ST Vol 8 No 9

DISTRICT ATTORNEY Paid political ad by Nick Jones, P.O. Box 5, Rainsville, AL 35986

THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, March 4, 2022 / VOL. 8, NO. 9 / $1.00

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Fort Payne Honors Saferite address the Mayor and Council on the current state of the City’s bond debt.

The Council approved the following Ordinances and Resolutions: Ordinances: • 2022-01, reducing the speed limit on DeSoto Parkway inside the Park to 25 mph.

• 2022-02, closing Jaycee Avenue, located on the west side of the Williams Avenue School building, from 15th Street North to 18th Street North for the duration of the Police Department occupation of the premises.

Resolutions: • 2022-07, accepting the low bid for CRS-2 Asphalt • 2022-08, accepting the low bid for drainpipe • 2022-09, accepting

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, ALA. -(Full video on Southern Torch Facebook) The Fort Payne City Council held their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, March 1.

Mayor Baine presented a retirement plaque to Ron Saferite, who recently retired as Fort Payne Fire Chief.

Saferite, served as a firefighter for 31 years for the City of Fort Payne.

“I just want to thank the Mayor and Council for everything that you have done for the department over the years which help the citizens of Fort Payne” stated Saferite.

Brad Green, representing Raymond James Financial, and Kane Burnett, representing the Bradly Arant law firm, to

>See Saferite, P4

Board Approves 2022Stout Announces 2023 Academic Calendar House District 24 Run

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

The Fort Payne Board of Education held its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, February 24.

The Board approved the following resignations: Tashala Hill, Part-time, System-wide Special Education Aide, effective February 18.

The following transfer was approved by the Board: Cassandra Hester, from a full-time Bus Driver to a half-time bus driver, effective February 22.

The following placements were approved: • Jacob Brown, as Fort Payne High School Girls Soccer Faculty Representative, effective January 28.

>See BOE, P3

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala.-- Don Stout recently announced he will seek election for House District 24, which is currently being held

by Nathaniel Ledbetter.

Stout, a native of DeKalb County, is a graduate of Auburn University with degrees in Math and Physics. He also is a graduate of Athens College with a degree in American History.

Don Stout is married to Martha Harris Stout. Their children are Suzanne Parcelewicz and Richard (deceased). The Stouts have five grandchildren.

After college, Stout was employed in the Aerospace Industry for thirteen years before returning to Fort Payne as co-owner of The Gas House.

When Stout retired, The Gas House, now known as GH Metal Solutions, had grown from nine employees to 282 employees.

Stout proudly participated in the Boy Scouts, earning his Eagle Badge in 1956. In 2017, he

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received the Heart of an Eagle Award, from the Greater Alabama Council BDA for exhibiting “compassion for community through leadership, character, and integrity.”

As a member of the Lions

>See Stout, P3

SYLVANIA PHARMACY Rodney Williams RPH

(256)638-6070 YOUR FRIEND, YOUR DRUGSTORE! Visit our website at www.southerntorch.com for daily news updates and pick up your weekly print edition at news stands every Friday.

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Southern Torch

B STOP BY FOR THE BEST DEALS IN DEKALB COUNTY WWW.BOBBYLEDBETTER.COM (256) 844-2210

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Championship Bound

BIRMINGHAM – Skyline School will have a chance to defend its Class 1A girls’ title won in 2021.

The Vikings (28-8) defeated Loachapoka 57-44 in the opening game of the AHSAA’s 100th State Basketball Championships Monday’s at Birmingham’s Legacy Arena.

Blakely Stucky scored 21 points making 5-of-6 shots from the field and sinking 8-of-8 at the free throw line, to lead Skyline. Gracie Rowell added 16

By Steve Flowers Usually in a gubernatorial year the Governor’s Race grabs the spotlight.

However, our open Senate Seat with the avalanche of Washington dollars flooding into the Heart of Dixie, the Governor’s Race has become overshadowed.

It is also an obvious fact of political life that an open Senate Seat is certain to be more competitive than a race with a popular incumbent governor running for reelection.

Incumbency is a tremendous advantage. You get free daily publicity just by governing.

My prediction from the onset was that Kay Ivey would win reelection to another term and now with three months to the May 24 election, my

Photos provided by AHSAA Photo / MARVIN GENTRY

points, including five 3-pointers. Skyline never trailed, led by nine at the end of the first quarter, led by double digits at halftime and pushed the lead to 23 early in the opening minute of the fourth quarter.

Kaina King added 10 points for Skyline, coached by Ronnie McCarver.­­­ For Loachapoka (22-9), coached by Anthony Edwards, Taylah Murph scored 22 points, and Jasmyn Thomas added 15 points.

BIRMINGHAM – Pisgah High School’s defense shut out Lanett over the first six minutes of Monday’s Class 2A girls’ state tournament semifinals to take a 14-point lead and then fended off the scrappy Wildcats’ secondhalf comeback effort to post a 64-47 win in the 100th AHSAA State Basketball Championships being held at the BJCC Legacy Arena.

