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Jones to run for District Attorney

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, AL DeKalb County attorney, businessman, and former Mayor of Rainsville Nick Jones has announced that he will seek the Republican nomination for District Attorney of the 9th Judicial Circuit which serves DeKalb and Cherokee Counties.

The office is currently occupied by longtime District Attorney Michael O’Dell.

“After months of thoughtful prayer, I believe I can bring a fresh face to the District Attorney’s office,” stated Jones. “I do not take this task lightly, however, I feel a renewed commitment to aggressive prosecution and programs of drug crime offenses is needed. The drug epidemic affects every family in our communities including mine. Plainly stated, compassionate

consideration of both victims’ and defendants’ rights in each individual case should be given before a hasty plea deal is cut, that allows criminal defendants to avoid punishment and help encourage them to seek rehabilitation services,” he added.

Jones is married to Lindsey Cuzzort Jones of Fyffe and they have two boys, Jackson and Bennett.

He is a graduate of Plainview High School, Auburn University, Alabama Banking School, and the Birmingham School of Law. He is currently employed by First State Bank of DeKalb County.

“We are at a point in our nation’s history where traditional support of our law enforcement folks has come under attack and that’s just unacceptable,” Jones added. “Sheriff

>See Jones, P3

Ivey Attends Groundbreaking for New Facility official photographer for Kay Ivey

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala.--On Monday, Governor Kay Ivey, local dignitaries, along with Fort Payne City and School

Officials, broke ground on the new Building, Electrical, Aviation Technology Center (BEAT).

Funding for the new BEAT Center in Fort Payne was made possible by a $1 million dollar grant by the

Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.

“I am pleased to know that we are giving hands-on exposure for our students to have the opportunity to select one of these career

pathways for themselves” stated Governor Ivey.

“In the last 5 yrs, we’ve seen nearly $19 billion in new capital investment and created more than 44,000 new jobs. Fort Payne’s BEAT Center will only support

those efforts through vocation training” Ivey recently tweeted.

>See Ivey, P3

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FRIDAY — October 1, 2021

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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Alabama Governor Kay Ivey visits Polymer Industries Henagar, Alabama, September 27, 2021 – Governor Kay Ivey was invited

by Polymer Industries and the International Association of Plastic Distribution to tour the highperformance plastics manufacturer located in Henagar, AL on her most recent trip to north Alabama.

Her tour of the facility allowed Governor Ivey to see the latest manufacturing technology for

high-performance plastics and see how the products manufactured here in Alabama are used in numerous markets across the world for infrastructure, municipalities and manufacturing.

Deborah Ragsdale, Polymer Industries Director of Relations and also President of IAPD stressed the importance of Polymer Industries presented Governor Ivey with a high-performance replica of the Great Seal of Alabama manufactured at the plant. Pictured (L-R) Deborah Ragsdale, IAPD President, plastics being Jacob Daniels, Inventory Manager, Governor Ivey and represented in the Andy Saigal, President, Polymer Industries. upcoming Open

Competition Bill.

“There are less expensive alternatives to concrete and steel such as pipe grade materials for infrastructure.

High-performance plastic products are used worldwide in the top manufacturing, transportation and construction projects across the country.”

Ragsdale informed the governor that Polymer Industries has a closed loop recycling

commitment to make sure nothing we manufacture ends up in landfills or the ocean.

“It was an honor and privilege to have Governor Ivey visit our plant and learn more about the important role of performance plastics and our commitment to sustainability for the future of our environment,” said Rohit Saigal, Polymer Industries VicePresident of Sales and Marketing.

Highlands Medical Center Joins Huntsville Hospital Health System Huntsville Hospital Health System and the Jackson County Health Care Authority have jointly announced the completion of their due diligence process for the integration of their organizations. Under the 40-year lease agreement which takes effect October 1, Huntsville Hospital Health System assumes control and responsibility for operating all facilities of the Jackson County Health Care Authority, including Highlands Medical Center in Scottsboro, Cumberland Health and Rehab in Bridgeport, and Highlands Health

Eagles Soar Past the Patriots

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

PISGAH, Ala.--The Pisgah Eagles defeated Class 4A DAR 58-28 on Friday night.

The Eagles scored on all their seven offensive drives and once on a kickoff return.

The first half saw the Eagles racking up thirty points. The DAR Patriots scored on the opening drive of the game. Pisgah answered back with their own touchdown and went for two to take the 8-7 lead. On the next drive, Parker Law sailed in form 10

yards out, to give the Eagles the 14-7 advantage. On the Eagles next possession, Jacob Kirby intercepted the ball to put the Eagles on the 8-yard line. A penalty put them back to the DAR 21. On third and goal from the 19-yard line, Mason Holcomb connected with Luke Gilbert for the touchdown with 4:00 remaining in the second quarter, giving the Eagles the 22-7 advantage. The Patriots answered back with a 50-yard pass connection with 2:00 remaining in the half. The Eagles scored once more before intermission, to

take the 30-14 lead into the half.

