The Southern Torch — Vol. 4, Issue 1

Bobby Ledbetter’s

Twin City Used Car Sales 1411 Glenn Blvd SW, Fort Payne, AL 35967

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2018 / VOL. 4, NO. 1 / $1.00

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>> THIS WEEK IN POLITICS

>> THIS WEEK IN SPORTS

TWEET

>> THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY

Jones hires Gresham as Chief of Staff

Anderson nominated for Back of the Year

WATCH

Three Arrested after Rainsville shooting

Avoid the Flu this season!

Jones seated in U.S. Senate

U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D - Birmingham) being sworn in on the U.S. Senate floor on Wednesday. Jones was sworn in by Vice President Mike Pence. (C-SPAN Coverage)

By Tyler Pruett Managing Editor tyler@southerntorch.com

Three have been arrested on multiple charges after a shooting occurred in Rainsville last Friday night. (File Photo)

By Tyler Pruett Managing Editor tyler@southerntorch.com RAINSVILLE, Ala. — The Rainsville Police Department has arrested 3 after a shooting occurred in Rainsville on Friday night.

The individuals arrested in connection with the crime are Aaron Wilson (18 of Rainsville), Amy Wilson (39 of Rainsville), and Michael Gass (44 of Rainsville).

Aaron Wilson is charged with 2nd Degree Assault, Breaking/Entering a vehicle,

2nd degree receiving stolen property, Possession Drug Paraphernalia, 2nd Degree receiving stolen property, Tampering with evidence, 2nd degree possession of Marijuana, and possession of controlled substance. Aaron Wilson remains in the county

jail with a $54,000.00 bond.

Amy Wilson is charged with possession of controlled substance, 2nd degree receiving stolen property, 2nd degree possession of Marijuana, 2nd degree receiving stolen property,

>> See ARRESTS, P2

WASHINGTON, D.C. — (Link to the video on our website) At 11 am on Wednesday, January 3rd, Doug Jones (D – Birmingham) was sworn-in as Alabama’s newest U.S. Senator. The ceremony took place at the opening of The Second Session of the 115th Congress.

Local schools delay due to cold

By Tyler Pruett Managing Editor

tyler@southerntorch.com RAINSVILLE, Ala. — DeKalb County schools delayed for 2 hours Wednesday through Friday (January 3rd – 5th) due to, “extreme cold temperatures.”

Superintendent Dr. Jason Barnett released a statement shortly before 5 pm on Tuesday: “Over the past couple of days, DeKalb County

(File Photo)

FRIDAY 1/5

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MONDAY 1/8

PHOTO: When investigators and deputies arrived on County Road 333 in Geraldine to conduct a search related to a human trafficking case, a large marijuana grow was found. Rex Tidmore (left), 59 of Geraldine, was arrested on several charges.

Lea Meri Hearn (31 of Geraldine) was also arrested on child torture charges.

(DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office)

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By Staff Reports

TUESDAY 1/9

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — According to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office: On

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WEDNESDAY 1/10

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THURSDAY 1/11

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>> See DOUG JONES, P6 has experienced extreme cold temperatures for our area.

The weather this week will impact buses and classrooms which have not been operating for a couple of weeks, due to Christmas break.

I commend our bus drivers, mechanics, and maintenance staff who have all been working diligently today to ensure our schools and bus fleet are operating optimally.

Which freezing temperatures in the forecast >> See COLD WEATHER, P2

McWhorter appointed new Assistant DA Investigators find Marijuana during seatch

SATURDAY 1/6

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The December 12th Special Election vote was confirmed by the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office on December 28th. Jones received 673,896 (49.9 percent) to Moore’s 651,972 (48.3 percent) statewide.

Write-in votes totaled 22,852 (1.7 percent) in the election.

Jones was sworn-in by Vice President Mike Pence, and former Vice President Joe

December 27th DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office received information on a

>> See MARIJUANA, P2

Summer McWhorter, DeKalb and Cherokee’s newest Assistant District Attorney, with Judge Shaunathan Bell and District Attorney Mike O’Dell. (Contributed Photo)

By Staff Reports FORT PAYNE, Ala. — On January 1, 2018, District Attorney Mike O’Dell appointed Summer McWhorter as the newest Assistant District Attorney for DeKalb and Cherokee

Counties.

A lifelong resident of Cherokee County, Summer grew up in Cedar Bluff and currently resides in Leesburg with her husband, Josh Summerford, who serves as the Chief Investigator for the Cherokee County Sheriff’s

Office. They attend Fairview United Methodist Church along with their daughter, Mabry.

Summer is a 2006 graduate of Auburn University where she graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Political Science and a 2009 graduate of Cumberland School of Law. After being admitted to practice, Summer returned to Cherokee County to enter private practice.

According to District Attorney Mike O’Dell, the Ninth Judicial Circuit, comprising Dekalb and Cherokee Counties, has been understaffed by two attorneys for several years. “We lost Wes Mobley to the Cherokee

>> See MCWHORTER, P2 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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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY–JANUARY 5, 2018

Marijuana, page 1

human trafficking case of a minor.

DeKalb County Investigators, Deputies, Drug and Major Crimes Unit and the DA’s Investigators started an investigation involving this information, they worked this throughout the night and into the next day.

During the investigation the Sheriff’s Office obtained the warrant on Rex Tidmore, 59 of Geraldine, for conspiracy to commit human trafficking.

Investigators also executed a search of his residence on County Road 333 in Geraldine. During the

execution of the search, 2 indoor marijuana grows, with roughly 120 plants and roughly 50lbs. of lose marijuana was found. Investigators also recovered approximately $45,000.00 in the search.

A second search warrant for a residence at the 3100 block of Highway 75 in Fyffe stemmed off the first search, at this residence a 3rd indoor marijuana grow was found with approximately 40 marijuana plants.

Rex Tidmore was arrested and charged with the criminal conspiracy warrant that was

obtained earlier that day, trafficking in any illegal drug, manufacturing of controlled substance 1st, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

During this investigation of this case another investigation was opened of child abuse, where DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office arrested Lea Meri Hearn, 31 of Geraldine and charged with abuse of child torture/willful neglect.

