ST Vol 9 No 5

By Marla Jones

FORT PAYNE, Ala.- The Fort Payne Board of Education held its first meeting of 2023 on Thursday, January 26.

The Board approved the purchase of two (2) school buses through Sourcewell, a pre-approved Cooperative Purchasing Agreement approved by the ALSDE, in the amount of $309,962.00. The

new buses will be 2024 Blue Bird T3FE 3909 84-passenger buses with Valeo Rooftop AC, at a price of $154,981.00 each to add to their existing fleet.

The following Resignations were approved by the Board:

• Madison Dodd, First Grade Teacher at Wills Valley Elementary School, effective December 14, 2022

• Janet Thomas, System-wide SPE Aide/LPN, effective January 20, 2023

• Angela Jeffery-Grizzard, System-wide EL Teacher, effective January 26, 2023

• Misty Harmon, Bus Driver, effective January 31, 2023

• Brandi Battles, RSIT Team Member at Wills Valley Elementary School, effective February 1, 2023

• Nancy Williams, System-wide CNP Worker, effective January 20, 2023 The following transfers were approved:

• Stormy Stevens, Science Teacher at Fort Payne High School, to Assistant Principal at Little Ridge Intermediate School, effective date pending upon a qualified Science Teacher being hired at Fort Payne High School

• Malcolm Rufus Daniel, Half-time Bus Driver, to a Full-time Bus Driver, within the Fort Payne City School System, effective February 1, 2023, and non-renew his contract

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala.-- Fort Payne City officials met with building contractors on Thursday, January 26, to discuss implementing changes to building and fire codes.

Rodney Ballenger, of the Fort Payne Inspections Department, along with Fort Payne Fire Chief Stacy Smith and Assistant Fire Chief/Fire Marshall Wade Gorham, addressed the contractors of the changes that the City of Fort Payne was considering.

“City Inspectors have dedicated a lot of time toward researching the codes and the impacts that new codes would have on buildings and business in the City of Fort Payne” stated Fort Payne Fire Chief Stacy Smith. “The City is

considering the adoption of the 2021 International Fire Code. The State of Alabama adopted the 2021 IFE, which went into effect on January 1, 2023”.

“Code adoptions affect ISO ratings for a City. ISO (Insurance Services Office) regularly audits a city’s infrastructure such as the 911 system, the water system, fire department capabilities, and the building and fire codes in the jurisdiction” continued Smith.

The better the ISO rating that a city has, the better the insurance premiums are for the homeowner.

Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Marshall Wade Gorham, discussed designating someone to be a “site safety inspector” for the job and

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

and I said yes to that call. He opened every door (and shut a few)” stated Thomas. “I have never felt more confirmation that I am living out my calling than I am right now with the willingness/ obedience to just say yes”.

“The clinic was dedicated to Him from the time the ground was broken every day we strive to be the hands and feet of Jesus for the community” stated Thomas.

The clinic officially opened its doors in July 2020, bringing different treatment plans to the area

including hydration oxygen bar, cryo therapy, Iv infusions, and Super B lipo shots. The clinic also specializes in urgent care, sick care, wound care, shots, x-rays, labs, and much more.

“I can think of so many business owners that deserve this award but I am overwhelmed and thankful for such a precious honor” stated Thomas.

DeKalb Urgent Care & Wellness is located at 157 Marshall Road NE, Rainsville. The hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 8a.m. - 8p.m.

Hometown banking, wherever you are!

Pisgah Man Charged with Robbery Bringing The

By Marla Ballard Reporter

SCOTTSBORO - The ScottsboroJackson Heritage Center (SJHC) receives hundreds of researchers and historians every year from all over the world, however more than just history is to be found at the SJHC.

Each year the SJHC hosts several events which include: a Spring Art Exhibit, the lectures for Jackson County Leadership, meetings for the Scottsboro Book Club, Santa at the Center, and Holiday Open House, which is decorated by the Scottsboro Garden Club and live entertainment.

Additionally, the Center offers rental space for: weddings, receptions, showers, teas, family reunions, picnics, memorial services, club meetings, birthday parties, and more. With the opening of the new Exhibit Hall in October 2021, the Center gained an additional 3,000 sq. ft. of space and the ability to host large exhibits and

Past To The Future

events. The museum is composed of four separate exhibit areas; The “Brown-Proctor House”; the “Exhibit Hall”; the “Little Courthouse”; and a pioneer village named “Sagetown.” The historically preserved Little Courthouse serves as a repository for Jackson County’s early land and court records. Photos of the dwellings are on the official website sjhc.us.

