ST Vol 8 No 50

Final Numbers for County Road 835

marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala.- (Full Video on Southern Torch Facebook) County Road 835, or as some know it, Old Highway 35 is completely finished. The DeKalb County Commission received the final report on the CR 835, at their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday.

In February 2019, a large amount of rainfall caused damage to CR835 and it was forcibly closed after several slides made the road impassable.

After over three years of hard work by the DeKalb County

Son Charged with Murder of Mother

Engineer Ben Luther informed the Commission of the final numbers for the road project. The total project for CR 835 was 1,950 square feet of road repair. This repair is the biggest in-house project that the DeKalb County Road Department has ever attempted.

Before the project could ever get started, clean up of the old road surface was required. The excavation of the previous road entailed (2,999) triaxle dump truckloads. The removal of old asphalt pavement required (63) triaxle

dump truck loads. The concrete rubble cleanup required (61) triaxle dump truck loads.

Luther informed the Commissioners that workers from the DeKalb County Road Department were digging up to 40’ deep from the bottom to the initial grade, at times. The materials used on the project were as follows:

• Pit Run Shot Rock- 62,275.40 tons

• Oversize #1 -1,257.59 tons

• Rip Rap, Class 2-1,205.83 tons

• Coarse

Aggregate #4469.38 tons

• Coarse

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala.

— On Friday, December 9, the son of a Collinsville woman who was found dead in her home, was arrested for her death.

On December 6th, 2022, at 7:55 p.m., Collinsville

Police and Fire Department, DeKalb Ambulance Service

(DAS), and patrol deputies with DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office responded to Watts Drive on an unresponsive female call. When first responders arrived, they found Sandra Jelks, age 62 of Collinsville, deceased in the living room of her home.

Due to Sandrra Jelks, being the mother of a DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office employee, the

investigation was turned over to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. The 9th Circuit District Attorney’s Office, and Jacksonville State University Center for Applied Forensics were requested to investigate the death.

Investigators immediately developed a suspect and after a thorough investigation, Bruce

>See Murder,

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

MONTGOMERY, Ala.-- The Association of County Commissions of Alabama initiated and supported legislation in the 2021 session to establish stronger representation for counties on the Board of Control of the State of Alabama Employees Retirement System.

Over the last several years, participation in the retirement program by local government has grown significantly –to the point that local employees and retirees actually outnumber the state employees and retirees in the fund.

With the addition of two local government seats to the board, there are now five state employee-related

seats, five local government-related seats, and five seats held by state officials or department heads. The Association believes that these changes will serve the employees and retirees, as well as the taxpayers, very well in the coming years.

One of the new seats is reserved for a person elected by

By Marla Ballard Reporter

SCOTTSBORO, ALA - Three months ago Scottsboro Square welcomed a new business, Daylight & Dark Apparel and Goods. The store is named after the owner’s blonde/ blue-eyed and brunette/brown-eyed little girls because they are opposites. The new business sells children’s and woman’s apparel, baby accessories, custom goods, and monogramming.

The apparel offered is 75 percent children’s boutique clothing and some women’s clothing sizes small to 3x and men’s custom hats. The store offers matching sibling outfits for both genders. However, one unique offering the store has are the options for monogramming and personalized laser and ink printing.

Owners, Lauren and Micah McCreary offer more than one option for personalizing a variety of objects. Customers may choose to either purchase a product in-store and have it personalized or bring in their own product for a minimal upcharge fee.

The store has thread embroidery,

sublimation, wood laser engraving, plus laser on a leather patch for hats. Full-color pressing is also known as sublimation ink or sublimation printing. The business also has computerized wood engraving. “Let’s say you have your grandmother’s handwritten recipe on a piece of paper,” said Lauren. “You can bring it in and we use a computer to copy it and have the copy engraved onto a piece of wood. Now you have her handwriting and this precious keepsake on something more durable than paper.

This can be turned into a tree ornament or framed for display.”

Key chains with your pet’s imprinted image and the pet’s name or a personalized dog dish will have pet lovers lining up at the door. Sports enthusiasts may choose their favorite team logo to have placed on T-shirts, blankets, hats, coffee cups, key chains, aprons, kitchen dish towels, and more.

