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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2019 / VOL. 6, NO. 1 / $1.00
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THIS WEEK IN SPORTS
THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS
THIS WEEK IN POLITICS
THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY
• Fyffe Wins Don Webb Invitational • Class 2A Region 7 All-Region Football Team
• See who's featured in our business spotlight! • No Expiration Dates
• Go Inside the Statehouse with Alabama Political Columnist, Steve Flowers
• The Parker Three Perform at Kiwanis • See what's going on in our upcoming events!
TOP STORIES OF 2019 Ernie Willingham
Named Class 2A 1. Southern Torch Cranks Up the Radio Coach of the Year • ENJOY LOOKING BACK ON OUR TOP FIVE STORIES OF 2019 •
By Nick Jones President Published on February 12
RAINSVILLE, Ala. — Southern Torch, Inc. is thrilled to announce its agreement to purchase the assets of KEA Radio, Inc. which includes two FM radio stations currently based in Scottsboro. The radio
stations are WKEA-FM 98.3 and WMXN-FM 101.7 with coverage areas including DeKalb, Jackson, and Marshall counties as well as the other northeast Alabama counties. In August, the two stations rebranded as 98-3 Wild Country and 101-7 The Torch, respectively.
“We are unbelievably excited about the potential to grow our audience and put Southern Torch into a better position to serve this region of the state,� said Southern Torch General Manager Eloise Smith. Southern Torch, Inc. has continued to publish its weekly newspaper in
the DeKalb county area and grow its regional online audience alongside the current radio coverage map. The coverage map for the two FM stations reaches the outskirts of Huntsville to the west, South Pittsburg, Tenn. to the north, Summerville, Ga. to the east, and Gadsden to the south.
2. REVEALED, 3. Alabama Passes REPRIMANDED, Gas Tax Increase RESIGNED By Marla Jones Managing Editor Published on March 7 RAINSVILLE, Ala. — At this week’s meeting of the Rainsville City Council, the Council went into executive session. Shortly after, the Council announced that they had received the resignation letter of Northeast Alabama Agri-Business Center (Ag Center) Director Mike Sweat. The Council unanimously voted to accept. Allegations of misuse of funds at the Ag Center surfaced in January when the Southern Torch reported an exclusive investigative report that revealed misuse of public funds associated with the Ag Center. The report followed a review of financial documents
By Zach Hester, Reporter • Published on March 13 obtained from the City and the Public Building Authority (PBA), the entity that owns the Ag Center. Sweat’s resignation comes amidst controversy regarding the misuse of funds at the Ag Center. Following the initial report of misuse of funds, Councilmember Bejan Taheri confirmed that Sweat was in fact disciplined for his alleged misuse of funds with employment probation, reimbursement and a written reprimand. Sweat’s final day on the job was Tuesday, March 5, 2019.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — After passage through the Alabama House of Representatives and the State Senate, Governor Kay Ivey signed the Rebuild Alabama Act into law. This is the first time that the gas tax has been raised since 1992. The Rebuild Alabama Act will raise fuel taxes by ten cents per gallon over the next three years and includes additional tax measures like annual fees for electrical and hybrid vehicles. The bill passed the House by a margin of 83-20 and by the Senate, 28-6. When signing the bill, Governor Ivey stated, “What the members of the Alabama Legislature have done today is to improve Alabama’s infrastructure for generations to come.� The bill will raise the gas tax from 18 cents to 24 cents beginning in September 2019 with two cent raises per year in 2020 and 2021. Beginning in 2023, the gas tax will be adjusted annually according to the national highway construction cost index.
• STORIES 4 & 5 ARE CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 •
• Happy New Year from all of us at Southern Torch!
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Willingham was named the Class 2A Coach of the Year. He is pictured here with Managing Editor Marla Jones.
