The Southern Torch — Vol. 6, No. 25

THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2020 / VOL. 6, NO. 25 / $1.00 THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS

• DeKalb Businesses Announce COVID-19 Cases • See Who's Featured in our Spotlight!

Fort Payne receives Project Updates

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — (Full video on southerntorch.com) The Fort Payne City Council held its regularly scheduled on Tuesday.

James Payton of Ladd Environmental updated the Mayor and Council on multiple ongoing City projects. • 5th Street Traffic lights-Alabama Department of Transportation is reviewing and then it will be sent for contractor bids • 49th Street Traffic Signal- Bids to be opened on June 30 • Turn Lane at New School-should be in place before the end of the year • TAP application to be submitted before July 1 for possible sidewalks from 3rd Street to 8th Street • Gravity Sewer Line from Terrapin Hills-Bid date to be set and bids awarded by late July • Gravity Sewer Line at Airport Roaddocumentation being worked on with the property owners • Carden Farms Project- upcoming plans will include a multi-use field for Youth Football and a walking track suitable to use for 5k, trail runs, and general exercise The Council suspended the rules for

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THIS WEEK IN POLITICS

• Trump to Campaign for Tuberville Next Month • Inside the Statehouse with Steve Flowers

LIKE

THIS WEEK IN SPORTS

• Inside The Huddle with the Fyffe Red Devils • Holt Signs with Capital University

TWEET

THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY • ADPH Announces SNAP Qualifications • CONTINUED: Rainsville Alcohol Sales

Rainsville to Vote on Alcohol Sales

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

marla@southerntorch.com RAINSVILLE, Ala. — (Full video on southerntorch.com) The Rainsville City Council held their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday.

The Council approved Resolution 6-15-2020 B that pertains to the wet/ dry referendum being placed on the ballot for the upcoming municipal election.

In 2014, the citizens voted to keep the City of Rainsville dry.

According to Mayor Rodger Lingerfelt, enough signed petitions have been submitted to City Hall. The petitions have been inspected to verify that the signers’ live in the city limits and are on the Rainsville voters’ list.

As the Council put the

resolution up for a vote, Councilman Marshall Stiefel requested to make a statement regarding the Wet/Dry Referendum. “I feel like they have a constitutional right to have it presented to the Council and put it on the ballot, therefore, I will honor it�

stated Stiefel. “ I just want to let it be known and let the people know I myself looked at it, and I personally will vote against it.�

The petition reads as follows: “To the Mayor and City Council of the City of

BOE Updates on Reopening Schools

By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — (Full Video on southerntorch.com) The DeKalb County Board of Education held a meeting via Zoom on Tuesday, June 16.

Superintendent Dr. Jason Barnett delivered an update regarding the COVID-19 situation as it relates to reopening DeKalb County Schools in the fall.

The start date for DeKalb County Schools remains August 7 and early enrollment forms for the DeKalb Virtual Academy have already been distributed if parents select that option for the new school year. “We want to have a really developed, and really

thoughtful plan,� said Barnett. “We’re working with a lot of voices to make sure we’re taking the right steps to get schools going back next year.� He further stated he would be meeting with several groups in the coming days to determine the best policies in reopening and general sanitation.

The Board approved the following financial issues and bids: • FY 2020 Budget Amendment #2 • Bids for CNP, including milk, ice cream, and produce • Bid for cleaning

services at the central office, facilities building, and DeKalb Virtual Academy to Hester’s Cleaning Service and More in the amount of $1,775 The following retirements/resignations were approved: • Lakala Willingham: secondary mathematics teacher at Plainview (retirement, 6/1/20) • Jon-Alan Pope: math instructional coach at System (resignation, 6/12/20) • Teddy Whitmire: secondary science teacher at Fyffe (resignation, 6/15/20) The following on-the-job injuries were approved: • Stanley Bullock: custodian at Valley Head

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Rainsville, Alabama: “It is petitioned that a municipal option election be held at the same time of the August 2020 election to permit the legal sale and distribution of alcoholic beverage within the municipality of Rainsville as provided under Section

28-2A-1 of Code of Alabama, 1975 as amended.�

The Council approved the purchase of 16 acres of land in the amount of $160,00 for future expansion of the Field of Dreams Sports Complex.