The “BrownProctor House” was built in 1881 by John A. Brown and is a neo-classical styled home. A community effort converted the antebellum home into a historical repository, research center, and museum.

The recreation of rural life from the 19th century can be seen by touring “Sagetown.” The pioneer village consists of original log structures dating between 1820 and 1880. Tours are available for free, donations are welcomed. The Gift Shop has books by local authors along with other regional items.

“I appreciate the

community for contributing to the continuing growth of the Heritage Center. If anyone would like to become part of this truly unique place by making a donation, purchasing a brick paver, or obtaining a membership or corporate sponsorship with the Heritage Center Association, please get in touch with me. I welcome everyone to come and immerse themselves in the experience of the Heritage Center,” said Jennifer Petty, Director of SJHC.

“We also want to make the public aware of our “Hammer Award,” said Petty. “A $2,500 scholarship, to the college of their choice, is available to all high school seniors in Jackson County. Seniors are required to write an essay about someone who has made a difference in Jackson County. Seniors may speak to their high school Counselor or use our email address for an application.”

Located at 208 South Houston St. Scottsboro. Call 256-259-2122. Email heritage@scottsboro. org <mailto:heritage@ scottsboro.org> Open Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Follow on Facebook.

“Without learning from our past, we cannot hope to be successful in advancing our future,” - SJHC.

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

PISGAH, Ala.--A Jackson County man is in jail, after breaking into a

On Tuesday, January 24, Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a robbery call on County Road 778, in

Pisgah. Deputies were told a suspect forced his way into a home assaulted a 65-year-old male victim and dragged

him outside. Deputies were told the suspect took the victim’s wallet, fire department radio, and other personal items. They were also informed that the suspect had a gun and that he allegedly fired “at or near the victim.”

Jimmy Peek Jr, 49, of Pisgah was identified and charged with robbery. He was held in the Jackson County Jail, on a $100,000 bond.

Recent Tornado Confirmed in Jackson County

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

JACKSON COUNTY, Ala.--

The National Weather Service has determined that a

tornado touched down in Jackson County on January 12.

A EFO tornado is the weakest tornado on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. An EFO tornado has wind speeds ranging between

65-85 mph. The EF-0 tornado, in Jackson County, had winds of 76 mph. The tornado touched down between Pisgah and Rosalie, near County Roads 151 and 58. The tornado caused damage to roofs and trees. Images provided to the National Weather Service by Jackson County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) helped in the determination.

SCOTTSBORO, Ala.-- The Scottsboro Tree Commission will have its Alabama Arbor Day tree seedling giveaway on Saturday, February 25th at the Veterans Fairgrounds on Cecil Street in Scottsboro from 9:00 a.m. until

11:00 a.m.

Seedlings available will be Yellow Poplar, Southern Wax Myrtle, Sawtooth Oak, Allegheny Chinkapin, Cornus Florida Dogwood, Cornus

Kousa Dogwood, Red Maple, Serviceberries, and Yoshino Cherry

cuttings. The Jackson County Master Gardeners, Jackson County Foresters, and Smokey will be assisting.

Come by, pick up some seedlings, and help grow a greener world.

James Awarded Firefighter of the Year

Visit Little River Canyon Center

By Marla Ballard Reporter

FORT PAYNE -

2023 Police Officer of The Year

Since 2009 The Little River Canyon Center (LRCC) has been welcoming visitors to Little River National Preserve, the preserve covers over 14,000 acres. The facility features a Grand Hall, HD movie theater, gift shop, natural history library, exhibits, classrooms, back deck, outdoor amphitheater, pavilion, public restrooms, and trails. It is available to rent for meetings, social gatherings, corporate retreats, and other special events.

DeKalb County Hospital Association dba DeKalb Ambulance Service will hold their regularly scheduled board meeting on February 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.

Collinsville Drugs

“Caring for you like

February 3, Family Game Night @ the Library - Moonlake Community Library. 4607 Alabama Hwy 117, Mentone, Alabama 35984. Come to the library, for an evening of games and snacks! Moon Lake Library has a number of board games on hand, and you’re welcome to bring one of your own for folks to try out. If you can, bring snacks to share, and let’s enjoy an evening of Mentone-style competition along with tasty treats. All ages are welcome. 6 pm.

February 3, DeKalb Education Retirees Association - meets on Friday,

February 3rd at 10:00 at the Sand Mountain Park and Amphitheater in Albertville.