Hearn and Tidmore were transported to the DeKalb County Detention center.

Due to the Investigators

County District Judgeship and Julie McCollister to private business,” O’Dell pointed out.

“These departures caused significant increases in caseloads among the remaining lawyers in our office. Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, we have been unable to fill either of these positions until now,” he explained.

“I decided that we could not continue to function with the current responsibilities without adding a new Assistant District Attorney. It came to my attention that Ms. McWhorter was interested in the prospect of a full-time prosecutorial position,” said O’Dell.

According to O’Dell, he knew right away that Ms. McWhorter would be an excellent addition to the District Attorney’s Office.

“Every time we have had an opening in this

office, whether it be a legal or administrative position, I have sought to fill that position with the best candidate. First and foremost, potential employees have to exhibit outstanding character and integrity, and then demonstrate a high degree of ability to perform the responsibilities required of them,” said explained O’Dell.

“Finally, they have to “fit” in with the chemistry of the DA’s Office. Summer filled these requirements perfectly. Not only is she a person of outstanding character and integrity, she is an excellent lawyer. She possesses a sincere desire to help and assist people as they navigate through the difficulties of the legal system. And, her personality makes her a perfect fit for my office,” said O’Dell.

Ms. McWhorter was

sworn in as an Assistant District Attorney on January 2, 2018, by Circuit Judge Shaunathan Bell. She assumed her duties immediately thereafter.

Although she will be primarily based in Centre, her legal responsibilities will extend to both counties.

“We are extremely blessed to have Summer join our staff,” O’Dell said. “I know our constituents will find her to be accessible, caring, and knowledgeable.

She is a wonderful addition to what I believe is an already incredible staff.”

McWhorter stated, “I am excited to join such a well-respected office and look forward to serving the people of Dekalb and Cherokee Counties in any way possible. I would like to thank Mr. O’Dell for the opportunity to join this team.”

and the Drug and Major Crimes Unit having an open investigation on this case, no further information can be given at this time.

DeKalb County Chief Deputy Michael Edmondson said, “the Drug and Major Crimes Unit, District Attorney’s office Investigators, Geraldine Police, Deputies, and DeKalb County Investigators has worked this case hand and hand and has put in long hours on this case and I would like to thank everyone for working so diligently together on this case.”

Marijuana grow found at the residence. (DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office)

McWhorter, page 1 Arrests, page 1 Aaron Wilson (18), Amy Wilson (39), and Michael Gass (44) (no photo available for Gass), all of Rainsville, were arrested after the shooting. (DeKalb County Sheriff's Office)

Drug Paraphernalia, and Tampering with evidence.

Amy was released Wednesday on a $36,500 bond.

Michael Gass is charged with 2nd degree receiving stolen property, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of controlled substance, possession of marijuana in the 2nd degree, and 2nd degree stolen property. Gass was released Wednesday on a $33,500 bond.

According to a press release from the Rainsville Police Department, on Friday, December 29th, 2017 Rainsville Police Department

received a call of a gunshot victim at DeKalb Regional Emergency Room.

Rainsville Police Chief Kevin Smith and Detective Eric Tidmore went to the ER to investigate the shooting.

Upon arrival, Chief Smith began an interview with the victim. The victim stated that the shooting was accidental.

Upon interviewing the shooter, the stories didn’t match up.

Chief Smith and Detective Tidmore transported the shooter back to the scene.

While in en route, it was discovered that the shooter’s

mother was at the scene of the shooting and had taken possession of the firearm.

B Officers arrived at the home and secured the residence.

Consent was given to Chief A Smith to search the home. s The weapon used in the l shooting was recovered, as r well as various drugs and 2 f stolen firearms.

R Methamphetamine and 2 marijuana were also seized at s the scene. There were also H numerous pieces of drug m paraphernalia seized in the M home.

The 2 guns that were b p seized were stolen from Rainsville. Chief Smith and s Tidmore also discovered that e e the shooter and another individual was responsible for fi 2-3 burglaries that occurred s that night.

3 arrests have been made and they are currently being held in the DeKalb County Jail.

More arrests are expected in these incidents.

The victim was treated at Huntsville Hospital and released.

Cold Weather, page 1 O'Dell gives Opioid Antidote to First Responders

Wind Advisory alert put out by the National Weather Service on Wednesday.

(National Weather Service) for the remainder of the week and student safety being paramount to the DeKalb County Board of Education, the last thing we desire is for our students to be waiting in the cold for a bus that is delayed due to difficulty cranking.

Therefore, DeKalb County Schools and buses will operate on a two-hour delay January 3-5, 2018. This delay should give us time to ensure our buses and schools are fully functional and are ready to accept students.”

Jackson County schools also delay on Thursday and Friday. School employees will be on a one-hour delay.

Marshall County Schools will be on a two-hour delay Thursday and Friday.

While other schools in North Alabama delayed this week, no delay had yet been

announced for Fort Payne City Schools at the time of print (Wednesday).

On Thursday, the National Weather Service issued a Wind Chill Advisory for DeKalb, Jackson, Marshall, and Madison counties from 12 am Thursday until 9 am that morning.

Here in DeKalb, the NWS gave the high temperature as 28 degrees for Thursday, with highs increasing to 31 on Friday, 32 on Saturday, and 40 on Sunday.

Tonight, Cherokee and Etowah counties will be under a “Hard Freeze” warning until tomorrow morning.

High temperatures will peek on Monday at 52 degrees with a chance of rain, before dropping back down again on Tuesday to 45.

Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver and deputies with Naloxone; an antidote to be used if first responders encounter a life-threatening dose of opioids. (Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office)

By Staff Reports CENTRE, Ala. — Recently, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office received four Naloxone kits from District Attorney Mike O’Dell’s Office. DeKalb County will also be soon getting the kits.

According to Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver:

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office now has access to a lifesaving opioid antidote. The Sheriff’s Office has received four Naloxone kits from District Attorney Mike O’Dell.

