town, including Gorham’s Bluff and Pisgah Cemetery.

Courtesy of Cheyanne Dalton

From left: Clint Leroy and Cheyanne Dalton | Courtesy of Cheyanne Dalton

5K OVERALL WINNERS

Justyna Mudy-Mader » 5K - 17.19

Carlos Perez » 5K - 14.52

FAITH COLUMN one of the many barrier islands on the Atlantic coast. And the ocean current runs north to south on these islands. So the north end of the barrier islands are washing away, the south ends growing.

On Jekyll, as the north end eroded, some of the live oaks behind the dunes no longer were protected from the ocean. Those beautiful, large oaks with the Spanish moss hanging from them. Moss blowing gently in the sea breeze. Trees providing shade for the picnic area there – one of those old wood shelters with a concrete table. Some of the oaks would slowly die, leaving stumps and logs at the surf line. That looked just like driftwood.

All photos courtesy of Logan Ingle Images | view more at freedomrun15.loganingle.com

All photos courtesy of Logan Ingle Images

By Dr. John E. Morgan Pastor - Collinsville Baptist Church

It’s called Driftwood Beach. Though it is not driftwood. And it is not much of a beach for sun and fun. But it is an amazing place.

By now you should be asking, why it is called Driftwood if there is no driftwood. The beach is on the north end of Jekyll Island, Georgia,

Our church carried a lot of youth groups on retreats to Jekyll. Driftwood Beach became a hiking goal for energetic teens. It was a couple of miles away – longer than a lot of our youth were used to walking. Their quest became to walk to Driftwood Beach.

This was particularly true late at night. After a week-long retreat, on Friday night we would clean our cottages (church rule – we have to leave it cleaner than when we got here) and pack the church vans. Then have a closing time of worship. Always emotional.

When we were through with everything, I would tell them, “you can go anywhere you

want on the beach, stay out as late as you want. Stay out of the water and don’t get the cottage dirty when you get back.” (Yes, it is a safe place, no real dangers.)

skeletons. It is interesting to see. And more than a little sad. Unnecessary deaths of great oaks. A grave yard of trees. Live oaks that are now Dead oaks.

Off they would run. “Where are you going?”

“Driftwood Beach”. It became an almost mythical destination for those late night walks. And they usually made it there. Coming back at three in the morning exhausted and proud of themselves.

I suspect you see the moral of this story. Salt water kills.

I have just returned from a family trip to Jekyll.

And my wife and I went down to Driftwood Beach. She had not seen it in several years.

And it has changed a lot. A few years back the island authorities decided they wanted some new condos on the north end. They hauled in rocks to stop the natural erosion. It didn’t. So they added some more rocks. And hauled in sand to make fake dunes, covering up the old picnic shelters. Trying to save those condos.

The result? Near disaster. The water had nowhere to go except the land where the costal forest is. Erosion increased. And the ocean has quickly eaten back to that forest. The salt water laps at the mighty oaks. And seeps down to their roots. And the oaks die.

So now Driftwood Beach is covered with lots of dead trees. Huge oaks. Their wood permeated by the water that killed them leaving their

So many people are gulping down the salt water of this world. Huge gulps of greed, envy, hatred, pride. Trying to have it all – the American dream that becomes a nightmare.

And then they die. That is the way of the water of this world. Death.

There is another kind of water. Living water.

Jesus once told a woman at a well about living water. She had been chasing things of this world in a desperate search for meaning in life.

And finding only misery and loneliness. So Jesus offered her something else. A different way to live. That gives life. Life in Him. And it worked for her.

So lay off the water of this world. It kills. Try living water. Available for 2,000 years. Look for it in a nearby church today.

John 4:10 – Jesus answered her…you would have asked and I would have given you living water. v. 14 the water I give will become a spring of water welling up to eternal life.

4 Thursday - June 25, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Thursday - June 25 , 2015

5

THE

SOUTHERNTORCH

BUSINESS

CEO, Jordan Doufexis Senior managing editor, Joseph Morgan Managing editor, Jordan Doufexis Layout editors, Ashley Stanford & Rachel Monroe

Singing with the Stars

STUDIO 3 INSIDE RAINSVILLE’S NEWEST PERFORMING ARTS STUDIO

From Left: Kayleigh Smith, Brandon Barranco and Susan Downey

By ZACH MOORE

By Jordan Doufexis

jordan@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — On Thursday, June 18, Northeast Alabama Community College held it’s 2nd Annual Singing with the Stars benefit at the Tom

Molly Veal with Alabama legend, Teddy Gentry

Bevill Lyceum.

