By: Joseph M. Morgan, Editor and Publisher

joseph@southerntorch.com

Councilman Fred W. Shankles will run for re-election to the Collinsville City Council, District 2. Shankles will face Donna G. Jones, a teacher at Collinsville High School on Aug. 23, 2016.

COLLINSVILLE, Ala.—Councilman Fred W. Shankles recently announced his intent to run for re-election to the Collinsville City Council, District 2.

Shankles, a lifelong resident of Collinsville, has held the District 2 seat on the Collinsville City Council for more than 20 years. He will face local educator Donna G. Jones in the sole contested municipal race on the ballot in Collinsville on Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2016.

“I have served on the Collinsville City Council for several years,” Shankles said. “I work well with the other council members and there have been no major disputes or disagreements during my tenure.  I have the best interests for District 2 as well as the whole town.”  

During his tenure on the council, Shankles has been responsible for a number of key infrastructure improvements in District 2 including projects to improve city streets, city water and sewer system upgrades, and improved safety for motorists, pedestrians and children in the district through the installation of new street lights throughout the district.

Shankles says he realizes the town has limited funds, but he has a vision of making many improvements.

“I think our Main Street looks better than any I’ve seen for a town the size of Collinsville,” Shankles said. “The sidewalk streetlights and the Cricket Theatre marquee lit up at night look great, and we have a beautiful library.”

Shankles says if re-elected he will continue to work to make District 2 and the whole town a better place in which to live.  

“I am happy to talk to or help anyone in District 2 or elsewhere in our community who might be in need,” Shankles said. “I am always available to listen to those facing problems and will continue to do all that I can to resolve them.”

Shankles was born and raised in Collinsville. He is retired from Sara Lee Bakery in Fort Payne and is married to Carolyn Blackwell Shankles. She is also retired after having worked at Cagle’s and Koch Foods Poultry Plant for almost 43 years as Accounting and Office Manager.

Councilman and Mrs. Shankles have three married children, Steve, Susan and Scot, all three of which attended and graduated from Collinsville High School. They also have six grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Mr. Shankles is an active member of Collinsville Baptist Church, where he and his family have been members for several years and he serves as a deacon. Shankles is also a member of the Collinsville Historical Society.

“On August 23 please vote to re-elect Fred W. Shankles as City Council Member, District 2, for the Town of Collinsville,” Shankles said. “Your vote will be appreciated.”

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By: Joseph M. Morgan, Editor and Publisher

RAINSVILLE, Ala.—Dr. Jason Barnett, Republican candidate for DeKalb County Schools Superintendent, announced that he will be hosting a fall campaign kick-off rally on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016, at 6 p.m. at the Tom Bevill Enrichment Center in Rainsville.

“It’s exciting to be just days away from our fall kick-off rally,” Barnett said. “We’re expecting a good crowd and I want to invite anyone who is interested to come out next Tuesday and join us for the rally.”

Barnett said the purpose of the event is to officially kick off his fall campaign and bring together supporters, volunteers and any others interested in learning more about the campaign or his vision for improving DeKalb County Schools.

“We were blessed with an incredibly loyal, hard-working group of volunteers during the primary and they are ready to redeploy and hit the ground running,” Barnett said. “This is an exciting time as we prepare for the general election.”

Barnett said a number of new volunteers have signed on to help out with the campaign and he hopes even more will show up at the fall campaign kick-off rally next week.

“The kick-off is a way to reunite with and show our appreciation for the many volunteers and supporters who have been there since day one,” Barnett said. “It will also be a great opportunity to meet new people. I encourage anyone who has an interest in DeKalb County Schools or has questions for me or would like to hear more about where I stand on the issues to come out and join us.”

Barnett said the event is not only about kicking off the fall campaign, but about bringing a group of people with a common vision together and enjoying an evening of fellowship for the entire family.

“We will have fun for the kids, food, fellowship, and some local entertainment; and I will share my vision for DeKalb County Schools,” Barnett said. “We ask for your support in the general election on November 8th, and we look forward to your presence at this event. We would love for you to invite a friend to join you as well.”

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DeKalb County Tourism Director John Dersham releases annual economic impact report

By: Joseph M. Morgan, Editor and Publisher

joseph@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala.—DeKalb County Tourism Executive Director John Dersham recently released the 2016 Tourism Economic Impact Report, and travel to DeKalb County is alive and well. 

Tourism in DeKalb County has seen significant growth over the past 15 years, with a 25% increase in the past decade alone. Dersham’s report showed another year of positive tourism growth in 2015, accounting for $79 million or tourism-related spending over the past year in DeKalb County by out-of-town visitors.

