Southern Torch — Vol. 6, No. 12

HIT A HOME RUN WITH TWIN CITY! 1411 Glenn Blvd SW, Fort Payne, AL 35967

WWW.BOBBYLEDBETTER.COM • 256.844.2210

THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2020 / VOL. 6, NO. 12 / $1.00 THIS WEEK IN SPORTS • Bears Clip the Eagles Wings • AHSAA Updates on COVID-19

THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS

• See Who's Featured in our Biz Spotlight! • Cities Close Amidst Coronavirus

LIKE

THIS WEEK IN POLITICS

• Key to Run for Valley Head Mayor • Inside The Statehouse with Steve Flowers

FOLLOW

TWEET

THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY • Wrenn Named DBA Director of Missions • Council on Aging Announces Closings

Ivey Moves Runoff to July 14

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Governor Kay Ivey exercised powers provided by the Emergency Management Act to change the date of a statewide runoff election from March 31 to July 14. (Governor Kay Ivey | Twitter)

DeKalb County Officials Hold COVID-19 Briefing

By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com

DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — (Full Video on our Facebook) On Monday, the DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency held a joint press briefing alongside local officials to discuss the developing COVID-19 situation.

"Our first priority is always public safety and though we may not be

affected right now, certainly we will be," stated DeKalb County Commission President Ricky Harcrow.

"Therefore, we will be proactive in our decisions."

The following county departments announced their schedules for the coming weeks: • DeKalb County Sheriff's Office: Beginning at 4 pm on March 16th, The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office

will perform law enforcement duties as normal. The DCSO will have an increased law enforcement presence in the county during this time. The office will be closed to the public. • DeKalb County Commission Office: The administrative offices will be open from 10 am to 2 pm beginning March 18th. Those without

>> COVID-19, P3

DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — Governor Kay Ivey announced on Wednesday that the AlabamaPrimary Runoff Election would be moved to July 14, 2020, due to the concerns surrounding the Coranavirus pandemic. “Exercising my extraordinary powers under the Emergency Management Act, I am setting Alabama’s Primary Election for July 14, 2020� state Governor Kay Ivey. “The ability to

hold free and fair elections is an inherent right as citizens of the United States and the great state of Alabama, but the safety and wellbeing of Alabama citizens are paramount.�

Alabama State Health Officer, Dr. Scott Harris recommends practicing social distancing and refrain from public gatherings of more than 25 individuals. “This guidance alone would be making an election day a hotbed for spreading the virus� stated Governor Ivey. “Persons who are 65 years or older, as well as

those with previous heart and lung diseases, are more vulnerable to the Coronavirus. Knowing the average age of our faithful poll workers qualifies them to be more at-risk adds the necessity to extend the election runoff date.�

On Tuesday, Attorney General Steve Marshall issued an emergency ruling declaring Governor Ivey had the authority to delay the runoff. “Governor Ivey has the legal authority under

>> IVEY, P3

Former Attorney Arrested for Theft

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

attorney was arrested earlier today.

Teresa Darwin Phillips (40 of Sylvania) was arrested and charged with two counts of Theft of Property 1st Degree.

Phillips was taken into custody and transported to the DeKalb County Detention Center. Her bond was set at $30,000.

Phillips bonded out shortly after her arrest.

marla@southerntorch.com

SYLVANIA, Ala. — Former DeKalb County lawyer Teresa Darwin Phillips has been arrested on two counts of theft of property.

Phillips bailed out on a $30,000 bond.

Phillips' license was suspended late last year.

Official statement from the DeKalb County

Sheriff’s Office: After a joint investigation by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, the Fort Payne Police Department, and the District Attorney’s Office, a former local

DeKalb Regional Implementing Visitor Restrictions

By Southern Torch Staff FORT PAYNE, Ala. — At DeKalb Regional Medical Center, our staff and affiliated physicians continue to follow the official Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) guidance for evaluating patients having symptoms

consistent with possible COVID-19 coronavirus. To protect our patients and caregivers, we are also following official guidance from these agencies for the prevention of disease spread, including screening patients and visitors, ensuring proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), facilitating hygiene, providing proper sanitation and restricting

visitors.

Visitation restrictions are now in effect at our hospital and will be maintained until further notice. All visitors may be screened before being allowed into patient areas.

DeKalb Regional Medical Center considers the health and safety of patients, caregivers and visitors a high priority.