The songwriter symposium, featuring Teddy Gentry and the Rockit City Band, boasted a number of local singer/songwriter contestants.

This year’s winner was

Mainstreet media kickoff

By Jordan Doufexis jordan@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Fort Payne was recently designated a “Main Street Community”. This program will now begin work with Fort Payne to help revitalize their downtown commercial cores, utilizing Main Street’s organization, promotion, design and economic restructuring.

According to Main Street Alabama, communities use the Main Street Approach for several different reasons.

Some have lost their sense of identity through rapid growth while others have experienced devastating economic blows and see their downtown as an

opportunity to attract new residents, grow their economic base and promote a unique quality of life.

On Tuesday night, community leaders, DeKalb legislators, and organizers of Main Street Alabama held a Media Night at the DeKalb Theater in downtown Fort Payne.

Mary Helmer, the nonprofit program’s state coordinator, says “Today we had a great kickoff and the next step is we’re bringing the resource team in on August 11-12 at the DeKalb Theatre”.

Molly Veal of Rainsville.

Veal went on to open for the band Alabama this weekend at Fandemonium!

From all of us at Southern Torch, congratulations Molly Veal!

GRAMMY AWARD WINNER NORMAN BLAKE TO PERFORM DURING THE 2015 FORT PAYNE ALABAMA’S BOOM DAYS HERITAGE CELEBRATION STAFF REPORTS

For more information contact Lynn Brewer at mrslbrewer@live.com or 256.845.3380

THE

SOUTHERNTORCH 203 Main Street East • Rainsville, AL 35986 P.O. Box 614 • Rainsville, AL 35986 All contents copyright © 2015, Southern Torch, Inc. Published on Thursdays Postage Paid at Rainsville, AL 35986 Postmasters: Send all address labels from undeliverable copies to:

GET ONLINE www.southerntorch.com for breaking news updates

EST. 2013

CONTACT US Feel free to contact The Southern Torch staff!

Joseph Morgan Managing Editor joseph@southerntorch.com

Jordan Doufexis Editor and Publisher jordan@southerntorch.com

Rachel Monroe Design & Layout Editor

256-638-4040 SUBSCRIBE To start delivery or report problems, call 256-638-4040 between 9:00 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

R AINSVILLE, Ala. — The office of Kayleigh Smith is, appropriately enough, blossoming with creativity. The walls display playful images of the elite from Hollywood’s golden age. Underneath the aforementioned posters are beautifully out-of-place wooden bleachers for seating, and vintage trinkets share shelf space with books like Notes on Directing, The Sanford Meisner Approach: an Actor’s Workbook, and various monologue books.

“My favorite knick-knack in my office is probably the sleeping cat,” says Smith, referring to a porcelain cat sleeping on her desk. “When I was at Birmingham Children’s Theatre I played a cat who liked to sleep all the time.”

Even apart from the nostalgic value of a sleeping cat, Studio 3 delivers an immersive experience that begins as early as stepping into the lobby.

Adults may be overcome with the immediate need to create, not to mention its impact on children.

“It’s a pretty cool studio if I do say so myself,” says Smith.

“My family, friends, and I put a lot of work into it. It’s looking like we may be outgrowing the ballroom, though.

Eventually we’d like a bigger space, maybe open a second location. That’s a few years down the road though.”

Since its christening less than a year ago, Studio 3 has already become a household name within the community. Apart from providing classes for students of all ages, Smith and Co. have made a

name for themselves with their presence at community events throughout DeKalb County, including the bimonth ly Vintage Movie Night held in Fort Payne, and Nor theast A labama Community College’s annual fundraiser, Stars Dancing for Scholarships, which Kayleigh helped to judge.

“It’s a win-win for us.

The reason I moved back to my hometown in the first place was to give back to my community,” says Smith. “I wouldn’t be who I am today if I hadn’t gotten a drama scholarship at Northeast. I want everyone to get the same opportunities I did, and it means a lot to be able to contribute to that.”

Before founding Studio 3 last summer, Kayleigh had spent most of her life working in per for ming ar ts.

Before finishing her degree in theatre at Jacksonville State University in 2012, she had spent ten years as an active member and scholarship student at Northeast Alabama Community College Theatre.

Upon graduating from JSU, she moved to Birmingham and spent two years performing for Birmingham Children’s Theatre before moving back to Rainsville to open Studio 3. In the year since then, she starred in NACC’s production of Into the Woods as the Baker’s Wife, and is currently serving as assistant director for The Foreigner.