The Eagles (323), coached by Carey Ellison, needed that cushion in the end as the Panthers (17-8) of Coach Charlie Williams outscored Pisgah 40-39 the rest of the way. Lanett could never get closer than nine, however, and the Eagles moved one win closer to claiming its fifth AHSAA state championship in a row.

Pisgah moves into the Class 2A finals Friday morning at 9 a.m., facing the winner of the other semifinal between St. Luke’s Episcopal and Sulligent.

Senior Molly Heard and junior Kallie Tinker paced Pisgah’s 17th straight win. Heard had 20 points, 10 rebounds, four steals, two assists and two blocked shots and Tinker had 24 point, three assists, two steals and 5-of11 shooting effort from the 3-point line.

Campbell Barron also had nine points.

Pacing Lanett was MaKiah White, who had 14 points, 10 rebounds and three blocked shots.

Breanna Glaze added 11 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals.

BIRMINGHAM – Section High School’s Lions shot a blistering 64% from the field Monday night en route to an 81-58 win over Lanett in the semifinals of the 100th AHSAA State Basketball Championships Class 2A boys’ tourney at the BJCC Legacy Arena.

Section (27-9) of Coach Derek Wynn were 18-of-23 from the field on 2-point attempts in the second half for an even hotter 78.3%.

The Lions, reaching the state finals for the first time since 2006, were red-hot from the start taking a 22-13 lead after one quarter.

Lanett, coached by Trentavious McCants, clawed back in the second quarter and trailed by five at intermission 33-28.

Inside The Statehouse prognostication is still that Governor Ivey will win a reelection victory. Furthermore, my guess is that she wins without a runoff.

The best barometer of a gubernatorial outcome in a race with an incumbent governor running, is to look at how they ran the last time. Four years ago, Kay Ivey was a semiincumbent. She had served over a year of Governor Robert Bentley’s last term and was running for her first full term.

In that 2018 race, she trounced the entire field of GOP candidates and won without a runoff. Folks, that field she beat in 2018 was much more formidable than the one she faces this year. If for no other reason, she beat Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle one of the most qualified thoroughbreds to seek

the brass ring in years.

He was well liked and from a vote rich area of the state and had grown his city to one of the fastest growing and prosperous cities in America. Battle was well-financed and a good campaigner.

Many of us wondered why he was seeking a job that was probably a demotion from being mayor of Alabama’s largest and most prosperous city.

Battle was just one of the carnage that Ivey destroyed in the 2018 GOP Primary. Also left in the wake were popular Birmingham Evangelist Scott Dawson, as well as well-financed Mobile State Senator Bill Hightower.

She went on to trounce the last viable Democratic candidate to run for governor, Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox who was well-financed and a viable candidate. Kay

Ivey beat Maddox 60% to 40% in the General Election. This Maddox race wrote the book for what is the benchmark level for what a Democratic candidate can get in an Alabama state race. The bar is set at 40% for a Democrat.

Doug Jones’ 39% to 61% loss for Senate in 2020 confirmed that threshold.

There are six unknown candidates who qualified to run as Democrats this year.

The general election is irrelevant. The winner of the May 24 GOP Primary will be governor.

The big question in the governor’s race is not whether Kay Ivey wins, it is whether or not this 2022 field of candidates can force her into a June 21 runoff? The answer is probably not.

There are only two viable opponents, Lindy Blanchard and

Tim James. The reason they are viable is that they have personal wealth to spend. Both are spending their dollars, which shows a commitment.

Tim James and Lindy Blanchard are both working hard.

One of them will finish second. However, that only counts in horseshoes and marbles. Running second was good in the old days of Alabama politics, because the governor could not succeed themselves. Therefore, whoever ran second would win four years later. It was called running a “get acquainted race.”

In addition to Blanchard and James there are six other candidates vying to beat Kay Ivey.

They all have some credentials and they are not all, “run for the fun of it” candidates.

Seniors Alex Guinn, Logan Patterson and Jacob Cooper led the way for the Lions scoring 24, 20 and 16 points, respectively.

The 6-foot-5 Cooper also had 11 rebounds, four assists and two blocked shots.

Patterson added eight assists and senior Dominik Blair had 12 points.

Lanett was led by senior guard Markavious Atkinson’s 19 points and eight rebounds. Elijah Whitfield chipped in 11 points and Alanteo Cheeks had 10 and eight boards. Whitfield also had four assists.

The Lions will meet the winner of Monday’s other 2A semifinal Highland Home or Mars Hill Bible in the state championship Friday at 10:45 a.m.

Lew Burdette is a successful businessman who heads the King’s Ranch in Birmingham. Dean Young is an ultra-rightwing candidate who has run several times for office in Mobile and is known in that area of the state. Dave Thomas is a former state representative and current Mayor of Springville in St. Clair County. Some voters may think he is the founder of Wendy’s. Dean Odle is an Opelika minister.

Stacey George is a former Morgan County Commissioner who has run for governor before.

If Burdette gets 6%, Young gets 5%, Thomas gets 4%, and George and Odle get 3% each, that adds up to 21%. That many candidates could force a runoff. We will see.