The easy-to-use antidote, naloxone, is being issued through a collaborative effort between Sheriffs, District Attorneys,

and the Alabama Department of Public Health. The antidote kits cost about $4,000 each and are being provided by a pharmaceutical company, Kaleo Pharma, to address the opioid epidemic in Alabama.

These kits are intended to protect first responders who may accidentally come into contact with a dangerous drug substance and could

save the life of someone who has overdosed. The antidote is given an an injection, much like an epi-pen.

“It allows us to have peace of mind in case of accidental exposure to a toxic opioid and be ahead of the curve in regards to this epidemic creeping across our country”, said Sheriff Shaver.

According to Shaver, the Sheriff’s Office expects to receive 20 more doses, through an agreement with the Sheriff’s Office and the National Sheriffs’ Association in early 2018, which will be enough to equip every deputy.

Sheriff Shaver stated, “We are glad to be equipping our deputies with these kits, and we are fortunate to have not seen the results of the national opioid epidemic here yet, like many more urban areas.”

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY–JANUARY 5, 2018

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COMMUNITY Students receive UPCOMING EVENTS scholarship from Mentone Foundation January 3, The Shepherd’s Flock Ministry Free Meal - Come and enjoy a free meal and hear the Word of God on Wednesday nights starting January 3rd at 5:30pm at Breakthrough Church of God. We would love to have you!

January 6-7, Northeast Alabama Cutting Horse Show - Come and enjoy the Northeast Alabama Cutting Horse Show at the Northeast Alabama Agri-Business Center in Rainsville, Alabama from 9am - 7pm!

January 14, Singing at Salem Methodist - Salem United Methodist Church will host The Chosen Generation at a singing in Geraldine, AL on Sunday, January 14 at 6pm.

MERF 2018 Scholarship winners, Pictured Left to right: August Shanklin, Devin Leps, Brooke Moore, Kara Goss and Josie Crider. (Not pictured are Sarah Blalock and Angela Hadley)

By Staff Reports

MENTONE, Ala. — January 3, 2018- For spring semester 2018, seven local college students have received a $500 scholarship from Mentone Educational Resources Foundation. In 2009, MERF established the scholarship in memory of Sue Henry who was a founding member and visionary of the Mentone 501c3 non-profit.

Sue believed in giving back to her community and in providing resources for success in educational endeavors by providing encouragement, tutoring and financial support. The scholarship fund originated

with memorials received in memory of Sue and continues to be funded by any memorials to individuals received by MERF. The scholarship is available to Mentone and Valley Head residents who are full time students at a technical school or college with a 2.8 out of 4 GPA. MERF is proud to announce the 2018 recipients and wishes them continued focus and success in their academic pursuits.

Scholarships were granted to: Sarah Blalock (secondary education at Athens State University) Josie Crider (secondary education at Jacksonville State University)

Kara Goss (nursing at Jacksonville State University) Angela Hadley (nursing at Northeast Alabama Community College) Devin Leps (nursing at University of North Alabama) Brooke Moore (finance and accounting at University of North Alabama) August Shanklin (pre-med at Jacksonville State University) The mission of MERF is “to enrich the learning and living of the community by identifying needs and coordinating resources”. See www.merfhouse.org for more information about MERF or to donate online for the scholarship or general fund.

Avoid the Flu this Winter!

January 18, Rainsville Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting / Banquet - The Rainsville Chamber will be hosting its annual banquet meeting at 6:30pm in the Tom Bevill Enrichment Center.

Tickets will be $25 each and should be purchased in advance. Enjoy a catered dinner, live entertainment, and the Rainsville Person of the Year award presentation.

January 18, Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce Banquet - The Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their annual banquet on January 18 at 6pm with the main speaker being John Croyle, the founder of Big Oak Ranch!

Museum presents a FREE art contest for DeKalb County students 1st to 12th grade.

Create an original art depiction of the Fort Payne Depot Museum. Art must be freehand, i.e. paints, pencils, charcoal, ink, colored pencils, markers, crayons, etc. (no photographs or graphic designs) on paper, canvas, etc.

The winning selections will be auctioned off at a fundraising event to raise money for the current remodeling efforts.

Turn your art into your school

by January 19 to be eligible.

Good luck!

January 27, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out will be at the DeKalb Theatre on January 27 from 7pm to 9pm! For tickets, there are a few pick-up locations (in Fort Payne): Bruce’s Foodland, Roger’s Pawn, BBQ Place and DeKalb Theatre. The event is presented by Big Wills Arts Council and tickets are $20 in advance, $23 night of the show!

February 1, Learn to Square Dance - You're invited to four free lessons in February 2018 (free weeks are Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22)! Lessons will be held at the Tom Bevill Enrichment Center on Thursdays from 6:30pm to 9pm.

February 3, Sylvania Soccer Bingo Night - The Sylvania High School Soccer

February 15, Made in DeKalb Expo - The annual Made in DeKalb Expo will be on February 15 at Northeast Alabama Agri-Business Center in Rainsville. Manufacturers across DeKalb County will showcase their products.

Several other organizations and companies from supporting sectors will also showcase their resources and services. High school students will learn about local career opportunities. Check back for details and follow Made in DeKalb on Facebook for more information.

February 17, 2018 Meet the Hornets Dinner Auction - The Ider Hornets will be hosting a dinner auction with proceeds going to help pay for new equipment, field prep supplies, uniforms and day items needed to run a successful softball and baseball program.

You’ve Got Options !

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healthy children get a flu vaccination. Find a local vaccination center here.

Wash your hands. Cold and flu viruses may be spread by indirect contact. Maybe someone sneezes onto their hand and then touches a doorknob, only to have the virus picked up by the next person who also touches it.

Washing your hands is the best way to prevent getting sick.

Do the elbow cough. Since viruses cling to your bare hands, you can reduce the spread of viruses by perfecting the art of the elbow cough.

When you cough, simply cover your face with your entire elbow. It’s also an easy technique to teach kids.

Disinfect common

surfaces. Viruses that cause colds and flu can survive on common surfaces for up to 72 hours. Don’t forget to use Clorox® disinfecting products on phone receivers, doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls.