The store offers a nice selection of baby essentials and monogramming for baby items includes; cloth diaper bags, heirloom baby quilts, bibs, handmade

smocked dresses, and much more.

If a customer wants a personalized car tag and isn’t sure of exactly what they would like Lauren can offer them a viewing of hundreds to thousands of items to choose from on her computer.

“Let’s say the customer wants a car tag with a horse and their initials on it,” said Lauren. “We can let them see the imagery on our computer and select the image they like,” Lauren said most orders on everything are ready in just 1-3 business days.

Personalized items are a nice touch when giving a gift. Toboggans, scarves, and glove sets are made extra special when the recipient’s initials are added or a baseball cap with a leather patch that reads “DAD.” The ideas are seemingly endless. “I can help customers come up with ideas they may never have thought of to personalize everything from baby outfits to backpacks,” said Lauren.

The store is located at 213 S. Market St. Unit 109, Scottsboro. Store hours: Tuesday - Friday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturday 10:00 a.m.3:00 p.m. Phone: 256-541-9892.

By Steve Flowers

As we begin to celebrate the Christmas season and close out 2022, allow me to share the story of two great Jefferson County/Alabama political legends.

Alabama Supreme Court Justice, Mike Bolin, is retiring at the end of the year from the state’s highest judicial tribunal. Judge Bolin is a young 72 and would not have retired and would have sought and been elected to another six-year term if it were not for an antiquated state law that disallows someone running for a judgeship in the state after age 70. Justice Bolin is one of the most popular and wellrespected judges in Alabama. He is a big man, physically and figuratively. He is beloved throughout the state, but especially in his native Jefferson County.

Mike Bolin was born in and is a lifelong resident of Jefferson

County. He attended elementary and high school in Homewood, and graduated from Shades Valley High School in 1966, with honors. He stayed in Homewood for college graduated from Samford University with a degree in Business Administration in 1970. He then continued on and got his law degree from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law. He graduated from law school in 1973. He was on the Dean’s list and was associate editor of the Law Review.

Judge Bolin was a practicing attorney in Birmingham from 1973 through 1988. In 1988 he was first elected Probate Judge of Jefferson County. He was reelected Probate Judge of Alabama’s largest County in 1994, and again in 2020. He served in that position until his election to the Alabama Supreme Court in January 2004.

He began serving on the Supreme Court in January 2005. Thus, at the end of his tenure in six weeks, he will have served 18 years on the high court.

Justice Bolin and his wife Rosemary have one daughter, Leigh Anne. Mike Bolin is known and respected for his integrity, humility, and kindness.

Another Jefferson County legend, Tony Petelos, retired from public service last year. Tony is a lifelong resident of Jefferson County and is a real American and Alabama success story. Tony Petelos has carved out a niche in Jefferson County and Alabama political history.

His parents are first generation immigrants. His family fled Greece when Mussolini and later Hitler invaded and decimated Greece. His father fought in the Greek Army and then later became a member of the United States Army. Tony is the youngest of nine children. He had five siblings born in Greece, one died in the war. His father made it to the United States in 1947. His mother arrived in 1950. They had four sons born in America. Tony is the youngest. His father and mother settled in Ensley. Tony’s father was in the construction business and became

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

SCOTTSBORO, Ala.- On 12/13/22, a call was received at the Scottsboro Police Department reporting an active shooter situation at the Scottsboro High School.

Officers responded to Scottsboro High School in accordance

with the Active Shooter Response policy. The building was cleared and the threat was found to be not credible.

In addition, the Scottsboro Police Department had received information regarding threats made against schools in neighboring counties that were similar in nature.

This incident in under ongoing investigation.

Monogramming Options At New Store 4D Sprouts Locates in Scottsboro

Scottsboro, Ala,—4D

Sprouts Ultrasounds + Gender Reveal held their ribbon cutting recently in Scottsboro.