Smith accredits her desire to to teach performing arts to the people that inspired her when she was young, and remembers when she realized she had become part of that cycle for others.

“I first met Zack Reed after a performance of The 39 Steps, and I was impressed with his performance. At dinner after the show I asked him how he had gotten into theatre. He explained that he had seen Noises Off at NACC and was inspired by the girl that played Dotty. He had no idea that he was talking to the same girl. I was so humbled and moved by his story. That’s why I do what I do.”

Smith, now 26, says that she was about 18 years old when she discovered that she wanted to open a studio and teach performing arts for a living, but admits that she had imagined herself being older than she is now.

“When the space became available I was still living in Birmingham. I was waiting tables and had just been hired to do a summer show for BCT that would end in June, so the timing was perfect for me to finish one last show, move home to start renovations, and open in September. I was just ready for something more than waiting tables and living contract to contract.”

The life’s blood of Studio 3 is the passion of its instructors. Smith has hand-picked a passionate team to shape its students. Were it likened to that of the U.S.S. Enterprise, Brandon Barranco would lay claim to the title of Studio 3’s Commander Riker. Barranco has worked in the entertainment industry for over ten years. He’s performed in Las Vegas, Puerto Rico, and has danced with many of the professionals from show like So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars.

Since he began teaching ballroom dance in 2006, many of his students have gone on to win prestigious awards both nationally and internationally.

He’s also provided choreography for NACC productions Les Misérables and Into the Woods.

Susan Downey, the studio’s voice instructor, graduated from Auburn University in 1990 where she studied vocal performance and piano, as well as singing in the Auburn University Singers and Concert Choir. Since then she’s held many prestigious roles at NACC theatre, including Peter in Peter Pan, Nancy in Oliver, and, most recently, The Witch in Into the Woods.

Savannah Owens, the newest addition to the Studio

3 family, teaches ballet/tap combo, intermediate tap, and contemporary. She is currently a scholarship student at NACC Theatre and choreographs for the college’s performing ensemble, Encore. This summer, she will be attending a special class at the Open Jar Institute in New York, for which she won a scholarship to attend.

This crew has gone to great lengths in order to ensure that there is something at Studio 3 for the artist in everyone. A year after opening, Studio 3 has grown from less than five classes to more than a dozen.

Classes offered include: -Beginning Hip-Hop -Advanced Hip-Hop -Cardio Hip-Hop -Broadway/Jazz -M.E.L.T. (More Energy Less Tension) -Intermediate Tap -Stars Without Limits -Ballroom 101 -Ballroom 201 -Little Princesses -Contemporary -Acting -Voice Beginning next month, a Clogging class will be instructed by Melissa Shores Whited, whose dance crew, Dynamic Edition, placed fifth on MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew.

Unique to this area is a class called Stars Without Limits, a weekly class for special needs students interested in the performing arts.

“I was at Merrimack Hall in Huntsville for a masterclass, and saw their special needs ballet class perform. That was years ago, but even then I thought to myself, ‘I’m going to do that some day,’” Over the course of the past year, ten special needs students in the area have enjoyed the class, yet Smith admits she was nervous before it started.

“I didn’t know what to expect, but now it’s probably my favorite class. Teaching a special needs child is really no different from teaching any other child, they just learn at a different pace. I have the sweetest, most loving kids in that class. It’s so rewarding. I look forward to Stars Without Limits all week.

Smith says that while some students are on a brief hiatus from the studio for summer vacation, they have some big plans on the table (or the dance floor, if you will) for the fall semester. To celebrate its first anniversary, Studio 3 will host a student showcase in September.

When asked what the most gratifying part of her job is, Smith is slow to answer.

“That’s tough. Probably giving kids a place to be themselves. These kids have

a lot of creative energy and Studio 3 is a place they can come to express themselves without judgment.”

With that mantra moving forward, Studio 3 is certain to obtain its goal of growth, therefore reaching out to allow its community the creative expression it deserves.

STUDIO 3 53 Sam Ellis Drive Rainsville, Alabama 35986 kayleigh89@me.com 256-717-9767 studio3rainsville.com

STUDIO 3 SUMMER CLASS SCHEDULE

6 Thursday - June 25, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH THE SOUTHERN TORCH

PERSNAL BUSINESS

Thursday - June 25 , 2015

By Craig Ford Rep. Craig Ford is a Democrat from Gadsden and the Minority Leader in the Alabama House of Representatives.

