PHOTO: The Rainsville Police Department will be a hosting ‘Coffee With a Cop‘ monthly at Kelly’s Kitchen. Participants will be able to ask questions about policing in their city! (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

By Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor

tyler@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — This Thursday (June 29), the Rainsville Police Department will host it’s first installment of, “Coffee With a Cop.” Rainsville Police Chief Kevin Smith will be the first speaker. Coffee with a Cop will be a monthly event, and will be held at Kelly’s Kitchen in Rainsville at 7 am.

“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.

While Chief Smith will be the first speaker, the department plans on a different division addressing the group each month. He mentioned that the patrol division, investigations, or animal control could be speaking at future events.

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.

Be sure to join Chief Smith and the Rainsville Police Department at Kelly’s Kitchen this Thursday, June 29 at 7 am!

The post Rainsville Police Department to host ‘Coffee With a Cop’ appeared first on Southern Torch.

PHOTO: Pam Wilson, Fort Payne Health Sciences teacher, with the DeKalb County Commission, and Hannah and Curtis Tucker, who won the state CERT competition! (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

By Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor 

tyler@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — (Full Video at the Bottom) After District I Commissioner Shane Wootten led the meeting in prayer and the minutes were approved, the DeKalb County Commission recognized two students from Fort Payne High School who went above and beyond in a program to learn about emergency preparedness. Mrs. Pam Wilson, Health Science teacher for Fort Payne City Schools, mentored the team and was present at the meeting to talk of their dedication and accomplishments.

“Before we get started with our regular agenda this morning, we want to recognize the Fort Payne High School CERT team,” said Commission President Ricky Harcrow.

The acronym CERT stands for Community Emergency Response Team. CERT is a nationwide program organized by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA). According to the FEMA website: “CERT educates individuals about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT volunteers can assist others in their community following a disaster when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT volunteers are also encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking an active role in emergency preparedness projects.”

“These young people who are here today, at the direction of Mrs. Pam Wilson, are here to tell us about their program and then Mr. Clifton will conclude the presentation,” said Harcrow.

Wilson said of the team: “I’m very proud of these students, (Commissioner) Westbrook was instrumental in helping my program also at the high school. They were in a competition, they had to learn things for the competition, but I believe this competition they were in is very important to the community, because it is a community team and it does teach them to help out in disasters in their own community. Curtis Tucker and Hannah Tucker are brother and sisters, first time I’ve had a brother and sister team.”

“They competed originally with 30 teams back in November, had to take take some tests, preliminary tests, and they were chosen in the top ten, so they went to state,” said Wilson.

“They went to state, and they beat out all teams and got number one in the State of Alabama, in the CERT competition. Which allowed them to go to the international competition this summer, we just got back from Orlando, and out of a over 100 teams they were chosen to go to the second round and competed. Unfortunately, they didn’t place in that but I’m so proud of them and their accomplishments,” Wilson explained.

DeKalb County EMA Director Anthony Clifton discussed the success of the CERT Program. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

DeKalb County EMA Director Anthony Clifton said of the accomplishment: “It’s a really good program. We’ve been participating in it for some time now, both at the county and city level. But Fort Payne City Schools really got behind the program and did well. This is not their first time being in the winner’s circle; they’ve been there several times, but I believe this is the furthest they’ve gone.”

“But your efforts, the commission allows us (to) support them in a few ways. The CERT Program is Community Emergency Response Team, it’s something we offer through the EMA for everybody,” said Clifton. “It’s a 20 hour class that we offer that anyone can take. What it’s intended to do, is to make citizens more aware of how to take care of themselves and their neighbors in the event of a disaster. And what we’ve found is, just like anything else, if we can get to young folks, and get them to buy into the system, it really goes a long way towards that education down the road. It makes them much more resilient community members.”

“These folks have worked very hard and it’s a good program. We want you to know how much we appreciate the commission working with us. The City of Fort Payne works with us and Mrs. Wilson does an excellent job leading this group, and we really want to thank her for her efforts in this,” concluded Clifton.

Other items addressed in the commission meeting:

• Tom Broyles, Director of the DeKalb County Road Department, updated the commission on the department’s herbicide application and roads that the department is “reclaiming.” The department also recommended hiring Tyler Guffey as a part time crewman for District III. The commission hire was approved. Broyles also discussed purchasing “tailgate spreaders” and “asphalt distributors” to need less manpower for paving. The commission decided for Broyles to “inspect and evaluate” the proposal before proceeding with the purchase.
• DeKalb County Revenue Commissioner Tyler Wilks updated that they were finishing up the final settlement to send to the state. The revenue commission also hired a new clerk for the Rainsville office. The commission selected Tonya Andreas to fill the position.
• DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Michael Edmondson asked to hire David Stanley as a part time deputy and Perry Brooks Smith as a part time dispatcher. The commission approved both requests. During the Sheriff’s Office portion, Administrator Matt Sharp informed the commission that Ashley Hubbard of Crossville had filed a lawsuit against DeKalb County for wrongful arrest.
• The commission accepted Garbage fee exemptions, which must be approved yearly.
• Rural Public Transportation recommended the commission Greg Welsh and Donnie Lee Vaughn hired as substitute, part time drivers for the Rural Public Transportation program. The commission approved the request.
• The commission approved an amendment for the Cherokee-Etowah-DeKalb (CED) Mental Health board that formalizes the selection and appointment of board members.

The next meeting of the DeKalb County Commission will be held on Tuesday, July 11 at 10 am in the DeKalb County Activities Building.

Watch the Full Video:

The post VIDEO: DeKalb Co. Commission recognizes Fort Payne High School CERT appeared first on Southern Torch.

PHOTO: Steyr Arms, the Austrian Company who produces the famed Steyr ‘AUG’ rifle, has announced a $2.9 million manufacturing expansion in Bessemer, Alabama and plans on producing the AUG here! (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

By Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor

tyler@southerntorch.com

BESSEMER, Ala. — Austrian Company Steyr Arms has started the process to begin producing the famous AUG rifle (Armee-Universal-Gewehr — “universal army rifle”) here in Alabama! The company has been based in Bessemer, Alabama for several years, and assembles the rifle from parts imported from Austria for American consumers. The $2.9 million expansion will allow the company to produce the rifles right here in Alabama!

Federal regulations, known as 922(r) requires that foreign made military rifles must be assembled in the United States from imported parts, with a certain number of parts being produced in America. Steyr Arms’ North American operation has been assembling the rifles at their Bessemer location, but is now moving to produce the components in Alabama.

“It’s a two or three stage process before the City Council of Bessemer, The Jefferson County Commission, and the State of Alabama all have to approve the tax abatement,” said O’Brien.

On Monday, the Jefferson County Commission approved a tax abatement for the Austrian firearms giant to expand their Bessemer operation and on Tuesday, the Bessemer City Council followed suit. As Steyr CEO Scott O’Brien explained, it’s a long process to get everything in order, but the expansion should be complete within a year. O’Brien also explained that this expansion is only the first phase to what he hopes will lead to more and more of Steyr’s firearms being produced in Alabama.

