ST Vol 7 No 53

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, December 31, 2021 / VOL. 7, NO. 53 / $1.00

Readers Choice 2021

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala.-- At the end of each year the Southern Torch Staff looks back on the year and chooses what they believe are the top stories of the year. This year, we let the readers decide what they were most interested in, by the response on social media and our Southern Torch website.

This year might have been a much different year than many expected, and it certainly had its fair share of new stories in DeKalb County and the world in general.

From shutdowns, zoom meetings, and vaccinations, 2021 has been eventful, to say the least. Here are the Southern Torch Readers Choices for 2021.

DA Accepts Dalton’s Plea Published: October DEKALB CO., Ala--

Former DeKalb County Teacher Dustin Wade Dalton, 29, entered pleas of guilty to three felony sex offenses Monday morning in Circuit Court at the DeKalb County Courthouse.

He was convicted of one count of Sodomy in the Second Degree and two counts of being a teacher having sexual contact with a student under nineteen years old.

He was sentenced by Circuit Judge Jeremy Taylor to sentences totaling 10 years in state prison. He will be required to serve three years in prison before his release to serve another five years on supervised probation. As a result of the convictions, Dalton will be a lifetime registered sex offender upon his release.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Bob Johnston said, “The plea

agreement was reached after several meetings with grieving family members. As always, we want to achieve accountability and just punishment while reducing any further trauma to victims of child sexual abuse. We are grateful for the brave students who came forward and hope this can help them feel a measure of closure and peace.”

Johnston also thanked the long hours of investigation and interviews conducted by the Child Abuse Review Team of DeKalb County including Investigator Priscilla Padgett, the DeKalb County DHR, the CAC, and members of the DeKalb County Board of Education.

The TImeline for Dalton’s plea is as follows: In October 2020, Dustin Wade Dalton (28

of Rainsville) was charged with Enticing a Child for Immoral Purposes and Dissemination of Obscene Material.

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said of the incident: “This is an absolutely unfortunate event that has happened in our quiet Town of Sylvania. We want to thank the community for coming forward with information that aided us in conducting this investigation.”

“We would like to ask for prayers for the victims and their families.

Protecting our youth from this type of behavior is a top priority here at the Sheriff’s Office,” said Welden.

ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6: Dalton was released on a $100,000 bond with no preliminary hearing in Judge Steve Whitmire’s courtroom.

The defendant’s attorney

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is Stephen Bussman.

“This is so frustrating, working endless hours on a case to only see them walk out of your jail on a $100,000 bond,” said DeKalb Co. Sheriff Nick Welden.

Dustin Dalton, 29 was indicted by the Grand Jury on June 22, 2021, on 24 charges by Grand Jury. Dalton was booked into the DeKalb County Detention Center at 6:49 p.m, June 22.

The indictment list for Dalton shows eight different victims, identified by initials and ages.

Charges were as follows: (Charges may be updated) • Distribution of Obscene Material • Enticing Child

>2021, P2

SYLVANIA PHARMACY Rodney Williams RPH

(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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Readers Choice 2021 Continued...

• Solicit Sex Act W/Student • Solicit Sex Act W/Student • Dissemination of Obscene Material • Dissemination of Obscene Material • Dissemination of Obscene Material • Dissemination of Obscene Material • Dissemination of Obscene Material • Dissemination of Obscene Material • School Emp Sex W/Student • Sexual Abuse 1st • Sexual Abuse 2nd • Dissemination of Obscene Material • School Emp Sex W/Student Attempted • School Emp Sex W/Student • School Emp Sex W/Student • School Emp Sex W/ Student • Production of Porn with Minors • Sodomy 1st • Sodomy 1st • Sodomy 1st The bond for Dalton was set at $393,875.

REDISTRICTING APPROVED FOR DEKALB COUNTY Published: November DEKALB COUNTY, Ala.-- The DeKalb County Commission held

their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, November 9.

The DeKalb County Commission approved redistricting according to the 2020 Census. The population count for each district will be as follows: • District 1- 17,170 • District 2- 17,764 •District 3- 18,620 •District 4- 18,054 The minimum in each district according to the census report is 17,006 and the maximum is 18,797.

“This redistricting will affect very few people. It will affect some but not a drastic change” stated DeKalb County President Ricky Harcrow.