By Marla Jones, Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com COLLINSVILLE, Ala. — Collinsville Head Football Coach Ernie Willingham was recently named the Alabama Sports Writers Association Class 2A Coach of the Year. Willingham led the Panthers to a 12-2 record and to their fourth state semifinals appearance, in the Panthers 100th year of high school football. Willingham graduated from Collinsville High School. He served as head basketball coach at Appalachian from 1984-1991 and 1993-1998, head basketball coach at Albertville from 1991-1993, and has been head football coach at Collinsville since 1998. He has led the Panthers to seven playoff appearances.
Fire Destroys Officer's Home
By Marla Jones, Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com FORT PAYNE, Ala. — On Christmas Eve, the home of Fort Payne's own Sgt. JC Brown burned with all contents lost. Since then, donations have poured in to the Fort Payne Police Department and to a GoFundMe. "We are so very thankful and grateful to God to be alive," said Brown. "Each and every prayer, donation, call, text message, and offer of some type of help or support hasn't gone unnoticed. I pray that God blesses each and every one of you for your kindness." If you would like to make a donation, please visit their GoFundMe page or drop donations off at the Fort Payne Police Department.
SYLVANIA PHARMACY YOUR FRIEND, YOUR DRUGSTORE! Visit our website at www.southerntorch.com for daily news updates and pick up your weekly print edition at news stands every Friday.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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THE SOUTHERN TORCH
FRIDAY — JANUARY 3, 2019
Marla Jones, Managing & Sports Editor
In 2020, I resolve to make someone smile and say a kind word to at least one person every day, because you may be the only happy face they see that day. Your positivity might help them get through their rough times. I also plan to make more memories, laugh more, travel more, amp up my sports coverage, and to document it all with a selfie. My wish is that 2020 be the best year of your life.
Joe Sims, Radio Operations Manager Fact: 80% of New Year's resolutions last about as long as your live tree and will be by the curb along with the Little Debbie box and the cellophane off that fresh pack of smokes before Valentine's Day. Mostly because people set unrealistic or vague goals. 'I'm going to quit smoking!' 'I'm going to lose 30lbs!' My question to you is, how? Thinking you're going to drop the smokes and all the stresses in you life that you use that crutch for will magically disappear is just setting yourself up for failure. Fail to plan, plan to fail mama always says. Get your plan worked out, get your head right about it and know the first few steps are always the hardest. Be willing to make the sacrifices that come with anything worthwhile. And don't wait for the New Year, just do it as the ad says. Good luck y'all!
Jenna Sue Payne, Media Sales Manager I resolve that I do not believe in making New Year's Resolutions. Kind of boring and against the grain, I'm sure. At this stage in my life I resolve to not put off any life change that can positively impact my life for a specific "date" or futuristic timestamp. I remember as a girl my romantic notions of New Years Eve being the advent of magical and wondorous possibilities for the new year. There was always so much pressure on "how" you spend your New Years or with whom you spent New Years Eve with, as determining if your new year would be a success. As the years pass by I realize that the optimism for a better future begins with each new sunrise. Personal goals, personal commitments are always good and healthy for change. But I don't stowe them away for one specific day. My ultimate happiness begins each morning my eyes open, and I thank God for that opportunity. I don't enjoy having photos taken of myself, perhaps I will resolve to find a good photo for future resolution posts? God bless all of you and may each day be filled with gratitude, love and purpose.
Zach Hester, Graphic Designer & Reporter In 2017, I started a weight loss journey. At that time, I lost 25 pounds and fell off the ladder. The next year, I got back up from that defeat and lost almost 60 more. This year, I fell off the ladder again and didn’t lose an ounce, in fact, I gained some back. Despite the cliche “I want to lose weight” resolution being common for any given new year, that’s what I intend to do. I am determined to get back up on my feet and rediscover that motivation that helped me drop over 75 pounds in the last two years. Aside from that, I’d like to continue my reading goal in 2020 by finishing 15 books and my film goal of watching 50 new movies.
Amy West Thrash, Account Executive My resolution for 2020 is simply live my best life. 2019 was a rough year for me, but I picked myself up, dusted my boots off, and I'm looking forward to the start of a new year. I want to enjoy each and every moment of my children's lives, make beautiful memories, and to advance further in my advertising career with Southern Torch Media.
