The Southern Torch — Volume 5, Issue 6

Bobby Ledbetter’s

GRAB A GREAT DEAL THIS WINTER! 1411 Glenn Blvd SW, Fort Payne, AL 35967

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019 / VOL. 5, NO. 6 / $1.00

CHIEF BOWEN RETIRES

LIKE

FOLLOW

TWEET

COUNCIL DETERMINES AG DIRECTOR HEROES AMONG US DISCIPLINE WAS APPROPRIATE

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — The Rainsville City Council held their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, February 4, 2019.

In the workshop, Councilmember Marshall Stiefel asked the Council to reconsider the termination of Mike

By Marla Jones Managing Editor COLLINSVILLE, Ala. — After 40 years with the Collinsville Police Department, Chief Gary Bowen turned in his badge at a retirement party honoring him on January 31, 2019.

Bowen holds the title of the longest serving police chief in the State of Alabama. He began his career in 1979 as a patrol officer and was appointed to Chief in 1985.

Collinsville Mayor Johnny Traffanstedt spoke highly of Bowen and said he would be hard to replace.

“It was a sad day, yesterday. Gary has been here a long time and is a fixture in the Collinsville Police Department,” said Traffanstedt. “He is a level headed man, who has the respect of young and old in our community.”

Rex Leath will serve as interim chief until a successor is named.

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — At this week’s meeting of the Fort Payne City Council, Mayor Larry Chesser and the Council honored several students from the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. (ROTC) program at Fort Payne High School.

Fort Payne Police Chief Randy Bynum spoke on an incident

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — On January 30, 2019 around 5:52pm, the Rainsville Police Department was dispatched to County Road 505 in reference to a single car fatality accident.

Officers from the Rainsville Police Department and the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, ALEA, as well as Rainsville Fire and Rescue and Blake Community Fire and Rescue responded.

On scene, a passerby stopped and performed CPR on the victim, but left prior to the arrival of law enforcement.

The Rainsville Police Department made a statement to search for

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FP COUNCIL HONORS ROTC

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

Our Time with Jason Crabb

Our host Marshall Stiefel and special guest co-host Ashley Wigley Thomas really enjoyed our big interview with Jason Crabb last week! Our video has amassed over 5,000 views in just one week! If you would like to watch this special edition of #TorchTalk, please visit our Facebook or check us out on your DISH Network Hopper if you have one!

STATE OF THE STATE

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 9

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — (Full Video on our Facebook) On Tuesday night, citizens gathered in Fort Payne to hear about the State of the State of Alabama. The event was sponsored by the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce.

Senator Steve Livingston and House Majority Leader Nathaniel Ledbetter addressed the crowd, giving an overview of what happened in and

around the state in 2018.

They also discussed what’s coming next in the upcoming legislative session.

They reported the following: • The largest education budget (6.63

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MONDAY FEBRUARY 11

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BOE adds to bus fleet

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

THIS WEEKʼS TORCHCAST IS SPONSORED BY: FRIDAY FEBRUARY 8

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

By Marla Jones Managing Editor DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — The DeKalb County Board of Education held their monthly meeting on January 31, 2019.

The Board proudly showcased a new special needs bus that has recently been added to the fleet.

The Board approved

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

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FRIDAY — FEBRUARY 8, 2019

STATE, PAGE 1

billion) since the Great Recession. The budget included a 2.5% pay raise for teachers and support personnel.

• The announcement of the Alabama School for Cyber Technology and Engineering, which will be based in Huntsville. It will serve as a public magnet school for grades 7-12.

• The state boasts a balanced budget in the general fund with no new tax increases. This year, a targeted increase for the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) to put 30 additional state troopers on the road.

• The budget gives a 3% cost-of-living raise to state employees (the first one in ten years) • Corrections was given a $55 million increase to hire additional mental and medical health staffers.

The Mental Health budget was increased by $8 million to address the opioid crisis • The recognition of February 15th as Military Appreciation Day and the Parks for Patriots Act gave current military members and veterans free access to our state parks • The Veterans Employment Act establishes a one-time $2,000 income tax credit for businesses that hire a veteran for a full-time position paying at least $14 per hour • Gave the green light to ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft to operate in the state • Toughened penalties for obstructing human trafficking (which

includes child sex trafficking) investigations. The maximum offense is now a Class A felony (minimum ten years sentence).

