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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021 / VOL. 7, NO. 31 / $1.00

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AEA ATTEMPTS TO CENSOR LOCAL EDUCATOR

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala.-- Mary Crosby has been affiliated with the DeKalb County School System since 1996. Crosby has worked in several areas with the school system from an alternative school teacher, managing a federal program, school counselor and now in the Central Office.

In 1996, she joined the Alabama Education Association (AEA) because it was highly advised for the liability coverage that it provides for school employees. For over twenty-five years, she paid the dues monthly. The yearly dues for AEA are now $517.00.

In recent years, Crosby began researching what was happening at the national level of her union and noticed some concerning tendencies. Crosby stated that she was told by her local chapters ``that's just the NEA (National Education Association)...folks at AEA feel the same way we do.”

This month, the National Education Association (NEA) made national news headlines for their support of Critical Race Theory (CRT). CRT is defined as a body of legal scholarship and academic movement of civil-rights scholars and activists in the United States that seeks to critically examine U.S. law as intersects with issues of race and to challenge

>See AEA, P5

FORT PAYNE NAMES NEW PRINCIPAL

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Alabama-- The Fort Payne Board of Education voted on Thursday to promote Patrick Barnes as the new Fort Payne High School principal.

Former Principal Brian Jett left the vacancy when he succeeded retiring Superintendent Jim Cunningham.

Barnes was one of sixteen applicants for the position. After the field was narrowed to five finalists, Barnes was considered as the top choice for Principal.

During their regular meeting, the Fort Payne School Board also approved the following: Contracts: • Brian Jett, Superintendent • Fort Payne Middle School Principal Shane Bryd • Jennifer List who will be the Principal of the new Little Ridge Intermediate School (LRIS) Resignations: • Sarah Blackwell-Pre K aide at WVES • Jeff Boatwright-Assistant Varsity Girls Basketball Coach • Andrew Isbell-Coach and Social Studies Teacher at FPHS • Tasha Denton-System wide Special Education Teacher Transfers: • Jeri Weatherly from WVES to FPHS as guidance counselor/ secretary, • Kelly Evans as office aide at WAES to school secretary at LRIS

Fort Payne City Council Member John Smith and new Fort Payne City Schools Principal Patrick Barnes

>See Barnes P5

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(256)638-6070 YOUR FRIEND, YOUR DRUGSTORE! Visit our website at www.southerntorch.com for daily news updates and pick up your weekly print edition at news stands every Friday.

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FRIDAY — JULY 30, 2021

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

STOP BY FOR THE BEST DEALS IN DEKALB COUNTY

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PARADISE NAMED AS PRINCIPAL AT GMS

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

Middle School’s principal . He accepted a job with Scottsboro City School as Scottsboro High School Principal in March 2019.

“I appreciate the opportunity to be the next principal at Guntersville Middle School. I would like to thank Dr. Barnett and The Schools of Guntersville Board of Education for their confidence” stated Paradise.

“I look forward to meeting the staff and students at Guntersville Middle School and starting the new school year.”

marla@southerntorch. com

GUNTERSVILLE, Ala.-- Guntersville City Schools announced on Monday that Rob Paradise had been hired as the principal for Guntersville Middle School.

Paradise, a native of Jackson County, graduated from Skyline High School. He spent over 20 years in the Jackson County School System teaching and in administration. He served as assistant principal at his alma mater and as Stevenson

PUBLIC NOTICE FOR ROAD CLOSURE

Jackson County Public Works wishes to advise that Jackson County Road #58, between AL Hwy. 71 and County Road 61 will be closed for cross drain replacement starting on Tuesday, August 3, 2021. We

anticipate the replacement will require three (3) day depending on the weather and site conditions encountered.

Jackson County Public Works apologizes for any

inconvenience this may cause. If you have any questions concerning this matter, please call the Jackson County Public Works office at (256)259-6037

JACKSON COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS

The Jackson County Master Gardeners Association will host their monthly meeting at the Jackson County Senior Center on Rita Williams Drive at the Jackson County Park on Thursday, August 5, 2021. Social time will begin at 10:00

AM followed by an interesting program on "Invasive Plants",

presented by Norm Haley, Extension Agent. The monthly business meeting will follow the program.

Invite a friend, bring a finger food for our social time and gardening item for the door prize drawing.

See you on August 5th!

POLITICS

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE

By Steve Flowers Kay Ivey is doing a good job as governor.

She is a strong and decisive leader, who has done more than steady the ship of state. She is getting things done. She is making her mark as a good governor.

She did a good day’s work when she got Jo Bonner to be her Chief of Staff.