Therefore, if you have any respiratory symptoms,

fever, sore throat or a runny nose, we ask that you not visit patients in the hospital or accompany patients to clinics or other health services. We will not allow any visitors under 16 years of age at this time.

We are limiting approved visitors to one per patient at a time. We have restricted all visitation to our Geriatric Psychiatry or Senior Care Unit and will only accommodate any

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approved exceptions between 2:00 and 2:30 p.m. One visitor may accompany an ER patient, though we discourage ER visitation at this time.

Approved visitors to the Women and Children’s unit will be limited to two per patient at a time If a patient is suspected of having COVID-19, we ask that in-person visitation be suspended in favor of

alternative visits, such as video-call applications on cell phones, computers or tablets. Again, circumstances may allow for specific exceptions on a case by case basis and require administrative approval. Concerns about the visitation policy should be addressed to hospital administration at 256-997-2145.

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.

2

FRIDAY — MARCH 20, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

HIT A HOME RUN WITH TWIN CITY! 1411 Glenn Blvd SW, Fort Payne, AL 35967

WWW.BOBBYLEDBETTER.COM • 256.844.2210

@JACKSONBLAZEAL

BIG BASS SPLASH POSTPONED UNTIL JUNE

By Jackson Blaze Staff

JACKSON COUNTY, Ala. — The 2020 McDonald's Sealy Outdoors Big Bass Splash has been

rescheduled for June 12-14 in the wake of the developing COVID-19 situation.

In a press release, Mountain Lakes Chamber

of Commerce stated: We are excited to welcome the 2020 McDonald’s Sealy Outdoors- Big Bass Splash to Jackson County,

Alabama for the 16TH year in a row. This is the largest Bass Tournament in the Southeast and it will be coming to Goose Pond Colony at Lake Guntersville

Chamber, County Officials Meet with Congressional Delegation

By Dylan Smith JB Managing Editor dylan@southerntorch.com SCOTTSBORO, Ala. — The Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce held its annual Washington Fly-In, during which county leaders participated in meetings with members of Congress to advocate for the chamber’s federal public policy agenda.

The Chamber and its partners met with Sen. Richard Shelby, Sen. Doug Jones, Rep. Mo Brooks, and Rep. Robert Aderholt.

Among the list of topics discussed were two major infrastructure projects, workforce development initiatives, preservation of Lake Guntersville, along with additional items related to economic development.

Retired Scottsboro Water, Sewer and Gas Board GM Roy Light inquired about the possibility of Congress passing a federal infrastructure package.

Congressional leaders responded with an optimistic, but realistic tone stating that it would be a matter of both parties agreeing to fund items that were of importance to each’s respected priorities.

(Submitted Photo)

Echoing calls for infrastructure assistance was Stevenson Mayor Rickey Steele. Mayor advocated for lessening the regulatory burden placed on small municipalities regarding road resurfacing.

Commission Chairman Tim Guffey urged the county’s congressional delegation to assist in expediting federal assistance regarding funding critical infrastructure repairs to the county’s dilapidated roads and bridges.

Chamber President Rick Roden spoke of the danger that Asian Carp, an invasive non-native species, posed to Lake Guntersville, which serves as an economic driving force to the local economy.

Roden also touched on the need for federal dollars to fund the containment of aquatic weed growth.

Career Tech Director Jason Davidson and EDA Project Manager Nathan Lee lead discussions

regarding workforce development. The two spoke of the industry’s demand for skilled trade workers. They stated that the labor market is currently experiencing a shortage of skilled technical labor.

Davidson and Lee also promoted the JCBOE’s successful acquisition of the JCEDA SPEC building, which will be utilized for hands-on career technical training for students.

Section and Dutton Waterworks Board GM Jerry Hammon spoke of utilities related infrastructure projects that are currently in the planning stages.

President/CEO of Unclaimed Baggage Mike Elkins invited members of congress to the company’s 50th-year Anniversary Celebration.

Goose Pond Colony GM Lyle Sosebee briefed officials about ongoing efforts to further develop the Colony. According to Sosebee, the discussed

developments would serve as a boon to the county’s tourism industry.

County leaders believe Sen. Richard Shelby’s highly coveted position as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee will give Jackson County a unique opportunity to obtain federal funding for vital economic development projects.

Members of Congress also updated county officials on the outlook of COVID-19 (coronavirus).