• The Broadband Accessibility Fund will award grants to telecommunications and cable companies that build broadband infrastructure in underserved areas • The Child Care Safety Act increases safety reporting requirements for daycare centers while protecting faith-based daycares from DHR licensure • Reported a growth of 112 new jobs in DeKalb County and 315 new jobs in Jackson County Livingston also said that he would support legislation to teach the Bible as a high school elective in the next session.

Ledbetter and Livingston also discussed the need to further diversify northeast Alabama’s workforce.

They said that they had met with Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker of the Alabama Community College System to discuss a plan.

“We have got to look at doing something about workforce development,” said Ledbetter. “A certified plumber can make more money in DeKalb County than a lawyer can. We have a lot of lawyers. We don’t have enough plumbers. It is the same way with electricians.” Livingston went on to say that there is a big need for HVAC workers, who have the opportunity to make up to $37 per hour.

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

In regards to the high possibility that a gas tax could be passed within the year, Livingston said, “The devil is in the details. We have seen a lot of growth. If we don’t address this all of that could come to a screeching halt.”

Livingston said he had not seen the bill, but has heard a possibility of raising the tax to 26 cents per gallon.

The legislators stated that the trucking industry pays just over 40 percent of fuel taxes in the state, followed by 23 percent from people traveling through the state. According to Ledbetter, in-state Alabamians only purchase 33 percent of fuel sold in the state.

Huntsville economic developer Nicole Jones stated her strong support for infrastructure improvements.

“If we are going to continue our state’s economic momentum, we must be proactive and address infrastructure now. This means dredging a small part of Mobile Bay so ships can move in more cargo as well as fixing our highways so 18-wheelers can transport goods effectively and constituents can travel to and from the workplace in a safe and reliable manner,” said Jones.

“Infrastructure is a quality of life issue and a bipartisan issue that will dominate the upcoming legislative session.”

The current gas tax is 23 cents per gallon in fuel tax with diesel at 22 cents. Neither number has been changed since 1992 and has remained under a quarter for a quarter-century.

RAINSVILLE, PAGE 1

At Monday's meeting, the Rainsville Council also recognized Captain Derrick Summerford of Rainsville Fire & Rescue who rescued a man from a burning apartment at Raintree Apartments. (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

Sweat, the Director of the Northeast Agri-Business Center.

“It’s never too late to do the right thing,” said Stiefel, to which Councilmember Bejan Taheri responded that the Council “[did] the right thing.” The rest of the Council, minus Councilmember Brandon Freeman, who was absent, were silent.

• The Council approved the following: • Transfer of Matt Crum from the police department to city hall as the Revenue Officer

• Job posting of new sanitation clerk position • Job posting for vacant position of Assistant Fire Chief • Purchase of furniture from Thomas & Son for remodel of City Hall in amount of $2,506.00 • Order of 100 garbage cans in amount of $6,437.41 • Resolution 02-04-2019 for the surplus of 1986 Ford dump truck • Sponsorship of the Shrine Rodeo in amount of $500.00

• Approval to hire Laney Electric for the underground wiring at Field of Dreams in amount of $9,872.60 • Authorization for the Mayor to sign an agreement with Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative for tower and generator use The next meeting has been moved to Thursday, February 21, 2019, due to the President’s Day holiday.

The workshop will begin at 4:15pm with the meeting beginning at 5pm.

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the following students who met the requirements for early graduation: Crossville: • Miguel Perez • Hunter Bawgus • Luis Angel Marquez • Brody Peppers • Noelia Garcia • Joshua Greenwood • Veronica Domingo Plainview: • Breanna Harper • Kaitlyn Woods Ider: • Andrew Cavitt The following Retirements were approved: • Jimmy SheltonMaintenance Worker-Facilities Building • Debra HallAssistant PrincipalCrossville High School The following resignations were made: • Priscilla PadgettElementary Teacher-Fyffe • Matt HoschComputer TechnicianFacilities Building The following Leave of Absences were granted: • Roland Williams-Bus Driver-Plainview (12/3/18-6/1/19) • Laura HillLanguage Arts Teacher-Geraldine (1/7/19-2/15-19) • Kristen BatesElementary TeacherCollinsville (3/11/19-5/24/19) • Crystal TaylorPre-K Auxiliary-Fyffe (1/7/19-5/3/19) • Cassandra Harris-Secondary Mathematics Teacher-Fyffe (1/22/19-3/14/19) • Tiffany Jenkins-Pre K Auxiliary-Fyffe (1/7/19-4/30/19) • Scottie Davis-Bus Driver-Crossville (1/3/19-2/28/19) • Tanya FordElementary TeacherCollinsville (11/15/183/1/19 Extension from 1/3/19) • Carmelia McAllister-Secondary Mathematics Teacher-Crossville (4/1/191-5/23/19) • Connie CochranSecondary Science Teacher-Fyffe (1/7/19-3/22/19) • Deborah