(DIFFERENT LOCATION)

Program about Health Education and Activity Opportunities with a tour of the facilities.

February 4, Bingo Night and Silent Auctionbeginning at 5 pm at the Fyffe High School Lunchroom. All proceeds go to Fyffe Football. $10 per person, with unlimited games. $2 for extra Bingo Cards. Hot Dogs, Nachos, Drinks, and Desserts will be available. Contact Michelle Wooden (256) 717-9004 or Kristi Underwood

(256) 899-2097 for more information.

February 5,

The Hoppers - The multi-award winning family group, The Hoppers in Concert at Fort Payne Baptist Church beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are not required. A love offering will be taken.

February 6,

The Rainsville City Council - will hold its regularly scheduled meeting. A work session will begin at 4:00 p.m. The regular meeting of the Rainsville City Council will start at 4:30 p.m.

February 7, The

LRCC is owned and managed by Jacksonville State University. The Canyon Center is a partnership between Jacksonville State University and Little River Canyon National Preserve. It features a regular schedule of programs that include concerts, workshops, hikes, lectures, and more; many of which are free of charge. Upcoming weekend events, being held at the LRCC: Basket Weaving

on 2/11 at 9:00 a.m.; Hike with a Naturalist on 2/11 at 10:30 a.m.; Fly Tying 101 Workshop on 2/25 at 3:00 p.m.

An evening of Jazz is scheduled for February 17. The concert presents the return of Tad of Jazz & Aubry Itson. The performance will include a wide variety of contemporary and traditional jazz styles. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. with Social Hour and silent auction; Dinner at 6:00 p.m.; Music and Dancing at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets are $75 in advance. The ticket price includes a three-course meal and entertainment.

Proceeds benefit environmental education programs at LRCC. Reservations must be made no-later-than February 10. No refunds or exchanges. Find The Winter Jazz Dinner & Concert tickets @ canyoncenter.org

“We are always looking for new talent from the area to feature at one of our events,” said Anna Lindsey, Manager of Sales & Services at

LRCC. The LRCC building itself is educational as it is a LEED (Leadership for Energy and Environmental Design) Silver Certified structure that employs geothermal heating and cooling, recycled materials, added insulation and other advanced sustainable design elements. All areas are handicap accessible, except for hiking trails. However, Little River Falls has a handicap accessible boardwalk to the falls. Loan of a wheelchair with appropriate identification is available.

The gift shop offers souvenirs from local industries and artists: Zkano Socks, Orbix Hot Glass, artwork by Lydia Randolph, and local jewelry artisans. Guests interested in hiking may acquire a map to guide them on the Bridge Trail, Eberhart Trail, Beaver Pond Trail, Lower Two-Mile Trail, Little Falls Trail, and other trails. Follow on Facebook for information on upcoming yearly events that include; Canyon Fest, Earth Day, educational programs, hikes and more. Located at 4322 Little River Canyon Pkwy, Fort Payne. Open TuesdaySunday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Phone: 256-845-3548. Email canyoncenter@jsu.edu

Fort Payne City Council - will hold its regularly scheduled meeting at 12:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, located on the second floor of the Fort Payne City Hall.

February 6 & 7, The Loomis Brothers Circus - stops at the Northeast Agribusiness Center in Rainsville. The Tuesday Show beginning at 7:30 will be Southern Torch Night.

February 9-11, Children’s Advocacy Center Eddie McPherson Memorial Dinner Theatre - Children’s Advocacy Center

presents their annual Eddie McPherson memorial dinner theatre. “The Play That Goes Wrong”. The play will be held at the First United Methodist Church Life Center. Ticket prices vary and are by reservation only. For more information or tickets, 256-997-

Fort Payne Fireman, Lieutenant Nick James was recently awarded Firefighter of the Year from Dekalb County V.F.W. Post 3128.

Pictured are V.F.W. Post Commander Colt Drouillard presenting Lt. Nick James with the award.

Congratulations to Fort Payne Lieutenant David Barnes! He was selected by the VFW Post 3128 as the 2023 Police Officer of The Year!

LEGALS LEGALS LEGALS

STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF DEKALB

PROBATE

COURT 2023-14

ADMINISTRATOR’S

NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS

In the Matter of the Estate of BERNICE CHRISTOPHER FRICKS, Deceased. Letters of Administration of the estate of Bernice Christopher Fricks, deceased, having been granted to the undersigned on the 18 day of January, 2023 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.

Mayan Maning

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

Said notice to be published January 20, 27, & February 3

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

IN RE: A.F.V.