“Every year the State of Alabama Revenue Office provides a report for the state of Alabama that is specific to tourism in Alabama,” Dersham said. “The revenue office compiles this as a total for the state and then they compile one for each of the 67 Alabama counties.”

The continued growth of tourism provides significant capital to local businesses that translates into generous tax revenues for city and county governments. The report shows just how significantly tourism impacts local economies, tourism, local governments, small businesses and the county as a whole.

The statewide report, which can be at www.tourism.alabama.gov/reports/, emanates from the lodging tax paid at all lodging facilities; including hotels, motels, bed and breakfast lodges, campgrounds, rental cabins and any other forms of paid rental for overnight accommodations.

“We are very fortunate in Alabama to live in a state with great scenic and cultural diversity,” Dersham said. “Visitors love the fact that when they come to Alabama they can enjoy the beach and the mountains, the coastal plains, great golf courses, great cities and they love our culinary palette. They love our State and National Parks and they love the Space and Rocket center in Huntsville, which is the number one attraction in north Alabama.”

According to Dersham’s report, DeKalb Tourism has increased by an impressive near 25% over the past decade—going from tourism expenditures of $60.1 million in DeKalb County ten years ago to the $79 million spent by visitors in our county in 2015.

“Our state is up from number 22 just a few years ago, and is growing at a faster rate than some of the states ahead of us,” Dersham said. “DeKalb County accounted for nearly $79 million dollars. This is up 5.5% from the previous year, and judging from our 2016 year to date numbers, I think our growth will be even better this year.”

Tourism is also responsible for creating more than 1,000 jobs in DeKalb County. Dersham’s report showed that tourism provided employment for 1,015 people in DeKalb County in 2015. The number of tourism-related jobs has risen by 11% in DeKalb in the past two years alone.

“Tourism in Alabama is a fast growing and profitable industry in a time when the overall economy has struggled to regain its pre 2008 levels,” Dersham said. “Except for a slight hiccup in 2008 and 2009 tourism has grown every year in DeKalb County.”

Dersham explained that the continued reduction to the cost of fuel to and gas prices lower than they have been in several years, travel all across the U.S. is growing at a faster rate this year.

“We are a weekend destination for 11 million people who live within a 200 mile radius of us,”  Dersham said. “With gas prices lower and overall costs to visit our area being low in comparison with most destinations, it is making us a hot spot; not just in Alabama but throughout the region,”

Dersham said DeKalb County is considered to have one of the highest leisure tourism rates in the state, second only to Alabama’s beach communities along the Gulf who always drive the highest numbers in terms of leisure tourism.

“Here in DeKalb, the number of people visiting our towns and attractions is growing,” Dersham said. “I am proud to be in tourism in such an exciting time for growth in our industry. It feels good to live and work in an area people love to visit and share our wonderful destination with us.”

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Incumbent Mayor Larry Chesser, City of Fort Payne

Mayoral challenger David Beddingfield

FORT PAYNE, Ala.—Incumbent Fort Payne Mayor Larry Chesser and mayoral challenger David Beddingfield took part in a candidate forum hosted by Fort Payne newspaper the Times Journal Thursday night at the city auditorium in Fort Payne.

The two will face off again on election day on Aug. 23, 2016 to determine which man will lead the city of Fort Payne for the next four years as mayor. The forum consisted of five questions. Each candidate was given the opportunity to answer the same set of five questions in turn. To hear the candidates’ responses to those questions, click on the video below:

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By Staff Reports

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — Watch the full length video of Rainsville’s September 6 council meeting.

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Fort Payne City Council extends logging moratorium

By Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor

tyler@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — “It’s going to take some cooperative work and it’s not something that’s going to be immediate in nature,” said Fort Payne City Attorney Rocky Watson on a proposed amendment to the logging ordinance, extending the ban until February 1.

In June, the Fort Payne City Council passed an ordinance requiring those companies conducting logging on private lands within the city limits to obtain a permit issued by the city, then immediately passed a moratorium forbidding the city from issuing permits for 60 days.

After the 60 day period ended last weekend, Rocky Watson brought a new amendment before the council, extending the moratorium until February 1.

Watson explained his reasoning before the matter was voted on: “Since we know that there is at least two of you that are not returning for the new (council), It would be good rather than asking the new council to address this quickly, this will give them a couple, three months to consider it.”

The city decided to take drastic measures on the logging industry after a group of citizens from Godfrey Avenue and 38th Street made their complaints known to the council earlier in the summer.

The complaints included the danger posed by logging trucks on those streets where many families reside as well as the eye sore caused by the clearcutting.