See you next week.

Friday - March 4, 2022 - 3

Southern Torch

BOE

FROM PAGE 1 Thomas Wallace, as a Half-time Bus Driver within the Fort Payne City Schools System, effective February 22, and non-renew his contract on May 26, 2022. (Pending completion of bus driver certification) James David McCarrell, as Full-time Bus Driver within the Fort Payne City School System, effective February 22, and non-renew his contract on May 26, 2022. (Pending completion of bus driver certification) Melissa Shankles, as a System-wide Custodian, within the Fort Payne City Schools, effective March 1, and non-renew her contract on June 30, 2022.

Jamie Bowman, as an Instructional Aide, at Little Ridge Intermediate School,

effective March 1, and non-renew her contract on May 27, 2022.

William Thomas, as System-Wide, Part-Time SPE Aide, effective February 22, and non-renew his contract on May 26, 2022.

In other business, the Board approved the Fort Payne City Schools 2022-2023 Academic School Calendar.

The next meeting of the Fort Payne Board of Education will be on March 24, beginning at 6 p.m.

Stout

FROM PAGE 1 Club, Stout was honored by Lions International, given the Melvin Jones Award, named for the club’s founder, signifying the “highest form of recognition and embodies humanitarian ideas

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

Federal Distribution Meth Charge FORT PAYNE, Ala. — A Fort Payne man has been transferred to federal custody after being indicted on charges stemming from distributing methamphetamine.

The DeKalb County Narcotics Unit along with FBI North East Criminal Enterprise worked a lengthy narcotics investigation into the illicit drug trafficking of Francisco Javier Colunga (46 of Fort

Payne).

Colunga was federally indicted on January 18th by FBI Task Force Officers assigned to the DeKalb County Narcotics Unit on charges of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine as well as 9 charges of Distribution of/ Possession with Intent to Distribute

Methamphetamine.

Colunga was picked up by the U.S. Marshall’s Service on February 9, 2022 and taken into federal custody pending trial.

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said of the arrest: “This is an outstanding job by both our Narcotics Agents and Federal partners. These guys work hard every day to foster a good working relationship

with federal agencies to ensure these criminals get prosecuted to the fullest extent.”

“It’s also a great thing for our county that we have agents on the ground that can serve as the eyes and ears for these agencies and bring these cases to federal court,” said Sheriff Welden.

“God Bless!”

Concluded Sheriff Welden.

consistent with the nature and purpose of Lionism.”

Stout is no stranger to service, serving on numerous boards and committees including: • Four years as the President of DeKalb County Republican Breakfast Club • A four-year term on the Board of Directors for the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce • A 14-year term as President of the Mary Weatherly Library Foundation, an organization whose only purpose is to raise funds benefiting the DeKalb County Public Library • Advisory Board for the Northeast

Alabama Community College • A five-year term on the Board of Directors of Landmarks of DeKalb County, Inc., an organization devoted to “saving our history for future generations” through historical archives and heritage sites.

• Served in various areas of leadership of PTO and Band Boosters in the Fort Payne City School System In 2008, Stout was named Business Leader of the Year by the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce.

In 2021, the DeKalb County Republlican Party presented an award to Stout in recognition of many

years of dedication to the party.

If elected, Stout has numerous political goals including: Setting a 2- consecutive term for the Alabama Senate and House.

Voting against giving the Porch Creek Indians (PCI) a monopoly on gaming, allowing them enough money to run the State.

Voting against giving the PCI the right to chose locations of a casino while denying the local citizens a voice in that decision.

If lottery bill is passed, Stout believes that all profits should be divided between funding scholarships and treatment for

mental health patients.

If a casino becomes a reality for out area, Stout states that he will work with local law enforcement to deal with the added crime that accompaies such sites.

“I seek no personal gain and have no special interest other than that which is good for the people of DeKalb County” stated Don Stout. “ I will not accept any contribution from the gaming industries.”

The Republican Primary will be held on May 24, 2022. If needed, a Run-Off will be held on June 21. The General Election will be on November 8, 2022.

Collinsville Drugs

(256)659-2138

“Caring for you like family”

(256) 524-2981 588 South Valley Ave P.O. Box 498 Collinsville, AL 35961

Brandon Boswell, PharmD Pharmacist/Owner

EVENTS Submit your upcoming events to nicky@southerntorch.com for a chance to be featured in next week's print edition of The Southern Torch!

March 12, Benefit Barbicue for Ryley Mcbride - Saturday March 12 @10am at Holyway Baptist Church. (9817 Alabama HWY 71, Pisgah) BBQ plates are $10 (BBW 3 sides and a roll) Ryley was in a hunting accident January 15th and has several surgeries and has a long road to recovery.

Everyone come out and help support the Mcbride family.

March 13, The Appointed Quartet Five Points Baptist Church at 1697 County Rd 782, Ider AL will be having a singing featuring The Appointed Quartet on March 13th at 10:30am.

Everyone welcome.