CASE NO. 2023-31

NOTICE OF PROCEEDINGS

NOTICE TO:

UNKNOWN FATHER/ RESPONDENT

RE: Petition for Name Change Order for A.F.V.

Please take notice that a Petition for minor child name change has been filed in said Court by Candelaria Elizabeth Velasquez Reynoso.

Please be advised that if you intend to contest said.

Petition for Name Change you must file a written response with the attorney named below and with the Clerk of the Probate Court, 300 Grand Avenue SW, Suite 100, Fort Payne, AL 35967 as soon as possible but no later than 30 days from the last date of this publication.

Attorney for Petitioner: Gabriela Watson, Esq WATSON & WATSON

Said notice to be published February 3, 10, & 17

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NO.: CS-2023900014

SUSY ALEJANDRA RAMOS ALVARADO, Plaintiff, vs.

UNKNOWN UNKOWN, Defendant.

NOTICE OF CUSTODY PROCEEDINGS

NOTICE TO: UNKNOWN UNKNOWN

UNKNOWN

UNKNOWN, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer the Petition for Custody and other relief filed by Plaintiff/Mother, Susy Alejandra Ramos Alvarado, by the 30th day of March, 2023, or, thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against him in Case No.: CS-2023-900014, in the District Court of DeKalb County, Alabama.

Said notice to be published February 3, 10, 17, & 24

Fort Payne Police Department

Activity for January 27 thru January 29, 2023.

Friday January 27th Incidents

Forgery –Occurred at 1212 Gault Ave S, business checks were forged, valued at $3260.00

Damaged Property – Occurred at 1710 Glenn Blvd SW, a truck bed on a 1991 GMC Sonoma was damaged, valued at $500.00

3 Arrests Zelos Udo Smith, age 48 of Gadsden, was arrested for Drug Trafficking, Three

Charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia at 11:22 am

Terry Leonard Nix, age 57 of Fort Payne, was arrested on Two Warrants for Failure to Appear at 12:38 pm

Cerjio Gaspar Lopez, age 27 of Horton, was arrested on Five Warrants for Failure to Appear at 3:48 pm

2 Accidents with 0 Injuries

Saturday January 28th Incidents

0 Arrests

0 Accidents with 0 Injuries

Sunday January 29th Incidents

2 Arrests Deyvis Maritza Perez Diaz, age 35 of Fort Payne, was arrested for DUI at 2:11 am

Robert Henry Brady, age 53 of Collinsville, was arrested for Public Intoxication at 7:13 pm

2 Accident with 0 Injuries

providing contact information to the fire department in case anything happened on the job site. Building codes are structural requirements for residential and commercial buildings to protect the occupants from hazards.

The City is considering adopting the 2017 electric code, 2015 building code, plumbing code,

mechanical, residential, sewage disposal codes, fuel and gas codes, and zoning codes. Codes are updated routinely and keep contractors all on an even playing field.

Over twenty building contractors were present for the meeting. Most all stated that they were already abiding by the new building codes and did not foresee any increases in cost to their customers.

“This insures a better home for the

customer” stated

Scotty Vaughn of Vaughn Construction.

“For example, with the changes of insulation requirements for homes from R-30 to R-35 in the ceilings, this provides a more energy efficient home, with lower power bills, for the homeowner”.

The Fort Payne City Council could adopt changes to building codes this month, with changes going into effect for permits issued after July 1, 2023.

Bryant’s

Home Comfort Services You Can Trust

300 8th Street SE Fort Payne, AL 35967

Inside The Statehouse

By Steve Flowers

Richard Shelby’s last week as our United States Senator was poetically amazing.

The nation watched as he gave his farewell address to the Senate. His speech was followed by a tribute from his longtime friend Senator Patrick Leahey. Senator Shelby and Senator Leahey from Vermont are best friends and co-chaired the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee together for their final six-year terms, which ended January 3, 2023. They walked out together after a lasting three decade partnership.

The national media made note of the fact that Leahey, a Democrat, and Shelby, a Republican, were the last vestiges of bipartisanship in Congress. They worked together congruently to get things done for the nation and yes

primarily for the states they represented. Shelby, who served 36 years as our senator, retired at 88 last month.