Many were also concerned about the elevated risk of flooding created by the logging. When an area undergoes deforestation, the removal of the roots causes the soil to be more easily washed away by water.

The amendment passed unanimously, banning the issue of new permits until at least February. This gives the city council more time to determine the proper process for the permits and the risk of runoff and flooding from the mountains.

The Mapco property, across from the Coal and Iron building, has long been sought by the city as part of the revitalization efforts. (Photo by Marla Jones)

The council also decided unanimously to proceed with the purchase of the Mapco building in downtown.

“I move that we proceed with purchase of the property, contingent on the subsequent use language,” said Councilman Randall Hamm.

The city has sought to purchase the property for quite sometime. On Gault Avenue, right across from the Coal and Iron Building, many in the community and city leadership view the building as an eyesore, and not in keeping with the revitalization efforts going on downtown. The council vote unanimously to proceed with the purchase.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Fort Payne City Council will be held Tuesday, September 20 at 6:00 pm.

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By C. Campbell, Staff Writer

cody@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — Following the approval of a motion at the Rainsville City Council meeting on Tuesday night, the Rainsville Police Department is hiring a new officer, Anthony Austin.

The council also approved buying out his contract from the Cullman Police Department for the total of $1,000.

“His background checks out, and he seems like he’ll be a decent hire,” said Rainsville Police Chief Johnny Stewart.

Other changes in the Rainsville PD approved at the council meeting included promoting Kevin Smith to an investigator, and hiring David Snay to the force.

In addition to approving the new hires and promotions in the Rainsville Police Department, the council took up the following business as well:

• Approved a motion for money for the Rainsville Fire Department to repair one of the ladder trucks at an estimated cost of around $200, perform annual service and testing on the fire trucks at $750 per truck, and purchasing fire prevention materials for $2,000, namely literature for preschool and elementary aged students.
• Approved a motion, allowing the Rainsville Fire Department to spend up to $5,000 to purchase Sparky the Fire Dog for October, which is Fire Prevention Month.
• Approved a motion, setting up a budget workshop for the City Council to begin on Monday, September 12th.
• Approved a motion, paying Kazmier, Inc., $1,562.32 for their work replacing and calibrating sensors at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
• Approved a motion, allowing for land on George Wallace Drive near Robertson Chapel Methodist Church to be rezoned from Low Density Residential to General Commercial.
• Approved a motion, empowering Mayor Jones to sign the certification on Pines Subdivision.
• Approved a motion to pay the city’s bills presented by the city clerk.
• Reminded those in attendance that Plainview’s Homecoming Parade would be this Thursday at 4 PM.

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Nakia Reynoso, DeKalb native and “Voice” contestant performing with the Barton Hills Choir (Photo by Jennifer Nichols)

By Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor

tyler@southerntorch.com

AUSTIN, TX. — Contestant from “The Voice,” and DeKalb County native Nakia Reynoso is slated to perform at the popular Austin City Limits music festival which will be held in Austin, Texas.

Reynoso will be performing with the Barton Hills Choir. The choir is made up of students from Barton Hills elementary school, and is famous for it’s renditions of famous rock songs.

The Barton Hills Choir is known for their renditions of famous rock ballads. (Photo by Jennifer Nichols)

The act is a part Austin Kiddie Limits, which will be a family friendly portion of the festival. “Kiddie Limits,” will be part of both weekends of the festival.

“I’m very excited about playing with the Barton Hills Choir there this year. It’s going to be really awesome,” Reynoso said.

“Hopefully, next year we can bring my blues band to the festival and perform as well,” Reynoso added.

This will be the second time Reynoso has performed at one of Austin’s best festivals. He first performed at the festival in 2008 with his band, “Nakia and his Southern Cousins.”

Reynoso is back with his original group, “Nakia and the Blues Grifters.” Reynoso’s band is releasing an album in 2017, and starting a tour that same year. They aren’t releasing the standard way; they are releasing each track individually over the course of several months and then combining the releases for one vinyl album.

Reynoso is no stranger to large events and big venues. He’s played at Planet Hollywood with Cee Lo Green and the Muppets, the Sin City Blues Festival in Las Vegas and many other regional music festivals. Not to mention, being a contestant on NBC’s “The Voice,” coached by Cee Lo.

Reynoso performing on the first season of NBC’s “The Voice.” (Photo from http://Nakia.net)

Reynoso made it as a top 8 finalist on the first season of the show, and was able to tour the country with the other contestants. He got his start right here in DeKalb, and while other locals were on the show, Reynoso was the only one to make it to the top 8.

Reynoso’s musical roots start right here in DeKalb. When asked if anything in DeKalb County helped inspire his musical talent, he said, “The thing that really inspired me the most was my best friend, Stuart Douglas.”

