The Southern Torch — Vol. 6, No. 22

SPRING INTO SAVINGS AT TWIN CITY! 1411 Glenn Blvd SW, Fort Payne, AL 35967

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2020 / VOL. 6, NO. 21 / $1.00

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THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY

THIS WEEK IN SPORTS

THIS WEEK IN POLITICS

• Twin City Feeds First Responders at HMC • Alabama Sets Free Fishing Day for June 13

• Atchley Signs with Shorter • Woodall to Play Volleyball at Snead

• Merrill: Absentee is the Only Vote-By-Mail Option • Inside The Statehouse with Steve Flowers

FP Council Revisits Election Changes

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

The Fort Payne City Council held a special called meeting on Friday. (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

Ivey Modifies "Safer-At-Home" Order

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — (Full video at SouthernTorch.com) The Fort Payne City Council held a special called meeting on Friday regarding a recently passed ordinance that limits the number of polling places for the municipal election on

August 25.

Councilman Gerald “Red� Taylor set the tone for the meeting when he stated that he “was misformed� about the number of poll workers and the hardship of getting people to work the polls.

He went on to say that since there are requirements for the number of workers assigned to each voting boxes, “I don’t see how

reducing the number of polling places is going to reduce the number of workers.�

City Clerk Robert A. Parker stated there is to be one inspector and three clerks for each machine.

4400 voters will be assigned to the VFW and 3707 will be voting at Wills Valley Recreation Center.

> FP, P4

Let Freedom Ring

Last week, Governor Kay Ivey further updated the "safer-at-home" order for the State of Alabama. (Submitted Photo)

By Zach Hester Reporter

zach@southerntorch.com

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — On Thursday afternoon, Governor Kay Ivey (R-Ala.) and State Public Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris delivered an update regarding the state's progress on the fight against COVID-19.

The updated "Safer-At-Home" order, which lasts from Friday, May 22 at 5 p.m. until July 3 will now be expanded to include the reopening of entertainment venues at 50% capacity and it will

allow youth sports and athletic events to resume, though no direct competition between teams will be allowed until June 15. All other measures taken in last week's health order remain in effect.

Ivey stated it would be a long road to reopening the economy while maintaining social distancing. More than 500,000 people in the State of Alabama have applied for unemployment over the last two months

> IVEY, P4

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The Rainsville City Council held a special called meeting to discuss Freedom Fest on Friday afternoon. (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — (Full video at SouthernTorch.com) The Rainsville Council held a special called meeting on Friday to vote on whether or not the Rainsville Freedom Fest would be held, as planned, on June 27.

At a previous meeting of the Rainsville City Council, it was discussed rescheduling the event until August 28 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Councilmen Bejan Taheri and Marshall

Stiefel called for the special meeting when a decision had not been made regarding the Freedom Fest.

Taheri stated that people are ready to get out after three months. “I don’t see any reason to wait until August 28,� stated Taheri. “This virus is going to be around as long as we don’t have any cure.�

At the last meeting of the Rainsville City Council, all council members expressed their desire to move forward with having the annual event as scheduled.

Mayor Rodger Lingerfelt wanted to check with the

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Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the State Law before agreeing.

On May 25, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey lifted restrictions on public gatherings. The Alabama Department of Public Health released guidelines on Friday morning to address how public events were to be held.

After Taheri opened the floor to discussion on whether the festival would be held, Councilman Marshall Steifel stated the special called meeting was because of the failure of the council to put the measure to a vote at the last council meeting.

“I understand that there are guidelines we have to go by but it’s called the Freedom Fest for a reason and people have the freedom to do what they want,� stated Stiefel.

Councilman Brandon Freeman stated that he supported having the Freedom Fest but he when he took office, he took an oath to upload the laws of the government.

Councilman Ricky Bryum responded to Freeman stating that the council had not broken any laws. He went on to

> FREEDOM, P3

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FRIDAY — MAY 29, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

SPRING INTO SAVINGS AT TWIN CITY! 1411 Glenn Blvd SW, Fort Payne, AL 35967

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@JACKSONBLAZEAL

Stolen ATVs Recovered by Jackson Co. Unemployment Hits 13.3% caution.