March 19, Hannah White Arnett Chapter, NSDAR - Hannah White Arnett Chapter, NSDAR, invites all veterans, active-duty military and the community to the Mobile Education Exhibit on Saturday, March 19, from 9:00am-3:00pm at the Rotary Pavilion, Fort Payne. The tour is free to the public and offers interactive exhibits, short films and shared stories about the service and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes.

This event further’s the mission of Wreaths Across America (WAA) to “Remember the Fallen; Honor Those Who Serve; and Teach Our Children the Value of Freedom.”

April 9, Annual Spring Plant and Vegetable Plant Sale - Dekalb Master Gardeners will have their Annual Spring Plant and Vegetable Plant Sale at the VFW Fairgrounds located at 151 18th Street NE Fort Payne AL. The sale will include hundreds of heirloom and hybrid vegetable plants, herbs, native and evergreen azaleas, rhododendrons, ferns, hydrangeas, hollies, buckeyes, magnolias, purple beauty berry, perennials, annuals and many more plants.

Proceeds from the plant sale go toward community projects.

Bring your boxes and containers to fill them up at great prices. The sale will be on

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

Staff:

Eloise Smith - General Manager Marla Jones - Managing Editor/Sports Brian Anderson - Radio Operations Manager Nick Vizzinia - Graphic Design Amy Thrash - Account Executive Reace Osborn - Account Executive Jenna Sue Payne - Account Executive Patti Browder - Radio Traffic Lindsey Jones - Accounting Tanner Pridmore - Radio & Video Candice Wells - Video & Photography Robert Crumley - Radio Personality Jenny Wootten Mann - Radio Personality

Southern Torch (USPS Periodicals #19790) is published each Friday by Southern Torch, Inc. 225 Gault Ave. N. Fort Payne AL.POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Southern Torch, P.O. Box 614, Rainsville, AL. 35986.

Saturday April 9 th , starting at 7:00am – 11:00 am.

April 14, Storytelling Festival - Gorham’s Bluff Institute presents America’s best storytellers. Events include: A Youth Teller Celebration, Stories ‘Round the Table Benefit Dinner & Performance, a day of Teller Sessions and Workshops, and The Tale End Concert.

Address : Gorham’s Bluff, Pisgah, AL Pisgah AL. Phone : 256-495-3614 May 7, Memories of Mayberry - With your favorite Mayberry Characters. Proceeds Benefit Valley Head Fire Department.

Pickers Welcome. • Cruise in Arts & Crafts • Great Food • Raffles • Vendors • Live Entertainment... And so much more! For more informantion call (256)899-3776 or (256)635-6814 or email vhtownhall@farmerstel. com www. valleyheadalabama. com Valley Head AL. Starts at 9AM. Yall come on out for a day of fun!

May 7, The Sharps - For more than three decades, The Sharps have been an Alabama-based quartet dedicated to the male, four-part harmony that so many love and enjoy. In person and on recordings, you’ll hear songs that are centred

around each Christian’s ultimate goal - Heaven. www. thesharpsquartet.com 41 Anderson St, Valley Head, AL May 20, Rhododendron Festival - The Rhododendron Festival, an annual two-day arts and crafts festival, will be held in Mentone, Alabama, at Brow Park annually the third weekend in May. Festival hours are: Friday, 6:30 - 9:00 bonfire and entertainment on the square, Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00PM and Sunday - 10:00AM to 5:00PM arts and crafts, food and entertainment at Brow Park. Brow Park, North Cool Street Mentone AL. Free Admission

4 - Friday - March 4, 2022

Southern Torch

LEGALS LEGALS

LEGALS

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

STATE OF ALABAMA IN THE PROBATE COURT DEKALB COUNTY

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARTIN HENRY BURT CASE NO: 2022-73 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARTIN HENRY BURT, DECEASED. LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION ON THE ESTATE OF MARTIN HENRY BURT, DECEASED, having been granted to the undersigned on the 23 day of February, 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 March 4, 11, & 18

LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ZELMA ROZEN PALMER CASE NO: 2021-325 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ZELMA ROZEN PALMER, DECEASED

LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION ON THE ESTATE OF ZELMA ROZEN PALMER, DECEASED, having been granted to the undersigned on the 24 day of Feb., 2024, 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 March 4, 11, & 18

LEGALS STATE OF ALABAMA IN THE PROBATE COURT DEKALB COUNTY CASE # 2022-63 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF Blondell E. Griffin, DECEASED NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS Letters Testamentary in the matter of the estate of Blondell E. Griffin, Case No. 2022-63, having been granted to the undersigned on 22 the day of Feb 2022 by the Honorable Ronnie Osborn, Probate Judge 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.

This the 11 day of Feb 2022 Said notice to be published February 18, 25, and March 4

CASE # 2022-81 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JEAN L HERZBERG, DECEASED NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS Letters of Administration in the matter of the estate of Jean L. Herzberg AKA Jean Margaret Herzberg, Case No. 2022-81, having been granted to the undersigned on the 25 day of Feb 2022 by the Honorable Ronnie Osborn, Probate Judge 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.