Jodi Skinner, Account Executive Although I don’t usually declare New Year resolutions, I decided the beginning of a new decade may be a good occasion to do so. Many folks promise themselves that they will lose weight or save more money. For my resolution for the new decade of the 2020’s, I want to focus on relationships. I promise to be more present in my conversations and more mindful in all things.
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Beverly Annette Little, Account Executive My New Year's Resolutions: Don't always wait until tomorrow, do it now. Life is short. Take the trip, buy the shoes, drink the coffee, and always remember to give back to your community.
Marshall Stiefel, Distribution Manager I resolve to save money for my family by eating out less. I hope to set a better example for my community and my children, Landrie and Ruby. Being a father of two daughters, I resolve to get the drama down a little bit, which may be easier said than done. I resolve to practice trying to be "swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath." God Bless and have a Happy New Year.
Teresa Smith, Traffic Director My New Year's Resolutions are different from the normal ones, to eat better, exercise more, or lose weight. My resolutions are more of a bucket list. Things I want to accomplish not just this year but throughout the years to follow. First and foremost I want to spend as much time with my children and grandchildren as I possibly can. I want to enjoy all the world has to offer, to go on more adventures, to travel more. I want to explore all the things around me, to see new things and experience new things, to take more chances, to meet new friends, and of course to laugh more, and I want to do all these things with the people I love the most. I want to live my best life now!
Happy New Year from all of us at southern torch! may 2020 be your best year yet!
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THE SOUTHERN TORCH
FRIDAY — JANUARY 3, 2019
3
COMMUNITY
4/5. Plainview Wins Back-to-Back at State
UPCOMING EVENTS Every Monday, By His Hands Outreach Ministry - The By His Hands Outreach Ministry will host a soup kitchen beginning on Mondays at 6pm. The Clothes Closet will be open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm. Both are at 2494 Church Avenue in Rainsville. Donations are greatly appreciated!
By Marla Jones Sports Editor Published on March 8
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — For the second year in a row, Plainview High School guard Caden Millican found himself with the ball in the final
seconds of the Class 3A State Championship with his team needing a bucket to win. And just like last year, Millican delivered — grabbing a pass from guard Tristan Willingham in the lane with three seconds left
and sinking the game-winning shot to give the Bears a 54-52 victory over Hillcrest-Evergreen. The shot was inside — a play called "leopard" that Coach Robi Coker knew would work. Millican finished
with 15 points. Koby Tinker had 25, including five 3-pointers and three rebounds. Taylor Haymon and Haden White had seven points each and Willingham finished with two assists and just one turnover at point guard.
4/5. Fyffe Outruns Reeltown in State Championship
Every Monday, Sons of Confederate Veterans - The Sons of Confederate Veterans meets the 2nd Monday of each month at Burnt Church at 6pm in Sylvania. Every Monday, Sons of the American Revolution - The Sons of the American Revolution meets the 3rd Monday of each month at Western Sizzlin' in Fort Payne at 6pm. Every Wednesday, Breakthrough Church free meal - Come and enjoy a free meal and hear the Word of God on Wednesday nights starting January 3 at 5:30pm. If you need a ride, please contact: Lynn Haas at (256) 605-7854 or Connie Holdem at (256) 605-1776.
By Marla Jones Sports Editor Published on December 12
AUBURN, Ala. — The Fyffe Red Devils rolled to an insurmountable 42-point lead in the opening half and cruised to a 56-7 victory over Reeltown to claim their
second straight Class 2A state championship at the 2019 AHSAA Super 7 State Football Championship. Fyffe, coached by Paul Benefield, finished with 325 yards, all but 20 on the ground, on 55 plays to just 51 total yards for Reeltown
(13-2), coached by Matt Johnson. The Red Devils’ defensive effort was the second fewest yards allowed in AHSAA Super 7 history dating back to 1996 and secured the school’s fourth state title overall. Reeltown has been a regular visitor to the
The Parker Three Perform for Kiwanis
The Fort Payne Kiwanis Club met on December 18, 2019 with a Christmas program presented by the Parker Three. PICTURED (L to R): Teresa Parker Hicks, Lisa Parker Obenlander, and Martha Parker Scott, along with Kiwanis member Sharon Jones.