CUNNINGHAM TO RETIRE AS FP SUPERINTENDENT Published: April FORT PAYNE, ALA.-- Fort Payne City Schools Superintendent Jim Cunningham announced his retirement, effective October 1, 2021.

“I want to thank you for the opportunity you’ve given me for the past 36 years of working for Fort Payne City Schools,”

Cunningham said.

“This has been the best thing that’s ever happened because of the great school system and great community.”

Cunningham is a lifelong Fort Payne native and a 1975 graduate of Fort Payne High School.

He completed a bachelor’s degree in education at Jacksonville State University (JSU) in 1979 and began his career in Jackson County shortly after.

He began work at his alma mater in 1984 and has held various positions within the school system ever since, including assistant principal at Fort Payne High School, principal at Forest Avenue Elementary, principal at Wills Valley Elementary, principal at Fort Payne High School, and eventually, superintendent.

FIRE IN THE VALLEY Published: June FORT PAYNE, Ala.--Southern Torch is moving to our brand new offices in downtown Fort Payne this week and next week. Our broadcasting operations have just moved and the

remainder of our operations and staff are in the process of moving. Service areas, phone numbers, and other pertinent information will remain the same.

Eight years ago, Southern Torch opened its doors in Rainsville as an online news source.

In May of 2015, Southern Torch expanded its reach with a printed newspaper product.

Today, Southern Torch averages over 60,000 website visits per month and has an online following of over 41,000 across all social media platforms that share free content with our audience.

Two years ago, Southern Torch expanded its reach into the radio market.

With the purchase of two radio stations, WKEA 98-3 Wild Country and WMXN 101-7 The Torch, along with the addition of Fort Payne’s oldest radio station WFPA, the reach of Southern Torch now serves a primary audience in DeKalb, Jackson, and Marshall counties.

In January 2020, Jackson Blaze was developed as a

subsidiary brand to host Jackson County news, happenings, and Southern Torch, Inc., is excited to announce the addition of WFPA 1400 AM and its FM translator 93.9 to the company’s radio programming portfolio.

Southern Torch sought approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and an application for license transfer was approved. The license transfer was completed on March 18, 2021.

“We are excited about the continued growth of our audience that puts Southern Torch in a better position to serve our area,” said Southern Torch General Manager Eloise Smith. “We look forward to rebranding the station and providing programming that offers more variety for our audience.”

BARNETT SET TO BE SUPERINTENDENT AT GUNTERSVILLE CITY SCHOOLS Published: April DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — DeKalb County Superintendent Dr. Jason Barnett is set

to be the next Superintendent of Education at Guntersville City Schools.

“Last night, it was announced that I am the top choice of the Guntersville City Board of Education to serve [as] its Superintendent of Education,” said Dr. Barnett. “I consider this a great honor and a statement of support not only for me but specifically in regards to the great work that we have accomplished in DeKalb County.”

According to Barnett, members of the DeKalb County Board of Education will appoint his replacement on an interim basis to serve until his term expires on December 31, 2024. No special election is expected to be held.

Pending board approval, Barnett, who has served as Superintendent of DeKalb County Schools since 2017, will replace Ric Ayer who has served as interim superintendent since last December. Ayer previously served as superintendent for

>2021, P3

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Jackson Co Brings Home Two State Titles

Published: March

BIRMINGHAM – Skyline High School jumped out to a quick lead in the first half and posted a 54-41 victory over Marion County Friday to claim the Vikings’ first state basketball title.

The Vikings (30-7), coached by Ronnie McCarter, led 1710 after the first quarter and 36-20 at the half. However, Marion County (29-8), coached by Scott Veal, cut the lead to nine late in the third quarter

but went on a scoring drought in the fourth quarter not making another bucket until 3:33 left in the game.

By then, Skyline had built a 53-38 lead.

Senior Gracie Stucky led the Vikings with 19 points, six rebounds, and three assists to be named MVP of the 1A state tourney. Grace Rowell also had 17 points, nine rebounds, five steals, three blocked shots, two

assists, and was 7-of-7 at the free-throw line. Lexie Stucky contributed six points and seven rebounds.

Pacing the Red Raiders was junior Trinity Metcalf with 18 points, 13 rebounds, and two steals. Cara Sullivan had nine points and Serenity Metcalfe, Trinity’s younger sister, had five points, seven rebounds, four steals, and two assists.

Published: March BIRMINGHAM – Pisgah High School’s girls did it again.