“I knew Stuart when I worked at a record store in Fort Payne that doesn’t exist anymore. Stuart was the first person I knew with their own recording studio,” Reynoso said. “He taught me how to multi-track and record my own music.”

When asked if he had plans to play here in DeKalb, he responded, “I’ve been contacted a few times about performing in Fort Payne, in every instance, they want me to come, but they don’t want to pay me to come there.”

“Unfortunately, to perform in DeKalb County, my whole band would have to travel to Alabama,” said Reynoso.

“I would love to play sometime in DeKalb, but it would have to be the right situation,” he added.
For more information on Nakia Reynoso, check out his website at: http://nakia.net/.

Also, find him on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/nakia and Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/nakia.

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By Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor

tyler@southerntorch.com

Since the events September 11, 2001, it’s become a part of life to pay remembrance of the lives lost on that day.

Most of us remember exactly where we were and what we were doing when the hijacked airliners struck the World Trade Center and Pentagon. I was a 15-year-old sophomore at Cedar Bluff School, and like most was glued to the television for the entire day.

It’s surreal to think that a 15-year-old in the present year was either an infant or not in existence yet. The attacks seem like yesterday to myself and many of us.

While I always had shown interest in joining the military, that day made my mind up. I still had to wait two years to meet the age requirement, but I signed the paperwork within a few days of being old enough. Even after signing, I had to wait another year to finish high school.

What’s even more surreal is to think that 15 years later, young Americans in High School who are considering the military as an option, still have to consider the events of September 11 and the possibility they may be killed in the middle east.

Military service is important and I’m very proud of my own. In my personal opinion, ISIS would be a footnote in a history book by now if American troops were deployed to aggressively hunt down and destroy all elements of the group within Iraq and Syria.

My point is, why in 15 years have we not won? While the hijackers were Al Qaeda operatives, the same scum has now formed into an even more barbaric group, with it’s own territory and conventional(and unconventional) army.

Sgt. Chad Clements, Spc. Scott Long, and myself on one of about 30 CH-47 Chinook rides. Afghanistan, 2005.

In summer and fall of 2006, a full five years after September 11, 2001, I served as a paratrooper with the 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division in Iraq. At this time, the American military was suffering some of it’s highest rate of monthly casualties during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Who were we fighting? While there were some Iraqi civilians taking part in the insurgency, I was surprised by how many were from all over the middle east; crossing borders to fight the ‘Infidels’ for the likes of Al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) and the Sunni Mahdi Army.

A full nine years since my unit served in Iraq, the same people are still crossing borders to fight in not only Iraq, but Syria. They aren’t splintered into a multitude of terror groups that have to stay in the shadows to hide from pissed off Americans.

They also have their own borders. While they carried out brutal attacks on Iraqi civilians in 2006, they at least ran the risk of being killed or captured by Americans, who can be much more brutal than the worst terrorist after seeing what these groups do to innocent civilians or their friends killed.

Drew, Richard (Photographer) Associated Press. (2001. September 12) ‘The Falling Man’ [digital image] Retrieved from https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia /en/0/05/The_Falling_Man.jpg

Make no mistake, the evil that carried out the attacks in which we so vividly remember still exist, and not only still exists, it’s grown and evolved.

My question isn’t, ‘Why are we still fighting the same war?’

I understand better than anyone why it’s our duty to destroy this evil.

My question is, ‘Why haven’t we won?’

I know a big reason that myself and others who decided to serve their country during that time was so that future generations wouldn’t have to deal with the same evil.

15 years later, young people of that age still face the same decisions for the same reason.

While we should never forget September 11, 2001, we should also never forget the fight. Not only should we not forget it, but we’ve got to support whatever it takes to win it.

In another 15 years, will we still be fighting the same war?

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Julian Alan Boyles, 52 of Collinsville. (Photo contributed by the Collinsville Police Department)

By Staff Reports

COLLINSVILLE, Ala. — On September 6, 2016, at approximately 9:30 pm the Collinsville Police Department received a call of a possible drunk driver in a red pick-up. Officer Scott Green located the vehicle in the parking lot of the Bottle King.

Officer Scott Green stopped the driver of the vehicle for not wearing a seatbelt. The driver of the pickup was identified as 52 year old Julian Alan Boyles of Collinsville.

Mr. Boyles was issued 2 traffic citations for no seatbelt along with a citation for no proof of insurance. Officer Green asked the driver if he had been drinking or if he was under the influence of anything that could impair his driving.