Itinerant Special Education Aide (Leave from 1/8/19-4/30/19) -Fyffe High School The following were approved for Volunteer Coaches positions: • Derek Talley-BasketballSylvania • Cyle Collins-Baseball-Fyffe • Jose Simon-Varsity Soccer-Crossville The following contracts were granted: • Kim Keena-Homebound • Amber Traylor-Homebound • Darin Bell-Homebound • Karyn Pickett-Homebound • Jerry Wilks-Special Needs Bus Route • Kathy DobbinsSpeech Therapy Services and Diagnostics • Monty Coker-Bus Driver-Gifted Routes H • Stephanie Lacey-21st Century O Teachers Aide-Crossville h • Lauren Roszellb Saturday School at 6 Geraldine w • Brad Waldropt Saturday School at t Geraldine C • Interquest R Detection Caninesg Substance Awareness and Detection Services • Charles o Warren-Contracted Teacher Services at Ider V High School M B • Dr. Tony S Bright-Contracted Assistant Principal at Crossville High School The next meeting of o R the DeKalb Board of Education will be held on t February 28, 2019. The m work session will begin e at 4:00 p.m. followed by S the regular meeting at 6 5:00 p.m. at the DeKalb County Board of P Education Facilities L Building. s P L F L 3 T e Terrell Chiropractic, LLC t f OPEN SIX DAYS A WEEK! w P Dr. Robert Terrell Dr. Jeff Parker

Hiland-CNP WorkerSylvania (11/26/18-1/31/19) • Alexandra Moses-Secondary Mathematics Teacher-Plainview (1/31/19-3/21/19) • Katie WillinghamElementary TeacherRuhama Jr. High School (2/8/19-4/5/19) • Natalie Silva-EL Teacher-Crossville (12/11/18-5/24/19) • Pamela BryantCustodian-Crossville (2/4/19-4/1/19) The following transfers were made: • Faye KilgoCustodian 11 months to 12 months at Crossville Middle School • Shasta Scott-CNP Worker at Collinsville High School to CNP Manager at Ider High School The following placements were made: Certified: • Jadie FobbusItinerant Special Education TeacherHenagar Jr High School • Mikayla Brown-Elementary Teacher (Position only until 5/28/19)-Fyffe High School • Kelsey SmithSecondary Science Teacher-Fyffe High School (Leave only from 1/7/19-3/11/19) • Amanda Stephens-Itinerant Special Education Teacher (Position only until 5/28/19)-Crossville Support: • Cola TraylorAssistant Custodian (4hr/9 months) Plainview • Lona Kilgore-Pre-K Auxiliary (Leave from 1/7/19-5/3/19) Plainview • Jayce ErwinComputer Hardware/ Software Technician (12 months)-Facilities Building • Debbie Dobbins-CNP Worker (Contract only until 5/23/19)-Crossville Elementary • Alexa Ingle-

Mon-Wed 8:30-5:30

Thu-Fri Saturday 8:30-5:30 8:30-12

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

FRIDAY — FEBRUARY 8, 2019

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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COMMUNITY

HERO, PAGE 1 WINNER WINNER CONCERT BBQ DINNER! BAND EXPO the individual who was first on the scene and performing CPR. After further investigation, the Good Samaritan was found.

David Moses of Rainsville came upon a body laying on the side of the road and performed CPR until the ambulance arrived.

In a statement made on his Facebook page, Moses said: “I would like to say I was the person that tried to help to man on the side of the road. Gave him CPR until the ambulance worker dropped his bag beside me on the ground. Then the police talked to me I gave them my info and stayed while the fire

department looked for anyone else that may have been in the car at the time of the wreck and I asked if they needed any help. I didn't leave until the ambulance left because I had to move my truck out of the way so they could leave. Then I thought I had done all I could do. So I went home and washed his blood from my hands and was glad to be home with my family. The next day still bothered by this experience and feeling sad for that person and his family.”

Thank you David Moses for being the Good Samaritan and a hero among us.

Roping Competition at the Northeast Alabama Agri-Business Center in Rainsville on Saturday, February 16 at 9am.

Books open at 8am, roping starts at 9am!