They make quite a team. This duo from Wilcox County were cut out to be leaders.

Kay Ivey is only the second governor to hail from Wilcox County. Benjamin M. Miller was the first.

The Black Belt region of Alabama has spawned an inordinate number of governors and legislative giants.

The Bonner family has deep roots of leadership in Wilcox County. Bonner

served in Congress with distinction for over a decade. His sister, Judy, was president of the University of Alabama.

His father was Probate Judge of Wilcox County. He was related to the late, great State Senator, Roland Cooper, who was referred to as the “Wiley Fox from Wilcox.” Bonner’s grandfather practiced law with Governor Benjamin Miller, and they were related by marriage.

Benjamin M. Miller was probably one of the most conservative men to ever be Governor of Alabama.

Miller served as governor during the worst years of the Great Depression (1931-1935). He was a large, bespectacled, dignified man who had a long legal career before and after his

B.M. Miller epitomized the governors of that era.

From 1901 through 1946, Alabama’s governors were wealthy men. They were rich Birmingham corporate lawyers or businessmen, or Black Belt planter lawyers like Miller. Some would say that the Big Mules of Birmingham and the Black Belt planters would meet in a boardroom in Birmingham at either a big bank or U.S. Steel’s offices and get together and decide who they were going to back for governor.

They would select someone at that meeting and pool their money and pay for their man’s race. Many times, the man selected was so wealthy that he could self-finance their own race. In some cases, they would buy off

who wanted to run against their anointed candidate. They would pay him to get out of the race. It would actually save them money to practice this theory. They were wise, smart, prudent businessmen.

Two of the Bourbon Governors of this era, Braxton Bragg Comer (1907-1911), and Charles Henderson (1915-1919), were concurrently also the richest men in the State while they were governor. Comer owned most of the textile mills in the state and Henderson owned a good many corporations, banks and a utility.

Most of these governors as well as Miller were anti-Ku Klux Klanners. Miller’s opposition to the Klan like that of other wealthy white supremacists had very

liberalism, but more to do with maintaining political power. This planter-industrialist coalition of which Miller belonged rejected the Klan because it represented a threat to their power over poorer whites who were members of the Klan. These Bourbon planterindustrialists governors were vehemently anti-union, as might be expected.

Governor B.M. Miller was also similar to wealthy men of that era. They were very frugal even miserly as some would say, and they felt the State government should be frugal like them. Miller would actually campaign on his personal frugality as a virtue. He was not embarrassed at all when it became known that he still used oil lamps to save money

his Wilcox County plantation.

Governor Miller’s parsimony became one of the hallmark aspects of his administration. His inaugural parade featured only two automobiles in order to conserve gasoline, and he brought his favorite cow to the Capitol from Wilcox County to provide the governor’s mansion with milk and butter.

Since he was governor during the Great Depression, he accordingly cut State government spending dramatically. Miller eliminated hundreds of state jobs, as well as the use of state automobiles. Governor Miller was indeed a very conservative, Bourbon, Black Belt governor.

See you next week.

FRIDAY — JULY 30, 2021

HTHE SOUTHERN TORCH

FORMER STUDENT SWEARS IN NEW SUPERINTENDENT

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala.--The DeKalb County Board of Education held their regularly scheduled meeting on July 27.

Family and friends gathered before the meeting for a reception honoring newly appointed DeKalb County Superintendent Wayne Lyles.

A swearing-in ceremony was held for Lyles with the Honorable Andrew Hairston administering the oath.

Hairston was a nformer student of Superintendent Lyles at Fort Payne High School.

“He was a great teacher then and I know he will lead DeKalb County with honesty and integrity. I am proud of him and the job he has done and will do,” stated Judge Hairston. “ It is an honor to do this for one of my former teachers.”

Superintendent Lyles along with the Board approved the proposal from the Collinsville community to name the softball field at the school in honor of longtime Collinsville High School softball Coach James Coker. They

During the regular meeting, the Board approved the following Retirements/ Resignations: • Roger Richey Bus Driver - Geraldine High School - Retirement • Viridiana Currier - English Language Arts Teacher Crossville Middle School - Resignation • Rebecca Reeves - Healthcare Instructor - DeKalb Career Technology Center - Resignation • Whitley Dillard Elementary Teacher - Crossville Elementary School - Resignation

• Berenise Luna Itinerant Translator District - Resignation • Donna Womack - Social Sciences Teacher - Sylvania High School - Resignation • Lori Johnson Kiker - Itinerant Speech Language Pathologist - Collinsville High School - Resignation • Britt Shore Social Sciences Teacher - Crossville High School - Declined Position • Suzanne Nelms - Assistant Custodian (4 hour) - Fyffe Special Services / DeKalb Youth Services Center - Resignation • Kendi Alverson - 7 hour Custodian Crossville High School/ Crossville Elementary School - Resignation • Yolanda Lopez - Migrant Liaison District - Resignation