SOUTHERN TORCH • 98-3 WILD COUNTRY • 101-7 THE TORCH Southern Torch (USPS Periodicals #19790) is published each Friday by Southern Eloise Smith, Business Manager Torch, Inc. 203 Main Street E, Rainsville, Marla Jones, Managing Editor/Sports Ala. 35986. POSTMASTER: Send address Jenna Sue Payne, Media Sales Manager changes to Southern Torch, P.O. Box 614, Joe Sims, Radio Operations Manager Zach Hester, Art Director/Reporter Rainsville, Ala. 35986-0614. Staff:
Amy Thrash, Account Executive B. Annette Little, Account Executive Jodi Skinner, Account Executive Teresa Smith, Traffic Director Marshall Stiefel, Distribution Manager Lindsey Jones, Accounting
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AHSAA state championship game, with three titles (1987, 2001, 2009) and six runner-up finishes (1984, 1991, 1992, 2000, 2010, 2019). Fyffe’s other state titles were in 2014, 2016 and 2018 – all at JordanHare Stadium. The Red Devils finished second in 2007 and 2015. The coaching win for Benefield was the 297th of his 28-year career. He is now 297-53 overall. The Red Devils outscored opponents 639-43 in 15 games and had nine shutouts.
Every Wednesday, Parents of Addicted Loved Ones - A new support group for Parents of Addicted Loved Ones is starting in Fort Payne at Word of Life Ministry, located at 3610 Gault Avenue North. The meeting will be held every Tuesday from 6pm to 7:30pm. Any adult family member over 18 is welcome to attend these PAL meetings, however, for insurance reasons, no one under the age of 18 may attend and child care will not be provided. For more information,
visit palgroup.org. Every Third Thursday, Alzheimer's Caregivers Support Group - The Alzheimer's Association will begin hosting a caregivers support group solely devoted to those who provide care for people with Alzheimer's on the third Thursday of every month from 11am to 12pm at the Rainbow City First United Methodist Church. For more information, please call Olivia Kendrick at (256) 454-4375.
January 11, Tyler Reese Tritt at the Pickin' Post - Come enjoy Tyler Reese Tritt, daughter of Travis Tritt, at The Pickin' Post. Tickets are available at Black’s Tire in Rainsville, Dallas Place in Crossville and Roger’s Pawn & Music in Fort Payne. Show begins at 6pm. January 25, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out - The time has come for the highly anticipated Annual IIIrd Tyme Out concert in beautiful downtown Fort Payne, Alabama! You can visit the usual local business ticket outlets in Fort Payne. Ticket Outlets: The Strand Box Office Grill The BBQ Place Bruce’s Foodland (Ft. Payne & Rainsville locations) Sally’s Smokin’ Butt BBQ Roger’s Pawn & Music Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce Tickets will only be available at the door on the day of the concert PROVIDED THERE IS NO SELL-OUT.