Anniversary of the Fab Four’s arrival to the United States! The show will be from 7pm to 9pm.

Advanced tickets are $20, day of show tickets are $25.

February 23, Winter Jazz Concert - Join the Little River Canyon Center for their annual Winter Jazz Concert featuring Jacksonville State University’s very own Jazz Ensemble LIVE in concert! Doors will open at 6pm with the show at 7pm. Tickets are $45 in advance, make your reservations early!

Coolers are welcomed!

All proceeds benefit environmental education. For more information, call (256) 845-3548.

February 23, The Return: Tribute to the Beatles - The Return: Tribute to the Beatles will be held at the historic DeKalb Theatre as we celebrate the 55th

March 1-2, Shrine Rodeo at the AgriBusiness Center - The DeKalb Shrine Club Alabama will proudly present its 2nd annual Shrine Rodeo at the Northeast Alabama

Agri-Business Center in Rainsville on March 1 & 2, 2019! Each night begins at 7:30pm. Tickets will only be sold at the door ($15 for adults, $10 for children 6-11, FREE for kids five and under). The event is now available for sponsorships and will be produced with 4L & Diamond S Rodeo Co. and the Professional Cowboy Association. For more information, please call (256) 717-6263.

RAINSVILLE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16 • 2PM TO 5PM

ORDER OF PERFORMANCES

FT. PAYNE MIDDLE SCHOOL SYLVANIA GERALDINE IDER CROSSVILLE FYFFE PLAINVIEW FT. PAYNE HIGH SCHOOL CORNERSTONE COME AND WATCH PERFORMANCES

BY OUR AREA BAND PROGRAMS!

Congratulations to Trudy and Curtis Raye, the winners of our BIG SUPER BOWL GIVEAWAY of a 55" flat screen TV and a party pack of food from Roadside 'Que! Thank you to all who entered, look for our next BIG GIVEAWAY coming soon!

$3.00 PER PERSON ADMISSION SPONSORED BY:

DeKALB COUNTY BAND ASSOCIATION

UPCOMING EVENTS Every Monday, By His Hands Outreach Ministry - The By His Hands Outreach Ministry will host a soup kitchen beginning on Mondays at 6pm. The Clothes Closet will be open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm. Both are at 2494 Church Avenue in Rainsville. Donations are greatly appreciated!

Every Monday, Sons of Confederate Veterans - The Sons of Confederate Veterans meets the 2nd Monday of each month at Burnt Church at 6pm in Sylvania.

Every Monday, Sons of the American Revolution - The Sons of the American Revolution meets the 3rd Monday of each month at Western Sizzlin' in Fort Payne at 6pm.

Every Wednesday, Parents of Addicted Loved Ones - A new support group for Parents of Addicted Loved Ones is starting in Fort Payne at Word of Life Ministry, located at 3610 Gault Avenue North.

The meeting will be held every Tuesday from 6pm to 7:30pm. Any adult family member over 18 is welcome to attend these PAL meetings, however,

for insurance reasons, no one under the age of 18 may attend and child care will not be provided. For more information, visit palgroup.org.

Every Wednesday, Breakthrough Church free meal - Come and enjoy a free meal and hear the Word of God on Wednesday nights starting January 3 at 5:30pm. If you need a ride, please contact: Lynn Haas at (256) 605-7854 or Connie Holdem at (256) 605-1776.

February 7-9, 11 & 14-16, DeKalb County Children's Advocacy Center Dinner Play - The DeKalb County Children's Advocacy Center will present their annual dinner theatre show "Happy Birthday Mama"!

The play will be held at the First United Methodist Church at 6pm on the nights of February 7-9, 11 and 14-16. The ticket prices are: Front row $35, $280 per table; Second row $30, $240 per table; Third, fourth and fifth rows $25, $200 per table.

The Mike Bowling Family @ The Pickin’ Post - You’re invited to a spectacular night with The Mike Bowling Family!

Come join us at The Pickin’ Post in Fort Payne at 6pm on February 9!

Tickets are available at Black’s Tire in Rainsville and Roger’s Pawn, Music & Jewelry in Fort Payne, they are $15 per person.

For more information, please call (256) 845-4115 or (256) 657-3817.

February 9, Alabama Ballet presents Sleeping Beauty - Spend a perfect evening with the Alabama Ballet at Northeast Alabama Community College on Saturday, February 9 at 7pm with a performance of Sleeping Beauty! A cookie reception will be held during intermission.

Tickets are general admission and cost $10.