This the 25 day of Feb. 2022.

Said notice to be published March 4, 11, & 18

LEGALS STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF DEKALB AND COUNTY OF JACKSON MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE NOTICE DEFAULT HAVING BEEN MADE in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain Real Estate Mortgage executed by JOHN RUSTY POWELL, the mortgagor, to FIRST

STATE BANK OF DEKALB COUNTY, the mortgagee, which mortgage was recorded on September 9, 2020 in Instrument 1104415 in the Office of the Judge of Probate, Jackson County, Alabama, and which was recorded on September 17, 2020 in Mortgage Book 5000, Page 15353 in the Office of the Judge of Probate, DeKalb County, Alabama; and that certain Addendum to Mortgage Regarding Additional Advance of Funds, which was recorded on December 8, 2020 in Instrument 1106478 in the Office of the Judge of Probate, Jackson County, Alabama, and which was recorded on December 11, 2020 in Mortgage Book 5000, Page 20864 in the Office of the Judge of Probate, DeKalb County, Alabama.

in Plat Book 5, Page 23 in the Office of the Judge of Probate, DeKalb County, Alabama.

Lots 22, 23, 31, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37 and 38, in Block 3, of the Titshaw Powell Subdivision recorded in Plat Book 5, Page 23 in the Office of the Judge of Probate, DeKalb County, Alabama.

Lot 9, Block 4, of the Titshaw Powell Subdivision recorded in Plat Book 5, Page 23 in the Office of the Judge of Probate, DeKalb County, Alabama.

Lots 2, 3, 4, 16, 17 and 19, Block 6, of the Titshaw Powell Subdivision recorded in Plat Book 5, Page 23 in the Office of the Judge of Probate, DeKalb County, Alabama.

AND DEFAULT CONTINUING, notice hereby is given that under the power of sale contained in said mortgage, I will, on behalf of First State Bank of DeKalb County, proceed to sell on April 4, 2022, during the legal hours of sale; to-wit: 11:00 o’clock a.m. to 4:00 o’clock p.m., in front of the main entrance door to the DeKalb County Courthouse in Fort Payne, Alabama, to the highest, best, and last bidder for cash, the following described real estate situated in DeKalb and Jackson Counties, Alabama, and described as follows:

Lots 4, 5 and 6, Block 7, of the Titshaw Powell Subdivision recorded in Plat Book 5, Page 23 in the Office of the Judge of Probate, DeKalb County, Alabama.

Tract III: Lots 7, 8, 9, 11, 16, 17 and 18, in Block 1, of the Titshaw Powell Subdivision recorded

Said sale is for the purpose of securing payment of the indebtedness secured by said Mortgage, together with the costs of foreclosure.

NOTICE

Fort Payne Mini Storage Notice of Confiscation Notice is hereby given, that pursuant to Alabama Lien Law, Title 8, Commercial Law and Consumer Protection, Chapter 15 Public Warehouses Section, Article 2, Self-Service Storage Facilities, Section 8-15-44 Satisfaction of Owner’s Lien Property in the names of: Doris Bowman – 2018 Watkins Ave NE Apt 161, Fort Payne, AL 35967, Unit# 130 Roma Mcelrath – PO Box 681734, Fort Payne, AL 35968, Unit# 107 Frank Scott – 408 14th St NE, Fort Payne, AL 35967, Unit# 94 Kim Pangle – 7803 Blue Pond Blvd E, Sylvania, AL 35988, Unit# 189 Travis Pozzobon – 2051 Jennings Rd, SE, Fort Payne, AL 35967, Unit# 136 Janet Sweatman – 3006 Alabama Ave, NW, Fort Payne, AL 35967, Unit# 166 Shalonda Jelks – 5659 CO Rd 51, Fort Payne, AL 35968, Unit# 139 Amber Pratt-Clanton – 26 Stewart Court Circle Apt 248, Fort Payne, AL 35967, Unit# 45 Michael Hickey – 155 CO Rd 336, Albertville, AL 35951, Unit# 95 Tod Miller – 84 Thomas Dr, Fyffe, AL 35971, Unit# 155 Or any unknown owners of property in the same units Will be disposed of at a public auction ending 3/17/22 at 11:00 am, to enforce storage lien. The auction will be held online.

Said notice to be published February 25, and March 4

Chris Kuykendall Insurance Agent (256)845-4984 1827 Gualt Avenue N Fort Payne AL 35967

Lots 1, 2 and 3, Block 8, of the Titshaw Powell subdivision recorded in Plat Book 5, Page 23 in the Office of the Judge of Probate, DeKalb County, Alabama.

Lots 4, 5 and 6, Block 5, of the Titshaw Powell Subdivision recorded in Plat Book B, Page 23, in the Office of the Judge of Probate, Jackson County, Alabama.

***Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances.

Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process.

An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process.