The family-owned business offers expectant families with 3D and 4D ultrasounds as well as

professional newborn photography. They are located at 902-A S. Broad Street and can be reached at 256-672-2991. Learn more at www.4Dsprouts. com.

Active Shooter Call Received McBride Graduates

Police Academy

Inside The Statehouse

quite successful. Tony and his three older brothers joined their father in the family business. He earned his college degree at UAB while working during the day. He met his wife Teresa while both were studying at UAB. She became a Jefferson County Circuit Judge and served 18 years on the bench.

Tony began his political career in 1986. He defeated an incumbent and became one of only 14 Republicans in the 105 member House of Representatives. He was reelected in 1990 and again in 1994. In 1997, after 11 years in the House, Governor Fob James named Tony Commissioner of the Department of Human Resources for the State of Alabama. He was reappointed Human Resources Commissioner by Governor Don Siegelman in 1998 and served through 2001.

In 2004, Tony Petelos was elected Mayor of the City of Hoover, one of the state’s largest cities. He served eight years as mayor and earned a reputation as one of the state’s premier municipal administrators. In 2011, the Jefferson County government was in chaos to say the least. The County Commission lured Tony away from Hoover to be the Administrator of Jefferson County’s government. He cleaned up the corruption and financial problems and spent 10 years in that position. He retired about this time last year at 69. He and his wife, Judge Petelos, are doing well. They live in the same home they have lived in for the last 24 years in Hoover. They have two adult daughters, who they are very proud of. Tony’s story is a great Alabama political success story. Happy Holidays.

Officer Ryley McBride of the Scottsboro Police Department recently passed the Northeast Alabama Police Academy. Congratulations Officer McBride.

Pearl Harbor ‘Hope on Christmas’

Submitted Article

Marked For Life Ministries is hosting its third annual “Hope on Christmas” event this year. The event will provide toys for children, meals, and fresh-cut trees for every family. The ministry is asking the community for help in order to make this holiday season a little brighter for those who are struggling.

JROTC members, remembered the over 2000 who lost their lives in 1941 when the Japanese conducted a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor.

General Sparks and Mark Abrams read the names of those lost from the state of Alabama.

Following the

remembrance, WWII

Veteran Eugene Monroe, US Navy Retired, tossed a wreath into Little River Canyon Falls.

The Pearl Harbor memorial was begun by John Keller, Army, Vietnam who has passed away.

Monetary donations and new toy donations are both being accepted, and volunteers are also needed. This event provides a great opportunity for those who want to give back to their community during the holiday season.

“We’re honored to serve our community

again with this special outreach; every year, we hear amazing stories from families this event touches,” said Logan LeGrande, Executive Director.

This wonderful family-friendly event gives back to our community members who might not otherwise have anything special to

Walk Through Bethlehem

celebrate during the holidays due to difficult circumstances they may be experiencing such as homelessness, poverty, or recent job loss etc…. Last year MFLM was able to distribute over 300 toys to children in need. Families in need can call the ministry office at 888.789.4673 for more information.

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Collinsville Drugs

“Caring for you like family”

December

17, Here We Are

Again! - The 4th Annual Alabama Tribute -2nd Show

Added - The Boys are back for the 4th Annual Alabama Tribute show in our hometown of Fort Payne, Alabama. By Boys in the Band -

The Alabama Tribute.

Fort Payne Dekalb

Theatre 306 Gault Avenue North Fort Payne, AL 35967 at 7:00 PM CST

December

18, Christmas

Murder Mystery

Dinner Event at Scottsboro’s Brown-

Proctor HouseChristmas Themed

Interactive Murder

Mystery Dinner

Event at Scottsboro’s Historic BrownProctor House. Be a Christmas Sleuth for the evening.

Scottsboro-Jackson Heritage Center 208 South Houston Street Scottsboro, AL 35768. Tickets are by reservation only and available from Eventbrite, The Southern Ghost Girls Tours Facebook Page or www. southernghostgirls. com

December 23, Paint a Christmas Ornament - Kids

Christmas Crafting Event at Kinsley’s Creative Palette Paint Studio! Come and have some fun and make some

memories with your own kiddos or grab your grandkids, nieces, and nephews! Reserve your spot to come and paint ornaments! Please make one reservation for EACH ornament being painted… adults can paint them too but must have a reservation as there is limited seating!! Just increase your quantity at checkout to reflect the number of ornaments your group will need. Included in your ticket price: -sugar cookie decorating -hot chocolate bar -1 wooden ornament (to paint

during the event)

December 25, Merry Christmas!