Legion McCrary had a kick return for the Eagle touchdown to start the second half. Both teams put a touchdown on the board in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, the Eagles added two more touchdowns for the 58-28 win over DAR. Legion McCrary had 126 yards on sixteen carries and two touchdowns for the night. Mason Holcomb finished the night throwing for 110 yards and two touchdowns.

The Pisgah Eagles will host the North Sand Mountain Bison on Friday night.

and Rehab, also in Scottsboro.

“We look forward to a long and successful relationship with the Huntsville Hospital Health System, and are excited for our community to benefit from it,” said Bob Matthews, Chairman of the Jackson County Health Care Authority. “The Huntsville system has helped other North Alabama hospitals progress and thrive through their partnerships.

We are happy to be the latest group to be integrated into the organization.”

Jeff Samz, CEO of the Huntsville Hospital Health System, said the

agreement was similar to what his organization had done with other community hospitals in north Alabama like Athens-Limestone Hospital, Decatur Morgan Hospital, Marshall Medical Centers, and others.

“We welcome the Jackson County Health Care Authority to our Health System. Our relationship with Highlands Medical Center goes back many years and we look forward to working with their team as we serve our respective patients and communities,” said Samz.

Photo provided by Warrior Images

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FRIDAY — October 1, 2021

HTHE SOUTHERN TORCH

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COMMUNITY

What a Grand Homecoming! Meet you at the Ferris Wheel

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

SYLVANIA, Ala.--Since March of 2020, we have prayed for and mourned the loss of many victims of COVID-19. On Saturday, Southern Torch was honored to celebrate the Homecoming of Kent Wilborn.

Kent Wilborn and his wife of 33 years, Terri both became sick with COVID, the first week of May 2021.

Kent’s case of covid was severe and after several doctor visits, Kent was carried to Huntsville Hospital.

While at the hospital, the family was advised that his chance of survival was very slim.

Wilborn was transported to Vanderbilt in Nashville for further medical treatment. On day six of his stay at Vanderbilt, he was intubated.

While Terri recovered, all phone

calls were directed to their daughters Teryn and Kendra. They never missed a call to receive the latest information. The daughters would update friends and family of Kent’s condition via Facebook Live.

Wilborn serves as the Pastor of Mount Olive Church. His congregation hosted a prayer vigil outside his home and a blood drive in his honor.

During his hospital stay, Wilborn coded, suffered septic shock two times, and had two light strokes. The outlook looked very slim for Kent, but God. He had a different plan for Kent.

On Saturday, after 132 days in the hospital, 64 days on a ventilator, and given a 1% chance of survival, the Town of Sylvania welcomed Kent Wilborn home with a parade.

Traffic was shut down on Highway 75 in Sylvania Saturday.

Drones flew from above and Southern Torch was live on Facebook to film the parade. DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, local police departments, firefighters, and first responders from Sylvania and neighboring towns, were all present. As friends and family made their way past Wilborn, with signs and balloons, they expressed their love for him and his family.

Wilborn thanked everyone that came by and told them he loved them.

Former Sylvania Mayor Claude Callaham stated of Wilborn’s survival, “ We may never see a miracle of this magnitude again in our lifetime.”

Wilborn’s return home gave all that attended the parade, hope. His recovery is a testimony and we are sure, will bless all who hear. Welcome home, Kent!

The 66th Annual VFW Fair is in town until Saturday. The Fair gates open at 5 p.m through Friday and on Saturday, gates open at 10 a.m.

Be sure to come enjoy the sights and sounds of this wonderful tradition in Fort Payne.

Jones

FROM PAGE 1

Welden in DeKalb and Sheriff Shaver in Cherokee need a reliable partner. My background is in business and real world problem solving. As a

Ivey

FROM PAGE 1 A recent report from The Business Education Alliance of Alabama stated that Alabama will face a shortage of skilled workers in the next five

problem solver, I will be the public’s crime fighter if elected. In DeKalb County, Sheriff Welden needs a cooperative partner in re-establishing the drug task force, and I feel a modern plan with fresh ideas is the solution. This crisis is bigger than

anyone office or agency. It has to be a team effort and I have a proven record of getting the job done regardless of politics, he said.”

years if there is not more collaboration between business, education, and career tech training programs.

The report goes on to state that Alabama is on pace to have a shortage of close to 200,000 highly skilled workers by 2025-2026 if a change is not made.

This center will

give valuable training to students in the fields of construction, electrical, plumbing, and aviation.