“The first phase will be just with the AUG rifle, then pistols, and if we are successful there, we’ll start doing more and more,” said O’Brien.

The modernized AUG comes in several variations, and is fully customizable. The latest variant, the AUG A3, has the option of an integrated rail system for mounting an optic or the classic optic (featured above) in either 1.5x power or 3x. The optic is high quality, and produced by Swarovski Optics. The rifle can be purchased in the M1 configuration, which accepts NATO standard magazines (standard AR 15 magazines) or Steyr produced magazines, which comes in a 30 round or 42 round magazine. While many may desire the M1 to easily obtain standard magazines, the 42 round Steyr magazines are reasonably priced and readily available on the company’s website.

The AUG also has the option of a short, long, or extended picatinny rail system, which would allow the user to mount various optics, lights, or lasers. The rifle is also available in Green, Black, Mud, and White finishes.

The Steyr AUG A3 displayed at Steyr’s showroom in Bessemer. Above shows the short, long, and extended picatinny rail variations. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

Steyrs’ line of handguns are striker-fired with a polymer frame. Their pistols come in a compact (C-A1), sub-compact (S-A1), mid-size (M-A1), and long slide variant (L-A1). Available calibers are 9mm and .40 S&W. A model with an OD green frame (M9-A1) is also available. Steyr’s pistols also feature innovative “triangular” sights which aid in quickly obtaining proper sight alignment.

While on site, O’Brien also gave us a look at a new rifle for 2017, the Steyr Scout RFR, which is a rimfire variant of Steyr’s Scout Rifle. The rifle is available in .22lr, .22 Magnum, and .17 HMR. The RFR features a 10 round magazine and a knife that tucks away conveniently in the buttstock.

Steyr Arms CEO shows off the new for 2017 Steyr Scout RFR. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

While we were given an exclusive look into Steyr, the showroom is open to dealers only, but as O’Brien explained, for one weekend, the public will be allowed access to view Steyr’s many fine products.

“It’ll be the third or fourth year we’ve done it, but on the weekend of July 20th, we’ll open the doors to the public for three days and allow the dealers to sell our inventory,” said O’Brien.

Steyrs’ sporting rifles on display in the showroom. AUG’s are displayed on the wall, with some of their precision life of rifles below. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

The post MADE IN ALABAMA: Firearms manufacturing jobs headed to Alabama! appeared first on Southern Torch.

By Staff Reports

GROVE OAK, Ala. — According to DeKalb County Sheriff Jimmy Harris, “On June 27th DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a farmer on County Road 820 in the Grove Oak community, about a vehicle that he found in a field. When deputies arrived they found a body close to the vehicle, at which time an investigation was started. The body has not yet been positively identified.”

“Jacksonville State University Center for Applied Forensics came to the scene to help with the processing of the scene. The body was sent to the Department of Forensics Science in Montgomery for an autopsy. This is still an ongoing investigation and no further information will be released at this time,” the statement said. 

DeKalb County Chief Deputy Michael Edmondson said, “Thank you to the Jacksonville State University Center for Applied Forensics for their assistance on this case.”

The post Body found in Grove Oak, remains yet to be identified appeared first on Southern Torch.

PHOTO: Firefighters with the Fort Payne Fire Department, conducting rope rescue training at Little River Canyon National Preserve. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

By Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor

tyler@southerntorch.com

Firefighters hoisting up a simulated casualty this morning at Little River Canyon. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Earlier today, fire fighters conducted crucial training at Little River Canyon, near the G.E. Hill bridge. Members of the Fort Payne Fire Department and a member of the Fischer Rescue Squad took part in a course to better ensure readiness in the event of an emergency at Little River Canyon.

The Rope I Tech Rescue Course was conducted as a course for the Regional Alabama Fire College. The Fort Payne Fire Department and the Fischer Rescue squad are located in close proximity to the canyon, and will help ensure the department’s readiness in the event of an emergency.

Fire Fighters used a Type II rescue rigging to hoist a simulated casualty up from the bottom of the canyon. (Contributed Photo)

“We’ve had to conduct 4 rope rescues already this year. It helps in terms of preparedness and to be ready for the real thing,” said Captain Scot Westbrook.

The course was instructed by Fort Payne Firefighter Nathan Henderson. Fort Payne Fire Chief Don Fischer also took part in the course, saying, “We’re always training. This is one of 30 schools the regional Fire College puts on.”

“We need to be certified in Rope I to qualify to do the swift water rescue course, which is crucial for our department and the close proximity to the canyon,” said Fischer.

“I think Guntersville, Decatur, and Madison are the only ones that have that certification, and the state will allow us the equipment if we are certified in it to react if an emergency happens at the canyon,” said Fischer.

Firefighters with the Fort Payne Fire Department and a member of the Fischer Rescue Squad after the training. (Contributed Photo)

The post Fort Payne Fire Department conducts Rope Rescue training at Little River Canyon appeared first on Southern Torch.

By Staff Reports

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The Fort Payne Police Department released the following directives for traffic in the city tomorrow for the Annual Independence Day Fireworks Celebration: 

Due to the large amount of traffic that will be in the 45th Street area after the City of Fort Payne Fireworks display on Friday evening, we will implement the following traffic pattern:

• When the fireworks show begins all southbound traffic on Gault Avenue will be diverted onto 49th street west
• 45th street will be closed to incoming traffic
• All cars on the west side of the sports complex will exit toward Gault Avenue
• All cars on the east side of the sports complex will exit toward Williams Avenue/Godfrey Avenue
• The Heil parking lot will also observe the same exit pattern as the sports complex traffic
• Stadium Drive will be closed at 4:00 pm from the gate at FPMS to FPHS. NO EXCEPTIONS!
• If you are picking up personnel from the complex area, please allow all traffic to clear out of area before doing so. 

PLEASE USE COMMON SENSE AND OBEY OFFICER DIRECTIONS!

The post Fort Payne PD Issues traffic directions for tomorrow’s Fireworks appeared first on Southern Torch.

PHOTO: This week, for Inside the Huddle, we visited the Geraldine Bulldogs! (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

Marla Jones, Sports Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

GERALDINE, Ala. — For the second stop of  “Inside the Huddle”, we visited the Class 3A, Geraldine Bulldogs!

Coach Brad and Brian Waldrop have been family friends for many years and I was excited to come watch them and the Bulldogs in action.  It seems like only yesterday, I was watching the Waldrop boys play high school football. Now they are known across the area, along with their coaching staff, as a force to be reckoned with.