February 10, Salem United Methodist Singing - Salem United Methodist Church will host a singing on Sunday, February 10 with Chosen Generation of Geraldine, Ala. as the featured singers.

February 10, Flat Rock Singing - There will be a gospel singing at Flat Rock Church on Sunday, February 10, beginning at 5pm. The special singers will be the bluegrass gospel group "Sunday Traditions." The church is located near High Falls Park in Grove Oak on CR356. All are invited to attend!

February 16, TVRA at the Agri-Business Center - The Tennessee Valley Roping Authority presents the Team

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

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Eloise Smith, General Manager Marla Jones, Managing Editor/Sports Editor Zach Hester, Art Director/Reporter Amy Thrash, Advertising Executive/Distribution Lindsey Jones, Accountant

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FRIDAY — FEBRUARY 8, 2019

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

BUSINESS

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FORT PAYNE, PAGE 1

that occurred in December in which a pedestrian had been hit by a car while walking on Godfrey Avenue. Seth Chambers, Joshua Laws and Krista Fowler stopped and began performing first aid until paramedics arrived on the scene. “In this day and time, young people need to be recognized for what they do,� said Bynum. “You always hear the negatives about what school kids [do], and these kids went above and beyond. A lot of

people just probably passed by and didn’t stop, but these kids stopped and helped that young lady.�

Sergeant Max of the Fort Payne Junior ROTC stated that it was good to see that the program is successful. “My job, as a JROTC instructor, is to take these high school students and make them better US citizens,� said Max. “They validate that every day.�

The Council introduced Ordinance 2019-01, which would

amend the “Catastrophic Illness Policy� section of the City’s personnel policy. Human Resources Director Don Fisher said that this ordinance would abolish the “sick bank� and give employees 120 days of catastrophic sick leave instead of 90. The Council approved the ordinance.

The Council approved the following: Resolution 2019-04, which declares certain real estate owned by the City no longer needed for public or municipal purposes.

Resolution 2019-05, which requesting the City’s “Local Legislature Delegation� to introduce legislation changing the method by which council members are elected in the Fort Payne municipal elections.

A tax abatement for a new business that is planning to settle in the City on the request of Jimmy Durham, the Executive Director of the DeKalb County Economic Development Authority.

The purchase of a portion of property located 519 Gault Avenue North, adjacent to the City’s recently purchase building from the Fort Payne Depot Museum in the amount of $20,000 with the restriction that it be used solely for parking.

A $2,000 budget adjustment for a TV, wi-fi, etc. for Conference Room.

The next meeting of the Fort Payne City Council will be held on Tuesday, February 19 at 12pm at Fort Payne City Hall.

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LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NO. CS-2019-16

CASE NO. CS-2019900004

IN RE: The Estate of Viola Catchings, Deceased NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration having been granted to Bobby Joe Townson as Administrator of the Estate of Viola Catchings, deceased, on the 5th day of February, 2019, by the Honorable Ronnie Osborn, Judge of Probate.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Bobby Joe Townson, Administrator of the Estate of Viola Catchings, deceased To be publised for three consecutive weeks on February 8, 15, 22

ANTONIA JUAREZ CIPRIAN, Plaintiff/Mother v.

HILARIO BENITO AMBROCIO, Defendant/ Father NOTICE OF CUSTODY PROCEEDINGS HILARIO BENITO AMBROCIO, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer the Petition for Paternity and Custody Determination and other relief filed by Antonia Juarez Ciprian/ Plaintiff, by the 25th day of March, 2019, or, thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against him in Case No.: CS 2019-900004, in the District Court of DeKalb County, Alabama.

To be publised on February 1, 8, 15, 22 Attorney for Plaintiff Gabriela Watson, Esq WATSON & WATSON P.O. Box 1068 Albertville, AL 35950 Phone: (256) 660-1280 Fax: (256) 660-1541

FRIDAY — FEBRUARY 8, 2019

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

5

POLITICS

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE

By Steve Flowers AL Political Columnist

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Legislature has met for their organizational session and elected their leadership for the next four years.

Both the House and Senate leadership remain essentially the same as the last quadrennium.

Senator Del Marsh, R-Anniston, was elected Senate President Pro Tem. Senator Greg Reed, R-Jasper, remains Majority leader. Senator Jabo Waggoner, R-Vestavia continues as Rules Chairman and Senator Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, will again be Chairman of Finance and Taxation/Education. The only new leader will be Senator Greg Albritton, R-Escambia, who will be Chairman of the Senate General Fund Committee.

