ST Vol 9 No 10

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.-- The Plainview Bears (31-5) claimed back-toback Class 3A State Basketball Championships, with a

40-37 win over Midfield on Friday.

Before the Class 3A State Championship game, Plainview Head Coach Robi Coker made the decision to not play full-court pressure defense.

“It was one of them

deals where we felt like Shannon Jones was too good a basketball player for us to press and be efficient,” said Coker, speaking of Midfield’s star point guard.

“I knew if we didn’t press and lost, I’d be the goat- and not the greatest

of all time. We felt like it was our best chance to win the game” stated Coker.

The decision to play half-court limited the Midfield Patriots to only two fastbreaks points.

Plainview trailed 20-16 going into the half. The

Bears came back from the half with a new strategy.

“We threw the ball to Luke Smith” stated Coker.

Luke Smith scored 10 of his 18 points for the game, in the third quarter.

“They were guarding

Marla Jones

whether or not the City should move forward in forming its own school system. Financial data, student enrollment trends, student transportation data, and a review of the school facilities were all presented so the Council could make an informed decision as to whether or not they wished to pursue the formation of a Rainsville City School System.

The budget for the

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala.--A man was found dead in Fort Payne on Sunday, January 2, 2022, after a shooting incident in the 1000 block of Gault Avenue North.

Fort Payne Police identified the man as Randell Jerome Meyers, 44, of Mount Vernon. Fort Payne Police Chief David Davis confirmed that at approximately 9:30 am, the Fort Payne Police responded to an altercation involving shots fired. Upon arrival on the scene, Fort Payne Police Officers and Fort Payne Fire Medics found one male deceased. Chief Davis stated that an investigation was conducted by the Fort Payne Detective Division, Dekalb District Attorney’s Office, and Jacksonville State University Center for Applied Forensics.

According to Davis, the incident appeared to

be isolated with no threat to the public. A person involved in the altercation was interviewed by detectives with the Fort Payne Police Department. No arrest was made. Once the investigation was complete the results were presented to the District Attorney’s Office.

In February 2023, the Dekalb County Grand Jury convened and evidence and information was presented to them in the case from January 2, 2022, when Randell

Jerome Meyers, age 44 of Fort Payne was fatally injured.

The jury returned a No Bill. The legal definition of this term involves the grand jury noting that there was not enough evidence to indict on alleged crimes, or the prosecution determined the same and is not pursuing the case any further. This means no formal charges were recommended by them.

Cheryl Boydston | Southern Torch

By Marla Ballard Reporter

SCOTTSBORO

- Meet award-winning author, Daco S. Auffenorde at Scottsboro Public Library on Thursday, March 16. Auffenorde is known for short stories and novels including “Cover Your Tracks” and “The Forgotten Girl.”

The author was born in Maryland and raised in Huntsville. She holds a BA and MAS from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and a JD from the Cumberland School of Law. She is a member of the International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America, Romance Writers of America, Author’s Guild, Society of

Meet The Author

keep her readers guessing. Cover Your Tracks was awarded the Best of 2020 Thriller Suspense by Suspense Magazine and the 2021 Action Thriller of the Year with Best Thriller Book Awards. Cover Your Tracks, her debut novel, is a psychological thriller story about the will to survive. The book begins with a catastrophic event. The lea character, Margo Fletcher, is aboard a train passing through an isolated portion of the Rockies in blizzard conditions. The train encounters an avalanche and is hurled down the mountainside. Another

reveal secrets that keep readers interested in what will happen next.

put pen to paper. “She draws her inspiration from artistry, traveling, true life stories, and

through her mind, it’s just a matter of finding the time to sit at her computer.” She reportedly encourages would-be writers to follow their hearts and write about what speaks to them.

According to booktribe.com

Auffenorde was quoted as saying “Inspiration for Cover Your Tracks was partly from historical research into one of the deadliest railroad/ avalanche tragedies of all time. It was based on a 1910 avalanche in Stephens Pass, Washington, located in the Cascade Range.”