The Bar-B-Que Place Pork Plate with JoJo’s & Slaw Fort Payne, Al

EXCELLENT

$5.99

VERY GOOD

MEDIOCRE

MODERATE

WEAK

If you’re a BBQ establishment in Alabama…you better do it right.

“The Bar-B-Que Place” in Fort Payne does it right.

This pork is everything you want from your Alabama BBQ experts, but the JoJo’s set The Bar-B-Que Place apart from the competition.

The JoJo’s are thinly sliced potatoes that are lightly fried, dusted with seasoning, and served with a special sauce that you could almost drink.

If you’re looking for BBQ, “The Bar-BQue Place” won’t disappoint.

- Jordan Doufexis

TORCH APPROVED

ABOUT:

Everything you’d want from a local BBQ joint.

ADDRESS:

1502 Gault Ave S Fort Payne, AL 35967

CONTACT:

Tel. (256) 845-6155

RAINSVILLE CHAMBER UPDATE

Political editors contact informantion

POLITICS “Opposing Gambling Legislation Protects Gambling Interests, Not The People”

CHAMBER CHATTER

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Last week, Gov. Bentley announced that he would not include any gambling proposals in the call for a special legislative session later this year. I believe Gov. Bentley is wrong to refuse to include gambling in the call for a special session, and I will introduce a gambling bill when the legislature returns to Montgomery.

There are only two options for getting our state out of this budget crisis: either raise taxes or let the people vote on gambling. It seems the governor has chosen taxes. But nothing will happen without the legislature agreeing to it, and I don’t think too many legislators want to break their campaign promises and raise taxes.

Opponents of the lottery and expanded gambling say it is a “bad way to finance government” and that they are protecting the people and the state from the negative impacts of gambling. But their arguments ignore the reality of what is going on in Alabama.

People in Alabama gamble.

They do it every day. Drive by the casinos in Atmore or Wetumpka, or the casinos in Mississippi with all those cars with Alabama license plates in the parking lots, and you can see the evidence. But right now, the gambling interests in Alabama don’t pay taxes on their profits like every other business has to do.

Alabamians also play the lottery. But instead of playing it here, where the proceeds would go to benefit our own state, they’re playing it in other states. Just a few years ago, one of Tennessee’s topselling lottery outlets estimated that 60-65 percent of its business comes from Alabama lottery players.

Whether we like it or not, Alabamians are spending their money on gambling. State leaders have wasted millions of taxpayer dollars and thousands

jordan@southerntorch.com Tel. 256.638.4040 www.southerntorch.com

Does DeKalb County need constables?

By Jordan Doufexis jordan@southerntorch.com

of hours of law enforcement’s time trying to fight gambling, but gambling still takes place in Alabama every single day.

I deeply respect Gov. Bentley, and have no doubt that he believes opposing a gambling bill is protecting the people of Alabama.

But opposing a gambling bill isn’t protecting the people of Alabama. It’s protecting gambling! It’s protecting the gambling interests from competition and paying taxes on their profits, and sending millions of our dollars to other state’s to play their lotteries instead of keeping that money here in Alabama.

Leaders throughout the state and on both sides of the political aisle are starting to agree that it’s time to let the people vote! The leader of the state Senate, Sen. Del Marsh, R-Anniston, introduced a gambling bill during the legislative session. Rep. Steve Clouse, R-Ozark, the chairman of the House Ways and Means – General Fund committee, co-sponsored one of the lottery bills that I introduced. And last week, former Auburn football coach, Pat Dye, and business leaders from around the state announced they are forming an organization to support casinos and a state lottery.

The time has come to let the people vote! And that is why, despite the governor’s objections, I will introduce a comprehensive gambling bill in the special legislative session. And if three-fifths of legislators support it, we can pass it even if the governor refuses to include it in the

agenda for the special session.

Some people argue that it’s too late for a gambling bill to help with the budget crisis. But I disagree. If we hurry, we could pass the bill in time to put it on the ballots this August when many voters are already going to the polls to vote in local municipal elections (thereby saving some of the costs of a special election). If passed by the people, a gaming commission could be set up in September, and we could start collecting licensing fees and tax revenue from casinos just in time for the new budget to go into effect, which would allow us to avoid the budget crisis.

The people of Alabama deserve the right to vote on gambling and the lottery.

What they don’t deserve is to see their taxes go up.

Alabamians already gamble and play the lotter y.

