ST Vol 9 No 11

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, ALA.-- (Full video on Southern Torch Facebook)

The DeKalb County Commission held its regularly scheduled

meeting on Tuesday, March 14.

DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Deputy Director Michael Posey, informed the Commission that the agency had secured funding through Alabama’s Mountains,

Rivers & Valley RC&D to purchase NOAA weather radios.

The grant totaling $5,100 purchased NOAA Weather radios allocated to four communityspecific organizations for distribution to underserved, English as a

second language, fixed/ low income, homebound, or populations living in housing which is at greater risk from impacts from high winds and tornadoes. Persons in this targeted population group may benefit from early information and

warning of approaching severe weather and tornados, civil alert messaging, and other lifesaving notifications. The NOAA radio will give early warning that may decrease the threat to life,

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Valley Head, Ala.-- The Valley Head Town Council held its monthly meeting on Monday, March 13.

At the meeting, Valley Head Fire Chief Dustin Burt gave a report of activity within the Fire Department. There was a discussion of the duties and responsibilities of the Fire Chief.

Mayor Mike Key and the Council walked to the Fire Hall for a tour of the fire hall facilities. After a review of the fire trucks, where candy wrappers from recent parades and water bottles were found,

Mayor Mike Key elected to suspend the Fire Chief’s title for a period of 30 days. The title-only suspension is effective for thirty days.

Many citizens and business owners in Valley Head expressed their concerns over the matter and the fire protection that they would receive during the thirty-day suspension.

Southern Torch reached out to Valley Head Mayor Mike Key and Chief Dustin Burt for their reactions to the suspension.

Mayor Mike Key stated the suspension of Dustin Burt was title-only. He said that he informed Mr. Burt not to represent himself as the

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

GERALDINE, Ala.-- The Geraldine Town Council met on Monday, March 13 for their regular monthly meeting.

The council adopted a proclamation designating April 24 each year as “Hody Childress Day” to honor the selfless generosity exhibited by Mr. Childress for the many less fortunate.

Childress was a Geraldine farmer who secretly paid pharmacy bills for those who were unable to pay for nearly a decade.

Hody Childress died at the age of 80 on New Year’s Day. It was only, near the end of his life, that Childress, informed his family of his random acts of kindness.

The Proclamation states “Let us all commemorate Mr. Hody Childress Day by some act of support for those less fortunate by paying forward our love for our community and others.”

The council announced that Geraldine Youth Sports Opening Day Festivities will be held on March 25.

The Geraldine Town Egg Hunt will be held on Saturday, April 1st at Geraldine Town Park.

Events are planned for three different age groups.

An update was given for the proposed new Tee Ball field. Bids will be going out soon with

Accident Claims Life in Jackson County

All Aboard For Depot Museum

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

SCOTTSBORO,

just north of Scottsboro. Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) stated that the 16-year old victim was a passenger in a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta that collided head on with a 2014 BMW. The teen was pronounced dead at the scene.

The accident is under investigation by ALEA.

Deputy Saves Life

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

SCOTTSBORO, Ala.— The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call on January 25, from a subject who stated that a person had hung himself at a residence in Hollywood, Alabama.

Deputy Jonathon Wilbanks was the initial responding Deputy and upon arrival found the victim lying on the floor, not breathing with a severe head laceration from his head striking the floor. A female, who had apparently cut the victim down, was attempting to conduct CPR on the victim.

Deputy Wilbanks immediately took over and continued CPR. Shortly after, the victim began breathing.

Deputy Wilbanks and Deputy Dhruvil

Patel then worked to control the bleeding coming from the victim’s head as they waited for EMS personnel to arrive. The victim was transported to the hospital by ambulance

and is believed to have fully recovered.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office recently presented Deputy Jonathon Wilbanks with a LIFESAVING RIBBON for his actions.

Scottsboro Portable Buildings Ribbon Cutting

By Marla Ballard Reporter

SCOTTSBORO - In 1838 the steam trumpet came to America after having been invented in France the previous year. The steam trumpet is better known today as a train whistle. Trains, also known as iron horses, have fascinated people since their invention in the early 1800s. Ferroequinology, the study of railways and locomotives, is prompted by varying reasons; one reason being history. One historical fact; the world’s first travel agency got its start thanks to a train trip.

Trains helped the North win the American Civil War. Control of the railroad in a region was crucial to military success. Throughout the war, railroads enabled the quick transport of large numbers of soldiers and artillery. One of the most significant examples was when Abraham Lincoln sent 20,000 replacement troops more than 1,000 miles from Washington, D.C. to Georgia in just 11 days.

Train depot

museums also captivate ferroequinologists.

Scottsboro is fortunate among small towns to have one of three county-wide depots located on the North Alabama Depot Trail.

The Scottsboro Freight Depot is one of three remaining pre-Civil War depots in Alabama.

The Scottsboro depot saw active service for 132 years, it was built by the Memphis & Charleston Railroad (M&C) in 1861. The museum opened its doors in 2012 after years of planning.

On January 8, 1865, Union troops defended the depot against siege by Confederate infantry and artillery. Although the building has undergone renovations some damage from the battle is still visible.

The M&C Railroad played a considerable role in the Civil War, and the depot was of strategic importance in the peace that followed. It served as the commercial center of a growing community. In 1870, the depot was designated as the center of the town.

