The Southern Torch, Vol. 1, No. 8

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

COMMUNITY FYFFE CHURCH OF GOD CAR SHOW > PAGE 2

/ THURSDAY JULY 16, 2015 / VOL. 1, NO. 8 / $1.00

BUSINESS

POLITICS

TREAT OF THE WEEK > PAGE 4

LEGISLATURE ADJOURNS ON FIRST DAY OF SPECIAL SESSION > PAGE 5

Dr. Jason Barnett announces candidacy for DeKalb County School Superintendent

By Staff Reports

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — Collinsville High School administrator Dr. Jason Barnett announced this week that he will be seeking the office of DeKalb County School Superintendent in 2016.

Barnett, a Republican, will run in the GOP Primary scheduled for March 1, 2016.

“I’m running for

superintendent because I believe I can support DeKalb County Schools in becoming a model school system unlike any other schools in this area,” Barnett said. “This can be accomplished through bringing instructional leadership to our schools; engaging in real dialogue with the schools, communities, parents and students whom DeKalb County Schools serves; presenting,

communicating and maintaining a clear vision for our schools; and by bringing innovation of technology and resources to DeKalb County Schools that our students and communities greatly need and desire in order to be competitive in both a local and global marketplace.”

Barnett said that he has worked first-hand with administrators, teachers and students in all of DeKalb County Schools and understands the commitment and work these people place into the lives of our students on a daily basis.

“I know that DeKalb County Schools can take our proper position as an exemplary school system under someone with the zeal, excitement and vision that I will bring to the position. We must communicate a vision of what our schools can be for our kids and grandkids, then

harness the collective knowledge, abilities, energy, passion and commitment demonstrated by our faculty and staff to truly flourish.”

Barnett, 36, was raised in DeKalb County, and received his Doctorate of Education in Instructional Leadership at The University of Alabama. He received his Bachelors of Education, Masters of Education, and Educational Specialist Degrees from J a c k s o nv i l l e State University. He has been awarded the Jacksonville State University Educational Leadership Alumnus of the Year, Collinsville School Teacher of the Year, Times-Journal 40 Under 40 Recipient for young leaders recognized for professional excellence and community service, and was chosen to give the inaugural “First Lecture” awarded by The University of Alabama Graduate

Rainsville Boy Scouts earn 50-Miler Award

School for his dissertation research and publication.

“We are committed to DeKalb County Schools.

My wife, Leah, and my mother, Karen, are both teachers in the DeKalb County School System. My oldest child, Leighton, will start kindergarten this fall, and my son Porter will soon follow behind. They will be products of this school system, and I believe that it is past time that we take ownership in building a world-class education system for our children in which we can all be proud.”

For more information about Dr. Barnett and his campaign for DeKalb County Schools, visit his website at drjasonbarnett. com. You can also contact him at jason@drjasonbarnett.com, or by phone at 256-717-3558.

THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY

Fyffe Church of God Car Show Classic car enthusiasts from all over DeKalb County came out to attend…

Page 2

THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS

Treat of the Week Yes. We are aware Wingstop is a chain…

Page 4

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

A group of scouts from Boy Scout Troop 184 in Rainsville were each presented the B.S.A. 50-Miler Award earlier this week in recognition of completing a 50-mile canoe trip along the Tennessee River from Nickajack Dam to Camp

Jackson in Scottsboro. In order to qualify for the award the group must fulfill three ke y requirements.

B.S.A. says the scouts must make out the complete and satisfactory plans for the trip, including the possibilities of advancement over a trail or canoe route of at least 50 consecutive miles. The scouts

may take a minimum of five consecutive days to complete the 50-mile trip without the aid of motors or pack animals. During the time spent on the trail or waterway, each scout must complete a minimum of 10 hours performing work projects to improve the trail, springs, campsite, portage, or area.

The Scouts from Troop

184 who received the award are Ethan Heaton, Andrew Scott, Logan Anderson, Andy McDaniel, Jacob Rosson, Hunter Patton and Justin Peppers.

Troop 184 Life Scout Ethan Heaton, 14, said receiving the award meant a lot to him.

MORE ON PAGE 3

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THIS WEEK IN POLITICS

Legislature adjourns on first day of special session Alabama Legislature convened Monday at 4 p.m…

Page 5

THIS WEEK IN SPORTS

Plainview to host Second Annual FUNdamentals Basketball Camp Plainview High School will be hosting the Second Annual…

Page 6

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

COMMUNITY

To submit community news, contact: news@southerntorch.com Tel. 256 638 4040 www.southerntorch.com

Mentone Second SaturdayArt Show

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

MENTONE, Ala.— Since early May the Mentone Area Arts Council (MAAC) has sponsored the Second Saturday Art Market in Mentone to showcase the work of area artists and provide a place where artists and local consumers alike can buy and sell original works of art. The market is located in the vacant lot on the South side of AL Highway 117, across from the Mentone Market. Second Saturday Art Market is held every second Saturday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. through the end of October.