Mr. Boyles gave Officer Green consent to search the vehicle. Upon a search of the vehicle Officer Green found 2 small plastic bags containing meth, a metal residue inside, a suboxone patch, a small baggie containing a white crystallized substance and some loose marijuana.

At this time, Mr. Boyles was placed under arrest for possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana 2nd degree and illegal possession of a prescription drug.
Mr. Boyles was transported to the DeKalb County Detention Center and is currently being held on a $16,500 bond.

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By Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor

tyler@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Sheriff’s deputies in rural counties across Alabama and the country are often faced with late night patrols in remote areas, alone, with the closest backup being miles away.

While a backup weapon certainly isn’t as ideal as having a backup officer, a good secondary weapon can be a game changer when a deputy faces a dangerous situation.

Also, with mass casualty shootings occurring more frequently, a deputy might need a readily-available and easy to carry handgun while off duty to be able to serve and protect wherever they are.

Last year, DeKalb County Sheriff Jimmy Harris decided to purchase Glock 43s to serve as backup weapons for his deputies.

The Glock 43, which was released in the last couple years, comes in 9mm and boasts a single stack design. ‘Single stack’ meaning all of the ammunition housed in the magazine is stacked vertically, instead of staggered, making for slimmer dimensions and easier concealment.

Sheriff Jimmy Harris with a newly purchased Glock 43 in 9mm. (Photo courtesy of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office)

Recently, representatives from the National Rifle Association visited DeKalb County with a grant to help offset the cost of the weapons. The Friends of NRA foundation presented the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office with a check for $3205.00.

“We wanted them to be small enough to carry, but wanted enough knock down power if they needed them,” Sheriff Harris said.

“We wanted them to be able to carry them in their pockets,” Harris said. “We are encouraging them to carry them with them at all times because of what all is going on.

“Just about everyone carries them at all times now. Whether they are in church, a ballgame, in uniform, or not,” added Harris.

Harris made an appearance on NRA Radio to help raise money for the new Glocks. After the show, representatives from the foundation had him fill out paperwork for a grant.

“We are very excited that the NRA Foundation awarded us with this grant money to help pay for the backup weapons for the deputies and pleased that the NRA is making an investment in our community,” said Harris.

Check from the Friends of NRA Foundation. (Photo courtesy of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office)

“It was a great surprise and pleasure to have the friends of the NRA Mike Parsons, Jean Newman, Jim Johnson for coming to the office present us with this check,” added Harris.

Friends of NRA is a grassroots fundraising program that fosters community involvement to organize and, with help from NRA field staff, plan community events for firearms enthusiasts.

All net proceeds from Friends of NRA events are allocated to The NRA Foundation, the leading charitable organization in support of the shooting sports.

Through NRA Foundation grants for equipment, training materials, range improvements, and more, qualified local, state, and national programs receive aid to involve and inspire a new generation of competitive shooters.

Learn more about Friends of NRA at http://www.friendsofnra.org.

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By Staff Reports

GERALDINE, Ala. — On Thursday, September 8, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office received a call about vandalism committed at the New Canaan Baptist Church Cemetery on County Road 23.

A witness had called the caretaker of the cemetery to report suspicious activity of a male subject on the premises and described the vehicle as well as clothes the male was wearing.

When the deputy arrived at the Church he met with the caretaker of the cemetery. He pointed out to the deputy the gravestone that had been spray painted and told him it was the grave of Christopher Jack Lowrey’s wife and stated that a witness called about some suspicious activity.

The Sheriff’s Office also received a phone call from a Police Department in North Carolina stating that they had a citizen that has been receiving threats from Lowrey and have received pictures of Lowrey beside the spray painted grave stone at New Canaan Baptist Church Cemetery.

When deputies and Geraldine Police Officers went to Lowrey’s residence they noticed a vehicle that fit the description of the witness. When the deputies and officers made contact with Lowrey he had on clothing that matched the description of the witness.

Christopher Jack Lowrey, 46 of Crossville was arrested and charged with Destruction/Desecration of Burial ground.

“It is very disturbing that anyone would destroy or damage anything in a cemetery,” DeKalb County Sheriff Jimmy Harris said.

“The Deputies and Geraldine Police Officers did a great job on making this arrest. We are continuing to interview witnesses and are still in contact with North Carolina officials. This is still an ongoing case,” added Sheriff Harris.

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(PHOTO: Back Row, left to right: Juan Contreras, Andrea Melchiorrre, Alex Miller, Brianna Wells, Sam Hughes, Michael Warner, and Logan Sears;  Front Row, left to right: Savannah Ulmer, Sidney Bailey, Alissa Tilley, Daley Wilks, Kristen Shelton, Skylar Hixon, Paxton Crow, Katie Poe, Karah Wilson, and Briana White. Not Pictured–Austin Sharp.)