In 1891, a new passenger depot was constructed, but the

original depot continued to be used for freight operations for another 100 years. Visit the museum to learn about the service that was available, the cost of a passenger ticket, how many locomotives the company owned, how safe train travel was, what Robert E. Lee and General Sherman had to do with the train line, what made the M&C line unique, and what led to its demise. A historical marker located outside of the museum is the perfect way to whet one’s appetite before entry. Thankfully the course of history was not altered by what took place in 1830. A race dubbed the Tom Thumb Race embarrassed the locomotive industry when the iron horse lost to a draft horse, the loss was due to mechanical failure. The advancement of the train industry continued, by the time of the Civil War there were 30,000 miles of train track and by 1916 there were more than 250,000 miles of track. Visit the Depot Museum on Fridays from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. or by appointment. Admission free. Located at 230 North Houston Street, Scottsboro. For more information visit jchaweb.org.

Scottsboro State of the City Address

SCOTTSBORO, Ala.-- Scottsboro

Mayor Jim McCamy will deliver the State of the City Address on March 23 at the Goose Pond Civic Center, 1165 Ed Hembree Dr.

The Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce is hosting the event. Breakfast will begin at 7:30 a.m. with the mayor’s address scheduled to start at 8:00 a.m.

Scottsboro Mayor Jim McCamy

The two drivers, along with three other juvenille passengers in the 2014 BMW were transported to the hospital for their injuries.

Deputy Jonathon Wilbanks received a Lifesaving Ribbon recently for his actions in saving a life.

Fort Payne Kiwanis DeKalb County Woman of the Year

Submitted by: Carolyn Downer

Wooten, Media Coordinator DeKalb HCL

GERALDINE, Ala.--The Dekalb County Homemakers and Community Leaders met on February 15, 2023, for Awards Day. Our meeting was held at Rock Church in Geraldine, Alabama.

Our clubs from across Dekalb County include Crossville, Geraldine, Ider, Lookout Mountain, Portersville, and Tenbroeck. Nominees from each of these clubs were presented. The Nominees were: Crossville: Loretta Rodgers, Geraldine: Frances Patterson, Ider: Judith Leslie, Lookout Mountain: Phyllis Reagan, Portersville: Jo Ann Stricklin, and Tenbroeck: Sue Abernathy.

After the judging concluded Jo Ann Stricklin of Portersville was announced as DeKalb County Woman of the Year.

Public Meeting

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) will conduct a public involvement meeting on March 28 from 5-7 p.m. at the Fort Payne City Hall Auditorium to discuss a proposed runaway truck ramp at the bottom of Hwy. 35 downtown.

Collinsville Drugs

(256) 524-2981

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 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.

March 31, Games at Granna’s Goodies - Board

Gamers hobbyist or casual players, all are welcome. Come play

Jo Ann has been married for 56 years. She has one son and one granddaughter. She grew up in Georgia where she was manager of a Deli-Bakery for eight years. Later she obtained a minor college degree in insurance having a

Fellowship degree with Life Underwriters Training Council. She worked as an agent with Liberty National Life Insurance Company for 12 years.

Jo Ann has been a member of Portersville, Al HCL for 22 years. She has served as Alabama HCL District One Coordinator for a total of three years and AHCL State VicePresident for four years. She served as ACL President Elect for one year and AHCL President for 2017-2018, and AHCL Parliamentarian for two years.

She has also served as DeKalb County President for a total of eight years, County Vice-President for six years, Club Parliamentarian, and currently serves as county treasurer for

the past two years.

Jo Ann also served in her own local club, Portersville, as club President for a total of thirteen years and Vice President for four years. She also served the Joyful Hearts Club as President for one year.

For the past 22 years Jo Ann has attended most of the state conferences, the District meetings, (meetings are held yearly) she has chaired the Yearbook Committee for 12 years, has served on and helped to create two county cookbooks, has attended and participated in most of the Cultural Arts day celebrations, serves on the Woman of the Year Committee, attends the annual county

picnic and attends all the Awards Day ceremonies.

In her local club she has helped organize and is on the committee for the Quilt Walk Day Bake Sale, Scrap Book Committee, and the Turkey Trot Bake Sale Committee.

In addition to these activities Jo Ann is actively involved in her church and community. She attends Big Valley Church of God, where she serves as clerk/ treasurer and also teaches the adult Sunday School class and a Bible study group each week. She also volunteers in such activities as the 4-H roundup, the hospital auxiliary, Red Cross, various charity drives, retired senior volunteer program, toys for tots and helps transport neighbors and friends for doctor appointments as needed.

Jo Ann, since moving to DeKalb County has been a vital part of the DeKalb County HCL. She works tirelessly to promote and improve our club. We consider ourselves very blessed to have such a member.

Congratulations, Jo Ann Stricklin on being named DeKalb Count Woman of the Year.

for an hour or stay until we shut it down. Friends and family community event. Location: Granna’s Goodies in Rainsville AL. Along with board games there will be snacks and drinks ready to purchase from Granna’s. 7PM - 11PM $5 PARTICIPATION fee, bring a game to play and get a participation fee waived. Preregister and find out more information on the website. www. boardtogether.info Find the event on Facebook Board Together Opening Night.

