ST Vol 8 No 27

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Beta - Nashville Style THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, July 8, 2022 / VOL. 8, NO. 27 / $1.00

Performing Arts Group (2nd Place) Cornerstone Christian Academy

Engineering-3rd Place Sylvania

Performing Arts 1st place - Kelbi Watkins and Alexa Brown

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

NASHVILLE, TENN.-Beta Club members shined like rhinestones on the Broadway Strip, while at the

McKenna Mitchell from Henagar was selected to be a Premier Performer for the Opening Ceremony of the National Beta Club

National Beta Convention held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, last week.

DeKalb and Jackson Counties were well represented at the

Elementary, Junior and Senior Conventions, competing against the best in the nation.

At the Elementary Convention, held June 30-July 1, numerous students placed in the

Board Approves Window Replacement Project

the County have buildings that are 30 to 100 years old. These new windows will improve air marla@southerntorch.com quality, the look of the building RAINSVILLE, ALA-- (Video on and will provide better safety.

Schools with complete Southern Torch Facebook) The window replacements include DeKalb County Board of Geraldine, Henagar, and Sylvania.

Education met on Friday, July 1.

Crossville Middle School (Back Kyle King and Todd Smith of building) , Fyffe (Rear section of Scheider, presented a plan for main building) , Collinsville the next stage of projects that include window replacements for (Computer Lab) and Ider will see the DeKalb County School System. Several schools within

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

>See BOE, P6

following categories: • Black and White Photography (8th place) Asa Pettyjohn, Sylvania • Color Photography (7th place) Addison Shoults, Valley Head • Creative Writing (3rd

place) Callie Berry, Cornerstone Christian Academy • Digital Art (10th place) Addison Shoults, Valley Head

>See BETA, P6

Hit-and-Run Hearing Set

Tyler Blaise Wilbanks (DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office)

charges of manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident, in connection with the accident, marla@southerntorch.com that claimed the life of a Crossville teenager.

DEKALB COUNTY, ALA.-- A According to the Alabama Law preliminary hearing has been set Enforcement Agency (ALEA), the for a Sylvania man charged with two-vechile crash happened manslaughter following a hit-and around 10:20 p.m. on April 2, on run accident on April 2.

Alabama 75 near the 68-mile Tyler Blaise Wilbanks, 23, of Sylvania is expected to appear in court on August 22, facing

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

>See HIT, P4

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2 - Friday - July 8, 2022

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Record Breaking Year For Tourism In Jackson County

Jackson County, AL (July 1, 2022) A recent report by the Alabama Tourism Department revealed a record setting year for Jackson County. The plethora of activities and abundant natural resources drew in more than a million visitors last year. The report detailed a 36.2% growth in tourist expenditures, a total of

more than $77 Million for Jackson County.

2019 had been a record year for tourism bringing in more than $70 Million. “The tourism industry suffered significantly during the pandemic, and it is exciting to see that it has bounced back stronger than before.” said Rick Roden, President/CEO of the Mountain Lakes

Chamber.

This new report shows a 36% increase over 2020 and a 10% increase over 2019.

Jackson County attractions such as 69,000-Acre Lake Guntersville, Goose Pond Colony Resort,

Unclaimed Baggage, Russell Cave National Monument, Public, Private Hunting, and Wildlife Observation Preserves and other landmark destinations bring people from all over the world.

Jackson County has seen a $22.5M growth in tourism spending over the past five years. A trend we’re likely to see

continue. The report also noted 974 direct and indirect tourism jobs and $24.5 Million in earnings for Jackson County.

The growth of tourist spending in Jackson County is at an all-time high, and it has a significant economic impact for the community.

2022 County Committee Elections Paint Rock River Conservation They need to raise interest for the

By David Hall Nominations Now Open $223,000 by committee for some Reporter

By David Hall Reporter

david@southerntorch.com

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) urges all farmers, ranchers, and FSA program participants to participate in the Jackson County Committee election nomination process this month.

A person must participate or cooperate in a program administered

by FSA, be eligible to vote in a county committee election, and reside in the local administrative area (LAA) in which the person is a candidate, to be eligible to serve on an FSA county committee. Counties

are divided into LAA for election purposes.

Each LAA elects one producer to serve on the FSA county committee for a three-year term.

Eligible individuals must sign an FSA-669A nomination form to become a candidate. The form and other information about FSA county committee elections can be found at fsa. usda.gov/elections.