Senior Molly Heard scored 23 points and Kallie Tinker had 13 to lead the Lady Eagles (25-6) to their fourth straight girls’ state basketball championship.

Pisgah beat Hatton 64-38 in the finals of the Class 2A state tourney Saturday at the Birmingham CrossPlex Bill Harris Arena. The previous titles in the state came in Class 3A. ey Ellison

opened a 13-6 lead after one quarter and took a 31-13 margin into the locker room at halftime.

The state title was the ninth in school history and the seventh coached by Ellison. It was also the 650th win of his coaching career.

His overall record is 650-161. The Eagles won their first two state titles back-to-back 2A titles in 1981 and 1982 with Butch Cassidy serving as the coach.

Ellison’s teams have now won seven titles in 1997, 2003, 2005,

2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021. Heard earned MVP honors with her game-high 23 points. The senior forward was 9-of-10 at the foul line, nine rebounds and three assists, two blocked shots, and four steals.

Tinker made two treys among her 13 points and had two steals.

Kennedy Barron also had seven points and nine rebounds. The Eagle’s defense forced 22 Hatton turnovers and won the rebound batted 44-37.

Friday - December 31, 2021 - 3

Southern Torch

Readers Choice 2021 Continued...

Albertville City Schools and Franklin County Schools in Georgia.

“While considering leaving home is hard and the timing may never seem right, God directs our path, and His timing and plan [are] perfect,” continued Barnett. “I am very excited to finalize this process and then embark on this new journey alongside the community and the faculty and staff of Guntersville City Schools.”

According to Guntersville City Schools, a special called board meeting will be held to finalize Barnett’s contract. Southern Torch will continue to follow up on this developing story.

OUR DIXIELAND DELIGHT: ALABAMA KICKS OFF 50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR Publshed: July NASHVILLE, Ala.-- Alabama’s 50th Anniversary Tour will kick off this weekend, July 2-3 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.

The tour, which was delayed due to COVID-19, will cover nearly 30 concerts through 2022. A special guest for the kickoff concert will be Martina McBride.

Several other musicians and bands will join the boys from Fort Payne throughout the tour included Travis Tritt, Tracy Lawrence, Sara Evans, The Marshall Tucker Band and The Beach Boys. In 1969, cousins Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry and Jeff Cook founded the band, originally named Wildcountry.

In 1977, the group changed its name to Alabama.

In the early 1980s, the band had over 27 number one

hits, seven multiplatinum albums, and received numerous awards. Alabama’s first single on RCA Records, “Tennessee River”, began a streak of 21 number one singles, including “ Love in the First Degree” (1981), “Mountain Music” (1982), “Dixieland Delight” (1983), and Song of the South (1988).

Alabama changed the face of country music and have received over 300 awards for their talents, including being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum.

In 2019, the group was awarded the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award.

JONES TO RUN FOR DISTRICT ATTORNEY Published: October 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 Welden in DeKalb and Sheriff Shaver in Cherokee need a reliable partner. My background is in business and real-world problemsolving. As a 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 any one 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.”

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

CARDWELL CHARGED WITH MURDER Published:

August RAINSVILLE, Ala.-- The Rainsville Police Department reported that a homicide occurred on Friday night.

The Rainsville Police Department received information that a body was left near a business in Rainsville. Officers responded and located the body of Ricky Don Wilks.

Wilk’s body was sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Science for an autopsy.

On August 9, 2021, Jason Cardwell, 43 of Rainsville was booked into the DeKalb County Detention Center.

He was charged with Murder. Cardwell’s bond is set for $1,000,000.

Agents with Rainsville, Fyffe, Fort Payne, and Boaz Police Departments along with DeKalb and Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, investigators from Center for Applied Forensics, and 9th Circuit District Attorney’s Office all assisted with the case.

Chief Michael Edmondson states, “ I am extremely proud of the tireless work that the officers of the Rainsville Police Department and Major Crimes Unit have put into working this case. It has taken many hours and the work is being continued in a great effort to bring this case to a close.”

MOON LAKE CLOSURE Published: February the DeKalb County Board of Education (BOE) held their regularly scheduled meeting.

The work session of the meeting was dedicated to hearing the concerns of the Moon Lake community regarding

the possible closure of Moon Lake Elementary School.

Superintendent Dr. Jason Barnett stated that the closure of Moon Lake had been ongoing for 90 years.

