PHOTO: Yesterday afternoon, an SUV collided with a tractor on Highway 11 in Fort Payne. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

By Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor

tyler@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Yesterday, a tractor and SUV collided on Highway 11 in the Fort Payne City limits. The driver of the SUV was taken by means of LifeFlight to Erlanger in Chattanooga. The driver of the tractor was taken by ambulance to DeKalb Regional Medical Center with injuries.

We’re sad to report that the driver of the SUV, Jim Chidester, passed away shortly after being airlifted. At the time of the wreck, Chidester was experiencing medical problems, and was on his way to see a doctor. According to the family, he was diabetic and this likely was the cause of the accident. Chidester was reportedly a responsible driver and very much loved by his family.

Services for the victim will be held this Sunday. Visitation will be at 12 pm at Burt Funeral Home in Valley Head; with the funeral service being held at 3 pm at Bankhead Cemetery in Mentone.

The driver of the tractor was treated and released after the accident. Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers in this difficult time. 

The post UPDATE: Highway 11 Accident appeared first on Southern Torch.

PHOTO: Produce being sold by Logan Anderson and Monica Anderson of Sand Mountain Produce at Fort Payne Main Street’s weekly Farmer’s Market, which starting this week is open on Wednesdays! (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

By Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor

tyler@southerntorch.com

The Fort Payne Main Street Farmers Market last Saturday. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The Fort Payne Main Street Farmer’s Market is now open on Wednesdays, in addition to their regular Saturday morning hours. We asked Fort Payne Main Street Director Tim Harris what prompted the market to open for a second day of the week, and his reasoning was, “the grower’s wanted to be open a second day, our farmer’s are producing a lot and needed another day.”

He also explained that the Wednesday and Saturday hours wouldn’t conflict with the DeKalb County Farmer’s Market at the VFW Fairgrounds, which is open on Tuesdays and Fridays from 3 pm to 6 pm. The Main Street Market is located in the parking lot across from the DeKalb Theatre, next to Southern Properties. The Wednesday Market will begin at 5 pm, and the Saturday times are 8:30 am till 1 pm, lasting until October 28th.

Shoppers at the market can use the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) vouchers, available from the State of Alabama’s Farmers Market Authority. Citizens must apply through the website, and if they qualify, can receive vouchers to purchase produce at the market. Applicants must be 60 years or older at the time of application, and must meet income and household number criteria. The application for this benefit can be found here. Participating farmers redeem the vouchers for cash.

Last Saturday, we stopped by the market to see what kind of produce local growers had to sell!

Pat Fowler, Jesse Fowler, Candice Driver, and Symphony Graves represent the Portersville Homemakers and Community Leaders, and sell their cookbooks, while providing samples of the recipes. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

Deputy District Attorney Scott Loyd buys some produce from Logan and Monica Anderson (Also Pictured: Rachel Gibbens) (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

The post Fort Payne Main Street Farmer’s Market now open on Wednesday appeared first on Southern Torch.

PHOTO: Republican Ron Saferite’s yard sign, which will be seen in DeKalb County over the next year. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

By Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor

tyler@southerntorch.com

Fort Payne Fire Department’s Assistant Chief Ron Saferite announces his run for County Commission, District III at last Saturday’s DeKalb Co. Republican Breakfast Club meeting. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Last Saturday, at the monthly meeting of the DeKalb County Republican Breakfast Club, Ron Saferite announced his run for District III in the DeKalb County Commission. Saferite is a lifelong resident of the Lookout Mountain area of Fort Payne. “I’d appreciate everybody’s support,” said Saferite.

For those that don’t already know him, Saferite grew up in the Adamsburg area of Fort Payne, and is currently the Assistant Fire Chief/Fire Marshall in the Fort Payne Fire Department. He’s been in the fire service for 33 years, with a total of 27 years with the Fort Payne Fire Department.

“I’ve been in public service all my life, and I feel like this is the next step in my public service career,” said Saferite.

Saferite has owned and operated several successful businesses, and helped managed the Fort Payne Fire Department, which has a multi-million dollar budget. In addition to serving the City of Fort Payne in the fire department, Saferite also serves as a member of Alabama Task Force 3, Urban Search and Rescue.

Saferite grew up in the district, and graduated Fort Payne High School. He also attended Northeast Alabama Community College, the Alabama Fire College, and Shelton State.

Ron is married to Sabrina Parker, and is the proud father to daughter Keisha Saferite, and step-son Dustin Bradley. Saferite also has one grandchild, Brantley Silver.

Saferite will be running in the primary on June 5, 2018, against incumbent Republican District III Commissioner Chris Kuykendall. Saferite talked fondly of Kuykendall, and explained that Kuykendall is a long-time friend, and the race will be a clean one.

When asked what made him decide to run, Saferite said, “I’m a believer in two-term limits, and I think it’s time for new ideas to move the county forward.”

The post Ron Saferite Announces run for DeKalb County Commission District III appeared first on Southern Torch.

PHOTO: The Rainsville Police Department found a loaded Taurus Millennium 9mm handgun, along with marijuana after a traffic stop. (Rainsville Police Department)

By Staff Reports

Rainsville Patrolman Anthony Austin (left) and Investigator Todd Bowen. (Rainsville Police Department)

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — In a combined effort of Rainsville Police Department and the Powell Police Department and the Powell Police Department, a possible violent crime was prevented on Monday (July 10) at approximately 10 am. The crime that was prevented is still under investigation.

Officer Anthony Auston, of the Rainsville Police Department and Detective Todd Bowen conducted a traffic stop for speeding. Auston made the stop on Highway 35 at CP Auto Parts.

After making the stop, he then called Detective Todd Bowen for assistance. The officers asked for consent to search the car due to a strong smell of marijuana coming from the car. Consent was given, and the officers searched the car.

In the glove box, officers found a brown paper bag with four plastic bags of suspected marijuana. Each of the bags weighed approximately 28 grams. There was also a loaded Taurus Millenium 9mm handgun in the console.

The driver, nor any of the passengers claimed the marijuana that was found. The driver did claim the firearm, but did not have a carry permit to provide to the officers. All subjects in the car were arrested and taken to the Rainsville City Jail for booking on charges of Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, first degree and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The driver was additionally charged with carrying a concealed weapon without a permit. 

The post Rainsville Police Department prevents potential violent crime appeared first on Southern Torch.

By Staff Reports

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The following are reported incidents, arrests, and accidents from the Fort Payne Police Department for Monday, July 10 – Thursday, July 13.