December 18, New Hope Dinner and a Christmas ShowWe will present a wonderful evening of Good Food , Great Company , and Festive Christmas evening to get you in the Christmas spirit. New Hope Ministries. Highway 78 East Anniston, 36207. No charge for this event but there is limited seating.

December 31, Hank’s Last Ride: The Music of Hank Williams Sr. - A 70th Anniversary

Celebration of the life & legacy of Hank Williams Sr. Fort Payne Opera House is proud to bring you a live performance of Hank Williams’ music and other classic country hits featuring the star of RFD-TV’s Midwest Country, David Church! Fort Payne Opera House 510 Gault Avenue North Fort Payne, AL 35967. Sat, Dec 31, 2022, 6:00 PM CST.

December 30,

Stuart Douglas - The Stockade Pub and Eatery. 212 Gault Ave N, Fort Payne, AL

December 31, Paint a Christmas

Ornament - Kids Christmas Crafting

Event at Kinsley’s Creative Palette Paint Studio! Come and have some fun and make some memories with your own kiddos or grab your grandkids, nieces, and nephews! Reserve your spot to come and paint ornaments! Please make one reservation for EACH ornament being painted. ncluded in your ticket price: -sugar cookie decorating -hot chocolate bar -1 wooden ornament (to paint during the event) Located at Kinsleys Creative Palette 74 County Road 598, Fort Payne, AL 35967. 9:00 am - 3:00 pm.

“Walk Through Bethlehem” presented by Broadway Baptist Church in Rainsville.

Pictures acquired from Broadway Baptist

Submitted Article

FORT PAYNE, ALA.-- JSU Little River Canyon, a Pearl Harbor Memorial on December 7th.

American Legion Post 89, Post 39 Honor Guard from Valley Head, along with Trenton and Fort Payne High School

The outdoor drama, allowed people to envision the streets and merchants of

Bethlehem. The real reason for the season and the greatest gift of

all was shared with those who attended.

CASE NO.:CV-22-900162

DAVID L. SMITH, as Executor of the Estate of James William Jordan, deceased, PLAINTIFF, VS. JO ELLEN OSBORNE JORDAN, DEFENDANT.

NOTICE OF FILING OF COMPLAINT TO JO ELLEN OSBORNE JORDAN

Jo Ellen Osborne Jordan, take notice that on September 2, 2022 a Complaint was filed in the above-styled case concerning the return of furniture (an antique music press/ correspondence cabinet) and other personal property of James William Jordan. You are hereby notified to file a responsive pleading within thirty (30) days after the last publication of the Notice or on or about February 3,

position. He will serve for three years as a member of the board that oversees fund assets in excess of $15 billion.

Harcrow won 65% to 35% over his opponent James Fibbe, Jr. He was sworn into office on Tuesday. “Since the new position created by the State Legislature was important for our county employees and the whole system of course I am grateful for all the support from over the state that I received. It’s an honor to serve our retirees and the people of our state and to receive 65% of all the thousands of people involved was remarkable for me to say the least” stated DeKalb County President Ricky Harcrow. “ I look forward to serving and working with the RSA board together with Dr. Bronner and Let me say thank you again to all the retirement system and to all the different agencies involved.”

Many praised DeKalb County Commission President Ricky Harcrow for his willingness to serve. “Ricky continues to be an outstanding and effective leader for county government in Alabama in so many ways. He is a past president of the Association of County Commissions

this board will only enhance our ability to provide the very best benefits to our employees all over the state and ensures that county employees will have an effective and respected voice at the table” stated Sonny Brasfield, Executive Director of the Association of County Commissions of Alabama.