Drink Water*. Water can help strengthen your immune system, keeping the flu at bay.

And if you do get sick, water flushes your system, rehydrates you and washes out the toxins.

An adult should drink eight 8-ounce glasses of fluids each day. If the color of your urine is close to clear, then you are getting enough. If it’s deep yellow, drink more water. *Source: www.webmd. com

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This story is courtesy of Clorox. In this time of year, we need to avoid the flu! Prevent catching and spreading the flu with these easy tips. Cut down on coughy!

There are several steps you can take to help prevent catching the flu and reduce the spread of viruses that cause it.

It’s easier than you think, read below for tips and advice.

What To Do Get vaccinated.

Vaccination is the first step to flu prevention. In general, all healthy people should get vaccinated. The CDC now recommends that, in addition to other high risk groups, all

February 5-6, Loomis Brothers Circus! - The Loomis Brothers Circus will return to the Northeast Alabama Agri-Business Center on February 5 and 6 for several shows! More information will be coming soon!

January 19, Fort Payne Depot Museum Art Contest - The Fort Payne Depot

FINANCING

By Staff Reports

team will be hosting a Bingo Night on February 3. Tickets are $20, which includes a meal catered by Limon’s Restaurant and one bingo card. Extra cards are available for purchase.

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Staff: Eloise Smith, Business Manager

Southern Torch (USPS Periodicals #19790) is published each Friday by Southern Torch, Inc. 203 Main Street E, Rainsville AL, 35986. POSTMASTER:

Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor Marla Jones, Sports Editor Zach Hester, Graphic Design Artist Amy Thrash, Advertising Representative

Send address changes to Southern Torch, P.O. Box

Lindsey Jones, Office Assistant

614 Rainsville, Alabama 35986-0614.

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY–JANUARY 5, 2018

BUSINESS CA$H TODAY Now Offering Installment Loans 406 Gault Ave. S Fort Payne, AL

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Torch Talk with Marla and Marshall Every Tuesday & Friday on Facebook!

THE FISHERMEN SOUTHERN GOSPEL QUARTET For bookings call: Glenn Smith (256) 572-6146 Check us out on Facebook

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY–JANUARY 5, 2018

5

FAITH

A Moment with Megan

By Megan Blansit ST Faith Contributor

This article was previously published by Southern Torch. It is being republished by request.

Well friends, 2017 is winding down! I hope some awesome things have happened for you this year but I’m not naive to think that maybe a dream, a relationship, a certain season and perhaps many other things have ended in your life this year. However, is it possible to look at an “end” as a “beginning?” Maybe things did not pan out how you wanted them to but friend, hang in there. Please, do not put a period where God put a

comma! Philippians 1:6 says, “Be confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ.” Wait a minute, that says “completion” right?! Yes, absolutely; we are never forgotten. Our God is a God of his word and nothing we do can ever break his promises.

Also notice the verse says, “He who began a GOOD work…”

His plans are always good, friend!

Has someone ever handed you a gift, you unwrapped it, and looking at the box that the gift is in you thought, “Oh my gosh, I’ve got to act excited.” Yep. That’s happened to me before! And I actually pulled that trick on my mom this year. I wrapped a nice piece of jewelry in a small

Nutella box. She unwrapped the present and said “Ohhhh…

Nutellaaaa.” (Bad daughter joke, I’m sorry mom.) Friend, sometimes things we don’t expect or necessarily want to happen are sent our way and by looking on the outside, things look disastrous or like a huge let down BUT I am here to tell you that its not always what it looks like! Your biggest let down or disappointed can actually be setting you up for your biggest blessing! Don’t miss the gift because you don’t like the box; just because something looks bad doesn’t mean good cannot come from it.

I thought for awhile on what would be a good topic for this article. “How do I need to end this year? “…”Do I talk about goals for the new year?”

… the pressure felt on. I wanted to end it with a “BANG” Well, friends, the things that have kept popping in my head are consistency, gifts, and no expiration dates.

Why consistency you may ask?

I believe because God is looking for people who will consistently seek His face during the good and the bad.

He is looking for someone after his own heart. And what a gift you will receive when you seek him!

Christ has an abundance of gifts that he is waiting to give us- peace, love, joy, grace, forgiveness, freedom, etc etc. I wonder if we are missing out on some of the greatest gifts because we are “judging the box?” What I mean by this, is that maybe we

are looking at people who claim to be Christians and do not desire to be a part of their Jesus. Maybe everywhere you turn you see hypocrites.

Maybe you’re asking how a “good God” could allow such “bad things.” What if our preconceived notions of Christ are a little twisted or even wrong? Are we judging the box before we open it? Friend, I beg you to open the box! I beg you to seek His face (with consistency.) 2015 may be

coming to an end but God’s gifts never expire. Maybe you're thinking you've messed up too much this year- friend, stop letting Satan keep you defeated. Christ’s blood covers it all! Perhaps the only thing keeping us from Christ and the gifts he has for us… is ourselves. Certain things may have ended for you this year, but remember that Christ’s Word has no expiration dates!

It’s not the end, but only the beginning!

Sunday, December 31 at 2pm at Geraldine Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Chris Andrews officiating.

Burial will follow in Geraldine Cemetery.

J.T. Williams officiating.

Burial will follow in New Home Cemetery.

DEATH NOTICES CORNER STONE

KERBY

Shirley Ann Clements - 81 of Henagar, passed away on Wednesday, December 27, 2017. The family will receive friends from 1pm to 8pm on Thursday, December 28 and from 9am until service time on Friday, December 29. Funeral services are set for Friday, December 29 at 10am at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Bro. Chris Guinn and Bro. C.L. Wilborn officiating. Burial will follow in Pinehaven Memorial Gardens.

Jack Freshwater - 71 of Henagar, passed away on Tuesday, December 26, 2017 at DeKalb Regional Medical Center. The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 28 from 5pm to 7pm and on Friday, December 29 from noon until service time at the funeral home. Funeral services are set for Friday, December 29 at 2pm at Kerby Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jacob Daniel officiating.