The Council also approved the following: • Purchase of 100 garbage cans from Toter in the amount of $5,662.35 • Repair the damaged manhole in front of The Carpet Center and Edward Jones for a cost of $2000 to Boozer Construction • Approved Resolution 6-15-2020 (A) pertaining to 2020 Official Poll Workers list for the upcoming municipal election • Approved Ordinance 6-15-2020 regarding the annexation of Autumn

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Man Charged with Sexual Abuse of a Child

(Fort Payne Police Department)

By Southern Torch Staff FORT PAYNE, Ala. — On Friday, June 12, Paul Larue Edwards (51 of Fort Payne) was arrested by investigators with the Fort Payne Police Department on felony charges of Sexual Abuse of a Child Less Than 12 Years Old. This charge is a Class B felony.

This investigation is going with the possibility of more charges pending.

Edwards was transported to the Fort Payne Police Department where he was processed then transferred to the DeKalb County Detention Center with a $15,000 bond.

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.

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FRIDAY — JUNE 19, 2020

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NACC Earns Top Rank in Student Retention

By Jackson Blaze Staff POWELL, Ala. — Choosing a college that is the best fit is an important decision for any student.

Picking a college where faculty and staff are helpful, encouraging, and supportive is certainly a part of that decision. A recent study by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE) indicates that Northeast Alabama Community College (NACC) may be the right college choice for many students. The ACHE study found that NACC was number one among community colleges in the state in retaining students. Retention of students refers to the percentage of students that either complete a degree or certificate program or return to

continue that path in the next academic year.

Retention data is taken from the enrollment and completion numbers of two consecutive fall terms.

This study found that NACC had a 66.8% rate in the retention of First-Time Degree-Seeking Freshmen (full and part-time) from the 2018 Fall Semester to the 2019 Fall Semester (the last available timeframe for the study).

“We are very proud of this,” stated NACC President Dr. David Campbell. “We want to see our students succeed and keeping them in school that first year is a very big part of this process. For a number of years NACC has sought ways to help our students,” Dr. Campbell added.

NACC has implemented several ways

to try and retain students, including opening a Student Success Center, starting an early alert system when students are displaying academic problems, paying for peer and professional tutors in most all fields, revamping the advising process to give students personal attention, expanding and adding personnel to the developmental studies program, opening a technology learning center to provide students with help with technology and computers, and providing workshops and sessions on how to get the most from their studies.

Providing events and activities and having an attractive campus for students have been points of emphasis also.

“Much of what we do is based on attitude as

well,” Campbell stated.

“We have people at Northeast who care about their students and want them to be successful.

Everyone on our staff can do something to make students feel encouraged, comfortable, and accepted at the college, whether it’s an administrator, faculty, staff member, police officer, or member of our grounds and maintenance crew.”

Northeast is one of twenty-four community colleges in the Alabama Community College System (ACCS). This

System aspires to see students succeed as well, and one of the many assessment measures of colleges used by the ACCS is: “How well does the college retain students?”

Data compiled by the System itself places NACC at the top in first-year retention among the System’s open-admission community colleges in the state.

“Being successful at first-year retention is a great thing,” stated Dean of Students Sherie Grace.

“But we also want to make certain students complete their programs of study.

This and students getting jobs from their degrees are the ultimate goals,” added Dean Grace.

The ACCS also measures their colleges on the standards of program completion and job

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placement. NACC brings the same attitude to completion as it does to retention. In fact, the college has begun a very successful reverse transfer program where former students can transfer courses back to Northeast and if these courses meet the right fields and subjects, the student may obtain a degree from Northeast.

College officials note that in the economic world caused by the coronavirus pandemic, obtaining a certified specialty certificate, an associate, baccalaureate, or master’s degree is more important now than ever before in getting a well-paying job or career. The road to that achievement can start for anyone at Northeast Alabama Community College.

FRIDAY — JUNE 19, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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COMMUNITY

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ALCOHOL FROM PAGE 1

Creek Subdivision and accepting the street as Autumn Lane for 911 addresses • Approved Resolution 6-15-2020 C that pertains to the TAP application for a grant to install sidewalks from Rainsville Foodland to Cornerstone Chrisitan Academy • Pay $2000 for a protective barrier at the Rainsville Public Library.

The total cost was $4500 with $2500 coming from funds provided by the DeKalb County

Commission • Accepting resignations from Dean White and Tim Devlin from the Rainsville Police Department effective 6-23-2020 • Post two patrolmen positions within the Rainsville Police Department • Hired Joey Walden at the Rainsville Fire Department at $12.29 per hour starting July 1 with a 90-day probation The next Rainsville City Council meeting will be held on July 6, 2020, with a workshop at 4:15 p.m. and a regular session at 5 p.m.