• Dortha Higgins - Pre-K Paraprofessional - Collinsville High School - Resignation • Jennifer Williams - Assistant Superintendent/ Federal Programs Coordinator - District - Resignation • Sheila Jan Lewis - Assistant Custodian (7-hour) - Geraldine High School - Resignation • Will Brock Elementary Teacher - Crossville Middle School - Resignation • Chuck Williams - Social Sciences Teacher - Valley Head High School - Resignation • Suzette Williamson Bookkeeper - Plainview High School - Resignation The following leave

of absence was approved: • Cassandra Harris - Mathematics Teacher - Fyffe High School 8/2/21-10/1/21 • Traci Treadaway - Elementary Teacher - Geraldine High School - 8/2/21-9/30/21 The following transfers were granted: • Becky Nelson CNP Assistant Manager at Crossville Elementary School to CNP Worker at Crossville Elementary School • Susan Nelson CNP Worker at Crossville Elementary School to CNP Assistant Manager at Crossville Elementary School • Angie Gattis Receptionist at the Technology

Department to Secretary at the Technology Department • Justin Croley- ½ Administrator ½ Teacher at Crossville Middle School to Assistant at Crossville Middle School • Scott Timmons Instructional Supervisor at Central Office to 12-month Principal at Henagar Jr. High School (August 1, 2021 - July 31, 2024) • Kristie Brown Pre-K Paraprofessional at Plainview High School to Itinerant Special Education Paraprofessional at Ider High School • Tracy Lawrence - Itinerant Special Education Paraprofessional at Fyffe Special Services Center to Itinerant Special Education Paraprofessional at Fyffe High School The following placements were made: (All placements are made pending a background review meeting suitability criteria and negative, pre-employment drug screen and appropriate certification) Certified: • Tanner Nelson

>See Lyles, P6

EVENTS Submit your upcoming events to nicky@southerntorch.com for a chance to be featured in next week's print edition of The Southern Torch!

July 30, Fort Payne Three Arts Draw Down Golf Classic - Fort Payne Three Arts Draw Down Golf Classic held at Terrapin Hills Country Club Check in & lunch 11:30 a.m. and Game starts at 1 p.m. All proceeds go to FPHS Scholarship Program.

July 30, Night Blooms - 6:45 pm 9:00 pm Night Blooms will lead you on a one-mile walking journey through the Garden in the evening. As you make your way through the Garden, you will discover vignettes of obotanical lanterns dintegrated into the natural surroundings.

Intricately designed and handmade by trained artisans, these lanterns bring

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expressed their appreciation to Mr. Coker for his many years of dedicated service and support of Collinsville High School.

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plants and wildlife to life, reimagining the living things of the Garden as illuminated, technicolor, and larger than life. From poppies and orchids to turtles and spiders, Night Blooms will show you just how extraordinary a walk through the Garden can be.

July 31, Back to School Fiesta for Local SpanishSpeaking Families Helping Hands Huntsville is excited to announce their back to school event for immigrant families in our local community. Note: Primary language at this event is Spanish. There will be bounce houses, carnival games, bubbles, water

games, DJ, clown, pizza, drinks, backpacks, and school supplise!

HHH has begun taking pledges for sponsorship and donations. The biggest needs are: 1.

Voulenteers to work the event. 2. Prizes to give out for games. 3. Prizes for raffles. 4. Backpacks Thank you in advance for your continued support.

through Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ohio, before ending in Addison, Mich. The majority of the route follows Highway 127, but the Alabama section is situated along Lookout Mountain Parkway.

More than 1,000 vendors are expected in Alabama alone.

August 5, Worlds Longest Yard Sale - The World’s Longest Yard Sale will return to northeast Alabama from August 5 through August 8, 2021.

Also known as the “127 Yard Sale,” the event spans almost 700 miles from Gadsden, Ala.

August 6, Alabama Auburn Golf Shoutout Proceeds provide scholarships for DeKalb County Students. Located at the Terripan Hills Golf Course. Tee time is at 12 PM and the entry fee os $60 per person and dinner to follow. Call to sign up (256)845-4624

JACKSON BLAZE • 98-3 WILD COUNTRY • 101-7 THE TORCH

Staff:

Eloise Smith - General Manager Marla Jones - Managing Editor/Sports Brian Anderson - Radio Operations Manager Nick Vizzinia - Graphic Design Amy Thrash - Account Executive Jenna Sue Payne - Account Executive Patti Browder - Radio Traffic Teresa Smith - Radio Traffic Lindsey Jones - Accounting Marshall Stiefel - Fleet & Distrubition

Southern Torch (USPS Periodicals #19790) is published each Friday by Southern Torch, Inc. 225 Gault Ave. N. Fort Payne AL.POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Southern Torch, P.O. Box 614, Rainsville, AL. 35986.