Royce Elgin Tripp - 77 of Pisgah, passed away on Thursday, December 28, 2017 at his residence. The family will receive on Friday, December 29 from 5pm to 8pm and on Saturday, December 30 from 10am until service time. Funeral services are set for Saturday, December 30 at 2pm CT at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Bro. C.L. Wilborn and Bro. Michael Wilborn officiating. Burial will follow in Liberty Cemetery.

Jesse Leonard Tillman - 74 of Ider, passed away on Friday, December 29, 2017 at DeKalb Regional Medical Center. The family will receive friends from noon until 9pm ET on Saturday, December 30 and from 10am until service time on Sunday, December 31 at Higdon Holiness Church.

Funeral services are set for Sunday, December 31 at 2pm ET at Higdon Holiness Church with Bro. Edwin Spurgeon and Bro. Edward Atchley officiating.

Lillie Kate Buckner - 94 of Flat Rock, passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2017 at her home. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 2 from 4pm to 8pm at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel and on Wednesday, January 3 from 11am until the service time at Bethlehem Baptist Church.

Funeral services are set for Wednesday, January 3 at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Flat Rock with Bro. Robert Elliot and Bro. Charles Smith officiating.

Burial will follow in Overlook Cemetery.

WT WILSON Jerry Don Pence - 59 of Sylvania, passed away on Tuesday, December 26, 2017. Funeral services are set for 2pm on Saturday, December 30 at Pine Grove Methodist Church.

Brenda Joan Brogdon - 75 of Attalla, passed away on Wednesday, December 27, 2017. The family will receive friends from 10am until 1pm on Saturday, December 30 at the funeral home. Funeral services are set for 1pm on Saturday, December 30 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow in Trinity (Burnt Church) Cemetery.

Dorothy Fay Kerby 79 of Fyffe, passed away on Wednesday, December 27, 2017. The family will receive friends from 11am

until 8pm on Friday, December 29 at the funeral home. Funeral services are set for noon on Saturday, December 30 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Rev. Jon Mayes officiating.

Burial will follow in Beulah Cemetery in Fyffe.

Doris Bolt Ball - 91 of Section, passed away on Thursday, December 28, 2017. The family will receive friends from 5pm until 8pm on Friday, December 29 at the funeral home. Funeral services are set for 2pm on Saturday, December 30 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bro. Mark Haynes officiating.

Burial will follow in Macedonia Cemetery.

Samuel Mack Culpepper - 89 of Fyffe, passed away on Friday, December 29, 2017. The family will receive friends from 1pm until 3pm on Sunday, December 31 at the funeral home. Funeral services are set for 3pm on Sunday, December 31 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Rev. Donald Baugh officiating. Burial will follow in Beulah Cemetery with military honors.

Ben McClure - 23 of Rainsville, passed away. A memorial service will be held at 6pm on Friday, January 5 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel.

Delmus Ray Busby - 57 of Crossville, passed away on Saturday, December 30, 2017 in Huntsville Hospital.

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

Larry Joe Lee - 56 of

Stevenson I Centre I Scottsboro I Higdon I Leesburg Rainsville I North Ft. Payne I South Ft. Payne

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Section, passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2017.

The family will receive friends from 10am until 8pm on Tuesday, January 2 at the funeral home.

Funeral services are set for 11am on Wednesday, January 3 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bro. Craig Samples officiating.

Burial will follow in New Home Cemetery in Pisgah.

Mary Ellon Preston - 83 of Pisgah, passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2017. The family will receive friends from 5pm to 8pm on Tuesday, January 2 at the funeral home. Funeral services are set for 1pm on Wednesday, January 3 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bro. Shane Swofford officiating. Burial will follow in the Pisgah Baptist Cemetery.

GERALDINE Betty Formby - 81 of Geraldine, passed away on Friday, December 29, 2017 at Marshall Medical Center South. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 31 from 12:30pm until 2pm at the funeral home.

Funeral services are set for

RAINSVILLE Charles Williams - 81 of Pine Ridge, passed away on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at DeKalb Regional Medical Center. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 29 at Rainsville Funeral Home from 4pm to 8pm and on Saturday, December 30 at Victory Baptist Church with Bro. Kenneth Goggans, Bro. Clifford Millican, and Bro.

WILSON Marguerite Haralson Durham - 89 of Fort Payne, passed away on Friday, December 29, 2017.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 2 from 4pm to 6pm at the funeral home.

Funeral services are set for 10am on Wednesday, January 3 at Wilson Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery.

NOW BOOKING FOR 2017

THE FISHERMEN SOUTHERN GOSPEL QUARTET

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY–JANUARY 5, 2018

POLITICS Inside the Statehouse Jones hires Gresham as Chief of Staff

Contributed by Steve Flowers AL Political Columnist MONTGOMERY, Ala. — As we enter the 2018 campaign season, many of you have asked me to look back and analyze the 2017 Special Election Senate race and explain in depth what happened and why.

The most asked question is how could a Democrat win a U.S. Senate seat in Alabama and does this mean that we are now possibly a two party state?

I will give you numerous answers, however, the simple answer to why a Democrat won is that Roy Moore was the Republican nominee. Are we a state that can go either way in an open U.S. Senate seat? As we have just seen, it is possible but not probable.

The Democrat, Doug Jones, won in the perfect storm. We will probably never have this same scenario again. There are two maxims in politics that over my years of following politics never fail and become truer and truer.

The more things change, the more they stay the same. One is money is the mother’s milk of politics.

The second is that more people vote against someone or something than vote for someone or something.

To the first adage, money is the mother’s milk of politics, nine times out of ten when one candidate out spends the other the one who spends the most usually wins. When one outspends the other 3-to-1, they always win. In this race, the National Democratic Party saw an opening and they seized on it.

The people in blue America are mad as hell that Donald Trump upset Hillary Clinton. Our senate race was the only race in town or should we say the

country. Not only do Democrats despise Trump, but when they heard that Alabama had a Republican candidate that is a pro-God, pro-gun, gun toting, antiabortion, horse riding, religious zealot that said that he was not only against gay marriage but said that gays were legally committing bestiality, the nation saw Roy Moore as a little extreme in today’s America. In addition, a good many people around the country believe he is a pedophile.

