ST Vol 8 No 41

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala.--

The possible opening of a Food City location in Fort Payne remains unclear, according to Fort Payne Mayor Brian Baine.

“It’s totally out of our hands, at this time” stated Mayor Brian Baine.

The project has seen much controversy as citizens have addressed the Fort Payne Council on two different occasions, with the majority being against the new grocery store locating in town.

The Fort Payne Council approved earlier this year a Memorandum of Understanding. After an error in the city’s legal advertisement was published in a local newspaper, The Times Journal. The Fort Payne City Council threw out the previously approved Memorandum of

Understanding with Marathon Realty Corporation upon the advice of Fort Payne City Attorney, Rocky Watson.

In a previous statement to Southern Torch, Attorney J. David Dodd stated that “ We

believe the City Council was well advised to dismiss the complaint and sincerely hope that our City Council will exercise better care of the taxpayer’s money in the future”.

A new public hearing

sick for his last Commission meeting. Kuykendall lost his reelection bid to Ron Saferite for District III Commissioner, in May. The Commission, along with DeKalb County Administrator Matt Sharp reflected on the hard work that Kukendall had performed for DeKalb County.

was held on Tuesday, August 30 for those on both sides of the debate. All council members and Mayor Brian Bain were present, with the exception of John M. Smith who recently had surgery.

While there was some present for the hearing that was in favor of the proposed development, the majority were against it. Opponents stated that while they were not against competition, they felt that if Food City wanted to open up new development, it should be on “their own dime…not Fort Payne taxpayers”. Others were concerned that their voices were not heard, as Council members did not answer their questions. Additionally, there is a pending opioid case that has been brought against Food City by the State of Tennessee Attorney General’s Office.

In the new Memorandum of Understanding, the City of Fort Payne will still pay $3.1 million, as an incentive to bring the development to Fort

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala.-- (Full Video on Southern Torch Facebook)

The DeKalb County Commission held its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, October 11.

The DeKalb County Commission planned a farewell to outgoing Commissioner Chris Kuykendall but unfortunately, he was

“I sure hope Commissioner Kuykendall is home listening to these kind words because he would never believe it” joked DeKalb County Commission President, Ricky Harcrow.

DeKalb County Road Department Supervisor Tom Broyles advised the Commission that the Road Department had hit a snag in their reclaiming road projects. This is due to the 33% increase in crusher run. This increase adds $6 more per ton. A mile of reclaiming of

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Mentone Area Preservation Association (MAPA).

The event features handmade arts and crafts, festival food, live music, kid’s activities, a scarecrow contest, and a pet parade.

The event which is usually at Mentone Park is moving to a new location this year. The new location will be held at the former Moon Lake School, which is now home to the Moon Lake Village.

In Downtown Fort

Payne, the last Third Saturday Downtown of the 2022 season will be held this Saturday, October 15. The event will be from 5 p.m to 9 p.m. The free event is held every third Saturday from April to October, with the exception of September when Boom Days are held.

Third Saturday features classic cars, musical entertainment, and food vendors

Clothing Store For Young And Young At Heart

By Marla Ballard Reporter

SCOTTSBORO, ALA – Diane Widgeon’s five grandchildren call her a “sassy nana” because she is young at heart and full of spirit, so when she opened a lady’s apparel store it just seemed fitting to name it The Sassy Nana.

Widgeons wasn’t always in the retail business, for over three decades she exercised her managerial skills at doctor’s offices in Jackson County. What led her to a change of occupation was when she went with a friend to the Atlanta Market for business owners and realized the retail business was something she would enjoy. She started her lady’s apparel business in 2018.

Like many smart business owners, Widgeons started off “dipping her toe into the water” by keeping things small and simple. When her at-home/online business grew she moved into a more adequate rental space. The Sassy Nana has

been located on “The Square” now for nearly four years.

Scottsboro has been home to six generations of Diane’s family. “The area has been good to my family; my daughter works as a teacher at Nelson Elementary School and my son is a Mechanical Engineer at Redstone Arsenal. The support I’ve received from the community has been awesome,” said Widgeons. “We had to close for two months due to the pandemic, but thankfully things picked back up.”

Widgeons makes use of social media using clothing models

and videos to whet the appetite of shoppers with online views of samplings of what her shop sells. This avenue affords customers the convenience of posting a comment under a particular item of interest and checking on sizes and availability and then they may request a hold on the item(s).

Widgeons will hold a potential purchase for up to 48 hours allowing time for her customers to go to the store to make their purchase. The shop also offers to ship. “I frequently ship to customers from out-of-state,” said Widgeons.

In addition to lady’s apparel, the store offers accessories and gift selections. Gifts include; home décor, fragrances, jewelry, purses, hats, and more. Ladies in the Red Hat Society should visit the shop to acquire their signature look. Widgeons hopes in the future to add a men’s clothing line to her business.