“We have positions that are serving 56 students that we pay the same that serves 1,200 at other schools,” said Barnett. “We have to provide an equal opportunity for all our students.” During the meeting, the BOE voted unanimously to close Moon Lake Elementary School at the end of the current school year.

RAINSVILLE SIGN ORDINANCE Published: April, June, & October In March, the Rainsville City Council approved Resolution 3-15-2021.

The ordinance will regulate how signs can be displayed within the City. The ordinance will prohibit flashing, highway, bench, and digital signs within the city limits of Rainsville.

On June 6, Kay Guffey addressed the Council on the digital billboard that was installed by New South Outdoor, in front of the Tom Bevel Center in Rainsville. New South Outdoor is located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She requested verification regarding why the Council allowed the billboard without the knowledge of Rainsville citizens.

City Attorney Nikki Scott advised Guffey that the Council voted in Executive Session to hire a Constitutional Lawyer to help advise on the proper procedure in handling the request for the billboard. The

company found a “loophole” in the Sign Ordinance that originally wanted five billboards across the City. The Mayor and Council agreed to not pursue a lawsuit if only two were allowed in the City.

On Thursday evening, October 7, Rainsville Citizens had the opportunity to meet and appeal decisions made by the Rainsville City Board of Adjustments regarding sign permit applications.

After the installation of a digital sign on City property by New South, many Citizens requested the same opportunity. The decision to allow New South the opportunity to install two digital signs struck a chord with many citizens who were denied. Dennis Hicks served as spokesperson for the group of citizens whose applications were denied. Hicks also discussed the Ordinance, which was patterned from a current Ordinance from the State of Oregon, and the City’s ability to enforce the regulations.

Hicks asked the Board of Adjustments whether they wanted the same values in our small town as those from Oregon.

After hearing the concerns of citizens at the meeting, the Board approved two signs for Hicks. The sign locations are at Hilltop, on Highway 75, and one on Highway 35 in Rainsville. The Board later denied the approval to Hicks, citing that it was not unanimous.

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!

December 31 - HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

January 1, First Day Hike 2022- CCC Unfinished Bridge Start the New Year with a first day hike in DeSoto State Park!

Join DeSoto State Park & JSU Field School staff on a hike to the Civilian Conservation Corp’s ‘unfinished’ Bridge. Learn the history of why the CCC left it standing and see several original structures. Time: 1:00 pm (CST) Where: DeSoto State Park-Fort Payne, AlabamaGilliam Loop Trailhead (past DeSoto’s Lodge on the cabin road) Coordinates:

34°29’24.3”N 85°36’28.7”W Fee: Free and open to everyone. For any details, email Brittney.

Hughes@dcnr. alabama.gov January 14, PBR Bull Bash 2022 Landers McLarty Ford Fort Payne proudly presents the PBR Bull Bash 2022!

January 14 & 15, 2022 | Doors open at 6:00 pm | Event starts at 7:30 pm. Come see some of the top bull riders in the Touring Pro Division on January 14th & 15th at the Northeast Alabama Agri Business Center.

For the first time at this event, freestyle

bullfighting is brought to you by Bud Light and the Ultimate Bullfighters! Tickets are good for one-night admission only and are non-refundable unless the event is canceled. $20.00 - Advance General Admission Ticket - Admit One. January 22, American Legion Post 89 - American Legion Post 89 of Fort Payne, Alabama, cordially invites you to join American Legion Post 89, veterans, patrons, pastors, and public, to commemorate the selfless sacrafice of Four Immortal Chaplins 79 years ago.

Sunday, February

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.

6, 2022 at 2:00 PM Hosted by the City of Fort Payne.

Fort Payne City Auditorium 100 Alabama Ave. N.W. Fort Payne, AL 35967.