Dylan Smith JCSO & Scottsboro Police ByJB Managing “I called the governor’s Editor

By B.A. Little, Reporter beverlyannette@southerntorch.com

dylan@southerntorch.com

JACKSON COUNTY, Ala. — An investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) involving several stolen all-terrain vehicles (ATV) resulted in the following property being recovered: Honda Foreman 400 ATV & 25-gallon sprayer (valued at $5,000); Yamaha Grizzly 550 ATV (valued at $9,800); Echo 225 Grass Trimmer (valued at $250); Honda Rancher 350 ATV (valued at $1,500); Honda 300 4×4 ATV (valued at $2,500); Camouflage John Deere Gator 4-Seater UTV (valued at $10,000).

The suspect in these thefts was identified as Richard Allen Green (34 of Section). He has been observed on some of the vehicles and has fled from law enforcement on several occasions in the past week. Arrest warrants have been obtained for Green.

In a separation investigation on May 13, JCSO investigators and deputies located a stolen side-by-side valued at $22,856 at a residence on County Road 138 in Skyline.

Investigators notified the Scottsboro Police Department of a location where other stolen property was believed to be located. Investigators with Scottsboro located a second 2020 side-by-side utility trailer valued at $19,359 at a residence on Lakeshore Drive in Scottsboro.

Spencer Rick Coates, 39 of Huntsville, was charged with Receiving Stolen Property 1st by the Scottsboro Police Department in connection with the items located.

The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are expected in the case. The victims of these arrests have been notified.

SCOTTSBORO, Ala. — The Alabama Department of Labor has released updated unemployment numbers amid an economic downturn caused by COVID-19.

Jackson County’s unemployment rate has risen to 13.3%, which is higher than that of all bordering counties of Madison, DeKalb, and Marshall. The new rate is up significantly from the county’s January unemployment rate of 2.7%.

There is optimism that economic conditions will take a positive turn as coronavirus-related lockdown restrictions are gradually being phased out. Last week Gov. Kay Ivey (R) announced the lifting of restrictions on movie theaters, bowling alleys, summer camps, and

other entertainment businesses.

The governor’s former restrictions were highly scrutinized by a number of public officials, claiming her ‘Stay at Home’ order caused unnecessary economic damage and inadvertently harmed local businesses, while allowing corporate chains to remain open.

Corporate giants such as Walmart and Home Depot were allowed to continue operations while certain locally-owned small businesses were forced to close. One of Gov. Ivey’s chief critics was U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville) as he took to Twitter in April and blasted the restrictions. “The Governor’s

stay-at-home order is too sweeping,� said Brooks. “It hurts Alabama workers, kills small business revenues, reduces tax revenue, but importantly, the order also prevents Alabamians from exercising their own individual creativity and ingenuity at safeguarding health.�

Brooks went on to say that government was picking “winners and losers�. The conservative Congressman has since expressed his gratitude of Gov. Ivey’s easing of restrictions.

State Rep. Tommy Hanes (R-Bryant), a consistent critic of government overreach, says he urged the governor’s office to use

office two days before the state shut down asking her not to close down the state,� said Hanes. “I thought we ought to warn the elderly to stay at home as much as possible and ask everyone to keep their distance.�

Hanes continued, “I asked her to monitor the infection and death rates but not to shut down the state. I told her representatives that it would drive a stake through the heart of the economy.�

Hanes concluded, “I know Governor Ivey was under immense pressure and that she did what she thought was best for the protection and well being of the citizens of the State.�

Jackson County’s updated unemployment rate of 13.3% mirrors that of the state, without accounting for seasonal adjustment.

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COMMUNITY

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Twin City Feeds First Responders at HMC

By Southern Torch Staff SCOTTSBORO, Ala. — Bobby Ledbetter's Twin City Used Car Sales partnered with Rick Roden of the Scottsboro Chamber of Commerce,

and GM Tim of Zaxby's in Scottsboro to feed first responders at Highlands Medical Center.

In a Facebook post, Twin City stated: "We want to thank CEO John Anderson,

Suzanne Sivley, and all the hardworking nurses, doctors and staff that are on the frontlines during this pandemic for the sacrifices that they make on a daily basis!