By Staff Reports

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — Eighteen of Northeast Alabama Community College’s (NACC) student leaders were recently chosen to attend the Mustang Leadership Academy held on Weiss Lake September 9 – 10.  

The leadership retreat was designed to instruct officers from the Student Government Association and the NACC’s honor societies, Sigma Kappa Delta, Mu Alpha Theta, Phi Theta Kappa, in areas of team-building, delegation of responsibilities, and publicity.  

The sessions were presented by NACC personnel: Joan Reeves, Director of Student Activities and sponsor of Sigma Kappa Delta; Brad Fricks, sponsor of Phi Theta Kappa; Olivia Dodd, co-sponsor of Phi Theta Kappa; and John Camp, sponsor of Mu Alpha Theta.

NACC student leaders participated in workshops which taught them how to interact with other students and also emphasized important leadership qualities, challenging the students to not only make a difference at Northeast each day but to be role models for other students as well.

The students attended small breakout sessions called Learning Communities, where they were able to focus on learning about themselves as leaders. These small groups were presented with “learning opportunities,” that allowed the students to solve hypothetical problems that might possibly occur within their individual organizations as they assume their roles as leaders.

In addition, the student leaders worked on motivational posters dealing with college completion and collaborated on projects requiring the students to be better listeners and carefully give and follow directions.

While at the retreat, the students were responsible for cooking all the meals and for clean up afterwards. In addition to learning about how to be better leaders, the students were provided the opportunity to get to know each other better and to learn how to collaborate on projects sponsored by NACC. Participants were challenged to explore the dynamics of leadership through understanding their personal talents, valuing the talents of others, and expanding their core leadership skills.  

“The retreat is an invaluable experience for our student leaders. The skills that are learned and the camaraderie that is built will help the students better lead their respective organizations and be better representatives of NACC,” said Fricks, sponsor of Phi Theta Kappa.

The sponsors and students are especially grateful to Dr. David Campbell, NACC President, whose generous support of extracurricular activities at NACC make such events as this possible. They would also like to recognize Kerry and Sheila Akins who generously donated the use of their lake house for this experience.

For more information about NACC, go to www.nacc.edu or download our free App.

Attending the Mustang Leadership Academy were:

• Juan Contreras
• Andrea Melchiorrre
• Alex Miller
• Brianna Wells
• Sam Hughes
• Michael Warner
• Logan Sears
• Savannah Ulmer
• Sidney Bailey
• Alissa Tilley
• Daley Wilks
• Kristen Shelton
• Skylar Hixon
• Paxton Crow
• Katie Poe
• Karah Wilson
• Briana White
• Austin Sharp

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By Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor

tyler@southerntorch.com

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Last week, lawmakers in Montgomery reached a compromise on the allocation of the approximately $1 billion in settlement funds that BP is due to the state after the disastrous Deepwater Horizon oil spill of 2010.

BP Global is obligated to pay the state $1 billion over the next 18 years to compensate for economic damage caused by the spill.

The House, Senate, and Governor decided to allocate the funds three ways: $400 million to debt repayments, $120 million to help fund Medicaid in 2017 and 2018, and $120 million to support highway projects in Mobile and Baldwin Counties.

The $400 million debt repayment will go towards repaying the amount taken from the Alabama Trust Fund to prop up the General Fund over the last few years.

The funds going to Medicaid will help cover the deficit predicted over the next few years. Medicaid costs the state an increasing amount each year, with the agency estimating it will need $865 million in 2018 and $895 million in 2019.

The lottery bill, which is the primary reason Governor Robert Bentley called the special session, died on the Senate floor over two weeks ago. Lawmakers deemed compromise “impossible” on the issue. If the bill would have passed, 90 percent of the proceeds would go to Medicaid; greatly helping the rising costs.

Will Ainsworth, R-Guntersville. (Photo courtesy of the Marshall County Legislative Office)

Will Ainsworth (R-Guntersville), who represents part of DeKalb, Marshall, and Jackson counties weighed in on the conclusion of the special session.

When asked if the BP funds were allocated the way he wanted, Ainsworth said, “I would say that it wasn’t my prefered option.”

“I voted along the lines of other North Alabama members to try to bring more of the money back home,” said Ainsworth. “Which surprisingly and unfortunately we got out voted.”

Many lawmakers from North Alabama pushed for more money to make it to our part of the state. The funds not going to Medicaid or debt repayment, went to South Alabama.

While the money didn’t directly come home, Ainsworth believes that it will still benefit the state as a whole.