Fyffe Church of God Car Show

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

FYFFE, Ala.— Classic car enthusiasts from all over DeKalb County came out to attend the first Freedom 7 Cruise-in car show last Saturday hosted

by Fyffe Church of God on the grounds of the church campus on Main Street in Fyffe. The car show, now planned to be an annual event, was held to raise funds for Freedom 7 Student Ministries, the church’s youth ministry program.

In addition to showcasing more than 30 classic cars, the Freedom 7 Cruise-in featured live music from Christian Rock group, “The Christian Soldiers,” prizes for show contestants, door prizes, and concessions.

Fyffe Church of God Youth Minister Justin Driver, who organized the event said he was pleased with the first-year turnout for the event.

“This was our first year and I don’t think it will be our last,” Driver said. “We really enjoyed it and more importantly learned a lot so that we can make it an even better event moving forward. The main purpose of this year’s event was to be a fundraiser, but it turned out to also be a much greater success to minister to the community than we ever imagined and that is a real blessing.”

Driver said he already has plans to make a few changes to improve the event in the years to come.

“Next year we will probably host the event in late spring or early fall when the weather is a little cooler,” Driver said. “We also plan to have more activities and games for kids and the entire family, make it a more familyoriented event instead of an event that mainly focuses on classic cars.”

203 Main Street East • Rainsville, AL 35986 P.O. Box 614 • Rainsville, AL 35986 All contents copyright © 2015, Southern Torch, Inc. Published on Thursdays Postage Paid at Rainsville, AL 35986 Postmasters: Send all address labels from undeliverable copies to:

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

COMMUNITY

Whittler’s Corner Picnic

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

Fort Payne Mayor Larry Chesser hosted a picnic Saturday to celebrate the recent installment of Whittler’s Corner in City Park. The addition, located in the south end of the park directly behind the statues of the Alabama band, was added to memorialize the corner of the park that decades ago included an old stump where men gathered daily to sit and whittle, tell stories and pass time. The city recently installed a small concrete pad and an old stump that was reclaimed from a tree downed by a tornado. A historical marker was also placed next to the stump that explains the significance of Whittler’s Corner.

2015 Julyfest Art and Music Festival

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

The 2015 JulyFest Art and Musical Festival in Mentone is scheduled for Saturday, July 18 from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. and Sunday, July 19, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Julyfest delivers two full days of arts, crafts and some of Alabama’s biggest names in music. The two-day event kicks off Saturday at Brow Park in Mentone with the prestigious juried arts and crafts show featuring the works of more than 50 talented artists and craftspeople who specialize in oil paintings, pastels, watercolors, photography, sculptures, wood art, rustic furniture, pottery, iron work, basketry, fiber and wearable art, and jewelry.

In addition to the art show, live music is scheduled throughout the day and evening Saturday and picks right back up Sunday from 11am to 4pm. Festival goers are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and picnic blankets. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.mentonearts.org.

Publisher, Joseph M. Morgan Layout editors, Dwayne Adams & Rachel Monroe

Rainsville Boy Scouts win 50-Miler Award CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “Earning a 50-miler is something different that not many people get to do in their lifetimes,” Heaton said. “It is something we can be proud of for the rest of our lives—something I can use one day when I’m 80 years old to encourage my own grandchildren to not be afraid to try

something just because it sounds like it would be too hard or they think they can’t do it.”

The leaders of Troop 184 are Doyle Scott, James McDaniel and Van McAlpin. Assistant Scoutmaster Van McAlpin said he is very proud of the boys.

“I think this was quite an accomplishment for the scouts,” McAlpin said. “It

was not only a physically challenging task, but mentally challenging as well. They realized that when they ‘thought’ they were done and couldn’t go on, that actually it was just their minds telling them that, and they could push through and keep going.

All of the boys really stepped up to the challenge and we couldn’t be more proud of all of them.”

Heaton, who is working towards becoming an Eagle Scout, said that joining the Scouts with Troop 184 in 2010 was one of the best things he has ever done.

“Joining the Boy Scouts has let me meet a different group of people and a new set of friends outside of school and my usual activities that I never would have met otherwise,” Heaton said. “Plus being in the

Scouts is just a lot of fun and it is making us better and stronger as people and helping us be able to do things like the 50-miler.”