MONDAY, July 10

• Reported Incidents (7/10)
  • Theft of Property – Occurred at 3816 Landon Lane, eleven pieces of jewelry were taken, valued at $9000.00
  • Unlawful Breaking and Entering a Vehicle – Occurred at 1203 Scenic Road E, a Ford emblem was taken from a 1993 Ford F150, valued at $25.00
  • Duty to Stop and Remain – Occurred at 100 Glenn Blvd SW, a fender on a 2006 Toyota 4runner was damaged, valued at $250.00
• Reported Arrests (7/10)
  • Robert Cleveland Chisenhall IV, age 25 of Montgomery, was arrested for Possession of Prescription Drugs at 9:16 am
  • Jennifer Shae Stone, age 36 of Rainsville, was arrested on a Warrant for Failure to Appear at 2:01 am
  • Tiffany Renee Morgan, age 27 of Chattanooga, was arrested for Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Promoting Prison Contraband at 5:59 pm
  • Ronnie Allen Tipton, age 31 of Trenton, was arrested for Possession of Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia at 5:59 pm
  • Mark Joseph Hunt II, age 32 of Trenton, was arrested for Possession of Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia at 5:59 pm
• Reported Accidents (7/10) 
  • An accident occurred at Alabama Ave NW and 13th Street NW, Tori Howard, age 22 of Rainsville, driving a 1997 Ford Ranger Ranger, struck Reva Henagar, age 71 of Fort Payne, driving a 2002 Toyota Camry. Henagar was transported to Dekalb Regional by Dekalb Ambulance Service.

TUESDAY, July 11

• Reported Incidents (7/11)
  • Theft of Property – Occurred at 1909 A Houston Loop Road W, two Stihl 16” chainsaws, a Hilto hammer drill, Dewalt sawzall, and a Mikita hammer drill were taken, valued at $2050.00
  • Theft by Deception – Occurred at 120 Dekalb Plaza Blvd SW, an Xbox 500BG system was pawned without being paid for, valued at $443.69
  • Criminal Mischief – Occurred at 305 34th Street NE, glass pane on a door was damaged, valued at $250.00
  • Theft of Property – Occurred at Wal-Mart, sunglasses were taken, valued at $5.00
• Reported Arrests (7/11)
  • Michael Jerome Keele, age 37 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Domestic Violence at 11:47 pm
  • Justin Tyler Norris, age 29 of Cedar Bluff, was arrested on Two Warrants for Failure to Appear at 3:50 pm
  • Bryan Chase Hicks, age 21 of Santa Barbara, CA, was arrested for Theft of Property and Obstructing Justice Using False ID at 3:26 pm
  • Ashley Lynn Aphay, age 23 of Rainsville, was arrested for Possession of Prescription Drugs and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia at 5:40 pm
  • Kenneth Colton Tripp, age 23 of Ider, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency at 7:25 pm
  • Roy Lee Gorham, Jr, age 45 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia at 9:06 pm
  • Tanya Naydeen Fox, age 37 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia at 9:06 pm
  • Bradley Eugene Vickery, age 31 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia at 9:06 pm
• Reported Accidents (7/11)
  • 3 Accidents with 0 Injuries

WEDNESDAY, June 12

• Reported Incidents (7/12)
  • Leaving the Scene of an Accident – Occurred at 112 Airport Road W, a tag holder on a 2011 Jeep Wrangler was damaged, valued at $100.00
• Reported Arrests (7/12)
  • Stephanie Lynn Kennedy, age 28 of Cleveland, TN, was arrested for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia at 5:36 am
  • Bryan Scott Hale, age 29 of Cleveland, TN, was arrested for Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia at 5:36 am
  • John Weston Mitchell, age 32 of Gaylesville, was arrested on Two Warrants for Failure to Appear at 3:12 pm
• Reported Accidents (7/12)
  • An accident occurred on Dean Road NE and Fischer Road NE, a 17 year old female juvenile of Collinsville, driving a 2009 Saturn Aura, went through an intersection, struck a ditch, then came to rest in trees. Passenger, Jessica Lynn Brown, age 18 of Fort Payne, was transported to Dekalb Regional by Dekalb Ambulance Service.
  • An accident occurred at Greenhill Blvd and Quail Hollow Road NW, James Barnett Chidester, age 62 of Mentone, driving a 2003 Ford Explorer struck George Robert Jones, age 74 of Fort Payne, driving a tractor. Chidester was air lifted to Erlanger and Jones was transported by Dekalb Ambulance Service to Erlanger.

THURSDAY, July 13

• Reported Incidents (7/13)
  • Theft of Property – Occurred at Wal-Mart, an air conditioner unit was taken, valued at $144.72
• Reported Arrests (7/13)
  • Thomas Anthony Waid, age 30 of Fyffe, was arrested for Theft of Property at 6:21 pm
  • Corey Alan Andrews, age 31 of Sweet Water, TN, was arrested for Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia at 6:28 pm
  • Jessica Miller Frazier, age 40 of Fort Payne, was arrested for DUI at 5:01 pm
  • Lionel Tyrone Williams, age 31 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Domestic Violence at 10:35 pm
  • A 16 year old juvenile female of Fort Payne, was arrested for Driving under the Influence of a Controlled Substance at 11:59 pm
• Reported Accidents (7/13)
  • 5 Accidents with 0 Injuries

The post Fort Payne Police Report for Monday, July 10 – Thursday, July 13 appeared first on Southern Torch.

PHOTO: The new physical location for DeKalb County School’s Virtual Academy (DVA), located off of Highway 75, between the Northeast Alabama Agri-Business Center and Hilltop Gas Station. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

Contributed by the DeKalb County Board of Education

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — DeKalb County School Superintendent Dr. Jason Barnett has announced the expansion and revamping of DeKalb County’s virtual school program for area students. It also takes on a new name, DeKalb Virtual Academy (DVA).

Dr. Barnett stated: “This is a program that was first implemented in the 2016-2017 school year. As we evaluated our current programs, we observed some areas in which we could improve our virtual program. As one would expect, with beginning any new program, we faced many challenges and learned from the mistakes we made. In an effort to improve what we are doing, we decided it was imperative that we improve our student support system, provide more adequate equipment and facilities in which to house the program, and offer a more thorough curriculum in which we can support and challenge our students based on their individualized needs and goals.”