The Geraldine Bulldog’s returning seniors. (Amy Thrash | Southern Torch)

Our Sports Reporter, Amy Thrash, graduated from Geraldine and was excited as well, to attend the Bulldog practice. I began to realize that Amy might get more attention than me so I had to come up with a plan. Exactly one minute into practice, my plan came together, when I had a major nosebleed (the first one in my life). Coach Jamie Gilbert took care of me, all the time assuring me that I was not going to die. I missed the majority of warm ups and practice, but Amy was a trooper and continued taking pictures.  She felt that it would not be right to teach the players without me, so a trip back to visit the bulldogs is in order.  I am sure the players really missed me calling out plays and yelling at them if they were not fast enough. Being fast is not a problem that the Bulldogs have, from what Amy observed The team is on their way, to becoming a team that will be hard to handle come September. Getting to the top is not easy and requires tons of practice. Geraldine practices three days a week at 5 p.m. Monday is designated on speed training. Tuesday practices work on agility and Thursday packs a powerful punch as the team does a series of “Explosion” workouts. After each practice the players hit the weightroom for strength training.

(Amy Thrash | Southern Torch)

2016 RECORD:

The Geraldine Bulldogs finished the 2016 season with a 5-7 record.  The Bulldogs faced Lauderdale County in the first round of State playoffs.

PLAYERS:

Geraldine has six returning seniors.  The team has four returning offensive starters and five returning defensive starters.

COACHES:

Coach Brad Waldrop will return for his third season as Head Coach for the Geraldine Bulldogs.  His brother, Coach Brian Waldrop will be his offensive coordinator.  Coach Tim Arnold will return as offensive and defensive line coach.  Coach Jamie Gilbert will coach the outside linebackers.  The Bulldogs will welcome, Coach Sid Gillilan to the coaching staff this season.  

SCHEDULE:

The Geraldine Bulldogs will kick off regular season play hosting next door neighbor, Fyffe on September 1. The Bulldogs will welcome Pisgah on September 8, for the first region game of the season.  The Bulldogs will host Sardis on September 15.  Geraldine will travel to face Plainview in a region game on September 22.  The Bulldogs will host D.A.R. on September 29.  Geraldine will travel to Brindlee Mountain for region play on October 6.  The Bulldogs will be back on the road on October 13 as they face Sylvania in region play.  Geraldine will face New Hope on October 20 and North Sand Mountain on October 27, on the road for region play. The Bulldogs will return home for the final regular season game against Crossville.

With the excellent coaching staff and the drive that the Bulldogs have, I expect them to go deep in the state playoffs!

The post INSIDE THE HUDDLE: The 2017 Geraldine Bulldogs appeared first on Southern Torch.

(DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office)

By Staff Reports

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Earlier today, the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Jimmy Harris issued a statement on the recent scams: “I want the citizens of DeKalb County know that it is getting that time of year and there are new scams going around. Here at the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office we are receiving reports of scams with someone calling from a local number that you may or may not know.”

“These calls may show up as a person in the community on your caller ID. The scammers will tell you that they are calling from a Hearing Aid company, or any other company, trying to sell you something,” he said. 

“Phone and Internet scams are a daily problem. Use common sense as you go through these calls or e-mails. Never verify or give out account information over the phone or internet. Never wire money to collect money. Never cash a check to send money back,” the statement concluded. 

DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Michael Edmondson also said of the scams, “these phone calls are scams even if it shows up as a local number or if you know the number or not, you need to exercise cautious and do not give out any personal information over the phone.”

The post DeKalb County Sheriff Warns of recent telephone scams 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, June 30 – Sunday, July 2.

FRIDAY, June 30

• Reported Incidents (6/30)
  • Burglary – Occurred at 404 2nd Street NW, a Mossberg 12 gauge shotgun and a SCCY 9mm handgun was taken, valued at $450.00
  • Unlawful Breaking and Entering a Vehicle – 807 Gault Ave N, debit cards, credit card, driver’s license, social security card and currency were taken, valued at $10.00
• Reported Arrests (6/30)
  • Bradley Eugene Vickery, age 31 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency at 12:24 am
  • Tammie Lynette Pendergrass, age 54 of Fort Payne, was arrested on eight warrants for Outside Agency for Failure to Appear at 12:29 am
  • Gregory Allan Shankles, age 35 of Rainsville, was arrested on a warrant for Insurance Violation at 11:45 pm
• Reported Accidents (6/30) 
  • 2 Accidents with 0 Injuries

SATURDAY, July 1

• Reported Incidents (7/1)
  • Criminal Mischief – Occurred at 508 Lebanon Road SW, a glass pane on a door and an exterior door and knob were damaged, valued at $400.00
  • Burglary – Occurred at 1202 Godfrey Ave NE, an exterior door was damaged, valued at $200.00
  • Theft of Property – Occurred at Wal-Mart, cookware and skillets were taken, valued at $39.96
• Reported Arrests (7/1)
  • Theodore Devone Whitmire, age 52 of Rainsville, was arrested for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia at 1:29 am
  • Santiago Contreras Sequra, age 31 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Public Intoxication at 4:55 am
  • Gavin Kaine Daniel, age 21 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Burglary, Theft of Property, Criminal Mischief, and Public Intoxication at 9:40 am
  • Tabatha Denise Baldwin, age 31 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Failure to Appear at 2:13 pm
  • Donna Elizabeth Cody, age 42 of Rainsville, was arrested for Theft of Property at 6:40 pm
  • Juan Manuel Alba, age 30 of Valley Head, was arrested on a Warrant for Insurance Violation at 9:34 pm
• Reported Accidents (7/1)
  • 2 Accidents with 0 Injuries

SUNDAY, July 2

• Reported Incidents (7/2)
  • Criminal Mischief – Occurred at 303 9th Street NW, a 24 x 24” marble section of wall was damaged, valued at $100.00
• Reported Arrests (7/2)
  • Luis Enrique Pacheco Becerra, age 25 of Crossville, was arrested for DUI at 12:40 am
  • Robert Earl Brown, age 25 of Valley Head, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency for Harassment at 10:12 pm
  • Rodney Charles Storey, age 23 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Disorderly Conduct at 10:19 pm
• Reported Accidents (7/2)
  • 3 Accidents with 0 Injuries

The post Fort Payne Police Report for Friday, June 30 – Sunday, July 2 appeared first on Southern Torch.

PHOTO: On Independence Day, Kayttiee Wright, 29 of Collinsville was found in possession of Marijuana, Spice, and Methamphetamine while staying at the Traveler’s Inn, next to I-59.  (Collinsville Police Department)

By Staff Reports

COLLINSVILLE, Ala. — On Independence Day earlier this week, the Collinsville Police Department arrested a woman who was found in possession of several narcotics with an intent to distribute while staying at the Traveler’s Inn.  

According to the release from CPD, “On Tuesday, July 4, 2017, the Collinsville Police Department received a call from the Traveler’s Inn concerning a tenant that hadn’t checked out. When Police Chief Gary Bowen arrived, he knocked several times on the door and couldn’t get the tenant to answer.

Chief Bowen then retrieved the key for the room and made entry to check the welfare of the tenant. Upon entering the room Chief Bowen came in contact with Kayttiee Wright of Collinsville. While talking with Kayttiee Wright whom the room was registered to, Chief Bowen noticed a half smoked marijuana cigarette on the night stand.