The House

leadership is completely intact. Representative Mac McCutchen, R-Madison, was reelected as Speaker of the House. Veteran Legislator, Victor Gaston, R-Mobile will be Speaker Pro Tem. Representative Steve Clouse, R-Ozark, will be Chairman of the General Fund Ways and Means Committee.

Representative Bill Poole, R-Tuscaloosa, will Chair the Education Budget Committee.

Representative Mike Jones, R-Andalusia, will set the House Agenda as Rules Committee Chairman and Representative Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Dekalb, will serve as Majority leader.

Representative Anthony Daniels, D-Huntsville, will be the House Minority Leader and Senator Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, will be Senate Minority Leader.

There a good many new House members and Senators. Approximately 30 percent of the House of Representatives is comprised of new members.

The Freshman Class of State Senators has 13 new members. That makes up one-third of the 35-member body.

There are 11 new Republicans and two new Democrats in the Senate.

This new class of legislators has some potential stars. First on most lists in the Senate is Sam Givhan from Huntsville. Givhan is the grandson of legendary Black Belt Senator, Walter C. Givhan. He comes to the Senate with not only a strong pedigree but extensive leadership experience.

He is a successful economic developer and attorney. He has been chairman of the Madison County Republican Party.

Senator Will Barfoot of Montgomery will be an able replacement for Dick Brewbaker in his Montgomery, Pike Road, Autauga, Elmore, and Crenshaw district. He is

an attorney by profession and is open, affable and very likeable.

He may be as popular as Brewbaker. He carried every box in his district against a viable opponent.

Young Garlan Gudger will be a quick study and will be a stalwart bulldog for his Cullman and Northwest Alabama district. He has deep roots in Cullman County and has a bright future.

Senator Donnie Chesteen moves over from the House to the Senate. His Wiregrass district encompasses all of Dothan and Houston and Geneva counties. He is a native of the area and very popular. He is a former coach, knows his people, and has not become aloof. He is humble, accessible and a thoughtful decisive legislator. He will fit in well in the Senate and will probably stay awhile.

Senator Chris Elliott of Baldwin will be immensely effective. He has been a Baldwin County Commissioner and will be a fierce advocate for the coastal

area.

Senator David Sessions from Mobile moves from the House to the Senate. He is a successful farmer and will be an effective voice for the Gulf Coast region.

Centre Senator, Andrew Jones, is very sincere. He will be an ardent worker for his Etowah/Cherokee district.

Newly elected Senator Dan Roberts, R-Mountain Brook, is a successful businessman who has been active civically in Jefferson County for years and will serving in the Senate as a public servant.

In the House, Representative David Wheeler from Vestavia has been around Alabama politics for 40-years. This will be a small learning curve for him.

Young Will Dismukes of Autauga appears on most lists of potential rising stars. He has a bright future.

Wes Allen from Troy has been Probate Judge of Pike County. He is young with governmental experience.

Tracy Estes from

Marion County will be a diligent and effective Representative for his Northwest Alabama district.

Several of the Freshman House members have governmental experience. Jeff Sorrells has been Mayor of Hartford. Rhett Marquis from Coffee County comes from the Enterprise City Council.

Rex Reynolds from Huntsville has a lot of law enforcement experience. Many observers point to Ginny Shaver of Cherokee County as a real leader to follow.

When it comes to young legislative stars, the two brightest are still Bill Poole of Tuscaloosa on the Republican side and Anthony Daniels from Huntsville for the Democrats.

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.

David Ramey - 73 of Henagar, passed away on Sunday, February 3 at Blake Medical Center in Bradenton, Fla., arrangements are incomplete at this time.

services were held at 1pm on Saturday, February 2 at Wilson Funeral Home with Rev. Shaunathan Bell officiating. Burial followed in Liberty Hill Cemetery.

DEATH NOTICES WT WILSON Mary Dee Switzer - 61 of Gaylesville, passed away on Thursday, January 31. A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Saturday, February 9 at Fairview United Methodist Church in Centre.

Rayford “Toke” Pendergrass - 86 of Fyffe, passed away on Saturday, February 2. Funeral services were held at 1pm on Monday, February 4 at Rainsville Community Church with Bros. Cates Noles and Thomas Frost officiating. Burial followed in Bluff Cemetery in Section.