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THE SOUTHERN TORCH
FRIDAY — JANUARY 3, 2019
BUSINESS
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ADVERTISE HERE FOR JUST 12.50 LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ALABAMA Case No: 2019-335 IN RE: THE ESTATE OF ANTHONY GLENN GUINN, deceased NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration having been granted to JASON M. GUINN, as Personal Representative of the Estate of ANTHONY GLENN GUINN, deceased, on the 7th day of December 2019, by the Honorable Ronnie E. Osborn, Judge of Probate. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Jason M. Guinn, personal representative of the Estate of Anthony Glenn Guinn, deceased To be published: December 20, 27, January 3
LEGALS IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: CS-19-900176 CATARINA FRANCISCO FRANCISCO, Plaintiff/Mother v. MATIAS JUAN TOMAS, Defendant
by the 10th day of February, 2020 or, thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against him in Case No.: CS-19-900176, in the District Court of DeKalb County, Alabama. Attorney for Plaintiff: Gabriela Watson, Esq WATSON & WATSON Post Office Box 1068 Albertville, Alabama 35950 Phone: 256-660-1280 Fax: 256-660-1541 To be published: December 20, 27, January 3, 10
LEGALS IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: CS-19-900169 PAULINA RAMOS MANUEL, PLAINTIFF vs ALEJANDRO MARTIN JOSE, DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PETITION FOR SOLE LEGAL AND PHYSICAL CUSTODY ALEJANDRO MARTIN JOSE (DEFT), whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer PAULINA RAMOS MANUEL, Petition for Sole Legal and Physical Custody and other relief, a judgment by default may be rendered against him in Case Number CS-2019 900169.00 in the District Court of Dekalb County.
NOTICE OF CUSTODY PROCEEDINGS
LORENA IBARRA ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF 200 LORNA SQUARE SUITE 221 HOOVER, AL. 35216
MATIAS JUAN TOMAS, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer the Complaint and other relief
To be published: January 3, 10, 17, 24
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NO EXPIRATION DATES
By Megan Blansit ST Columnist
Well friends, 2019 is winding down! I hope some awesome things have happened for you this year but I’m not naive to think that maybe a dream, a relationship, a certain season and perhaps many other things have ended in your life this year. However, is it possible to look at an “endâ€? as a “beginning?â€? Maybe things did not pan out how you wanted them to but friend, hang in there. Please, do not put a period where God put a comma! Philippians 1:6 says, “Be confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ.â€? Wait a minute, that says “completionâ€? right?! Yes, absolutely; we are never forgotten. Our God is a God of his word and nothing we do can ever break his promises. Also notice the verse says, “He who began a GOOD work‌â€? His plans are always good, friend! Has someone ever handed you a gift, you unwrapped it, and looking at the box that the gift is in you thought, “Oh my gosh, I’ve got to act excited.â€? Yep. That’s happened to me before! And I actually pulled that trick on my mom this year. I wrapped a nice piece of jewelry in a small Nutella box. She
unwrapped the present and said “Ohhhh‌ Nutellaaaa.â€? (Bad daughter joke, I’m sorry mom.) Friend, sometimes things we don’t expect or necessarily want to happen are sent our way and by looking on the outside, things look disastrous or like a huge letdown BUT I am here to tell you that it’s not always what it looks like! Your biggest let down or disappointed can actually be setting you up for your biggest blessing! Don’t miss the gift because you don’t like the box; just because something looks bad doesn’t mean good cannot come from it. I thought for a while on what would be a good topic for this article. “How do I need to end this year? â€œâ€Śâ€?Do I talk about goals for the new year?â€? ‌ the pressure felt on. I wanted to end it with a “BANGâ€?
Well, friends, the things that have kept popping in my head are consistency, gifts, and no expiration dates. Why consistency you may ask? I believe because God is looking for people who will consistently seek His face during the good and the bad. He is looking for someone after his own heart. And what a gift you will receive when you seek him! Christ has an abundance of gifts that he is waiting to give us- peace, love, joy, grace, forgiveness, freedom, et cetera. I wonder if we are missing out on some of the greatest gifts because we are “judging the box?� What I mean by this, is that maybe we are looking at people who claim to be Christians and do not desire to be a part of their Jesus. Maybe everywhere you turn you see
hypocrites. Maybe you’re asking how a “good Godâ€? could allow such “bad things.â€? What if our preconceived notions of Christ are a little twisted or even wrong? Are we judging the box before we open it? Friend, I beg you to open the box! I beg you to seek His face (with consistency.) 2015 may be coming to an end but God’s gifts never expire. Maybe you're thinking you've messed up too much this S year- friend, stop letting p Satan keep you defeated. T Christ’s blood covers it all! F Perhaps the only thing keeping us from Christ and h the gifts he has for us‌ is S ourselves. Certain things a may have ended for you C this year, but remember F that Christ’s Word has no expiration dates! It’s not the end, but only the H beginning! p
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THE SOUTHERN TORCH
FRIDAY — JANUARY 3, 2019
5
POLITICS
INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE
By Steve Flowers ST Columnist
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — As the new year begins, so does a Presidential election year. For several decades, in fact, for most of the twentieth century, Alabamians were more interested in state and local politics than presidential politics. In fact, from 1901 through the 1950s there were more people voting in a Democratic Primary for Governor than in a presidential General Election. The interest in national politics is a fairly new occurrence for Alabamians, and it seems to have been in correlation to the party change in the state.