The newly released book The Forgotten Girl is a novel about a woman who is haunted by a remember. The young

remember her first name is Blue after she wakes from a coma and suffers from dissociative amnesia. Blue learns she fell from the fourth-floor window of a New York hotel but doesn’t know if she jumped or was pushed. The character is in a race for her life to discover clues as her memory gradually returns and she learns startling things about herself such as being bilingual. As the character Blue develops readers soon realize Blue is as much of a mystery as the story itself, she is a puzzle with missing pieces.

Author event will include a book signing. A limited number of both books will be available for purchase. The event will be held at 5:30 p.m. at 1002 South Broad Street, Scottsboro.

Brown Celebrates 50 Years with BSA

first Eagle Scout was Bruce Wilson, who earned the rank on the sixth anniversary of Brown becoming a scoutmaster. His 105th scout to receive the rank was Rice Mayes in 2021.

A large crowd of nearly two hundred guests gathered at the Lakeview Community Center to celebrate such a milestone with Brown. Over half of Browns Eagle Scouts attended the reception.

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

GERALDINE, Ala.-- On Saturday, March 4, Scoutmaster

Don Brown of Troop 96 was honored with a reception commemorating his fifty years of service to the Boys Scouts of America.

In his fifty years of service, Brown has had 105 scouts receive the

coveted Eagle Scout rank. An Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable within the Scouts BSA program of the Boy Scouts of America. Since it began in the early 20th century, only four percent of Scouts have earned this rank, equating to over 2.5 million youths. Those who earn this rank are eligible to join the National Eagle Scout

Catch of the

Association.

President Gerald Ford was the only U.S. President that was awarded the Eagle Scout rank. Many who have achieved the Eagle Scout rank have gone on to achieve great things, including Hank Aaron, former Walmart CEO Sam Walton, and astronaut Neil Armstrong. Brown first became a scoutmaster on March 20, 1973. His

Tax FROM PAGE 1

new school system was built upon anticipated revenues and expenditures. The study identified possible tax increases needed to not only form a new Rainsville City School System but to sustain it going forward.

Main Force Sewer Line from 50 Taters to Hwy 75. The Council passed Resolution 03-06-2023 which approved the TAP Sidewalk Project Construction Agreement from Shiloh Ranch Road to Dilbeck.

In other business, the Council:

• Hired Rodney Higgins/CDL Driver

Effective 3-1-23 @ 16.58 per hour

March 11, Moon Lake Library Book Club - Let’s talk about books! Sometimes we read and discuss the same book. Other months, we share book recommendations. This is a great way to meet new friends and also get some good ideas about what to read next. 10:30 am - 11:45 am. 4607 Alabama Hwy 117, Mentone, Alabama 35984.

March 15, Art

Talk - Art Talk is where artists gather to talk about what moves them to create art, what is really created in that moment is community. A community of likeminded people who speak the same language. A community of people who are genuinely interested in learning and supporting each other. If this sounds

like your kind of gathering, please join us. Bring your art and share your process. Held at the Moon Lake Library in Mentone. 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm.

March 16, DeKalb County Hospital Association - DeKalb County Hospital Association dba DeKalb Ambulance Service will hold their regularly scheduled board meeting on March 16, 2023, 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.

March 16, The Cherokee Presence with Larry Smith - Larry Smith of Guntersville will trace the evolution of the Indians from

pre-historic times to the removal of the Cherokees in 1838 at a free talk hosted by the Mentone Area Preservation Association (MAPA) on Thursday, January 19. The program will begin at 6:30 p.m. CST in the Bill Berry Community Room at Moon Lake Village. 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm.

March 17, Yoga

Walk-Dusk to DarkExperience yoga while enjoying the beauty that is Desoto State Park. Walk along the park’s boardwalk trail, following Laurel Creek. Listen to the sounds of Azalea Cascade as instructor Destin Padgett guides you in slow & easy yoga poses. Time: 6:00 p.m. Where: DeSoto State Park-Fort Payne, Alabama. Meet at

Senator Steve Livingston presented a proclamation to Scoutmaster Brown for his 50 years of service. Livingston stated that according to records, Brown is the longest-serving Scoutmaster from one troop in the State of Alabama.

Brown plans to continue his service with the Boy Scouts of America as long as his health allows him.