Boy Scout Troop 184 meets every Monday at 4:30 p.m. at the Lions Club Building at the Field of dreams in Rainsville. The group invites any interested in Scouting to come and attend a meeting.

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

BUSINESS

Wingstop Wing Combo

$9.99

Fort Payne, Al EXCELLENT

VERY GOOD

MEDIOCRE

MODERATE

WEAK

Yes. We are aware Wingstop is a chain. Southern Torch is not anti-chain, but so far in our experience we have found that the best places we’ve tried are the mom and pop type small business restaurants that can’t be duplicated or mass produced. Be that as it may, people all over DeKalb consistently refer to Wingstop as THE place to get the best wings in the county. We tested out the Wing Combo which comes with 10 classic wings (we tried 5 Hot, 5 Honey BBQ), a basket of hand-cut french fries and a beverage of your choosing. The Torch is in agreement that, as reported, Wingstop does indeed serve up a tasty batch of hot wings. But are they the BEST? Jurys still out for me. Only one way to find out. Stay tuned...

TORCH APPROVED ABOUT:

ADDRESS:

CONTACT:

Sports Bar type menu without the booze

2612 Gault Ave N, Ste. A, Fort Payne, AL

Tel. (256) 997-9464

CHAMBER CHATTER

RAINSVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

July 8, 2015 Carol Beddingfield Executive Director

Tim Eberhart, Executive Director Rainsville Chamber of Commerce

Did you ever make musical instruments out of discarded household products? Drums out of metal cans or oatmeal boxes? Fake pianos out of card board boxes?

These “recycled “ instruments date back to as early as the 1800’s. The most popular were those made from cigar boxes. In an 1876 etching of two American Civil War soldiers, a cigar box fiddle is clearly shown.

As part of the Boy Scouts of America handbook, plans for how to build a cigar box banjo were included in 1890.

A modern revival of the cigar box guitar has been gathering momentum among many musicians. Even Bo Diddley played a cigar box shaped guitar. Paul McCartney of the Beatles played a cigar box guitar on the track “Cut Me Some Slack”.

Landmarks of DeKalb County will present a concert, “A Cigar Box Guitar Celebration” on July 12th at 2 PM at the Opera House. Microwave Dave with One Hand Dan will be performing. A special guest, John Savage, was just added.

Cigar box guitar builders will be on hand to exhibit and demonstrate how the instruments are made. Instruments will be available for purchase.

I encourage you to join others for an afternoon of unique musical talents. Tickets are available at Brown’s Cleaners, Mentone Realty, Rainsville Chamber, Fort Payne Chamber and any Landmarks Board Member. Call 256-845-6888 for more information.

The latest exhibit by Landmarks to Hunt Hall is for music lovers. The exhibit will include memorabilia from the independent band that was organized in Fort Payne around 1940.

Brenda Johnson has permitted Landmarks to display the cape which was worn by her father-in-law, David Johnson, one of the musicians.

The latest Landmarks Bulletin features Wilbert “Cowboy” Goldthreate, Jr. I miss his smile and enthusiasm as he wished you a great day.

Is northeast Alabama the best place on earth?

I think those of us who believe it is have a very strong case. There are few other places where a short family adventure could include a visit to the likes of Little River Canyon, Noccalula Falls, Cathedral Caverns, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, the Ava Maria Grotto, the Chief Ladiga Trail, a choice of 20,000 to 69,000 acre lakes, and some of America’s best state parks which are filled with natural wonders all on their own.

The possibilities for outdoor adventure is one of the things I like best about northeast Alabama. But, the region would not be numero uno if it didn’t also have a lot of other good things going for it including low crime, low cost of living, fair weather, four distinct seasons, great schools, and a lot of good people. It’s a good place to raise squash, tomatoes, cows, horses and children. Here, you can easily get by without a snow shovel or engine block heater.

Untold millions envy the winning attributes we take for granted. And some don’t even know about our favorable location that couldn’t be better in regard to interstate commerce and weekend getaways. When we are in the mood for a little gridlock, it’s easy to get away to Nashville, Atlanta, Birmingham, Huntsville or Chattanooga and be back home to our uncrowded, gridlock-free small towns in time to watch the sunset. Drive a little further and stay a little longer and we can enjoy things like the Smokies, a beach, or Graceland.

What do you like best about northeast Alabama?

We’d love to hear from you if you have something that will help build our case. Shoot us an email or post something to our Facebook page.

We have a new member to report this week. It’s Native Marketing & Strategy. They have a physical office in Scottsboro but their team includes three of Fyffe’s finest– Eric McClendon, Ryan Tramel and Joseph Mayes. They believe northeast Alabama is one of the best places on earth, too. And, they want to use their new mobile and web-based solutions to make it even better for businesses and consumers. I look forward to learning more about how Native’s services can help our local businesses succeed.