ADPH Announces Qualifications for SNAP Benefits

Your loyal companion, Our dedicated focus!

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — According to the Alabama Department of Public Health, Alabama families may qualify for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, better known as WIC. If you are a woman who is pregnant, who had a baby within the past six months, who is breastfeeding, or who is the parent or guardian of a child up to age 5, you are encouraged to apply for WIC at your local county health department or WIC

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

Annual $

Weekly $

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The chart above represents the family size, annual income, and weekly income requirements for qualifying families. *Each unborn infant counts as one in the family size.

By Southern Torch Staff

Joseph K. McNew, D.V.M • Linda Galbraith, D.V.M. • Jessica Jones, D.V.M.

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agency.

Participants in the program receive free nutrition education and breastfeeding peer counseling support. In addition, participants have the option to receive up to three months of food benefits at a time for each qualified family member.

Alabama’s WIC program now provides electronic food benefits statewide, with options to apply remotely during COVID-19.

Under the 2020

federal poverty guidelines, more families may be eligible for the program. WIC is open to participants with incomes up to 185 percent of the federal poverty level. If you or another member of your family has lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you may also be eligible for nutritional and breastfeeding support from WIC. WIC participants must have both a limited income and a nutritional need. Families who receive Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF already meet the income qualifications for WIC. Even families who

do not qualify for these programs may be eligible for WIC because of its higher income limits.

Allison Hatchett, WIC Director at the Alabama Department of Public Health, stated, “WIC encourages families to be healthy by providing nutritious foods that support growth and development. Nutritious foods help children grow to be healthy adults and pregnant women to have healthy babies.�

For more information please visit http:// www.alabamapublichealth.gov/wic or call the statewide toll-free line at 1-888-942-4673.

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FRIDAY — JUNE 19, 2020

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LEGALS

To be published: June 12, June 19, June 26

NOTICE OF VEHICLE POSSESSION

LEGALS

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will proceed to take possession of the following described abandoned vehicle(s) on 7/17/20:

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

2017 Ford Escape VIN: 1FMCU0F72HUA19087 TWENTY FOUR SEVEN TOWING 1207 Gault Ave S Fort Payne, AL 35967 (256) 845-9918 To be published: June 12, June 19

LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No.: 2020-33 IN RE: THE ESTATE OF J.P. NATION, deceased NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to DAVID TUCKER and MARCIA TUCKER, as Personal Representatives of the Estate of J.P. NATION, deceased, on the 4th day of June 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.

Case No.: 2020-136 IN RE: THE ESTATE OF SHELBY JEAN WORD, deceased NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to RHONDA LYNN HOLCOMB and LANA MICHELLE SMITH, as Personal Representatives of the Estate of SHELBY JEAN WORD, deceased, on the 10th day of June 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.

To be published: June 19, June 26, July 3

LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No.: 2020-137 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DONALD C. WISNER, deceased Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Jeffery C. Wisner, Personal Representative, on the 10th day of June,

2020, by the Honorable Ronnie Osborn, Judge of the Probate Court of DeKalb County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within six months after the granting of latters, or within five months from the date of the first publication of this notice, whichever is the later to occur, or the same will be barred.

To be published: June 19, June 26, July 3

LEGALS NOTICE OF VEHICLE POSSESSION Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will proceed to take possession of the following described abandoned vehicle(s) on 7/24/20: 2000 DODGE DURANGO VIN: 1B4HS28N2YF216110 TWENTY FOUR SEVEN TOWING 1207 Gault Ave S Fort Payne, AL 35967 (256) 845-9918 To be published: June 19, June 26

LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No.: 2020-140 IN RE: THE ESTATE OF BRENDA JEAN ANDERSON, deceased EXECUTOR'S NOTICE TO FILE CLAIM Letters Testamentary as personal representative-executor of the Will of Brenda Jean Anderson, deceased, having been granted to the undersigned on the 16th day of June, 2020 by the Honorable Ronnie Osborn, Judge of Probate of DeKalb County, Alabama, 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: June 19, June 26, July 3

LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No.: 2020-106 IN RE: THE ESTATE OF BOBBY HUGH KIRK, deceased NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to ERICA PADGETT, as personal representative of the Estate of BOBBY HUGH KIRK, deceased, on the 16th day of June 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.