When asked by Chamber Chairman Dylan Smith about the threat China posed to the American pharmaceutical supply chain, Congressman Mo Brooks responded by stating that the danger posed to Americans by the Communist regime is high.

Brooks stated that this threat outlined the importance of President Trump’s push for trade reform to strengthen American industrial independence from China, especially as it relates to drug manufacturing.

Next month, the Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Montgomery Drive-In where they will advocate for its state public policy agenda.

in Scottsboro, Alabama on June 12th – 14th.

This year’s Sealy Outdoors Big Bass Splash tournament covers 5 events, guaranteeing $2

Million Dollars in cash & prizes.

More information regarding the upcoming event will be reported as it is made available.

HMC Limits Visitation

By Jackson Blaze Staff SCOTTSBORO, Ala. — Highlands Medical Center is implementing visitation restrictions for hospital patients, effective immediately.

The facility is limiting patient visitors to help protect patients and staff, as well as prevent the potential spread of the COVID-19 in the community.

HMC remains open to patients for services in the Therapy Center, Imaging Center, Surgery Center, Outpatient Lab, Sleep Center, and those seeking emergency medical attention.

“While there are no confirmed cases of the virus in our hospital, we are limiting the number of visitors as a precaution for our patients and those providing care to them,” said Dr. Lonnie Albin, Chief Medical Offer at HMC. Visitation restrictions include: • No visitors under the age of 16, even when an adult is with them. Exceptions for extraordinary circumstances will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

• No more than one visitor per patient at any time.

• Visitors may only enter through the main hospital entrance, are required to participate in health questioning and have their temperature taken before entering the facility, with their temperature being continually monitored during their visit.

• Visitors are asked to practice good hygiene by washing hands or using hand sanitizer, and are encouraged to wash their hands with soap and water in the lobby restroom before proceeding to a patient room.

• Anyone who has a fever, cough, body aches or sore throat should stay away from the facility unless they are seeking treatment.

People who have flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, body aches and/or sore throat) should call their doctor for instructions before going to any healthcare office or clinic unexpectedly.

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FRIDAY — MARCH 20, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

3

COMMUNITY

COVID-19 FROM PAGE 1

urgent business are being encouraged to wait. The regularly scheduled commission meeting on March 24th has been cancelled.

Meetings in the future will be reviewed as necessary. • DeKalb County Public Library: The Public Library will be closed at the end of the day tomorrow (March 17) until further notice. • DeKalb Regional Medical Center (DRMC): During the press conference, DRMC Representative Patrick Trammell stressed the importance of citizens contacting their healthcare provider if they have symptoms for

screening and testing.

This will ensure that space will be available in the hospital for emergency situations. • DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency: The EMA is available 24-7 by calling (256) 845-8569. EMA staff will also be available during the operating hours of the Activities Building of 10-2. • City of Fort Payne: Fort Payne Mayor Larry Chesser stated that the Recreation Center, Golf Course, and Coal & Iron Building will all remain closed until further notice. Events scheduled during this time will be re-scheduled. The parks in the city will remain open. • The DeKalb County Courthouse:

Starting on March 18th until April 16th, the DeKalb County Courthouse will be open on a modified schedule from 10 am to 2 pm.

People seeking entrance to the courthouse will be screened by security at the door for symptoms.

Admittance will be limited to those with pertinent business at the courthouse, meaning that only those necessary will be admitted and family/ friends may be asked to wait outside.

For full details regarding the closure and food-related developments of DeKalb County and Fort Payne City Schools, please visit the updates posted on our social media pages. " I am so appreciative of our people in

DeKalb County for your resilience and perseverance," Harcrow continued. " Some decisions may have to be re-evaluated in the coming days because we are sailing in unchartered waters. To our mayors, hospital personnel, education officials, EMA; we at this time owe you all a debt of gratitude.� “This is not our first emergency situation. We will come through this and do everything we can to hold the inconveniences to a minimum, but there will be some for all of us," Harcrow continued. " I am confident that our citizens will do the best they can to help themselves and to help those around them."

Council on Aging Announces Closings

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — The Council on Aging and Public Transporation announced that they will be closing effective March 16 and will reopen on April 6, 2020.

All clients of the SenioRx Prescription Assistance program can be assured that the agency will be working by phone to ensure

clients experience no delays in their medicines.

Since the closure of Public Transportation, the center will be working closely with other agencies to ensure that clients receive food during this time.