April 8, Dekalb

Master Gardenerswill 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 Saturday, April 8th, starting at 7:00 am –12:00 pm. Cash and/or check with ID ONLY.

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 high-

energy 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!

May 5, 31st

Annual Wildflower Saturday - Wildflower Saturday is an annual event held in DeSoto State Park atop Lookout Mountain in Fort Payne, Alabama, always the first Saturday of May. Join DeSoto State Park staff & guest speakers for a wonderful weekend of learning about the many species of blooming plants found on Lookout Mountain.

(256)638-6070

Pictured left to right are Kiwanian Scott Weatherly, Nicole Goggans, and a volunteer for the Sam Foundation, Lauren Gifford

On Wednesday, March 8th, guest Nicole Goggans of the Sam Foundation, spoke of their mission to spread awareness about, but also work to prevent, suicide.

A new member was welcomed to the Club.

Pictured left to right is Kiwanian Tommy Hicks, newly inducted member Dallas Poe, and Kiwanian Hunter Hawkins.

Brandon Boswell, PharmD Pharmacist/Owner

LEGALS

ALABAMA

CASE NO.: CV-2023900033.00

TIMOTHY T. MORROW and wife, CHERYL J. MORROW, Plaintiffs vs.

Commence at a 5/8 inch rebar found at the purported Southwest corner of Lot 10 in the said Cloudmont Park Subdivision recorded in Plat Book 3 at Page 97 in Section 7, Township 6 South, Range

11 East, Huntsville Meridian, DeKalb County, Alabama; thence run South 79 deg 00 minutes 00 seconds West for a distance of 65.93 feet to a point on the East ROW of DeKalb County Road No. 106 (60 foot ROW); thence run North 00 deg 24 minutes 06 seconds East for a distance of 57.72 feet to point on the East ROW of said DeKalb County Road No. 106 (60 foot ROW); thence continue to run along said ROW North 15 deg 27 minutes 25 seconds

By Steve Flowers

I am old and oldfashioned. I have been writing this column on Alabama government and political history for 20 years, and it appears weekly in more than 60 newspapers. Folks believe what they read in their local papers because local editors and journalists they trust act as a filter to provide them with the truth. But technology has created a whole new breed of internet publications where lying is the standard and not the exception.

One deranged person can sit in a dark room and pump out vicious lies and fabrications without any evidence – and there is no local editor standing up for the truth. I believe in the First Amendment to our Constitution, but having a website should not be a license to lie and slander people.

I do not pay much attention to the so-called “internet

West for a distance of 15.45 feet to a 5/8 inch rebar found on the East ROW of said DeKalb County Road No. 106 (60 foot ROW) and the point of beginning; thence run along said ROW North 15 deg 37 minutes 02 seconds West for a distance of 71.95 feet to a 5/8 inch rear found on said ROW; thence run North 56 deg 00 minutes 00 seconds East for a distance of 27.47 feet passing through a half inch rebar found next to a green tee post, to the original Northwest corner of Lot 11 in said Cloudmont Park Subdivision; thence run along said West line of said Lot 11 South 31 deg 33 minutes East for a distance of 80.00 feet to the original Southwest corner of said Lot 11; thence run South 70 deg 00 minutes West for a distance of 48.17 feet to a 5/8 inch rebar found on the East ROW of said DeKalb County Road No. 106 (60 foot ROW); and the point of beginning, containing 0.065 acres more or less.

and Fictitious Defendants

“A” through “F” whose names and addresses are unknown, and any and all unknown parties, including any persons claiming any present interest therein and including any persons claiming any future, contingent, reversionary, remainder, or other interest therein, who may claim any interest in the abovedescribed property, Defendants

NOTICE BY PUBLICATION

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT NOTICE HEREBY IS GIVEN

TO: Any and all persons claiming any present interest in the real property described above, and including any persons claiming any reversionary, remainder, or other interest therein, who may claim interest in this real property. The Plaintiffs have filed a Verified Complaint to Quiet Title in the Circuit Court of Dekalb County, Alabama in Case Number CV2023-900033.00 against the lands described above and against any or all parties listed

above to establish the right and title of the Plaintiffs to the lands and to clear up all doubts or disputes concerning the same. Therefore, the Defendants and any persons claiming and interest in the real property must file an Answer to the Complaint in writing in the Circuit Court of Dekalb County, Alabama by May 15, 2023 or suffer default judgment against them. The Plaintiffs request that the Court will make and enter all orders, judgments, and decrees that may be necessary or proper in the premises, and upon a final hearing thereon, the Plaintiffs request that the Court will make and enter a decree that the Plaintiffs have the entire and undivided fee simple interest in the lands. The Plaintiffs further request such other, further, different, or general relief as they may be entitled in the premises.

Dated this the 8th day of March, 2023.

Judge Denies Bond for Hunter

found asleep in another room.

The couple was transported to Dekalb Regional by Dekalb Ambulance Service and then both were transferred to Erlanger Hospital in critical condition.

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE,

Ala.-- The Fort Payne Police Department received a call for a welfare check at a residence in Fort Payne on February 26. When police arrived they found blood on the walls and floor, and two guns tossed in a bathroom.