Ivey stated that students that are trained at the new BEAT facility will be critical to ensure Alabama’s economy will continue to remain on an upward trajectory.

The Republican primary election will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2022.

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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!

October 1, Dekalb Education Retirees Association The Dekalb Education Retirees Association will meet Friday, Oct. 1st at 10:00 in the Fellowship Hall of Broadway Baptist Church, Rainsville. Free flu shots (with insurance card) will be offered.

Also free refreshments.

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!

October 2, Lea/Lee Family Reunion - Come join us for the Lea/Lee Family Reunion Sat. Oct .

2nd at Henagar Community Building at Henagar Park. Group pictures 11:45 covered dish lunch 12 cst.

October 9th, Dekalb County Republican Breakfast Club - The next Dekalb Republican Breakfast Club meeting is Saturday, October 9th, 2021, at 7:30 am. Our guest speaker will be Katie Britt who is a candidate for our US Senate seat in 2022 being vacated by Richard Shelby. She is the past President of the Business Council of Alabama.

Please make plans to attend and invite all of

your fellow Republican friends as well. We look forward to seeing you at the Cattle Stampede Steak House in Fort Payne, formally the Western Sizzlin. The restaurant is located at I-59, exit 218, on Ala Highway 35. The address is 1114 Glenn Blvd SW. October 21, Heartlite Hospice Care - Cordially invites you & your guests to celebrate at our Memorial Service on Thursday October 14, 2021 at 111 East Laurel St., on the square in Scottsboro.

Please drop byas we celebrate the lives of loved ones who have passed.

“Year of Remembrance” luminary display will be open from

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

7:00pm to 8:00pm Memorial reading of names at 7:00pm Rain Date: October 21st, 2021 For additional information please call (256)259-1754 October 23, Willow-Fest - Fall Willow Fest 2021 9am-5pm.

Variety of shopping with 50+ Vendors. Inflatables, Music, Pony Rides, Sweets & Food. Hosted

by The Willow Tree.

10021 Burton Drive, Henagar AL. October 23, Camp Comer Scout Reservation - Halloween ghosts and goblins are on the prowl at Cub Haunted! This exciting overnight campout experience for Cub

Scouts is packed with events and activities! Fun for the entire family!

October 24, Singing - Glory Way at Five Points Baptist Church, 1697 Co Rd 782, Ider on Oct 24th @10:30am cst. Come & join us. Everyone welcome.

December 10-13, New York Christmas Vacation Call Torch Travel to book your spot for this Christmas dream vacation to New York City Call Marla for more information and to book your spot - (256)638 4040

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

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FRIDAY — October 1, 2021

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

LEGALS LEGALS

LEGALS

LEGALS

...

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

NOTICE BY PUBLICATION

CASE NO.: 2020-273

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES DAVID EVETT

CASE NO.: CV-2021-900142.00

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF KENNETH GERALD TIMMONS DECEASED LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION ON THE ESTATE OF Kenneth Gerald Timmons, DECEASED, having been granted to the undersigned on the 24th day of November 2020, by the Honorable Ronnie Osbom. 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 September 24, October 1 & 8.

LEGALS

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA ELUVIA ANGELINA ANDRES JIMENEZ, Plaintiff, vs.

JAIRO JORDANY LOPEZ CANO, Defendant.

CASE NO.: CS-2021-900086 NOTICE OF CUSTODY PROCEEDINGS JAIRO JORDANY LOPEZ CANO, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer the Petition for Custody and other relief filed by Plaintiff/ Mother, Eluvia Angelina Andres Jimenez, by the 1st day of November, 2021, or, thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against him in Case No.: CS-2021-900086, in the District Court of DeKalb County, Alabama.

Said notice to be published September 10, 17, 24, & October 1.

CASE NO.: 2020-313 LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION ON THE ESTATE OF JAMES DAVID EVETT, DECEASED, having been granted to the undersigned on the 20 day of Sept 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 September 24, October 1 & 8.

LEGALS IN THE SMALL CLAIMS COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.: SM-2020-900480 K & H HEATING AND COOLING, LLC, PLAINTIFF V. MICHAEL MARTIN, DEFENDANT. NOTICE OF COMPLAINT TO MICHAEL MARTIN Michael Martin take notice that on May 22, 2020 a Complaint was filed in the above-styled case against you concerning work, labor and supplies provided by plaintiff in 2018.

The Complaint claims a judgınent against Michael Martin for his failure to pay for the work, labor and supplies provided. You are hereby notified to file a responsive pleading within fourteen (14) days after the last publication of the Notice or on or about October 22, 2021.

Said Notice being published on September 17, 2021; September 24, 2021; October 1, 2021 and October 8, 2021 in the Southern Torch.