Join us in welcoming them to the business scene, and in watching them apply their fresh ideas in the marketplace.

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

POLITICS

Political editors contact information jordan@southerntorch.com Tel. 256.638.4040 www.southerntorch.com

Legislature adjourns on first day of special session

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Alabama Legislature convened Monday at 4 p.m. for the start of a special legislative session called only days earlier by Gov. Robert Bentley. Bentley brought lawmakers into the special session to address the state’s current budget crisis. Lawmakers, who were expecting an August start to the special session, said they simply needed more time to work out the solutions. In response, by Monday at 4:30 p.m. both the House and Senate voted to adjourn the special session until Aug. 3 to receive

several tax increase proposals and other bills in Bentley’s plan to pass a state budget. Special sessions can last up to 30 calendar days, so lawmakers will have about three weeks until the start of the new budget year on Oct. 1. The general fund is facing a shortfall of about $200 million, plus increased needs for Medicaid and state prisons.

Acting Finance Director Bill Newton explained the governor’s proposals to budget committees on Monday’s abbreviated first day of the special session.

Newton said the governor

had bills ready to be introduced by the House when the legislature convenes on Aug. 3 and was not concerned that bills weren’t formally introduced before adjourning on Monday. House and Senate leaders said they would use the next three weeks to try to find a way to close the projected shortfall of $200 million or more.

Bentley vetoed the budget passed by the Legislature in June that would have spent $1.6 billion from the General Fund, a cut of $200 million from this year. Officials

said it would have resulted in slashed state services and employee layoffs.

The governor’s new plan proposed $310 million in new revenues. That is significantly less than the $541 million in tax increases that he unsuccessfully sought during the regular session. The governor’s proposed budget would provide $26 million to fund criminal justice reforms passed by the Legislature this year to reduce prison crowding and offer a $60 million increase in the General Fund Budget to be allocated to the Alabama Medicaid Agency to allow reforms approved by the Legislature two years ago to be implemented.

The proposals included a number of new tobacco taxes, including a cigarette tax increase of 25 cents per pack, increasing the tax on other tobacco products proportionately, and adding a new tax for vapor tobacco products and e-cigarettes, raising an estimated $70 million a year.

Bentley also calls for adjustments to the business privilege tax, raising the maximum tax from $15,000 to $25,000 and exempting businesses with net worth of less than $10,000 from paying the $100 minimum privilege

tax. Newton said 90 percent of businesses pay the minimum. He also proposes repealing a provision that allows employees who claim they will have no taxable income to be exempt from having state income tax withheld from their paychecks. That would raise an estimated $12 million a year. The changes would raise an estimated $38 million a year.

The governor is proposing to steer the $1 billion from the state’s share of the 2010 oil spill settlement to pay debts owed by the state. The final item listed in the governor’s call is legislation to approve issuing $50 million in bonds for a major project at Gulf State Park that would include building a new hotel and conference center.

Bentley said he has discussed the issue with members of both the House and Senate and believes legislators are now ready to take a look at addressing the budget shortfalls with realistic solutions. If not however, he said he will not hesitate to call the legislature back for a second special session if lawmakers do not do what it takes to solve the budget crisis.

DeKalb Senator Phil Williams weighs in on special session

“I will not be rushed into raising taxes on my constituents, and I am concerned that this wholly unexpected rushed call to convene is likely to generate unnecessary friction between the legislative and executive branches.”

—Senator Phil Williams Senator Phil Williams released the following statement early this week: “Since the end of the General Session I have been one of the group of Senators that has been working as a team on proposals for the General Fund budget. I still hold to the premise that raising taxes is not the solution.

“Despite our ongoing discussions with the Governor’s office and assurances that we could work the issues with an eye toward an August special session, we were all taken aback recently when we

were given just four days notice that the special Session will convene Monday....over a month ahead of schedule.

“I will not be rushed into raising taxes on my constituents, and I am concerned that this wholly unexpected rushed call to convene is likely to generate unnecessary friction between the legislative and executive branches.”

“I support the plan to recess for a period of time and let there be a collective catching of our breath.

This is a matter of great

import to our state, for now and for the future. Let’s get it right.”