Glenda Hunter, 74 was slumped over the arm of a couch and covered in blood. Her husband, Mitchell Hunter, 75 was found unresponsive in a bedroom. Their son, Brent Hunter was

AUCTION

VIN

1XPBDP9X4KD613805

Make/Model

Peterbilt/579

Year 2019

Date and Time of Sale 3/20/2023 8:00 am

Said notice to be published March 17, 24, 31, & April 7

Location of Sale 1207 Gault Ave S Fort Payne, AL 35967

Inside The Statehouse

Disgraced, Fraudulent Criminal Con Man Donald Watkins Blogs From Prison

bloggers,” but the outlandish lies of one such blogger has gotten my attention.

A convicted criminal named Donald Watkins has been blogging scurrilous, vicious, outlandish lies about some of our state’s and nation’s most outstanding leaders and companies.

Watkins is posting these lies to the internet while serving a Federal prison sentence under the jurisdiction of the Federal penal system.

Donald Watkins was born in a world of

DeKalb Animal Hospital

Joseph K McNew D V.M Linda Galbraith, D V.M. Jessica Jones, D V.M Office: (256)845-0046

privilege, the son of Dr. Levi Watkins, the President of Alabama State University. While Donald presented himself as a multimillionaire, highrolling investor, court documents show he swindled friends, celebrities, and an FDIC-insured bank out of more than $15 million. In 2019, a federal court sent Watkins and his son, Donald Watkins, Jr., to federal prison.

Federal records show Watkins represented he was selling stock in an energy company called Masada and claimed he was the majority shareholder in the company. Watkins did not own any of the company stock. He claimed the company was associated with former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Martin Luther King III. Both testified they had no connection with the company.

The vast majority of you have never heard of Donald Watkins. Some of you may remember him as the lawyer who helped Eric Ramsey attack the Auburn Football program landing the school on NCAA probation. He later defended other highprofile criminals, like himself.

But basketball legend Charles Barkley will remember Watkins as the man who swindled him out of more than $6 million. Federal records show that Watkins and his son took money from investors and channeled that money to pay for extravagant lifestyles. Records show Watkins, Sr. used the money to pay back taxes, alimony, living expenses for his girlfriend, and for his own private jet. It is easy to see why a jury of hard-working, honest folks found him guilty on ten counts in a New York minute.

Mitchell Levoid Hunter was pronounced brain-dead after being transferred. Family members made the decision to take him off life support the next day.

Brent Preston Hunter, age 56 of Fort Payne was arrested and charged with (2) counts of Domestic Violence 1st, (2) counts of Elderly Abuse, Certain Persons Forbidden to Possess Firearms, and one count of murder.

On Wednesday, March 8, Hunter appeared in court for his first hearing after his arrest.

The judge ruled that Hunter would be held without bond until he appeared before a grand jury.

“Brent Hunter will be held without bail on those two cases, so that will give a lot of comfort to not only the community but also the family and his mother, who of course, is one of his victims” stated Summer Summerford, District Attorney for DeKalb and Cherokee Counties.

audacity to accuse Senator Richard Shelby of some unspecified scheme to send Watkins to jail.

Watkins and his son were convicted in federal court, and Watkins was found guilty on all ten counts brought against him. He was sentenced to prison and ordered to pay more than $14 million in restitution. He was sued for defamation, for lying about someone, and ordered to pay $1.5 million to those he harmed. But from a prison cell, Watkins continued to attack those he harmed, always claiming to be the victim and not the villain. Watkins claims he was railroaded as he continues spreading his lies across the digital landscape. He blames scores of people for conspiring against him, including the Alabama Supreme Court, Federal judges, Federal prosecutors, and the leadership of some of Alabama’s major corporations. Watkins even has the

In 2017, Alabama businessman Joe Perkins sued Watkins for defamation. A circuit court ruled in Perkins’s favor and awarded a judgment against Watkins of $1.5 million. Watkins appealed all the way up to the United States Supreme Court, and on February 27, the highest court in the land unceremoniously refused to hear Watkins’s ridiculous appeal.

So, why don’t more of Watkins’s victims sue him for his lies? As the old saying goes, you can’t get blood from a turnip. He owes his victims more than $15 million today. He is in such a deep hole that he cannot be stopped by more lawsuits.

Freedom of speech is one of the hallmarks of America’s creed. But that freedom in the hands of a proven liar and brazen, arrogant, non-repentant federal prisoner is not what our forefathers envisioned when they enshrined the First Amendment. This Blogger is a threat to society and deserves further jail time.

See you next week.

/s/ TODD GREESON Circuit Clerk

Burt Cornerstone

Rev. Bennie Berry - was born to George and Marie Berry on November 23, 1941 on Lookout Mountain in the Dogtown Community. He pastored several churches Cherokee, DeKalb, and Etowah counties. He started in ministry on February 10, 1957. He loved his family and he had a love for the Fort Payne Wildcats and Alabama Football, but most of all he loved the Lord.

Date of Funeral:

Tuesday, March 7, 2023. Funeral

Location: Highland Baptist Church in Fort Payne, AL (2004 Clark Ave. NE). Funeral Time: 2:00 PM. Mitchell Levoid Hunter - 75, passed away on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at Erlanger Medical Center. Date of Funeral: The Family will announce a Memorial Service at a later time.