PERRY DALEY Plaintiff vs.

RICK L. WEBER, AND Lots 9 through 17 in Block 16 of the River Park Subdivision, a plat of said Subdivision being recorded in the office of the Judge of Probate, DeKalb County,Alabama and to which reference is hereby made for a more particular description of the property hereby conveyed, AND Lots 9 through 16 of Block 17 of the River Park Subdivision, according to a plat of saidsubdivision recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate, reference to which his hereby made for a more particular description of the lands herein conveyed, AND Fictitious Defendants “A” through “F”whose names and addresses are unknown, and any and all parties, including any persons claiming any present interest therein and including any persons claiming any future, contingent, reversionary, remainder, or other interest therein, who may claim any interest in the above-described property, Defendants

Chris Kuykendall Insurance Agent (256)845-4984 1827 Gualt Avenue N Fort Payne AL 35967

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT NOTICE HEREBY IS GIVEN TO: Rick L. Weber and any and all persons claiming any present interest in the real property described above, and including any persons claiming any reversionary, remainder, or other interest therein, who may claim interest in this real property.

The Plaintiff has filed a Verified Complaint to Quiet Title in the Circuit Court of Dekalb County, Alabama in Case Number CV-2021900142.00 against Rick L. Weber and the lands described above and against any or all parties listed above to establish the right and title of the Plaintiff to the lands and to clear up all doubts or disputes concerning the same.

Therefore, the Defendants and any persons claiming and interest in the real property must file an Answer to the Complaint in writing in the Circuit Court of Dekalb County, Alabama

by November 15, 2021, or suffer default judgment against them. The Plaintiff requests that the Court will make and enter all orders, judgments, and decrees that may be necessary or proper in the premises, and upon a final hearing thereon, the Plaintiff requests that the Court will make and enter a decree that the Plaintiff has the entire and undivided fee simple interest in the lands, with no restrictions thereon.

The Plaintiff further requests such other, further, different, or general relief as he may be entitled in the premises.

Dated this the 18th day of August, 2021.

Said notice to be published September 17, 24, October 1 & 8.

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OBITUARIES Wilson Marlin Orman Cummings - 57, of Collinsville, Alabama, passed on Monday, September 20, 2021.

Service September 25 at 2pm.

Tammy Nell Reese 45, of Leesburg, passed away on September 21, 2021. Visitation will be held at Wilson Funeral Home Chapel from 1 until 3P.M. on Sunday, September, 26, 2021.

Kenneth O’Neal Large - 76, of Fort Payne, passed away September 21, 2021 at his residence.

Services will be 11:00am Friday, September 24th.

Glenda Sue McCurdy - 82, of Fort Payne, passed away Friday, September 24, 2021. service is planned for 11 a.m. Tuesday the 28th.

Terry Van Gravitt 70, passed away Friday, September 24, 2021.

Surrounded by love, at his home in Fort Payne.

Margaret Bible Rice Thurman - 95, passed away Friday, September 24, 2021. services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at Glenwood Cemetery.

Sybil Sims White - 91, of Fort Payne, passed away Monday, September 27, 2021.

Private graveside services will be held at Glenwood Cemetery.

Lori Kristin Sweeney - 39, of Fort Payne, passed away Monday, September 27, 2021. She was born March 7, 1982, in Metairie, Louisiana. In 2017, Lori and Justin joined the close-knit community of Fort Payne, Alabama and opened The Spot Coffee Shop.

Lori was a member of Grace Presbyterian Church. Lori loved her life as mother to her two boys Everett and Easton.

In life, Lori had many mountains to climb and she gave her absolute all until the very end.

Services will be 1 p.m.

Friday, October 1, at Grace Presbyterian Church.

Burt Shelby Jean Baker Guest - 83, passed away on Monday, September 20, 2021. Date of Funeral: Wednesday, September 22, 2021.

Helen Louise Combs Hairston - 87, of Fort Payne, Alabama, passed away on Sunday, September 26, 2021.

Date of Funeral: Wednesday, September 29, 2021.

Claudia Ray King 79, of Fort Payne, Alabama, passed away on Tuesday, September 28, 2021. Date of Funeral: Thursday, September 30, 2021.

Cornerstone Tommy Wayne Zielinski - 67 of Morristown, TN died Saturday, September 18 at MorristownHamblen Healthcare System. Services are Wednesday at 4 PM CT Tony Alan Crowe - 60, of Ider died Tuesday, September 21 at Huntsville Hospital.

Funeral services are Sunday at 2 PM CT at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel Lee Z. Watson - 84 of Rising Fawn, GA died Saturday, September 25 at

Hospice Care Center of Chattanooga.