Glad that we were

Alabama Sets FREEDOM Free Fishing Day FROM PAGE 1 for June 13

(National Park Service | Neal Herbert)

By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com ALABAMA — Alabamians and out-of-state visitors will have the chance to fish for free in most public waters on Saturday, June 13.

Free Fishing Day, which is a part of National Fishing and Boating Week, allows fishing in the State of Alabama without the purchase of a fishing license. However, state public fishing lakes still require the permit on Free Fishing Day and fishing on private property still requires permission from the owner.

In a release from Outdoor Alabama, Chris Blankenship, the Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) stated, “This is the perfect opportunity for non-anglers to test the fishing waters and to remind former anglers of all the fun they’ve been missing. It’s also a day for kids to learn how fun and exciting fishing is, while giving families a chance to do something together outdoors.�

ADCNR advises that participants in Free Fishing Day observe the state's current health order and practice social distancing due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information on Free Fishing Day or ADCNR, please visit outdooralabama.com.

say that since the Council handles the financing and voted to have it, “it becomes law�. “We are here for a reason, let freedom ring.

It’s called Freedom Fest for a reason,� concluded Bryum.

Stiefel stated that he spoke to Mayor Lingerfelt on Wednesday regarding the festival and was told that, “it’s kind of up in the air� by Lingerfelt. Stiefel continued by saying that it was a short notice to give to vendors but that he felt sure that Rainsville Chamber of Commerce Director Sandy Goff would be successful.

Mayor Rodger Lingerfelt agreed and said after he received confirmation, he proceeded to send checks out to get things moving forward for the festival. “You never called me and said anything,� said Stiefel. Lingerfelt responded by saying he

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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

didn’t know he had to.

According to restrictions, a layout plan and a Google map must be submitted to the Alabama State Fire Marshall. CDC guidelines as listed below will be followed: • Vendors will be 10 feet apart from each other • Vendors will wear masks • Extra bathrooms complete with hand sanitizer • No children’s activities such as inflatables or playgrounds will be allowed • A 6-foot distance is recommended In a vote, the Council voted unanimously to hold the Rainsville Freedom Fest on June 27.

According to the Mayor, the Rainsville City Pool will open on June 1 at half capacity (60 swimmers). The City Park Walking Track and tennis courts are now open, along with the Northeast Alabama Agri-Business Center.

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

able to help give back to these wonderful people!

Thank you to everyone that assisted today and had a hand in this great cause. We are all in this together!"

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Blessing Box Opens in Valley Head

(Photo Submitted by Bonnie Tucker)

By Southern Torch Staff VALLEY HEAD, Ala. — A "blessing box" has been started for those who needs it in Valley Head.

The box is at Valley Head Baptist Church, located at 265 Church Street in Valley Head.

The box is filled with food and essential items for anyone in need. Donations are welcome.

Use DD-33 to kill fleas on dogs & cats on contact. Pleasant odor. Quicker Kill. Hometown Feed & Seed 657-2020. (www.kennelvax.com)

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FRIDAY — MAY 29, 2020

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IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No.: 2020-113

ADMINISTRATOR'S NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF IMOGENE GEORGIA VAUGHN LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION on the Estate of IMOGENE GEORGIA VAUGHN, having been granted unto the underdesigned on the 5th day of May, 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.

To be published: May 29, June 5, June 12

IVEY

FROM PAGE 1 with $1 billion distributed in compensation.

According to a preliminary report released by the Alabama Department of Labor on Friday, the unemployment rate in the State of Alabama reached a four-decade high in April.

The report recorded the unemployment rate to be 12.9% with some counties recording as high as 20% unemployment. In DeKalb County, the April 2020 unemployment rate was 11.7%.

Dr. Harris of Alabama Public Health stated there were more than 13,000

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rescind that ordinance after this election. This was done for safety reasons, in my mind, and if it was done for any other reason, I don’t know why. I think we all went into this trying to make this as safe and efficient election as possible because we were afraid that people weren’t going to vote. We are still encouraging people to vote absentee, even now,� concluded Hill.

The council discussed several safety measures that would be implemented to hold a safe municipal election. Golf carts will be available for those who need assistance, along with antibacterial soap, masks, and new pens for each voter. “This change was made for safety reasons to be able to keep people separated more easily in bigger locations, it was never intended to make it harder for people to vote.