For further information comtact Commander Donald Donaghy, Jr. (256)717-3350 / ctr2dbd@aol.com January 22, Gadsden Winter Sing 2022 - Gadsden Winter Sing 2022 happening at The Church at Wills Creek, 2730 Wills Creek Rd, Gadsden, AL 35904, Gadsden, United States on Sat Jan 22 2022 at 06:00 pm

May 7, The Sharps - For more than three decades, The Sharps have been an Alabama-based quartet dedicated to the male, four-part harmony that so many

love and enjoy. In person and on recordings, you’ll hear songs that are centered around each Christian’s ultimate goal - Heaven. www. thesharpsquartet.com 41 Anderson St, Valley Head, AL

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

4 - Friday - December 31, 2021

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LEGALS LEGALS

LEGALS

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF DEKALB

EXECUTOR’S NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS

MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE NOTICE

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF FANNIE MAE HARP DAVIS, DECEASED CASE NO.: 2021-424 Letters of Testamentary on the Estate of FANNIE MAE HARP DAVIS, Deceased, having Duc. been granted to the undersigned on the 15 day of December, 2021, by the 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 December 24, 31, & January 7

LEGALS EXECUTRIX’S NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS THE STATE OF ALABAMA THE COUNTY OF DEKALB PROBATE COURT CASE NO: 2021-420 IN RE: THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BRANDOL KIRBY LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the Estate of BRANDOL KIRBY, having been granted unto the undersigned on the 14 day of December, 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 December 17, 24, & 31

DEFAULT HAVING BEEN MADE in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain real estate mortgage executed to Liberty Bank by Barbara Hurley, which mortgage is dated November 22, 1993, and which was recorded in Mortgage Book 657, Page 146 in the Office of the Judge of Probate, DeKalb County, Alabama; and that certain Notice of Additional Advance to be Secured by Mortgage dated September 9, 1994 and recorded on September 20, 1994 in Mortgage Book685, Page 127 in the Office of the Judge of Probate, DeKalb County, Alabama; and that certain Notice of Additional Advance to be Secured by Mortgage dated June 13, 1997 and recorded on June 30, 1997 in Mortgage Book 77, Page 142 in the Office of the Judge of Probate, DeKalb County, Alabama; and that certain Amendment to Mortgage and Security Agreement dated May 10, 2002 and recorded on May 16, 2002 in Mortgage Book 1039, Page 224 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 Liberty Bank proceed to sell on January 26, 2022, 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 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: One (1) acre in a square in the SE corner of the SE ¼ of the SW ¼ of Section 23, Township 7 South, Range 7 East, DeKalb County, Alabama, together with all the improvements thereon.

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

Said notice to be published December 31, January 7, & 14

LEGALS

LEGALS

Eviction notice for renters at: 1340 McCurdy Avenue South, Rainsville AL 35986

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

This notice is to remind you that because uour rent hasn’t been paid, and after several attempts to talk with you about the removal of your leftover items, and clean the house and yard, you have not responded excepted say you no lonfer want the house.

On Jan. 2022, if all of your leftover things are not cleaned-up they will be discarded and you owe an additional 2 months rent.

- Management Said notice to be published, December 10, 17, 24, & 31.

In Re: The estate of JOHN JAMES PHARES, Deceased Case No. 2021-376 Dekalb County AL Probate DEC 16 21 AM10:45 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT TO BE PUBLISHED BY ADMINISTRATOR Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to DEEDRA PHARES on the 16 day of Dec. 2021 . by the Honorable Ronnie Osborn, Judge of Probate Court of DeKalb County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within six months after the grant of letters, or within five months from the date of the first publication of this notice, whichever is the later to occur, or the same will be barred.

Witness my hand this the 16 day of Dec.

LEGALS

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: DAVID DAN JOHNSON, Deceased.

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: JANICE ELAINE JOHNSON, Deceased.

EXECUTOR NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS IN RE: THE ESTATE OF DAVID DAN JOHNSON LETTERS TESTAMENTARY AS EXECUTOR OF THE WILL OF DAVID DAN JOHNSON, DECEASED, having been granted unto the undersigned on the 13 day of Dec 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 December 17, 24, & 31

$15

for 6 months

$30

for a full year

$25

for vets & seniors

Said notice to be published December 24, 31, & January 7

LEGALS

Case Number: 2021-405

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LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF Ruby Frazier, deceased.

Case Number: 2021-406

CASE NO: 2021-372

EXECUTOR NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JANICE ELAINE JOHNSON

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

JOHNSON, DECEASED, having been granted unto the undersigned on the 13 day of Dec 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

Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Sarah Jane Williams on 16 day of Dec - 2021, by the Ronnie Osborn, Probate Judge of Dekalb County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are hereby required to present same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Said notice to be published December 17, 24, & 31

Said notice to be published December 24, 31, & January 7

from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

Larry Charles Fricks - 76, of Grove Oak passed away on Wednesday, December 22, 2021. Funeral services are set for 3pm Sunday, December 26, 2021 from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

Josey Steven Sargent - 19, of Henagar passed away on Wednesday, December 22, 2021.