“This is going to take a good deal of money and a lot of thought needs to be done before we decide on moving forward on this project” stated Rainsville Mayor Rodger Lingerfelt.

The feasibility study can be found on the City of Rainsville website.

At the Rainsville council meeting, the Council bid out construction of a road to the proposed Public Works Facility Site, with bids to be opened on April 5 at 10 a.m.

After going into Executive Session, the Council accepted a bid from Lambert Contracting, in the amount of $367,235.00, for the

• Approved Travel/ Training Request— Sandy Little for Revenue Training

• Announced the closure of Rainbow Ave South to Clements Road on Monday, March 13 for Tile Work

• Approved an Emergency Light Beacon for the Rainsville Fire Department that will aid Department Personnel entering Hwy 35 • Donated $500 to the Rainsville City Chamber for upcoming projects The next regular Rainsville Council Meeting will be on March 20, 2023. A work session will begin at 4 p.m. and the regular session will begin at 4:30 p.m.

Sandy Creek Apartments

159 George Wallace Dr. Rainsville, AL 35986

O ce Hours are every other Tuesday and every Wednesday from 9AM - 4PM

Please Call: 1-(256)638-6959 TDD/TYY #: 800-548-2546

the Talmadge Butler Boardwalk Trailhead on Co. Rd. 89 . $5.00 per person.

March 18, Free Airplane RidesWeather Permitting: Free Airplane rides for youth ages 8 - 17. 9am - 12pm CST at the Fort Payne, AL Airport. Located near I-59, exit 222. Parent or Guardian must sign. Experimental Aviation licensed pilots.

March 18, Dutch Oven Demo - Dutch ovens have been in use for hundreds of years; especially when our country was expanding and families were on the move. Unable to bring their large cook stoves with them, women learned how to cook entire meals

from stews & soups to bread & desserts, in their Dutch ovens. Learn the basics about Dutch ovens, how to clean & care for your cookware, AND cook (& eat!) dinner & dessert at the same time! Starts around 10 am, located at JSU’s Little River Canyon Center.

April 15, Meet

A Machine - Meet a Machine is designed to provide the public with the opportunity to see, touch and learn about vehicles used by public service agencies and local businesses. These vehicles include emergency response vehicles, planes, aircraft equipment, construction equipment, etc. Food will be available for purchase.

All proceeds will benefit the DeKalb County Children’s Advocacy Center. Adult tickets are $5. Children are free. Tickets are available at https:// meetamachinefp. ticketleap.com/ meetamachinefp/ details.

April 27 - May 7, Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical at Northeast Alabama Community College - Packed with highenergy dance numbers, catchy songs and an unforgettable star turn for a young actress, Matilda is a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.. Visit nacc.edu for tickets!

Brandon Boswell, PharmD Pharmacist/Owner

Senator Steve Livingston presented Scoutmaster Don Brown with a Proclamation for being the longestserving Scoutmaster with one troop at the reception held to honor Brown. Marla Jones|Southern Torch

BIDS

The DeKalb County Hospital Association

dba DeKalb Ambulance Service, a public entity, is hereby requesting proposals for one (1) Wheelchair van (minivan). Detailed bid specifications may be obtained from:

Mail: DeKalb Ambulance Service

P.O. Box 680643 Fort Payne, AL. 35968

Physical Address: 208 Airport Road Fort Payne, AL. 35968

Or by calling: Gregory Gilliam, Operations Manager 256-845-4027 ext. 103 greg.gilliam@ dasems.com

Bid quotes must be submitted to the above address no later than March 15, 2023, at 11 am.

All quotes must be submitted in sealed format and labeled “Ambulette Bid”.

Bids not received by the stated deadline and/or improperly formatted will be rejected.

The DeKalb County Hospital Association reserves the right to interpret all matters pertaining to the bid award and to reject any or all bids. Bids will be opened at the office of the Director, Cheryl Turner, at 12 pm on March 15, 2023. The DeKalb County Hospital Association is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, gender, religion, national origin, creed, color, or other basis as prohibited by law.