Wanda Louise Martin - 74, of Fort Payne, Alabama passed away at her residence on Tuesday, March 7, 2023. Date of Funeral: The Family will announce a Memorial Service at a later date.

Marlon Wayne

Wootten - 87 of Henagar died Friday, March 10 at Crowne Health Care. Scared Harp singing and funeral services will begin at 2:30 PM CT on Sunday, March 12 at Liberty Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery.

Jerry Ann Evans McCurdy - 79 of Henagar died Saturday, March 11 at her residence. Funeral services are Thursday at 2 PM CT at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Elder Tony Ivey officiating. Burial will follow in Fuller Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 3 to 8 PM CT on Wednesday and 12 noon until service time on Thursday.

Crossville

Zachery David McClendon - 29 of Crossville passed away Thursday, March 9, 2023 at his residence. His Funeral Service will be 3 p.m. Sunday, March 12, 2023 at Victory Baptist Church with burial to follow in the adjoining cemetery. Rev. Brandon Bruce and Rev. Jason King will be officiating. Pallbearers will be Micah Goble,

Donnie Stevens, Phil Phillips, Chase Oliver, Chris Oliver, Benny Hunt.Honorary pallbearers will be employees and volunteers of Shepherds Cove Thrift Shoppe. He will lie-instate at the church from 2 until 3. Visitation will be 5 until 8 Saturday evening at the funeral home.

Opal Wright Driskill - 99 of Dawson, passed away on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at her residence. Funeral service is Monday, March 13, 2023, at 3:00 pm. Burial will follow in DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Family will receive friends Monday, March 13th from 1PM-3PM.

Yvonne Busby Smith - 72 of Henagar, AL passed away on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at Cloverdale Nursing Home. Funeral service is Thursday, March 16, 2023, at 3:00PM in Kerby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Earnest Corbitt officiating.

Reverend Danny Bellomy - 74 of Section passed away on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at his residence. Funeral service is Friday, March 10, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Saved by Grace Worship Center Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Patsy June Whitmire Downer - 86 of Rainsville passed away on Friday, March 10, 2023 at Park Ridge Medical Center. A private graveside service will be held at Mountain View Memory Gardens. A celebration of life service will also be held at a later date.

Glenda Whitton89 of Henagar, AL passed away on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at her residence. Funeral service is Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at 2:00PM. Burial will follow in Green Haven Memorial Gardens.

Carolyn Harrell - 90 of Fort Payne, AL formerly of Charlotte, NC passed away on Tuesday, March 13, 2023 Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 2:00PM.

Sam Vance - 73 of Dutton, AL passed away on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. Funeral service is Friday, March 17, 2023 at 2:00PM.

Glenneth Staton - 79 of Scottsboro, Alabama passed away Wednesday, March 8, 2023. Graveside services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, March 11, 2023 at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Christopher Alan Wilborn - 62 of Dutton, Alabama passed away Saturday, March 11, 2023. Graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 15.

Billy Charles Manning - Died: March 12, 2023 Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 14, 2023. Burial in Pinehaven Memorial Gardens.

Shirley Sue Burrow Holt Vester - 71, left this life she enjoyed and those she loved to be with our Heavenly Father on Monday, March 13, 2023. Funeral at 12:00 pm (CST) on Thursday, March 16, 2023.

Paul Carl Kirtland - 59, passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of February 22nd, 2023. There will be a Celebration of Life after the memorial service beginning at 3 p.m. at the Jackson County Park.

Joey Allen Richey - 65 of Fort Payne, passed away Wednesday, March 8, 2023. Funeral Services will be held at 12pm on Friday, March 10, 2023. Sandra Lea Frank - 51 of Crossville passed away Thursday at her residence. Funeral services will be held 11am Monday, March 13. Wetsell Ledon Sims - 63, of Crossville passed away on Thursday, March 9, 2023. Funeral services are set for 1pm Monday, March 13, 2023.

Funeral Homes

Doris Marie Moon - 66 of Fort Payne passed away Thursday March 9, 2023 at her residence. FUNERAL 3pm - Monday.

Patricia Ann Myers Templeton - 50 of Dutton passed away Thursday, March 9, 2023 in Highlands Medical Center. FUNERAL 2pmSaturday March 11, 2023.

Welton Lee “Sonny” Graben - 79, of Fyffe passed away on Friday, March 10, 2023. Funeral services are set for 3pm Tuesday, March 14, 2023. Burial will be in New Home Cemetery in Fyffe.

Kenneth Max Blackwell - 82, of Ft. Payne passed away on Friday, March 10, 2023. Funeral services are set for 3pm Tuesday, March 14.

Ray Cisco - 68, of Dutton passed away on Sunday, March 12, 2023. Funeral services are set for 11am Tuesday, March 14.

Ricky Glenn Thrash - 70 of Rainsville, passed away Monday, March 13, 2023. Funeral Services will be held at 1pm on Wednesday, March 15.

Larry Nelson Smith - 79 of Guntersville, passed away Tuesday, March 14, 2023. Funeral Services will be held at 12pm on Thursday, March 16.

Geraldine

Kerby

Rainsville

Scottsboro

W.T. Wilson

Grant

FROM PAGE 1

and provide sufficient time to take protective measures and seek shelter.