Said notice to be published March 4, 11, 18, & 25

LEGALS STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF DEKALB MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE NOTICE DEFAULT HAVING BEEN MADE in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain Real Estate Mortgage executed by AIME BROWDER, an unmarried woman, the mortgagor, to FIRST STATE BANK OF DEKALB COUNTY the mortgagee, which mortgage was recorded on March 25, 2010 in Mortgage Book 1643, Page 243 in the Office of the Judge of Probate, DeKalb County, Alabama; and that certain Additional Advance the notice of which was recorded in Mortgage Book 1780, Page 138; and that certain Additional Advance the notice of

which was recorded in Mortgage Book 2133, Page 46 in the Office of the Judge of Probate, DeKalb County, Alabama; AND DEFAULT CONTINUING, notice hereby is given that under the power of sale contained in said mortgage, I will, on behalf of First State Bank of DeKalb County, proceed to sell on April 4, 2022, during the legal hours of sale; to-wit: 11:00 o’clock a.m. to 4:00 o’clock p.m., in front of the main entrance door to the DeKalb County Courthouse in Fort Payne, Alabama, to the highest, best, and last bidder for cash, the following described real estate situated in DeKalb County, Alabama, and described as follows: Commencing at the Southwest corner of the Southeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of Section 31, Township 6 South, Range 8 East of the Huntsville Meridian, and run North 1 degree, 30 minutes West 580 feet; thence North 89 degrees, 00 minutes East 520.00 feet to the point of beginning; thence continue North 89 degrees, 00 minutes East 208.75 feet; thence South 1 degree, 00 minutes East 208.75 feet; thence South 89 degrees, 00 minutes West 208.75 feet; thence North 1 degree, 00 minutes West 208.75 feet to the point of beginning.

Said land being a part of the Southeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of Section 31, Township 6 South, Range 8 East in DeKalb County, Alabama, and containing 1.0 acre.

Said sale is for the purpose of securing payment of the indebtedness secured by said Mortgage, together with the costs of foreclosure. ***Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances.

Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process.

An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process.

Said notice to be published March 4, 11, & 18

LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA EXECUTOR’S NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF NANCY ELAINE KESLER, DECEASED CASE NO.: 2022-31 Letters of Testamentary on the Estate of NANCY ELAINE KESLER, Deceased, having been granted to the undersigned on the 1 day of March, 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 March 4, 11, & 18

Saferite FROM PAGE 1

the low bid for rock/ crushed limestone • 2022-10, accepting the low bid for vehicle and equipment fuel • 2022-11, accepting the low bid for sewer piping materials • 2022-12, accepting the low bid for plant mix and binder Activity Permits: • First United Methodist Church, Church Service, City Park, March 13, March 20, and April 10, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

• Latino Festival, Silvia Hernandez, Rotary Pavilion, Saturday, September 10, from 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Curbing Request: • Phyllis Stanley 402 34th Street N.E., Public Works has approved the request.

The March 15, 2022 meeting of the Fort Payne Council will be cancelled due to the Mayor and Council attending the National League of Cities meeting in Washington, D.C. While there the Council will have various meetings to express the needs of the City and citizens of Fort Payne.

Accounting You Can Count On 1549 Main Street Fyffe, AL 35971

(256)996-6806 abcllcfinancialservices.com

Friday - March 4, 2022 - 5

Southern Torch

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Office: (256)638-4040 Cell: (256)996-0460

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226 Gault Ave. N • Fort Payne, AL 35967 Phone: 256-845-5680 Fax: 256-845-5165

James Allensworth • allensworth@aol.com 1706 Glenn Blvd., Suite 4 Fort Payne, AL 35968 • (256) 997-7591

KANDIELAND DAY CARE CENTER 333 DILBECK RD IN RAINSVILLE

(256)638-4848

W.T. Wilson

Scottsboro

(256) 259-2211

PHONE: (256)638-2700 FAX: (256)638-3488

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OBITUARIES Wilson Bessie Awtrey 62, of Fort Payne, passed away Tuesday, February 22, 2022.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Wilson Funeral Home.

Julia “Judy” Faye Bohannon Brown born November 29, 1932 in Fort Payne, Alabama and passed away February 25, 2022 at her residence.

Funeral services will be 1:00pm Thursday at the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Michael Miller and Rev. Jim Russell officiating.

Burial will follow in the Glenwood Cemetery.

Robert Karl Wright - 66, of Fort Payne, passed away Saturday, February 26, 2022 at his home. Service will be held at 4 p.m.

Thursday, March 3rd at Wilson Funeral Home.

Etta M. Woodall 97 of Fort Payne, passed away on Monday, February 28, 2022. A graveside service will be held at 3:30pm, Wednesday, March 2, 2022 in the Fischer Cemetery.

R.L. Land - 87, of Rainsville, passed away February 28, 2022 at Dekalb Regional. Graveside services will be 1:00pm Wednesday at Warren Cemetery in Rainsville.

Carole Connelly

Killian - 78, of Fort Payne, passed away Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at her home. No services are planned at this time.

Burt Steven Henry Epps - 51, of Gaylesville, Alabama, passed away on Sunday, February 20, 2022 at Floyd Medical Center. There are no services planned at this time.

Bertha Caren Blassingame - 81, of Fort Payne, Alabama passed away on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at Gadsden Regional Medical Center. The Family will announce a Memorial Service at a later date.