In addition to thanking the community, Widgeons said, “I also want to thank my husband Roger and my family for all of their support in this endeavor.”

The Square host’s events all through the year such as the First Monday of every month Scottsboro Trade Day. On November 5, The Square will present the Harvest Festival, these are excellent opportunities to support local businesses.

The Sassy Nana is located at 110 East Peachtree Street, Scottsboro. Hours; Tuesday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Phone: 256-609-1497. Follow on Facebook and Instagram.

Scottsboro’s New Haunted House

By David Hall Reporter david@southerntorch.com

A new haunted house called Bedlam is officially opening to the public in September.

Located at 302 West Willow Street, Bedlam has 42,000 square feet inside of an old building. Some of the building was built over 100 years ago. The Bedlam crew believes the building is actually haunted. Tickets for Bedlam cost $20, however, for $25 attendees can receive a glow-inthe-dark necklace

that signals to the actors it is okay to touch them.

Attendees can skip the line all together by purchasing a $30 ticket.

Hours for Bedlam are 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. every Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, the haunted house is open from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Trick-or-treaters are encouraged to come on Halloween night from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Halloween night will be the final night of the season that Bedlam is open. The hours for that night will be 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Inside The Statehouse

By Steve Flowers

As mentioned last week, all polling points to a significant Republican pickup of congressional seats in the upcoming November General Election. It is a historical fact that the party that loses the White House in a presidential year, picks up congressional seats in the following midterm elections. Furthermore, Democrats are in disfavor because of runaway inflation.

Voters blame Biden and the Democratic Congress for the inflated price of gas, groceries and everything else.

Americans vote their pocketbook. It’s the economy that counts, is what they say. We, however, in Alabama will vote party no matter what is going on in the economy. Over 60% of Alabamians will vote Republican. Although, the libertarian party

fielding a slate of state candidates may skew these numbers.

We have six Republican congressional seats, all white men and one Democratic congressional seat held by an African American woman. It would not matter if the inflation rate was 30% and a Republican was in the White House, we would still elect six Republican congressmen and one Democratic congressperson. We do not fit into national politics. We are automatically placed in the Republican column for presidential elections, regardless of the Democratic or Republican nominees. We are colored red way before the election night numbers are counted. Both of our U.S. Senate seats are held by Republicans. When Katie Britt won the Republican Primary in June, the race was

over. This race will be on the ballot next month. However, Katie Britt will win. Winning the Republican Primary in the Heart of Dixie is tantamount to election.

The same was true for the Democratic Party in Alabama six decades ago. Folks, when we change, we change. We do not do things halfway.

Sixty years ago, every statewide official was a Democrat. Every state judge was a Democrat. Our entire congressional delegation was Democratic. Today, not only is our congressional delegation 6-to1 Republican, our legislature, both Senate and House, is 75% Republican. Every statewide elected official in Alabama is a Republican. The Republican control of Alabama politics today is so dominating that we could safely be called a one party state, again, when it comes to statewide

politics.

A prevailing theme has continued in Alabama for over a century and it is still pronounced today. Our state is divided politically based on race. Over 90% of whites vote Republican and almost all, 96% of Black voters, vote Democratic. It is that simple, most parts of the country vote based on pocketbook issues, but Alabama and the Deep South vote on race and religion. Therefore, the national congressional numbers in the U.S. House may change to Republican, but we are Republican regardless.

Our legislature will not change our congressional makeup of Alabama’s delegation from 6-to-1 Republican. However, that does not mean that the Federal Courts will not.

African American Democratic lawmakers filed suit in federal court in the Northern District of Alabama

late last year asking the court to change the lines to create a second Black majority congressional district. They argued that the current six Republican seats to one Democratic seat majority, which has been in effect since 1992, blatantly violates their Constitutional rights under the 1965 Voting Rights Act. If you put a percentage of the Black citizens, who as we have said vote straight Democratic, into having one African American Democratic Congressman, that gives Black voters 13% of the representation.

The Black population of Alabama is 27%.

The argument that there should be two majority minority districts has some merit.

A three judge federal panel made up of two Republicans appointed jurists and one Democratic appointee agreed with the plaintiffs and

ruled in their favor. They ordered the state legislature to go back to the drawing board and map out a second African American Democratic district.

The Supreme Court intervened on January 24 and stayed the lower court’s decision. However, the stay was granted not on the merits of the case, but because it was too close to Alabama’s election, which had already begun. Supreme Court Justice, Brett Kavanaugh, wrote that the high courts have set precedents that federal courts should not disrupt state election procedures close to the time of an election.