“His willingness to serve, amid all of his other responsibilities, is another example of why we say that all 67 county governments speak with ONE Voice on behalf of the citizens we serve. We’re proud of his election and look forward to his service over the next three years” concluded Brasfield.

Murder

FROM PAGE 1

Lee Jones, 41 was formally charged with Murder on December 9th, 2022. Jones is being held in the Cherokee County Detention Center on a $1,000,000.00 bond.

“It’s unfortunate that this horrible crime happened in the peaceful community of Collinsville. Our DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office family has suffered a tragic loss and we ask for your prayers for the

Gardner appointed Director of Programs

Marked For Life Ministries has announced the appointment of Kelli Gardner as the new Director of Programs. In this role, Gardner will oversee all programs and services offered by the ministry, with a focus on helping our neighbors facing homelessness, addiction, and food insecurity.

“Kelli’s passion for helping those who are in need is evident in her work,” said Executive Director Logan LeGrande. “We are eager to see what God does through her leadership as we continue to serve those who are struggling and often forgotten.”

Gardner brings over ten years of experience in ministry to her new role and has a proven track

record of providing support through her role as Ministry Coordinator at Marked For Life Ministries. She holds an Associate Degree in Business from Gadsden State and is a Certified Peer Support Specialist. “I am honored and humbled to transition into this role as Director of Programs,” said Gardner. “I look forward to working with our amazing staff, volunteers, and partners to provide hope and restoration to our neighbors of DeKalb County.

Logan LeGrande has overseen all programs as Executive Director and will now focus entirely on building Marked For Life in the DeKalb County community and abroad. “This transition will give us the ability to expand our

programs and reach more neighbors in need.

Marked For Life Ministries is a nonprofit, evangelistic organization. With the mission to show His goodness by helping the hurting when life’s hardest challenges arise. Their focus is on serving those facing homelessness, addiction, and food insecurity.

During hard seasons of life, they respond with caring, effective, and locally-focused programs by meeting the immediate needs of those served and implementing a care plan for long-term needs. Together the ministry empowers the local church to be the hands and feet of Jesus to their community.

Hunter of the Week

Macey Smith, a Second Grade student at Henagar School bagged this beauty while hunting over the weekend .

Rickey (Rick/ Donut) Lynn St. John - 77, of Valley Head, Alabama, passed away on December 7, 2022. At his request, he will be cremated and the family will have a memorial service at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Jeanette Brown Thomas - 85, of Atlanta, Georgia, formerly of Fort Payne, Alabama, passed away Sunday, December 11, 2022. Funeral services will be 12 noon on Friday, December 16th.

Kerry Polk Gatlin - 75, of Foley, AL passed away unexpectedly at his home on December 11, 2022. Graveside services will be held at Adamsburg Cemetery on Lookout Mountain on December 15 at 11 AM.

Wilson Burt

Bobby Joe Jones Sr. - 86, of Fort Payne, Alabama, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2022 at DeKalb Regional Medical Center. He was born on October 26, 1936 to Thomas & Hattie Pearl Jones.

Date of Funeral: December 9, 2022 at 11:00 AM Funeral Location: Burt ChapelFort Payne.

Cornerstone

Carol Puckett Smith - 50 of Flat Rock died Tuesday, December 6 at Saint Vincent Hospital. Her funeral service will be Friday, December 9, at 2:00 PM CT at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow in New Hope Cemetery.

Douglas Loyd

“Doug” Ivey - 61 of Henagar died Tuesday, December 13 at his residence. Funeral services are Friday at 2 PM CT at Liberty Baptist Church with Bro. Tony Ivey and Bro. Ben Barrentine officiating. Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery. Family will receive friends from 5 to 8 PM CT.

Kerby

Glenda McSpadden - 79 of Henagar, AL passed away on Sunday, December 11, 2022 at her residence. Funeral service is Thursday, December 15, 2022, at 2pm at Kerby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Mark Mayo and Clay Shrader officiating.

Family will receive friends Wednesday, December 12th from 4pm until 8pm and Thursday, December 15th from 12pm until 2pm.