Cornerstone Curtis Lee Cottingham - 84 of Pisgah, died Saturday, February 26 at Huntsville Hospital.

Graveside services are Tuesday at 2 PM CT at Pisgah Cemetery with Pastor Frankie Carroll officiating.

Crossville Brandon Davis - 28, of Crossville passed away Thursday, February 24, 2022. His Funeral Service will be 1 p.m. Monday, February 28, 2022 at

Crossville Memorial Chapel with burial to follow.

Geraldine Timothy “Doc” Wilson - 62 of Geraldine, passed away on Wednesday, February 23, 2022.

Funeral service is Sunday, February 27, 2022 at 2:00 pm in Geraldine Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Morris Stephens officiating.

Kerby Rev. Darryl Watkins - 78 of Flat Rock, passed away on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at Parkridge Medical Center.

Funeral service is Saturday, February 26, 2022 at 2pm.

Kila Sizemore Rewcastle - 68 of Henagar, passed away on Saturday, February 26, 2022, at Noland Hospital. Funeral service is Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at 11am.

Donna Jo Sartin 68 of Pisgah, passed away on Sunday, February 27, 2022, at Highlands Medical Center. Funeral service is Thursday, March 3, 2022, at 2pm.

Rainsville Wilson C. Thomas Sr. - 85 passed away on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at his residence. Graveside service will be held Saturday, February 26, 2022 at 2PM at Mountain View Memorial Gardens.

Terry Wayne Padgett - 67 of

Sylvania, AL passed away on Saturday, February 26, 2022.

Services will be held Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at 2:00PM.

Scottsboro Carolyn R. West 86, of Scottsboro, passed away on Tuesday, February 22, 2022. Graveside service will be held on Friday, February 25, 2022 at 2:00 pm.

Mildred Evelyn Henegar - 87, of Scottsboro, passed away on Tuesday, February 22, 2022. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 26, at 1pm.

William Betts Gibson - passed away Wednesday, February 23, 2022. As per his wishes, there will be no service of remembrance.

Rita Franks - 70, of Scottsboro, passed away on Friday, February 25, 2022. A graveside service will be held on Sunday, February 27, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.

Lila (Jean) Wells Washburn - 78, of Woodville, passed away on Friday, February 25, 2022.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 28, 2022 at 2p.m. at Scottsboro Funeral Home. Burial will follow.

Marty Eugene Berry - 52, of Scottsboro, passed away on Sunday, February 27, 2022.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.

W.T. Wilson Larry Wayne Simpson - 72 of Fort Payne, passed away Wednesday, February 23, 2022. Funeral services will be held at 11am on Saturday, February 26, 2022 from W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial to follow in Gravel Hill Cemetery.

Jesse Simpson 66 of Guntersville passed away Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022 in Shepherds Cove Hospice. FUNERAL 2pm - Sunday Feb. 27, 2022. W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

BURIAL - Marshall Memorial Gardens.

Virginia Dare Smith - 94 of Fort Payne passed away on February 25, 2022.

Funeral service will be held 2:00pm Monday, February 28,2022 from the Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Fort Payne. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 1:00pm until 2:00pm at the church.

James Curtis “Curt” Goza - 63, of Ft. Payne passed away on Friday, February 25, 2022. Funeral services are set for 3pm Monday, Feb. 28, 2022 from the Hidden Manna Church with Bro. Robert Lee Smith

officiating. Burial will be in Rainsville Memorial Park.

Linda Diane Swearengin - 67, of Boaz passed away on Saturday, February 26, 2022. A memorial service will be held at 1pm Thursday, March 3, 2022 from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

The family will receive friends from 12noon until service time Thursday at the funeral home.

Marjorie Jo Davis - 86, of Crossville passed away on Saturday, February 26, 2022. The family will receive friends from 5 until 8pm Monday at Liberty Baptist Church in Painter. A private family graveside will be held on Tuesday with her grandson Cale Colvin officiating.

Burial will be in Liberty Cemetery.

Wanda Kay Whitfield Miller - 65, passed away on Sunday, February 27, 2022. Services are set for 1pm Tuesday, March 1, 2022 from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bros. A.D. Stephens and Kenneth Goggans officiating.

Burial will be in Concord Cemetery in Henagar. The family will receive friends from 5 until 8 pm Monday at the funeral home.

Burt Funeral H omes

6 - Friday - March 4, 2022

Southern Torch

Bigger Main Title Goes Here Photo provided by Ann Nelson Photography, LLC

Congratulations to the Cornerstone Christian Academy Varsity Girls! They defeated Tabernacle Christian 68-43 to win the ACAA Div 2A State Championship!

Mackenzie Ely & Jacie Bell named All-Tournament and Jacie Bell named Tournament MVP.