Said notice to be published February 24, March 3, & 10

BIDS

Solicitation for Quotes/Estimates

The DeKalb County Hospital Association dba DeKalb Ambulance Service, a public entity, is hereby requesting proposals for bushhogging services for the locations listed below.

I. Scope of Service:

A. To provide land clearing consisting of bushhogging for the following locations:

1. Approximately 3 ½ acres behind DeKalb Regional Hospital. Please call for the exact location and description as no public access is available to this tract of land.

2. Approximately 18 acres adjacent to the Rainsville location at 1093 McCurdy Avenue North.

II. Timing of Service:

It is expected that these tracts of land will need to be cleared twice per year usually around May and October. The provider shall provide proof

of insurance for the term of the agreement.

Commercial General

Liability of no less than $100,000.00, $200,000.00 each occurrence. DeKalb Ambulance Service

P.O. Box 680643 208 Airport Road Fort Payne, AL. 35968

This bid is for bushhogging services for the DeKalb Regional Medical Center and Rainsville tracts. The bid must include a price per tract/per mowing. Bid quotes must be sent to the address above no later than March 15, 2023, at 3 pm. All bids must be submitted in sealed format and labeled “Bushhogging Bid”. Bids not received by the stated deadline and/or improperly formatted will be rejected.

Any questions regarding the bid or site reviews are to be directed to: Cheryl Turner, Director Phone 256-8454027 Ext.101

Email: Cheryl.turner@ dasems.com

The DeKalb County Hospital Association reserves the right to interpret all matters pertaining to bid award and reject any/or all bids. Bids will be opened at the office of the Director, Cheryl Turner, on March 15, 2023, at 4 pm. The DeKalb County Hospital Association is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, gender, religion, national origin, creed, color or other basis as prohibited by law.

BIDS

Invitation to Bid

The DeKalb County Hospital Association dba DeKalb Ambulance Service, a public entity, is hereby requesting proposals for lawn care services at each campus of DeKalb Ambulance Service.

I. Scope of Service: To provide all weed trimming, edging, mowing, and general detail work to the following campuses:

1. 208 Airport Road Fort Payne, AL. 35968

2. 4845 County Road 20 Geraldine, AL. 35974

3. 37844 U.S. Highway 11 Hammondville, AL. 35989

4. 1093 McCurdy Avenue North Rainsville, AL. 35986

5. 512 North Valley Avenue Collinsville, AL. 35961

6. 19712 U.S. Highway 117 Ider, AL. 35981

II. Service Specifications:

A. Weed trimming around all trees, shrubs, and stationary objects and edging of all concrete/asphalt surfaces. In addition, weed control shall

be applied around the buildings and sidewalks.

B. Mowing of all grass at each campus listed above. The campus located at 37844 U.S. Highway 11 in Hammondville has an adjoining lot that is to be included in the bid.

C. Blowing of all mowing, edging, and weed-trimming debris from all concrete/asphalt surfaces.

III. Timing of Service:

The number of mowing times may vary based on growth rates and mowing times per month will be agreed upon at the beginning of each month. The Fort Payne location will need to be mowed every 7-10 days, all other locations usually every 10-12 days. The provider shall provide proof of insurance for the term of the agreement.

Commercial General Liability of no less than $100,000.00, $200,000.00 each occurrence.

DeKalb Ambulance Service

P.O. Box 680643 208 Airport Road Fort Payne, AL. 35968

This bid is for lawncare services for each campus of DeKalb Ambulance Service. The bid must include a price per yard/ per mowing. Bid quotes must be sent to the address above no later than March 15, 2023, at 3 pm. All bids must be submitted in a sealed format and labeled “Lawn Care Bid”. Bids not received by the stated deadline and/or improperly formatted will be rejected.

Any questions regarding the bid or site reviews are to be directed to: Cheryl Turner, Director Phone 256-8454027 Ext.101

Email: Cheryl. turner@dasems. com

The DeKalb County Hospital Association reserves the right to interpret all matters pertaining to bid award and reject any/ or all bids. Bids will be opened at the office of the Director, Cheryl Turner, on March 15, 2023, at 4 pm. The DeKalb County Hospital Association is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, gender, religion, national origin, creed, color, or other basis as prohibited by law.