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The 440 meal clients will continue to receive food during the shutdown.

The 200 current clients who receive the Commodity Supplemental Food Program boxes will receive their food at the regular date, time and location. Clients are advised to remain in their car with windows rolled up while a staff member puts the boxes in their car.

All Senior Center clients that currently

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SOUTHERN TORCH • 98-3 WILD COUNTRY • 101-7 THE TORCH Staff:

Southern Torch (USPS Periodicals #19790) is published each Friday by Southern Torch, Inc. 203 Main Street E, Rainsville, Ala. 35986. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Southern Torch, P.O. Box 614, Rainsville, Ala. 35986-0614.

Eloise Smith, General Manager Marla Jones, Managing Editor/Sports Jenna Sue Payne, Media Sales Manager Joe Sims, Radio Operations Manager Zach Hester, Art Director/Reporter Amy Thrash, Account Executive B. Annette Little, Account Executive Jodi Skinner, Account Executive Teresa Smith, Traffic Director Dylan Smith, Jackson Blaze Managing Editor Lindsey Jones, Accounting Marshall Stiefel, Distribution Manager

256.638.4040 • 256.259.2341 MEMBERSHIP RATES:

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receive weekly frozen meals or meal replacements (liquid supplements) will continue to receive these during the shutdown.

The Senior Center clients that eat in the Senior Center and the clients that receive hot home-delivered meals will receive a box of 7-pack shelf-stable meals once a week.

Clients will be contacted with details once they become available.

IVEY

FROM PAGE 1 the Alabama Emergency Management Act to declare a state of emergency as a result of the current pandemic� stated Attorney General Steve Marshall. “She has the lawful ability to postpone a primary runoff election to protect public health and safety during the state of emergency.� “Delaying the election to July 14 is not a decision I came to lightly, but one of careful consideration. I appreciated the guidance of Attorney General Steve Marshall and Secretary of State John H. Merrill for their collaboration to

ensure the continuity of state government.� “I am grateful to Governor Ivey and General Marshall for their proactive leadership, sincere dedication, and spirit of teamwork displayed during these difficult times,� added Secretary of State, John H. Merrill. “It is critical that we provide a safe and secure environment for all 3,585,209 voters in the State of Alabama to participate in the electoral process.�

The Secretary of State is encouraging anyone who is concerned with contracting the virus or spreading the illness to vote by absentee.

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FRIDAY — MARCH 20, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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LEGALS

LEGALS

IN THE JUVENILE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

Case No.: JU-2019-266.02

CASE NO.: 2020-65

CASE NO.: 2020-64

marla@southerntorch.com

IN THE MATTER OF MICHAEL KOHYN MURDOCK

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BURLEY ONEAL MAYO, deceased

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF ROY M. BARKLEY JR., DECEASED

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — The Cities of Rainsville and Fort Payne are closing several key departments due to the developing situation with COVID-19.

At Monday's meeting of the Rainsville City Council, Mayor Rodger Lingerfelt announced the closing of the Rainsville Library, Park and Recreation Department (Field of Dreams), the Tom Bevill Center and the Agri-Business Center until April 6.

The Rainsville City Hall will be conducting business through the Drive-thru. The Rainsville Court System will not hold Court until

To Krystal Dawn Murdock, mother of the minor child M. K. M., DOB: 4-20-19, whose whereabouts are unknown, you must answer the Petition to Terminate Parental Rights and other relief by April 30, 2020 or thereafter a judgment of default may be rendered against you in JU-2019-266.02, Juvenile Court of DeKalb County, Alabama.

Law Office of Glenn A. Shedd P.O. Box 681105 Fort Payne, AL 35968 To be published: March 13, March 20, and March 27

LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION ON THE ESTATE OF BURLEY ONEAL MAYO, DECEASED, having been granted to the undersigned on the 10th day of March, 2020, 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.

TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration having been granted to SHERRY BELL BARKLEY, as Personal Representative of the Estate of ROY M. BARKLEY JR., deceased, on the 16th day of March 2020, 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.