Barnett continues, “The curriculum and supports we offer at DVA are truly designed to support students in reaching their educational potential and personal goals. Students are offered many ways they can participate in the virtual program. There is a hybrid model, whereby students can take courses at their traditional school part of the day and use the virtual program as a tool or means to specialize their learning through an online curriculum. Students can also take their core coursework via the virtual program while attending the technical school to receive workforce training. Furthermore, some students choose this as a means of quality schooling in which they can do at home in order to receive a quality individualized public education and meet the needs of their family.”

The DeKalb Virtual Academy will have multiple supports to ensure student success. Barnett says, “The DeKalb County Schools has a district supervisor, Tony Bell, who, among other district duties, is assigned to lead the DeKalb Virtual Academy through the enrollment, curriculum and support system. We also have a lead teacher, Mr. Jon Alan Pope, who manages the day-to-day operations and ensures that students stay on track and receive the support they personally need to be successful. We also utilize DeKalb County teachers to provide a direct line of support to these students so they have an avenue to get extra supports and encouragement as needed. While the program is online, one feature we added is a physical location at 1724 McCurdy Avenue North, Rainsville, whereby during the school year students can visit Monday-Friday 8:00-3:00 to receive in-person support from a highly-qualified teacher. While much of the learning takes place online, it is vital to provide a mechanism by which we can intervene and reinforce a student’s learning as needed.”

While students residing in any county throughout the state of Alabama are eligible to enroll full-time in the DeKalb Virtual Academy, Barnett suggested that he really views this as an opportunity to more fully serve the families of DeKalb County.  Many home-school families have been utilizing virtual school options in recent years as it allows them the same flexibility as home-schooling, but in a free public education setting that meets the rigorous standards of a public education. Students who graduate from the DVA will receive a DeKalb County Diploma.

Tony Bell, DeKalb County Supervisor said, “I am really excited for the opportunity that the students will have in the DeKalb Virtual Academy.  I think that this program will provide an alternative for the students who are not currently participating in public schools.  Also, DVA will allow current students the opportunity to take courses that may not be offered at their school.  DVA will provide flexibility in scheduling for students and parents.  I look forward to working with all the students and teachers in the DeKalb Virtual Academy.”

When asked about the day-to-day operations, lead teacher Jon Alan Pope iterated, “Our new location will better allow us to provide students the opportunity and support they may need while working toward completing their courses at their own pace.”

As a public school and a division of the DeKalb County School system, DeKalb Virtual Academy is tuition-free for students in grades 6-12, currently, with options to expand in the future. Students graduating from DeKalb Virtual Academy will earn an Alabama High School Diploma.

If you wish to learn more about this program you can contact Mr. Tony Bell at 256-899-9860. Applications for DVA can be found at www.dekalbk12.org.

The post DeKalb Board of Education to expand, revamp county’s virtual school program appeared first on Southern Torch.

PHOTO: State Senator Steve Livingston (R – SD 8), which represents most of DeKalb County, announces his re-election bid. (Contributed by Senator Steve Livingston)

By Staff Reports

SCOTTSBORO, Ala. — State Senator Steve Livingston (R) will run for a second term, he announced today. A Jackson County businessman of over 30-years, Senator Livingston remains committed to the pro-business, limited government principals that got him elected to the Legislature in 2014.

“I want to continue the work I’ve started, bringing new jobs and industry to North Alabama and putting greater focus on the tech industry that’s so vital to our economy. We also have to protect the farmers in the rural parts of the district, and grow the agriculture industry that is so vital to our state,” Senator Livingston said.

A graduate of Scottsboro High School, Senator Livingston attended the University of Alabama, and worked in Birmingham for several years after completing his degree. He decided to return home to Jackson County in 1981, where he’s the owner of The Fuel Center, Inc. (formerly Discus Oil Company), a distributor of Chevron Gasoline and Lubricants.

The Senator and his late-wife Sandra have four children — Laura Ann, Jager, Chris and Amy — and nine grandchildren. Sandra tragically lost her battle with lung cancer shortly before her husband won his first election.

Senator Livingston is a member of First United Methodist Church Scottsboro, and has been an active member of numerous civic organizations, including the Scottsboro- Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Jackson County, Leadership Alabama, Scottsboro Rotary, the Scottsboro Industrial Development Board, and the United Way board of directors.

In the Senate, Senator Livingston’s committee assignment have included:

• Agriculture Conservation and Forestry
• Finance and Taxation General Fund
• Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development
• Local Legislation for Madison County
• Transportation and Energy
• Veterans and Military Affairs

Alabama’s Eighth Senate District covers DeKalb and Jackson Counties, and portions of Madison County, including Huntsville. 

The post State Senator Steve Livingston Announces Re-Election Bid appeared first on Southern Torch.

PHOTO: Over the last week, the City of Fort Payne held ribbon cuttings for a new Chick-Fil-A, Applebee’s, UPS Store, and the Chamber of Commerce’s new Loft Apartments, overlooking Gault Avenue. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

By Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor

tyler@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — This past week was huge for the Fort Payne Economy! The Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce held ribbon cuttings for Chick-Fil-A, a new UPS Store, loft apartments overlooking Gault Avenue, and a new AppleBee’s!

Last Thursday, everyone in town was out to welcome the new Chick-Fil-A! The operator of the new location, Kim Hall, addressed the crowd. She explained that a Fort Payne Chick-Fil-A had been part of her dreams for years:

“We’ve been wanting to be in Fort Payne for a long time. When I first put in my application to be an owner/operator, that was in 2004, we could give our choices of where we want to locate, and my number one on that application was Fort Payne,” said Hall.

“We love it here! We’ve made friends here already, and ya’ll are just such wonderful people, and have made us feel just so welcome. Ya’ll are great. We feel like we have a lot of friends already, so thank ya’ll for that,” she added.  

Fort Payne Mayor Larry Chesser said, “I can’t welcome you anymore than you’ve already been welcomed. We thank you from the standpoint of the economic advantage that it’ll be for Fort Payne, but more than that, is the moral attitude and the philosophy of the company, that we really appreciate.”

“We have a very strong Christian community; there is over 50 churches in the city. They are all welcome, and we have a good Christian attitude, and anything that adds to that, we thank God for it. We need all the chicken we can eat,” added Chesser.

The plaque at the entrance of the Chamber’s new downtown apartments. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

Executive Director of the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce, Carol Beddingfield, addresses the group at the Grand Opening of the chamber’s loft apartments. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

On Friday, the Fort Payne Chamber unveiled their new Loft Apartments, above the Chamber of Commerce Avenue in Fort Payne. The apartments overlook Gault Avenue, and will serve as a spot for Siemens’ for the next year as a “home away from home” for company executives.