Funeral services are Tuesday at 11 AM CT. Dorothy Genell Powell Young Roberts - 100, passed on September 26, 2021. A graveside service will be held for Mrs. Roberts at 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday, September 29, 2021.

Phyllis Ann Jolley - 65 of Ider died Sunday, September 26 at Memorial Hospital.

Funeral services are Thursday at 3 pm CT at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel.

Elder Doyle Calvin Kilgore - 90, of Ider Alabama passed on Friday September 24, 2021. Services on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at 2:00 PM CT.

Crossville Clara Joy Morgan 88 of Crossville passed away Wednesday, September 22, 2021 Crossville Health and Rehab. Service will be at 5 p.m. Friday, September 24, 2021.

Thomas Charles Black - 84, of Crossville passed away Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at Marshall Medical Center South.

There will be a graveside service at 10 a.m.

Saturday, September 25, 2021 at Union Grove Cemetery.

Geraldine Dustin Ray Dorsett - 35 of Geraldine, AL passed away at his residence in Cleveland, OH on Tuesday, September 21, 2021.

Services will be private and limited.

Rainsville Brenda Harp - 69 of Fort Payne, Alabama passed away on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at Collinsville Health and Rehab. A memorial service will be Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 3 PM. Virginia Ella Austin Cisco - 71 of Rainsville, Alabama passed away on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at her residence. Family will receive friends Friday, September 24, 2021 from 11AM until 1PM. Ray Collins - 71 of Rainsville, Alabama passed away on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at his residence.

Graveside services will be held on September 25, 2021 at 11AM. M.L. Bain - 83 of Pisgah, passed away on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at his residence.

Funeral service is Monday, September 27, 2021 at 2:00 pm in Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel.

Lisa Bell Stone - 55 of Section, AL passed away on Sunday, September 26, 2021.

Services will be held on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at 2PM.

Scottsboro Tommy Howard Bellomy - 98, of Scottsboro, Alabama, died on Monday, September 20, 2021. The family will have a private graveside service.

George Albert Pipes - 73, of Hazel Green, AL, passed away on Wednesday, September 22, 2021.Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 3:00 p.m.

Billy Joe "Bill" Johnson - passed away Saturday, September 25, 2021 at Highlands Medical Center. Visitation will be Monday, September 27, 2021 from 2-3 p.m.

James Aubrey "Jim" Miller - passed away Sunday, September 26, 2021. Visitation will be Tuesday, September 28, 2021, from 4-6 p.m.

Kenny Buford Dolberry - passed away Sunday, September 26, 2021. Graveside service will be Wednesday at 1:00pm at Cedar Hill cemetery.

W.T. Wilson Anthony Dewayne Gentle - 47 of Woodville, passed away Tuesday, September 21, 2021.

Mr. Gentle will be laid to rest in Mount Pleasant Cemetery at a later date.

Barbara Ann Woody - 49, of Crossville passed away September 21st, 2021. A Memorial service will be held at 1pm on Sunday, September 26th, 2021.

Kimberly Ann Kirkland - 39 of Huntsville, passed away Tuesday, September 21, 2021.

Services will be held at 2pm on Friday, September 24, 2021.

Charlotte Sue Hudgins Johnson - 61 of Douglas, passed away Tuesday, September 21, 2021.

Services will be held at 2pm on Thursday, September 23, 2021.

Jesse Buford Dollar - 86 of Fyffe, passed away Tuesday, September 21, 2021.

Services will be held at 11am on Friday,

September 24, 2021.

Martin Francisco Martin - 45 of Rainsville, passed away Wednesday, September 22, 2021.

Services will be held at 12:30pm on Tuesday, September 28.

Gladys Grace Frazier - 77, of Crossville passed away September 22, 2021. A graveside service will be held at 2pm on Thursday, September 23, 2021.

Carolyn Diane Hackworth - 70, of Collinsville passed away September 23rd, 2021. A Graveside service will be held at 1pm on Saturday, September 25.

Velma Louise Boman - 80, of Crossville passed away on Friday, Sept.

24, 2021. Service will be held Monday, Sept.

27 at 1 P.M. Mary Ruth Brooks - 77, of Ft. Payne passed away on Saturday, September 25, 2021. Graveside services are set for 2pm Wednesday, September 29.

Steve Craig MacDougall - 55 of Attalla, passed Sunday, September 26, 2021.

Funeral services will be held at 1pm on Friday, October 1.

David “Dave” Lee Downer - 83, of Fort Payne passed away September 26, 2021.

Services will be held at 3pm on Wednesday, September 29.

Mary Lee Twilley - 92, of Cedar Bluff passed away September 28, 2021.

Services will be held at 2pm on Thursday, September 30.