“We had a choice to take the option that was on the table or not. It paid off $400 million in debt, and it took care of medicaid for the next few years, which is important to our rural healthcare and doctors,” Ainsworth said.

“I would rather that money have gone  to North Alabama, but I was glad to see it go to tourism projects that benefits the whole state,” Ainsworth said.

The $120 million in highway funds will be used for improvements to the roadways most of us travel from Interstate 65 or Interstate 10 to the Gulf Coast.

“We’ll be able to get to the beach faster because of the money that’s going down there,” he added.

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By C. Campbell, Staff Writer

cody@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — While there is no doubt that this year’s Boom Days festival in Fort Payne will be an exciting event, thanks in part to the wide variety of musical acts taking the stage over the weekend, there will be far more to see and do during Boom Days than simply enjoying musical performances.

According to Maurey Roberts, the festival’s chairman, there will be no shortage of activities available to be a part of on Saturday. The local Kiwanis Club will host a pancake breakfast in the parking lot next to the Southern Properties offices at 7 AM.

At the same time, in the parking lot of the Sawyer Building across Gault Avenue, a Farmer’s Market will set up, At 8, a 5K race to benefit the Three Arts Club of Fort Payne will take place, beginning on 5th Street Northwest, by the parking lot for Hammers and the Salvation Army store.

Later in the morning, a Chalk Walk art competition will be held in the parking lot of the Depot Museum. Each space will be its own “canvas,” with the artists working from 10 until 12, followed by the judging at 1.

An arts and crafts show will open at 10 in the city park, while a book sale in Hunt Hall, next to the Opera House, and a Quilt Show in the Coal and Iron Building will both begin at that time as well.

If you got your fill of the Kiwanis Club’s pancake breakfast, but still find yourself hungry, head down to the Rotary Pavilion for the DC Gas BBQ Bash, starting at 11 AM. The proceeds from the barbecue lunch will go to the Lions Club.

On Saturday afternoon, there will be a wine tasting in the Coal and Iron Building at 1 PM, followed by a spirits tasting at the Mid Town Cafe at 3. Both of these events will require a ticket in order to participate. And, as the sun begins to set, the monthly Third Saturday Sunset Cruise-In will be held on Gault Avenue between 3rd and 6th Streets North.

Begun approximately a decade ago, as a way to bring tourists to the area, the Fort Payne Boom Days celebration has grown every year since its beginning.

Named 2015’s Event of the Year by the Alabama State Tourism Department, the 2016 Boom Days festival promises to be no less spectacular of an event.

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The North Alabama Hunting, Fishing, and Country Classic Expo will be next weekend at the Agri-business Center in Rainsville.

By Staff Reports

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — Outdoorsman from across Alabama can visit Rainsville on Saturday and Sunday (October 1 and 2) for more than 123 exhibits at the Northeast Alabama Hunting, Fishing, and Country Classic.

Jase Robertson of Duck Dynasty fame will be talking to and taking pictures with fans on Saturday, while Guntersville native and Bassmaster Classic Champion Chris Lane will be at the show on Sunday.

Will Ainsworth, R-Guntersville is the owner and promoter of the event. (Photo courtesy of the Marshall County Legislative Office)

Event promoter and owner, Will Ainsworth, said, “We hope to make it one of the biggest events DeKalb County has ever seen.”

“We wanted to bring in big celebrities and great vendors. We’ve got 123 exhibits lined up with the latest and greatest hunting and fishing products,” said Ainsworth

“If you are looking for hunting gear, hunting clothes, tree stands, shooting houses, RVs, boats, RTVs, ATVs, duck calls, and turkey calls the outdoor expo will be the place to be….. You name it, we got it,” Ainsworth added.

“We’ve had a Robertson at our show in Huntsville every year, and I told them about the new event we are doing, and I talked to Jase and he was willing to come up to Rainsville,” said Ainsworth. “He’ll be there for four hours on Saturday signing autographs and taking pictures. It’s big because people actually get to meet him and spend time with him.”

“Chris Lane from the Bassmaster Classic will be there on Sunday also signing autographs and taking pictures,” he added.

When asked about the hunting and fishing industry in our state, Ainsworth said, “It’s huge, it’s a multi-million dollar industry and we have one of the best deer seasons in the country. Our fishing is great too.”

“Lake Guntersville is one of the best bass fishing locations in the world, and it’s right down the road,” Ainsworth said.

The expo will be held at the Northeast Alabama Agribusiness Center, right across from Cornerstone Christian Academy on Highway 75. Doors will be opening at 10:00 am each day, with the event will ending at 8:00 pm on Saturday night and 5:00 pm on Sunday.

Kids 12 and under will be admitted free and for everyone else, $7.00. The first 100 attendees on both days will be admitted free of charge.