Chamber Director Carol Beddingfield, who has worked hard to make this dream a reality said, “If we bring in more jobs, those people will need a place to live. Right now there is more demand for this type of thing.”

Beddingfield also described all the hard work it took to make loft apartments in Fort Payne a reality. “Together we can,” she concluded.

The front stairway leading up to the apartments is marked by a plaque, which denotes the date the apartments were opened, and companies that contributed $10,000 or more to the project. DC Gas, Vulcan Materials, Wiregrass Construction, DeKalb Regional Medical Center, Fort Payne Water Works, Turner Beverages, the Fort Payne Improvement Authority, and the MDA Professional Group all contributed big.  

The well decorated interior of the Chamber’s new loft apartments, overlooking Gault Avenue. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

Fort Payne’s new Applebee’s is appropriately decorated with local flavor. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

Last Monday morning, the Chamber also held a ribbon cutting for the Applebee’s; located in front of Dunham’s, off of Airport Road. The restaurant may be a chain, but it brings job to the community, and displays local flair in it’s interior. 

We caught up with Applebee’s General Manager Toby Hudson to ask how he felt about opening a new location in Fort Payne: “We’ve worked in the area for years,” he said.

“I think people will be excited to see what we bring to the community,” said Hudson. “Every year for Veteran’s Day, we give free meals to Veterans and Active Duty Military. Plus we add lots of local flavor to our locations in our interior artwork. We’re excited to be a part of this community.”

Inside shot of Fort Payne’s new Applebee’s, located on Airport Road near Dunham’s. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

The post Boom Week in Fort Payne! appeared first on Southern Torch.

PHOTO: A former contract employee at the DeKalb County Detention Center, two inmates, and the Jail nurse have been booked on charges stemming from promoting prison contraband. (The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office)

By Staff Reports

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — According to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office: On July 19th, following an investigation by DeKalb County Sheriff ‘s Office and DeKalb County Drug Task Force Belinda Sue Lewis, 49 of Rainsville a former employee of the Trinity Food service that is contracted to work in the kitchen of the DeKalb County Detention Center was arrested for 3 counts distribution of controlled substance and conspiracy controlled substance crime. In connection 2 inmates David Cooper, 44 of Valley Head and Dustin McClain Ward, 31 of Aragon Ga, were also charged during the investigation for conspiracy controlled substance crime and promoting prison contraband.

On July 20th following about a two month investigation by DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office and Drug Task Force, Morgan McCurdy, 23 of Fort Payne an employee of the DeKalb County Detention Center and a former employee with Southern Health Partners which is contracted to work in the Jackson County Jail, was arrested for unlawful possession of controlled substance and promoting prison contraband 2nd.

McCurdy has been with the DeKalb County Detention Center for about a year as the LPN in jail Medical. The jail staff has work with the Investigators and Drug Task Force many hours on this investigation. It all came to an end last night when we received video surveillance of information that there would be a drug drop in a restaurant parking lot to Ms. McCurdy.

In the parking lot we observed a male walking across the parking lot and handing Ms. McCurdy a package. As she left the restaurant undercover agents and myself followed her to the Fort Payne Walmart parking lot where she was stop and was transported back to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office for questioning. K-9 Marianna and Deputy Akins was called to the scene where Marianna alerted on the vehicle Ms. McCurdy was driving. The package contained methamphetamine, prescription pills, cell phone charger and two cans of tobacco. This was exactly what we received on video and audio surveillance that Ms. McCurdy was supposed to deliver to an inmate in the jail. This investigation is continuing. Ms. McCurdy has admitted her wrong doing and is real remorseful.

DeKalb County Sheriff Jimmy Harris said, “I am so pleased for the work of the medical staff, corrections officers, investigators, deputies and K-9 unit. This is an embarrassment to us and the law enforcement professionals. The men and women at the Sheriff’s Office continue to fight the drug war every day and every night. For one of our employees that we have trusted this is truly a disappointment to me and them that work hard every day here at the Sheriff’s Office. No one is above the law and it never has and never will been tolerated in my office.”

The post DeKalb County Inmates and Jail Workers busted promoting prison contraband appeared first on Southern Torch.

By Staff Reports

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The following are reported incidents, arrests, and accidents from the Fort Payne Police Department for Monday, July 17 – Thursday, July 20.

MONDAY, July 17

• Reported Incidents (7/17)
  • Criminal Mischief – Occurred at Chick-Fil-A, sod and an a sprinkler system were damaged, valued at $2500.00
  • Failure to Pay for Gasoline – Occurred at South End Market, $16.00 of gasoline was taken
• Reported Arrests (7/17)
  • Timothy Wade Bevel, age 50 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia at 8:02 pm
  • James Christopher Schrader, age 37 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Domestic Violence at 6:16 pm
  • A 16 year old juvenile male of Mobile was arrested for Possession of a Concealed Weapon and Public Intoxication at 11:59 pm
  • A 16 year old juvenile male of Mobile was arrested for Public Intoxication at 11:59 pm
• Reported Accidents (7/17) 
  • An accident occurred at Glenn Blvd SW and I-59, Freda Leo Brinkley, age 45 of Gadsden, driving a 1992 GMC Sierra, struck Marala Leann Thompson, age 52 of Rainsville, driving a 2017 Ford Edge. Thompson was transported to DeKalb Regional by DeKalb Ambulance Service.

TUESDAY, July 18

• Reported Incidents (7/18)
  • Burglary – Occurred at 4501 Gault Ave N, nine doors and a cash register were damaged, valued at $2000.00
• Reported Arrests (7/18)
  • Gary Anthony Plemons, age 27 of Ider, was arrested for DUI, Fleeing or Attempting to Elude and Reckless Endangerment at 10:16 pm
  • Christina Lynn Smith, age 30 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Using False Identity to Obstruct Justice, Possession of Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia at 10:22 pm
• Reported Accidents (7/18)
  • 4 Accidents with 0 Injuries

WEDNESDAY, June 19

• Reported Incidents (7/19)
  • Theft of Property – Occurred at 1401 Glenn Blvd SW, a USB phone adapter was taken, valued at $9.99
• Reported Arrests (7/19)
  • Belinda Sue Lewis, age 49 of Rainsville, was arrested for Sell/Distribution of Amphetamine and Conspiracy/Other Crime at 3:57 pm
  • Nancy Jo Robinson, age 45 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Driving under the Influence of Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Illegal Possession of Prescription Drugs at 8:18 pm
  • Travis Lynn McConnell, age 36 of Henagar, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency at 9:47 pm
• Reported Accidents (7/19)
  • 2 Accidents with 0 Injuries