FRIDAY — October 1, 2021

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Inside The Statehouse

By Steve Flowers Our senior senator, Richard Shelby, has left an indelible legacy and imprint on our state. Every corner of the state has been the recipient of his prowess at bringing home the bacon to the Heart of Dixie. Every university has enjoyed a largesse of federal dollars.

He has made the Huntsville Redstone Arsenal one of the most renowned high technology regions in the nation, not to mention placing the FBI’s second home in Huntsville.

Shelby’s accomplishments for Alabama would take a book to enumerate. However, what is not universally known is that Senator Richard Shelby has transformed the federal judiciary in Alabama for years to come.

During the entire eight-year presidency of Barack Obama, by nature we had some attrition in our federal judiciary in all three regions, Northern, Middle

and Southern Districts. Even though President Obama sought to appoint Democratic judges throughout the state, Senator Shelby and Senator Jeff Sessions thwarted all Democratic appointees and held these cherished and powerful judgeships vacant.

Shelby and Sessions were hopeful that one day there would be a Republican president coupled with a Republican senate majority and they would be able to appoint Republican jurists to the federal bench in Alabama.

That happened when Trump became president. Senator Sessions had parted with his senate seat to become attorney general, so that left Senator Shelby to select and get confirmed a host of new, young federal judges in Alabama.

Shelby assigned his loyal and brilliant Chief of Staff, Katie Boyd Britt, the job of vetting potential federal judgeships. She and Shelby chose an outstanding cadre of young,

well-educated, extremely qualified, moderately conservative men and women to sit on the federal bench in Alabama. This group is stellar and will be the majority of federal judges for the next 25 to 30 years. This coup of appointing young, conservative, extremely capable judges to the federal bench in Alabama may be one of Senator Richard Shelby’s greatest legacies.

Shelby had Andrew Brasher first appointed to the Middle District of Alabama. However, soon thereafter an opening occurred on the Eleventh Circuit and so Shelby had President Trump appoint Brasher to the higher appeals court. Prior to Brasher’s appointment to the Middle District, he practiced law with Bradley Arant in Birmingham. He was solicitor general and a law clerk for Judge Bill Pryor. Judge Brasher is a graduate of Samford University and Harvard Law

School.

Senator Shelby had President Trump appoint Anna Manasco as a federal judge in the Northern District of Alabama. Judge Manasco, like Judge Brasher, practiced law in Birmingham with Bradley Arant prior to her federal appointment. She graduated with honors from Emory University, prior to earning her law degree from Yale Law School.

Shelby aligned with President Trump to appoint Corey Maze for a seat on the federal bench in the Northern District. Judge Maze was a prosecutor for the State of Alabama Attorney General’s office.

He is a summa cum laude graduate of Auburn University and a graduate of Georgetown Law. Senator Shelby had President Trump appoint Liles Burke to a federal judgeship in the Northern District. Burke was an Associate Judge of the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals prior to his federal

appointment. He obtained his undergraduate and law degree from the University of Alabama.

Annemarie Axon is another Trump and Shelby anointed appointee for the Northern District of Alabama. Judge Axon practiced law in Birmingham prior to her appointment.

She, like all of the other Northern District appointees, is extremely well qualified. Axon also obtained her undergraduate and law degree from the University of Alabama.

Austin Huffaker, Jr. of Montgomery was chosen by Shelby and Trump for a federal judgeship in the Middle District. He practiced law in Montgomery prior to his appointment. He has an engineering degree from Vanderbilt and earned his law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law. Also appointed by Shelby and Trump to the Middle District is Emily Marks of Montgomery.

5

Judge Marks practiced law in Montgomery prior to her appointment. She is a graduate of Spring Hill College in Mobile and the University of Alabama School of Law. Jeffrey Beaverstock was appointed to a federal judgeship in the Southern District. He practiced law in Mobile and is a graduate of the Citadel and the University of Alabama School of Law. Terry Moorer was appointed by President Trump and confirmed by the senate for the Southern District. He was previously an assistant U.S. Attorney and is a graduate of Huntington College and the University of Alabama School of Law. This host of federal jurists in Alabama will be one of Senator Richard Shelby’s lasting legacies.

See you next week.

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Office: (256)638-4040 Cell: (256)996-0460

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226 Gault Ave. N • Fort Payne, AL 35967 Phone: 256-845-5680 Fax: 256-845-5165

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6

FRIDAY — October 1, 2021

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

LOCALS PROTEST MASK REQUIREMENTS

- FPMS- Cross Country Team, October 22, 2021 Trion Elementary School, Trion GA

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala.-- The Fort Payne City Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, September 23. Several in attendance came to protest the present mask mandate in the Fort Payne City School System.

Melanie Miller, a spokesperson for Patriots Empowering Patriots (PEW) presented a petition to board members to make masks optional for anyone entering the Fort Payne school property.