Kayttiee Wright told Chief Bowen that she had been sleeping and didn’t hear anyone knocking on the door. Chief Bowen asked if there was anything else in the room and she stated there was a bag in the drawer of the nightstand.

Chief Bowen then located the bag inside the nightstand and there were several prepackaged baggies of methamphetamine, marijuana and spice. Along with the prepackaged baggies, there was a bag that contained a large amount of spice.

Chief Bowen then placed Kayttiee Wright under arrest and she was transported to the Collinsville City Jail. Upon arrival at the Collinsville Police Department, Officer Scott Green of the Collinsville Police Department arrived and processed the contents of the bag and made photos for evidence purposes.  

Warrants were obtained for possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana 2nd degree, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

29 year old Kayttiee Wright of Collinsville was booked into the Dekalb County Jail on the charges and is currently being held on bonds totaling $28,500.00.”

The post Collinsville woman arrested for weed, meth, and spice at the Traveler’s Inn appeared first on Southern Torch.

PHOTO: The winners of the Fort Payne Flag Design were announced last week at the Independence Day Celebration. The design on the left took first place, with the flag on the right coming in a close second. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

By Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor 

tyler@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — At last week’s Independence Day Celebration, the winners were announced for the Fort Payne Flag Design contest!

The design on the left was submitted by Jeff White, and took first place, with the design on the right, submitted by Constance Price, coming in a close second. Both received a cash price for their submissions.

The designs were submitted by the community, and the winners will be announced this Friday! Around 80 designs were submitted, and the flag ideas were voted on by a panel of judges.

Earlier this year, the city announced that they are seeking a design for a new flag, and a contest was started to find the right design! After partnering with Fort Payne Main Street, the city announced a cash award for the first and second place winners. The top 10 overall flag designs receive a Certificate of Appreciation from Mayor Larry Chesser.

The entry forms asked contestants: “What are the best features of Fort Payne? What are the things that make Fort Payne a remarkable small town? As you think about the past, present, and future, what colors, symbols, and designs can you come up with to capture the spirit of Fort Payne?”

Congratulations Jeff and Constance!

The post Winners of the Fort Payne flag design contest! appeared first on Southern Torch.

(File Photo)

The following letter was submitted to the Southern Torch by Kim Lewis of 1006 Airport Rd West, Fort Payne, Alabama 35967.  

To the Editor: Dead Dogs Walking

Our county Shelter is facing an epidemic of unwanted dogs and cats. This month alone almost 300 of them have been surrendered by their owners or found as strays. These are beautiful, healthy animals that through no fault of their own have been cast away by people who were not willing to make a life-long commitment to them. With only 44 kennels and one small cat room our shelter simply lacks the resources to save the many lives that come thru their doors.

Many of them once lived in homes, had a family they loved, a life they knew. Now they cower behind bars, frightened and confused. Facing certain death due to overpopulation. Each day, our shelter receives multiple animals and the dedicated shelter personnel and a small group of volunteers (Friends of the DeKalb County Animal Adoption Center) must find a viable rescue option for them or the staff has to euthanize them to make room for the new arrivals.

Pet overpopulation is a grave problem in DeKalb County. It calls for immediate public attention. Even those who do not have pets are affected by the crisis, your tax dollars are spent annually to care for these lost and unwanted pets, and even more tax dollars to destroy those that find no homes.

There are three main ways to end this vicious cycle of pet overpopulation and death. The most important is spaying and neutering all dogs and cats. Spaying and neutering not only helps control overpopulation, but also provides many health benefits to companion animals. Spayed and neutered animals have longer life expectancies, and this procedure eliminates the risks of several different cancers among both males and females. It also helps prevent roaming which cuts down on dog bites and attacks.

Apart from spaying and neutering our community must adopt rather than shop. If you’re ready to make a life long commitment to a dog or cat, please visit your local shelter. They have so many desperate dogs and cats that need homes. They have many different breeds and sizes and even senior dogs. You save two lives when you adopt. You save the pet you take home and the pet that can now have kennel space.

Lastly we need to end back-yard breeding. Most breeder dogs spend their lives in misery, producing litter after litter as a means to make  money for their owners, often receiving no medical care and living in inhumane conditions. Though not all breeders fit this description, they are still contributing to a larger problem. Most states allow these breeders to keep hundreds of dogs in cages their entire lives continuously churning out purebred or “designer” puppies while thousands in shelters are euthanized. Last year over 2000 animals were euthanized at our local shelter.

I implore you to contact the Mayor and County Commissioners and let them know that you are appalled with the treatment of animals. Urge them to consider spay and neuter laws and to pass legislation to better govern dog breeders. Nothing will be done if we don’t make a stand. Let’s all work together to end the shameful killing of so many dogs and cats in our community. For more ways to help please join FODCAAC on Facebook. We can always use more volunteers and fosters.

Sincerely,

Kim Lewis, Volunteer with the Friends of DeKalb County Animal Adoption Center. (FODCAAC)

The post LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Dead Dogs Walking appeared first on Southern Torch.

PHOTO: For the third stop of Inside the Huddle, Southern Torch visited the Class 3A Plainview Varsity Bears! (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

Marla Jones, Sports Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — For the third stop of Inside the Huddle, Southern Torch visited the Class 3A Plainview Varsity Bears.  

The Plainview Bears were always my rival when I was in school. As I have got older, and maybe a little wiser, the Bears have turned into one of my favorite teams. I own a Plainview Football shirt and wear it with pride. Everyone treats me like I am part of the team and I am sure that they are considering adding me to the coaching staff.  I was excited to visit the team and possibly teach them a few things. While at practice, a big concern for me,  was that I would get ran over. I advised Coach Parker, that his main job was to keep me safe. I am pretty sure he did not know that was in his job description.

I had the opportunity to watch the team as they worked out in their newly renovated fieldhouse. Strength training is very crucial to any team and the Plainview coaching staff have really worked hard to provide a top notch workout facility.  

Walking up to the practice field, I was amazed at the size of the football team. The Bears have several talented players to chose from this year.  After watching the Bears practice, I know they possess what it takes to a powerhouse in Class 3A this season.  

2016 RECORD:

Last year, the Bears faced several strong teams and finished with a 6-4 record. They fell to Colbert County, 31-20 in the first round of the Alabama High School State Football Playoffs.

The 2017 Plainview Bears returning seniors! (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

PLAYERS:
The Plainview Bears have strength in leadership.  The team has nineteen seniors.  The team will have five returning defensive starters and six returning offensive starters for the 2017 season.  

COACHES:

Coach Goodwin will be starting his third year as head coach for Plainview. He has formed a good relationship with the team. You can see that the players have tremendous amount of  respect for him. Coach Pat Vinson will also be returning for his third year as Defensive Coordinator. Joining the coaching staff this year will be Luke Powell, Chase Parker and Jared Carson.