Senator Phil Williams represents District 10 in the Alabama State Senate, which is comprised of all or parts of Etowah, Cherokee, St. Clair, and DeKalb counties. He and his wife, Charlene, make their home in Rainbow City. Follow him on Facebook at facebook. com/Phil.Williams.14 or on Twitter for his latest legislative updates: @ SenPhilWilliams

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

SPORTS

Publisher, Joseph M. Morgan Layout editors, Dwayne Adams & Rachel Monroe

Plainview to host Second Annual FUNdamentals Basketball Camp

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — Plainview High School will be hosting the Second Annual FUNdamentals Basketball Camp Monday, July 20 through Thursday, July 23 in at the Plainview High School Gymnasium in Rainsville. The camp, open to boys and girls 1st

through 8th grade, will be conducted by Plainview varsity boys and girls coaches Robi Coker and Heather Powell, their respective assistant coaching staffs and a number of current and former Plainview basketball players.

“We’re excited to host the second year of our FUNdamentals Basketball

Camp,” Coker said. “This camp is a great opportunity for kids from all over DeKalb County to come together to improve key fundamentals that will make them better basketball players.” Coker said.

“This camp is a great opportunity for kids from all over DeKalb County to come together and have a good time and improve key

fundamentals that will help them build strong foundations as basketball players for years to come.”

Last summer more than 50 kids from Plainview, Fyffe, Crossville, Collinsville, Sylvania and Henegar attended the camp. Each day of the camp is divided into three sessions according to age: 1st grade - 3rd grade: Each day from 8 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.

4th grade - 6th grade: Each day from 11:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

7th grade - 8th grade: Each evening from 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.

The Plainview coaching staff will be joined by an impressive lineup of special guest coaches to help instruct the 7th and 8th grade camp session each night. The guest Monday night will be Alabama Basketball

Academy Director Scott Stapler, who previously served stints as an assistant coach at Auburn University, BirminghamSouthern University and Coastal Carolina. Tuesday night features Oxford High School Head Coach Joel VanMeter, who served as a former assistant coach at J a c k s o nv i l l e State University and Morehead State U n i v e r s i t y.

Wednesday night features AAU Bledsoe Ice head coach a Former ole miss and montevallo assistant will direct Wedensday night.

Registration starts 30 minutes before camp on Monday at the Plainview High School Gymnasium (not the DeKalb County Schools Coliseum) and is $40 per camper. All boys and girls from DeKalb County are welcome to attend the camp.

Sylvania Quarterback Club to host hot wing competition SYLVANIA, Ala.—The Sylvania High School Quarterback Club will be hosting the 1st annual WingFest fundraiser on the evening of Friday, August 7 at the Sylvania High School Football Stadium from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Wingfest is a community-wide fundraiser and chicken wing competition. There will be 16 different competitors in the competition that include local restaurants, organizations and individuals from all over DeKalb County and beyond.

Sylvania High School Football Coach Matt Putnam is coordinating the fundraiser. Putnam said he is expecting a good turnout for the fundraiser and hopes to see people from all over DeKalb take part in

the evening of competition, food, fun and live music. Tickets for the general public cost $10 if bought before the event and $15 the day of the event.

The contest is set up so each ticket will have the different names of the 16 competitors on it and is good for one wing from each contestant. Attendees will stop at each contestant’s cooking station get their sample and have their ticket punched at each station until they have received all 16 wings. After sampling all 16 wings, members of the public will choose their favorite wings

and cast their vote by giving their punched ticket at the end of the competition to the contestant that they believe served the best wings.

Whichever contestant ends up with the most punched tickets at the end of the night wins the people’s choice award portion of the competition.

The competition will have 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards in 2 different categories: A. Best Hot Wing, and B. Most Unique Wing.

There will also be a “People’s Choice Award” is voted on by all wing eaters.

Putnam said RHS will provide each contestant with 3 to 5 cases of wings Tuesday, August 4 before the event. Contestants will then cook the wings and give away 1 wing to each person who bought a ticket to attend the event.

“There was no registration fee for contestants, and we will provide the wings,” Putnam said. “It’s a great opportunity for restaurants and individuals to compete, gain exposure and advertisement in the community, cook a lot of chicken, and to help a bunch of young men and future leaders in our community.”

Putnam has put together an impressive list of competitors including:

Jefferson’s, Topher’s Wings, Dempsey’s BBQ, Santa Fe, Ruby Tuesday’s, Zaxby’s, O l’ Ty m e r s BBQ , Chattanooga Billiards Club, Dixieland Restaurant and a handful of contestants competing as individuals. Entertainment and music will be provided by DJ Roger Allen, Colt Buttram, Chad Sizemore, Lea Searight, The Tatum’s and Trey Browder. KID ZONE will also be on hand with inflatables for the kids and a dunk tank.

Tickets are on sale now from all Sylvania Football Players and at Sylvania Pharmacy for $10, or can be bought the night of the event for $15.