We were just looking at the bigger facilities that proper protocol could be followed,� stated Fort Payne Council President Brian Baine. “This was definitely not intended for a permanent change but only for this city election to

help with keeping workers and voters safe. A lot of things have had to change due to COVID-19 and these changes are evolving every day. If folks are afraid to get out and vote we encourage them to vote absentee. If I am able to help anyone with that process I will be willing to do so,� Baine concluded.

Municipal elections in Alabama are still set to be held on August 25th.

Candidate qualifying for municipal offices will begin on July 7th and run through July 21st.

Citizens interested in qualifying for municipal office must complete qualification paperwork through the City Clerk of their respective city.

Potential candidates must: reside within the city limits of their city 90 days prior to Election Day, be a registered voter, file qualification paperwork with the City Clerk’s office, and pay the qualification fee. Any race that requires a run-off election, those contests will be settled on October 6th.

To vote absentee, please visit www.sos. alabama.gov.

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cases of the novel coronavirus in Alabama with a daily average around 350 cases. He noted the percent positive of tests had decreased, but advised Alabamians to remain vigilant in their social distancing and encouraged face coverings in public places.

More than 600 people are currently hospitalized in Alabama, with the hotspot of Montgomery facing a shortage of beds in their hospitals' intensive care units (ICU).

Harris stated there was not a shortage statewide of beds or of ventilators.

Ivey also announced the State of Alabama had inked a deal with Apple and Google to use a contact tracing app to help Alabamians be alerted to who or who not has COVID-19 after coming in contact with them. The technology, which will be developed by public health experts, will also be used by the states of North Dakota and South Carolina, as well as countries like Italy, Germany and the Netherlands.

FP

FROM PAGE 1 “There will be two machines at each location to allow for the safety and well being of the voters,�

Parker stated.

Councilman Wade Hill stated that all the information had been provided to the council on Friday, before the council meeting regarding changes. He went on to say that the council had time to review whether they wanted to vote for or against, and it was voted for unanimously. “I’ve been getting crap all week because I’m the stumbling block and won’t let us change it back. We can’t legally change it back if we wanted to today,� said Hill.

Taylor then asked why to which Parker stated, “It’s too late, Red.� “It’s got to be published in the paper to be an effective ordinance, within so many days, and Monday is the deadline,�

Hill continued. “This is not a forever deal. This was done for the upcoming election. We can change that back and

FRIDAY — MAY 29, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

5

POLITICS

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE Merrill: Absentee

Mike Hubbard Conviction Finally Upheld Is The Only VoteBy Steve Flowers Political Columnist MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Over the past four years during my travels and speaking events over the state, the most asked question posed to me has been, “Why in the world is Mike Hubbard not in jail?�

It was four years ago in June 2016 that the Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives, Mike Hubbard, was convicted by a jury of his peers in Lee County of a dozen counts of violating the State Ethics Laws.

The most inquiring and astonished groups have been Republican laden clubs like Rotarians.

They have been very indignant, vocally, about the imbalance of the criminal justice system towards white collar political criminals, as opposed to those who are general thieves and assailants.

These comments were generally laced with indignation and skepticism that Hubbard would never serve a day in jail.

Well it looks like his day of reckoning may be coming near. He will eventually serve four years in an Alabama jail. Folks, that is not quite the ride that serving four years in a federal “country club� prison would be.

In April, the Alabama Supreme Court finally gave a clarified verdict on the 2016 Hubbard conviction.

The Alabama Supreme Court upheld six of the 12 verdicts handed down in Lee County. It reversed five others and remanded the case back to the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals, which had previously reversed one of the convictions.

Chief Justice Tom Parker wrote in the majority opinion, “We must interpret and apply the law. And, every person accused of breaking the law – even one who had a hand in creating that law – is entitled to the same rules of legal interpretation. When charged with a crime, public officials must be treated no better – and no worse – than other citizens in this State where all are guaranteed equal justice under the law.�

Hubbard may find further routes of delay; however, he will go to jail.