THURSDAY, July 20

• Reported Incidents (7/20)
  • Theft of Property – Occurred at Wal-Mart, miscellaneous clothes and items were taken, valued at $649.01
  • Theft of Property – Occurred at Wal-Mart, a pack of Expo markers and a bottle of It’s a 10 hair product were taken, valued at $18.02
• Reported Arrests (7/20)
  • Devin Wade Graves, age 31 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia at 12:36 am
  • William Lonnie Jones, age 37 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and a Warrant for No Insurance at 12:12 am
  • Joseph Ryan Turner, age 20 of Rainsville, was arrested for Attempting to Elude and Reckless Endangerment at 2:24 am
  • Demarkise Markee Freeman, age 24 of Chattanooga, was arrested for Theft of Property at 6:54 am
  • Frances Latosha Fleming, age 31 of Chattanooga, was arrested for Theft of Property at 6:54 am
  • Tammy Lynette Pendergrass, age 54 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Theft of Property at 9:49 am
  • Roy Thomas Meeler, age 82 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Domestic Violence at 8:17 pm
• Reported Accidents (7/20)
  • 5 Accidents with 0 Injuries

The post Fort Payne Police Report for Monday, July 17 – Thursday, July 20 appeared first on Southern Torch.

PHOTO: Jessica Procter was crowned Miss Alabama 2017 and will be addressing the Fort Payne Chamber’s Women in Business Luncheon on August 8th. (Contributed Photo | Miss Alabama 2017)

By Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor 

tyler@southerntorch.com

2017 Miss Alabama, Jessica Procter. (Contributed Photo | Miss Alabama)

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce will honor a special group in Fort Payne at the annual Women in Business Luncheon, to be held on Tuesday, August 8th at 11 am at the DeKalb Theatre. This year’s guest speaker will be none other than Jessica Procter, who was just crowned Miss Alabama 2017. 

Procter will be representing Alabama in the 2018 Miss America competition. Over the next year, Procter will be fulfilling the roles of Miss Alabama, and will be speaking to Fort Payne’s Business Women in Fort Payne on August 8th.

Procter won the competition out of 48 contestants, and is currently a 21-year-old senior at the University of Alabama, and will have to put her academics on hold to fulfill her duties as Miss Alabama. She is currently majoring in interdisciplinary studies and psychology. She represented the Leed’s Area in the competition, and her hometown is listed as Tuscaloosa.

According to the Miss America Website, Procter, “focuses on leaving people better than she finds them. She doesn’t sing because she’s happy, she’s happy because she sings. As one half of the coffeehouse acoustic duo, You and I, this aspiring singer/songwriter’s typical day might include listening to a troubled eighth grade girl over breakfast, attending college classes, polishing lyrics in her latest song, dropping off donations to the food bank, running to a sporting event, or packaging and delivering leftover food. The daughter of international opera singers, Jessica is intrigued by the thrills and challenges of performing, and knows it will always be a part of her life.”

When it comes to her talent, Procter is a talented vocalist, and will be showing off her singing abilities to Fort Payne’s “Women in Business.”

The yearly event hosted by the Fort Payne Chamber is for, “Women who are either in management positions or own a local business will be recognized for their efforts to improve our community,” according to the Fort Payne Chamber’s Director, Carol Beddingfield. The chamber will also be honoring 3 special ladies in business with awards. 

Join them and Miss Alabama 2017 as the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce honors Fort Payne’s female entrepreneurs in this special event. Tickets are on sale at the Chamber office, at 300 Gault Avenue, North. Call them 256-845-2741 for more information.

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PHOTO: A 39-year-old male was swept over the falls and sustained major injuries earlier today. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

By Staff Reports 

A sign near the Falls at Little River Canyon. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

FORT PAYNE, Ala. —Larry Beane, Park Ranger with the National Park Service at Little River Canyon released a statement a short while ago (July 25): About 11:30 am, Little River Canyon staff responded to a report of a visitor that was visibly distressed below the falls.  The visitor had washed over the falls and sustained major injuries. Fischer Rescue and DeKalb County Ambulance Service were also dispatched.  A helicopter unit from Alabama State Troopers retrieved the 39-year-old male from the bottom of the canyon.  He was transported from the scene by air ambulance.

Adamsburg Fire, Alabama State Troopers, Fort Payne Fire Department, DeKalb County Emergency Services, and park Youth Conservation Corps, provided crowd control, medical services and high angle rescue support. The accident is still under investigation. The park thanks all those who assisted.

This is the fourth major incident at the falls this since Memorial Day.  Rescue personnel and park staff requests everyone to think about what is safe to do in the park during their visit.

Superintendent Steve Black invites you to come explore the park and enjoy the park safely.  For more information, call Little River Canyon National Preserve (256)845-9605.  Check out our webpage at www.nps.gov/liri .  You can follow our updates and find park pictures on Facebook at “lirinps”

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PHOTO: A fire broke out late yesterday at a cottage at Nippersink Lodge near DeSoto Falls. Firefighters with the Mentone Fire Department, as well as the Valley Head and Hammondsville Fire Deparments responded to the call. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

By Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor 

tyler@southerntorch.com

Firefighters on scene at Nippersink Lodge late yesterday. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

MENTONE, Ala. — Late afternoon on Tuesday (July 25), a fire broke out at Nippersink Lodge Bed and Breakfast, near DeSoto Falls in Mentone. The Mentone, Valley Head, and Hammondsville Fire Departments all responded. Though the cause has not officially been confirmed, it’s believed the fire started as a result of lighting striking a tree.

Yesterday, a sudden, strong thunderstorm struck the Lookout Mountain area of DeKalb County. Though brief, the storm brought heavy rains, strong winds, and lightning. While the storm produced minor damage in the area in the form of debris in the road, a cabin at Nippersink Lodge wasn’t as lucky.

Mentone Fire Department Chief Joseph Lee said that the call went out about 5 pm, and first responders arrived on the scene within about 10 minutes. “We paged Hammondsville and Valley Head (fire departments). We call them for assistance anytime a structure fire is reported,” said Lee.

At the time of the fire, the cabin was unoccupied. Co-Owner Theresa Cox was at her home in Rome, Georgia when the fire started. A neighbor notified 911, and responders were dispatched. Thanks to the quick reaction by the local fire departments, the main lodge itself, which was build in 1935, was not damaged. The fire could have quickly spread to the other cabins as well.