Funeral services are set for 11am Monday, December 27, 2021 from the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Henagar with Bro. Darrell Sears officiating. Burial will be in Friendship Missionary Baptist Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 3 until 8pm Sunday at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

Bobbie Jean White - 85, of Scottsboro passed away on Thursday, December 23, 2021. Funeral Services are set for 12pm on Monday, December 27, 2021 from the W.T. Wilson Chapel. The family will receive friends from 11:00 am until the hour of service. Burial will be in Liberty Cemetery in Painter.

Larry Richard Barnett - 65, of Fort Payne passed away on Saturday, December

25, 2021. Visitation will be held from 2pm until the hour of service at 3pm on Friday, December 31,2021 from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

Ernestine Jefferson Wafford Stanbery - 81, of Rainsville passed away on Saturday, December 25, 2021. A memorial service will be held at 2pm Wednesday, December 29,2021 from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bro. Brent Casey officiating.

Shirley Dell Wilson Bryant - 84, of Henagar passed away on Monday, December 27, 2021. Funeral services are set for 12noon Thursday, December 30, 2021 with Bro. David Bailey officiating. Burial will be at Henagar Memorial Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 3 until 8pm Wednesday at the funeral home.

Ethel Lee Willaims - 80, of Ft. Payne passed away on Monday, December 27, 2021. Funeral services are set for 2pm Thursday, December 30, 2021 from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

Burial will be in New Home Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 until 8pm Wednesday at the funeral home.

OBITUARIES Wilson Frances Nell Benefield Burns - 81, of Sylvania, passed away Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at her home. Funeral services will be 2 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 27th Katherine Busby Maulden - 82, of Fort Payne, passed away Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at her home.

Funeral services will be 12 noon Monday at Liberty Hill Baptist Church.

Eric Lee Hunt - 30, of Fyffe, passed away Saturday, December 25, 2021. Funeral services will be 2 p.m.

Tuesday at Wilson Funeral Home.

Walter Karl Hood, Jr. - 73 of Fort Payne, passed away on Monday, December 27, 2021. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, December 30, 2021.

Frank Eugene Hendrix - 70 of Fort Payne, passed away Monday Dec. 27, 2021.

Funeral services will be 11AM Thursday.

Burt Perry Emory Mann - 78, of Fort Payne, Alabama, passed away in peace on Wednesday night, December 22, 2021.

Funeral: Sunday, December 26, 2021.

Clydia Ann Doss 79, of Valley Head, Alabama, passed away on Friday, December 24, 2021. Date of Funeral: Wednesday, December 29, 2021.

Cornerstone Carl David Bain - 89 of Pisgah died Wednesday, December 22 at his residence.

Funeral services are Friday at 1 PM CT. Nancy Elaine Tinker Kesler - 82 of Higdon died Thursday, December 23 at CHI Memorial. Funeral services are Monday at 2 PM CT. Judy Gail Rich - 65 of Stevenson died Thursday, December 23 at Crestwood Medical Center. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 1 at 2 PM CT.

Geraldine Betty Lee - 77 of Scottsboro, passed away on Friday, December 24, 2021 at her residence. Funeral Service is Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at 1:00 pm at Kerby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Earnest Corbitt officiating.

Burial will follow at Warren’s Graveyard

Rainsville Eloise Pearcey - 76 of Rainsville, Alabama

passed away on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 Graveside services will be held December 23, at 3:30PM. David Edward Nation - 84, born October 29, 1937 of Oneonta, Alabama passed away on Thursday, December 23, 2021. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

RJ Horton - 79 of Fort Payne, Alabama passed away on Friday, December 24, 2021. Graveside Services will be held Saturday, January 8, 2021 at 1PM. James Levoy Walker - 81 passed away on Saturday, December 25, 2021 at Erlanger Medical Center. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at 2:00PM.

Scottsboro Boyd Franklin Dabbs - 68, of Henagar, passed away on Tuesday, December 21, 2021. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 24, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Scottsboro Funeral Home with Danny Murray officiating.

Burial will follow at Greenhaven Memorial Gardens.

Loretta Ann Willmon - of Ft. Payne, passed away on Thursday, December 23, 2021 at Highlands Medical Center in Scottsboro. Ms. Willmon was 57 years old. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at 11:00 am,

in New Prospect Cemetery.