This ends an era of corruption inherent during the Bob Riley era as governor. Hubbard and Riley were well known to be best friends. There were numerous taped conversations between Riley and Hubbard used by prosecutors during the trial. During that reign, it appeared that it was open season on lobbyists in pay

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.

to play scenarios. Part of the team was the BCA backroom power player, Bill Canary.

This Hubbard/Riley/ Canary triumvirate is forever gone from Goat Hill. There is still a lingering perception that Bob Riley is still calling shots from the sidelines of today’s political campaigns and world. Folks, that is a misnomer. As a lobbyist, Riley is able to get some campaign money for certain candidates from his friends and benefactors, the Indian gambling interests. However, his influence in state politics is insignificant. He is not the power behind the throne that is sometimes perceived. There were whispers that he had influence and even control over the State Supreme Court. This Hubbard decision dispels that myth.

As unsavory as Bill Canary had become, the breath of fresh air brought to the Business Council of Alabama by Katie Britt is significant to say the least, if not monumental. Katie Britt, the young, vibrant CEO of the Business Council exudes not only energy but vast integrity and openness. She is twice as smart as most people on the block and ten times more honest and upfront with folks. She projects an image that makes business folks in Alabama proud to be a part of government in our state.

Katie revealed brilliant leadership, recently, when she initiated and orchestrated a BCA telethon on Alabama Public Television. They had volunteer lawyers, accountants and other experts on the phone answering questions about how to apply for federal programs in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. The Governor, Lt. Governor, and Attorney General appeared as guests on the show with Katie. Also appearing was the legendary leader of the National Federation of Small Businesses in the state, Rosemary Elebash, who has been a brilliant, hard-working leader for Alabama’s small business owners for decades.

See you next week.

By-Mail Option

By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com MONTGOMERY, Ala. — As other states develop plans for expanding vote-by-mail options for the November elections, Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill confirmed there will be no direct mail voting in Alabama this year.

In a tweet responding to President Donald Trump's claim that vote-by-mail will cause the "greatest rigged election in history," Merrill said: "Don't worry @realDonaldTrump, WE WILL NOT have direct mail in voting in Alabama! We have provided an excuse provision for anyone that wants to vote absentee and our polling sites will be open for anyone that wants to vote in person! Keep working hard to Make America Great Again!"

In a Zoom interview with Managing Editor Marla Jones, Merrill stated hygiene precautions were being taken for in-person voting. He also addressed his decision on mail-in voting in Alabama.

"In Oregon, Colorado, and Washington, those states mail a ballot to each and every person that's a registered voter," said Merrill. "That's not a very safe and secure way to keep people from trying to cheat."

"We're not going to be doing that," he continued. "All our polling sites will be open...and we want them to vote the way they want to."

The current deadline to register to vote in the July 14 Republican primary runoff is Monday, June 29. The deadline for absentee applications is Thursday, July 9 with the return deadline set for close of business on Monday, July 13. For more information, please visit the Alabama Secretary of State website at sos.alabama.gov.

DEATH NOTICES CORNER STONE Jerry Allen Waldon - 79 of Dutton, passed away on Thursday, May 21 at Huntsville Hospital.

Funeral services were held at noon on Saturday, May 23 at Pleasant View Church of God with burial in Oak Lawn Memorial Park.

Bonnie Leonora “Lynnie� Price - 98 of Bryant, passed away on Thursday, May 21 at her residence. Funeral services were held at noon on Sunday, May 24 at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with burial in Floral Crest Cemetery.

Jimmy Don Moore - 62 of Dutton, passed away on Friday, May 21 at his residence. The family will hold a private graveside service.

Hildon Joe McBride - 76 of Henagar, passed away on Friday, May 22 at his residence. Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26 at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with burial in Oak Lawn Memorial Park.

Larry Cleve Ballard - 68 of Flat Rock, passed away on Monday, May 25 at his residence.

Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27 at

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Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with burial on a family plot at his farm.

BURT Florian Dwight Martin - 71, passed away on Wednesday, May 20.

The family will hold a private graveside service at Valley Head Cemetery.

James Daniel Hunt - 66, passed away on Saturday, May 23. The family will hold private services at Shiloh Cemetery in Fruitland Park, Fla.

RAINSVILLE Lola Bradford - 85 of Rainsville, passed away on Saturday, May 16.