LEGALS

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NO.: 2023-64

IN RE: THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF SUZANNE P. GRAVES, DECEASED

NOTICE OF VERIFIED PETITION FOR SUMMARY DISTRIBUTION OF

having been filed in the abovestyled cause by Petitioner, W.V. Graves, III, it hereby ORDERED that this matter shall come for final hearing on the 12 day of April 2023 at 9 o’clock. a.m. in the Probate Court of DeKalb County, Alabama.

Said notice to be published March 10

Pre-MovingGarge & Shed Sale

Dates: March 17 & 18 from 8:00pm - 4:00pm

146 Harley Dr Ne, Fort Payne, AL.

(Follow signs - Lookout Mountain)

Chief Davis would like to thank Fort Payne Police Officer’s and Investigators, Dekalb and Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office and Investigators along with the Center for Applied Forensics at Jacksonville State University.

The name of the shooter was not officially released.

Items include: Antiques, Building Supplies, Musical Instruments (giutars, banjos, mandolins, violins, trombone, harp), Estste items, and Vintage Quilts. For more information call Toni (256)478-0628

Inside The Statehouse

Five Seats on the Alabama Supreme Court Up for Election in 2024

By Steve Flowers

Next year is a big year nationally. It is a Presidential year. However, it is a down or off year for Alabama. We, like several other southern states, have our big election year in non-presidential years. We elected our Governor and other constitutional offices and our entire legislature last year in 2022.

However, since we have staggered six year terms for our State Judges, we have an inordinate number of seats on our Supreme Court up for election next year. We have nine members of our State Supreme Court. All nine are Republicans.

Even though our Supreme Court is elected, we have a surprisingly wise and very qualified state high tribunal. All nine are well-qualified and well-rounded, yet very Republican and very conservative. We are a very Republican and very conservative sate. Therefore, these nine judges are reflective of the Heart of Dixie.

Even though there are five seats up for election, there is only one opening, Chief Justice Tom Parker is precluded from running for a six-year term. He is 72 and our state laws mandate that someone cannot run for a judgeship after they reach the

DeKalb Animal Hospital

age of 70.

Popular and younger jurists hold the other four seats. Three of the four will seek reelection and will win easily even if they draw opposition.

These three incumbents are Will Sellers, Jay Mitchell and Tommy Bryan. The fourth, Sarah Stewart, is opting to run for the Chief Justice post that Tom Parker is vacating. Justice Will Sellers probably will not draw an opponent. He is perfectly suited for the State Supreme Court. His resume reads as though he was born for the job. He was a successful tax attorney in his hometown of Montgomery. He graduated from the University of Alabama Law School and has a Masters of Law Degree in Taxation from New York University. His Tax Law expertise is invaluable to his colleagues on the Court. Will has a keen political mind in addition to his legal prowess. He and his wife, Lee Grant Sellers, are Governor Kay Ivey’s closest friends and confidantes. Will has sworn Governor Ivey into office at both her Inaugurations.

Justice Sellers also pens a monthly column on historical events. Justice Tommy Bryan is up for another six-year term. This popular incumbent jurist will be reelected without opposition. He hails from rural South Alabama – Brantley in Crenshaw County to be exact. He was first elected in 2012 and reelected to a second six-year term in 2018. Therefore, he will be seeking his third six-year term in 2024. He previously served eight years on the Court of Civil Appeals. He and his lovely wife Pam have two adult children. Tommy and

Pam are very active members of the First Baptist Church of Montgomery Judge Jay Mitchell is the tallest member of the Supreme Court. He stands a good 6 feet 8 inches. He also stands tall with integrity and wit. He is an affable fellow and is finishing his first six-year term on the high court. He will easily win election to his second term, probably unopposed. He graduated from Birmingham Southern College where he starred in basketball. He graduated from the University of Virginia Law School. He and his wife Elizabeth reside in Homewood with their four children. Jay Mitchell is only 46. He is not only the tallest member of the Court but also the youngest. Justice Sarah Stewart is opting to leave her safe seat as an associate justice to seek election as Chief Justice next year. She has already announced and is actively running. More times than not the early bird gets the worm. Justice Stewart served 13 years as a Mobile Circuit Court Judge prior to going on to the Supreme Court. Judge Chris McCool, who is an associate justice on the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals, is favored to win Justice Stewart’s seat. You can bet your bottom dollar he will not be outworked.