2017 SCHEDULE:

8/25  vs Sardis

9/1 @ Sand Rock

9/8 vs North Sand Mountain *

9/15 @ Pisgah *

9/22 vs Geraldine *

9/29 @ Fyffe

10/13 vs Brindlee Mountain *

10/20 vs Sylvania *

10/27 @ New Hope *

11/3 vs Moody

*denotes region game

The Plainview Bears face a competitive region but have the skills and leadership to do well this season!

(Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

The post INSIDE THE HUDDLE: The 2017 Plainview Bears appeared first on Southern Torch.

PHOTO: Trey Stewart was part of the Robotics Camp program, which is specifically designed for trainees who have a particular interest in engineering. (Contributed Photo | U.S. Space and Rocket Center)

By Staff Reports

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Trey Stewart of Rainsville, AL, recently attended Robotics Camp at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center’s Official Visitor Center. The weeklong educational program promotes science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), while training students and adults with hands-on activities and missions based on teamwork, leadership and decision-making.

Stewart was part of the Robotics Camp program, which is specifically designed for trainees who have a particular interest in engineering. The mission of Space Camp Robotics is to show trainees how engineers develop solutions for real-world problems using real-world technologies. At all age levels, trainees use state-of-the-art robotics systems to compete in air, sea and land activities and missions.

Using the Office of Naval Research’s SeaPerch undersea robotics, Trey and the other trainees test payloads on an unmanned aerial vehicle, all while strengthening teamwork and leadership skills. At the end of their missions, the teams arrived in time to graduate with honors.

More than 750,000 trainees have graduated from Space Camp and its sister programs since its inception in Huntsville, Alabama in 1982, including STS-131 astronaut Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger, European Space Agency astronaut, Samantha Cristoforetti and NASA Expedition 48 astronaut Dr. Kate Rubins. Last year, children and teachers from all 50 states and 69 international locations attended Space Camp.

Interested in training like an astronaut?  Visit www.spacecamp.com or call 1-800-637-7223.

Trey Stewart at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville! (Contributed Photo)

——————————————————————————–

Media contact: Margie Phillips, margie.phillips@spacecamp.com 256-721-5432

About U.S. Space & Rocket Center

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center, a Smithsonian Affiliate, is home to Space Camp® and Aviation Challenge®, the Apollo 16 capsule, the National Historic Landmark Saturn V rocket and world-class traveling exhibits. USSRC is the Official Visitor Center for NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and a showcase for national defense technologies developed at the U.S. Army’s Redstone Arsenal.

To learn more about the exciting programs and activities at the USSRC, go to www.rocketcenter.com.

The post Rainsville student graduates from renowned Robotics Camp appeared first on Southern Torch.

PHOTO: Alabama Senator Trip Pittman (R – Montrose) addresses the DeKalb County Republican Breakfast Club. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

By Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor

tyler@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — (Video at the Bottom) This morning, candidate for U.S. Senate Trip Pittman (R – Montrose) addressed the DeKalb County Republican Breakfast Club at the Western Sizzlin’ next to I-59 in Fort Payne. Several local candidates also made campaign announcements and briefly addressed the crowd. Candidate for County Commission District IV, Lester Black, opened the meeting, as event organizer, Jack Stiefel was ill this morning. Judge Shaunathan Bell led the group in prayer and District Attorney Mike O’Dell led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

DeKalb County GOP Chairman Scotty Vaughn then briefed the group on upcoming events for the county Republicans. Vaughn reported that the breakfast at the Henagar Potato Fest was well-attended, and the county party would try to conduct a similar meeting at Fort Payne’s Boom Days Festival. He also announced a Dove Shoot Fundraiser, which will be held the second weekend of dove season (September 17). The DeKalb Republican Party steering committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, at 6 pm.

Several elected officials were present, including Richard Minor, District Attorney for St. Clair County (and candidate for Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals), Chris Kuykendall (District III Commissioner), Senator Steve Livingston (R – Scottsboro), Representative Nathanial Ledbetter (R – Rainsville), DeKalb County Probate Judge Ronnie Osborn, Circuit Judges Shaunathan Bell and Jeremy Taylor, Scot Westbrook (District II Commissioner) and Mayor Lamar Bray of Valley Head.

Judge Osborn announced that poll worker class would be held on July 25th for the special election for U.S. Senate, with the first class being at Crossville at 11 am, the second at the Bevill Center in Rainsville, and the final class at the DeKalb County Activities Building in Fort Payne at 5 pm. Osborn also announced he would be running for re-election in 2018.

Several candidates and representatives of candidates were also present. Citizens representing Congressman Mo Brooks and another representing Judge Roy Moore in the U.S. Senate race spoke briefly to the crowd. Valley Head Police Chief Nick Welden, who is officially running for Sheriff was present. “I appreciate your thoughts and prayers. Nothing comes easy in life, and I’m prepared to work for it. You can’t have change without a change,” said Welden.

Deputy District Attorney Scott Loyd, a candidate for Circuit Judge Place 2, addresses the crowd. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

Deputy District Attorney Scott Loyd of Rainsville, addressed the crowd on his run for Circuit Judge Place II, “I haven’t had my official announcement yet, but the law says I’m a candidate, so I’m saying I’m a candidate. I have over 21 years of legal experience, with over 20 of that in the District Attorney’s office.”

Jeff McCurdy, who’s also running for Circuit Judge Place II informed the crowd on his campaign, “I’m Jeff McCurdy, I’ve announced I’m a candidate for Circuit Judge Place 2, I’d appreciate everyone’s support. We have a Facebook Page, Jeff McCurdy for Circuit Judge, and also a website, www.JeffMcCurdyforCircuitJudge.com. Go on there, and search around. There’s a place on there where you can see the issues my campaign is on. I’ll be glad to answer any questions.”

Melissa Ledbetter, candidate for DeKalb County Circuit Clerk, also addressed the crowd, “I’ve already announced my candidacy also for DeKalb County Circuit Clerk, I have a bachelor’s in Criminology, and I have a master’s in Strategic Management, and through the tasks I’ve been given in private as well as government, I feel confident I can walk in and make our court system more efficient.”

Arlon “Monk” Blevins announced he’s running for Board of Education District III: “I sure would appreciate your help and support. I’ve thought about this a lot, and I feel like this is something where God wants me at this time, and I sure would appreciate your support.”

Fort Payne Fire Department’s Assistant Chief Ron Saferite announces his run for County Commission, District III. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

Fort Payne Fire Department Assistant Chief Ron Saferite announced his candidacy for DeKalb County Commission District III. Saferite is a lifelong resident of the Lookout Mountain area of Fort Payne. “I’d appreciate everybody’s support,” said Saferite.

Senator Livingston then introduced Senator Pittman: “I have one of my colleagues with me today in the Alabama Senate, Trip Pittman, who represents Baldwin County. Senator Pittman was the General Fund Chairman for the last two years, and has done a magnificent job in keeping us in somewhat of a budget balanced state. He survived a small plane crash in 2007. So God let him come to the Alabama Senate out of that, and he thinks he can make a difference in the United States Senate.”