To say that he went out with a bang would be a dramatic understatement. As he was making his farewell adieu speech, he and Leahey were crafting their final federal budget. The budget was passed the next day, two days before Christmas. When the experts discerned the 4,000 plus page document, it revealed that Richard Shelby had again played Santa Claus to the people of Alabama. He not only brought most of the money from Washington to Alabama, practically speaking he brought the entire North Pole and Rudolph and all of the reindeer to the Heart of Dixie as he was walking out the door of the U.S. Senate. The national media dubbed Shelby the “Greatest King” of earmarked procured

money for their state in history. Indeed, the amount of federal dollars Senator Shelby brought home to our state as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee is historical. He probably surpassed the previous “King of Pork” for their state, the late Robert Byrd of West Virginia. In his last hurrah, Senator Shelby appropriated a mind boggling $660 million of extra earmarked dollars to our state. Folks, that is quite an amazingly, unfathomable, incomprehensible, Christmas gift for our state.

As I was exchanging Christmas greetings with a state senator who is a close friend, I commented about Shelby’s departing $660 million Christmas gift to the state. He quietly commented, “Flowers, that is over 25 percent of our entire state General Fund Budget.” However, if you dig deeper into

the federal budget that Shelby passed, his $660 million is also met with upgrades of funds Shelby allocated in previous years to amount to $4 billion. That is more than the entire State of Alabama’s annual budget. Every part of Alabama was showered with Shelby’s gifts, which will make generational changes to our state.

In Huntsville alone Shelby has played a pivotal role in shaping this Tennessee Valley area into the science, space, and technology capital of the south, if not the nation. In his final hurrah, the Huntsville Redstone area received funds for Army research weaponry, a space launch system, nuclear thermal propulsion for the Marshall Space Flight Center, construction of a new FBI Headquarters, which Shelby moved from Washington to the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, and several other new buildings at the Redstone Arsenal.

Shelby earmarked a great deal of federal money for his home area of Tuscaloosa including millions for new buildings and education centers for the University of Alabama, funds for a new bridge, and millions for the Tuscaloosa airport. He took care of the Montgomery/ Wiregrass area, which is military laden for years to come. This area received multimillions in new money for Ft. Rucker for flight training and Air Surface Missiles, along with millions for the Hellfire missiles made in Troy.

There is over a billion dollars going to UAB for biomedical research and new buildings. Shelby has been instrumental in transforming UAB into one of the most pronounced medical research institutions in

the nation. He took care of Mobile for generations to come. There are millions of earmarked funds going to the Port City. In addition, Shelby completed his mission of building Alabama a new deeper and wider Port with a $200 million dollar appropriation for the Alabama State Port Authority.

In my 2015 book, Of Goats and Governors: Six Decades of Alabama Political Stories, I have a chapter entitled “Alabama’s Three Greatest Senators, John Sparkman, Lister Hill and Richard Shelby. If I were writing that book today, Richard Shelby would be alone as Alabama’s greatest United States Senator by far. See you next week.

Wilson

Bobby Ray Palmer - 82, of Fort Payne, passed away

Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at his home.

Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Glenwood Cemetery.

Burt

Bobby Joe Townson - 72, passed away peacefully at his residence on Tuesday, January 24, 2023.

Bobby was born on September 16, 1950 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Date of Funeral: The Family is having a Private Graveside Service.

Bobby W. “Moose” McKeehan - 70, of Fort Payne, Alabama, passed away on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at his residence. He was born in Fort Payne, Alabama on February 12, 1952.

Date of Funeral:

Sunday, January 29, 2023 Funeral Location:

Burt Chapel-Fort Payne at: 2:00 PM.

Cornerstone

Edward Lee Lacy - 87 of Henagar died

Wednesday, January 25 at his residence.

Funeral services are Saturday at 2 PM CT at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Bro. Trent

Slay and Bro. Tray Reed officiating. Burial will follow in Payne Gap Cemetery.

T C White - 84 of Flat Rock died

Thursday, January 26 at Dade Health and Rehab. No Formal Services will be held.

Gerald Alan Shrader - 70 of Rosalie died Friday, January 27 at Cumberland Health and Rehab. No formal service will be held.

Harold Wayne Stanford - 66 of Ider died Saturday, January 28 at Huntsville Hospital. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, January 30 from 6 to 7 PM CT. Family will receive friends from 3 PM until service time.

Lynda Kilgore Headrick - 80 of Pisgah died Tuesday, January 31 at Highland’s Medical Center. Arrangements announced at a later date.

Geraldine

Kittie C. Bright96, of Albertville, AL passed away on January 24, 2023 at Albertville Nursing Home. Funeral Service will be Sunday, January 29th at 2:00 PM.

Vicky Durham - 74 of Boaz, passed away on Sunday, January

29, 2023 at her residence. A graveside memorial service will be held at later date.