The four community partners joining the DeKalb County Commission, DeKalb County EMA, along with the grantor

Alabama Mountains

Rivers and Valley

RC&D are DeKalb County Home Healthcare (Holly Swanson), DeKalb Regional Home Healthcare (Sandy Scott), Leadership DeKalb County (Slade Carden, Kevin Burt, Angie McCurdy, Tricia Shankles), and DeKalb County Council of Aging (Emily McCamy) who will distribute to the mentioned targeted populations.

Road Department

Superintendent Tom Broyles updated the Commission on projects at the County Road Department.

The Department is getting vehicles ready to take to the March auction. DeKalb is known for bringing good quality vehicles to the auction with several cities and counties verifying that they would have vehicles in the sale.

“I feel that this could be the biggest action we have ever had” stated Broyles.

DeKalb Road Department has received two new trucks this week to replace those being auctioned and hopes to receive two more by the end of the week.

Broyles informed the Commission that a 2017 John Deere tractor used at the Road Department, was having transmission problems. The labor alone to repair would be around $10,000. The total price for parts and labor would be upwards of $15,000. If the tractor was in perfect condition, it would bring around $45,000 to $50,000.

Broyles recommended carrying the tractor to an auction with a $35,000 reserve which the Commission approved.

Superintendent Byoules also requested that an Assistant Superintendent position be posted for bid. This will be a new position in the Road Department.

DeKalb County Engineer Ben Luther presented bids for the Rebuild Alabama County Transportation Plan to the Commission. Charles Watts received the bid in the amount of $2,648,671.48.

Luther also presented a truck bid from Donohoo Chevrolet for a 2023 Chevrolet Silverado Police Pursuit Truck in the amount of $45,810.66, which was approved by the Commission.

A public hearing was held for anyone for or against a proposed subdivision by Calvin Wells, off of County Road 180 in District 4. With no objections, the permit was granted to develop.

Paul Tumlin retired from the DeKalb County Library Board after many years of service. Dana Greeson has filled the vacant position since his retirement. The Commission appointed her to the position retroactively since September 2022. Her term expires in October 2024.

The Commission reappointed William Dalton and William Black to the DeKalbJackson Water Board.

The Commission appointed Kent Rogers, Brandon Raines, and Tim Manness to the High Falls Park Board.

The dates for the DeKalb County Spring Clean-Up will be April 5-8 and April 12-15 from 8 am to 5 pm at the Sand Valley Landfill. Sand Valley Landfill is located at 3345 County Road 209 Collinsville. This service is provided free of charge by Republic Services Inc. and the DeKalb County Commission. Tires, paint, batteries, or hazardous waste are not allowed.

The next meeting of the DeKalb County Commission will be on April 11 at 10 a.m. at the Activities Building.

Hody

FROM PAGE 1

completion expected this fall. The council voted to build additional restrooms at the park to serve the High School softball field and the pavilion area.

The Geraldine Council adopted a Resolution to move the council meetings back to Geraldine Town Hall beginning in April, and also adopted an Ordinance to declare a Golf Cart surplus.

Mayor Chuck Ables was designated to represent the Town of Geraldine as a Delegate at the League of Municipalities annual convention in May.

At the end of the meeting, discussions were held concerning adding a streetlight on County Road 52 near the Highway 227 intersection, and also how to best use the proceeds received from recent litigation involving multiple parties. The result of the litigation reflects the common desire to abate and alleviate the impacts of the opioid epidemic in this State.

Kirby Named Jr Beta Vice President

Aubrey Morgan, Anslee Pettyjohn, Hayden Thomas

4th Place

Marketing and

Communications: Asa

Pettyjohn, Cruz

Edmonds, Braylin

Blake, Tenley Mckee

4th Place Junior

Engineering: Aubrey

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.-- Dekalb County Schools District

brought home a total of 95 awards/ recognitions from the Alabama State Junior Beta Convention.

Jase Kirby was named the State Vice-President. Kirby is a fourth grader at Sylvania School. He presented a speech and campaign skit to win the title.

The following schools had students receive awards:

Sylvania (20)

State Vice-

President: Jase Kirby

Skit

1st Place Campaign

1st Place

Performing Arts Variety

Act: Colin Parham and Oakley Dupree

1st Place Mixed

Media: Asa Pettyjohn

1st Place Onsite

Drawing: Henry Tate

Talley

1st Place Quilling

Elementary: Tenley

McKee

1st Place

Recyclable Art Junior:

Anslee Pettyjohn

2nd Place

Elementary Trading Pin

2nd Place Color

Photography: Anslee

Pettyjohn

3rd Place 4th

Grade Spanish: Tenley

Talley

3rd Place Jewelry: Riley Cole

3rd Place

Language Arts 8th

Grade: Emma Rae Sensor

4th Place Quiz

Bowl Elementary: Cruz Edmonds, Asa Pettyjohn, Riley Cole, Henry Tate Talley

4th Place

Performing Arts Small Group: Oakley Dupree,

Fire

FROM PAGE 1

Valley Head Fire Chief during the suspension. Mayor Key assured the public that the Town of Valley Head would still have fire protection through mutual aid with Henagar, Hammondville, and Valley Head Fire Departments responding to any calls. Mayor Key also stated that “to his knowledge, no firefighter had turned in their equipment to leave the volunteer department.”