Pittman then discussed his background and his run for U.S. Senate, “I’ve been in business for 30 years. I’m the founder and owner of Pittman Tractor Company, and we haven’t had a U.S. Senator from Alabama that’s a businessman in 110 years, since 1907.”

“The President, and thank God he was elected, he’s got a big challenge, and he’s going to need a lot of help. We need people who make good long term decisions, who try to deal with the new challenges we face,” said Pittman.

“Here I am here today before you, to let you know that, I am a State Senator from Baldwin County, I made the decision early on, that I believe strongly in term limits. I supported term limit legislation every year since I’ve been there, and I’ve had some success in moving it, but never actually getting it passed. But I believe in leading by example, and I made the decision before I even ran this time, that this would be my last term. I wasn’t going to run again. I was looking forward to getting back to run my business. I’ve been a businessman for 30 years,” said Pittman.

Pittman continued, “All of a sudden, who would have thought it, but the miracle of the election of Donald Trump, a great surprise, and it shows there is a political revolution going on. Real people in this room will understand, we have to change, and re-entrench and re-establish the American Values. Because there are certain decisions we all make everyday that makes us great. They start with faith, family, and friends. They are the cornerstone and foundation of everything you do.”

Pittman then explained what type of person Alabama needs to send to Washington, D.C.: “Primarily we need leaders, we need someone who will vote right, but someone who is able to speak to the morality of the free-enterprise system. Somebody who can speak to the foundations we need as a country. So I got into this race, because the people of Alabama, not the former governor or the crowd in Washington D.C., need to decide who their next United States Senator is going to be.”

Pittman then discussed more about his personal background. He explained that he was born in Birmingham, but would move to Baldwin County and attended University of Alabama. Pittman received a commission in the Army National Guard as a Second Lieutenant and served 5 years in the Alabama Army National Guard and 11 years in the ready reserve after being discharged.

“The people of Alabama deserve to pick their leaders. I’ve been a businessman, I’ve served in the military, I’ve also got experience in serving in the legislator. I’ve got a record. The first year I was budget chair, we had to cut that budget by a billion dollars. $6.3 billion to $5.3 billion. We had to make a lot of tough choices. We had to reform tenure, to make sure we had the best teachers in the classrooms,” said Pittman.

“We have to limit spending, we have to bring the deficit down. People have to get confidence in the future if they want to invest in whats going on,” stated Pittman.

“I passed immigration law, toughest in the land. Since then the courts have repealed a lot of that. That’s not a good thing. We need a law to make sure we know who is coming in and out of this country. I’ve passed bills for drug testing for welfare and Medicaid benefits. I’ve also passed laws to combat Medicaid fraud,” he said.

Pittman would go on to say, “I think I’m uniquely qualified, because of my successful business experience, because of my military experience. We’ve got some serious foreign policy issues. The best thing for any country is to be strong economically. We all know throughout history, that most of the times a decline happens to a nation, it happens from within. That happens through financial instability and moral decay.”

“I love this country, I served in the military, I was going to get out of politics, and this door opened, and I can not, not run. So I put my name in the hat, because I believe that somebody who can articulate the moralities of a free-enterprise system. Because when you have people like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, who have young people believing that socialism, that belongs in the ashes of history should be revived. It’ll never work,” explained Pittman.

“So we need somebody that will stand up to the next generation and say, ‘we’ve got to protect free enterprise.’ We need someone to promote the free enterprise system. That understands how important it is,” he said.

“The other reason I’m running, is liberty requires responsibility. Without responsibility, you’re truly not free, because you can’t take care of yourself. In this nation, we need people who that are able-bodied, and capable to take care of theirselves,” said Pittman.

For the rest of Pittman’s comments, see the video below. For more information, visit http://www.trippforsenate.com, Pittman’s Facebook at Tripp for Senate, and a Twitter Account, @TrippforSenate

Watch the Full Video:

The post VIDEO: U.S. Senate Candidate Trip Pittman addresses local Republicans appeared first on Southern Torch.

PHOTO: Councilman Wade Hill discusses the city’s finances and funding long term projects at Tuesday’s Work Session. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

By Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor 

tyler@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — (Video at the Bottom) In a work session held earlier today (July 11), the Fort Payne City Council discussed raising the sales tax by one cent. Councilman Wade Hill presented a detailed breakdown of the city’s current financial status and the revenue needs for the future.

The council, mayor, department heads, representatives of Fort Payne City Schools, and citizens were all in attendance at the meeting to hear the proposal. Hill began by presenting a “Capital Improvement Plan,” to the public on Fort Payne’s current financial status, and a strategic plan to move the city forward.

“The five of us has spent the last nine months together, trying to figure out where Fort Payne’s going to go. We know where we are; so we want to know where we are going to go and how we are going to get there,” said Hill. Hill explained that the council analyzed the numbers and listened to input from the public, and, “tried to put together a wish list of what we need to go forward.”

He then explained that the city was in good financial standing the last decade, but the loss of several hundred hosiery jobs, combined with the economic downturn that hit in 2010, took it’s toll on the city’s general fund revenue. The general fund revenue is comprised of Alcohol Tax, Sales Tax, and Property Taxes. In recent years, the city’s alcohol taxes have declined, due to other towns going “wet” in the area. Sales tax revenue has also decreased due to the loss of hosiery jobs and the subsequent economic downturn in the area.

“Our sales tax is going up, our bond debt is going down, but our revenues and expenses are kind of paralleling each other, to where we really aren’t gaining any ground,” said Hill. “We’ve got to make some decisions now to see where we’re going to be in six or seven years.”

Hill then discussed the situation with the city’s cash reserves. The city’s cash reserves have been decreased by half since 2010. The city draws from these funds to, “offset drops in revenue or purchases of capital,” said Hill. “We peaked out in 2010 at over $12 million, but we’re down a little over six (million) now. That’s a serious decline. What we are having to do now, is basically take money out of our savings account to pay our bills.”

Hill explained that while six million in the bank can seem like a lot of money, but the city’s payroll alone is, “half a million dollars every two weeks.” And that the city is a multi-million dollar operation.

Hill then explained both short term improvement projects (1 – 5 years) and longer term items that need to be addressed:

Short-term improvement projects (1-5 years):

• ALDOT Highway 35 West project ($1 million)
  • The Alabama Department of Transportation is going to, “totally revamped and new interchange system at the 218 Exit, you will have both sides of the interstate will be totally redone. Airport Road and Jordan Road will be lined up facing each other. And there will be turn lanes put in place where people can ” The total cost of the project will be $5 million, with the city contributing $1 million, and the state contributing $4 million towards completion of the project. Hill said, “We’ll be seeing this project pretty quick.”
• Sewer Plant and Infrastructure ($2 million)
  • “Things wear out, but things at the sewer plant wears out quicker, because they are 24/7, 365 (days a year), things are always going through it.”
• Public Buildings ($1 million)
  • The Police Department (built in the 1940’s), the DeKalb Theatre (redoing the aging front facade), The DOE Building on 5th and Godfrey (the city hopes to build a military museum in the building and use the back as a maintenance shop), The Coal and Iron Building (the upstairs must be redone, hopefully this winter), major renovations at the city pool (Built in the 1980’s), and improvements to the Sports Complex (adding soccer fields and renovations to the electrical system; the complex was built around 30 years ago).
• Sanitation ($750,000.00)
  • “Our sanitation department is at the point in their lifespan where we’ve got to expand the footprint in a few years. We’ve got back a million (dollars) to close the current landfill, make it a nice, big, green, grassy field, and move up the valley. We’ve got to buy some more property to build some more holding ponds to catch our runoff. That’s all going to take money. We took the garbage truck we needed out of the budget, that’s got to go back in.”