To be published: June 19, June 26, and July 3

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DeKalb Businesses Report COVID-19 Cases

By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — Over the last two weeks, several businesses have reported cases of COVID-19 in their facilities, and are taking steps to mitigate the spread.

The following businesses have reported COVID-19 cases: • Rainsville Technology Institute (RTI) in Rainsville: one associate • AP Plasman in Fort Payne: one non-active employee • Heil in Fort Payne: two employees • Steel Plus in Ider: one employee Formal statements were released by all of the above businesses. Those statement can be viewed in full at southerntorch.com.

As of 9 a.m. on Wednesday, the State of Alabama has 26,524 cases of the novel coronavirus with 388 probable cases out of more than 300,000 tests. 779 deaths have been reported with six probable deaths. 2,315 Alabamians have been hospitalized with the virus since March 13. The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) has reported 13,508 presumed recoveries.

At the time of press, ADPH reported 335 COVID-19 cases in DeKalb County with five confirmed deaths. In the last 14 days, DeKalb County has added 78 cases out of 693 tested.

FRIDAY — JUNE 19, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

5

POLITICS

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE

Trump to Why George Wallace said “No� to U.S. Senate Campaign for Tuberville in July

By Steve Flowers Political Columnist

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — My next book on Alabama politics will expound on who I believe have been the top 60 political leaders in Alabama over the past 60 years.

More than likely in any political historian’s book George Wallace and Senator Richard Shelby would rank as the top two.

The question is, “Who gets the number one spot?�

In my book, Senator Shelby trumps Governor Wallace. Maybe not six years ago, but after Shelby’s current reign as Chairman of the United States Senate Appropriations Committee and what he has brought home to Alabama is simply unparalleled.

Shelby’s remarkable 33 years in the U.S. Senate has been heralded by Chairmanships of the Banking, Intelligence, Rules, and now Appropriations committees. This will never be matched again in Alabama history. Indeed, it would be difficult to find any U.S. Senator in history with that resume.

In short, Shelby’s 33 years in the U.S. Senate capped with his pinnacle of power in the nation’s august body, trumps George Wallace’s 18 years as governor.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His column is in over 60 Alabama newspapers.

Steve served 16 years in the Alabama legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.

However, it is reasonable to bet that nobody will ever be Governor of Alabama for 18 years again. That is quite a feat.

I am often asked the question, “Why did George Wallace not proceed to the U.S. Senate?� Other southern political legends like Huey Long in Louisiana and the Talmadges in Georgia wound up their political lives in the U.S. Senate after being governor of their state.

In most states, the ultimate political prize has been to go to the U. S. Senate and die there.

There is an old saying that longtime southern senators will say, “The only way that I’m going to leave the United States Senate is by way of the ballot box or in a pine box.�

Being governor of a state is generally considered a prelude or stepping-stone to a U. S. Senate seat. Not so in Alabama, the governor’s

office has always seemed to be the ultimate brass ring.

George Wallace could have gone to the U. S. Senate early in his career.

In 1966 he had the golden opportunity. He had fought valiantly in 1965 to get the state senate to change the law that precluded a governor from succeeding himself. With that door closed, the obvious route for any politician would be to go to the Senate.

In 1966 Wallace was at the top of his game. He was at the height of his popularity. Race was the paramount and only issue.

He owned the issue. He owned the State of Alabama politically. He was the King of Alabama politics, and there was a senate seat up for election.

The venerable John Sparkman was up for election. He was powerful and he was popular but he was no match for George Wallace and he was considered soft on the race issue. Wallace would have easily beaten Sparkman and gone to the Senate. He chose instead to run his wife for governor. Lurleen Wallace trounced the illustrious field of candidates.

After Wallace was shot in his presidential bid in 1972, he survived but he was mortally wounded and left a paraplegic for the rest of his life. His

health was ruined and he was relegated to constant pain and confined to a wheelchair.

In 1978 Alabama had not only one, but also both senate seats vacant.

Wallace was ending his third term as governor and had no where to go politically. It was obvious that Wallace should take one of the open seats. It was his for the asking. His close personal aide and friend, Elvin Stanton, related the scenario to me.

Stanton said that Wallace was going to run, but at the last minute, he told Elvin, “Let’s go to Washington and look around.� They went together to the Capitol and surveyed the terrain.