Freda Sims - 64 of Henagar passed away on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at Memorial Hospital. Graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 1:30PM at Henagar Methodist Cemetery. Family will receive friends Saturday, January 28th from 11AM-1PM.

Polly Sue Eberhart - 91 of Marietta, Ga passed away on Tuesday, January 24, 2023. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 2:00PM at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Jimmy Culpepper officiating. Burial will follow in Walkers Chapel Cemetery. Family will receive friends Saturday, January 28th from 11AM-2PM.

Cathy Lynn Bishop - 67 of Henagar, AL passed away on Sunday, January 29, 2023 at her residence.

Funeral service is Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at 2PM in Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Michael Thomas officiating. Burial will follow in Friendship Cemetery with Rainsville Funeral Home, Inc. Family will receive friends Wednesday, February 1st from 12pm-2pm.

Morris Baugher58 of Scottsboro passed away on Sunday, January 29, 2023 at Crowne Health Care. A private service will be held at a later date.

Barry Andrew Chandler - 60 of Scottsboro, Alabama passed away Saturday, January 28, 2023 following a lengthy illness. Barry was a former Scottsboro High School and Middle Tennessee State University baseball standout, former golf pro at Goose Pond Colony, golf coach at Northeast Alabama Community College, and was a member of the Jackson County Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of 2019. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m.

Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at Scottsboro Funeral Home with Bro. Nicky Willmon officiating. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at the funeral home.

Catherine (Cathy)

Ann Dunn - 77 of Chattanooga Tennessee passed away Janurary 29th 2023 at her home surrounded by her family. The Funeral Service will be

Wednesday February 1, 2023 at 11:00a.m. at Scottsboro funeral Home with Bro. Eddie Schubert officiating. The

Tuesday from 4:00pm till 8:00pm at the funeral home. The burial will be in Preston Cemetery.

Magdalena Renee

Peoples Davis - 50 of Valley Head, passed away Wednesday, January 25, 2023. Funeral services will be held at 3pm on Sunday, January 29, 2023 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial to follow in Head Springs Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5pm-8pm on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at the funeral home. Officiating is Rev. Jamie Bailey.

Nancy Ann Wilks - 75 of Fyffe, passed away Wednesday, January 25, 2023. No services are planned at this time.

**Survivors** Husband:

John Wesley Wilks

Daughters: Lynn

(Marty) Kerby, Gloria Cowart, Kellie (David) Haynes. Son: Ervin Cowart. 7 Grandchildren and 7

Great Grandchildren

**Mrs. Wilks was preceded in death by her husband: Charles Lamar “Shorty” Cowart; parents: Odel & Velma Blackwell; Brother: Sonny Blackwell, daughter: Misty Wilks** Arrangements

Burt Funeral Homes

Entrusted to W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

Earl Junior Bray - 79 of Valley Head, passed away Wednesday, January 25, 2023. Funeral services will be held at 11am on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial to follow in New Home Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5pm-7pm on Friday, January 27, 2023.

Johnathan Shane Smith - 48, of Grove Oak passed away on Friday, January 27, 2023. A memorial service will be held at 1pm Tuesday, January 31, 2023 from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

Freda Elizabeth Johnson - 80, of Powell passed away on Saturday, January 28, 2023. A memorial service will be held at 2pm

Thursday, February 2, 2023 from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel. The family will receive friends from 1 until 2pm Thursday at the funeral home.

Bobby Lee Knowles - 75, of Fyffe passed away on Monday, January 30, 2023. Funeral services are set for 12noon

Wednesday, February 1, 2023. Burial will be in Corinth Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 until 8pm Tuesday at the funeral home.

Kerby

Scottsboro

Rainsville

W.T. Wilson

Area Tournament Brackets

Point Club

2A Area 15 at

2023 PBR Bull Bash

The 2023 PBR Bull Bash was held on Friday, January 27 and Saturday January 28, at the NE AL Agribusiness Center in Rainsville.

FP falls to Douglas

By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala.-- The Douglas Eagles barely scrap by the Fort Payne Lady Wildcats, 49-48 on Friday night. The Lady Wildcats

trailed 36-25 at the start of the fourth quarter before narrowing the lead to 47-42, with only seconds remaining in the game. Libby Redden hit a jump shot followed by a 3-point shot by Meredith Jackson with only :10

remaining in the game. Douglas added two foul shots with less than 05 remaining in the game. As time expired, Jackson scored her seventh three-pointer of the night, making the final score Douglas 49, Fort Payne 48.