Rainsville

Becky Qualls Wright - 68 of Sylvania passed away on Wednesday, December 7, 2022. Funeral service is Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 2:00PM in Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Rev Randy Hairston & Rev. Thann Owens officiating. Burial will follow at Trinity Cemetery. Family will receive friends Friday, December 9th from 4PM until 8PM & Saturday, December 10th from 10AM until 2PM.

Beatrice Woods - 107 of Powell passed away on Sunday, December 11, 2022.

Funeral service will be Friday, December 16, 2022 at 2:00PM in Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Gary Haymon, Rev. Brett Hogland, & Rev. Frank Bradford officiating. Burial will follow in Straight Creek Cemetery. Family will receive friends Thursday, December 15th from 5PM until 8PM & Friday, December 16th from 11AM until 2PM. Survivors

Grandchildren 3

Daughter: Delois Raepsaet Grandson: Mike Kirk Great Grandson: Sean Francisco

Father: Emmett Wigley

Mother: Dora Wigley.

Floyd Wigley Jr.82 of Pine Ridge passed away on Tuesday, December 13, 2022. Funeral service will be Thursday, December 15, 2022 at 2:00PM in Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Mt Hermon Cemetery. Family will receive friends Wednesday, December 14th from 6PM until 8PM & Thursday, December 15th from 12PM until 2PM.

Scottsboro

Jeffery Todd Sanders - 28, of Scottsboro, passed away on Monday, December 5, 2022, at Highlands Medical Center. No services planned at this time.

Jessie Wayne Williams - 87, passed away on December 7th, 2022. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, December 11, 2022 at Scottsboro Funeral Home with Bro. Shirley Byrum, Bro. Wayne Walls, Bro. Edward Atchley, and Bro. Donald Rouse officiating. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill

Cemetery.

Tom Fowler - 74, of Scottsboro, Alabama, went peacefully, to be with the Lord, on Friday, December 9, 2022. No services are planned at this time.

Wilson

Mary Grace Oliver - 83, of Rainsville passed away on Wednesday, December 7, 2022. A graveside service will be held at 3pm Friday, December 9, 2022 at Broadway Cemetery. She is survived by her niece Regina (Jason) Banger; nephew, Eric Oliver; great-nephews, Jordan Banger, Joel Banger, Jordan (Mara) Oliver, Riley Bannister; greatnieces, Lexie (Max) Shadrick, Lacy Oliver, and Taylor Oliver; brother-in-law, Royce (Kay) Oliver; and special friend, Brian Lamunyon. She was preceded in death by her husband, Brinson Oliver.

Delia Faye Gray - 80, of Dutton passed away on Wednesday, December 7, 2022. Funeral services are set for 11am Friday, December 9, 2022 from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bros. Shannon Brewster and Hayden Long officiating. Burial will be in New Canaan

Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 util 8pm Thursday at the funeral home.

Bettye Ruth Clay Wilson - 92 of Guntersville, passed away Friday, December 9, 2022. Funeral services will be held at a later date in West Virginia.

**Survivors**

Daughter: Jessie W. Striebel

Son: Jeff Wilson

Sisters: Marie Casteel

Brother: Hobert Clay Numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren

**Mrs. Wilson was preceded in death by her husband: Domer Wilson; parents: Thomas Edgar & Sylvia Merritt Clay; brother: Robert Clay**

Robert Lee Hardin Sr. - 69, of Fyffe passed away on Saturday, December 10, 2022. The family will have a memorial service at a later date. He is survived by his ex-wife, Rita Downer; daughter, Janie Mae Hensley; sons, Robert Hardin Jr., and Jonathan Hardin; sisters, Sherry Humphrey and Joyce Brammer; brother, Arthur Hardin; 10 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren

W.T.

STAR ID Delayed for 2 Years

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

ALABAMA--The U.S. Department of Homeland Security(DHS) has extended the deadline for REAL ID (called STAR ID in Alabama) until May 7, 2025, in response to COVID-19. This makes the third extension by the DHS.

In Alabama, STAR ID stands for Secure, Trusted, and Reliable Identification. The federal government initiated this program in response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

“DHS continues to work closely with U.S. states, the District of Columbia,

and the U.S. territories to meet REAL ID requirements,”

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said in a statement.

