StudentS Learn native american cuStomS Search Continues for Missing Valley Head Teen

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Valley Head, Ala. —

Makenna Joy Purvis, 19, of Valley Head was last seen on September, 22.

Purvis is 5-feet-6 inches and weighs about 100-120 pounds. She has red hair and hazel eyes.

As of October 26, Makenna is still missing. Makenna’s family and friends are very worried about her. They ask that if Makenna sees this article, she comes home or calls someone to just let them know she is safe.

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala.-- The DeKalb County Board of Education held its first Native American Cultural Event on Tuesday, October 25 at the Northeast Alabama Agri-Business Center.

The event was for students across DeKalb County, grades K-8, who participate in the Indian Education Program.

Fyffe and Collinsville students were not able to participate due to a E-learning day. A event will be scheduled for those students in the future.

The Cherokee Tribe of Northeast Alabama and the UCAN Tribe educated students on several different aspects of their culture.

Activities included stamp bracelets, wood leaf necklaces, and a artifact dig.

The students visited various booths set up throughout the AgriBusiness Center, including:

• Pine Needle

Over the weekend, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Investigators and Deputies met with Fisher Rescue Team, Valley Head Police Department, Mentone Police Department, DeKalb County EMA, and local Fire Departments and searched the wooded area where Makenna was last seen. There was no sign of Makenna in the area.

DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Fisher Rescue and their team for spending 8+ hours of Saturday to help search for Makenna. The team had members from Athens Al, Murfreesboro Tn, and all-over North Alabama. Two canine search teams searched as well.

DeKalb County Sheriff, Nick Welden, and the DeKalb Sheriff’s Office would like to let Makenna know she is not in any trouble at all. They only want to see Makenna back safe with the family and friends that love her so dearly.

“If anyone has any information on Makenna’s whereabouts, please