By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

COLLINSVILLE, Ala.-- The Collinsville

By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Lady Panthers defeated Gaylesville on Friday night. Collinsville had the early 43-14 halftime lead and carried that lead to a 68-21 victory.

Friday. The Lady Bears trailed 27-23 at the half. Clements had the 40-38 lead at the beginning of the fourth before the Lady Bears attacked.

Tyla Tatum led the Lady Panthers with 27 points for the night. Sophia Willis netted 16 points. Nayell Mata finished the night with 9 points.

Collinsville Defeats Gaylesville Bears Maul Clements

Saydi Jackson led the Lady Bears with 12 points and eight rebounds. Gracie Rowell had 11 points for the night. Ali Price added 10 points and five rebounds.

Hornets sting the Vikings

By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala.-- The Plainview Lady Bears defeated Clements, 55-51 on defeated the Skyline Vikings, 85-57 on Tuesday night.

Griffin Weldon (Jr)

(Jr) finished the night with 9 points. Jordan Brody (Sr) and Daniel

Lily Boswell and Mia Tidmore of Plainview High School recently both signed to continue their softball career with Wallace State. Submitted Photo

Photo Provided by Ben Smith

on May 25, 2023

• Carole Waites, CNP Manager at Wills Valley Elementary School, to an Assistant CNP Manager at Williams Avenue School, effective January 23, 2023

• Brandy Rosson, System-wide CNP Worker, to an Assistant CNP Manager, effective January 23, 2023, and non-renew her contract on May 26, 2023

The board approved the following personnel recommendations, as submitted • Heath Shaddix, as an Assistant Track Coach at Fort Payne High School, effective for the 2023 Track Season

• Luis Ramirez, as a Volunteer Varsity Boys Soccer Coach at Fort Payne High School, effective for the 2023 Soccer Season (Pending suitable ABI/FBI

Background Check)

• Alba Contreras Molina, as a First Grade Teacher at Wills Valley Elementary School, effective

January 30, 2023, and non-renew her contract on May 26, 2023

• Mallory Debter, as System-wide Special Education Aide, effective February 1, 2023, and non-renew her contract on May 26, 2023 (Pending WorkKey Test scores)

• Kim Lands, as a 2nd Grade RSIT Team Member, effective

February 1, 2023

The additions to the following substitute personnel list, effective for the 2022-2023 school year, were approved:

• Bus

• CNP

• Nurse

• Teacher

The following Out-of-state travel was approved:

Patrick Barnes, Athletic Director/ Principal at FPHS • FPHS – Kristi Clifton/FPCS Career Coach – Interested

Seniors Feb 8, 2023 - South East Lineman Training Center, Trenton, GA

FPHS –Winterguard February 18, 2023 – Mill Creek High School, Hoschton, GA

FPHS Varsity

Baseball February 23, 2023 – Chattooga

High School, Summerville, GA

FPHS Track & Field March 3-4, 2023

– Rome Invitational

Track Meet, Rome, GA

FPHS – Robotics March 15-18, 2023 –FIRST Magnolia Robotics Competition, Laurel, MS

The Following items were approved by the Board:

Fort Payne Middle School 9 Weeks Text Exemption Requirements for the 2022-2023 school year, as submitted.

Noon Pre-School Special Needs Bus Route Driver Salary Schedule be a minimum of 2 hours per day, retroactive to December 5, 2022, as submitted.

Textbook Committee Members, as submitted.

Fort Payne City Schools 2023-2024 Academic Calendar, as submitted.

Extending the lowest bid with Wallace Construction in the amount of $34,110.00 substantially in compliance with the required specifications, effective March 1, 2023- February 28, 2024, as allowed in the bid options for a

Vicki’s

2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th-year renewal, for Lawn Care and Lawn Maintenance at the following Fort Payne City School Locations, as submitted:

• Little Ridge

Intermediate School

• Williams Avenue

Elementary School

• Wills Valley Elementary School

• Bus Barn/ Maintenance

Extending the lowest bid with Thrive Outdoor in the amount of $33,164.00 substantially in compliance with the required specifications, effective March 1, 2023 – February 28, 2024, as allowed in the bid options for a 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th-year renewal, for Lawn Care and Lawn Maintenance at the following Fort Payne City School Locations, as submitted:

• Fort Payne High School

• Fort Payne Middle School

• Central Office

The McKinneyVento Homeless Liaison Job Description, as submitted.

Approved the Fort Payne City Schools McKinney-Vento Homeless Plan, as submitted.