Chris Runyan, Administrator

Sherry Bell Barkley, Personal Representative

To be published: March 20, March 27, and April 3

To be published: March 20, March 27, and April 3

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IT’S TIME TO STOCK YOUR POND! Delivery Will Be: Wednesday, April 1

Albertville 7:30-8:15 @ Albertville Farmers Co-op Boaz 8:30-9:15 @ Farmtown Crossville 9:45-10:30 @ DeKalb Farmers Co-op Collinsville 11:00-11:30 @ Tyler Farms Centre 12:00-12:30 @ Cherokee Farmers Co-op Gadsden 1:15-2:00 @ 411 Feed & Seed Garden Center

April 16.

Mayor Rodger Lingerfelt went on to say that through a joint effort with the DeKalb County Board of Education nutrition program, the City would pass out meals beginning Monday, March 23 from 10 a.m. 12 p.m. for children needing meals due to the dismissal of school.

Rainsville Fire Chief Willimac Wright updated the Council regarding the ongoing efforts to control the spread of the coronavirus.

The City of Fort Payne has taken the following precautions: • The City Recreation Center has been closed at the end of business on Monday, March 16. All

activities have been suspended. • The City golfcourse and dining facility is closed. • All events at the Theatre, Courtyard, and Coal & Iron Building, and the Rotary Pavilion are cancelled. • All court activities are cancelled. • Access to any City building is being restricted and only business of urgent nature will be conducted by either telephone or by appointment. • All City parks will remain open and restrooms will be monitored closely.

For all closures, visit our social media pages and website, southerntorch.com.

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FRIDAY — MARCH 20, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

5

POLITICS

Key to Run for Valley Head Mayor

By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com VALLEY HEAD, Ala. — Longtime resident and Valley Head Councilman Michael Key has announced his intention to run for Mayor of Valley Head.

Key, who has lived in Valley Head since 1978, has served as a member of the Valley Head Town Council, city zoning committee, and as a volunteer fireman. Key is a Vietnam veteran, a charter member of the Northeast Alabama Marine Corps League, and a strong supporter of the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program.

In a press release, Key stated he is "planning to continue on the paths that are beneficial in improving Valley Head."

Key has been married to Eiko for more than 47 years and they have two sons, Thomas and Anthony, and three grandchildren. They are members of Second Baptist Church in Fort Payne.

"Valley Head is where our sons went to school and grew up. There has been a lot of changes that I witnessed but at the same time, lots of good things [have] stayed the same," said Key. "There are many lifelong residents that call this town home and contribute their time and energy to make this town a joyful and peaceful place to live."

Municipal elections in DeKalb County will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2020.

DEATH NOTICES W.T. WILSON James Mark Hayes - 55 of Boaz, passed away on Wednesday, March 11. Funeral services will be announced at a later date.

Hazel Nell Lance - 88 of Fyffe, passed away on Thursday, March 12. Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 15 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial in Corinth Cemetery.

Donnie Dewayne Moreland - 65 of Crossville, passed away on Friday, March 13. Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 15 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial in Kyuka Cemetery.

James William Harbin - 66 of Woodville, passed away on Friday, March 13. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Monday, March 16 at Paint Rock Baptist Church with burial in Peters Cove Cemetery.

Eva Henderson Williams Everett - 75 of Fort Payne, passed away on Friday, March 13. Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Monday, March 16 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial in Black Oak Cemetery.

Wade Allen Bobo - 58 of Fort Payne, passed away on Saturday, March 14. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17 at Wilson Funeral Home with burial in Fischer Cemetery.

CORNER STONE Inis Paul Saucier Jr. - 61 of Henagar, passed away on Thursday, March 12. No formal services will be held.

Patrick Arlon Justus - 60 of Ringgold, Ga. passed away on Thursday, March 12. Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 14 at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with burial in New Hope Cemetery.

Roberta Marie Brewer - 57 of Albertville, passed away on Thursday, March 12. Funeral services will be announced at a later date.

CROSSVILLE Michael Ray Winkles - 65 of Fyffe, passed away on Thursday, March 12. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 15 at Crossville Memorial Chapel with burial in Beulah Cemetery.

RAINSVILLE

Charles Edward Talley - 69 of Section, passed away on Saturday, March 14. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial in Gant Hill Cemetery.

Ralph Murdock - 84 of Fyffe, passed away on Tuesday, March 10. Funeral services were held at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, March 13 at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Mount Zion Cemetery.

WILSON

Lowell Bell - 80, passed away on Wednesday, March 11. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 13

Jimmie Sue Griggs - 91 of Fort Payne, passed away on Wednesday, March 11. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 13 at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church with burial in Walker’s Chapel Cemetery.