The nomination process began on June 15. Nomination forms for the 2022 election must be postmarked or received at the local

USDA Service Center

by August 1. For further information about FSA county committee elections and appointments, refer to the FSA fact sheet: Eligibility to Vote and Hold Office as a COC Member located at fsa. usda.gov/elections online.

david@southerntorch.com

The Land Trust of North Alabama is seeking community support to purchase a 91-acre property in Jackson County. The property covers about two-thirds of a mile of Paint Rock River.

A Special Birthday

A birthday lunch for two very special WWII Vets, Loyd and Jack Ivey (brothers), was held June 30 Limon’s in Henagar! Thanks for your service!

November 1, in order to acquire the property. Over half of that goal has already been reached.

The Land Trust of North Alabama’s land committee said in a statement, “North Alabama’s Paint Rock River is known as one of the Southeast’s last free-flowing rivers and one of the most biologically diverse in the world with around 50 state- or federallylisted species found within the river and its tributaries.”

Once they heard about the land’s availability, the Land Trust of North Alabama’s land committee reached out to the owners about purchasing the land.

Paint Rock River has been an area of

TVA & SMEC Fund $50,000

Submitted Article

Sand Mountain Electric Cooperative (SMEC) is proud to partner with TVA’s Community Care Fund to provide $50,000 to the Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama, headquartered in Rainsville. SMEC’s Board of Trustees considered this a tremendous opportunity to bring TVA money to our area by contributing $25,000 to be matched with an additional $25,000 for TVA’s Community Care Fund.

Community Action provides assistance for the basic essentials of life, including food, power, water, medical, housing and clothes for those in the most desperate need in our

TVA and SMEC team up to make a $50,000 presentation. Shown from L-R are Tyler Cooper, SMEC, Robby Jones, TVA, Lauren Pelto, TVA, Mark Malone, SMEC, Carrie Lea, CAANEA and Keeuntae Stone, TVA.

area. As a recipient of federal, state and local grants, Community Action adheres to strict requirements on the use of funds entrusted to the organization.

These funds will be kept locally and used to improve the lives of hundreds of folks in the SMEC service area.

The positive impact on the lives touched with

this funding is enormous.

SMEC officials realize there are several other local charities that also do a great job of serving people in dire need of the basic necessities of life. Among them are the Salvation Army and Care Assurance and System for Aging (CASA) that are both

well-respected for their charitable work and have locations in DeKalb, Jackson and Marshall counties.

Other local organizations include Upper Sand Mountain Parish, United Givers Fund, The Christian Care Center and numerous local churches that provide assistance.

In addition, SMEC members may participate in a program called “Neighbor Helping Neighbor” by agreeing to give a monthly monetary gift of their choice that will conveniently be added to their electric bill and used to assist fellow cooperative members with their electric bills.

If interested, please telephone the co-op office for more information at 256-638-2153.

Contact Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama by dialing 256-638-4430 for assistance with paying electric utility bills or other services mentioned above.

time.

The Land Trust of North Alabama continued, “The Paint Rock River Valley as a whole is incredibly important in terms of conservation value due to the high diversity of species, particularly aquatic and plant life, found there.”

Just over 23 of the 91 acres are already enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program administered by the Farm Service Agency. To provide a buffer from erosion and runoff, trees have been planted or preserved along the river.

The long-term plans the Land Trust of North Alabama has for the property include an extensive wetland restoration project, allowing the property to maintain a more natural condition as a bottomland hardwood forest.

The property would not be open to the public since it’s a conservation property.

Donations for the project can be made at landtrustnal.org/ preserve-paint-rock.

With further questions about this land preservation project, contact questions@ landtrustnal.org or 256-534-5263.

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Southern Torch

HOOD Continues Baseball Career

Sales Representative

Peyton Hood, a Ider High School graduate, recently signed to continue his baseball career with Wallace. Photo by Cheryl Boydston | Southern Torch

Kiwanis Club

Are you professional, creative, and focused on excellent customer service? #SOUTHERNTORCH has an immediate opening available. We are building our sales team and looking for individuals with a strong sales background, balanced by over-the-top customer service skills. Experience in radio, newspaper, or digital sales is a plus!

Southern Torch is a multi-platform company, operating two FM radio stations (WKEA 98.3 and WMXN 101.7), a weekly newspaper, and online news.

Southern Torch offers one of the most competitive commission structures in the industry! Our market footprint is large and untargeted, therefore the right go-getter has unlimited growth opportunities. If you are eager to get to work, apply your creativity, and help businesses expand their brand and succeed, let's get together!

No phone calls, please. Southern Torch is a member of the Alabama Broadcasters Asociation & Alabama Press Association. Southern Torch Media is an equal opportunity employer. Submit resumes to marla@southerntorch.com

Dave Latham, pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church, was the speaker at the Kiwanis Club on June 29, 2022. Pictured left to right are Pastor Latham and Kiwanian Andrew Hairston. The Kiwanis Club meets every Wednesday at Cattle Stampede.

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

P.O. Box 218 • Geraldine, AL 35974

(256)659-2138

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 8, The Zoo Story (New Version) at Northeast Alabama Comm College The show will be performed over the span of two weekends, running from July 8 to July 17. On Fridays and Saturdays, the show will begin at 7 p.m.; on Sundays, it will start at 2 p.m. in the Tom Bevill Lyceum. Tickets for “The Zoo Story” will be $8. They can be purchased by phone, online, or in person.

For further information, call 256-638-4418, ext.

2218.

July 9, Dekalb Republican Breakfast Club - Saturday, July 9th, 2022, at 7:30 am.

Our featured guest speaker will be Matt Fridy, Justice of the Alabama Court

of Civil Appeals. Matt will cover the recent rulings of the SCOTUS and their significance.

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. Although the Stampede does not serve breakfast, they open early and provide a limited breakfast menu for us. Please express our gratitude to Miles and the management.

If you are on

Facebook, look for and like the notices on the Dekalb County Republican Party page.

The more likes that we get causes Facebook to up the exposure of the post.

July 17, Benefield Reunion - The annual Benefield reunion has been changed from the 2nd Sunday to the 3rd Sunday of July. This year it will be held on July 17th beginning at 10:30am until 2:00pm. It will be at the Bevile Center in Rainsville, AL. We always have great food at lunch so bring your favorite. Family or friends of the Benefield family are invited.

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 Reace Osborn - Account Executive Jenna Sue Payne - Account Executive Patti Browder - Radio Traffic Lindsey Jones - Accounting Robert Crumley - Radio Personality Jenny Wootten Mann - Radio Personality Randy Frawley - Radio Personality David Hall - Reporter

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.

July 18, Plainview Football Youth Camp - Monday 7pm - 9pm.

Students entering grades K - 6th. Cost is $30. Located at the Plainview game field. The camp will be organized and run by the Plainview coaching staff Enrollees will pay upon arrival.

August 13, Northeast Alabama Gospel Music Jubilee - General Admission – $30 each. Artist Circle – 35$ each (First five rows guaranteed) Church groups of 10 or more people please contact us to get a group rate discount –Doors open at 5 pm.

The concert starts at 6 pm. Seats are first come first serve. Call/

Text 256-609-3908 for Tickets. Tickets can be mailed or picked up. Tickets will also be available at the door the night of the event.

Sat at 6:00PM 9:00PM Scottsboro Goosepond Civic Center. 1165 Ed Hembree Drive Scottsboro 35768

November 5, Canyon Fest - Canyon Fest is an annual celebration of art and nature featuring local art, crafts, live animal shows, music, food and fun for the entire family. Free and open to everyone. Pets welcome on leashes.

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

Office: (256)845-0046 Emergency: (256)845-3031

125 22nd Street NW Fort Payne, AL 35967 www.dahvets.com

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LEGALS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO: CV 2022900071 LIBERTY BANK, PLAINTIFF VS. CHUCK BROWN, DEFENDANT NOTICE BY PUBLICATION Notice hereby is given to Chuck Brown, the Defendant in the above-styled lawsuit, that Liberty Bank has filed a lawsuit requesting a money judgment against you for your failure to pay the following debts: Promissory Note to the Plaintiff, Liberty Bank, for loan number 3410438, whereby the Plaintiff claims $11,446.71 from the Defendant, which is the balance due on the Promissory Note, interest, and late charges as of April 27, 2022.

The Plaintiff also claims interest and a reasonable attorney’s fee of the Defendant pursuant to the terms of said Promissory Note.

Promissory Note to the Plaintiff, Liberty Bank, for loan number 3404514, whereby the Plaintiff claims $10,479.70 from the Defendant, which is the balance due on the Promissory Note, interest, and late charges as of April 27, 2022.

The Plaintiff also claims interest and a reasonable attorney’s fee of the Defendant pursuant to the terms of said

Promissory Note.

Please be advised that if you fail to file an answer to the lawsuit by September 2, 2022, then a default judgment may be entered against you for the amount due on the promissory notes, interest, attorney’s fees, and costs.

Dated this the 1st day of July, 2022.

Said notice to be published July 8, 15, 22, & 29

HIT

FROM PAGE 1

maker, about three miles south of Geraldine.

A 14-year old was killed when the 2003 Honda motorcycle he was driving, was hit from behind by a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox, driven by Wilbanks, who police say left the scene.

The ALEA says the teen was pronounced dead on the scene.

Wibanks has remained in custody of the DeKalb County Jail, since his arrest on a $100,000 bond.

Fort Payne man arrested on sex abuse charges

Southern Torch

Grand Opening Of Art Studio

Darliene Carter, Owner Of Darliene’s Back Porch

By Marla Ballard Reporter

bamabell62@gmail.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — On Wednesday, June 29th, Thomas Eric Lipham (42 of Fort Payne) was arrested and charged with Sex Abuse of a Child Less Than Twelve and Sex Abuse 1st.

Bail was set at $265,000 for Lipham, who is being held in the DeKalb County Detention Center.

This investigation is ongoing.

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden

said of the incident: “I would like to thank the DeKalb County Criminal Investigations Unit and DHR for their dedication and determination to keeping our children safe. There is so much evil in the world we live in, but having people like you, that live to serve and protect, is truly a blessing.”

“God Bless!”

Concluded Sheriff Welden.

FORT PAYNE, ALA.-- Darliene Carter has been an artist since the 1980s. Carter has studied under the tutelage of several well-known artists who have been both published and on television. Carter has been written about in two issues of The Decorative Painter.

She has been a teacher of art since 2000 and is a certified One Stroke instructor.

On April 1 Carter opened Darliene’s Back Porch, an art studio complete with art supplies, art for sale, and art lessons for all ages.

Additionally, other craftwork supplies are sold which include sewing fabrics and sewing lessons. The ribbon-cutting/ grand-opening for the business is scheduled for July 19. Give-away prizes will be part of the celebration.

While Darliene’s Back Porch does sell customary canvas’, the store also offers cut-boards that Carter

Chancellor of Troy University, and said that young lady has governor or senator written all over her.

Katie went on to the University of Alabama and was elected Student Government President, then she graduated from Law School at Alabama.

She practiced law briefly then became Senator Richard Shelby’s Chief of Staff for five years.

She then headed the Business Council of Alabama for three years before beginning her journey to follow her mentor, Richard Shelby, in the U.S. Senate seat he has held for 36 years.

Some of us who have known Shelby and been his friends and confidantes for over three decades were told soon after his sixth reelection victory in 2016 that these last six years would be his last hurrah. He told us he was going to

encourage and support Katie Boyd Britt to succeed him. He wisely knew because of her age and acumen she has the potential to be one of Alabama’s greatest senators.

The seniority system in the United States Senate is so enshrined and entrenched that in order to be great you have to serve awhile.

In fact, in order to reach pinnacles of power in the senate you have to be there at least 20 to 25 years. We have had three great senators in Alabama history.

Senator Shelby is the most powerful and accomplished.

The other two are Lister Hill and John Sparkman, who served Alabama in the U.S. Senate for 30 and 32 years, respectively. They were both powers.

By the way, both Hill and Sparkman were SGA Presidents at the University of Alabama like Katie

Boyd Britt.

Katie is younger than Shelby, Hill and Sparkman were when they arrived in the U.S. Senate. She will have the distinction of being the first female elected to the Senate from Alabama as well as the first female Republican Senator from the Heart of Dixie.

There are several adages in politics that definitely apply to Katie’s overwhelming landslide victory.

First of all, you do not ever want to get into a race where you are going to be outworked and outspent. She checked both boxes. She outspent her opponents significantly.

Shelby made sure of that. Money is the mother’s milk of politics. More importantly, she worked this state like nobody’s business.

She campaigned

cuts and primes herself. She typically uses these 11”x14” boards for adult painting class and the 8”x10” sized boards for children’s classes.

Adult classes are typically three-hour sessions for $40 and children’s classes are two-hours for $25. All supplies needed for the class are provided.

Lessons lasting for longer durations to complete more elaborate pieces of work are available. The initial cost of the extended course is $40 for the first lesson, then $30 for each additional lesson.

Art supplies sold at the business include; Artist’s brushes, artist’s rice paper, Dixie Belle paints, Americana, Americana DecoArt, Traditions, ArtResin, and Unicorn Spit. Art lessons may include using crushed glass and sea shells for a three-dimensional piece of work. The shop also sells a variety of books on learning to paint artistically.

In addition to learning a new skill the art classes afford opportunities for groups such as

mother/daughter events, girls-night-out gatherings, church groups, and more. The studio can accommodate up to 12 students per class.

Lessons are generally held on Thursday 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Friday 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., Saturday 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Other days may be booked for reserving a lesson by calling. The store is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Wednesday 2:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m.

– 2:00 p.m.

Carter has taught art lessons at the Council on Aging in Scottsboro for over a decade. “If someone can color in a coloring book, I can teach them to paint,” said Carter.

For more information call 256-364-2019.

Darliene’s Backporch is located at 2019 Gault Ave. N. Fort Payne (Next door to POSH hair salon).

Follow on Facebook at Darliene’s Backporch on Gault.

thoroughly in all 67 counties several times. It would be safe to say she outworked Mo Brooks and Mike Durant combined three to one. Katie built a statewide grassroots organization and it paid off with her carrying 66 of our 67 counties. She started early and stayed late.

Winning the GOP Primary for a U.S. Senate seat in Alabama is tantamount to election. However, Katie Boyd Britt will take nothing for granted. She will run hard and outwork her Democratic opponent, Will Boyd, and will prevail as expected in November.

The last minute Trump endorsement had no effect on behalf of Katie Boyd Britt. She was leading in all polls by 20 points with momentum and money on her side.

She was going to win, overwhelmingly, on her own. It helped Trump a lot more than it did Katie. All he did was see a candidate who was going to win and jumped on the train. Thus, Trump used the old sayings, “I bet on a sure thing,” and “find a parade and act like you are leading it.”

Katie knew Trump’s endorsement was not necessary.

However, she graciously and quietly accepted and continued unabated to an impressive victory, which she earned on her own merits.

Katie Boyd Britt will hit the ground running when she takes office as our first female elected Senator in January.

She could be in the Senate for 40 to 50 years and will become one of Alabama’s greatest U.S. Senators.

See you next week.

Inside The Statehouse

By Steve Flowers

Katie Britt won the Republican Senate Primary the old fashioned way.

She got out and worked for it and earned it and, folks, she won big. She beat Mo Brooks 63% to 37% in the GOP runoff. Katie carried an amazing 66 out of 67 counties.

Katie Boyd Britt was born to win this Senate Seat at the youthful age of 40.

Those of us around Alabama politics recognized early on that she had unique, God given leadership abilities and integrity. We watched her grow up in Enterprise. She won everything in the Wiregrass from Debate to Dance.

When I saw her become Governor of Girls’ State as a junior in high school, I looked at Jack Hawkins, the

Friday - July 8, 2022 - 5

Southern Torch

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OBITUARIES Wilson Bonita Beth Abrams - 70, of Fort Payne, passed away Saturday, July 2, 2022 at her home surrounded by her family. Funeral services will be 2 p.m.

Wednesday at Wilson Funeral Home with Chaplain Don Donaghy officiating. Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery.

Gail Moore York Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday at Wilson Funeral Home with Rev. Jeff Fuller officiating. Burial will follow in Fischer Cemetery.

Burt Joseph Doyle Gregory - 87, of Mentone, Alabama, passed away on Thursday, June 30, 2022 at Redmond Regional Medical Center in Rome, Georgia. Date of Funeral: Sunday, July 3, 2022 at 1pm.

Cornerstone Anthony Nelson Moody - 47 of Bridgeport, AL died Tuesday, June 28 at Park Ridge Medical Center. Funeral services are Thursday, June 30 at 2:00 PM CT.

James Ira Chadderdon Jr. - 81 of Sylvania died Wednesday, June 29 at his residence. A memorial service will be announced soon.

Connie Denise Richmond Justus - 65 of Menlo, GA died Saturday, July 2 at her home surrounded by her family and fur baby. Funeral services are Tuesday at 2 PM ET at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Bro. Jerry Williams officiating. Burial will follow.

Deborah Sue Watson - 74 of Scottsboro died Tuesday, July 5 at CHI Memorial. Graveside services are Thursday at 7 PM ET at Smith Cemetery in Flat Rock, AL with Bro. Roy “Sonny” Gamble officiating.

Crossville Sharon Gaines 68 of Crossville passed away Thursday, June 30, 2022 at Marshall Medical Center South. Her funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 3, 2022 at Crossville Memorial Chapel.

Burial will follow.

Patsy Jean Ward 81 of Crossville passed away Sunday, July 3, 2022 at Crossville Health and Rehab. Her

funeral will be at 11 a.m.

Friday, July 8, 2022 at Crossville Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow.

Rainsville Arbadella Parker Gray - 85 of Fort Payne passed away on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at Crowne Health Care. Funeral service will be Saturday, July 2, 2022 at 4:00 pm in Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel.

Susie Henderson - 63 of Cordova, TN passed away on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at her residence.

Graveside service will be Saturday, July 2, 2022 at 11:00 am at Green’s Chapel Cemetery.

Patricia Ann Subias - 50 of Rainsville, Alabama passed away on Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at her residence.

Funeral service will be held Wednesday, July 6, 2022 at 11AM.

Scottsboro Edward Vernon Frayer - 70, of Scottsboro, passed away Monday at Highlands Medical Center. He was a US Army Veteran of Vietnam. He loved to cook, fish and loved the Chicago Cubs.

Memorial Service will be Saturday, July 2, 2022 at 5:00 pm at Scottsboro Funeral Home.

Jessie “Lee” Thompson - 54, of Scottsboro, passed away on Wednesday, June 29, 2022. Lee

was a member of Aspel United Methodist Church, a Lieutenant at Limrock/ Aspel Volunteer Fire Dept., retired after 20 years at the ARC, a member of CMA Believers on Bikes, and was an active bowler. Funeral services will be on Saturday, July 2, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.

Jason Colby Williams - 41 of Scottsboro, Alabama passed away July 1, 2022. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m.

Wednesday, July 6, 2022 at Scottsboro Funeral Home with Brad Killough and Waylon Miller officiating. Burial will follow in the Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Roy Eugene Bell 65 of Scottsboro, Alabama passed away Friday, July 1, 2022 at Hospice Family Care in Huntsville. Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 3, 2022 at Scottsboro Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Pinehaven Memorial Gardens in Hollywood.

Ronald L. Cleaver - 83, of Scottsboro, passed away on Monday, July 5, 2022.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 7, 2022 at 3:00 pm at First United Methodist Church with visitation beginning at 1:00 pm. A private burial will be at a later date.

28, 2022. Cremation services provided by W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

Larry Stephen Smith - 68 of Rainsville, passed away Tuesday, June 28, 2022. Funeral Services will be held at 11am on Friday, July 1, 2022 from the graveside of New Canaan Cemetery with burial to follow.

Officiating is Bro. Michael Stephen Wilks.

Aurora Alice “Rory” Barker - Infant, age 8 months of Fyffe, passed away Tuesday, June 28, 2022.

Visitation will be held from 2pm-8pm on Thursday, June 30, 2022 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

Tina Marie Hamilton - 51 of Whiton, passed away Wednesday, June 29, 2022. Funeral services will be held at 2pm on Sunday, July 3, 2022 from the graveside of Mill Creek Cemetery, with burial to follow.

The family will receive friends from 5pm-8pm on Saturday, July 2, 2022.

Joey Shane Wooten - passed away Wednesday, June 29, 2022. Funeral Services will be held at 1pm on Friday, July 1, 2022 from W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial to follow in

Rainsville Memorial Park.

William Herman Stegall. Sr - 79 of Albertville passed away Thursday, June 30, 2022 at his residence. Funeral and Graveside service is at 1pm - Saturday, July 2, 2022 BURIAL Mt. Pleasant Cemetery Grove Oak. Kenneth W. Brooks - 63 of Bryant, passed away Thursday, June 30, 2022. Funeral Services will be held at 2pm on Saturday, July 2, 2022 from W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial to follow in Kirk Memorial Gardens.

“Brother Lanny” Ray Heath - 79, was called home to be with Jesus Christ, his Lord, on July 2nd, 2022 at 6pm, at his residence in Powell, Alabama.

Sallye Angeleque “Angie” Rountree - 45, of Ft. Payne passed away on Saturday, July 2, 2022. The family will have a Celebration of Life at a later date.

Cremation provided by W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

Carolyn Ann Gibson - 48 of Valley Head, passed away Monday, July 4, 2022.

Funeral Services will be held at 11am on Thursday, July 7, 2022 from W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial to follow in Walnut Grove Cemetery.

Burt Funeral H omes

W.T. Wilson Billy Mack Harper - 80 of Section, passed away Tuesday, June

6 - Friday - July 8, 2022

Following in His Steps

By Marla Ballard Reporter bamabell62@gmail.com

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala.-- School Resource Officers (SROs) are assigned to every school in DeKalb County. Law Enforcement Officer, Lieutenant, Tony Bartley has served as an SRO and currently holds the position of DeKalb County SRO Supervisor. One of the aspects of the job for an SRO is to teach fifth graders the D.A.R.E. program (Drug Abuse Resistance Education).

Officer Bartley taught Special Education in the Cherokee County school system until beginning his career in law enforcement at the DeKalb County Sherriff’s Office in 1992 as Jailer, then Chief Jail Administrator, then as a Deputy Sherriff, as Liaison for DeKalb Sherriff’s Office and DeKalb schools. With his experience and support from Judge Ronnie Osborn, Sherriff Cecil Reed, and Mary Etta Bailey, the SRO program was established in 1995.

Bartley went to Jacksonville State University and keeps these certificates up to date; MS Certification, Special Education, MS in Physical Education, BS in Physical Education. Also, certified to teach

BOE

FROM PAGE 1 partial replacements.

The Board voted to accept the Schneider Energy Services Contract Amendment 5 for the new window replacements.

The following Bids were accepted by the Board: • CNP Produce Bid - Forestwood Farm, Inc. • CNP Ice Cream

Criminal Justice class.

Deputy, Wesley Greeson was one of the fifth graders who took the D.A.R.E. class that Officer Bartley taught. Now all these years later, Greeson is following in Bartley’s steps serving as an SRO and teaching D.A.R.E. to fifth graders. Greeson said as a fifth grader becoming an officer was not his plan. “What I liked about D.A.R.E. class was having an officer come to our classroom and spend time with us,” said Greeson.

It left an impression on him. “I was in my 20s before I decided to become an officer,” said Greeson. “I got my four-year degree at Athens State University where I took Criminal Justice.” In 2010 Greeson was hired as a patrol officer. From 2011-2016 he served on the Special Response Team, 2016-2017 SRO at Ider High School, 2017-2018 SRO at Fyffe High School, 2018-2022 Investigator at the Sherriff’s Office, 2022-present SRO at Geraldine High School.

“The curriculum for D.A.R.E. class has changed three times since it began,” said Lieutenant, Bartley. “It isn’t just about children saying no to drugs, it’s about teaching them to make good decisions in all areas of their

lives, whether it’s doing their homework or cleaning their room.”

“There is more student involvement instead of lecturing,” said Greeson. “It’s about teaching them to think their way through a problem or task.”

Greeson said he has had more than one student mention they are considering law enforcement in their future career plans.

Greeson said it’s about future prevention and forming relationships with students. “At the school we get to spend enough time with the students to make a connection with them versus a 911 call where we spend only ten minutes to two hours trying to help someone,” said Greeson.

Officer Bartley said there are many hands who helped get the SRO and D.A.R.E. programs off the ground.

“Acknowledgement and thanks should be given to; Mary Etta Bailey, Gelene Nelson, Donna Taheri, Judge Ronnie Osborne, Retired Sherriff Cecil Reed, and Rainsville Technology School Director, Jonathan Phillips, where the first SRO position was instituted and the Criminal Justice class is now taught,” said Bartley.

Bid - DFA Dairy Brands Fluid/Mayfield Dairy The following Retirements/ Resignations were approved: • Tommy Fricks - Bus Driver - Geraldine High School Retirement - 8/1/22 • Noie Yancey Elementary Teacher and Bus Driver Crossville Elementary School - Resignation - 6/20/22 • Teresa Smith High School Counselor - Collinsville High

School - Resignation - 7/1/22 • Deondre Woody - Enrichment/ Intervention Teacher - Crossville Middle School - Resignation - 6/27/22 • Kaylee Dukes Itinerant Special Education LPN / Bus Aide (4-hour) - Fyffe Special Services Center - Resignation - 7/5/22 • Nathaniel Pannell - Title I Aide Crossville Middle School - Resignation

Southern Torch - 6/29/22 • Daniel Williams Itinerant Technology Integration Specialist - District - Resignation - 6/30/22 • Michelle Norwood - Itinerant Special Education Teacher - Crossville High School Resignation - 6/30/22 The following Leave of Absence wer:e granted • Ashlyn Benefield - Itinerant Special Education Teacher Plainview High School - 8/10/22-9/21/22 The following Transfers were made: • Lydia Peek from Itinerant ARI Instructional Coach at Crossville Elementary School to Assistant Principal at Collinsville High School (Effective 7/1/22) • Abby Davis from Elementary Teacher at Crossville Elementary School to Elementary Teacher at Collinsville High School (Effective 8/1/22) • Vickie Armstrong from CNP Worker at Geraldine High School to Bus Driver at Geraldine High School (Effective 8/1/22) • Wendy Haymon from English Language Arts Teacher at Plainview High School to Itinerant Literacy Coach (10-month) (Effective 8/1/22) • Magon McAnelly from High School Counselor at Crossville High School to English Learner Regional Staff (on loan to ALSDE) (Effective 7/1/22) 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 Bryant Nelson Secondary Social Science Teacher Crossville High School Austin Chase Willingham Secondary Social Sciences Teacher Sylvania High School (Effective 8/1/22) David Holt - Career Coach (10 month schedule/9 month salary schedule as provided by the ALSDE) - DeKalb County Technical Center (Effective 7/1/22) Billie Ann Montgomery - Library Media Specialist Crossville Middle School (Effective 8/1/22) Cindy Bethune - Elementary Teacher - Valley Head High School (Effective 8/1/22) Ashley Thomas Mathematics Teacher - Crossville Middle School (Effective

8/1/22) Leah Vaughn Elementary Teacher - Crossville Elementary School (Effective 8/1/22) Christie Anderson - Elementary Teacher - Crossville Elementary School (Effective 8/1/22) Chuck Williams P.E. Teacher - Sylvania High School (Effective 8/1/22) Support Donna Gifford CNP Worker Collinsville High School (Effective 8/1/22) Keirstan Hiett - Pre-K Auxiliary Plainview High School (Effective 8/1/22) Brittnie Santiago CNPAssistant Manager - Henagar Jr. High School (Effective 8/1/22) Allison Jackson Itinerant Nurse (9-months) - Plainview High School (Effective 8/1/22) Volunteer Coaches Fyffe High School •Eli Benefield - Football Contracts Amy Finlayson Summer Substitute Bus Driver - Valley Head High School Dawn Price - Summer Substitute Bus Driver - Collinsville High School Kaleigh Butler Summer CNP Worker - Collinsville High School Harley Wilborn Summer CNP Worker - Collinsville High School The following TEAMS Contracts were made: (All TEAMS contracts are made pending fulfillment of all contract requirements and approval by the ALSDE) • Keith Gorham Science - Plainview High School • William Chandler - Science - Crossville High School The next meeting of the DeKalb County Board of Education will be on July 13, 2022. A worksession will begin at 3:45 p.m. and the regular meeting will begin at 4:00 p.m. in the Meeting Room at the Facilities Building.

BETA

FROM PAGE 1 • Drawing (6th place) Charice Bush, Cornerstone Christian Academy • Engineering (3rd place) Sylvania School • Fiber Arts (5th place) Madeline Rose Hamidian, Valley Head • Jewelry (4th place) Alyana Desantis, Valley Head • Performing Arts-Single, Duo, Trio- (1st place) Kelbi Watkins and Alexa Brown, Ider • Quiz Bowl-Oral (6th place) Valley Head

• Quiz Bowl-Written (2nd Place) Valley Head • Quiz Bowl Written Junior (2nd Place) Valley Head • Robotics (5th place) Cornerstone Christian Academy • Sculpture (5th place) Kylah Ogle, Valley Head • Technology (4th place) Cornerstone Christian Academy At the Junior Beta Convention held June 27-30, McKena Mitchell from Henagar Junior High was chosen to be a Premier Performer for the Opening Ceremony.

At the Junior Convention the following placed: • Club Training Pin (3rd place) Henagar Junior High • Engineering (1st place) Scottsboro Junior High • Math 8th Grade (7th place) Foster Holt, Scottsboro Junior High • Mixed Media (5th place) Annabelle Leigh Gifford, Valley Head • Quiz Bowl (9th) Valley Head • Social Studies8th (10th place) Evan Yates, Stevenson • Technology (3rd place) Plainview • Two Dimensional Design (3rd place) Valley Head At the Senior Convention held July 1-4, the following placed: • Black and White Photography Div I (1st place) John Hollis Myers, Scottsboro • Fiber Arts Div II (8th place) Aidan Sims, Cornerstone Christian Academy • Mixed Media Div I (5th place) Marleigh Jo Williams, Sylvania • Painting Div I (4th place) Mcgee Kilgore, Scottsboro • Performing Arts Group (2nd place) Cornerstone Christian Academy • Performing Arts Solo, Duo, Trio (7th place) Scottsboro High School • Robotics Showcase (4th place) Cornerstone Christian Academy • Robotics Showcase (6th place) Scottsboro High School Sculpture Div II (8th place) Jonna Graham, Sylvania • Social Studies 10th (6th place) Hamilton Richardson, Scottsboro • Spanish 12th (8th place) Adrian Cardenas, North Jackson High School The 2023 National Convention will be held in Louisville, Kentucky beginning with the Senior Convention June 17-20, Elementary Convention June 21-23, and Junior Convention June 23-26.

Congratulations to all the winners who were named the Best of the Best.

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Friday - July 8, 2022 - 7

Southern Torch

40th Sand Mountain Potato Festival

By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

HENAGAR, Ala.-- The City of Henagar held their 40th annual Sand Mountain Potato Festival on July 4.

The Sand Mountain Potato Festival is the pride and joy of Henagar. It has been a community tradition since 1983. Sand Mountain is known for its agricultural products, including

potatoes.

The festival began with a patriotic parade ending at the City Park.

The Opening Ceremony began with the local boy scout troops raising the American flag. In the park there was a cruise-in featuring classic cars and tractors, music. horserides, fun activities throughout the day. The day ended with an excellent fireworks display.

8 - Friday - July 8, 2022

Southern Torch