Superintendent Brian Jett recognized the Fort Payne City Board of Education Members in honor of School Board Member Appreciation Month. He thanked the Board Members for their dedication to the students and staff of this system.

Mr. Jett recognized the following in his report

Fort Payne High School Culinary students, Mrs. Thacker and Mrs. McClung for their outstanding performance.

FPHS Wrestling Team and Coaches on a great season. The wrestling team competed in the Region 8 Dual tournament on January 3rd. Fort Payne came out as the region champs after going 3-0 and defeating Hazel Green (70- 12), Buckhorn(64-9), and Mae Jemison (57-24). This was Fort Payne’s

first region championship since the state duals began in 2017. They competed at Athens in the 1st round of the playoffs and won (39-3), but fell short in the 2nd round losing to Hartselle. Fort Payne Wrestling has an overall Dual (team) record this year of 18-6. Sectionals will be held on February 10th. The State Tournament will be on February 16th.

FPHS Drama Department. Their competitive one-act play Victor, placed 4th in State at the Alabama Conference of Theatre Trumbauer competition. They won Best Technical Show in the state and Cecilia Gifford, Savanah Shoemaker, and Gabe Hardinger won Best in Show acting awards. Victor was presented to Fort Payne in the Williams Ave theatre. Upcoming shows include Clue (presented by the Drama class) and Snow White and the Seven Dwarves (presented as the Senior play). Both of these shows will be at the Williams Ave theatre which is the new home for all things FPHS Drama.

FPMS students and staff for their achievements.

VFW Patriots Pen

Winners: • Lindsay Davis • Will Mauney • Dhara Patel

District Teacher of the Year Middle School: • Brandee Hughes

District Post 3128

Americanism Award: • John Elliott

Mr. Jett announced the Fort Payne Middle School Robotics Team competed on January 14, 2023. The team won the OVERALL CHAMPIONS AWARD. This is the second year the team has won this award at the State Qualifier.

The following 6th Grade students qualified for the State Robotics Competition at FPHS on February 18th:

• Caden Hairell

• Dana Francisco Jimenez

• Brylee Hunter

• Malachi Kemp

• Luz Perdo

• Alfredo Diego

• Ava Grace Walker

• Rebeca Rodriguez-Lopez

• Yaratzi Wong

The following students will compete at the Alabama State Invitational in March:

• Victoria Fowler

• Derek Shi

• Sophia Al-Halaseh

• Seanna Lance

• Atticus Sparks

• Nandini Patel

• Isa Iglesias

• Kaleigh Domingo

• Maura Roberts

• Parker Bates

• Edwin Francisco

Mr. Jett announced the 5th Grade Electro-Lights STEM Robotics competed on January 21, 2023. The team won the CORE VALUES AWARD (2nd place), qualifying their team for the State Robotic Competition at Fort Payne High School, on February 18, 2022.

The following 5th Grade students qualified for the State Robotics Competition at FPHS on February 18th:

• Hudson Davis

• Coshen Argo

• Jaden Martinez

• McKenzie Bynum

• Kate Kramer

• Bentley Henderson

• Annsley Pacini

• Hiedi Rojas

• ZaNiyah

• Stanton Mata

• Alejandro Mata Mr. Jett announced that Jamie McClung applied and was selected for the following grants:

Alabama Robotics Grant 2023 in the amount of $3,500 at FPHS

Alabama Robotics Grant 2023 in the amount of $3,467 at FPMS

The next meeting of the Fort Payne Board of Education will be held on February 23, 2023, at 6:00 PM in the conference room of the Central Office.

100 Days of School!

Jaxson Cornerstone pre-k Bentley Bain Mila Dixson, Sylvania

Allison Turner, Pisgah First Grade Boston Dixson

Sophia Davis 2nd grade Ruhama Gatlin Santiago, Sylvania School 1st grade

Natalie Edmonson

Ellis Graben, Fyffe Kindergarten Jase Edwards - 2nd grade - Pisgah High School

Kyler Springville Elementary Kaycin Peoples “mr smarty pants” made it 100 days!!! Whitaker

Summerford, she’s

Grandpa Declan Rogers from Pre-K at Gaylesville School Weston Barrell, Geraldine Pre-K Grayson

Emmalee Uptain Kindergarten - Collinsville

Princeton Endress 2nd Grade Sylvania high School

Evan

Caraline Harper Furgerson Kindergarten Section School

& Sutton

Asher

Jameson

1st

Kindergarten

Savanna Goza, 3rd grader at Henagar Jr High Lauren Guffey