We have not seen the last of this issue. We could see our congressional line-up change to five Republicans and two Democrats in the 2024 election. We will see.

Geraldine Council Meeting

Praises

FROM PAGE 1

roads which were once $30.000 to $32,000 has increased to $45,000 to $49,000 per mile. After treatment, a mile of the road could average $100K.

Supervisor Broyles requested the rehire of William King to District #1 Road Department, which the Commission approved.

resignations of Bree Monroe (Dispatch), Tyler Pruitt (Full-TIme Deputy), Candance Bearden (Jail), and Nathan Palmer (Jail) which the Commission approved. Sydney McKay was moved from part-time to full-time dispatcher. Luke Yarbrough was hired as a Full-Time Deputy. Parker Perea was hired as a full-time corrections officer.

• DeKalb Homemakers Proclamiaition was presented

The next meeting of the DeKalb County Commission will be held on November 16.

Fall

The Geraldine Town council met on Monday, October 4, for their regular monthly meeting.

Minutes were approved from the October 4, Work Session and the September 12, council Meeting.

Discussion was held about the first annual Christmas in the Park. Plans are being made for Churches and businesses to place a Christmas tree in the park by the walking track. Exact details will be coming soon, and will be announced on the Town Facebook page. The council adopted an Ordinance declaring some unneeded property as surplus.

The council voted to place a street light on Pine Drive.

Randall Johnson and Shon Rogers were appointed to serve on the Planning Commission to replace two vacancies due to expired terms. It was agreed to secure Wildwood as the headliner for Picnic in the Park on June 17, 2023. Discussion was held about updating the sick time and vacation time benefits for employees, but no decision was made at this time. Some discussion was held about some zoning issues, but no action was taken. The council agreed to pay the bills as presented and the meeting was adjourned.

- Chuck Ables Mayor. Geraldine, Al

DeKalb County Engineer, Ben Luther asked the Commission to accept the bid by Thompson Tractor for $34,864.44, for repair to the 2008 Catapiler Motor Grader. The Commission approved the bid. Luther also asked the Commission to reject the bid by Lambert Inc., for the bridge concrete deck on County Road 386, in the amount of $45,900. This proposal is three times higher than expected. Luther asked permission to rebid and the authority to approve an acceptable bid if one is submitted before the next council meeting. The Commission granted Luther the authority to do so.

The FY 2020 Rebuild Alabama Funds were amended to make some minor changes in roads that will be paved. DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden submitted the

The Commission honored Mr. and Mrs. Orlan Ledford, with a proclamation celebrating their 69th anniversary. DeKalb County Commission President Ricky Harcrow presented the couple with a plaque and a cake for the occasion.

A plaque in appreciation of the help provided by the DeKalb County Commission in 2021 was presented by the DeKalb Toys for Tots campaign.

In other business:

• A building roof quote by K&S was approved for the DeKalb Revenue and Investigation office.

• Travel and Training approved for the Council on Aging

• John Dersham was reappointed to the Alabama Mountain Lakes Association

• James G. May was reappointed to the NE Water Board

• A resolution for federal money for $50,000 was

Collinsville Drugs

Every Friday and Saturday in October, Trail of Horror - Hollywood Fire Department hosts the Trail of Terror. Every Friday and Saturday in October. Begins at sundown. Located at Hollywood Park, 6759 Co Rd 33, Hollywood AL. Admission $10.

October 15, Halloween Ghost

Hunt, Decatur’s 1833 Old State Bank 189 Year Anniversary - exclusive halloween 189th year anniversary! Interactive real paranormal investigation of decatur, alabama’s

County

Carla Wood will give a brief introduction of who we are and what services we offer and honor those who aren’t with us today. There will be a reading of a poem and realeasing of balloons.

November 5, Hustle for Heroes

5K - Join the VFW & Auxiliary in our 5th Hustle for Heroes 5K. All proceeds benefit The Patriots Memorial Park in Fort Payne. The race begins and ends at the VFW Fairgrounds in Fort Payne. Registration fee is $25 and day of is $30. There will be a Fun Run for children under 12. Fun Run fee is $5 and $10 with t-shirt. Register by October 21 to guarentee a t-shirt. There will be medals awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each division. Online registration is available.

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

FROM PAGE 1 throughout downtown. Local businesses will always open their doors for your after-hours shopping

convenience.

The Coal and Iron Building will feature musical entertainment by the duo of Brant Noojin and Lee Burt along with a performance by John Sells. Stuart Douglas will be performing on the Main Stage, at The Building.

Whatever you decide to do this weekend, get out and enjoy all that beautiful DeKalb County has to offer.

Boxes for Hurrican Victims

By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

DEKALB COUNTY,

Ala.--After Hurricane

Ian made landfall in Florida, a DeKalb County couple started questioning what they could do to help the many victims.