It occurred to Wallace that his life would be difficult at best maneuvering the steps and corridors of the Capitol. He just did not want to leave Alabama. He wanted to be near his doctors. He wanted to die in Alabama, not Washington. I suspect in the back of Wallace’s mind he thought that he might run one more time for governor in 1982. He did and he won.

Wallace would have won a Senate seat in 1978 and he would have won one earlier in 1966. The bottom line is George Wallace just did not want to be a United States Senator. He liked being Governor of Alabama.

President Donald Trump endorsed former Auburn football coach Tommy Tuberville ahead of his July 14 runoff against for U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions. (AP/ AL.com/Joe Songer)

By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com MOBILE, Ala. — According to a report by CNN, President Trump will travel to Mobile next month to campaign on behalf of U.S. Senate candidate and former Auburn football coach Tommy Tuberville.

Tuberville is locked in a runoff against former U.S. Attorney General and U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions. The winner of the July 14 runoff will face Sen. Doug Jones (D-Ala.) in November.

Trump endorsed Tuberville in March over his former Attorney General, with whom he has a tense relationship, due to Sessions recusing himself from the investigation on whether or not Trump's campaign colluded with Russia to influence the 2016 election.

"The people of Alabama will not be told who to vote for by anyone in Washington," said Sessions via Twitter on Monday. "As recent experience demonstrates, in Alabama we make our own decisions on who will represent us in the US Senate. It's always a good day when the President of the United States visits Alabama."

In a poll conducted by OnMessage from May 26-27 amongst a pool of 600 likely voters, Tuberville led Sessions 49-43 with eight percent undecided. The poll had a margin of error of 3.46%.

DEATH NOTICES W.T. WILSON Larry Dale Williams - 72 of Boaz, passed away on Wednesday, June 10.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, June 14 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

Audrey Beatrice Clark - 90 of Rainsville, passed away on Wednesday, June 10.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 13 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

Nellie Faye McKenzie Bell - 85 of Sylvania, passed away on Wednesday, June 10.

Funeral services were held on Friday, June 12 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial in Unity Cemetery.

Brittany Paige Mallett - 33 of Henagar, passed away on Thursday, June 11. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 16 at High Point Church of God. Tammy Melinda Dyson Chamblee - 48 of Albertville, passed away on Wednesday, June 10.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 13 at Victory Baptist Church with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Edna Jeanette

Andrews - 74 of Dawson, passed away on Saturday, June 13. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 16 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial in Lusk Chapel Cemetery.

John Franklin McNew - 80 of Fort Payne, passed away on Sunday, June 14.

The family will hold a memorial service at a later date.

BURT Stephen Earl Webb - 68 of Mentone, passed away on Friday, June 5.

The family will announce a memorial service at a later date.

CORNER STONE William Curtis Stoner, Jr. - 94 of Birmingham, passed away on Friday, June 12. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, June 17 at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with burial in Pea Ridge Cemetery with military honors.

Edith McCurdy Ellis - 88 of Henagar, passed away on Friday, June 12.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, June 14 at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with burial in Pine Grove Cemetery.

Bonnie Kennedy

Hamrick - 91, passed away on Saturday, June 13. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 16 at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with burial in Bethlehem Cemetery.

Turner Haney - 82 of Valley Head, passed away on Wednesday, June 10.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 20 at Violet Hill Baptist Church.

Roger Dale Weldon - 51 of Flat Rock, passed away on Sunday, June 14.

Funeral services were held at Tuesday, June 16 at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with burial in Beulah Chapel Cemetery.

Webster C. Bell - 83 of Fort Payne, passed away on Tuesday, June 16.

Graveside services were held on Thursday, June 18 at Walnut Grove Cemetery.

Dennis Gene Chapman - 72 of Dutton, passed away on Tuesday, June 16. Funeral services were held on Thursday, June 18 at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with burial in Oak Lawn Memorial Park.

RAINSVILLE

WILSON

Virginia “Peepie� Bell Gayle - 84 of Center Line, Mich., formerly of Rainsville, passed away on Wednesday, June 10.

Funeral services were held on Monday, June 15 at Rainsville Funeral Home with burial in Kirk Memorial Gardens.

Vonda Keith Malone - 75 of Fort Payne, passed away on Sunday, June 7.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 13 at Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Fischer Cemetery.

Bronson Johnson - 50 of Sylvania, passed away on Thursday, June 11.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 13 at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Union Grove Cemetery.

Murrell Elaine

Rossville, Ga., passed away on Friday, June 12. Funeral services were held on Monday, June 15 at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Mountain View Memory Gardens.