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Publisher, Joseph M. Morgan Layout editors, Dwayne Adams & Rachel Monroe

Crimson Tide Chaplain Jeremiah Castille to speak at Fyffe Ministries Church of God For Educators Day

By Fyffe Ministries Church of God 256.623.3822

Fyffe, Alabama – Jeremiah Castille, the chaplain to the University of Alabama football team and a former UA player himself during the era of Coach Bear Bryant, will be the keynote speaker at Fyffe Ministries Church of God Sunday July 26 at 9:00 am and 11:00am.

“We decided a couple years ago, we should set one day a year aside to say thank you to our teachers and educators. They spend time molding and influencing our greatest gifts from God, our children.

Day in and day out they display passion, dedication all the while displaying expertise in preparing our next generation of children. “ Shared Senior Pastor, Tony Thomas.

Jeremiah Castille makes an ideal speaker for Honoring our

Educators because of his own background. Castille’s own childhood was complicated by abuse, domestic violence and alcoholism in his home. Castille attributes his own ability to rise above that crippling childhood to the vision and support that his faith gave him. Jeremiah also credits his good decision making with his choice to attend a Catholic school for his early education.

In the second grade, Jeremiah told his teacher, Sister Veronica, that his dream was to be a professional football player. Even at an early age, Jeremiah knew focusing on that dream helped him to continue to make the right decisions about his life so that dream could become a reality.

Castille, selected M.V.P. during Coach Bryant’s last Liberty Bowl game, went on to play professional football for six year with

Tampa Bay and then Denver. He was part of the Denver Broncos team that played in Super Bowl XXII. His career since football has centered on working as a mentor, coach and minister to young people, especially those from the inner city.

Youth Pastor, Justin Driver said “ We hope everyone will take a minute to invite their favorite teacher, best friends and family to come and be a part of this special day for our educators. Educators have opened up the world to us as children, they challenged us, taught us values, and set us on a path to our future. Who wouldn’t want to say thank you? Join us at one of our services July 26, by your attendance, our Educators will feel your appreciation.”

FAITH COLUMN

A Rocky Night on Rocky Top Am a Rock. We were great. I’m surprised we didn’t get to go to Broadway). There were meals in the dining hall that I don’t remember.

By Dr. John E. Morgan

Pastor - Collinsville Baptist Church

It was an astoundingly beautiful spring day in the Tennessee Mountains. The night, not so much.

It was my senior year in college, and I was attending the BSU (Baptist Student Union) Spring Retreat.

Tennessee Baptists have two state camps. The one in the eastern part of the state is called Camp Carson.

It is up in the Smokies about forty five minutes from Gatlinburg and miles from much of anything. The facilities were put there mostly for summer camps – a stone chapel, a nice dining hall, a couple of dorms, an outside recreation area, a little creek and the mountains. Dogwoods were blooming. The sun was shining.

About 300 students were there. With nobody around, we could make all the noise we wanted to make – and we made a lot of noise.

And lots of free time mixed in.

Basketball on that outside mountain court. Volleyball on the asphalt court next to it. Hikes up higher into the mountains. Lots of talking, laughing.

Maybe a little flirting with students from other colleges. Okay, lots of flirting, but my future and present wife was there, so we won’t talk about that.

snacks in the dining hall. Maybe a little night volleyball by the one or two weak street lights. Then a night hike up the mountain. We were really enjoying being college age.

Well after midnight, I came back into the dorm. Several people were already in bed. I went over to mine.

I had a lower bunk. As I crawled into bed, I rolled over and looked at the wall. The dorm was designed for those summer camps. No heat. And as I stared at the outside wall six inches from my face, I realized that I got the hint there might be a there was no paneling and no insuproblem when I ran in to take a quick lation. And that the spring temperashower after basketball. We learned ture up in the mountains had that the boys’ dorm had one water dropped. heater, capacity about two gallons. I rolled back over to realize that the Pretty much cold showers all bunk mattress was thinner that some weekend. And we learned that the of the sandwiches we had at lunch. water came from mountain streams. Metal springs that squeaked and bars It was April cold. Brrr. pressing into my back. The bunk was

I put my socks back on.

There followed one of the most miserable nights of my life. Turn over and listen to the springs squeak. Feel the bar at the end bite into the back of your legs with feet hanging off the bed. To say that I slept fitfully would imply that I slept any. I mostly just tossed, turned and shivered.

I survived the nights. Still had lots of fun though I had to walk funny holding my back the next day. My basketball game suffered. And I was ready to get back to school by Sunday afternoon.