Alabamians are going to gamble, whether the government likes it or not. But right now, the casinos aren’t paying taxes on their profits like every other business in Alabama has to pay, and our neighboring states are making millions of dollars off of Alabamians playing their lotteries when most of that money could be staying here.

So here we are, four months after the governor’s State of the State Address, and we are still asking the same question we asked before the legislative session began: Would you rather have gambling and a lottery, or the Republicans’ tax increases?

7

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — On June 10, Kneeley Bretison Pack of Fort Payne, pleaded guilty to seven counts of home repair fraud and received a 7 year suspended sentence. Pack… was the DeKalb County District 1 Constable.

The term for the District 1 Constable ends in January of 2017, meaning there’s more than 12 months remaining on the term.

Why that is significant is in 2010, Senator Lowell Barron carried Amendment 845, which states the people of DeKalb County must now hold a special election to replace the Constable.

A special election that will cost the County a minimum of $33,000. Had Amendment 845 never been passed, the Governor would’ve appointed a replacement.

What is a constable, and what does a constable do?

Constables: • carry a gun • make an arrest if a crime is committed in their presence • escort funerals and weddings • provide security at community functions • assist the fire department • enforce traffic at churches and schools • pull over a vehicle (cannot issue a ticket)

• serve papers Constables do not receive a salary, but can receive payment for escorting funerals and weddings, and serving papers.

Probate Judge Ronnie Osborn and Commissioner Shane Wooten (District 1) are in discussion with local legislators and the County Commission to have Amendment 845 repealed, as well as eliminating constables in DeKalb County. Over half of the counties in Alabama have done away with the position.

If the commissioners and local legislators agree to eliminate the position, it will not require a vote from the public.

As of now, qualifying for the District 1 Constable will begin around June 29 and end July 13, with an election taking place in midSeptember.

The district for the office is the same as District 1 of the County Commission, which is made up of Henagar, Ider, Mentone, Valley Head, and parts of Fort Payne.

If a primary election and general election are necessary, the special election for District 1 Constable could cost DeKalb County upwards of $100,000.

256-638-3933

PRICKLY PATHS

By Terry Lathan,

Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Who knew there were so many types of cactus in the world? I didn’t, but I found that out in Phoenix, Arizona when I had a few minutes to explore the grounds of the hotel that was host to the May 2015 Republican National Committee Spring Meeting. I spotted a “Cactus Garden” which peaked my southern interest.

My limited knowledge of the cactus family is what I recall seeing on the “Coyote and Roadrunner” cartoons as a child – tall, prickly green two-armed plants that seemed to serve no useful purpose in the world. We live in the home of magnolias, pine trees and azaleas, with no cactus to observe.

I was amazed when I saw dozens of types of cactus that I never knew existed. If it couldn’t get any more interesting, a little roadrunner ran by on the pathway later in the day. (Note: No coyote or falling Acme anvil spotted nor did the roadrunner say“Beep! Beep!” The biggest

letdown was that he was not 6 feet tall, which was a total conflict with my childhood cartoon memories.)

But it was a lone sign along the cactus garden pathway that really caught my attention when the paths split in two. It simply said “Lower Pathway Easier”.

Honestly, my brain immediately said, “Take the easier route!”, but the curious part of me said, “Take the more challenging path and see why it’s more difficult – must be some good things there or it wouldn’t be worth the extra trouble.”

I chose the more difficult path. Yes, the hill was steeper.

Yes, it took me longer to walk.

Yes, I spent more time in their desert sun. But I didn’t miss out on an opportunity to learn and experience something new.

In the political world, it’s way too easy to take the less traveled path. “Not my problem.” “Let someone else do it.” “I don’t’ understand all of that stuff.”

“They’re all alike.” “No one listens to me.” “I’m not giving them any money.” “They don’t’ need my help.” “I just want to be left alone.” “I’m too busy!”

What if our fine men and women in the military thought

that way and didn’t sign up to defend our nation? What if good caring citizens didn’t step up to run for office to help direct our nation, state and cities? The “not my problem” syndrome can be contagious if we aren’t cautious and become complacent.

That simple sign in the cactus garden reminded me of the Founding Fathers. What if they used the excuses that many people do now to stay out of our political system? They were willing to have long and loud conversations to form the greatest nation the world has ever witnessed despite having every excuse not to: they traveled by horses, wagons and foot; they hid their families from harm; they were considered traitors to the King of England and would have been jailed or killed if found.

It was truly a difficult path to take but they knew liberty and freedom were worth the journey.

Was their process of forming America frustrating? Absolutely.