Susan Marie Holcomb - 69, passed away on Friday, December 24, 2021.

Services will be held on Tuesday, December 28, at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Gross Cemetery.

Regina Carol West - 61, of Woodville, passed away on Saturday, December 25, 2021. Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.

Burial will follow at Union Cemetery.

Lester Gant Jr. - 66, passed away on Sunday, December 26, 2021. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at 2:00 p.m., with Bro. Josh Little officiating. Burial will follow.

W.T. Wilson Kathy Elaine Buckner - 70, of Rainsville passed away on Wednesday, December 22, 2021.

Funeral services are set for 3pm Tuesday, December 28, 2021.

William W. (Bill) Lee - 83, passed away peacefully December 22, 2021, at St. Vincent’s East Hospital, Birmingham.

Celebration of Life Service honoring Mr. Lee will be held on Wednesday, December 29, 2021.

Martin Larry Bouldin - 78, of Rainsville passed away on Wednesday, December 22, 2021.

Funeral services are set for 1pm Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Burt Funeral H omes

Southern Torch

By Steve Flowers As has been my custom for 18 years, I like for my yearend column to be a remembrance of Alabama political figures who have passed away during the year.

We lost some good ones this year.

We lost our oldest past governor, John Patterson in June.

Governor Patterson passed away at age 99 at his ancestral home in rural Tallapoosa County surrounded by his family.

Patterson was Governor from 19591963. He defeated George Wallace in the 1958 Governor’s Race, which featured a field of 14 candidates.

He is the only man to beat George Wallace in a governor’s race. Patterson was Attorney General of Alabama prior to being elected Governor. He

Friday - December 31, 2021 - 5

Inside The Statehouse

subsequently was appointed to the Court of Criminal Appeals

by Wallace and was reelected numerous times and retired as a Judge of the Alabama Court of Appeals.

He was a treasure trove of Alabama political history. He was Governor during a turbulent time in Alabama history.

Former Alabama Attorney General Jimmy Evans died in February at 81.

Evans was a native of Montgomery and was Montgomery County District Attorney prior to being elected Attorney General.

Retired Alfa lobbyist Milton Parsons passed away in March at 91. Milton was renowned on Goat Hill as a straight arrow and straight shooter.

He was an honest, trustworthy, Christian gentleman. He was

Alfa’s chief lobbyist for 50 years. He was a devoted family man and devout Christian.

Former Troy mayor, Jimmy Lunsford died in May at 78. He was mayor of Troy for 30 years. Economic development was his forte. He was a tremendous steward of the city’s finances. He left Troy in good shape financially.

Former Mobile congressman Sonny Callahan passed away at 88 in late June. He was one of a long line of popular and effective congressmen from the first district.

The list includes Frank Boykin, Jack Edwards, Jo Bonner, Bradley Byrne and Sonny.

Congressman Callahan served 10 terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. Prior to his two decades in Congress, he served

in the Alabama House of Representatives and then six years in the State Senate.

He was successful in the trucking business in conjunction with his legislative and congressional career.

State Representative Thad McClammy of Montgomery passed away at 79 in August. McClammy represented parts of Montgomery County for 27 years. I had the privilege to serve with Thad in the legislature.

He was a real gentleman. His word was as good as gold.

He had a tremendous turnout for his funeral.

State Senator Kirk Hatcher did a fabulous job singing two favorite hymns.

Former State Legislator and longtime Geneva County Probate

Judge Harold Wise died in August at 96 years old. He lived an amazing and colorful life. He was a loved and respected Geneva County political figure.

He was the uncle of Supreme Court Justice Kelli Wise. Kelli adored him. He was her mentor. She says he sparked her love of politics and her desire to have a career in public service.

Retired WinstonMarion County Circuit Judge Bobby Aderholt passed away in September at 85. He was a 50-year public servant, as well as lay minister. People say he probably married or buried half the folks in and around Haleyville and that

part of Northwest Alabama. There was a tremendous turn out for his funeral. He was revered. State Senator Greg Reed sang at his funeral.

Judge Aderholt was the father of our senior congressman, Robert Aderholt who is completing his 25th year in Congress.

Former State Senator Jim Preuitt of Talladega died in September at 86.

He was also a State Representative and Probate Judge of Talladega County.

He was a successful businessman and family man.