Additional improvements needed:

• Increase road paving:
  • Fort Payne has approximately 192 miles of paved streets to maintain (excluding the roads maintained by the state, i.e. Highway 35). Paving currently costs the city $62,000 per mile. At the rate the city is going, it will take 38 years to pave all the streets. Some roads have to be paved every 10 years.
• Sewer to Northwest Fort Payne
  • The city needs to begin Phase III sewer improvement project, which would add gravity lines to a portion of the north end of town; from the Dead Man’s Curve to Earthgrains (Including Terrapin Hills Lagoon). The project will cost approximately $200,000 per year.
• Mapco Purchase
  • The city currently has a verbal agreement with the MAPCO CEO to purchase the gas station across from the Coal and Iron Building. The city will need funds to purchase and improve this property, once a final agreement is reached.
• Cobble Building
  • The building needs improvement, as it’s in the city’s historic district. If the building is transferred to private ownership, it must be improved before being sold.
• Aquatic Center
  • Hill also discussed the need for an Aquatic Center, which should draw in revenue from surrounding areas.
• Basketball/Tennis Complex
  • Currently, the city doesn’t have an outdoor basketball court. The only tennis courts are the four that’s at the high school.
• Develop the property next to Jefferson’s 
  • The property next to Jefferson’s is below the flood plan, and requires “fill” to be made available for commercial development. This is prime property and it would benefit the city to improve the property for future businesses.
• Pursue Green Space trail along Wills Creek
• Build a Miracle Field 
  • A handicap accessible baseball field, set up with no trip hazards for people with disabilities. Hill also mentioned adding a handicap playground next to the field.
• Cleaning up Wills Creek for small Watercraft
  • The city would like to clear the debris out of Wills Creek to allow use of small watercraft (kayaks, canoes, tubes, and rafts).
• Mountain Bike trail
• Expand Senior Activities
• Expand and enhance schools
• Improve Pre-K Program (Child Resource Network)
  • Move kids out of the old high school building and into a newer facility.

The city will have a reading of the measure and open the meeting to public comments on July 18 at 6 pm at the regularly scheduled meeting. 

Watch the Full Video:

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PHOTO: Christi Ruth Allison (Flat Rock) and Charles Wooten (Trenton) were arrested on Sunday at a Driver’s License checkpoint, while Timothy Wayne Smith (Fort Payne) and Derick Nash Farmer (Fyffe) were arrested on Monday in separate traffic stops. (DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office)

By Staff Reports

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — On July 9th Deputies and Ider Police Officers conducted a driver license check point at the intersection of County Road 169 and County Road 812 in Bryant. When Christi Ruth Allison, 46 of Flat Rock and Charles Wooten, 63 of Trenton pulled up to the check point the Deputies and Officers noticed Wooten moving a black container, when they asked about it Wooten gave it to them. Inside the container was two baggies, one that contained methamphetamine and the other containing marijuana, some prescription drugs, and a glass pipe.

At which time the DeKalb County Drug Task Force was contacted. Allison and Wooten were both arrested and charged with 2 counts of Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Illegal Possession of Prescription Drugs, and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office also had a Failure to comply warrant on Wooten.

On July 10th two separate traffic stops were conducted one being on County Road 85 in Henagar, where a consented search of the vehicle resulted in the finding of a small black case that contained syringes and baggies with methamphetamine inside, the DeKalb County Drug Task Force was contacted. Timothy Wayne Smith, 45 of Fort Payne was arrested and charged with Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

On the other traffic stop the deputy pulled over Derick Nash Farmer, 20 of Fyffe on Alabama Highway 35 in Fyffe. The Deputy asked Farmer if he had any illegal drugs, Farmer was found with a small blue cigar pack that contained spice on his person, and at that time the DeKalb County Drug Task force was contacted. Farmer was arrested and charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

DeKalb County Sheriff Jimmy Harris stated, “These Deputies, Ider Police Officers and Drug Task Force are doing a great job on trying to rid drugs from our County.”

The post Several arrested for drug possession in traffic stops on Sand Mountain appeared first on Southern Torch.

PHOTO: The DeKalb County Board of Education meets underneath their new, custom signage that was recently built by Agri-Business students at Geraldine (metalworking) and Sylvania (woodwork) for the board. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

By Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — The DeKalb County Board of Education convened on Tuesday (July 11). During the work session, the board discussed “Institutional Professional Development Day,” standardized testing, and saving energy costs.

First in the work session, Superintendent Jason Barnett discussed the plans for the board’s Institutional Professional Development day. This year, the board would like to include all board employees in the program. He explained that while the class has been held at the Lyceum at Northeast Alabama Community College in the past, the space was simply not large enough for the group. Barnett would like to have the sessions in the DeKalb County Schools coliseum and the board is in the process of finalizing the plans.

New teacher orientation will be held during on July 31st. The board also has partnered with Marshall County to conduct Sub-Regional Educational Board (SREB) Training.

Barnett then discussed the state’s removal of the ACT/Aspire as the state’s standardized testing. The board is currently in transition from the old the old system to SCANTRON or Global Scholar for grades three through eleventh. Juniors and Seniors will still be using the ACT, but not Aspire. Barnett expects to only use SCANTRON or Global Scholar for a year, until the state adopts a new assessment test.

The board also discussed the possibility of entering into an agreement with Schneider Electric or a similar company to help make the county school’s facilities energy efficient. Barnett reported that the board had already met with Schneider, and had a meeting with another company soon. “I think it’s a win-win; It’s guaranteed by law to be budget neutral,” said Barnett.

DeKalb Educators Association President Devin Bowlin announced that the association had recently attended the state leadership conference in Mobile. David Holt was installed as the state Vice President, and former DEA President Laura Hill, was reinstated on the state board. Representatives from the county also attended the NEA conference in Boston.

Video of the Work Session:

To begin the regular meeting, the board held a moment of silence for Sylvania Bus Driver Ray Bramblett. Bramblett was killed several weeks ago in a tragic crash on Highway 35 in Rainsville.

Superintendent Jason Barnett memorialized Bramblett: “Back a few weeks ago, we had a very unfortunate accident up here in Rainsville, a traffic accident, that took the life of one of our employees. Mr. Ray Bramblett; he was a DeKalb County employee for 11 and a half years at Sylvania School.”