The liberal and gay money flowed into here by the barrel. It came from New York and San Francisco and all liberal pockets in America. The bottom line is the Democrat, Doug Jones, outspent the Republican, Roy Moore, 6-to-1; 18 million to 3 million and that does not count the soft money spent by the National Democratic Party that was spent on getting out the vote.

The book was written on Moore from the get go.

The first poll and the last poll revealed that 30 percent of Alabamians would vote for Roy Moore come hell or high water.

However, he is so polarizing that a whopping 70 percent said that they would not vote for him under any circumstance.

The reason that he won the Republican nomination was that his 30 percent became accentuated due to turnout. His voters are more ardent, fervent and frankly older. Moore’s 30 percent did indeed vote on December 12. The problem for Moore was that the 70 percent that detest him voted more than was expected.

The biggest part of that 70 percent was African American voters who voted in epic, unparalleled proportions. It was statewide. It was not only in the urban counties of

Jefferson, Montgomery, and Mobile and the Black Belt. This tidal wave occurred in all 67 counties.

African American voters came together in a crescendo and sent Roy Moore to a watery grave.

Doug Jones owes his election to the Black voters and he knows it.

A significant number of urbane, upscale, more educated business establishment Republicans voted against Moore, pragmatically. The image that Moore portrayed to the nation was bad for business and economic development. The best example of this was the results in Madison County.

Huntsville is Alabama’s crown jewel and economic engine. They generally vote Republican. Moore lost Madison County by 20,000 votes.

Senator Richard Shelby contributed to Moore’s defeat. His refusing to vote for Moore and his open acknowledgement that he cast a write-in vote for an unknown Republican gave credence and impetus for other Republicans to follow suit.

There were about 22,000 write-in votes. Moore lost by 21,000.

How does this play into 2018. It gives Walt Maddox and Sue Bell Cobb hope and credence that under the right and perfect circumstances a Democrat can win. However, it probably does not change the fact that a Republican gubernatorial or senatorial candidate will be favored to win 60/40. Luther Strange or Mo Brooks would have won the Senate race 60/40.

See you next week.

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.

On Tuesday, U.S. Senator-elect Doug Jones (D – Birmingham) announced the hiring of Alabama native Dana Gresham as his Chief of Staff.

By Tyler Pruett Managing Editor tyler@southerntorch.com

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — On Tuesday morning, U.S. Senator-elect Doug Jones announced the hiring of former Asst. Secretary for Governmental Affairs of the United States Department of Transportation Dana Gresham as his Chief of Staff.

Gresham was appointed to USDOT by President Obama’s administration in 2009, and worked there until January 2017; until President Donald Trump was sworn into the oval office.

Gresham is a native of

Birmingham, Alabama and a graduate of Georgetown University with a bachelor’s degree in International Politics.

Gresham is also a veteran staffer; having served as Chief of Staff for Representative Artur Davis (D – Birmingham) and on the staffs of Rep. Bud Cramer (D – Huntsville) as well as Rep. Eva Clayton (D – North Carolina).

Senator-elect Jones also hired Sonceria Ann Bishop-Berry, an African-American woman to serve as his transitional advisor. Bishop-Berry is another veteran staffer with an impressive resume.

The hires come after

the NAACP issued a letter demanding that hiring practices for the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate be reviewed, as no Democratic lawmakers have a person of color working in their top staff position.

This differs from the GOP, despite what many may assume. According to the Washington Post, Jonathan Burks, Chief of Staff to Republican Rep. Paul D. Ryan (Wisconsin), is the first African-American to hold the job.

In the senate, two Republicans have chiefs of staff who are AfricanAmerican, U.S Senators Jerry Moran (Kansas) and Tim Scott (South Carolina).

As far as where U.S. Senator Doug Jones will stand on the issues, Mr. Jones said in an interview that he wants to, “reach some consensus to try to get things done.”

“I’m starting fresh,” Mr. Jones said in the interview with the Wall Street Journal. “I want to do that not only across the aisle but within my own party. We’ve still got divergent views even within the party.”

“I want to be that voice to try to bring people together,” said Jones.

Doug Jones, page 1 Biden escorted Jones to take the oath. As reported

by WAAY 31, traditionally Alabama Senior Senator would escort the new senator, which in this case would be U.S. Senator Richard Shelby.

Senator Jones instead selected Biden to do the honor.

After the ceremony, Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell (R – KY) addressed lawmakers and welcomed Sen. Jones: “I’d like to extend a particular welcome to our two new senators who were just sworn in.”

“First, Senator Doug Jones of Alabama, who will have big shoes to fill. His state has sent some very distinguished legislators to Washington, including Attorney General, Jeff Sessions. Senator Jones brings a background in law enforcement, having served as the federal prosecutor in the Northern District of Alabama and we welcome him,” said McConnell.

McConnell also highlighted the importance of bi-partisanship in the upcoming issues lawmakers face this year: “I congratulate both of these new senators and look forward to working with them in the month ahead to make bipartisan progress and to find common ground on behalf

of the American People.”

“The senate will need to tackle several important issues this year. It’s my sincere hope that we can do so, in a renewed spirit of comity, collegiality, and bipartisanship. I note that colleagues on both sides of

the aisle share this hope, and it’s urgent that we make it reality,” he said.

“Congress must reach a spending agreement by January 19 to ensure uninterrupted funding of the federal government,” said McConnell.

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY–JANUARY 5, 2018

7

Shootout

(Photo by Kristy Gallagher | Southern Torch)

Plainview Wins Plainview fell to Bears defeat the over Central Ciay South Atlanta Titans

By Marla Jones Sports Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — Basketball fans were treated to next level basketball games last week at the First State Bank Shootout..

Plainview Varsity Boys faced Central Clay Co. Volunteers on the first day of the First State Bank Shootout. The Bears were the victor, outscoring Central Clay, 74-50.