It was many years later that I tripped over Isaiah 28:20. I call it the Camp Carson verse. “The bed is too short to stretch oneself on, and the covering too narrow to wrap oneself in.” Camp Carson – too short and too narrow. I smile every time I read

about six inches wide. Or it seemed that way. And the bunk was designed for someone shorter than me. My over six foot frame insured that my feet would need to hang over the end.

it. And hold my back. Remembering

I reached down for the only cover we had. A sheet. Being a big, strong And there was a student election. male, I had not brought a jacket. Or One of my friends was running for a long sleeve shirt. It was, after all, state president. I helped so much spring break. I put a T shirt back on. with his campaign that he lost. But Then I discovered the sheet was it was close. And the campaign was designed for a six year old. It was There were meetings in the chapel. a good excuse to get to know just big enough to make you realize Inspirational speakers. Student busistudents from other colleges. that it was too small to be any good. ness sessions. Songs and skits (I was in one using Simon and Gafunkel’s I After the night meetings there were Like trying to cover up with a Kleenex.

give true help. You trust the things

But, who cared? We were young and brave and ready for anything. The speaker that first night talked about how the Church had to go to where bad people end up to keep them from ending up there. And I think I remember that our student choir sang that night.

that night when my bed was woefully inadequate for me to rest.

Isaiah used that verse to tell the people that they were depending on things of this world that will never on TV – money, beauty, sexuality, possessions. And you will realize one night that they are too narrow and too short. And that you need something more.

Jesus once told people – “come to me and I will give you rest”. If you are a little sore and a lot tired, you probably should give Him a try.

8

Thursday - July 16, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

OBITUARIES Darlene Baker Chance (February 15, 1951 - July 11, 2015) Darlene Baker Chance age 64 of Bryant died Saturday, July 11. Funeral services are Monday at 2 pm ct at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Bro. Shirley Byrum and Bro. Royce Cornelison officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Lawn Memorial Park.

Family will receive friends from 11 to 8 pm Sunday and 9 am until service time on Monday.

Survivors include husband, Louis Chance, son, Jerome Baker(Kima), daughters, Tonia Zogg (Mark), Brittney Baker Gilliam, step-sons, Rob Chance(Leslie), Randall Chance, grandchildren, Mason and Zion Johnson, Canaan Hall, Wyatt Gilliam(Ashlynn), Weston Gilliam, Whitney Gilliam, Brinleigh Baker, stepgrandchildren, Blake, Brooke, Allison, Ashley and Corey Chance, 1 greatgrandchild, brothers, Skeeter Pritchett(Sandy), Eugene Pritchett, sister, Gloria Cornelison (Royce), several nieces and nephews. Mrs. BakerChance worked as a CNA for several years and was a member of Flat Rock Holiness Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Estil and Opal Bomian Pritchett, first husband, Wesley D Baker Jr.

Brenda Walker Hastings (February 7, 1951 - July 14, 2015) Brenda Diane Hastings age 64 of Sand Rock died Tuesday, July 14 at her residence. Funeral services are Thursday at 1 pm ct in the chapel with Bro. Scott Dean officiating. Burial will follow in Fuller cemetery. Family will receive friends from 4 to 8 pm Wednesday and 10 am until service time on Thursday. Survivors include husband, Charles Hastings, son, Mike Hastings(Irene), daughter, Jennifer Flowers (Richey), grandchildren, Blake, Logan and Byron Flowers, Whitley Glenn, Keitha Glenn and Angie Shelton, sisters, Gail Reeves (Jerry), Bobbie Buttram (Griff), Kathy McAdams (Dale), Rose Thompson(Kenneth), brother, To m m y Walker(Peggy). Mrs. Hastings was preceded in death by her parents, Bernard and Dorothy Boydston Walker.

Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Thursday at Wilson Funeral Home with Rev. Cates Noles and Rev. Tim Hawkins officiating. Burial will follow in Tuckers Chapel Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 4 until 8 p.m. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Charlotte Stephens Hawkins; sons, Tim (Rina) Hawkins, Eddie (Holly) Hawkins, and Kevin Hawkins; daughter, Kim Hawkins; sisters, Linda (Harold) Wooten, Rita Moates, and Brenda (David) McGill; grandchildren, Heath Hawkins, Ben Hawkins, Carissa Hawkins, Kelsey Hawkins, Matthew Brown, Skyler Brown, and Dakota Hawkins; greatgrandchildren, Bryson Hawkins, Callie Hawkins, and Brylie Hawkins; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Charles Hawkins and sister, Margie Hawkins.

Wilson Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Earnest Hershell Hawkins Earnest Hershell Hawkins, 74, of Fort Payne, passed away Monday, July 13, 2015 at his home. He was bron August 19, 1940 to the late Hoarce and Daisy Goodwin Hawkins.

Mr. Hawkins was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corp. He retired as a driver for Old Dominion Truck Lines after 21 years and was a member of Rainsville Community Church.