Did they fuss and fight, lose their tempers, storm out of meetings and have major difference of opinions? Sure did. Note the excerpt from the Wall Street Journal called “The Feuding Fathers” by Ron Chernow, June

26, 2010.

Despite their erudition, integrity, and philosophical genius, the founders were fiery men who expressed their beliefs with unusual vehemence. They inhabited a combative world in which the rabble-rousing Thomas Paine, an early admirer of George Washington, could denounce the first president in an open letter as “treacherous in private friendship…and a hypocrite in public life.” Paine even wondered aloud whether Washington was “an apostate or an imposter; whether you have abandoned good principles, or whether you ever had any.”

Such highly charged language shouldn’t surprise us. People who spearhead revolutions tend to be outspoken and courageous, spurred on by a keen taste for combat. After sharpening their verbal skills hurling polemics against the British Crown, the founding generation then directed those energies against each other during the tumultuous first decade of the federal government. The passions of a revolution cannot simply be turned off like a spigot.

G e or ge Washing ton an ‘impos ter ’? a ‘hypocr ite’?

‘treacherous’? Yes, they had their differences but they plowed through them for the betterment of their new country, America.

The s e br ave men took the more challenging paths regardless of the conflicts be caus e the mis sion was bigger than themselves. They compromised by walking a path of give and take, yet didn’t abandon their core principles or their heart reminders. Along their journey, they formed our nation. We need to remember their trials and challenges as we still struggle to guard, protect and grow America. It’s the least we can do now for what they built for us and generations to come.

In our quest to be examples of good conservative Republicans and to stay engaged in our system of government today, may we always be willing to rise to the occasion of taking the more challenging roads to address our issues and responsibilities. That road is worth the trip even when it’s harder, louder and at times frustrating. We need to travel those roads together by staying involved, sharing our opinions and fighting for what we believe is right. It’s worth the view.

8 Thursday - June 25, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

OBITUARIES MAMIE L. BROOKS Ms. Mamie Brooks, age 86, of Fyffe passed away Thursday, June 18, 2015. Family will receive friends from 6-8pm Saturday at the funeral home. The funeral will be at 4pm Sunday from W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel, with the family receiving friends from 2:30-3:30pm before the service. Burial will follow in Pleasant View Cemetery at Dutton. President Charles Lee will officiate.

HELEN LOUISE KILGORE Helen Louise Kilgore, age 80 of Rainsville died Thursday, June 18 at her residence. Funeral services are Saturday at 2 pm ct at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Elder Selba Beaty, Elder Aaron Beaty and Elder Ricky Deal officiating. Burial will follow in Fuller cemetery. Family will receive friends from 4 to 8 pm on Friday and 12 noon until service time on Saturday.

CLYDE W. TILLEY Mr. Clyde W. Tilley age 89 of Huntsville, AL passed away Friday, June 19, 2015 at Windsor House Nursing Facility in Huntsville, AL. Funeral services will be held Sunday, June 21, 2015 at 4pm from Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with the Bro.

Kenneth Cobb, Mr. Glenn Tilley & Bro. Lee Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Rainsville Church of Christ Cemetery with Rainsville Funeral Home, Inc. directing, www.rainsvillefunerlahome.com.

Visitation will be Sunday, June 21st from 2pm-4pm.

CARLENE EVERS HOLLAWAY Age 89 of Olive Branch, MS died Saturday, June 20, 2015 Visitation will be Saturday, June 27, 2017 from 12 to 1 pm CST Kerby Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 27, 2017 at 1:00 pm CST Kerby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Clinton Graham officiating.

Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery Dutton, Alabama.

DARRELL EDWARD BURNS Mr. Darrell Burns of Rainsville passed away on Sunday, June 21, 2015.

Funeral Service is set for 2PM on Wednesday, June 24, 2015 from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bro. Jimmy Driskill, Bro Walter Roderick and Bro Danny Johnson officiating, burial will follow in Green’s Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, June 23, 2015 from 128PM from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel

SANDRA LEE BEELER Mrs. Sandra Lee Beeler, age 65, of Rainsville passed away Sunday, June 21, 2015. A Memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2015 from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel. Inurnment will follow in the Rainsville Church of Christ Cemetery. The Family will receive friends from 12-2 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2015 from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

JAMES PAUL WISNER Mr. James Paul “Jamie” Wisner, age 53, of Rainsville passed away Monday, June 22, 2015. Funeral services will be held at 3:30 pm on Saturday, June 27, 2015 from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial to follow in Plainview Baptist Church Cemetery. Bro. Mike Nappier & Bro. Morris Hicks will be officiating. The Family will receive friends from 5-8 pm on Friday from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

Friday 6-26-15 at Burt Chapel-Valley Head. Burial at St. Joseph Cemetery on Saturday at 12:15 PM. Officiating will be Pastor Tim Miller & The Rev. Bill Winters

services are Wednesday at 9:00 am ct at Beulah Chapel cemetery with Bro. Billy Rankin officiating. Family will receive friends from 3 to 8 pm Tuesday at Corner Stone.