Burt has served as the Valley Head Volunteer Fire Chief since 2018. He stated that he feels the suspension of his title, is politically motivated.

Burt expressed his frustration, stating that he has been shut down in his attempts to better protect Valley Head citizens when purchasing equipment or applying for mutual aid.

Burt stated the suspension should

Blake, Lane Clark, Emma Guffey, McKinley Moses

5th Place 5th

Grade Spanish: Lavery

Frisbee

5th Place

Drawing:

Hagen Welden

Premier Performer:

Oakley Dupree

Convention Growth

Award

Henagar (13)

1st Place

Elementary Club Trading Pin

1st Place

Elementary Service

Learning

2nd Place Songfest

2nd Place Speech:

McKenna Mitchell

2nd Place

Elementary Banner

3rd Place Junior

Club Trading Pin

4th Place Junior

Banner

4th Place

Elementary Service

Learning

4th Place Digital

Photography: Cason

Ridgeway

5th Place Junior

Portfolio

5th Place

Sculpture: Carson

Ward

5th Place Digital

Photography: Carson

Ward

Convention Growth

Award

Valley Head (28)

1st Place Mixed

Media Junior:

Annabelle Gifford

1st Place Painting:

Addison Shoults

1st Place Pottery:

Addison Shoults

1st Place 5th Grade

Science: Addison

Shoults

2nd Place 5th

Grade Social Studies:

Elizabeth Bailey

2nd Place Junior

Service Learning

2nd Place Junior

Banner

2nd Place Quiz

Bowl Junior

2nd Place

Elementary Apparel

have been the vote of the Council.

Mayor Key said that after seeking legal advice through City Attorney, Pat Tate, he had the right to suspend without council approval since he was the one who appointed him.

The DeKalb County Fire Association requires that a town have an active Fire Chief in order for the municipality to access the 3-mil tax revenue. It is unknown, at the time, if the tax revenues will be affected during this suspension.

A Special Called meeting will be held on Monday, March 20

Design

2nd Place Jewelry:

Alyana DeSantis

2nd Place 4th

Grade Math: Braxtin

Meadows

3rd Place Poetry

Elementary: Elizabeth

Bailey

3rd Place

Elementary Banner

3rd Place Black & White Photography:

Elizabeth Bailey

3rd Place Fiber

Arts: Nelly Rosales

3rd Place Mixed

Media: Addison

Shoults

4th Place 3-D

Elementary

4th Place

Elementary Service

Learning

4th Place 6th

Grade Science:

Maddie Hamidian

4th Place Poetry

Junior: Annabelle

Gifford

4th Place Color

Photography: Addison

Shoults

4th Place

Musicology Junior

5th Place Jewelry:

Darryn Battles

5th Place

Musicology Elementary

5th Place

Woodworking

Elementary: Kenneth

Taylor

5th Place

Woodworking Junior: Aubree Price 5th Place Onsite

Painting: Adyson

Hughes 5th Place Quilling

Junior: Kylah Ogle Ider (17)

1st Place

Performing Arts Duo- Junior 1st Place

Performing Arts

Instrumental-

Elementary 1st Place Quilling

Junior: Bailey Smalley 1st Place

Recyclable Art

Elementary: Kaislee York 2nd Place

Performing Arts Elementary Small Group 3rd Place Quilling

Elementary: Aleah Holley 3rd Place

Language Arts 5th

Grade: Brinlee Taylor 3rd Place Living Literature Junior

at 6 p.m. to discuss the suspension and the duties of the Fire Chief. The meeting is open to the public. If you would like to speak at the meeting, you will need to fill out the necessary paperwork with the City Clerk before Monday.

“This is not going to be a free-for-all” stated Mayor Key.

“Like all of all meetings, the public is welcome to attend.”

In other business, the Mayor and Council approved the CDBG Street Grant Project in the total amount of $420,000. Valley Head will have a $20,000 match to the $400,000 funds granted. The project will address drainage, runoff, and

Pre-MovingGarge & Shed Sale

3rd Place Onsite

Drawing: Hudson

Thompson

4th Place 4th

Grade Social Studies:

Jaxon Phillips

5th Place

Elementary Apparel Design:Trinity Welden

5th Place Creative

Writing: Addison

Brockus

5th Place Hand

Drawn Anime: Eli

Wilbanks

5th Place 4th

Grade Math: Paislee

Brockus

5th Place Mixed

Media Junior: Brynlee

McGaugh

Premier

Performers: Kelbi Watkins & Alexa Brown

Convention Growth

Award

Geraldine (8) 1st Place

Performing Arts Large Group

2nd Place Elementary Songfest

2nd Place 4th

Grade Language Arts: Saylor Westbrook

3rd Place Digital

Art: Kennedy Mayfield 4th Place Pottery: Bryleigh Hill

2nd Place 4th

Grade Social Studies:

Graham Jordon

5th Place

Language Arts 5th

Grade: Sarah Chandler 5th Place 6th

Grade Social Studies: Gabryel Lewis

Plainview (7)

1st Place Pottery:

Jadie Lindsey

1st Place

Engineering: Billy

Horton, Cain

Armstrong, Connor Noles, Sawyer Stone, Hayden Subias

2nd Place: Campaign Skit

2nd Place Pottery: Aubrie Hiett

2nd Place 7th

Grade Science: Sam Willmon

3rd Place Creative

Writing: Ivee Bell Convention Growth Award

Ruhama (2)

2nd Place Onsite

Drawing: Alyssa Banther

5th Place Mixed Media Junior: Leah Hood.

roadway paving on Hammonds Street, Church Street, and Railroad Avenue. Ordinance 2023-0306, which increases the sewer rates from $20 to $24 up to 2000 gallons due to the increase by the City of Fort Payne. The rate for dumpsters were also increased from $215 to $250 due to the increase by the City of Fort Payne.