Michael Lee Traylor - 65 of Fort Payne, passed away on Wednesday, March 11. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 14 at Wilson Funeral Home.

Beverly Fay Henderson - 64 of Fort Payne, passed away on Thursday, March 12. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Monday, March 16 at Wilson Funeral Home with burial in New Testament Cemetery.

at Fyffe Church of God with burial in Kirk Memorial Gardens.

Mabel Skaggs - 92 of Rainsville, passed away on Friday, March 13. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 15 at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Mountain View Memory Gardens.

BURT Roland Owen - 78 of Gaylesville, passed away on Wednesday, March 11. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 14 at Burt Chapel-Fort Payne with burial in Owen Family Cemetery.

Jennifer Whaley Gengozian - 65 of Fort Payne, passed away on Friday, March 13. Funeral services will be announced at a later date.

Douglas Alan Shanklin - 68 of Mentone, passed away on Friday, March 13 at Erlanger Hospital. Funeral services will be announced at a later date.

GERALDINE Billy Bolton - 80 of Crossville, passed away on Friday, March 13. Funeral services were held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 15 at Geraldine Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Skirum Cemetery.

KERBY Judson Pritchett - 79 of Section, passed away on Tuesday, March 10. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 13 at Pleasant View Baptist Church with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

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FRIDAY — MARCH 20, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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AHSAA Updates Bears Clip the on COVID-19 Eagles Wings

By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Submitted by The Alabama High School Athletic Association ALABAMA — Based on the Governor’s and the Alabama State Department of Education’s (ALSDE) directives to close all schools across the state for a period of 2.5 weeks beginning Wednesday, March 18, 2020, all athletic events including, but not limited to, contests, practices, weightlifting and conditioning are hereby suspended during this time. The last date for any athletic activity will be Tuesday, March 17th. The AHSAA will continue to work with the ALSDE, Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), Center of Disease Control (CDC) and the AHSAA Medical Advisory Board (MAB) to analyze the status of the current health situation.

At the end of the 2.5 week school closure period, the AHSAA will reevaluate health conditions and determine the status of spring sports championship play.

In the meantime, we pray everyone remains safe during this challenging time. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Please visit www.ahsaa.com for all updates and current information. On Monday, March 16th, the AHSAA will provide updated FAQ.

Harris Signs with Southern Union

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — The number one team and the number 2 softball team in the area faced each other on Thursday, as Plainview took on the Pisgah Eagles in area play.

A double to centerfield by Tobi Trotter brought in Keirstan Hiett to give the Lady Bears the 5-4 walk-off win.

Krimson Kidd and Trotter each hit homes for the Lady Bears.

Trotter finished the game going 4-for-4 at the plate, and scored two RBI’s and two runs.

Lily Boswell took the win from the mound, striking out 10 and walking none. Boswell allowed nine hits scoring 4 runs.

For the Lady Eagles, Lila Wheeler went 3-for-4 and scored two runs.

Remembering Pam Hunt

By Marla Jones Sports Editor Recently, Geraldine High School senior Sarah Harris signed her scholarship to continue her volleyball career at Southern Union Community College. She is joined by her family. (Submitted Photo)

Collinsville Seniors Sign with BSC, JSU

Collinsville Seniors Isaac Tillery and Kaleb Jones recently signed scholarship papers to further their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level. Isaac Tillery will be attending Birmingham-Southern College, while Kaleb Jones will be joining Jacksonville State University. (Submitted Photo)

marla@southerntorch.com

CROSSVILLE, Ala. — This week, Southern Torch is mourning the loss of one of our sports reporters from Crossville High School, Mrs. Pam Hunt.

Pam had updated the Crossville fans on our Facebook page for the past two seasons.

She passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 60.

In a letter from Albertville Funeral Home, her loved ones stated: I am writing this with a heavy heart this morning but we as a family, with long prayer and consideration for others, have made a decision on Pam Hunt's arrangements. We have never had to deal with

anything like what’s going on in our world today with the recent coronavirus situation and so we stopped and asked what Pam would want. We know she would want everyone to be safe because that’s the kind of person she was, caring about the well-being of others above herself and if you know her you would

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agree as well. We want to give everyone the opportunity to pay their respects, but at this time we have made the decision to have a closed funeral limited to immediate family only... we will also be having a celebration of life ceremony at a later date to be announced when this virus situation is resolved attend.

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