(256)638-4040 • (256)259-2341

September 5, Three Arts - The Scottsboro Three Arts Club presents the 47th Annual Art Sunday September 5 2021 in King Caldwell Park!

Make plans to attend this legendary event!

If you would like to be a Art Craft or Food Vendor check out the website at www.

scottsboro3artsclub. com September 27, October 2 Dekalb County VFW Agricultural Fair - Dekalb County VFW Agricultural Fair meta Dekalb County Fairgrounds, Fort

Payne , AL. Come by for a night of fun.

There will be a lot of rides, games, and snacks at the stalls around the fairgrounds. Stop by to visit the animals too!

256.659.2138

Collinsville Drugs “Caring for you like family”

(256) 524-2981 588 South Valley Ave P.O. Box 498 Collinsville, AL 35961

Brandon Boswell, PharmD Pharmacist/Owner

Joseph K. McNew, D.V.M • Linda Galbraith, D.V.M. • Jessica Jones, D.V.M.

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FRIDAY — JULY 30, 2021

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

LEGALS LEGALS

LEGALS

LEGALS

LEGALS

...

LEGALS

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF DEKALB

CASE NO.: 2021-2052

NOTICE OF ADOPTION PROCEEDINGS

NOTICE OF ADOPTION PROCEEDINGS

Probate for DeKalb County, Alabama, in Plat Book 5, at Page 223, to which reference is hereby made for a more particular description.

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NO.: 2021-2053

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA. DOMESTIC RELATIONS DIVISION

NOTICE TO: CARLOS GUSTAVO PENA

NOTICE TO: CARLOS GUSTAVO PENA

RE: Petition for Adoption of A. P. (DOB: 09/05/2006) Please take notice that a Petition for Adoption has been filed in said Court by Damian Diaz Arano and that on the 18 day of August 2021, at 10 am has been set for a hearing on the same in the Probate Court of Dekalb County. Please be advised that if you intend to contest said Petition you must file a written response with the attorney for the Petitioner named below and with the Clerk of the Probate Court, 300 Grand Avenue SW, Suite 100, Fort Payne, AL 35967 as soon as possible but no later than thirty (30) days from the day this notice is received.

RE: Petition for Adoption of G. P. (DOB: 06/05/2004) Please take notice that a Petition for Adoption has been filed in said Court by Damian Diaz Arano and that on the 18 day of August, 2021, at 10a.m. has been set for a hearing on the same in the Probate Court of Dekalbounty. Please be advised that if you intend to contest said Petition you must file a written response with the attorney for the Petitioner named below and with the Clerk of the Probate Court, 300 Grand Avenue SW, Suite 100, Fort Payne, AL 35967 as soon as possible but no later than thirty (30) days from the day this notice is received.

Said notice to be published July 9, 16, 23 & 30.

Said notice to be published July 9, 16, 23 & 30.

Said notice to be published July 23, 30, & August 6.

LEGALS

LEGALS

LEGALS

STATE OF ALABAMA IN THE PROBATE COURT

STATE OF ALABAMA IN THE PROBATE COURT

DEKALB COUNTY

DEKALB COUNTY

STATE OF ALABAMA IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY

CASE # 2021-262

CASE # 2021-225

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF Jeremy Glenn Bell, DECEASED

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF WAYNE KITTLE, DECEASED.

CASE NO.: DR-2021-900014 IN RE: THE MARRIAGE OF: JACEY LOFTON TANT, PLANTIFF, v.

CHARLES TANT DEFENDANT ORDER OF PUBLICATION To Charles Tant, Defendant in the above-styled case, you must answer the Complaint for Divorce and other relief filed by Jacey Lofton Tant by September 23, 2021 or thereafter a judgement of default may be rendered against you in DR-2021-900014. Circuit Court of DeKalb County, Alabama.

This the 20 day of July, 2021.

CASE # 2021-240 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BILLIE RUTH SLATON, deceased.

Letters of Administration in the matter of the estate of Jeremy Glenn Bell, Case No. 2020-262, having been granted to the undersigned on the 7th day of July, 2021 by the Honorable Andrew Hairston, Circuit Judge, as acting Probate Judge of said county, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law, or the same will be barred.