The Bears came into the tournament with a 14-0 record (3-0 in Class 3A, Area 14). The Volunteers record coming into the tournament was 5-2 (1-0 in Class 5A, Area 10).

The Bears took the early 30-10 lead in the first quarter. During the first half, Plainview outscored

Central 42-27.

Coming back from intermission, Plainview tacked on nineteen more points, to Central’s eleven in the third quarter. Plainview added on thirteen more points in the fourth, to outscore Central, 74-50.

The Bears threw 3-pointers like Christmas candy, making thirteen.

Central of Clay had four, three-pointers for the night.

Caden Millican led the Bears with 18 points for the night. Millican made six-of-seven, 3-pointers and had three rebounds. Jeffery Armstrong had 14 points and eleven rebounds. Bailey Dukes had 13 points and made (3) 3-pointers.

In the second game of the series, Plainview will face the defending Class 2A State Champions, South Atlanta.

By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com The Plainview Bears Varsity Boys suffered their first loss of the season to the South Atlanta Hornets, 68-51,in the First State Bank Shootout on Thursday, December 28, 2017.

Plainview had the small 16-13 advantage in the first quarter. Going into intermission, The Bears held

on to the 32-29 lead.

The Bears outscored the Hornets during the third quarter, 16-13. In the final period, the Hornets came alive scoring twenty-six points to Plainview’s three, to take down the Bears.

Plainview’s Koby Tinker lead the Bears with seventeen points. Caden Millican scored fourteen points and had four, 3-pointers for the night.

Jeffery Armstrong finished the night with seven points.

Collinsville

marla@southerntorch.com

Honorable Mention: Brant Rowell, Senior, DB, Fyffe:

DEKALB CO., Alabama — Dekalb County was well represented in the Alabama Sports Writers Association (ASWA) All-State Football team selections. Over one thousand players were nominated by member papers and coaches. The selections are as follows: Class 2A First Team Payton AndersonJunior, RB, Fyffe Cole Lyles, Senior, OL, Fyffe Kaleb Jones, Sophomore,Athlete,

In the last game of the First State Bank Shootout, the Plainview Bears defeated the Class 7A Gadsden City Titans, 87-69.

The Titans took the early lead in the first quarter, outscoring the Bears 22-18.

In the second quarter, the Bears came alive outscoring the Titans 30-15, and going into the intermission with a

By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Class 3A Second Team Jacob Wooten, Senior, LB, Plainview Honorable Mention: David Mejia, Junior, Punter, Plainview Class 5A Honorable Mention Banks Jolley, Senior, REC, Crossville Class 6A First Team Evan McPherson, Senior, Kicker, Fort Payne

marla@southerntorch.com

48-37 advantage. Coming back for the final half, Plainview outscored the Trojans 39-32, to claim the 87-69 victory.

Koby Tinker led the Bears with 29 points. He cashed in (6) three-pointers.

Bailey Dukes had 16 points for the night, (3) three pointers and four rebounds. Jeffery Armstrong and Haden White finished the game with fifteen points. Armstrong had (3) three-pointers while White had (4) three-pointers.

Anderson nominated for Back of the Year

Best of the Best

By Marla Jones Sports Editor

By Marla Jones Sports Editor

(Photo by James Williams | James Williams Photography)

FYFFE, Ala,— Payton Anderson, Junior running back for Fyffe High School recently was nominated for Class 2A Running Back of the Year by the Alabama Sports Writers Association (ASWA). The forty-eight finalists were announced on Saturday by sports writers across the state. Each of the seven Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) classes have three finalists for back of the year.

The forty-eight nominated players are also finalists for the ASWA’s Mr. Football Award, that will be presented at the Player of the Year banquet in Montgomery,on January 17, 2018.

Anderson, rushed for over 2,000 yards in the 2017 season and scored thirty-two touchdowns.

Anderson averaged over 150 yards per game. He accomplished all of this on 177 carries, averaging eleven yards per attempt. During

the season, he also caught two passes, both became touchdowns. He intercepted three passes, returning one for a touchdown and returned a kickoff for a touchdown as well.

Add this nomination to the long list of awards that Payton has accrued for his stellar 2017 football season.

He was named All-County, All-Area, and All-State along with this prestigious award.

“We are very proud that Payton has been nominated for this award” said Fyffe Head Football Coach, Paul Benefield. “We always look at this as an opportunity for our program to be recognized statewide and we are extremely proud of Payton and his accomplishments on the field. He understands that without his teammates, he would not be where he is.”

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY–JANUARY 5, 2018

Fyffe Holiday Classic

By Marla Jones Sports Editor

the 10-9 advantage over the Mustangs in the first quarter. Going into the half, the Rams held onto the narrow 22-19 advantage. Oakwood outscored the Rams 15-7 during the third quarter.

Sylvania answered back in the fourth outscoring Oakwood, 14-7 to grab the 43-41 victory.

Jared Higgins had a double-double for the night as the top scorer for the Rams. He had 22 points and 14 rebounds.

marla@southerntorch.com

FYFFE, Ala.— The Fyffe High School Basketball Team hosted the Fyffe Holiday Classic last week.

Varsity boys teams that were on the schedule to play were Fyffe, Sylvania, Valley Head, Susan Moore, Oakwood, Brindlee Mountain and Sand Rock .

Valley Head vs Susan Moore

Sylvania vs Cleveland

In the opening game of the Holiday Classic, Valley Head faced Susan Moore. Susan Moore jumped to the early lead, scoring fifteen points in the first quarter to Valley Head’s eight points. In the second quarter, Susan Moore added thirty-six points to go into intermission with the 51-29 advantage. Susan Moore defeated the Tigers with a final of 73-50.

Jaxon Landers led the Valley Head Tigers with 13 points. Kyle Miller finished the night with 8 points. Jordan Cordell and Alex Gifford each finished the game with 7 points.

Valley Head vs Oakwood On the second day of tournament play, Valley Head faced Oakwood.