“This extension will give states needed time to ensure their

residents can obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card,” he added. “DHS will also use this time to implement innovations to make the process more efficient and accessible. We will continue to ensure

that the American public can travel safely.”

Effective, May 7, 2025, a STAR ID, or REAL ID, will be required for anyone who does not have a passport, to board a plane for commercial domestic travel, go to a military base, or

for anyone who enters certain regulated federal facilities.

STAR IDs are issued only at the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License exam offices. Countyoperated license offices will continue

to provide renewals/ duplicates for licenses, ID cards, and STAR IDs.

To obtain a STAR ID in Alabama, you must present four documents to verify your identity, date of birth, Social Security, and address of residence. Those accepted documents are a valid, unexpired U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, or certificate of naturalization.

Any Alabama license or identification card issued on or after April 25, 2022, that is not compliant with the REAL ID Act of 2005, will display “Not for Federal Identification”.

Photographer Adds A Special Touch

By Marla Ballard Reporter

A mother who loved taking pictures of her children uploaded them on Facebook and her friends began asking her to take photos for them of their families subsequently, a business was born.

While Haley Travis does not purport herself as a professional photographer and does not use the most current photography equipment on the market, her work speaks for itself. Because of these facts, she named her business Mediocre Photography by HT, but her client list just keeps growing.

Travis began her business in 2012 and it has steadily grown by word of mouth and from attending events where merchants display their products for public viewing. One very appealing aspect

of her business is her willingness to be available to her clients on weekends when their schedules are more open. “I find many people like their photo sessions on Sundays,” said Travis. “Families are already dressed up for church and Sunday is usually a laidback type of day, so in-between church services I meet clients for a photo session.” Travis said she

suggests different places for the photo shoot such as DeKalb County Public Lake in Sylvania, a public park, or in their own home.

One of her favorite spots is the train depot in Fort Payne. “I’ve taken senior portraits at the train depot and they’ve turned out especially great when a train shows up for the photo shoot,” said Travis.

One aspect of her business that makes it stand out from the pack is her nature shots with added scripture text. Travis plans to encourage customers to choose something dear to them such as their flower or vegetable garden, a special tree, or a place that is special to them. After taking the picture she can add an appropriate

CRIME

verse of scripture. “I feel it makes the photo more special to the customer when it is personalized in this way,” said Travis. “People might like their favorite scripture added to a picture of their special place.”

Travis also captures her own favorite natural setting scenes and adds inspirational scriptures to photos she likes. “I give my customers the

option of purchasing a nature at its best photo with inspirational scripture added or they can request a customized photo with their scripture of choice if they would like that added feature,” said Travis. “Whenever I take a photo, a scripture inevitably comes to mind.”

Travis’ work is not limited to just framed options, customers can enjoy her talents on an array of objects that includes; coffee cups, key chains, mouse pads, journals, and jigsaw puzzles.

To see Mediocre Photography visit Boom Town Makers Market in Fort Payne (256-273-6929) and Indigo House gift shop in Henagar (256-657-7039). Also, go to mpbyht.com or follow on Facebook @ Mediocre Photography by HT. Phone: 256-996-1884.

Multiple Guns and Chainsaws recovered in Burglary Arrest

FORT PAYNE,

Ala. — On November 29th 2022, patrol deputies with DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on in the Sylvania Community.

Justin Wade Bass (26 of Henagar) was arrested on felony warrants by deputies. During an

inventory of the vehicle a stolen firearm was recovered that had been stolen during a burglary in Scottsboro Alabama.

After an investigation by DeKalb County Criminal Investigators, Patrol Deputies, Drug Agents, and Detectives with

Scottsboro Police Department, William Charles Sparks (32 of Fort Payne) was arrested on November 30th, 2022 in Valley Head Alabama. During the arrest of Sparks, several more stolen guns and chainsaws were recovered that were related to the burglary in

Scottsboro. Sparks was charged with Burglary 3rd, Theft of Property 1st, Theft of Property 4th, Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Attempt to Elude and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

During the course

of the investigation, James Christopher Arsenault (31 of Valley Head) was also arrested for felony warrants.