He is survived by: wife, Birdet Pendergrass; daughters, Dianne Matthews (Bob), Janine Pendergrass, Martha Templeton, and Jennifer Pendergrass; granchildren, Nick Hoskins, Savannah Olschewske, and Rayfe Templeton; great-grandchildren, Madison & Emma Hoskins, Caroline Olschewske; six

step-grandchildren; three step-great grandchildren.

Mr. Pendergrass was a member of Rainsville Community Church.

Angela Edwards - 45 of Fyffe, passed away on Sunday, February 3.

Funeral services were held at 11am on Thursday, February 7 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bro. Jeff Burns officiating.

Burial followed in Highway Church of God Cemetery.

Willie Lewis - 86 of Rainbow City (formerly of Sylvania), passed away on Monday, February 4.

Funeral services were held at 1pm on Thursday, February 7 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel. Burial followed in Kirk Memorial Gardens.

Margaret Cleveland - 88 of Geraldine, passed away on Tuesday, February 5. Funeral services will be held at 1pm on Friday, February 8 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow in DeKalb Memorial

Gardens.

BURT James Johnson III - 62, passed away at his residence on Monday, February 4. The family will hold a memorial service at a later date.

Charles A. Smith - 80 of Crossville, passed away on Sunday, February 3 at his residence. Funeral services were held at 11am on Tuesday, February 5 at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. Burial followed in the adjoining cemetery.

RAINSVILLE

CORNER STONE

Travis Shrader - 44 of Fort Payne, passed away on Thursday, January 31 at Erlanger Hospital.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, February 6 at 4pm at Devoted Life Church of God.

Doug Slater - 71 of Manchester, Tenn. (formerly of Flat Rock), passed away on Tuesday, January 29 at his residence. Funeral services were held on Friday, February 1 at 11am CT at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Bro. Stephen Schofield officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Lawn Memorial Park.

CROSSVILLE Max L. Fountaine - 63 of Albertville, passed away on Tuesday, January 29 at Shepherd’s Cove Hospice. Funeral services were held at 1pm on Friday, February 1 at Crossville Memorial Chapel with Revs. Jerry Darnell and Wes Lowery officiating. Burial followed in Belcher’s Gap Cemetery.

Orma Smith Satterfield Allen - 83 of Scottsboro, passed away on Saturday, February 2 at Highland’s Health and Rehab. Funeral services were held on Monday, February 4 at 1pm CT at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow in Weldon’s Cemetery.

Henry “Junior” Osborn - 80 of Flat Rock, passed away on Sunday, February 3 at his residence. Funeral services were held at 2pm CT on Wednesday, February 6 at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Bros. Terry Phillips and Colby Phillips officiating.

Burial followed in Payne Gap Cemetery.

WILSON Charles Eberhart - 87 of Fort Payne, passed away on Tuesday, January 29. Funeral

Sue Johnson Cleere - 94 of Fort Payne, passed away on Saturday, February 2.

Funeral services were held at 10am on Friday, February 8 at Wilson Funeral Home. Burial followed in Hillcrest Cemetery in Haleyville.

6

FRIDAY — FEBRUARY 8, 2019

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

SOUTHERN TORCH SCOREBOARD VARSITY BOYS VARSITY GIRLS WOODVILLE 62, VALLEY HEAD 40 NSM 110, IDER 42 FYFFE 73, SECTION 53 PLAINVIEW 101, GERALDINE 49 SYLVANIA 82, PISGAH 54 ALBERTVILLE 89, FORT PAYNE 67

VALLEY HEAD 50, WOODVILLE 25 ASBURY 63, COLLINSVILLE 55 FYFFE 70, SECTION 40 NSM 53, IDER 44 PISGAH 94, GERALDINE 44 SYLVANIA 62, PLAINVIEW 44 BOAZ 56, CROSSVILLE 32

AREA TOURNAMENT ACTION

PHOTOS BY KRISTY GALLAGHER

By Staff Reports NORTHEAST, Ala. — Basketball fans have been treated to Area Tournament action during the first half of this week.

There have been surprises, shockers and upsets in almost every Area across Northeast Alabama.

In Class 1A Area 15, the Valley Head Varsity Boys were defeated by Woodville, 62-40. The Valley Head Girls defeated Woodville, 50-25 and will play in the

final game on Thursday.

In Class 2A Area 15, the Fyffe Varsity Boys defeated Section, 73-53.

Parker Goodwin led the Red Devils with 27 points; Gabe Gardner had 19; and Micah Johnson had a double-double with 12 points and ten rebounds.

"We came out really hot the first half and played really good defense," said Fyffe Coach Neal Thrash. "We rebounded the ball well.