After contacting churches in the area, they were informed that many were in desperate need of personal hygiene items. Many did not even have a washcloth or towel much less soap and shampoo.

The couple decided to make 500 boxes to be hand delivered to victims with the help of local churches.

After talking to a local business in Rainsville, enough baby items were donated which

included diapers, wipes, and baby shampoo, to make the boxes. Items that are still needed for men and women are as follows: soap, shampoo, razors, shaving cream, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental picks, and Q-tips.

Children’s boxes need: toothbrushes, toothpaste, and dental picks. In Rainsville, please bring your donations to Kelly’s Kitchen, Topher’s Wings, or Wilco Metal Roofing. In Fort Payne, items can be delivered to Southern Torch located at 225 Gault Avenue North, Fort Payne.

The items will be accepted for two weeks and then packed into boxes for delivery in Florida.

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

EXECUTOR’S

NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MILES L. BEATY, DECEASED

CASE NO.: 2022-347

Letters of Testamentary on the Estate of MILES L. BEATY, Deceased, having been granted to the undersigned on the 21 day of September, 2022, 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 September 30, October 7, & 14

LEGALS

STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF DEKALB PROBATE COURT

* 2022-356 *

ADMINISTRATOR’S

NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS

In the Matter of the Estate of Joseph Nelson Blalock, Jr., Deceased.

Letters of Administration of the estate of Joseph Nelson Blalock, Jr., deceased, having been granted to the undersigned on the 28 day of Sept. 2022 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 October 7, 14, & 21

LEGALS

NOTICE OF ELECTRONIC FILING

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF DeKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

CELESTE GALVANMENDOZA

V. ROBERTO RODRIGUEZ-

MENDIOLA 28-CS-2022900051.00

The following matter was FILED on 5/31/2022 11:24:28 AM

In the Juvenile Court of DeKalb County, Alabama

Galvan-Mendoza Celeste, Plantiff v.

Rodriguez-Mendiola Roberto, Defendant Order

Upon Varified motion of the petitioner in the above style cause, the court agrees that service by publication of the Petition for custody upon the Respondent, Roberto Rodriguez-Mendiola, whose whereabouts are unknown, is proper in this case and directs the Court Clerk to prepare a Notice and have it published in Southern Torch, a newspaper of general circulation in DeKalb County, Alabama, once a week for the next four (4) weeks.

Said notice to be published September 30, October 7, 14, & 21

LEGALS

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT DEKALB COUNTY ALABAMA LORI BETH GREENWOOD, PLAINTIFF VS PAYTON ROSS GREENWOOD, DEFENDANT

CASE NO.: CV- 17 -900108.00

NOTICE OF AUCTION

Under and by virtue of a judgment in the above styled cause rendered by Circuit Judge Shaunathan C. Bell on November 6, 2020, the following real property sh auction on Saturday, October 29 at 11:00 a.m. to the best, highest and last bidder:

Begin at the SW corner of the NW Quarter of the SW Quarter of Section 28, Township 6 South, Range 8 East, Huntsville, Meridian, DeKalb County, Alabama; thence S 89 deg. 21’08” W 7.70’ to the East right of way of Lingerfelt Road; thence N 01 deg. 40’ 18” E 276.52’; thence N 01 deg. 35’ 44” E 57.35’; thence leaving said right of way N 89 deg. 25’ 57” E 1332.37’;

thence S 00 deg. 07’ 09” W 331.76’; thence S 89 deg. 21’08” W 1333.66’ to the point of beginning, having an area of 10.2 acres.

Commence at the SW corner of the NW Quarter of the SW Quarter of Section 28, Township 6 South, Range 8 East, Huntsville Meridian, DeKalb County, Alabama; thence S 89 deg. 21’08” W 7.70’ to the East right of way Lingerfelt Road; thence N 01 deg. 40’ 18” E 276.52’; thence

N 01 deg. 35’ 44” E 57.35’; to the point of beginning; thence N 01 deg. 35’ 44” E 95.24’; thence N 01 deg. 33’ 56” E 238.60’; thence N 89 deg. 30’48” E 1323.87’; thence S 00 deg. 07’ 09” W 331.76’; thence S 89 deg. 25’ 57” W 1332.37’ to the point of beginning, having an area of 10.1 acres. Subject to and in favor of a 30’ wide non-exclusive easement for ingress, egress, and utilities along an existing drive

The auction will take place on the property at 128 Lingerfelt Road, Rainsville, AL 35986. For more information,

Auctioneer’s License #1218, Auctions United, Inc. 1-800-222-5003; Randy Wilson, Wilson Realty, 256-997-6972; or Beau Wilson, Wilson Realty, 256-844-7298, or visit the website: www.auctionsunited.