Donald Trump carried Alabama by over 63 percent in 2016. You can pretty much bet the family farm that he will do the same to whomever the national Democrats offer up in the coming year. The country is divided like never before in our history. You either live in a red Republican state or a blue Democratic state like California. You might say, “the hay is in the barn,� in all but about 10 battleground swing states. There are 40 states that it really does not matter who the Republican or Democratic nominee is, that party’s candidate is going to win that state and get all of that states electoral votes.
Ider Discount Drugs
As I always say, if Mickey Mouse was the Republican nominee for President, he would carry Alabama and by the same token, if Donald Duck was the Democratic nominee, he would carry California. The election is won or lost in the swing states of Florida, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. The candidates will not even campaign in these safe 40 states. We will not see the presidential candidates, but neither will California or New York. Although, the Democratic candidates will go to California and New York to raise money. In fact, that is where our anomaly, short-lived Democratic Senator Doug Jones is getting his campaign money. He raises his funds in the most liberal zip codes in America, especially the left coast of California. Our national politics, especially Congress, has become nothing more than an extreme partisan show. The theater is acted out in childlike petty gamesmanship. The Democratic charade of the impeachment
House of Representatives will never be approved or given any credence in the United States Senate, which has a Republican majority. It would need a 2/3 vote in the House of Lords and the U.S. Senate has a Republican majority. It appears that all measures, movements, and votes in Washington are cast along party lines. All of the Republicans watch Fox news and consider the whole theater as an illegitimate political sham. My guess is that the fair-minded, independent voter sees this show as a political act to appease their partisan zealots and they are making a mockery of a time-honored institution. The Democrats will be the losers in this scenario. Voters reacted unfavorably to Republicans when they impeached Bill Clinton. Although they seemed to pay more attention and enjoyed that show more because the proposed misdeed was a lot more salacious. As we begin the New Year, let’s not forget that
we have some governing to do in the Heart of Dixie and not just politicking. The 2020 Legislative Session begins on February 4. The paramount issue to be addressed is our prison overcrowding problem and prison reform. Gov. Kay Ivey will come forward and offer to the Legislature a comprehensive plan to address this dilemma which has been building up for over a decade. The Governor deserves a tip of the hat for working with the Justice Department on this issue. In turn, the Justice Department and our U.S. Attorneys deserve accolades for their due diligence in working harmoniously with the Governor’s office and guiding them in the directions necessary to avoid federal interference. This discourse and harmony is quite a contrast to the political rhubarb and catastrophe illustrated and orchestrated by the George Wallace vs Frank Johnson scenario of the 1970s. See you next week.
held at 11am on Friday, December 27 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial in Henagar Baptist Church Cemetery.
were held at 2pm on Monday, December 30 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial in Green’s Chapel Cemetery.
Charles Payne - 80 of Boaz, passed away on Tuesday, December 24. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Friday, December 27 at Dixie Street Baptist Church in Albertville with burial in Beulah Cemetery.
David Lee - 67 of Fort Payne, passed away on Thursday, December 26. Funeral services were held at 5pm on Monday, December 30 at Mt. Herman Church.