This the 7th day of July, 2021.

LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION ON THE ESTATE OF WAYNE KITTLE, DECEASED, having been granted to the undersigned on the 9 day of July, 2021, by the Honorable Ronnie Osborn, Judge of Probate of said County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate, are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law, or the same will be barred.

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: Letters Testamentary having been granted on the Last Will and Testament of the decedent to M.L. UNDERWOOD, the Personal Representative of the deceased, on the 1st day of June 2021, by the Honorable RONNIE OSBORNE, Judge of the Probate Court of Dekalb County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against such estate are required to file an itemized and verified statement of such claim in the office of such Judge of Probate within six (6) months from the above date or the same will be barred and payment prohibited.

Said notice to be published July 16, 23, & 30.

Said notice to be published July 16, 23, & 30.

Said notice to be published July 23, 30 & August 6.

NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS

MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE NOTICE DEFAULT HAVING BEEN MADE in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Karen Malone and Mike Simmon a/k/a Albert M. Simmons, the mortgagors, to First Bank of the South, the mortgagee, which mortgage was dated October 9, 2001, and which was recorded on October 17, 2001 in Mortgage Book 987, Page 325 in the Office of the Judge of Probate, DeKalb County, Alabama; and that certain mortgage executed by Jack M. Malone and Karen Malone, the mortgagors, to First Bank of the South, the mortgagee, which mortgage was dated November 2, 1996, and which was recorded on November 7, 1996 in Mortgage Book 754, Page 52 in the Office of the Judge of Probate, DeKalb County, Alabama; AND DEFAULT CONTINUING, notice hereby is given that under the power of sale contained in said mortgages, I will, on behalf of First State Bank of DeKalb County, as successor in interest to First Bank of the South, proceed to sell on August 24, 2021, during the legal hours of sale; to-wit: 11:00 o'clock a.m. to 4:00 o'clock p.m., in front of the main entrance door to the DeKalb County Courthouse in Fort Payne, Alabama, to the highest, best, and last bidder for cash, the following described real estate situated in DeKalb County, Alabama, and described as follows: Lot 4, in Block 1, of the Woodridge Estates Subdivision, as shown by plat or map recorded in the office of the Judge of

Said sale is for the purpose of securing payment of the indebtedness secured by said Mortgages, together with the costs of foreclosure.

CASE NO.: 2021-252 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF EVELYN DOROTHY STOGSDILL, Deceased EXECUTOR'S NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS

Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process.

Letters Testamentary on the Estate of Evelyn Dorothy Stogsdill, Deceased, having been granted to the undersigned on the 28 day of July 2021, by the Honorable Ronnie Osborn, Judge of Probate of said County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law, or the same will be barred.

Said notice to be published July 16, 23, & 30.

Said notice to be published July 30, August 6 & 13.

Ider Discount Drugs

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OBITUARIES Wilson Lee Bagwell Keller - 73, of Fort Payne, Alabama, passed away July 23, 2021 at UAB Medical. A funeral mass is planned for 4 p.m.

Thursday, July 29th at Our Lady of the Valley with rosary beginning at 3 p.m.

Burt Karen Denise Millican Ditmore - 53, went home to be with the Lord Jesus Christ on July 23, 2021. Date of Funeral: Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at 4 PM.

Geraldine Cathy Nell Burgess - 58 of Crossville, passed away on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at Marshall Medical Center South. A memorial service will be held on a later date.

Rainsville Barbara Price Lourcey - 61 of Rainsville passed away on Thursday, July 22, 2021 at her residence.

Graveside memorial service will be Sunday, August 1, 2021 at 1PM in Whitehall Cemetery with Rev. Kevin Flowers officiating.

Bruce Guffey - 82, of Rainsville, Alabama passed away on July 22, 2021 at Erlanger Medical Center. Funeral services will be held on Sunday,

July 25, 2021 at 2PM at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jody Bell officiating. Interment will follow at Rainsville Memorial Park with Rainsville Funeral Home, Inc. directing, www. rainsvillefuneralhome. com.

Visitation will be Saturday, July 24, 2021 from 3PM until 6PM and Sunday, July 25, 2021 from 12PM until 2PM at Rainsville Funeral Home.