Done this 5th day of

published, October 7,

DeKalb County Hospital Association dba DeKalb Ambulance Service will hold their regularly scheduled board meeting on October 20, 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.

Payne. This amount is to be paid in installments as the development meets certain benchmarks.

If Food City fails to open or if it closes within five years, it must repay all funds received from the City, with interest.

In reaching the agreement to pay $3.1 million, the City stated that they considered the new jobs that will be created, increased sales tax revenue, and the overall impact on the City’s economy.

The DeKalb County Economic Development Authority commissioned a study by the University of Alabama which concluded that Food

City would “have a significant impact on the economy of both DeKalb County and the City of Fort Payne”.

The property on which Marathon Realty wants to build the development, according to a Fact Sheet presented by the City of Fort Payne, is owned by Drinkard Development.

According to Attorney Alan Dodd of Scruggs, Dodd & Brisendine law firm, the property is not owned by Drinkard Development, it is owned by an individual.

“We are for competition. Competition helps the customer, it makes them try harder, price groceries lower, and offer more services” stated Alan Dodd. “We are against giving this company

a 3 million dollar leg up on the competition.”

After nearly two hours of comments from citizens and business owners, the Council agreed to pass the Memorandum of Understanding and to proceed with the proposed development. The project is still pending approval by a judge as required by Amendment 772. A judge has not been appointed in the case, as of press time. After an appointment, a judge will review the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Fort Payne and Marathon Realty (Food City). The judge will then have forty days to make a ruling, whether it will be in the best interest of the citizens of Fort Payne.

Poll Workers Class

October 17th through the 22nd

Poll Workers Classes will be on October 25th at Crossville Sand Mt. Research Center at 10am, Rainsville Bevil Center at 2pm and Fort. Payne City Auditorium at 5pm.

AMY THRASH amy@southerntorch.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE O ce: (256)638-4040 Cell: (256)996-0460 DAY CARE CENTER 333 DILBECK RD IN RAINSVILLE • (256)638-4848

Wilson Burt

Betty Dyer Tate84 of Jesup, GA, passed away on Monday, October 3, 2022. Graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, October 7, 2022.

Margie Rush Posey - 84, passed away Tuesday, October 4, 2022. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Stewart Cemetery.

Sidney Lee Thompson - 89, of Fort Payne, Alabama, passed away Thursday, October 6, 2022. Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Sunday, October 9th at Wilson Funeral Home with burial following.

Johnny David Young - 79, of the Pine Ridge community, passed away October 6, 2022. Funeral services will be 3:00pm Saturday, October 8, 2022.

P.M. Roberta Keith QUALITY JEWELRY 1706 Glenn Blvd., Suite 4 James Allensworth • allensworth@aol.com Rainsville Church Pew Quality Church Furnishings created by American Craftsmen Since 1958

Wanda Ann Hunt Middlebrooks “Peachie” - 70 of the Lickskillet Community, passed away on Friday, October 7, 2022. Funeral services will 2 p.m., Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at the Wilson Funeral Home with Rev. Mike Miller and Rev. Shaunathan Bell officiating. Burial will follow.

Ronald Lee Clark - 76, of Fort Payne, Alabama, passed away on Thursday, October 6, 2022. Date of Funeral: Saturday, October 8, 2022 at 2:30 PM.

FurnitureRefinishing&Restoration

OBITUARIES

October 14, 2022, at 2pm at Henagar Church of God with Bro. Charles Walker and Bro. Kenneth Walker officiating. Family will receive friends Thursday, October 13th from 10am until 8pm at Kerby Funeral Home Chapel.

Cornerstone Section

Glenda Kay Mobley Posey - 70 of Flat Rock died Monday, October 5, 2022. A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, October 11 at 11 AM CT. Shirley Sue Camp Parker - 64 of Ider, died Monday, October 5 at her residence. Memorial services will be planned at a later date.

Geraldine Kerby

- 91 Shari Jones - Agent Kim Horton Reality P.O. Box 2315 Rainsville, AL 35986 www.greateralabamamls.com 256-638-5281

Opal Garmany Haynes - 81, from Section AL. Passed away October 9, 2022. Funeral Service Tuesday, October 11 at 2:00P.M. Visitation will be October 11 10:00A.M. - 2:00PM.

Scottsboro

Barbara LaRue Lands - 79, of Scottsboro, passed away peacefully, on Thursday, September 29, 2022, surrounded by her family. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, October 2, 2022 at 2:00 pm at Scottsboro Funeral Home with her husband, Rev. Sam Lands officiating. Burial will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery. The visitation will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2022 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the funeral home.