“We were storing things in there; furniture, things like that,” said Cox. “The main lodge was built in 1935, although the cottages were built in the 50’s.”

Currently, Nippersink is operated as a Bed and Breakfast. The Lodge has been in Cox’s family for several decades, and she recounted how special the place is to their family.

“My parents bought it in 1978, so almost 40 years (in their family). In fact, we lived there full-time; both my brother and his family, as well as myself, my husband, and our children; we raised them at Nippersink, at another cottage there,” said Cox.

According to the Nippersink Website, “Nippersink Lodge was a summer home built for Eugene Taylor of Murphreesboro, Tennesse. Mrs. Taylor built the lodge in 1934 as a gathering place for her family and friends during the summer months. She named it Nippersink, a Cherokee Indian word meaning Little River.”

“In October 1944, Nippersink was sold to Mrs. Annelee Tucker and Miss Elizabeth Lowe of Thomasville, Alabama. It was these two ladies who concieved the idea of converting the big ol’ summer home into an inn,” the website continues.

“Mrs. Tucker and Miss Lowe were school teachers who spent a number of summers as supervisors of girl’s camps in the area and had been looking for property suitable for a country inn. The adventure proved successful. In 1960 Hope Cottage was built with four bedrooms, baths and living area. The two teachers retired in 1973 and Nippersink was purchased by George and Osceola Hauge. Captain Hauge (a retired naval officer) and Mrs. Hauge continued the tradition of warm, friendly hospitality set by Mrs. Tucker and Miss Lowe.”

George and Osceola would later befriend Edward and Geraldine Disney of Atlanta, who purchased a cabin a short distance away from Nippersink during the 1970’s. When the Hauge’s retired, they convinced Edward and Geraldine to take over the business in 1979. The Disney’s are the parents of Theresa Disney Cox and Co-owner Desmond Disney.

The location is also used by One World Adventure for their summer day camp, which was just concluded recently.

“They have three weeks of day camp during the summer, and they just finished. It’s kids from the area, and they are just there during the day, and they leave about 3:30 pm every afternoon,” explained Cox.

While the burned cottage will be missed, an alert neighbor and the quick response from the local fire departments limited the fire to one cottage lost, when the outcome could have been much worse.

The post Fire claims cottage at Nippersink Lodge near DeSoto Falls appeared first on Southern Torch.

PHOTO: The second meeting of ‘Coffee With a Cop’ will be held tomorrow morning at Kelly’s Kitchen in Rainsville at 9 am. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

By Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor

tyler@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — This Thursday (July 27), the Rainsville Police Department will host it’s second installment of, “Coffee With a Cop.” Rainsville Police Chief Kevin Smith will be the speaker. Coffee with a Cop will be is a monthly event, and will be held at Kelly’s Kitchen in Rainsville at 9 am.

Rainsville Police Chief Kevin Smith will be talking to citizens. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

The last meeting was held at 7 am, and Chief Smith hopes to change the time around to allow for others to come and talk who may have time conflicts.

“It’s a program that’s been going on for several years throughout the United States, and it’s never been done around here. And I want the citizens I serve to know that we can talk. That if they need me we’re there,” explained Smith. “Basically to give people a chance to touch base with me.”

According to the national website, “Coffee with A Cop” was launched in Hawthorne, California in 2011, as a result of a brainstorming session. Members of the Hawthorne Police Department were looking for ways to interact more successfully with the citizens they served each day. The Hawthorne Police Department hit upon a simple plan to break through the barriers that have been built over the years–a cup of coffee.

In less than five years, Coffee with a Cop events have been hosted in all 50 states and is one of the most successful community oriented policing programs across the country. The key to Coffee with a Cop’s growing success is that it opens the door for interactions outside of the crisis situations that typically bring law enforcement officers and community members together.

When asked what topics will be discussed, Smith said that the conversation will be guided by the public, as long as the conversation is appropriate:

“This is totally the people’s. Whatever they want to talk about, we’ll talk about. I’ll have to guide some of it, because there’s some topics that aren’t appropriate to discuss in an open forum. If it’s appropriate, then we’ll discuss it, if not, they can come to my office and we can discuss it there,” said Smith. “I’m not going to let this be an opportunity for people to come and bash cops, but as an opportunity to learn more about what we do in the community.”

Be sure to join Chief Smith and the Rainsville Police Department at Kelly’s Kitchen this Thursday, July 27 at 9 am!

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PHOTO: “The Father’s House” is being considered by the Rainsville Zoning Board, and will help those struggling to rebuild their lives after addiction. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

By Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor

tyler@southerntorch.com

The house is located on the corner of First Avenue and Oak Drive in Rainsville. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — At the last meeting of the Rainsville City Council, Katina Blanchett announced the creation of a unique facility in Rainsville to help women struggling to get their lives back together after drug addiction.

“First thing in the morning I will be filing an application of rezoning of a property on Oak Drive. I understand that this process is a long process, and could be very intensive in a community. I do understand what I’m getting myself into, but I do want to leave you guys with a little bit of information before this comes before you, about what the facility will be used for.” said Blanchett.

Blanchett also explained that she had visited and spoken with every neighbor near the home. The house is located on the corner of Oak Drive and First Avenue (141 Oak Drive) in Rainsville. Blanchett also stated that the home will be part of “The Father’s House,” which is a program through Addicts 4 Christ.

According to the Addicts 4 Christ Website, “The Father’s House will be a faith based 12-month residential intensive rehabilitation / discipleship program for women struggling with life controlling issues. The Addicts 4 Christ ministry is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation. Our ladies will have the opportunity to confront destructive choices, behaviors and their unhealthy views with the love of God and the guidance of God’s Word through intensive Bible Studies, mentoring and discipleship.”

“We are partnering with Northeast Community College, and many other programs and ministries to provide the education component and life skills needed for these women who want and need a fresh start. This will be a huge benefit to our communities along with their families and friends,” it stated.

The program will mimic other successful programs, which serves a bridge from the “getting clean” phase of the process to becoming productive members of society. For those that struggle with addiction, getting “clean” may only be half the battle. After this phase, former addicts must build a life that doesn’t revolve around addiction, and The Father’s House will help with that process.

“In The Father’s House specifically, these ladies will learn homemaking skills, learn how to balance checkbooks, things of that nature, while becoming who God created them to be in life,” explained Blanchett.