Survivors Wife: Shelia Guffey Children: Tina Sewell (Benny), Waylon Guffey, Jr. (Kim), Sean Guffey (Melinda) Grandchildren: Derrick, Amber, Adrienne, Danielle, JJ, Dallas, Savannah, and Avery Great-Grandchildren: Taylor, Parker, Calliegh, Braxton, Jaxon, Remmi Brother: Joey Guffey Sisters: Barbara Berry and Glenda Anderson Preceded in Death Father and Stepmother: Earl Guffey and Elizabeth Guffey Mother and Stepfather: Mildred Johnson and Harve Johnson Sister: Lois Fritchman Brother: Calvin Bell Christie Owens Cunningham - 37 of Cedar Bluff, AL passed away on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at her residence. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at 4PM in Rainsville.

Scottsboro Niklaus Michael Franklin Thompson infant, Scottsboro AL, passed away on Wednesday, July 21, 2021. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Gross Cemetery Bro. Junior Summerford officiating.

Marie Tiffin Westmoreland - of Scottsboro, AL, passed away on Saturday, July 24, 2021. She was a member of Center Point Baptist Church. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Pinehaven Memorial Gardens with Mickey Guinn officiating.

Dameron Conant Whitt - 67 of Scottsboro, Alabama passed away Monday, July 26, 2021 at Redmond Regional Medical Center in Rome, Georgia. Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Thursday, July 29, 2021 at Scottsboro Funeral Home with Rev. Chris Sims officiating. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill

Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

W.T. Wilson Ilene Wilbanks Ware - of Albertville passed on July 21, 2021 at her son’s home in Horton, AL. She was born and raised in Langston, AL. She was a strong willed individual.

She had a big heart and was kind and generous to those in need. Funeral will be held at W.T. Wilson in Rainsville, AL on Sunday July 25.

Calvin Franklin Roberts - 79 of Pisgah, passed away Thursday, July 22, 2021. Funeral services will be held at 2pm on Tuesday, July 27, 2021.

Jimmie G. White - 78 of Grove Oak, passed away Thursday, July 22, 2021. Funeral services will be held at 11am on Thursday, July 29, 2021 from W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial to follow.

Barbara Jean Hurle - 77 of Collinsville, passed away Thursday, July 22, 2021. Funeral

services will be held at 10am on Monday, July 26.

Carol Marie Gass 53 of Rainsville, passed away Thursday, July 22, 2021. Funeral services will be held at 3pm on Sunday, July 25, 2021 from W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial to follow.

Peggy Ann Day - 76, of Rainsville passed away July 22, 2021. Funeral services will be held at 11am on Sunday, July 25, 2021 .

Darren Wright Westbrook - Fort Payne, passed away July 22, 2021. Funeral services will be held at 12 noon on Monday, July 26, 2021 from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow in Fischer cemetery. Rev. Roger Graham & Rev. Thann Owens will be officiating.

The family will receive friends from 4-8pm on Sunday, July 25, 2021 from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

Belvie Pendley Whitt - 83 of Rainsville, passed away Friday, July 23, 2021. Funeral services

will be held at 11am on Wednesday, July 28, 2021.

Billy Ray Summerford - 73 of Section, passed away Friday, July 23, 2021.

Funeral services will be held at 11am on Tuesday, July 27, 2021 Stanley T. Henderson - Dawson passed away on Saturday, July 24, 2021.

Funeral services are set for 1pm Wednesday, July 28, 2021.

CT “Tap” Berry - 82, of Grove Oak passed away on Saturday, July 24, 2021. Funeral services are set for 4pm Tuesday, July 27.

Geneva Culpepper - 84, passed away Monday, July 26, 2021 at Chatsworth Healthcare.

Funeral services will be held at 1pm on Friday, July 29, 2021 from W.T. Wilson.

John Ben Tinsley - formerly of Fort Payne passed away on Monday, July 26, 2021. Graveside services are set for 4pm Thursday, July 29, 2021 at Mount Vernon Cemetery.

Burt Funeral H omes

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FRIDAY — JULY 30, 2021

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Barnes FROM PAGE 1 • Chris Long, from full-time bus driver to part-time New Hires and Placements:

• Mark Owens, Tamara Campton and Caleb Henshaw as bus drivers • Caleb HenshawJV Girls and Assistant Varsity Girls Basketball Coach • Chris BoggsGeneral Social Science teacher at Fort Payne High School • Taylor Sparks- 5th grade at LRIS • Kelsy Blackwell-3rd grade at LRIS • Hannah Carden and Katherine Baker-Pre-K aides at WVES • Ashtian Smith - Secretary.Book Keeper for Child Nutrition/ Transportation Program • Martha Gamble/ Vicki Wofford-CNP Workers