Dale C. Gilliam57, of Scottsboro, passed away on Thursday, October 6, 2022. A graveside service will be held on Sunday, October 9, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Hytop Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 8, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Scottsboro Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be held at 3pm on Thursday, October 6, 2022 from W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial to follow in Longshore Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 1pm-3pm, prior to the service, on Thursday, October 6, 2022 at the funeral home. Officiating is Bro. Ronald Berry.

Sandra (Sandy)

Pastorelli - 78 of Fort Payne passed away Wednesday October 5, 2022 in Collinsville Health and Rehab.

Sandy was raised in Rochester, NY where she worked as a developer at Kodak before retiring to Florida and then Alabama. She loved the ocean and animals. To help celebrate Sandy’s life, go and dip your toes in the ocean waters, pet a dog, and hug those you love!

Velma Sisco Chrismany - passed away on, Friday, October 7, 2022 at her home, in Scottsboro.

of Henagar passed away on Monday, October 10, 2022 at her residence. Funeral service is Friday, Jamey Jones 1281 Main St. PO Drawer 1099 Rainsville, AL 35986 (256)638-2467

Born January 15, 1922, to Ben and Virgie Sisco, Velma lived her entire life in Scottsboro and celebrated her 100th birthday in January of this year. Graveside services will be held Sunday, October 9, 2022, at 3 p.m. at Pinehaven Memorial Gardens.

Vestal Jeanette Johnson - 95 of Rainsville, Al. passed away Saturday October 8, 2022 in Collinsville Health and Rehab. Visitation will be Sunday Oct. 9, 2022 at Nazareth Church 5 pm till 8 pm. She will lie-in-state at the church Monday 12 pm till 2pm. Funeral service will be at 2pm. Burial will be in the adjoining cemetery.

KANDIELAND Advertise here for $12.50 (256)605-4427 marla@southerntorch.com Burt Funeral Homes (256)845-9150 3801 Gault Avenue, North, Fort Payne, AL

2022.

Jewel B. Higgin

EMERGENCY DO YOU HAVE A MOLD PROBLEM? 273-4900 Robert Johnson Roofing and Construction LLC www.rjrc911.com AL License #25356 PO Box 426 Valley Head, AL 35989 Amanda McDonald - Office Manager roberts.roofing.911@gmail.com

- 87 of Sylvania passed away Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022 at her residence.

FUNERAL ia at 3pm-Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022 W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

BURIAL will be held at Pine Grove Cemetery. VISITATION 8am till 3pm on Wednesday. William Edward Cowart - 62 of Henagar, passed away Monday, October 10, 2022. Funeral Services will be held at 11am on Thursday, October 13, 2022 from W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial to follow in Walnut Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4pm-8pm on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at the funeral home. Officiating is Bro. Eddie Wilborn and Bro. Ricky Wilborn. Richard Dean Lowrey - 73 of Crossville, passed away Tuesday, October 11, 2022.

Jessie Kenneth “Tank” Cofield - 73, of Dawson, Alabama, passed away on October 8, 2022 at his residence. The family will receive friends on October 9, beginning at 4:00 P.M. The Memorial Service will follow at 7:00 anking, wherever you are! W.T. Wilson PHONE: (256)638-2700 FAX: (256)638-3488 Simple, Convenient & Less Expensive

Funeral Services will be held at 1pm on Thursday, October 13, 2022 from W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial to follow in DeKalb Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 5pm-7pm on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at the funeral home. Officiating is Bro. Jerry Tuck and Bro. Bobby Hullett.

W.T. Wilson

Martha Lou Dorsett - 75 of Collinsville, passed away Tuesday, October 4,

Football Finals for October 7, 2022

Panthers Swat the Hornets

Bulldogs win in a Nail-Biter

By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

GERALDINE, Ala.-- The Geraldine Bulldogs (5-2, 4-1) defeated Westbrook Christian 16-13, in Class 3A, Region 6 play on Friday night.

By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Collinsville,

Ala.-- The Collinsville Panthers defeated the Ider Hornets, 41-12 on Friday night.

Keaton Deboard scored with 6:14 remaining in the first quarter with a 21-yard stampede down the field, to give Collinsville the 7-0 advantage.

Mason McAteer connected with Kyler Beene, on a 47-yard pass for the score. The point-after attempt gave the Panthers the 14-0 lead with 8:46 remaining in the second quarter.

McAteer made an 80-yard pass connection with Deboard to take the 21-0 lead with 2:07 remaining in the first half. Daniel Greenson, returned the kickoff for 85 yards, to put the Ider Hornets on the scoreboard, with 2:07 remaining in the

second quarter.

McAteer brought in a quarterback keeper for the Panthers, making the score 27-6 going into the intermission.

McAteer brought in another quarterback keeper from 7-yards out, to increase the Panther lead to 24-6, with 5:38 remaining in the third quarter.