“The biggest thing I would like to assure our community of, is that these ladies, when they come to us, are completely detoxed and have passed their drug test. They are not coming to us high, they are not coming to us out of control; they are coming to us already have committed to twelve months of rehabilitation of their life,” she explained.

“By the time they graduate the program, they’re able to pay down payment on power, lights, water, at their own place. They’ve worked through all their all their court processes and troubles they are in from their past lives. And we help them put completely behind them that life, have a firm foundation to stand on, and truly be productive women in society,” Blanchett explained.  

“Most women that come to us, they do not have their children. We’re able to help them work through the process and become the mothers they are supposed to be. Becoming the homemaker, teaching them to cook. A lot of them don’t know how to cook. And I come from a place of experience with this. If it wasn’t for programs like this, I could possibly be dead also,” said Blanchett.  

“These programs are working; they are saving people’s lives. And so just out of respect for the community, I understand this is a process, I’m just asking you guys to work with us on this. These programs are working. We respect our community. We respect the thoughts of the adjoining landowners, and the thoughts that they may not understand,” she said.

“I’m just asking you guys to pray about this, it’s coming up, it’ll be coming before you. Truly be praying, and see how this could edify our community,” concluded Blanchett.

Since the city council meeting, Blanchett has filed the application for rezoning. A hearing with the zoning board will be held to get their recommendation, and if the recommendation is granted, a hearing will then be held with the city council for the final decision. The whole process takes about 9 weeks.

The Public Hearing on the matter will be held on August 14th at 5 pm at the Tom Bevill Enrichment Center. All members of the public are invited to speak for or against the amendment to the zoning ordinance.

The post ‘The Father’s House’ to rebuild lives after addiction appeared first on Southern Torch.

By Staff Reports

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The following are reported incidents, arrests, and accidents from the Fort Payne Police Department for Friday, July 21 – Sunday, July 23.

FRIDAY, July 21

• Reported Incidents (7/21)
  • Theft of Property – Occurred at Wal-Mart, sunglasses were taken, valued at $4.96
  • Criminal Mischief – Occurred at 2001 Glenn Blvd SW, an exterior door panel strip on a 2004 KIA Optima was damaged, valued at $50.00
• Reported Arrests (7/21)
  • Billy Jack Mitchell, age 58 of Gaylesville, was arrested for DUI at 2:52 am
  • Manuel Enrique Mejia, age 18 of Henagar, was arrested on Three Warrants at 9:49 am
  • William James Brown, age 28 of Fyffe, was arrested for Theft of Property at 11:46 am
• Reported Accidents (7/21) 
  • 2 Accidents with 0 Injuries

SATURDAY, July 22

• Reported Incidents (7/22)
  • Leaving the Scene of an Accident – Occurred at 300 Sequoyah Drive NE Lot 100, a 2005 Ford Explorer was damaged, valued at $1000.00
• Reported Arrests (7/22)
  • Kevin Wayne Franks, age 26 of Chickamauga, Ga, was arrested for Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia at 9:57 pm
  • Andres Tomas, age 33 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Public Intoxication and Resisting Arrest at 11:47 pm
  • Pascual Andres Diego, age 22 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Public Intoxication at 11:47 pm
  • Juan Tomas Andres, age 32 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Public Intoxication at 11:47 pm
• Reported Accidents (7/22)
  • 2 Accidents with 0 Injuries

SUNDAY, June 23

• Reported Incidents (7/23)
  • Theft of Property – Occurred at 3901 Williams Ave NE Apt F121, a Taurus 9mm pistol was taken, valued at $297.00
  • Burglary – Occurred at 1903 Prestwood Ave NW, a couch, dining room table and two mattresses were taken, valued at $200.00
  • Criminal Mischief – Occurred at 21 Michael Circle NE, two flower pots were taken, valued at $20.00
• Reported Arrests (7/23)
  • Eligio Perez Fercano, age 51 of Fort Payne, was arrested for DUI at 8:30 pm
• Reported Accidents (7/23)
  • An accident occurred at Gault Ave N and 6th Street SW, Ronald Eugene Williams, age 59 of Henagar, driving a 2006 Dodge Caravan, struck Joshua Chad Miller, age 22 of Gadsden, driving a 2015 Toyota Camry. Williams and Miller were transported to DeKalb Regional by Dekalb Ambulance Service.

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PHOTO: Last night, Deputy Hunter Akins was responding to a call when he struck a bull standing in Highway 75 in Fyffe. (DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office)

By Staff Reports

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — According to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office: At approximately midnight on July 27th Deputy Hunter Akins and K-9 Marianna was involved in an accident on Highway 75 in Fyffe.

Deputy Hunter Akins called his supervisor and advised him that he was involved in an accident and trapped in the vehicle. Before the Fyffe Police Department arrived on the scene Deputy Akins broke out the driver side window and got out of the vehicle.  

Deputy Akins was responding to a call and was traveling down Highway 75 when he struck a large bull that was in the middle of the highway.

Fyffe Police, Fyffe Fire, DeKalb County Deputies, Rainsville Police, Shiloh Fire, DeKalb Ambulance Service, Chief Deputy Michael Edmondson and Sheriff Jimmy Harris all responded to the scene. Deputy Akins was transported to DeKalb Regional Hospital by DeKalb Ambulance Service where he was treated and released. K-9 Marianna is at the vet being checked out and is expected to be fine.

DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Michael Edmondson stated, “Deputy Akins is very blessed not to be injured worse than what he was. Their job is a very dangerous job and as many mile as our Deputies travel we have been fortunate that they have not been in any life threatening accidents. I would like to thank Fyffe Police, Fyffe Fire, Rainsville Police, Shiloh Fire, Deputies, and the DeKalb Ambulance Service for their prompt arrival and attention that they gave to Deputy Akins.”

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PHOTO: The DeKalb County Road Department is currently fixing a creek crossing on County Road 173 at Buck’s Pocket State Park, near the Jackson County line. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

By Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor

tyler@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — (Video at the Bottom) In Tuesday’s (July 25, 2017) meeting of the DeKalb County Commission, the commission approved work to be done at Buck’s Pocket State Park. County Engineer Ben Luther provided an update from the County’s engineering and road departments.

Buck’s Pocket has suffered from state funding cuts in recent years. In late 2015, it was announced the park would be unmanned, and would serve as only a day-use park, with it’s campground closed. Luckily, the passage of Amendment 2 last year and the work of politicians such Senator Clay Schofield have saved the park.