• Rhonda Tate-System wide SPE Teacher • Alexandra Lopez-System wide English language aide Retirements: • Karen King • Sharon Nappier • Katie Garrand • Danny Garrand • Alan Young • Deb Beasley • Lilia Bet • Rite Chapman • Ginger Scott In other business, the Board also took the following actions: • Made additions to the substitute teacher list • Created the following positions: º CNP cashier at LRIS º CNP part time data entry clerk º teacher/tutor K-6 certified and secondary math reading and English language arts º EDP teacher at LRIS º Math resource teacher at LRIS • Approved

student/parent information including the Code of Conduct, student handbooks, Virtual Plan, Coaches and Athletic Handbooks, athletics emergency plan, extended day program • Awarded the following bids: º Fresh produce from Forestwood Farm, Inc º Coca-Cola Bottling United º Mayfield Dairy Farms º Cedar Bluff Oil Company • Salary supplements for Transportation/CNP, Secretary/Bookkeeper positions • Increased the Extended Day tuition to $50 for two children and $70 for three children. A single students tuition will remain at $30 • Declared a school bus and various technology equipment as surplus • Set budget hearings for August 24 at 5 p.m. and August 26 at 5:30 p.m.

The next meeting

of the Fort Payne Board of Education will be held on August 26 at 6 p.m.

AEA

FROM PAGE 1 mainstream American liberal approaches for racial justice.

Crosby made calls to determine if in fact part of her monthly dues went to NEA. If you are a member of the AEA, you are automatically enrolled in the National Education Association (NEA). Crosby decided to opt out of the organization.

While at an educational conference on July 5, which is a holiday for the school system, Crosby posted on her personal Facebook page, a screenshot from the Fox News website, titled “Reading, Writing and Racism: Largest teachers union says critical race theory is ‘reasonable and appropriate’ for kids.

Crosby stated on her Facebook page that she had been a member of AEA since college and that she knew that the local and state organizations are not the same as NEA but part of the dues go to the national organization.

She went on to say no more and that she was really concerned about the divisive trajectory of our country.

She added that this was a personal decision for anyone to consider

and that she was not campaigning to lead an exodus but it was her understanding that if you choose to opt out of AEA/NEA it could be done by notifying the local central office payroll clerk in writing at the beginning of the school year.

Mountain Valley News, a local newspaper in Rainsville, published an online article regarding how local and state delegates voted during the NEA assembly, in early July. NEA made the decision at the assembly to push CRT. The article asked how the local delegates voted. Because so many Alabama delegates were being contacted, the article was removed.

On July 20, Crosby received a cease and desist letter from the AEA in her office mailbox.

She also learned that Interim DeKalb County Schools Superintendent Scott Timmons had received a copy of the letter and had been asked to “inform her to stop campaigning and publishing false information.”

Crosby immediately contacted her local Uniserv Representative, Jill Sommers and AEA General Counsel, Clint Daughtrey. As of press time, she has not received any communications from the State chapter. According to Crosby, Sommers informed her that legal representation was unavailable if she was opposing AEA.

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Crosby feels that the since-removed newspaper article along with her personal facebook post, caused the letter from the AEA legal department.

“If you read the letter from the AEA legal department, it’s a harassing and threatening letter to an AEA member” stated Crosby. “ The entire letter is based on a false allegation and I’m deeply disappointed in the organization that I have been a part of for more than 25 years.”

Cosby went on to state that “I will accept nothing less than a written and public apology for this ridiculous written “shake down” from the AEA. I will not be bullied, harassed or threatened into silence.

Southern Torch reached out to newly appointed DeKalb County Schools Superintendent Wayne Lyles for a comment regarding this.

“Mrs. Crosby is an employee of the DeKalb County Schools, but she still is entitled to share her personal views and opinions on her personal social media accounts” stated Lyles. “Mrs. Crosby has shared her views on her time and personal accounts and has not violated local board policy or the Alabama Educator Code of Ethics.”

Southern Torch will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.

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FRIDAY — JULY 30, 2021

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Lyles

FROM PAGE 3 - P.E. Teacher Collinsville High School • Ashley Nickelson - Elementary Teacher - Crossville Elementary School • Mark Patterson Elementary Teacher Crossville Middle School • Dillon Harden Social Sciences Teacher - Crossville Middle School • Kacy Wooten - English Language Arts Teacher Crossville Middle School • Nathan Hall Itinerant EL Teacher - Crossville Middle School • April Ivey Itinerant Special Education Teacher Crossville High School • David Boman Assistant Principal Crossville High School • Kenneth David Hayes - Social Sciences Teacher Crossville High School • Lakayla Willingham Mathematics Teacher - Henagar Jr. High School • Brent Reeves Social Sciences Teacher - Ider High School • Terry Taylor Social Sciences Teacher - Sylvania High School • Andrew Isbell Social Sciences Teacher - Valley Head High School • Catherine Hardegree - Itinerant Speech Language Pathologist Collinsville High School Support: • Haley Peek Itinerant 504/Special Education Paraprofessional - Crossville Elementary School • Stephanie Gifford - Itinerant Special Education Paraprofessional - Fyffe Special Services Center • Megan Thompson - CNP Worker - Ider High School • Tim Maddox - Bus Driver - Geraldine High School The following contracts were approved by the Board: Summer Programs: • Mandy Anderson - Summer Program Bus Driver • Nancy Phillips Summer Program Nurse • Leah Johnson Summer Camp Nurse Special Education: • Penny Colvin IEP planning