Even though there are five seats up for reelection on the high court, there will be very little change when the dust settles This is a good court, and they have an excellent collegial working relationship.

The 2024 elections have begun.

See you next week.

John Calvin Godshall, Jr. - 81 of Cedar Bluff, passed away on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at Collinsville Nursing Home. Mr. Godshall was born on July 25, 1941 to the late John Godshall , Sr. & Kathryn Detweiler Godshall in Pennsylvania. He was a veteran on the United States Navy and a member of the Fort Payne VFW. Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Saturday, March 4, 2023 at the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jimmy Dan Clanton officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday evening from 5pm until 7pm at the funeral home.

He is survived by his children, Amie Godshall Fann, Mary Godshall (Matthew Bradley), Justin Godshall (Kristina), and John Godshall, III (Sarah); and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Cornerstone

Donnie Ray Tinker

- 64 of Higdon died

Monday, February 27 at his residence. Funeral services are

Wednesday at 3 PM ET. Burial will follow at Oak Lawn Memorial Park.

James Turney “Jimmy” Enoch - 68 of Hollywood died Wednesday, March 1 at Highland’s Medical Center. Funeral services are Saturday at 2 PM CT. Burial will follow at Oak Lawn Memorial Park.

Janie “Sue” Ivey Wilson - 81 of Henagar died Thursday, March 2nd. Funeral services are Sunday at 2 PM CT Burial will follow in New Hope Cemetery.

Hazel Marlene Davis Ittenbach - 83 of Ringgold, GA. (formerly of Flat Rock) died

Thursday, March 2nd. Funeral services are Monday at 3 PM CT Burial will follow.

Bufford Bowen - 90 of Crossville passed away Friday, March 3, 2023 at Crossville Health and Rehab. His Funeral Service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 7, 2023.

Wayne Samuel Carr - 87 of Crossville passed away Sunday, March 5, 2023 at his home. The family will be having a private service. A eulogy will be given by Dusty Darnell.

Kylia Koger Cox - 63 of Ider, AL passed away on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at DeKalb Regional Medical Center. Funeral service is Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at 1:00PM.

Cynthia Marilyn Ingle - 73 of Birmingham, AL formerly of Fort Payne, AL passed away on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at her residence. Graveside services will be held Saturday, March 4, at 12 Noon in Mountain View Memory Gardens.

Rachel Bell Newsome - 81 of Sylvania, AL passed away on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at Huntsville Hospital. Funeral service is Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 2PM.

Weldon Parrish80, of Rainsville, passed away Sunday March 5, 2023. Services will be held March 8, 2023.

James Madison Hatton - 53 of Grant, Alabama passed away Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at Huntsville Hospital. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. at Pleasant Grove Holiness Church on Sunday, March 5.

Anthony Wayne Davis - 35 of Scottsboro, Alabama passed away Friday, March 3, 2023 at Shepherd Center.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, March 5, 2023 at Scottsboro Funeral Home with Rev. Ryan Robertson officiating.

Robert F. Lackey - 92 of Scottsboro, Alabama passed away Sunday, March 5, 2023. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at Calvary Baptist Church with Rev. Kirk Griggs and Dr. Matt Helms officiating. Burial at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Marvin Kenneth Solt - passed away Sunday, March 5, 2023. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 11, 2023.

Martha Gamble Willmon - born December 19, 1937 and passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 Martha was 85 years and was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Charles Willmon.

Michael J. Stubblefield - passed away in January 2023 in Huntsville Al. at his home. A memorial Service will be held at the Pleasant Groves Holiness Church on Tuesday evening March 7th 2023 from 5 to 8.

Carl W. Phillipsd - 79, passed away Thursday, 16 February 2023 at Crestwood Hospital in Huntsville. Carl was born on 11 June 1943 to James A and Pearl A Phillips in Olympia, Wash. Services will be at Scottsboro Funeral Home 11 March 2023.