Much of the infrastructure at the park has suffered as well. The DeKalb County Road Department is currently working on a project to fix a creek crossing near the Jackson County line. Pipe had deteriorated and started collapsing at the crossing, leaving a big void due to previous flooding.

“Just last week they started demolition work down at Buck’s Pocket on a creek crossing, they are going to do the repair on. They hope to have that pipe in and back-filled this week. I was down there yesterday, and met with Tommy (Broyles) to look at a few things,” began Luther.

“They’ve got most of it demo’d, they’ve still got some of the concrete to remove before they can start fixing the bedding for the pipe. I’m going to run down there later on this afternoon and check on the progress see what kind of progress they’ve been making, but hopefully they’ll have most of the pipe in and backfilled by the end of this week. Hopefully the following week we can start on the concrete work, they’ve got to set the forms and the steel, and do that. We probably won’t be hauling much chert this week, because all the trucks will be hauling dense grade backfill to Buck’s Pocket,” said Luther.

As Luther would later point out in the meeting, a contractor had came out earlier to replace guard rails several months ago. The work to be done at Buck’s Pocket is a state-funded project, and Lambert Incorporated will be doing the concrete finishing on the project, as the county isn’t set up to do intensive concrete work. The commission approved the project for $8500.00, and the state will be reimbursing the county for the work.

The new boardwalk at the Jim Lynn Overlook, built by Leadership DeKalb. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

Al.com Photo from 2015 showing the old boardwalk. (Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com)

Towards the end of the meeting, District II Commissioner Scot Westbrook announced the dedication of a new boardwalk at the Jim Lynn Overlook at Buck’s Pocket. The boardwalk provides access to the premier overlook in the park, and the old wooden boardwalk had become rotted and unsafe. Leadership DeKalb took on the project this year.

“A few months ago, Leadership DeKalb representatives came to me, and asked for assistance. Leadership DeKalb is a program that develops leaders throughout the county, and tries to keep them headed in the right direction, and teach them the ends and outs of being in those leadership positions. Each year, this group takes on a community project. This year, they took on the beautification of Buck’s Pocket, which was on the edge of being closed, or shut down. They’ve redone the board walks and some of the parking areas, and the trails at the Point Rock area,” said Westbrook.

The Ribbon Cutting will be held on Saturday, July 29 (tomorrow) at 10 am. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, Senator Steve Livingston, Senator Clay Scofield, Michael Jeffreys (Superintendent, Buck’s Pocket State Park) and Councilman Brian Baine (Leadership DeKalb Chairman) are expected to be in attendance. 

“If you can make that, they would be glad to have you out there. And they’ve done some pretty good work, and it’s just a very convenient coincidence that as they are planning to do their ribbon dedication for their beautification at the top of the pocket, our road department and the engineering crew has begun to work on the bridge demolition and reconstruction at the bottom. So the Buck’s Pocket Park is coming together very nicely,” said Westbrook.

Another view of the new boardwalk. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

Other items addressed at the Meeting:

• Approved a motion from District III Commissioner Chris Kuykendall to vacate a portion of County Road 862, as per a petition submitted by property owners. The portion is a dead end road.
• Approved a motion from District II Commissioner Scot Westbrook to vacate a portion of County Road 9.
• Awarded a bid to purchase an Asphalt Distributor from a county road department in Kentucky. The total purchase price will be $51,500.00, which includes transportation fee, as the truck isn’t set up to drive that far. In earlier meetings, DeKalb County Road Department Director Tom Broyles discussed how an asphalt distributor would greatly improve the efficiency of work done by the department.
• Ordered new Kenworth dump trucks for the road department for $2.5 million, to replace the Mack Trucks that will be sold at auction during the next spring. The orders take six months to fill, and the trucks will be delivered in March.
• Sent a damage claim to the county’s insurance carrier. The alleged damage was caused by a county truck on Highway 11.
• For the Revenue Commission, Revenue Commissioner Tyler Wilkes said that employee Barbara Sanders will be retiring and Friday will be her last day. Wilkes asked for permission to post the job of Property Clerk. The motion was approved.
• Approved a resolution to correct an issue with the Fyffe Election District.
• Removed Rita Raul as a temporary employee and moved her to the County’s Commission payroll as a part-time employee.
• Appointed Chris Bryant of Farmer’s Telecommunications to the DeKalb County Economic Board.

Watch the Full Video:

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PHOTO: 45 year old Jonathan David Henderson, of Fort Payne led Leesburg Police and Cherokee County Law Enforcement on a high speed pursuit Thursday night. (Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office)

By Joey Weaver (WEIS Radio)

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — A 45 year old Ft Payne man is currently residing in the Cherokee County Detention Center; that, after being involved in a high-speed chase with Leesburg Investigator Jamie Chatman, in addition to other law enforcement officials.

According to Chatman, the chase began just after midnight on Highway 273 – continuing to County Road 47 then up Starling Gap to County Road 43 into DeKalb County and from there on into Dogtown.  The driver, who was later identified as Jonathan David Henderson, finally came to a stop, after his vehicle hit spike strips deployed by Ft Payne Police on County Road 43 at Dogtown Road.

Henderson resisted arrest while being taken into custody on a long list of charges including warrants through DeKalb County.

He was booked in at the Cherokee County Detention Center at 1:45 Friday morning charged with Attempting to Elude, DUI, Driving on the Wrong Side of the Road, Speeding, Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign, Failure to Signal, Switched Tag, Improper Lane Usage, Improper Lights, Criminal Mischief 3rd Degree, Failure and/or Refusal to Display Insurance, Resisting Arrest, Expired License – and a Violation of the Littering Law.

http://www.weisradio.com/man-jailed-following-high-speed-chase-with-leesburg-investigator-jamie-chapman/

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By Staff Reports 

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — According to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office: On Sunday, July 30th DeKalb County Deputies, Crossville Police, and Geraldine Police responded to a call on County Road 926 in the Kilpatrick community about an unwanted guest in addition to shots fired. It was discovered when officers arrived that two Hispanic males at the residence had got into an altercation. As they started to struggle over a firearm it discharged striking one of the males in the lower part of the body.

That individual was transported to Marshall Medical South by DeKalb Ambulance Service. His condition is unknown at this time.

No arrest or charges have been made due to this being a going investigation and no further information will be released at this time.  

DeKalb County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Edmondson said of the incident: “Thank you to the Deputies, Crossville Police, and Geraldine Police for their prompt arrival and for their assistance. With this being an open case we will be questioning the individuals that were witnesses at the scene so we can make the proper arrest if needed.”

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