We lost some good ones this year.

Happy New Year!

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Southern Torch

Best of the Best

Heart of Champions

Published: March, 2021 BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Fyffe High school rode the inside-outside combination of Parker Godwin and Brody Dalton to the Red Devil’s first-ever AHSAA state basketball championship beating Montgomery Catholic 49-43 in the finals Friday at Bill Harris Arena.

The victory capped an incredible season – that following Fyffe’s first Class 3A state football title December – over the same opponent. The Knights (21-6) and Red Devils (27-6) became the first teams in AHSAA

state history to play for the state titles in both sports in the same school year against each other.

Godwin had a game-high 21 points, two assists, two steals, and four rebounds to earn Class 3A state tournament MVP honors for the Red Devils. His heroics also put him in some tall company. His mother (Jana Simmons) scored more than 3,000 points in her high school basketball career at Fyffe before moving the Jacksonville State where she played basketball and softball.

Dalton, who played in the Alabama-Mississippi AllStar Football Classic last December, muscled in 12 points in the win over

Catholic and finished with a double-double hauling in 11 rebounds.

He also blocked three shots. Micah Johnson also had 11 points and seven rebounds, and Michael Xavier Works scored only two points, but rebound and the put-back basket at the end of the third quarter gave Fyffe a 3127 lead heading into the fourth period.

Fyffe head coach Neal Thrash announced his retirement from coaching after the game.

In 28 seasons, he has compiled a 559-261 overall head-coaching record.

Class 3A Boys’

During the preseason, McPherson went 5-for-5 on field goal attempts with the farthest reaching 50-plus yards.

McPherson made his NFL debut as the Cincinnati Bengals hosted the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, September 12. It did not take long for fans to see the incredible

talent that the player from Fort Payne had.

Early in the game, McPherson made his first career NFL field goal, a 53-yarder that counted as the second-longest in the AFC for week one.

McPherson kicked a 33-yard field goal, as time expired in OT, to give Cincinnati the 27-24 victory over the

PLV Lady Bears Make History

Published: May, 2021

Lady Bears had to Brown had a triple, defeat Prattville and Eliane Puckett 866.638.2144 | FARMERSTEL.COM | FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: @FARMERSTEL Christian twice to OXFORD – The finished 3-for-4 Plainview Lady Bears claim the title. In with three RBIs and the first game, the (43-8-1) defeated scored three runs.

Lady Bears defeated Prattville Chrisitian On the mound, Prattville, 13-4. to win their first Plainview pitcher and Burning the midnight ever Alabama High Tournament MVP, oil, Plainview started School Athletic Tessa Word only the final game of Association allowed four hits. the series, at 10:26 (ASHAA) Class She struck out four p.m.

The Plainview 3A State Softball and walked none. At Lady Bears shut out Championship.

Prattville Christian, bat, she had two hits On Friday, 13-0 and ended the and a RBI. Prattville Christian game at 12:06 a.m., (35-10) defeated Plainview was in the fifth inning the Lady Bears, 3-2 well represented in due to the 10-run sending Plainview the Class 3A Allmercy rule to win to the losers State Tournament the Class 3A State bracket of the Team. Those Championship. double-elimination members included: Plainview had tournament.

Elaine Puckett, Mia several key players After defeating Tidmore, Halle to help seal the win.

Houston Academy Brown, and Tessa Jada Hampton hit a in the elimination three-run homer in Word, (MVP). bracket finals, The the first inning. Halle

McPherson Kicks Off NFL Career

Published: September

By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

CINCINNATi, OH--Fort Payne native Evan McPherson made the final National Football League (NFL) roster as kicker, for the Cincinnati Bengals.

Vikings.

At only 22 years old, McPherson made NFL history as being the youngest kicker in NFL history to kick a game-winning field goal in overtime.

McPherson was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his outstanding performance.

Although the

Bengals lost their second week matchup, 20-17 against the Chicago Bears, McPherson had a stellar game. He kicked a 53-yard field goal in the third quarter, along with making his extra point attempts, to make him perfect in the season.

“I just want to thank everyone who

helped me get to where I am today!” stated Evan McPherson. “ I want to use my platform to be a good role model for all the kids that dream of being a professional athlete and just show them that if you work hard and trust in God’s plan for you, you can do anything you want to do!”

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Friday - December 31, 2021 - 7

Southern Torch

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Southern Torch

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