• Janna Foshee IEP planning • Tonia Gilbert - Administrative support • GOPlay Therapy - Occupational Therapy • Madge Gower Speech and Language Assessments and Services • Huntsville Behavioral Associates - Behavior Analysis • Amber Selwyn PowerSchool Data Migration • Twin Acres Physical Therapy Physical Therapy • Janie House Itinerant Special Education Teacher (Leave from 8/2/215/27/22) - Crossville High School Technology Department • Treston Cuzzort - Student Computer Technician - Local • Matthew McCollum - Student Computer Technician - Local • Donovan Smith Student Computer Technician - Local Summer School • Missy Mitchell Summer School • Tammy Taylor - Summer School Teacher • Daniel Williams - Summer School Teacher • Haley York Summer School Coordinator • Ernie Willingham - Head Varsity Football Coach - Collinsville High School • Charles Warren - Contract Teacher Ider High School • Kent Bouldin Contract Teacher and Varsity Girls Basketball Coach - Crossville High School • Chelsea Pritts 3-hour CNP Worker - Henagar Jr. High School TEAMS Contracts Math: • Jeff Adkins Crossville High School - Preliminary contract • Bradley Martin - Fyffe High School Preliminary contract • Steve Edge Fyffe High School - Preliminary contract • Cassandra Harris - Fyffe High School Advanced contract (already a nationally certified teacher) • Casey Essinger Fyffe High School - Preliminary contract • Rob Hullett Geraldine High School - Preliminary contract • Lakayla Willingham - Henagar Jr. High School Preliminary contract • April Murdock Ider High School Preliminary contract • Cody Coots Plainview High School

- Preliminary contract • Carrie Ferguson - Plainview High School - Preliminary contract • Kaci Kirk Plainview High School - Preliminary contract • Jennifer Sanders - Plainview High School - Preliminary contract • Anna Adams Ruhama Jr. High School - Preliminary contract • Tracy McSpadden - Sylvania High School - Preliminary contract • Joel Matthews Valley Head High School - Preliminary contract Science: • Ashley Bryant Crossville Middle School - Preliminary contract • Haley York - Fyffe High School Preliminary contract • Kelsey Smith Geraldine High School - Preliminary contract • Coty Still Geraldine High School - Preliminary contract • Brandon Renfroe - Geraldine High School - Advanced contract (Nationally certified teacher) • Crystal Sewell Geraldine High School - Preliminary contract • Megan Gilbert Ider High School Preliminary contract • Hunter Duncan Plainview High School - Preliminary contract • Leslie Waldrop Plainview High School - Preliminary contract • Chase Parker Plainview High School - Preliminary contract • JerryLee Prestwood - Sylvania High School Preliminary contract • Jennifer Manning - Valley Head High School - Preliminary contract Superintendent Lyles requested that the School Secretary's salary schedules be adjusted to be comparable to other secretaries in the system, which the Board approved.

At the close of the meeting, the board recognized the service of Interim Superintendent Scott Timmons and approved the 90 days Transition Supplement.

The Board also approved the Superintendent's Contract for the remainder of the term.

The date of the Next Meeting will be August 5, 2021. The work session will begin at 4:00 P.M. and the Regular meeting at 5 p.m. in the Meeting Room at the Facilities Building.

Photo provided by AHSAA PHOTO / MARVIN GENTRY

Coach Paul Benefield was honored with the Class 3A State Football Championship and the NFHS Football Coach of the Year.

Photo provided by AHSAA PHOTO / MARVIN GENTRY

Eli Benefield was a recipient of the AHSADCA Coaches' Children Scholarship.

Photo provided by AHSAA PHOTO / MARVIN GENTRY

Coach Neal Thrash was honored by the AHSAA with the Class 3A Boys State Basketball State Championship Plaque.

Photo provided by AHSAA PHOTO / MARVIN GENTRY

Coach Jeff "Babe" Brooks was honored by the AHSAA with the Class 3A Girls State Softball Championship Plaque.

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