TINA MARIE GIBSON

FRAN HOUSTON VEAL

Tina Marie Gibson Smith age 55 of Ider died Monday, June 22 at Erlanger Medical Center. Funeral services are Wednesday at 2:00 pm ct at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Bro. Roy Garren and Bro. Billy Rankin officiating with burial to follow in Beulah Chapel cemetery.

Family will receive friends from 3 to 8 pm Tuesday and 10 am until service time on Wednesday.

Mrs. Fran Houston Veal age 74 of Fort Payne, AL died Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at Collinsville Health Care & Rehab. Funeral services will be held Friday, June 26, 2015 at 11am from Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Earnest Corbitt officiating.

Burial will follow Mountain View Memory Gardens with Rainsville Funeral Home, Inc. directing, www.rainsvillefuneralhome.com.

Visitation will be Thursday, June 25th from 5pm-8pm & Friday, June 26th from 10am-11am.

EUNICE JUANITA GIBSON Eunice Juanita Gibson age 86 of Ider died Monday, June 22 at DeKalb Regional Medical Center. Graveside

THOMAS NASH ANDERSON Mr. Thomas Nash Anderson, age 85, of Fort Payne passed away Monday June 22, 2015. Funeral at 11:00 AM on Saturday 6-27-15 at St. Joseph Episcopal Church in Mentone, AL. Visitation from 4:00-8:00 PM on

CRIME

DEKALB COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE DATE: 06/23/2016 ACCIDENTAL SHOOTING IN SHILOH

Sheriff Jimmy Harris states as follows: Sheriff Jimmy Harris reports that on June 23rd around 12:30 am Deputies and Investigators responded to 1766 Main Street in Shiloh to a possible gunshot victim.

When Deputies arrived they found Brandon King, 25 of Fort Payne had sustained a gunshot wound. King was transported to Huntsville Hospital where he is in stable condition.

Christopher Yarbrough, 25 of Rainsville was located in the woods close to the residence where the incident happened. Yarbrough was believed to have been involved in the shooting.

Yarbrough was taken to DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office by Investigators for questioning. During the investigation of the incident it was discovered the shooting was believed to be an accident. Alcohol and Marijuana is believed to have contributed to the accident. Yarbrough was arrested on the charge of Domestic Violence for a separate incident that happened prior to the shooting. This is still an ongoing investigation as Investigators are still gathering information

about this case.

Investigators will submit their findings to the District Attorney’s Office to see if this case will be taken to Grand Jury.

Sheriff Harris states “thanks to the Deputies, Investigators, Fort Payne, Rainsville, and Fyffe Police Departments for helping with this case and their quick response to the scene.”

DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office 2801 Jordan Road SW Fort Payne, AL 35968 (256) 845-3801

damaged, valued at $300.00

10 ARRESTS

WEDNSEDAY JUNE 17

Kristen Lee Daniel Newman Shedd, age 25 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Revocation Warrant at 9:02 am.

INCIDENTS Theft of Property – Occurred at 600 Gault Ave N, a 55 gallon drum of aluminum parts were taken, valued at $100.00

Jason William Busby, age 40 of Henagar, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency at 10:13 am.

Heather Dawn Swearengin, age 33 of Fyffe, was arrested for Theft of Property and Making False Report to Law Enforcement at 1:45 pm.

Skye Destin Bell, age 18 of Rainsville, was arrested on a Revocation Warrant at 4:44 pm.

Shawn Michael Thomas, age 22 of Rainsville, was arrested on a Court Order to Serve 10 Days at 5:00 pm.

Steven Kane Alexander, age 51 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and a Warrant for Receiving Stolen Property at 5:00 pm.

Peggy Jean Bryant, age 45 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia at 5:00 pm.

Sergio Ramires Rosales, age 37 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Open Container at 6:06 pm.