Oakwood started their scoring frenzy in the first quarter of the game and never looked back. In the first quarter they outscored the Tigers, 20-10, second quarter the score 35-19. Coming back from the half, Oakwood obtained the 53-27 lead and with the finished the the game with a score of Oakwood 70- 39.

Owen Izell led the Valley Head Tigers with 10 points . Jordan Cordell had 9 points and Kyle Miller finished the night with 7 points.

“We struggled in the Fyffe Holiday Classic bur we are working hard to be better, every day” said Valley Head Coach, Chuck WIlliams.

Valley Head will travel to face Skyline on Friday for their first game of 2018.

Fyffe vs Sand Rock The Fyffe Red

In the second game of the tournament, Sylvania faced the Cleveland Panthers. The Rams led the Panthers 16-7 in the first. The Rams held onto their lead, and going into intermission, had the 33-12 advantage. In the third quarter, the Rams proved they were a force to be reckoned with, jumping to the 51-21 lead and causing the game clock to run continuous during the fourth quarter, The Rams finished with a 59-23 victory over the Panthers.

Grant Atchley led the Rams with 18 points. Jaxen White cashed in 11 points and Joshua Tinker finished the night with 10 points.

(Photo by Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

Devils(6-3) faced the Sand Rock Wildcats on the first night of the Fyffe Holiday Tournament. The Red Devils went into attack mode, starting out the first quarter outscoring Sand Rock 17-6. In the second quarter, the Red Devils kicked it into overdrive, leading the Wildcats, 35-18. Coming back from the half, the Devils led 64-33 and only allowed the Wildcats to score four in the fourth quarter. Fyffe won 76-37.

Brodie Dobbins led the Red Devils with 15 points.

Gabe Gardner had 13 points and 8 rebounds Chase adams scored 10 points for the night.

Parker Graham helped the Red Devils with ten assists.

“It was out best played game of the year. We shared the ball on offense, played sound defenses, rebounded the ball strong, and only had five turnovers” said Fyffe Head Basketball Coach, Heath Thrash. “I wish we could save that game in a bottle and open it up on game night all year.”

Fyffe vs Susan Moore Fyffe faced Susan Moore in the second game of the Fyffe Holiday Classic.

Susan Moore gained a small lead against the Red Devils in the first quarter, outscoring them 14-12.

Going into the half, Fyffe had the 33-24 advantage.

They Red Devils held onto their lead in the third with a score of 51-38 and finished the game with the 70-59 victory over Susan Moore.

Chase Adams had 17 points for the Red Devils.

Parker Godwin and Gabe Gardner finished the night with 11 points.

“Our second unit came off the bench and gave us a strong spark in the second quarter that gave us a lead we were able to maintain” said Fyffe Head Coach, Heath Thrash.

Holiday Classic with a 79-59 win over Oakwood.

Fyffe made it look easy against Oakwood, outscoring them every quarter of the game. The Red Devils jumped to the early, 21-8 lead in the first.

Going into intermission, the Red Devils had the 37-26 advantage. The third quarter, saw the Red Devils with the 55-41 advantage and they closed out the game with the 79-59 victory.

Chase Adams had a double-double, scoring 25 points and having 10 rebounds. Gabe Gardner

had 11 points for the game.

Brody Dobbins netted 10 points. Dakota Dalton finished the game with 9 points. Tucker Goolesby had 10 rebounds for the night.

Sylvania vs Oakwood The Sylvania Rams faced the Oakwood Mustangs in their first game of the Fyffe Holiday Classic. The game was back-and-forth for all four quarters. Sylvania nabbed

Sylvania vs Susan Moore Sylvania finished out the Fyffe Holiday Classic perfect in play, defeated Susan Moore 64-34.

Sylvania jumped to the early 14-3 lead over Susan Moore in the first quarter. Going into the half, the Rams had the 24-15 advantage. During the third period, Sylvania seized the unstoppable 43-24 lead, and never looked back. Sylvania defeated Susan Moore 64-34.

Jared Higgins and Austin Traffanstedt led the Rams with 21 points each for the night.

Fyffe vs Oakwood

(Submitted Photo)

Fyffe closed out the

Congratulations to the undefeated Fort Payne High School Junior Varsity Girls for taking first place in the Glencoe Holiday Shootout!

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY–JANUARY 5, 2018

9

DeKalb county junior high basketball tournament Crossville High School will host the DeKalb County Junior High Basketball Tournament beginning on Saturday, January 6-13.

Below you will find the schedule and tournament brackets!

the southern torch would like to wish best wishes to everyone in the tournament this weekend! Submit all your pictures and stats to marla@southerntorch.com!

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FRIDAY–JANUARY 5, 2018

Make 2018 your year to get fit!

Southern Torch would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year! We hope everyone has success on their fitness journeys in 2018. Check out some of these great businesses for any fitness, wellness or dietary needs you have this year!

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124 McCurdy Ave S Rainsville, AL 35986 Phone: 256-638-4FIT - (4348) Cell: 256-899-2431

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TUES: 4PM-8PM (DR. AFTER 5) WED: 1PM-7PM (DR. 4:30-7) FRI: 1PM-5PM (DR. 1-5)

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65 McCurdy Ave S, Rainsville, AL 35986 Phone: (256) 638-9393 • Fax: (256) 638-9395

256-997-2020

Serving Northern Alabama and the Surrounding Areas

2018 Rainsville Freedom Run

(Submitted Photo)

Happy New Year and guess what? Registration is NOW OPEN for the Rainsville Freedom Run 10K and 5K! Plus, it's our TENTH ANNIVERSARY! 5 Deep Overall Prize Money: 10K: $1000, $800, $600, $400, $200 5K: $600, $400, $300, $200, $100 If you've loved our run in the past then you will go CRAZY for this year... more prize money, bigger door prizes and some super secret surprises that we can't mention yet! Last year over 800 registered. Help us break 1000 this year! Be part of our January early birds. Call some friends and sign up today! Thank you for your continued support these past 9 years. We promise this will be the best year yet!

Go to rainsvillefreedomfest.racesonline.com to register. we can't wait to see you on Saturday, June 16!

BE YOUR BEST SELF