Willowdean Lewis - 72 of Rainsville, passed away on Friday, December 27. Funeral services were held at 11am on Monday, December 30 at Rainsville Community Church with burial in Bluff Cemetery.
Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.
inquiry is a perfect example. They are having a childlike food fight. Swing voters are really turned off by this partisan circus. It is an obvious political vendetta. The votes are exactly along party lines. That in itself tells independent voters that it is a tribal squabble that is obsessing the tribally aligned politicians instead of important economic issues that affect them and their families. The Democratic CNN/MSNBC/Stephen Colbert watchers gleefully boast of a coup that will never occur. An impeachment vote by only Democrats in the
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DEATH NOTICES BURT Nellie Smith - 86 of Fort Payne, passed away on Monday, December 23. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Saturday, December 28 at Burt Chapel-Fort Payne with burial in New Hope Cemetery at Rosalie.
of Pisgah, passed away on Saturday, December 28. Funeral services were held at 10am on Monday, December 30 at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel.
RAINSVILLE
CORNER STONE
Debra Brown Steckel - 64 of Henagar, passed away on Thursday, December 26. Funeral services were held at noon on Saturday, December 28 at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with burial in Fuller Cemetery.
Barbara Brown Helton - 76 of Ider, passed away on Friday, December 27. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Sunday, December 29 at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with burial in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Thomas Scogin - 74
Home Chapel with burial following in Glenwood Cemetery. Cecil Ray Everett - 88 of Fort Payne, passed away on Wednesday, December 25. Funeral services were held at 1pm on Saturday, December 28 at Fort Payne Church of God with burial in Mountain View Memory Gardens.
COLLINSVILLE June Shirey - 81 of Sylvania, passed away on Thursday, December 26. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Monday, December 30 at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with burial in New Bethel Cemetery.
WILSON Audrey Rogers - 93 of Fort Payne, passed away on Tuesday, December 24. Funeral services were held at 1pm on Friday, December 27 at Wilson Funeral
WILSON
Timothy Eason - 56 of Crossville, passed away on Wednesday, December 25. Funeral services were held at 11am on Saturday, December 28 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial following in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Grove Oak.
Moline Reed - 87 of Henagarm passed away on Sunday, December 22. Funeral services were
Marty Carr - 58 of Crossville, passed away on Thursday, December 26. Funeral services
Betty Jo Kegler - 90, passed away on Thursday, November 21. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Saturday, December 28 at Collinsville Funeral Home with burial in Collinsville Cemetery.
Joseph K. McNew, D.V.M • Linda Galbraith, D.V.M. • Jessica Jones, D.V.M.
Your loyal companion, Our dedicated focus!
Martin Lybrand - 76 of Dawson, passed away on Friday, December 27. Funeral arrangements are incomplete.
Ronald Floyd - 71 of Crossville, passed away on Saturday, December 28. Funeral services were held at 1pm on Tuesday, December 31 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial in Lathamville Cemetery.
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Burt Funeral H omes
since 1982
since 1969
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Traditional funeral, cremation and monument services
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THE SOUTHERN TORCH
FRIDAY — JANUARY 3, 2019
FYFFE WINS DON WEBB INVITATIONAL
By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com
SCOTTSBORO, Ala. — On Saturday, the Fyffe Red Devils (20-1)
defeated the Class 4A, Talledega Tigers, 92-75 to win the Don Webb Invitational. Gabe Gardner led the Red Devils with 29 points. Parker Goodwin
followed closely behind with 28 points. Micah Johnson and Brody Dalton each had 13 points for the night. To get to the final game, Fyffe toppled
Lady Bears Win Westminster Classic
Westminster Christian Academy, defeating them 68-64 on the tournament's opening night. In that game, Goodwin led the Red Devils with 28 points,
marla@southerntorch.com
marla@southerntorch.com
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The Plainview Lady
Bears defeated Westminster Christian Academy, 56-23. Harley Wilkins led the Lady Bears with 14 points. Sadie Jackson
and Kamryn Sanders were just behind her with 10 points each. All offensive players made 3 to 4 rebounds each to win the game.
game, the Red Devils defeated the Scottsboro Wildcats. In the game against the Wildcats, Goodwin led with 19 points.