Sue Goggans Mrs. Lillian Viva Goggans, age 84, of Fort Payne passed away July 11, 2015. Mrs. Goggans was born in Dekalb County, Alabama on October 21, 1930 to the late Luther Harvey and Cordilia Keaton Knight. She was employed as a knitter at Chesser Hosiery Mill and a member of Hawkins Chapel Church.

Funeral services will be 2:00pm Monday at the Wilson Funeral Home

Chapel with burial following in the Kelly’s Chapel Cemetery. The family will receive friends 5:00 until 8:00pm Sunday evening at the funeral home.She is survived by her sons: Dale and Alan Goggans.

Elsie Ruth Chesser Elsie Ruth Chesser, 85, of Fort Payne passed away Friday, July 10, 2015.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Wilson Funeral Home with Rev. David McCarrell officiating. Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday from 6 until 8 p.m. She is survived by her niece, Linda Tringas; greatnieces, Jeannie (David) McCarrell, Allison (Steve) Schofield, and Melissa (Scott) Cook; and greatgreat-nieces and nephew, Meleah (Matt) Pendergrass, Jada McCarrell, and Justin McCarrell. She is preceded in death by her husband, Clyde Chesser and brother, J.C. Francis. Wilson Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements, online guestbook, www. wilsonfhinc.com.

Jo Ann Smith Ms. Jo Ann Bryant Smith age 67 of Ft. Payne passed away on Saturday, July 11, 2015. A memorial service will be held at 3:30pm - Saturday, July 18, 2015 from the kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witness on Airport Road in Fort Payne.

Arrangements entrusted to W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

Steven Kellett Mr. Stephen C. Kellett, age 62 of Shreveport, LA. passed away Sunday, July 12, 2015 in DeKalb Regional Hospital. Graveside Services will be held a 11am – Tuesday, July 13, 2015 from Whitton Cemetery with Rev. Noble Russell officiating with W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel in charge.

Survivors: Uncle, Franklin Kellett, of Crossville; First Cousins, Morgan Kellett of Crossville, and Edward Kellett of Owens Cross Roads Mr. Kellett was preceded in death by: Parents–William Torbet Kellett and Nydra Collier Kellett Guy

Peggy Wentland Mrs. Peggy L. Wentland age 67 of Albertville passed away Saturday, July 11, 2015 in Shepherds Cove Hospice.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

CRIME Date: 07/15/2015 Chief Randy Bynum States:

Date: 07/15/2015 Chief Randy Bynum States:

Starting at midnight on Monday, July 13th till 1:00 pm in the afternoon, seven motor vehicles were broken into in the area of Ramblewood Apartments, Cherokee Apartments and Deerfield Apartments. One of the victims caught a suspect red handed in his vehicle and a struggle ensued, with the suspect getting away on foot.

Officer Tip Pack was in the area and began an immediate search for the suspect. Pack encountered Nicholas Lane on Godfrey Avenue and checked him because he fit the description of the suspect that was found inside one of the victim’s vehicle.

Detectives Mike Grant, Lee Traylor, and David Davis, with Lt. Terry Noles and Officer Rafael Cruz all worked together swiftly getting these suspects into custody.

The suspects, Corey Lee Armstrong, age 24 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Five Charges of Breaking and Entering a Motor Vehicle and Receiving Stolen Property 2nd, the other suspect Nicholas James Lane, age 20 of Fort Payne, is charged with Robbery 3rd, six charges of Breaking and Entering a Motor Vehicle, Assault 2nd, and a Warrant with the city.

We feel there are possibly more victim’s, we encourage anyone that lives in the area to contact the Fort Payne Police Department if anyone finds their vehicle has been broken into.

At approximately 3:40 am a call came in to the Fort Payne Police Department of a possible assault and kidnapping. The victim stated her grandson, Brian Scott Daniel, had assaulted her and held her against her will.

While the call was being taken, a traffic stop was being conducted by Officer Derek Killian, for an equipment violation of a vehicle that the suspect, Daniel, was a passenger. Information was quickly gathered and it was determined Daniel was indeed the offender in the assault and kidnapping case. In the vehicle was a second female who was determined to be a victim of Daniel’s kidnapping.

Both females were known to the offender. Officer Killian detained Daniel until all the information was gathered. Daniel, age 33 of Henagar, was charged with the following, Two Counts of Kidnapping 1st, One Count Robbery 3rd, Theft 2nd, and Two Counts of Domestic Violence 3rd. Daniel is currently in Fort Payne City Jail. Other officer’s that helped with the case are Lt. Jeff Buckles and Sgt. Jose deSocarraz.

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