Miller addressed the side effects of anyone under the age of eighteen wearing a mask from the National Institutes of Health and from other studies.

Miller cited the Solari Report which suggests that wearing masks may adversely affect respiratory function by trapping the carbon dioxide that is emitted when humans exhale.

Fort Payne Superintendent, Brian Jett thanked the organization for attending the meeting, He presented the group with information in support of the mask mandate from sources such as John Hopkins Children’s Hospital, Academy of Pediatrics, State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris, Dr. Karen Landers of the

Alabama Department of Public Health, along with an open letter to the Alabama School Boards from 102 health providers.

Jett presented a graph that showed COVID-related absences at all four campuses since August 18, which showed the decrease of absences from 249 to 62 on September 21.

“We are starting to see a decrease in our total number of absences due to COVID. We hope to see that trend keep going, to stay with it” stated Jett. “ Our mask requirement ends October 1 unless we decide to forward it a little bit. We’ll use the data to look at it and what’s going on in the community.”

In other business, the Board approved: Leave of Absences

• Kimberly Butler, Librarian at Little Ridge Intermediate School for seven (7) unpaid days of absence, for the following days: August 25-27, September 9-10, September 12, September 14.

• Meghan Carr, Math Interventionist at Wills Valley Elementary School effective October 29, 2021, through May 27, 2022 Recommendations • Dylan Young, PE Teachers at Fort Payne Middle School effective September 14, 2021, and non-renew his contract on May 27, 2022. He was also named the 8th Grade Boys Basketball Coach at Fort Payne Middle School, effective for the 2021-2022 school year • Kyle Coots, 9th Grade Boys Basketball

Coach, at Fort Payne High School, effective for the 2021-2022 school year • Tharis Chavez, System-Wide EL Aide, within the Fort Payne City School System, effective October 1, 2021, and non-renew her contract on May 27, 2022.

• Darrell Prater, as a half-time bus driver, effective September 21, 2021 and non-renew his contract on May 26, 2022.

• Cody Willingham, as a half-time bus driver, effective September 21, 2021, and non-renew his contract on May 26, 2022.

• Tashala Hill, as a system-wide part-time Special Education Aide, effective September 24, 2021, pending an ABI/FBI background check Other: Additions to the following substitute

personnel list, effective for the 2021-2022 school year • CNP • Custodian • EDP • Nurse • Teacher Out of State Travel: • Patrick Barnes, Athletic Director/ Principal at FPHS - FPHS- FFA Officers and Advisor, October 26-29, 2021 National FFA Convention, Indianapolis, IN - FPHS- Varsity and JV Boys Soccer Teams, April 14, 2022 Baylor High School, Chattanooga, TN • Jennifer List, Principal at LRIS - LIRS- 3rd-5th Grade Cross Country Team, October 22, 2021 Trion Elementary School, Trion GA • Shane Bryd, Principal FPMS

Other Business the Board Approved: • Eight additional days to be added to Kristie Conaway, ARI Specialist contract for work completed during the summer of 2021 • Job Description (certified), creation, advertising, and filing of a part-time Central Office Administrative Assistant • The following teacher is to be placed on a one-year ALSDE approved TEAMS teacher contract in the area of Math-Taylor Thrash • Creation of Junior High Volleyball Coaching position at FPHS • A contract with Grubbs and Walker Consulting as the Fort Payne City Schools Consulting Manager for the upcoming construction projects • Low bid to Osborn Foodservice in the amount of $18,224.81 for supplemental grocery items • A request for a Virtual Day option for 9th and 12th-grade students on October 19, 2021, due to testing The next meeting of the Fort Payne City Board of Education will be held on October 28, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. in the conference room of the Fort Payne Schools Central Office.

FRIDAY — October 1, 2021

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

20 21 Plainview 41, Crossville 0

Russell 40, Cornerstone 6

Ider 42, Valley Head 20

South Pittsburg 21, North Jackson 20

Saks 54, Geraldine 31

North Sand Mountain 22, Cedar Bluff 6

Fort Payne 33, Etowah 27

Pisgah 68, DAR 28

Sand Rock 28, Collinsville 7

Decatur Heritage 55, Woodville 14

7

Upcoming Games Plainview @ Fyffe Ider @ Victory Christian Geraldine @ Brindlee Mountain Scottsboro @ Fort Payne Valley Head @ Appliancian Crossville @ West Point Asbury @ Sylvania Cornerstone @ East Central North Jackson @ Madison Co North Sand Mountain @ Pisgah Section @ Falkville Woodville @ Cedar Bluff

Wildcats Burn the Blue Devils

By Amy Thrash Sports Reporter

amy@southerntorch.com

GADSDEN, Ala.--The Fort Payne Wildcats defeated the Etowah Blue Devils 33-27 on Friday night.