Funeral services were held at 9 a.m. on Friday,

May 22 at Mountain View Memory Gardens Mausoleum.

Erby “Bumpy�

Wooten - 87 of Rainsville, passed away on Tuesday, May 19 at DeKalb Regional Medical Center.

Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 22 at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Town Creek Cemetery.

June Gray - 84 of Rainsville, passed away on Friday, May 22. Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 24 at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Kirk Memorial Gardens.

W.T. WILSON Gladys Chandler - 89 of Fyffe, passed away on

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Wednesday, May 20. A graveside service was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 23 at DeKalb Memorial Gardens.

David Russell Fischer - 63 of Valley Head, passed away on Thursday, May 21. No funeral services are planned at this time.

Vickie Lynn Couch - 53 of Fort Payne, passed away on Friday, May 22 at DeKalb Regional Medical Center. Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 24 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial in Mount Hermon Cemetery.

Lina Lou Benefield 76 of Fort Payne, passed away on Monday, May 25.

Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 30 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial in Walnut Grove

Cemetery.

RAINSVILLE Leesa Tindle Alexander - 56 of Fort Payne, passed away on Saturday, May 23.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 29 at Wilson Funeral Home with burial in Stewart Cemetery.

Marjorie Turner Roden - 83 of Fort Payne, passed away on Sunday, May 24 at her residence.

A private graveside service will be held at Glenwood Cemetery.

Terry Wayne Wagner - 60 of Fort Payne, passed away on Monday, May 25. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 28 at Wilson Funeral Home with burial in Walker’s Chapel Cemetery.

6

FRIDAY — MAY 29, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

SPORTS

Atchley Signs with Shorter Woodall to Play at Snead

Grant Atchley, a recent graduate of Sylvania High School signed a national letter-of-intent to play basketball at Shorter University during a signing ceremony at Sylvania High School on Saturday. Pictured L to R (Front row): Dr. Keith Atchley (father), Grant Atchley, Carrie Atchley (mother) (Back row) L to R: DeKalb County Superintendent Dr. Jason Barnett, Sylvania Principal Wesley King, and Sylvania Head Basketball Coach, Tyler Brooks.

Kaitlyn Woodall from Fyffe High School signed her letter of intent to continue her Volleyball Career at Snead State Community College. Due to Social Distancing and guidelines, she signed her letter in her own home. She is the daughter of Brett & Amanda Woodall.

CATCH OF THE WEEK LET'S PLAY BALL This week's Catch of the Week is Amber Selwyn!

She caught this monster over the long Memorial Day weekend.

To be featured as our next Catch of the Week, submit your photos to marla@ southerntorch.com!

By Marla Jones, Managing Editor • marla@southerntorch.com MONTGOMERY, Ala. – According to the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA), member schools may re-open June 1, in accordance with Alabama State Department of Education Superintendent Dr. Eric Massey’s directive announced Thursday.

AHSAA Executive Director Steve Savarese said that was welcome news for the AHSAA and its member schools.

“The AHSAA, its Central Board of Control, along with the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE), has updated its guidelines regarding summer activities,” Savarese said. “The biggest change is our schools may re-open on June 1, a week earlier than the June 8 date previously discussed. We are elated to have a definite date for our coaches and student-athletes to return to their schools where they can continue to experience valuable educational lessons through athletics.

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Y L O P T F C D A U C X A I K D C Z

D L E O U T R C R G T R I U C L K M

Q Y R T D F P L O N E R F C I E I Y

A W O P I R F D T Y U A V G L J L O

Movie Film Flick Director

B O Y T O E P O C K N B M S F W A X

C O T G M O V I E L E W Z A A V G C

E D I T D W A S R E W M O I R C V P

Feature Drama Comedy Hollywood

Y T I O A M E N I C F U H J S D K U

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Screen Cinema Studio Edit

“B HBCT VW HBMVTI. B KXAT HTXUITZ X FUTXV ZTXH PUWN HBMVTIBIF JXUTPDHHS. NWMV GTWGHT ITATU HBMVTI.” — TUITMV KTNBIFQXS YOUR HINT: G = P The Southern Torch Cryptogram is a new part of our game section. Quotes are selected from famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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