Benjamin Smith scored on a 28-yard pass connection from Dylan Grant, with 5:16 remaining in the third. The Hornets went for two but were stopped by the Panthers, making the score 34-12. Hunter James galloped down the field for 20 yards for the Panthers, with 2:11 remaining in the third quarter, to make the final score of the night, 41-12.

Deboard rushed thirteen times for a total of 125 yards for Collinsville. He had a receiving touchdown and caught an 80-yard pass for a touchdown. He stopped an Ider drive with an

interception.

Mason McAteer rushed 10 times for 98 yards and two touchdowns for the Collinsville Panthers. He passed for 176 yards and two touchdowns for the night.

The Panther defense had six tackles for losses and two interceptions.

Ider’s Daniel Greeson had an 85-yard kickoff return for the touchdown. He set up the other Hornet touchdown with a 57-yard kickoff return to the Panther 28.

“I felt that we did a good job of playing hard and not being distracted by all of the Panther Homecoming activities” stated Collinsville Head Football, Coach Ernie Willingham.

Collinsville will travel to take on Whitesburg Christian on Friday. The Ider Hornets will host Sand Rock on Friday.

Wildcat Homecoming Win

By Amy West Sports Reporter amy@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE,

Ala.-- The Fort Payne Wildcats celebrated Homecoming with a 46-14 victory over the Hazel Green Trojans. With 9:13 remaining in the first quarter, Kaden Dubose ran up the middle from 10-yards out to give the Wildcats the 7-0 lead. Dax Varnadore connected with a 45-yard touchdown pass to Skyler Cody, making the score 14-0, with 2:59 remaining in the first quarter. Kobe King intercepted a Hazel Green pass to set up a Wildcat touchdown. Jake Barnes’ pass to Marcus Ledford gave the Wildcats a 35-yard gain. Vanadore

crambled down to the 2-yard line. Alex Akins brought it into the endzone from 2-yards out, to make he score 21-0 with 1:06 remaining in the first quarter.

With 7:54 left in the first half, Barnes connected with Codywith a 79-yard pass, to increase the Wildcat lead to, 29-0. Vanadore made the 21-yard pass connection with Cody, to end the half with a Fort Payne lead of 36-0.

Bennett Blanks scored from 1-yard out, with 9:43 remaining in the third quarter and extended the Wildcat lead to 43-0. Hazel Green scored their first touchdown of the night, with 7:42 remaining in the third, making the score 43-7.

Kai Stolp nailed a 42-yard field goal for the Wildcats, to make the score 46-7 with 11:36 remaining in the ball game. Hazel Green added another touchdown in the fourth, to make the final score 46-14.

“It was another great team win. Our offense made some explosive plays in the first half and our defense continues to play well.” stated Head Coach Chris Elmore.

“Our defense made a couple of key stops inside our 20 in the first half to give us the 36-0 lead at the half. We were able to maintain that lead in the second half and get another important region win. “

The Wildcats will travel to take on the Buckhorn Bucks Friday night.

Eli Slaughter intercepted a Westbrook pass for a pick 6 early in the first quarter, to go up 7-0. Westbrook scored on an 8-yard pass. The point-after kick was blocked, making the score 7-6, with 1:28 remaining in the first quarter.

Westbrook scored on a 31-yard screen

pass, with 7:19 remaining in the first half. The point-after attempt was good to take the 13-7 lead over Geraldine. With :22 remaining in the first half, Geraldine attempted a 38-yard field goal but fell short. Westbrook went into the half with a 13-7 advantage. Geraldine turned the ball over on downs, to start the third quarter. A snap went out of the endzone on the punt to give the Bulldogs the safety, and to go up 13-9 with 3:10 remaining in the third.

Geraldine brought it to the 41-yard line

after the kickoff, as the third quarter ended. The Bulldogs went 9 plays for 54 yards for the score, to start the fourth quarter and to take the 16-13 lead.

After back-and-forth punts, time ran out for Westbrook as Jaxon Colvin takes a knee, giving the Geraldine Bulldogs the 16-13 win. Jaxon Colvin had 13 carries for 79 yards and one touchdown. Caleb Hall had 18 carries for 61 yards.

Geraldine travels to take on the number one seed in the region and defending 2021 State Champions, the Piedmont Bulldogs on Friday night.

Tigers Continue to Attack

By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

ONEONTA,

Ala.-- The No. 5 ranked Valley Head Tigers remain perfect in play with a 34-28 victory over the Appalachian Eagles on Thursday night.

The Eagles put the first points on the board with a 63-pass connection, with only :52 ticked off the time clock. Appalachian went for two but was unsuccessful. With 10:23 remaining in the first quarter, Hunter Robinson brought one in from 2 yards. The kick by Ethan Smith was good, to give the Tigers the 7-6 lead. Appalachian answered back with a 16-yard pass completion. The Eagles went for two but were unsuccessful, to take the 12-7 lead at

the end of the opening quarter.