Charles Samuel

“Sam” Templeton - 69, of Albertville passed away on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Funeral services are set for 2pm Saturday, March 4, 2023 from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in Copeland’s Bridge Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 until 8pm Friday at the funeral home.

Belinda Lynn Rigby - 57 of Fort Payne, passed away Thursday, March 2, 2023. Funeral Services will be held at 2pm on Sunday, March 5, 2023 from W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial to follow in Walnut Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5pm-8pm on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at the funeral home. Officiating are Bro. Rayford Bethune and Dr. Pat McFadden.

Rose Lynn McRee - 59 of Henagar, passed away Thursday, March 2, 2023. Funeral Services will be held at 1pm on Monday, March 6, 2023 from W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial to follow in Unity Cemetery @ Sylvania. The family will receive friends from 5pm-8pm on Sunday, March 5, 2023

at the funeral home.

Linda Gail Hooper Guest - 75, of Ft. Payne passed away on Saturday, March 4, 2023. A memorial service will be held at 1pm Wednesday, March 8, 2023 from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel. The family will receive friends from 12noon until 1pm Wednesday at the funeral home. W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Harold “Pat” Cantrell - 80, of Collinsville passed away on Monday, March 6, 2023. Funeral services are set for 12noon Saturday, March 11, 2023 from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bro. Larry Gore officiating. Burial will be in Providence “The Hill” Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 until 8pm Friday at the funeral home.

Sherry Lynn Wright - Fyffe passed away on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at Collinsville Healthcare. Ms. Wright was a retired Dekalb County teacher having taught the majority of her career at Crossville High School. A Graveside service will be held at 4pm Wednesday, March 8,

Benefield To Be Inducted Into Sports Hall of Fame

By Bill Plott FOR THE AHSAA

MONTGOMERY

– Coach Paul

Benefield and Fyffe High School are about as close to being the greatest prep football dynasty in Alabama as you can get. A 40-28 win over B.B. Comer in the Class 2A state championship game last fall was their sixth state championship since 2014, and it was also their sixth 15-0 season.

Benefield is one of 13 individuals who are being inducted into the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame next Monday, March 13, at the Montgomery Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center.

The banquet will begin at 6 p.m. At 1:15 p.m., a press conference will be held at the Renaissance introducing the Class of 2023 to the media.

The Hall of Fame is a program developed

and managed by the AHSAA’s Alabama High School High School Athletic Directors & Coaches Association (AHSADCA). This year’s class will be the 23rd class inducted since the HOF inception in 1991.

A native of Fort Payne, Coach Benefield grew up in Fyffe and was a member of the Red Devils football team coached by legendary coach Ronnie Haushalter, who was inducted into the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame in 1997. Haushalter’s philosophy was simple – block and tackle better than the other team. Benefield’s plan has been much the same. Haushalter compiled a 217-143-3 record in his 34-year. Benefield’s current record is 337-55 in 31 seasons. Haushalter coached Fyffe his last 25 seasons, and Benefield just completed his 26th year as the Red Devils’ head football coach. Between the two, they have served 51 of the last 53 seasons since 1970 with a combined 454-153 record at Fyffe.

Benefield graduated from Fyffe High School in 1976 and Jacksonville State University in 1980 and also earned a master’s degree from JSU. He is 292-44 in his tenure at Fyffe from 1997 until now. His .869 winning percentage at his alma mater ranks first in the AHSAA, and his 337 overall ranks fourth all-time behind Terry Curtis of UMS-Wright, now retired Buddy Anderson of Vestavia Hills, and Danny Horn of Central, Clay County. Even more amazing is his 139-9 record with the Red Devils over the last 12 seasons, which includes a 51-game winning streak. His teams are 155-13 (92.3%) in region play and 58-19 (75.2%) in playoff games and have scored 12,496 points while yielding just 3,578 in 336 games. That averages out 37.2 points per game on offense and just 10.6 points allowed per game on defense.