2019 ALL-STATE FOOTBALL HONORS By Marla Jones Sports Editor
By Marla Jones Sports Editor
followed by Johnson and Gardner who netted 12 and 11 points, respectively. Brody Dalton led with five rebounds. In the semi-final
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The 2019 Alabama Sports Writers Association All-State high school football teams, honorable mentions and coaches of the year. Here are those selected from the Southern Torch coverage area. Class 6A First Team All-State: Kicker Alex McPherson, Fort Payne Class 5A First Team
All-State: Kicker Mees Du Croo de Jongh, Scottsboro Class 3A Second Team All-State: Defensive Lineman Riley Johnson, Sylvania; Defensive Back Nate Cornelison, Pisgah Class 2A First Team All-State: Quarterback Kaleb Jones, Collinsville; Offensive Lineman Caleb Lyles, Fyffe; Offensive Lineman TJ Osborn, Collinsville; Kicker Jason Perez, Collinsville; Defensive Lineman Brody Dalton, Fyffe; Linebacker Eli Benefield, Fyffe; and Ike
Rowell, Fyffe; Zach Pyron, Fyffe (Athlete) Class 2A Second Team All-State: Quarterback Landon Green, North Sand Mountain; Linebacker Malachi Mize, Fyffe; Punter Justin Stiefel, Fyffe; Runningback Michael Tucker, Collinsville (Honorable Mention); Linebacker Bryan Lopez, Collinsville (Honorable Mention) Class 2A Coach of the Year: Ernie Willingham, Collinsville
2A REGION 7 ALL-REGION TEAM 2019 By Marla Jones Sports Editor
marla@southerntorch.com
ALABAMA — The selections for the Class 2A REgion 7 All-Region Team have been announced. Player of the Year: Kaleb Jones, Collinsville Co-Offensive MVP: Zach Pyron (Fyffe), Landon Green (North Sand Mountain) Co-Defensive MVP: Eli Benefield (Fyffe), Gunnar Bailey (Cedar Bluff) Fyffe: Caleb Lyles, Justin Stiefel, Ty Bell,
Malachi Mize, Ike Rowell, Brody Dalton, DeVan Smith, Hunter Gillilan Honorable Mentions: Kyle Dukes, Levi Carroll, Chase Wooten Collinsville: Blake Sparks, Jason Perez, Bryan Lopez,T.J. Osborn, Calvin Willingham, Myles Underwood, Michael Tucker, Garrett Skelton Honorable Mentions: Isaac Tillery, Dalton Hughes North Sand Mountain: Damon Gentle, Cade McBryar, Luke Bell, Fernando Luna, Derek Bearden
Honorable Mentions: Jayden Culpepper, Jonah Pennington, Logan Davis, Tanner Boatfield Cedar Bluff: Samuel Cosby, Corey Teague, Anbre Leek, Ethan Hammock Honorable Mentions: Trinton Clifton, Preston Burt, Jacob Gordon, Travon Clifton, Trey Stitts Sand Rock: John Randall Foster, Brady Jackson, Gaston Willard, Howie Holland Honorable Mentions: Ethan Clanton, Eli Bates, Ian Clanton, Derrick
Clanton, Cameron Barnette, Justin Renfroe Section: Luke McKee, Drake McCutchin, Caleb Bryant Honorable Mentions: Dylan Rider, Jared Reed, Kade Harper, Jace Holcomb, Gabe Hilley, Jr. Walker Ider: Seth Hawkins , Andy Holt, Ben Klausen Honorable Mentions: Jesse Massey, Matt Norman, Colton Crane Asbury: Austin Bloodsworth Honorable Mentions: Dante Broussard, Korbyn Patterson
2A Region 7 All-Region Player of the Year Kaleb Jones (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)
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