The Town of Valley Head will host two events in the coming months. Earth Day will be held on April 20 at Valley Head Park beginning at 4 p.m. Mayberry Days will be held on May 6, beginning at 9 a.m.

Dates: March 17 & 18 from 8:00pm - 4:00pm 146 Harley Dr Ne, Fort Payne, AL. (Follow signs - Lookout Mountain) 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

Ider Shutout the Lady Bulldogs

Nailbiter Win for the Rams Seventh Inning Victory for Lady Eagles

By Marla Jones

Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

IDER, Ala.-- The Ider Lady Hornets defeated Geraldine, 10-0 on Tuesday as two pitchers threw a shutout.

The Ider Lady Hornets secured the victory thanks to six runs in the second inning. Makinley

Traylor, Hanna Stevens, Brynley

Traylor, Lexi Brewer, and Kelsey Cooper all contributed with RBIs.

Miklyn Troxtel was the winning pitcher for Ider Varsity Hornets. She surrendered no runs on one hit over three innings, striking out three. Mavity threw two innings in relief.

Ider will host the Fyffe Lady Red Devils on Monday, March 20 beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Celebrating First Area Win

By Marla Jones

Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

SYLVANIA, Ala.-The Sylvania Rams defeated Fyffe, 3-2 on Saturday. The Rams scored in the first inning when Will Gant drove one in on a single.

In the top of the fourth inning, Fyffe tied things up at two. Balcazar homered on a 0-2 count, scoring two runs.

The game was tied at two until Josh Scott singled, scoring the winning run for the

Rams.

Josh Scott earned the win from the mound for Sylvania. Scott allowed one hit and two runs over five innings, striking out seven. Gavin Chambers and Braiden Thomas closed out the game in relief.

Dobbins took the loss for Fyffe. The pitcher allowed six hits and three runs over six innings, striking out nine and walking one.

Sylvania will host the Asbury Rams on Tuesday, March 21, beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Jackson County Champions

By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

HIGDON, Ala—The Pisgah Lady Eagles achieved a lead late in the seventh inning to defeat the North Sand Mountain Lady Bison, 10-2 on Tuesday. The game was tied at one when Briley Caperton doubled on a 1-0 count, scoring two runs, late in the seventh inning.

Pisgah scored nine runs in the seventh inning for the victory.

Caperton, BreLynn

Chisenall, Claudia Barron, Brinley

Chisenall, Julianne Davis, and Rylann Lawson all had RBIs.

Pisgah scored first in the second inning when Caperton doubled.

North Sand Mountain scored in the bottom of the second

Perfect Season

By Marla Jones

Sports

Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, ALA.-- The Fort Payne Girls Varsity Soccer Team defeated Oxford, 4-1 for their first area game of the year on March 8.

• First Goal – Avery Chadwick assisted by Katie Hernandez

Kinsley Worthey

• Third Goal – Allie New

• Fourth Goal –Emma Crow from a free kick just outside the 18

• Shots – 13

• Shots on Target

– 7

Collyn Brewis had 5 saves as goalkeeper Player of the match – Maddie

Catch of the weEK

inning on a Kinsey Barton hit.

Piper Anderson led things off on the mound for the Lady Eagles. Anderson pitched seven innings, only allowing eight hits and two runs.

Caybree Dobbins pitched for North Sand Mountain, allowing 13 hits and ten runs while striking out four.

The Pisgah Lady Eagles had 13 hits in the game. Cambell Barron, Davis, Chisenall, and Caperton all had hits for Pisgah. Barron led Pisgah with three hits in four at-bats.

North Sand Mountain had eight hits in the game.

Kolbie Bobo and Gracie Holland had multiple hits for NSM.

Pisgah will travel to face the Sylvania Rams on Monday, March 20 beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Bison Defeat the Rams

By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

HIGDON, Ala.-- The NSM Bison defeat the Sylvania Rams 10-2 on Thursday, March

NSM scored when

five runs in the fourth inning.

Luke Reed claimed the victory from the mound, for NSM. He allowed zero runs on two hits, in three and one-third innings.

Brant Kitlle took the loss for the Rams, allowing two hits and two runs over one and

Cheryl Boydston | Southern Torch

The Fort Payne Lady WIldcats celebrate their first area win of the soccer season. Submitted Photo | Loriah Goggans

Cheryl Boydston|Southern Torch

The Sylvania JH Softball Team finished with a perfect record for the

Cheryl Boydston | Southern Torch

Cheryl Boydston | Southern Torch

Brian Taylor, recently caught this largemouth bass on Lake Guntersville.

SECTION, Ala.— The North Jackson Chiefs defeated Pisgah, 16-0 to claim their sixth consecutive Jackson County Baseball Championship.