Section came out in the second half with a box on Parker to slow him down, but that opened

some things up for some of our other guys."

"We will have a tough game with North Sand Mountain on Friday at their gym," he concluded.

The Fyffe Varsity Girls defeated Section, 70-40.

Alexa Barber led the Red Devils with 29 points; Anabelle Taylor added 15; Gracie Hicks finished the night with 7 points; and Madison Myers had 6.

The North Sand Mountain Boys defeated the Ider Hornets, 110-42.

The North Sand

Mountain Girls defeated Ider Girls, 53-44. The Fyffe Lady Red Devils will face North Sand Mountain on Thursday, February 7 for the final game.

In Class 3A Area 15, the Sylvania Varsity Boys defeated the Pisgah Eagles, 82-54.

Grant Atchley led the Rams with 19 points; while Austin Traffanstedt, Jarred Higgins and Jaxen White all had 18 points each.

For Pisgah, Austin Brown had 14 points, followed by Dakota Goolesby and Jared

Wilks with ten points.

The Sylvania Varsity Girls toppled the Plainview Lady Bears, 62-44.

The Plainview Varsity Boys brutally defeated the Geraldine Bulldogs in Class 3A Area 15 play, 101-49. Koby Tinker had 20 points for the night; Caden Millican and Jackson Hosch added 14 each; and Cole Millican tacked on 13 points.

The Plainview Boys will face Sylvania on Thursday, February 7 in the final area game.

The Pisgah Lady

Eagles defeated the Geraldine Lady Bulldogs, 94-44. Pisgah will face the Sylvania Varsity Girls for the finals.

In Class 5A Area 13, the Boaz Lady Pirates defeated the Crossville Lions, 56-32.

In Class 6A Area 13, the Albertville Varsity Boys defeated Fort Payne Wildcats, 89-67.

Stay tuned to Southern Torch as we update on the final games of the Area Tournament on our social media!

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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COLLINSVILLE BASEBELL FACILITY RECEIVES DONATION

PICTURED ABOVE (L to R): Mayor Johnny Traffanstedt, DeKalb County Board of Education Representative Randy Peppers, Senator Phil Williams, Baseball Diamond Renovation Club Chairman Teddy Helms and Coach Shane Stewart. (Submitted Photo)

By Staff Reports COLLINSVILLE, Ala. — Senator Phil Williams presented a check for $9,360 to the Collinsville High School Athletic Club this week. The money was designated for the Diamond Renovation Project

which is working to create a locker room for the baseball team.

Senator Williams is just completing his second term and did not elect to run for reelection. This donation from his discretionary fund is one of the last actions he will have. He spoke about

how much he had enjoyed being a senator and how he loved being in all the small towns in his district which initially covered parts of four counties. And he especially praised Collinsville for the work that they had done and how welcoming they had always been to him. His

Locals bring home the win

At a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event in Knoxville on Friday, two local athletes, who train at Black Lion Studios in Henagar, brought home the win.

Devin Davis made his debut in the Light Heavyweight Division, knocking his opponent out for the win.

Trevor Peek (3-2) fought in the Main Title Event against a familiar foe: Trevin Brown (4-1). Peek won by decision for his second title belt.

district changed during the last redistricting, and he told the committee that he “would only go along with losing St. Clair County if they would give him all of Collinsville”.

Chairman Teddy Helms spoke about the community spirit in

Collinsville. “All of these facilities – field house, ball fields, batting cages, everything -- were built by our community working together. This addition for the field house and the baseball team will be another community accomplishment. We thank Senator

Williams for his contribution which will help make this project be fulfilled”.

Helms said that fund raising projects will continue. Progress can be checked on the Collinsville High School facebook page.

HUNTER OF THE WEEK

This week's Southern Torch Hunter of the Week is Mary Beth Davidson! Mary Beth is 17 years old and she attends Fort Payne High School, where she is a senior.

To be featured as the next Hunter of the Week or Catch of the Week, submit your photos and information to marla@southerntorch.com!

8

FRIDAY — FEBRUARY 8, 2019

GARY’S WAREHOUSE Wi nt e r e C n a r a e l C Sa l e!

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

FROM SOUTHERN TORCH AND THESE GREAT ADVERTISERS!

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Be sure to stay tuned to our Facebook page for a special edition of Torch Talk on Monday, February 11, With where Marla and Marshall will be Marla and Marshall announcing a huge giveaway for a special Valentine's Dinner for Two at Mentone's Green Leaf Grill!

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