DeKalb County

Sheriff Nick Welden said of the incident: “We would like to thank Rainsville, Sylvania and Powell Police

Department for their assistance during the investigation. With the arrest of these three individuals, we were able to close two Burglary and Theft cases from DeKalb County during the investigation.”

“God Bless!” Concluded Sheriff Welden.

The Dekalb County All County Football Team 2022

Player Of The Year Logan

Anderson So. RB/ DB (Fyffe)

Co- Offensive

Player of the Year

Braiden Thomas

Sr. RB (Sylvania)

Co- Offensive

Player of the Year

Eian Bain Sr. RB (Valley Head)

Co- Defensive

Player of the Year

Tucker Wilks So.

DL

Co- Defensive

Player of the Year

Levi Brown Sr. DB

Athlete of the Year Carlos

Mann Jr. ATH (Geraldine)

Fyffe (15-0)

Brodie Hicks Sr.

RB

Simon Hicks So.

LB 3

Evan Chandler Sr.

TE

Jake Wooden Sr.

OL

Will Arnold Sr. DL

Hunter Machen

Sr. Owen Blackwell

Sr. DB

Brody Blackwell

Sr. OL

Sylvania (10-4)

Brant Kittle Sr. DL

Ashdon Cooley

Jr. DL

Leo Kirby Jr. LB

Ky Shankles Jr.

OL

Travis Owens Fr.

LB

Josh Scott So.

WR

Aiden Parham

So. RB

Geraldine (9-4)

Jaxon Colvin Jr.

QB

Joe Garcia So.

DL

Caleb Hall Sr. LB

Jayse Cook Jr. OL

Cody Satterfield

Sr. WR

Kobe Hill Jr. LB

Valley Head (10-

2)

Hunter Robinson

Sr. RB

Ethan Webb Jr.

DL Hernan Moreno

Jr. DB

Brandon Vasquez Jr. OL

Brayden Busby

Jr. DB

Ben Johnson Fr.

LB

Collinsville (8-3)

Keaton Deboard

Sr. ATH

Eli Griggs Jr. LB

Mason McAteer

8th QB

Gavin Lang 8th

WR

Jordan Coker Sr.

DL

Trey Smith Jr. DL

Plainview (4-6)

Sam Crowell Sr.

LB

Dylan Sr. RB

Brayden York Sr.

OL

Grant Martin Sr.

DL

IDER (2-8)

Ben Smith Sr. RB

Brian Bass Jr. LB

Zion Finnerty Sr. DB

Crossville (0-10)

Steven Juan Sr. RB

(All games held at Section High School)

Cristian Rodriguez

Sr. K

Honorable

Mention

Fyffe

Cade Underwood

Sr. OL

Yahir Balcazar Sr.

OL

Ryder Gipson 8th

DB

Blake Dobbins So.

QB 5

Sylvania

Jonah Gurley Jr.

DB

Aspen Cooley Jr.

DL

Will Gant So. OL

Conner Andrade

Fr. K

Jaxon Smith Jr.

QB

Geraldine

Collin Willis So.

DL

Mauricio

Calderon Jr. DB

Austyn Banks Jr.

TE

Drew Freeman Sr.

DB

Will Jones Sr. OL

Valley Head

Noah Hulgan Jr.

DL Carson Frost Jr. OL

Nate Bain So. RB

Brant Smith Jr. LB

Raudell Segura

So. OL

Plainview

Andrew Hall Sr. RB

Andrew Mays Sr. OL

Corey Killian Sr.

Lopez Jr.

Owen Hope Fr.

Landon Traylor Jr. Dylan Grant Sr. Jarrett Jenkins Sr. Austin Cross Jr. Daniel Greeson

Collinsville Luis Ailon Jr.K Aiden Daniel Sr.

Crossville Caleb Causey Sr.

Manuel Gaspar Sr.

Jose Simon Sr. OL Hiram Velazquez Jr. LB