DISTRICT ATTORNEY

Congratulations Cornerstone Paid political ad by Nick Jones, P.O. Box 5, Rainsville, AL 35986

Congratulatins Cornerstone

Pd. Pol. Ad by Lester Black, 2559 Rainbow Ave., Rainsville, AL 35986

9599 AL HWY 40 Henagar, AL 35978

www.ggtaxservice.net

DISTRICT AT TO R N E Y

Nick Jones Kickoff Event See Our Facebook Page

Monday - Friday( by appointment only)

Refund Advance Loans

Republican Candidate for District Attorney Thursday, March 17th at 5:30pm Coal and Iron Building in Downtown Fort Payne

Everyone Welcome

(256)657-4529

Paid political ad by Nick Jones, P.O. Box 5, Rainsville, AL 35986

Friday - March 4, 2022 - 7

Southern Torch

STOP BY FOR THE BEST DEALS IN DEKALB COUNTY WWW.BOBBYLEDBETTER.COM (256) 844-2210

Championship Plainview Falls to Prattville Bound

BIRMINGHAM – Plainview High School has become a regular visitor to Birmingham’s BJCC Legacy Arena for the AHSAA state basketball tournament in recent years, and it Tuesday morning it showed.

The Bears (30-6) of Coach Robi Coker won their fifth straight game at the big arena, defeating Houston Academy 59-44 in AHSAA 100th State Basketball Championships Class 3A boys’ semifinal game.

“I thought our energy was great,” Coker said.

The Bears took advantage of the Raiders’ early anxiety and built a double-digit lead in the first quarter but could never pull away from the Raiders (22-10) of Coach Scott Whitaker.

“If we could get the first quarter all over again, I feel like we’d have a chance,”

Houston Academy’s Kadyn Mitchell said.

Plainview played most of the first half without guard Cole Millican, who went to the bench with foul trouble. The Bears went six minutes without scoring.

Houston Academy was unable to capitalize, however, scoring just two points during that stretch.

Luke Smith led Plainview with 20 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Millican, who has scored more than 2,200 points in his career, added 17 points, seven rebounds and two 44 Kadyn Mitchell led Houston Academy with 16 points and six rebounds, and Kameryn Mitchell added 11 points. Adam Kesserwani contributed nine points, six rebounds and two blocked shots.

Plainview advances to Friday’s

championship game, which is set for 2:15 p.m. The Bears won state titles in 2018 and 2019 after finishing as runner-up in 2017 – all at Legacy Arena.

Play continues Tuesday with semifinal play in Class 3A and Class 4A. Classes 6A and 5A played Wednesday and the Class 7A semis will be Thursday morning.

Championship games begin Thursday after with 1A girls and boys.

Class 2A, 3A and 4A finals will be Friday.

Classes 5A, 6A and 7A will conduct those title games on Saturday.

All games are being live-streamed over the NFHS Network and are being televised over the AHSAA TV Network this week. WOTM TV is producing all the contests. The AHSAA Radio Network is also broadcasting all games over its radio/internet network as well.

BIRMINGHAM – Defending Class 3A girls’ state champion Prattville Christian jumped out to a 24-3 first-quarter lead Wednesday morning, then cruised to a 53-36 victory over Plainview as the AHSAA 100th State Basketball Championships opened day two of its 2022 state tourney at the BJCC Legacy Arena.

The Panthers (35-1), coached by Jason Roberson, dominated inside with juniors Hannah Jones and CoCo Thomas controlling the boards to advance to Friday’s Class 3A state championship game at 12:30 p.m. Jones had 21 points and 17 rebounds – sinking 9-of-11 shots from the field, and Thomas had

DISTRICT ATTORNEY

eight points and nine rebounds – nine on the offensive boards.

Senior guard Ella Jane Connell added 12 points, seven rebounds and five assist, and sophomore guard Avery Rogers had 10 points.

Plainview (27-9), coached by Luke Griggs, outscored Prattville Christian 33-29 over the last three quarters thanks to a defense that forced 26 Panther turnovers. Sophomore Ali Price had nine points, five assists and three steals for the Bears. Kami Sanders and Lauren Jimmerson each added seven points.

Plainview met Prattville Christian in the AHSAA 2021 State Softball Championship last spring with the

Bears winning the title.

Play continues Tuesday with semifinal play in Class 3A and Class 4A. Classes 6A and 5A played Wednesday and the Class 7A semis will be Thursday morning.

Championship games begin Thursday after with 1A girls and boys.

Class 2A, 3A and 4A finals will be Friday.

Classes 5A, 6A and 7A will conduct those title games on Saturday.

All games are being live-streamed over the NFHS Network and are being televised over the AHSAA TV Network this week. WOTM TV is producing all the contests. The AHSAA Radio Network is also broadcasting all games over its radio/internet network as well.

Congratulations Plainview Paid political ad by Nick Jones, P.O. Box 5, Rainsville, AL 35986

Congratulatins Plainview!

Pd. Pol. Ad by Lester Black, 2559 Rainbow Ave., Rainsville, AL 35986

• • •

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8 - Friday - March 4, 2022

Southern Torch

Monday - Saturday 8:30AM-6PM

(256)844-2210 WWW.BOBBYLEDBETTER.COM

1015 Gault Avenue South, Fort Payne, AL 35967