Eian Bian made a 25-yard pass completion to Chase Thomas for the score. The extra point attempt by Smith was good, to give the Tigers the 14-12 advantage. The Eagles ran one in from 2-yards out for the score. Appalachian successfully went for two, taking the 20-14 lead with 2:37 remaining in the second half. Eian Bain galloped in from 27 yards for the Tiger touchdown. The kick by Smith narrowed the Eagle lead to 21-20, going into intermission.

With 8:11 remaining in the third quarter, Eian Bain scored from 16-yards out. The point-after attempt by Smith gave the Tigers the 28-20 advantage.

Appalachian tied the game, with a 2-yard

touchdown. The Eagles successfully went for two to tie the game, 28-28.

After a back-andforth between the two teams, Eian Bain scored the go-ahead touchdown from one yard out, with :57 remaining in regulation play, to make the final 34-28.

Eian Bain led the Valley Head Tigers with 337 yards on 29 carries, which averages 11.6 yards per carry, and scored three touchdowns.

Hunter Robinson carried sixteen times for 100 yards and scored one touchdown.

The Valley Head Tigers had 520 offensive yards compared to 283 yards for Appalachian.

Valley Head will host a region game against Woodville on Friday.

Cornerstone Victory Over Victory

By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Chrisitan, 41-0 on Friday night.

Cornerstone had over rushing yards against Victory. Sam Johnson had 100-plus yards got the night.

Lucas Hale and Colby Harrison both had two

rushing touchdowns. Jack McGullion and Henry Harrison both added a touchdown. McGullion and Harrison worked together on the tackle that netted a safety.

Valerie Chappell | Southern Torch

Cheryl Boydston | Southern Torch

Team of the Week Plainview Bears

By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala.-- The Plainview Bears defeated the Sylvania Rams, 33-30 in a Class 3A Region 6 showdown on Thursday night.

The Rams showed dominance early, scoring fourteen points in the first quarter. Less than three minutes into the game, Quarterback Jax Smith tossed a lateral pass to Joshua Scott. Scott then

connected with Landon Watkins for the 69-yard touchdown reception. The kick by Conner Andrade was good to give the Rams the 7-0 lead. After a Plainview fumble on the 5-yard line, Bradien Thomas sailed in from 3-yards out. The kick by Andrade, gave the Rams the 14-0 lead, at the end of the first quarter.

Andrew Hall, barreled down the field for the Bears, to set up a 1-yard punch into the endzone by Dylan

McCullough. The kick by Braden Lingerfelt, made the score 14-7 with 9:16 remaining in the first half. The Rams answered back with a 9-yard rushing touchdown by Aiden Parham and the extra point by Andrade.

Sylvania added a 34-yard field goal to close out the half with the 24-7 lead over the Plainview Bears.

The Plainview Bears came out of intermission, as a different team. The Bears scored, less than

Back-to-Back Champions

three minutes into the third quarter, on a 2-yard scamper into the endzone by McCullough. Levi Brown, brought in the 2-point conversion. Sylvania scored six points on a 30-yard rushing touchdown by Parham. McCullough barreled into the endzone, scoring on a 5-yard rushing touchdown. Joshua Sandlin brought in the 2-point conversion, to make it a 30-23 game. Sam Rowell charged into the

endzone from 12-yards out, for the Bear touchdown. The kick by Lingerfelt, tied the game with 9:27 remaining. The next 9 minutes of the game was a showdown between the two teams. WIth :41 remaining in play, Braiden Lingerfelt made the 25-yard field goal to give the Plainview Bears the 33-30 victory.

The Bears overcame a 17-point deficit, at halftime, to cash in on the win. This win improved the

Plainview Bears record to 2-5, and 2-4 in region play.

The Sylvania Rams had a total of 333 yards to Plainview’s 324.

Dylan Mccullough led the Plainview Bears with 158 yards on 17 attempts. Aiden Parham led the Sylvania Rams with 104 yards on 12 attempts.

Next Friday, Plainview will travel to take on Westbrook Christian. Sylvania will host Hokes Bluff.

City of Rainsville

By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

GERALDINE, Ala.-- The Plainview Varsity Volleyball Team

are Back-to-Back DeKalb County Champions.

The Plainview Lady Bears boast a 54-10 record. They are No. 1 in Class 3A Area 14

and are a perfect 5-0 in region play.

The Lady Bears defeated the Geraldine Lady Bulldogs, 2-0 to claim the DeKalb County Championship.

Over the weekend, The Plainview Boys and Girls Cross Country Team both claimed the DeKalb Cross Country Championship.

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