“He drove a bus, a dedicated school employee, he did a great job. He was a member of the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. He had three children; Justin, Emily, and Joseph. A really, really good family. They all grew up and went to school at Sylvania. A Vietnam Veteran, and highly thought of around the county. It’s a lot of sadness that we have that announcement. But we wanted to recognize him for his work and his service, and take a moment of silence in memory of him,” said Barnett.

After approving the minutes from last meeting and the agenda, the board went into executive session, to discuss the expulsion of student. The name was withheld to protect the student’s privacy. The board next handled resignations, leaves of absences, transfers, placements (certified and support), contracts, and summer school workers (full list below).

The board also approved a Joint Collaborative Foster Care Plan, which is required by the state. The board also approved Policy Updates mandated by the state, to keep the board’s policies in line with the state guidelines. After approving an update to the Dual Enrollment policy, a policy was approved for grades to be averaged to the fifth decimal point for Rankings and Honor.

Finally, the board agreed to pay Alabama Association of School Board (AASB) dues to the tune of $14,000.00.

Video of the meeting:

Resignations:

• Thomas Frost – Secondary Math Teacher, Sylvania High School
• Morgan Davis – Pre-K Teacher, Henagar Jr. High School
• Adam Watkins – Secondary Math Teacher, Ider High School
• Steven Goff – Elementary Teacher, Collinsville High School

Leave of Absence:

• Kenneth Dale Gilbert – Bus Driver, Plainview High School
• Carol Sears – Library Media Specialist, Ruhama Jr. High
• Allie Jones – Elementary Teacher, Collinsville High School

Transfers:

• Bridgett Ott – Secondary History Teacher at Crossville High School to Assistant Principal at Ider
• Heath Blackwell – Secondary History Teacher at Fyffe High School to Assistant *Delayed until next meeting*
• Dustin Bryant – Elementary Teacher at Collinsville High School to Elementary Teacher at Ider High School
• Shana Talley – Elementary Teacher at Henagar Jr. High School to Secondary Language Arts Teacher at Sylvania High School
• Tammy Wynn – Pre-K Teacher at Ruhama Jr. High School to Pre-K Teacher at Henagar Jr. High School (This transfer failed due to lack of a motion)
• Teresa Faye Walker – CNP Manager at Crossville Elementary School to CNP Manager at Fyffe High School (Williams and Richards voted Nay)
• Sherri Haas – Itinerant Elementary SPED Teacher at Fyffe Special Services Center to Itinerant Elementary SPED Teacher at Collinsville High School.

Placements:

• Certified:
  • Bo Esposite – Band Director, Fyffe High School
  • Chelsey White – Itinerant Secondary SPED Teacher, Sylvania High School
  • Holly Farmer – Itinerant Secondary SPED Teacher, Valley Head High School
  • Jana Foshee – Itinerant Speech Language Pathologist, Geraldine High School
  • Lisa Middlebrooks – Itinerant EL Teacher, Collinsville High School
  • Jared Carson – Itinerant English Language Arts/EL Teacher, Plainview High School
  • Brandon Renfroe – Secondary Science Teacher, Plainview High School
  • Amanda Hayes – Elementary Teacher, Henagar Jr. High School
  • Pamela Gifford – Secondary English Language Arts Teacher, Collinsville High School
• Support:
  • Jimmy Womack – Assistant Custodian, Fyffe High School
  • Aleisha Hancock – Itinerant SPED Bus Aide, Fyffe Special Services Center
  • Lee Sanders – CNP Worker, Geraldine High School

Contracts: 

• Penny Colvin – Behavior and Autism Consultation, IDEA B
• Harold Guilford III – Maintenance Facilities, Local
• William Ott – Mechanic, Facilities, Local
• Lee Anna Porter – Nurse, Local

Federal Summer School Program: 

• Hannah Culpepper – Aide, 21st Century
• Felicia Higdon – Teacher, 21st Century
• Mickey Jones – Bus Driver, 21st Century
• Stephanie Lacey – Bus Driver, 21st Century
• Tammy Miller – Bus Driver, 21st Century
• Caitlyn Powell – Teacher, 21st Century

Summer Workers: 

• Amie Martin – Plainview, Local
• Melissa Smith – Collinsville, Local

The next meeting of the DeKalb County Board of Education will be held on Thursday, July 27, 2017 at 5 pm with the Work Session beginning at 4 pm. 

The post VIDEO: School Board holds moment of silence for Sylvania Bus Driver Ray Bramblett 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 7 – Sunday, July 9.

FRIDAY, July 7

• Reported Incidents (7/7)
  • Burglary – Occurred at 101 38th Street SW Lot 7, an I Home speaker, Samsung 36” TV, Sanyo 32” TV, another 32” TV, Nike backpack, 8 shorts and pants, two jewelry boxes, PlayStation 3, 6 PlayStation games, Nextbook laptop and snacks were taken, valued at $1187.00
• Reported Arrests (7/7)
  • Anthony Lamar Thompson Jr., age 35 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Domestic Violence at 1:58 pm
  • Vicky Lynn McKinney, age 53 of Fort, was arrested for Public Intoxication at 6:00 pm
• Reported Accidents (7/7) 
  • 2 Accidents with 0 Injuries

SATURDAY, July 8

• Reported Incidents (7/8)
  • Burglary – Occurred at 408 Clark Ave SE, a storm door, door and ceiling tiles were damaged, valued at $400.00
• Reported Arrests (7/8)
  • Michael James King, age 34 of Collinsville, was arrested for Public Intoxication at 9:12 pm
  • Deondra Lajuan Walker, age 22 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and a Warrant for Assault at 11:25 pm
• Reported Accidents (7/8)
  • 2 Accidents with 0 Injuries

SUNDAY, June 9

• Reported Incidents (7/9)
  • Duty upon Striking an Unoccupied Vehicle – Occurred at 1104 Turner Ave SE, a front quarter panel on a 2016 Ford Focus was damaged, valued at $1000.00
  • Theft of Property – Occurred at Huddle House, a meal was not paid for, valued at $15.82
• Reported Arrests (7/9)
  • Charles Nathan Holland, age 53 of Higdon, was arrested on a Warrant for Expired Tag at 4:33 am
  • David Shane White, age 46 of Fort Payne, was arrested on Two Warrants for Child Support at 10:34 pm
• Reported Accidents (7/9)
  • 2 Accidents with 0 Injuries

The post Fort Payne Police report for Friday, July 7 – Sunday, July 9. appeared first on Southern Torch.

PHOTO: The Rainsville RiteAid, at the intersection Highways 35 and 75, was burglarized on Monday night. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

By Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor

tyler@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — On Monday night, thieves broke into the Rainsville RiteAid, at the intersection of Highways 75 and 35. A large amount of prescription medication was reportedly stolen.

According to the Rainsville Police Department, the phone lines and power to the alarm system were cut. The location was closed on Tuesday after the robbery, but reopened earlier today.

The incident is currently being investigated by the Rainsville Police Department, and information is limited. Contact the RPD if anyone has any information.

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