FORT PAYNE POLICE DEPARTMENT DATE: 06/19/2015 POSTED BY: CHIEF RANDY BYNUM

MONDAY JUNE 15 INCIDENTS

Theft of Property – Occurred at 1153 Chitwood Ave SE, a 6’x12’ utility trailer was taken, valued at $1500.00

2 ACCIDENTS WITH 0 INJURIES

Angel Dawn Abernathy, age 32 of Guntersville, was arrested on a Warrant for Probation Violation at 10:13 pm.

Roy Alonzo Allen, age 41 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant at 11:11 pm.

4 ACCIDENTS WITH 0 INJURY

TUESDAY JUNE 16 INCIDENTS

Criminal Mischief – Occurred at 103 Gault Ave N, a glass display case was damaged, valued at $150.00

Theft of Property – Occurred at 1500 Airport Road W, a check for $10,101.99 was stolen and cashed

Theft of Property – Occurred at 2001 Glenn Blvd SW, a wallet, $16.00 in currency, debit card, social security card and ID card were taken, valued at $36.00

Deceptive Business Practices – Occurred at 1904 Dean Road NE, failed to complete a construction project, valued at $5000.00

Joshua Blake Campbell, age 26 of Rainsville, was arrested on a Warrant for Failure to Comply at 5:41 pm.

Leaving the Scene of an Accident – Occurred at 1303 Gault Ave NE, a rear bumper on a 2004 Infinity G35 was

Timothy Scott McKeehan, age 37 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Failure to Comply at 7:06 pm.

2 ARRESTS

Duty upon Striking an Unoccupied Vehicle – Occurred at 100 Dekalb Plaza Blvd SW, a bumper on a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado was damaged, valued at $500.00 Duty upon Striking an Unoccupied Vehicle – Occurred at 1405 Gault Ave S, the passenger side of a 2005 Ford Econoline was damaged, valued at $1000.00 Delayed Accident Report – Occurred at 1900 Briarwood Ave SW, a quarter panel on a 2006 Kia Sportage was damaged, valued at $500.00 valued at $100.00

Hindering Prosecution at 11:37 pm.

4 ACCIDENTS WITH 0 INJURIES

THURSDAY JUNE 18 INCIDENTS Theft of Property – Occurred at 1808 Gault Ave S, beef jerky, fruit punch and an air freshener was taken, valued at $9.37 Theft of Property – Occurred at 708 Gault Ave NW, two steel forklift forks, three aluminum car intakes, and two aluminum timing covers were taken, valued at $600.00 Theft of Property – Occurred at 100 Dekalb Plaza Blvd SW, a Warrior mini bike was taken, valued at $699.99 Damaged Vehicle – Occurred at 4005 Gault Ave N, a bumper on Volkswagen Passat was damaged valued at $250.00

5 ARRESTS

7 ARRESTS

Jonathan Lee Green, age 20 of Sevierville, TN, was arrested for Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Minor in Possession of Alcohol at 3:09 am.

Gary Williams Waldo, age 32 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Buying/ Receiving Stolen Property at 8:48 pm.

A 16 year old juvenile male of Seymore, TN, was arrested for Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia at 3:09 am.

Jose Luis Hernandez-Lara, age 41 of Valley Head, was arrested for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Controlled Substance and Open Container at 12:31 pm.

Jose Hector Hernadez Conde, age 23 of Montgomery, was arrested for Possession of Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia at 3:58 pm.

Marquell James Pendleton, age 32 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Domestic Violence at 10:11 am.

Ricardo Avendano Alonso, age 38 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Open Container at 4:31 pm.

Terry Lynn Chapman, age 46 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Harassment at 9:56 pm. Tony Randall Stiles, age 24 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency at 4:33 am.

James Reubin Doss, age 50 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Possession of Marijuana at 12:15pm.

Daniel Lopez, age 34 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Controlled Substance, Using False Identity to Obstruct Justice, and Four Warrants for Failure to Appear at 4:30 pm.

Ricardo Israel Garcia, age 21 of Pisgah, was arrested on a Revocation Warrant at 7:40 pm.

Wayne Stanley Green, age 21 of Sevierville, TN, was arrested for Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia at 3:09 am.

Tracy Ray Morrison, age 44 of Valley Head, was arrested on Two Warrants for Criminal Mischief and Probation Violation at 11:02 pm.

Gregory Lynn Garret, age 48 of Valley Head, was arrested for Burglary and

Christopher Davanty Richardson, age 22 of Gadsden, was arrested on a Warrant for Judicial Court Services and a Revocation Warrant at 10:18 pm.

4 ACCIDENTS WITH 0 INJURIES

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