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By Staff Reports

CROSSVILLE, Ala. — The man who was charged with graffitiing his late wife’s grave earlier this week is no one time offender.

Christopher Jack Lowrey, 46 of Crossville was charged earlier this week after witnesses observed him desecrating his late wife’s grave at New Canaan Baptist Church near Crossville and Geraldine. Lowrey’s charges have been upgraded to a felony because of the amount of damage done to the gravestone and it will need to be replaced.

The investigators are working with the Alabama Department of Pardons and Parole to have his probation revoked. Lowrey is on parole for the charge of manslaughter.

Lowrey murdered his father, Jimmy Lowrey back in December of 1992 and was sentenced to prison in September 1993. Christopher Lowrey was convicted for shooting his father in the face with a .410 shot gun while he slept on the couch inside the residence.

Christopher Lowrey then transported his father’s body and dumped it in a field on County Road 111 in Whitten area, where he was found days later.

The murder of Jimmy Lowrey was a very brutal crime and he was a well-known and respected dairy farmer in the Geraldine area.

Christopher Lowrey was released from prison in November 2007 but in December 2007 he was arrested and charged with child abuse.

On November 2008 Christopher Lowrey was sentenced to a prison in Florida for the crime of child abuse. Lowrey was transported from the prison in Florida in March of 2012 to a prison in Alabama.

In May of 2015 Lowrey was released from prison and remains on probation.

“As a deputy in the early 90’s I remember and also helped work this case with investigators. The brutal nature of this shooting shocked the community,” said DeKalb County Sheriff Jimmy Harris.

The post Man who graffitied grave murdered father in 1992; charges upgraded appeared first on Southern Torch.

PHOTO: Zone of Northeast Alabama where vaccinations will be dropped.

By Staff Reports

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Beginning sometime in early to mid October, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be dropping rabies vaccinations from aircraft over all of DeKalb County.

Yes, you read that correctly.

According to a release from the USDA, it will be to help stop the further spread of rabies among wildlife such as raccoons, foxes, and coyotes.

The information was released through the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Jimmy Harris says that, “This is a program that the Department of Agriculture does every so often. We have not had any reports of any wild animals with rabies in our County.”

The vaccinations will also be dropped over parts of Cherokee, Etowah, and Marshall Counties.

Here is the original release from the USDA:

Download (PDF, 3.08MB)

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PHOTO: Councilman Randall Ham, with members of the Fort Payne Fire Department and the new trucks.

Ham discusses the runoff and new firetrucks

By Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor

tyler@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Voters will be heading to the polls in Fort Payne again on October 4 to make the final decision on the next city council.

Councilman Randall Ham, one of the three incumbents on the ballot, talked to the Southern Torch this week about the runoff campaign and the city’s two new firetrucks.

Recently, Councilman Ham helped the city add two new firetrucks.

“When I got elected I got appointed as the chairman of the fire department committee,” Ham said, when asked about how they got the new equipment.

“I started working with that department and kind of seeing what issues they had. Looking at that equipment, it became apparent at that time we were a little behind and needed to start replacing equipment,” he said.

“We decided to start putting $100,000.00 a year back towards new equipment. We got to the point to where we were ready to research and bid out and buy the new truck,” said Ham.

Little did Ham and the city know, they would be receiving two new trucks.

“About that time, we had a grant come through that we had applied for and we were able to buy the second. All we had to pay on the second is the matching money,” he said.

“It’s really a great thing to be able to buy two at one time and really be able to catch up,” added Ham.

When asked how the campaign is going, Ham responded, “It’s going good, it’s going really good.”

“I’m out seeing people every day, every night after work. I work a regular job too. I don’t have the advantage that some of the retired folks have,” Ham said. “I’m going out, knocking on doors, and visiting people every chance I have.”

“The response has been good. I’ve had several people come and want to be a part of it, have confidence in me, believe in me, and believe that I can continue to be an asset to Fort Payne,” said Ham.

While we were conducting the interview, an eager supporter visited Ham’s business in Fort Payne, My Supply, and asked for magnets and yard signs.

“Working hard, we’re tired though,” Ham added with a smile.

The post Ham discusses the runoff and new firetrucks appeared first on Southern Torch.

By Staff Reports

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — Be sure to check out this week’s edition of the Southern Torch for print-only content such as a schedule of all the fair events and daily specials, a Question and Answer session with Rainsville City Council Candidate Marshall Stiefel (and yes, we ask about job offers), a new way of doing healthcare in Fort Payne, football recaps, and much more!

Vol. 2, No. 39 will be hitting newsstands Friday morning!

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