Benefield began his coaching career at his alma mater as an assistant varsity coach and head junior high school coach in football. In 1987 he went to Plainview High

School as an assistant football coach. In five years, he helped lead Plainview to back-to-back 14-win seasons and runner-up finishes in the state playoffs. The school’s record was 46-8 during those five years. In 1992, he accepted his first head coach position at Sylvania High School, remaining there for five years. He compiled a record of 45-11 with four state playoff appearances including back-to-back 10-0 regular seasons in 1994 and 1995. In 1997 he returned to his alma mater, Fyffe, and the rest is history. The 2022 championship gave him a 139-9 record over the last 12 seasons -- a winning rate of 93.9%. He has coached six undefeated seasons at Fyffe and has coached 15 regular-season undefeated teams. He has never had a losing season and his 29 playoff appearances are fifth in the state. He has won numerous Coach of the Year awards including state honors in 2007 and 2014.

DeKalb County Superintendent Wayne

Lyles said. “His meticulous attention to detail and leadership made it possible for the Fyffe High School football program to win five state championships over seven years (now six in eight years) at the 2A and 3A classifications. I was privileged to be part of the 2019 and 2020 championships as principal at Fyffe High School.

“The Fyffe football program has always been historically strong, but Coach Benefield elevated it to a championship level program over the last decade through his leadership, vision, determination, and willingness to adapt.”

Lyles points out his teams have not always had the best talent. However, that hasn’t deterred Benefield.

“He develops players with his proven regimen that requires discipline, dedication, and hard work,” he said. “It is evident that winning is important to Coach Benefield, but most importantly for him is that you win with ‘class.’ If you watch his team play, you will notice his players assist opponents up after tackles, do not

Whitaker Pitches No-Hitter

By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

IDER- Keegan

Whitaker, led the Ider Hornets from the pitcher’s mound Monday, throwing a no-hitter to defeat the

State

FROM PAGE 1

us well. They were athletic” stated Luke Smith. “ We were down. I knew we needed someone to step up and make some plays. I just happened to be that guy at the time.”

The Bears had a 28-26 lead going into the fourth

quarter. The Bears increased their lead to 38-33, with a pair of free throws by Jonah Williams, with only :30 remaining in the game.

Midfield (25-6) made the basket and forced a turnover when Plainview was called for traveling. With 15.9 seconds left in the game, Midfield had a chance to tie the

Water Damage

game and force overtime, with a three-pointer.

Plainview only had two team fouls. Coker called timeout and made the decision to make fouls to prevent Midfield from attempting a game-tying 3-pointer.

Jonah Williams hit two free throws to bring the Bear score to 40. In a last-ditch

effort, Jones made the halfcourt shot, as the buzzer sounded but missed.

Plainview was 15-of-34 from the field, 4-of-12 from 3-point range, and 6-of-8 from the foul line. The game was tied three times and there were four lead changes.

“This is a resilient group. We didn’t start the season real

well, but they showed their character and love for one another, and we figured out our identity” stated Coach Robi Coker. “I can’t say enough about this group’s toughness and how they respond to adversity. Because of that, they deserve to be champions.”

“Forty was

engage in trashtalking, and are respectful to opposing coaches, players, and officials.

“These are non-negotiables for his team. Coach Benefield instills respect, discipline, and a strong work ethic in the players he coaches to help them become successful in life after high and football.”

Fyffe Principal Tim W. McCollum praised Benefield’s commitment.

“Coach Benefield’s dedication to our students is not just in developing players who can win football games,” he said. “He strives to develop young men who will play and act with class and respect. Coach Benefield strives to instill in our players a strong work ethic along with dedication and respect so that they are not only successful on the football field, but in life beyond high school. Coach Benefield’s commitment to our program and school has brought a tremendous amount of recognition and pride to our school.”

Pisgah Eagles 5-0. The righty allowed zero hits in seven innings, striking out 17 and walking one.

Landon Traylor went 2-for -3 at the plate to lead the Ider Hornets in hits.

enough today,” Plainview senior Luke Smith said. Luke Smith was named MVP of the Class 3A Tournament Team. Joining Luke on the Tournament Team from Plainview was Landon White. Plainview has now won state titles in 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2023.

Superintendent: Wayne Lyles

Board Members: Randy Peppers, Robert Elliott, Carol Hiett, Monty Darwin, and Kelly Armstrong