In the first quarter, the Etowah Blue Devils scored on a 65-yard touchdown, to take the early lead with a score of 7-0. After a bad Wildcat snap the Blue Devils cashed in on a safety to take the 9-0 lead. Etowah scored on a 17-yard touchdown, for the 17-0 advantage with 4:42 remaining in the first. Jaks Barnes connected with Conner Cash of Fort Payne, with a touchdown pass, to cut the lead to 17-7 with 3:10 remaining in the first.

Barnes found Sawyer Burt for the touchdown pass, to make the score 17-13 with 9:57 remaining in the second quarter.

Barns also connected with Marcus Ledford for a Wildcat touchdown, to give Fort Payne the 20-17 lead over Etowah, with 6:34 left in the first half.

Alex McPherson nailed a 39-yard field goal to extend the lead to 23-17, going into the half.

With 7:51 remaining in the third quarter,The Blue Devils hit a field goal to cut the Wildcat lead to 23-20. Bennett Blanks scored from 4-yards out to give the Wildcats the 30-20 lead with 6:24 left in the third. Etowah scored from 1-yard to make the score 30-27 with .9 left in the third.

In the fourth

quarter McPherson nailed a 47-yard field goal to pad the Wildcat lead and make the final score of the night, Fort Payne Wildcats 33, Etowah 27.

“It was a great team win on Friday. I was very proud of our players and assistant coaches for showing great resilience after getting down 17-0 in the first 6 minutes of the game,” stated Fort Payne Head Football Coach Chris Elmore. “ I didn't see any of our players panic or start blaming others. They rallied together and we had several guys make one or multiple big plays to come back and win the game 33-27.

The Fort Payne Wildcats will host the Scottsboro Wildcats, for the Top Cat Trophy, on Friday.

Photo provided by Warrior Images

Collinsville Falls to Wildcats

Russell Defeats Eagles

The Sand Rock Wildcats defeated the Collinsville Panthers, 28-7 on Friday night.

The Cornerstone Christian Academy Eagles fell to Russell 40-6 on Friday night.

Sand Rock controlled the first quarter, scoring two touchdowns. Collinsville came back in the second forcing a turnover and scorings its only touchdown of the night on an 8-yard run by Keaton DeBoard to narrow the Wildcat lead to 14-7 going into the half.

Konner Fortner was the top defensive player for Cornerstone with 10 tackles including a sack and 2 assist on sacks.

In the second half, Sand Rock added two more touchdowns to win the rivalry over the Panthers.

Fort Payne Parks & Youth Basketball Registration Fort Payne Parks and Recreation will be taking registrations for youth basketball from September 27th – October 18th at the Wills Valley Recreation Center.

Ages 4-12, as of September 1st. $65 per child.

For more information, call (256) 844-6571 Wills Valley Recreation Center is located at 4220 Godfrey Ave NE in Fort Payne.

Cornerstone will celebrate Homecoming this week as they host the East Central.

Hornets Sting The Tigers Photo provided by Cheryl Boydston | Southern Torch

The Ider Hornets defeated the Valley Head Tigers 42 - 20 on Friday night.

The Homecoming victory was lead by Hunter Robertson with two touchdowns and 164 yards rushing. Matthew Norman finished the night with three touchdowns and 104 yards.

For Valley Head Bain rushed for 137 yards and three touchdowns.

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8

FRIDAY — October 1, 2021

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

CONGRATULATIONS ON

W E EK! E H T F O M A E T G N I K A M

The Plainview Bears defeated the Crossville Lions, 41-0 on Friday night in non-region play. After the shut-out victory over the Lions, the Plainview Bears were awarded the Southern Torch Team of the Week. The Plainview Bears will travel to take on region-rival, Fyffe Red Devils on Friday.

City of Rainsville

Congratulations to the Plainview Bears!

Pd. Pol. Ad by Lester Black, 2559 Rainbow Ave., Rainsville, AL 35986

Congratulations

to Plainview for Team of the Week!

317 McCurdy Ave S Rainsville, AL. 35986 Mon - Thurs: 8am - 5pm

Congratulations to the team of the week!

Two Locations!

1114 Glenn Blvd SW Fort Payne, AL. 35967 (256) 844-2286

23980 John T Reid Pkwy Scottsboro, AL. 35769 (256) 259-6888

DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office We proudly support our schools.

Congratulations to the Team of the Week!

In case of emergecies, call 911!

2801 Jordan Rd. SW, Fort Payne

Nick Jones

(256)845-3801

Attorney-at-Law

Congratulations to the Team of the Week!

No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater then the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers