ST Vol 8 No 36

Fort Payne Passes $29M Budget

By Marla Jones Managing

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Fort Payne, Ala.-- After 3 ½ years and thousands of work hours, DeKalb County Engineer Ben Luther is pleased to announce that County Road 835 is reopened.

The road was closed in February 2019, due to ground sliding after flooding, making the road unsafe for travel.

On Tuesday morning,

September 6, at approximately 7:00 a.m. the road was officially reopened for traffic.

“I am so happy that the project is finally completed. When you are dealing with geologists, floods, and the federal government, who is paying for the project, you are on their schedule” stated DeKalb County Commission President, Ricky Harcrow. “I am glad

driver pay increase that went into effect last month.

According to City Treasurer Grant Ledbetter, the City is saving 1.2 Million (mimimum) this year in order to save for future projects and grant matching money.

Since the Council has

a surplus due to increasing tax revenues, Councilmember John Smith requested that a one-time appropriation be made to give $50,000 to the Fort Payne School System. This money would go toward helping families with school supplies. The item was

tabled until the next work session.

Mayor Brian Bain proclaimed the week of September 17-23 Consitution Week in the City of Fort Payne. Bain also announced

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

POWELL, Ala.-- During an unrelated investigation Officer Gage Wilson and Chief Stephen Malone were conducting near Northeast Alabama Community College, the officers observed a car approaching them at a high rate of speed.

The driver was weaving in and out of both lanes, Officer Wilson and Chief Malone, both had to get out of the way as not to be struck by the vehicle. They made a traffic stop on Mr. Leroy Wilson from Maylene Alabama, (Birmingham area).

They immediately observed open containers of alcohol inside the

vehicle. After placing Mr. Wilson under arrest for driving under the influence, they also found multiple types of narcotics and illegal items. Methamphetamine, heroin, prescription medications, marijuana, smoking pipes, and a fake Alabama driver’s license were seized.

Scottsboro Man Pleads Not Guilty

New Craft Coffee Shop In Scottsboro

By David Hall Reporter david@southerntorch.com

SCOTTSBORO, ALA. -- Following an incident in June involving a motorcycle and a motor vehicle, a Scottsboro man has been arrested in Jackson County on multiple charges including manslaughter and assault.

Online court documents show that Matthew Wade Dabbs, age 36, was arrested by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office in Henagar on June 17. Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deputies located

Dabbs around 8 p.m. They held him until a deputy from the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office could take him into custody and transport him to the DeKalb County Detention Center.

Dabbs was charged with manslaughter, second-degree assault, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injury or death, and failure to aid with injuries.

The manslaughter charge is related to the death of William Travis Skinner, according to the DeKalb Circuit Court indictment.

The indictment

also claims Dabbs struck a motorcycle being operated by Skinner which led to the reckless cause of Skinner’s death. Also, the indictment says the assault charge against Dabbs is connected to the assault of Shiann Sorrells using a motor vehicle.

The rest of the charges against Dabbs stem from him leaving the scene of the incident.

Dabbs’ bond is set at $100,000.

Dabbs pleaded not guilty to manslaughter on Aug. 4. He waived his right to an arraignment, online court documents say.

Pisgah Man Charged With Assaulting Police Officer

By Marla Ballard Reporter

SCOTTSBORO, ALA. -- The majority of the world cannot imagine starting their day without the help of a little roasted bean. Google reports reveal that over 1 billion people all over the world drink coffee. It is estimated that 64 percent of Americans drink about 400 million cups of coffee every day. Joel and Brooklyn Tinker are addressing this need in Scottsboro by opening Alabaster Coffee Company.

Tennessee. The Tinker’s decided to use the coffee roasting company Mahalo Coffee, owned by NASCAR Daytona 500 champion Trevor Bayne. “We received training at the Knoxville location and they ship us their roasted beans which we grind and serve at our shop,” said Joel. “It takes a lot of research and time to come up with a high-quality blend.”

as standard drip. A signature blend, a cold brew coffee, various teas, and hot chocolate will also be part of the offerings. Pastries will be available to accompany customer’s cups of java. “At this time, we are sourcing our pastries from other vendors,” said Joel.

By David Hall Reporter david@southerntorch.com

SCOTTSBORO, ALA. --On August 28, an arrest warrant for Chadwick Garland Cavin was issued by the Jackson County District Court. The Pisgah man was booked into the Jackson County Jail later that day.

Cavin, age 45, was charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, aggravated assault of a police officer, third-degree theft of property, breaking and entering a vehicle, first-degree theft of property and failure to appear.

According to online court documents, an appearance docket has been set for

September 21 at the Jackson County Courthouse.

Cavin’s bond was originally set at $12,300, however court records now show the bond sits at $10,000. As of today, Cavin remains in the custody of the Jackson County Jail.

Cavin’s trial is set to go before a grand jury on December 5.

The newly founded business is anticipating a grand opening the first part of October. The couple have been working feverishly on renovations for their new business, which is located in the plaza adjacent to the Hollywood 10 Cinema movie theater on Broad Street.

The duo have visited over 50 coffee shops, in the tri-state area, investigating both the various coffee blends and seeing how other coffee shops present themselves and their product. Their research led them to a roasting company in Knoxville,

The couple chose the name Alabaster from a bible passage in recognition of their spiritual roots. The Tinkers have been a part of the Scottsboro community since 2011.

Joel previously worked as an electrical engineer for the Department of Defense in Huntsville for five years before attempting to make their dream business a reality.

Barista is the Italian word for barkeeper, also known in modern times as a coffee artist.

The Tinkers are both baristas and their menu at the Alabaster Coffee Company will include various flavored specialty coffees such as espresso, lattes, cappuccinos, as well

“Our goal is to eventually make our own pastries.” Other future plans for the shop include creating an out-of-doors dining area. The indoor space accommodates seating for 30. Curbside service is available. The shop will host Wi-Fi for customers.

Initially business hours will be Monday – Wednesday & Saturday 7:00 a.m. –4:00 p.m. Thursday & Friday 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Located at 3509 S. Broad Street, Suite 209, Scottsboro. Follow on Facebook and Instagram for updates on business phone number and app for ordering online.

David Letterman -“If it wasn’t for coffee, I’d have no identifiable personality whatsoever.”

Ider Special Service Center NEEDS YOUR HELP!

of their biggest hurdles is not having our own designated handicapped equipped playground. Ider Special Service Center are kicking off a couple of fundraisers in an effort to raise funds to get our playground built. If you would like more information or to make a monetary donation you can contact Jenny Mann here at Southern Torch, 256-999-0088 or contact Mrs. Tonia Gilbert, Assistant Principal, 256-632-2302

Treasured Landmark Revived

PaulandMaria Nail.

Ider Special Service Center serves our communities’ most precious students with special needs. They have ages 5-21 with a broad area of needs. They serve students who are zoned for Mentone, Valley Head, Henagar, Ider, and Sylvania schools. One

September 15, DeKalb County Hospital Association - DeKalb County Hospital Association

dba DeKalb

Ambulance Service will hold their regularly scheduled board meeting on September 15, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. in the Carson Educational Building at DeKalb Ambulance Service, 208 Airport Road W, Fort Payne, AL. The public is invited to attend.

September 17, Boom Days Heritage Celebration - Fort Payne Boom Days Heritage Celebration has a much deeper breadth of events and activities and

all over the region. It’s a significant cultural event for our city celebrating Fort Payne’s unique beginnings nearly 130 years ago. Boom Days

Heritage Celebration honors Fort Payne’s rich cultural past with events that tie the history to the present, great historical artifacts and clothing at the Fort Payne Depot Museum, a miniature railroad system in the original office of the Coal and Iron Company, music covering all musical genres.

September 18th, 106th Homecoming Service - The 106th Homecoming service for Second Baptist Church, Fort Payne, is scheduled for Sunday, September 18. Rev. Clifton Brown, a former pastor, will be preaching. The service will begin at 10:55 a.m. and a covered dish luncheon will follow. All members, past and present are invited to attend.

October 8, Canyon Half Marathon - Fort Payne, ALJacksonville State University and the Little River Canyon Center is pleased to

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

By Marla Ballard Reporter MENTONE, ALA.

-- The Moon Lake Elementary school was founded in 1911. The first building stood two stories high and burned down in the 1920s. The current building was rebuilt in 1929 by community members. In 2021 the school was closed, this treasured landmark has been revived, and the former Moon Lake Elementary School campus is being converted into a financially viable business featuring artisans and other businesses. The campus will now be known as Moon Lake Village and is being organized by Director Paul Nail under the umbrella of the Mentone City Council.

Nail retired as Director of the Fort Payne Water Works and is a resident of Mentone. “I was interested in the position of Director of the Moon Lake Village as soon as I heard about it,” said Nail. “Mentone is all about the arts and it seemed reasonable that the best solution for the

property would be to showcase craftsmen and artisans.”

The campus hosts nine classroom-sized spaces for rent and a larger rental space for community functions, known as the Bill Berry Community Room. A section of the room will be dedicated as a museum containing memorabilia from Moon Lake School and the Mentone area. This room may be rented for $50 for a half-day and $100 for a full day. Non-profit groups are welcome free of charge after being interviewed.

Currently, all of the classroom-sized spaces have been rented, there is a waiting list for future rentals. At present, the classrooms host various artists which include a quilt maker, a photographer, and a soap maker. Plans to turn the cafeteria into a local eatery are currently being worked on. The playground is still available to the community. Nail said, “We always appreciate volunteers who can assist in various projects on the property.” Follow on Facebook

Another project at Moon Lake is the Shigley Amphitheater. This project is being constructed strictly by donations. Donations may be sent to: Town of Mentone, P.O. Box 295, Mentone, Al. 35984.

“We are looking forward to having something new for visitors to enjoy when the Mentone Colorfest begins,” said Nail. This year the Mentone Colorfest will be held at the Moon Lake Village on October 15 -16. Saturday 9:00 –5:00 and Sunday 9:00 – 4:00. There is a $5 parking fee. The Colorfest is presented by the Mentone Area Preservation Association (MAPA). The festival features live music, children’s activities, food, hand-made arts & crafts booths, and other fun activities. The Moon Lake Village is located at 5866 East River Road, Mentone. Open Thursday – Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. For more information call Paul Nail - 256-996-0351.

announce the 9th annual half marathon set to be held on Saturday, October 8th, 2022.

Possibly one of the most scenic half marathons in the country, the certified course loops 13.1 miles on paved roads, starting and ending at the Little River Canyon Center.

Starting at 8:00 am, the first 5 miles of the run will follow the Little River Canyon National Preserve’s scenic and sometimes challenging rim of the canyon, as the remainder winds through gently rolling farm country including Randy Owen Drive and his

famous Tennessee River Music Hereford and Angus cattle ranch. Randy and Kelly Owen are often on hand at the 6 and 8 mile water station pitching Fig Newtons, energy GU and drinks.

November 5,

Canyon FestCanyon 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.

LEGALS

IN THE PROBATE

COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NO.: 2022-316

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF BILLY TERRY COLLEY, DECEASED

ADMINISTRATOR’S

NOTICE TO FILE

CLAIMS

TAKE NOTICE

that Letters of Administration having been granted to William Eric Colley, as Administrator Ad Colligendum of the Estate of BILLY TERRY COLLEY. deceased, on the 24 day of Aug, 2022 by the Honorable Ronnie Osborn, Probate Judge.

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that all persons having claims against the 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 2, 9, & 16

that Boom Days will begin on Friday, September 16 with a variety of bands playing starting at 6 p.m at the Main Stage in downtown Fort Payne. On Saturday, Boom Days festivities will begin from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., with street vendors on Gault Avenue. At 3:00 p.m. the Locals will begin playing at the Main Stage followed by Wildwood, Billy Dean, and Joe Nichols.

Larue Hardinger, on behalf of the Marine Corp League, presented a certificate of appreciation to the Mayor and Council for their continued support of them and their efforts.

“For nine Toys for Tots campaigns, the City of Fort Payne has provided space for our volunteers to store, sort, and bag toys for needy children; and we want each of you to

CLASSIFIED

Tony’s Body Shop in need of an auto body technician. Must have experience with auto body filler. Call Tony at (256)844-6671

NOTICE NOTICE

The Jackson County Commission has openings on the following boards: Department of Human Resources Board

Please send letters and board applications of interest to the Jackson County Commission Office.

Letters and applications can be hand delivered, mailed, or emailed. Board applications can be located under quick links on our website (jacksoncountyal. gov).

Please address

letters and applications to:

Bill Nance Jackson County Commission

Attn: Kacy King 102

E. Laurel St. Suite 47 Scottsboro, AL 35768

Letters can be emailed to commission@jcch. net with the subject heading: Letter of Interest.

All letters must be received by Monday, September 12, 2022 by 4:30 PM.

Burt

Funeral Homes

know how much we appreciate you” stated Larue Hardinger.

Toys for Tots were able to provide 10,869 new Christmas toys, books, and stocking stuffers for 1,459 children last year. Applications will be accepted in October at the DeKalb County Department of Human Resources, in Fort Payne, for this Christmas.

In other business, the Council: • Passed Resolution 2022-30, which accepted the lowest qualified bid for sewer piping for the Airport Road sewer rehabilitation project. James Payton, of Ladd Environmental, reviewed the bids and recommends the low bidder, Fergurson Waterworks, be awarded the bid.

• The Council tabled the contract with Warner for the Sports Complex renovation and the

purchasing of lighting from Musco for the baseball and softball fields for the Sports Complex renovation project until a contract and pricing were completed. The estimated cost of the entire project is $1.1 million. The soccer fields were able to be lighted by repurposing some of the lights and poles previously purchased for the new complex site.

• The Council approved contracting with Van Scoyoc Associates in Washington DC for grant consulting and procurement services with an estimated cost of $150,000 per year.

• Gave an appropriation to the Patriots Park from the money that DC Gas gave to the City. The City will also purchase an ice chest for use at the City functions.

The next meeting of the Fort Payne City Council will be held on September 20, beginning at 12:30 p.m.

TrueCare Medical Clinic Now Open!

FORT PAYNE,

AL., August 30, 2022

- For citizens of Fort Payne, Alabama –and the surrounding communities, seeking convenient and affordable medical care just got a lot easier. TrueCare Medical Clinic, a Cheetah Speed Company, is excited to announce the grand opening of their clinic, located at 613 Gault Avenue South, on Friday, September 9, 2022, beginning at noon.

Heather Noojin, CRNP and her husband, Jeremy Noojin, always dreamed of owning their own Primary Care clinic in their hometown. Heather wanted to practice medicine in a way that combined preventative medical care, patient treatment and a touch of southern hospitality. As one patient, Hope Sells, a local Fort Payne resident remarked, “TrueCare is the medical clinic you don’t mind swinging by – you can grab a

cup of coffee in the waiting room and then head into one of the exam rooms or the fully stocked lab, depending on your needs. You walk away with a clear plan of how to feel your best, and you feel welcomed –You’re glad you came.”

To make their dreams a reality, the Noojins joined forced with Dr. Ham, a well-loved and respected physician in the area, to serve as the TrueCare collaborating doctor. The Noojins then partnered with Cheetah Speed, an investment Company, that helps to launch and grow small businesses – without all the hassles.

For more information regarding the TrueCare Medical Clinic, please visit: www. truecaremedicalclinic. com or call: 256-364-8875 to schedule an appointment.

Inside The Statehouse

The Jackson County Commission has openings on the following boards: Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourism Association Board

Please send letters and board applications of interest to the Jackson County Commission Office. Letters and applications can be hand delivered, mailed, or emailed. Board applications can be located under quick links on our website (jacksoncountyal. gov).

Please address letters and applications to:

Bill Nance Jackson County Commission

Attn: Kacy King 102 E. Laurel St. Suite 47 Scottsboro, AL 35768

Letters can be emailed to commission@jcch. net with the subject heading: Letter of Interest.

All letters must be received by Monday, September 12, 2022 by 4:30 PM.

By Steve Flowers

For decades, losing political candidates in Alabama have been exiled to “Buck’s Pocket.” It is uncertain when or how the colloquialism began, but political insiders have used this terminology for at least 60 years. Alabama author, the late Winston Groom, wrote a colorful allegorical novel about Alabama politics in the 1960s and referred to a defeated gubernatorial candidate having to go to Buck’s Pocket. Most observers credit Big Jim Folsom with creating the term. He would refer to the pilgrimage and ultimate arrival of his opponents to the political purgatory reserved for losing gubernatorial candidates.

Which brings me to another contention surrounding Buck’s Pocket. Many ague that Buck’s Pocket is reserved for losing candidates in the governor’s race. Others say Buck’s Pocket is the proverbial graveyard for all losing candidates in Alabama.

One thing that Winston Groom clarified is that once you are sent to Buck’s Pocket, you eat poke salad for every meal. It is not certain whether Big Jim or Groom began the poke salad myth. Once you are

sent to Buck’s Pocket, Groom suggested you were relegated to the rural resting place forever. However, history has proven that a good many defeated Alabama politicians have risen from the grave and left Buck’s Pocket to live another day.

Most folks do not know that there really is a Buck’s Pocket. Big Jim was the first gubernatorial aspirant to hail from North Alabama in the twentieth century. He was the first one to campaign extensively in rural North Alabama, often one-on-one on county roads. One day while stumping in the remote Sand Mountain area of Dekalb County, he wound up in an area he referred to as Buck’s Pocket. It was a beautiful and pristine area, but it was sure enough back in the woods. Big Jim, who loved the country and loved country folks, was said to say, “I love the country, but I sure wouldn’t want to be sent to Buck’s Pocket to live.”

Buck’s Pocket is no longer a mythical place. If you are traveling up the interstate past Gadsden, on the way to Chattanooga, you will see it. There is a Buck’s Pocket State Park in Dekalb County, thanks to Big Jim. So next time you hear an old timer refer to a defeated candidate

as going to Buck’s Pocket, you will know what they are talking about.

After the primary runoffs, Auburn City Councilman Jay Hovey was declared the winner of the State Senate District 27 race. He won the senate seat by one vote.

Folks, the old saying that one vote makes a difference is not just an adage. It is nearly impossible to defeat an incumbent state senator, especially one who has served two terms and amassed an enormous war chest. Jay Hovey was outspent by the incumbent Tom Whatley $1.2 million to $96,000 – an unbelievable more than 12-1 advantage.

The district includes Lee, Tallapoosa and Russell counties.

However, most of the votes are in Lee County. Hovey ran like a scalded dog through Auburn and Lee County. Obviously, he and his wife, Anna, are well thought of in Auburn, Opelika and Lee County.

Home folks know you best. He will make a good senator for that important part of the state.

Elmore County Circuit Judge Bill Lewis is a bright star on the judicial political horizon. Judge Lewis

has been on the bench six years. His Circuit includes Elmore, Autauga and Chilton counties. Judge Bill Lewis could wind up on the State Supreme Court one day if he not plucked earlier for a federal district judge spot by a Republican president. He is 43 and sharp.

The state Democratic Party has elected Randy Kelley, a Huntsville minister, as Chairman, and Tabitha Isner, a Montgomery political activist, as Vice-Chairman. They were the choices of the five decade king of Democratic politics, Joe Reed.

The Alabama Republican Party rightwing hierarchy has passed a resolution asking the legislature to have a closed private primary. It is doubtful that the legislature will give credence to the group’s wishes. It would disenfranchise over half of the Republican leaning voters in the state and shoot the Republican Party in the foot. It would also discriminate against black voters in the state and, if passed, would never withstand Justice Department approval under the Voting Rights Act.

See you next week.

Melba Ruth Baker - 79 of Fort Payne, passed away on Saturday, September 3, 2022. She was born on March 6, 1943 in DeKalb County. She retired as a Dental Hygienist and Dental Assistant after more than 50 years, working for Dr. Whitmire and Dr. Vizzinia. Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Tuesday, September 6, 2022.

Donna Sue Rayburn Horton - 82 of Flat Rock died Thursday, September 1st. Her wish was for no formal services to be held.

Martin Regan

Dove - 57 of Antioch, TN. died Thursday, September 1st.

Funeral services are Wednesday, September 7 at 6 PM CT.

Kasyn Marie Haston - Infant, budded in heaven on Saturday, September 3 at UAB Hospital.

Funeral services are Tuesday at 2 PM CT at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow in Head Springs Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 12 Noon until service time. of Antioch, TN.

Thursday,

1st.

Kerby

Norman Talley - 97 of Henagar, passed away on Tuesday, August 30, 2022, at Collinsville Health and Rehab Center. Funeral Service is Saturday, September 3, 2022, at 2:30pm at Kerby Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Joel Jenkins Officiating.

Rainsville

Marilyn Akins - 67 of Powell, AL passed away on Wednesday, August 31, 2022 at Dekalb Regional. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, September 4, 2022 at 2:00PM at Rainsville

Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Gary Haymon & Bro. Jerry Smith officiating.

Eunice Martin - 94 of Fyffe, AL passed away on Friday, September 2, 2022 at her residence. Funeral service is Monday, September 5, 2022 at 2:00PM at Antioch

Baptist Church with Bro. David Harriston & Bro. Wiley Bailey officiating.

Raymond Stephen

Nesmith - 63 native of Montgomery, AL passed away on Sunday, September 4, 2022 at his residence.

Remembrance services will be held on Wednesday, September 7, 2022 at 2PM at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel.

Fred C. Ledford67 of Rainsville, AL passed away on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at his residence.

Funeral service is Thursday, September 8, 2022 at 3:00PM.

Scottsboro

Tallulah C. Bush - 80 of Scottsboro, AL, passed away Monday, August 29, 2022 in the comfort of her home. Visitation will be held Saturday, Sept. 3rd, 2022 from 12pm-2pm at Scottsboro Funeral Home. Graveside service will be held immediately following at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Sylvia Wells Hutchens - 75, of Woodville, was called home to Heaven while surrounded by her family, after a lengthy battle with cancer. Although she is mourned, we find comfort in that she is without pain and is wrapped in the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, September 4, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Scottsboro Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Union Cemetery in Woodville. The family will receive friends on Saturday, September

Road

FROM PAGE 1

3, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. the inconvenience is over.”

Reba Mae Peek

Thomas - 85 of Fyffe, Alabama passed away Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at her residence.

FUNERAL - 2pmFriday Sept. 2, 2022

W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel. VISITATION - 5 till 8pm (Thursday)

BURIAL - Kirk Memorial Gardens.

John Paul Quint58 of Rainbow City, passed away Wednesday, August 31, 2022. Memorial Services will be held at 2pm on Saturday, September 10, 2022 from W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel. The family will receive friends from 1pm-2pm, prior to the service, on Saturday, September 10, 2022 at the funeral home.

John Paul Quint71, of Ider passed away on Wednesday, August 31, 2022. The family will have a service of remembrance at 2pm Saturday, Sept. 6 at New Home Cemetery in Henagar.

She is survived by her brother, David (Gay) Dixson; nieces, Tammy Summers and Rhonda Haas; greatnieces, Morgan (Shade) Casey and Bethany Russell; great-great-nephew, Blake Casey.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl J. and Myrtle Dixson.

“After 2 years of construction and a year of getting funding from the state, its a great blessing that the road is finally open. Tommy Broyles, our County Supertintendent, will be able to get on other projects.

Thanks again to all those who helped in securing the grants, Mr Harcrow, the DeKalb County Commission, and our ocal rrepresentiatives” stated District 4 Commissioner, Lester Black.

Officer

FROM PAGE 1

The officers determined that Mr. Wilson’s actual Alabama Driver’s license was suspended and he had active warrants from the City Of Pelham.

“If the roadway isn’t already dangerous enough, using multiple types of narcotics,

mixing alcohol and prescription drugs is never a good idea” stated Powell Police Chief Stephen Malone.

“I am thankful no one was hurt that night, including my Officer or Mr. Wilson.

Nearly thirty-two people die each day due to driving under the influence in the United States and I thank God all who were involved aren’t going to be a part of that statistic. I would like to praise Officer Wilson and Sergeant Haney from the Rainsville Police Department, for their professionalism and thorough investigation into this arrest. The community is lucky to have these guys” continued Chief Malone.

“As I’ve stated time and time again and will continually do so, I encourage everyone who has a drug addiction or mental health crisis to please seek help or contact their local Police Department/ Sheriff’s Office for guidance. It’s never shameful to seek help, especially when it comes to addiction” concluded Malone.

Wilson

W.T. Wilson

Cornerstone

Football Finals for September 2, 2022

Devils Shutout the Bison

By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

FYFFE, Ala.-- The Fyffe Red Devils shutout the North Sand Mountain Bison, 49-0 in their first regional matchup of the season.

Less than a minute into the game, Brody Hicks galloped into the endzone from 5 yards out. With 9:27 remaining in the first quarter, Hicks sailed in from 37 yards out, for his second touchdown of the night, to give the Red Devils the 14-0 advantage. Logan Anderson stampeded in from the right end, for the 15-yard touchdown. The extra

point gave the Red Devils the 21-0 lead.

Anderson struck again scoring on a 52-yard touchdown with 3:07 remaining in the first quarter, to give the Red Devils the 28-0 advantage. NSM was intercepted by Owen Blackwell and the next play, Ryder Gibson brought it in from 54 yards out, giving Fyffe the 35-0 lead, with 2:03 remaining in the first.

With 10:23 remaining in the second quarter, Logan Anderson scored on a 33-yard touchdown reception, giving the Red Devils the 42-0 lead going into

halftime.

Bryce Totherow added the final points of the night for the Red Devils on a 20-yard touchdown with 1:00

Ider Homecoming Court

remaining in the third quarter.

The Red Devils had 355 yards compared to the Bison 90 yards. Yahir Balcazar was

6-for-6 on extra-point attempts.

The Fyffe Red Devils will be on the road as they face

Whitesburg Christian Academy on Thursday. North Sand Mountain will travel to face the Ider Hornets on Friday.

Panthers Cage the Lions

By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

COLLINSVILLE, Ala.-- The Collinsville Panthers defeated the Section Lions, 34-14 on the Class 2A, Region 7 opener.

Section scored the first touchdown of the night after a Panther fumble on the 27. Nine plays later, Cameron Summerford brought it in from 6-yards out for the Lions. The two-point conversion failed, but gave Section the 6-0 lead with 6:19 remaining in the first quarter. After a 10-play, 44-yard drive, Collinsville tied the

game when Mason McAteer made a 7-yard connection to Keaton Deboard. The extra point failed but tied the game, with 1:44 remaining in the first quarter.

Collinsville scored in the second on a 2-yard run by Deboard. The extra point attempt was good, to go up 13-6 with 6:17 remaining in the second. With 2:08 remaining in the half, Deboard stampeded down the field 55 yards to score. The kick was good, giving the Panthers the 20-6 advantage going into intermission.

With 3:04

Piedmont Aerial Assault Downs Sylvania

end of the run. Piedmont recovered the fumble at its own 39-yard line.

Sylvania forced Piedmont into a third-and-long that ended on a controversial leaping 33-yard reception by receiver Ishmael Bethel. Zack Anderson appeared to intercept the pass on the play, but the official ruled it a Bulldog catch.

By Roger Scott Sports Reporter roger@southerntorch.com

Piedmont’s quarterback and receivers were on point Friday night in a 40-7 victory as Sylvania struggled with missed opportunities

against its region rival.

Reigning 3A Back of the Year Jack Hayes played an excellent game, throwing five touchdowns on 20-29 passing and finishing with 419 yards passing. The Rams received the kickoff and had a promising first drive cut short by a turnover.

Braiden Thomas gained 25 yards on Sylvania’s first play from scrimmage.

A few plays later, quarterback Jaxon Smith found Roman McKeehan for a 30-yard catch-and-run, but Bulldog defensive end Rhett Alford forced a fumble at the

Piedmont, gaining momentum, converted on consecutive 4th downs on the drive that ended with a short touchdown catch to make the score 7-0. Sylvania went three-and-out on its next drive, and the defending 3A state champions added another score on a 33-yard reception by receiver Thomas

Propst.

In the second quarter, the Rams moved the ball well on the ground, struggled to score in the red zone, and tried to contain Piedmont’s air attack. Bethel caught two touchdown passes from Hayes in the quarter.

The Bulldogs led 27-0 at the half.

Piedmont received the kick after the half and again went to work through the air with a 41-yard pass from Hayes to Parker Thornton. Another completion by Hayes led to a touchdown pass to Rollie Pinto, making the score 34-0.

Sylvania again moved the ball into the red zone with 7:20 left in the 3rd quarter, but its scoring chance ended with Piedmont forcing another fumble

remaining in the third, McAteer connected with Gavin Lang on a 37-yard pass connection for the score. The kick was good, giving the Panthers the 27-6 lead. With 10:01 remaining in the game, Kyler Beene bulldozed his way in fron 13 yards out for the Panther score. The kick was good, giving the Collinsville Panthers the 34-6 advantage with 10:01 remaining in the game. The Section Lions scored on a 62-yard combined run by JR Walker, with 2:28 remaining in the game, making the final for the night, Collinsville 34, Section 14. at the end of a 4th-and-12 completion from Smith to Josh Scott.

Hayes threw another short completion that turned into a 60-yard gain down the right sideline to Propst. The drive ended with a field goal, making the score 37-0. After a Sylvania punt, Piedmont drove the length of the filed again and added another field goal for the 40-0 lead. The Rams added a late touchdown with 5:50 left in the game on a 70-yard run by sophomore Aiden Parham, leaving the final score 40-7.

Piedmont (1-1) hosts region foe Plainview (0-2) in its next game, while Sylvania (1-1) seeks to bounce back in a region game vs. Ohatchee (0-3).

Photos courtesy of Andy Vance

Photo courtesy of Cheryl Boydston

Photo courtesy of Cheryl Boydston 7th grade: Jada Guinn. 8th grade: Danica O’Dell. 9th grade: Allie Crowley. 10th grade: Julie Mavity. 11th grade: MyCaiden Wilborn. 12th grade Attendants: Abigail Hartline, Carley Schlageter, Emiley Talley

By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala.-- The Geraldine Bulldogs defeated the Plainview Bears, 41-21 on Friday night.

Geraldine scored with 4:15 remaining in the first on a 2-yard rushing touchdown by Carlos Mann. The extra point attempt by Moses Garcia gave the Bulldogs the 7-0 lead. Mann brought in another Geraldine touchdown from 61 yards out, with 2:00 remaining in the first.

The extra point by Garcia gave Geraldine the 14-0 advantage.

Andrew Hall scored with an 18-yard rushing touchdown, to

put points on the board for Plainview, with 8:09 remaining in the second quarter.

The extra point attempt by Bradien Lingerfelt, was good to make the score 14-7.

Mann struck again for Geraldine on a 4-yard scamper into the endzone, with :54 remaining in the half. With :12 remaining in the half, Trey Rutledge connected with a 13-yard pass to Dylan Mccullough for the Bear touchdown. The extra-point attempt by Lingerfelt was good making the score going into intermission, Geraldine 21, Plainview 14.

The Bulldogs scored on a 5-yard touchdown pass connection from Jaxon

Colivn to Cody Satterfield, with 3:56 remaining in the third quarter. The kick by Garcia, made the score 28-14.

Mann scored with a 14-yard rushing

struck once more from 60 yards out, to give the Geraldine Bulldogs the 41-21 win. The Geraldine Bulldogs were named the Southern Torch Team of the Week for

touchdown to start the fourth quarter. The kick by Garcia gave the Bulldogs the 34-14 lead. Andrew Hall scored for the Bears on a 62-yard rushing touchdown. The kick by Lingerfelt made the score 34-21. Mann

their win. Due to forecasted inclement weather, Geraldine will face Hokes Bluff on the road on Thursday. Plainview will also travel to take on Piedmont on Thursday.

Photos courtesy of Jake Pinholster

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