Mary Tishaw Orr - 54 of Mentone, passed away on Friday, June 12. Funeral services were held on Monday, June 15 at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Bankhead Cemetery.

Maggie Lou Deerman Hicks - 93 of Pisgah, passed away on Saturday,

June 13. Graveside services were held on Tuesday, June 16 at Pisgah Cemetery.

Dewel Brown - 97 of Fyffe, passed away on Saturday, June 13. Funeral services were held on Monday, June 15 at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Straight Creek Cemetery.

Rick Baugh - 58 of Sylvania, passed away on Sunday, June 14. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 16 at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with burial in New Canaan Cemetery.

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FRIDAY — JUNE 19, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

WITH THE Fyffe

SCHEDULE 8/21: Isabella 8/28: @ Fellowship Christian GA 9/4: @ Collinsville 9/11: Sylvania 9/18: @ Brindlee Mountain 9/25: OPEN 10/2: @ Plainview 10/9: North Sand Mountain 10/16: Geraldine 10/23: Asbury 10/30: @ Scottsboro

Red Devils

By Marla Jones Sports Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

FYFFE, Ala. — On my first stop of this season’s Inside the Huddle, I visited with the Class 2A State Champions, Fyffe Red Devils!

When you mention football in Dekalb County, you naturally think of Fyffe. The Red Devils are a powerhouse in football. They have made back-to-back appearances in the State Championship games and have multiple State Championship rings on their fingers to prove it.

While at Fyffe, I always have the opportunity to be the “Coach of the Day”.

Growing up, I really didn’t excel in sports. I played with Barbies, when I mean playing with Barbies, I actually mean, cutting all their hair off to make my big sister cry.

I never thought that one day I would get to be a “coach.” I guess this is where all the people in elementary school, that picked me last for the dodgeball team are kicking themselves. The coaches always welcome me with open arms and I don’t mean to brag but I do have an official Fyffe Red Devil hat worn personally by legendary Coach Paul Benefield.

Who am I kidding? I am bragging.

Due to reclassification, Fyffe will move up to

Class 3A this season.

The Fyffe Football team finished the 2019 season with a perfect record and another blue trophy for their win at the State Championship.

The Red Devils have started their summer workouts later this year due to the Covid-19 restrictions enforced by Governor Kay Ivey. They will have a strict practice schedule throughout the summer because champions aren’t made overnight or in a couple of practices. “Stinkin’, rotten, lazy players” don’t win championships.

That’s according to Coach Benefield. I’m not sure if that comment was meant for the press, but maybe he won’t make me run

hills.

The Red Devils boast twelve returning seniors this season. The team has nine returning offensive starters and ten returning on defense.

Everyone always asks me after I visit Fyffe, “how does the team look?” I’m not much of a betting woman, but I can tell you one thing: I will never bet against the Fyffe Red Devils. My prediction for the Red Devils this season will be that they will be playing in the State Championship once again. They have the motivation and determination to bring home another blue trophy. Go Big Red!

SPOTLIGHT ON COACHES

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor • marla@southerntorch.com

Sports Editor/Coach Marla Jones and Fyffe Head Football Coach Paul Benefield take a socially-distanced photo for this year's edition of Spotlight on Coaches.

FYFFE, Ala. — This week's Spotlight on Coaches is shining on Paul Benefield, Head Coach for the Fyffe Red Devils Varsity Football Team!

Coach Benefield is an alumnus of Fyffe High School and received a degree from Jacksonville State University.

He is 9th on the all-time wins list for the State of Alabama. Benefield's overall record is 297-53 with a winning percentage of 84.9 percent. He has won four state championships and has never coached a losing record over his 28-year long career.

In 2007, Benefield was named Coach of the Year by the Alabama Sports Writers Association.

Coach Benefield is married to Jodi Benefield. They have three sons: Alex, Eli and Seth. Coach Benefield has had the honor of coaching all three of his sons in football.

On the field, you can hear Coach Benefield say to his players, “If it was easy, everyone would do it.” Having a winning season, year after year is hard but Benefield makes it look easy.

FRIDAY — JUNE 19, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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Holt Signs with CATCH OF THE WEEK Capital University

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor • marla@southerntorch.com IDER, Ala. — Andy Holt signed his National Letter of Intent to play at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio.

Holt lettered in football and baseball at Ider High School. He plans to major in physical therapy. “Andy was a standout defensive lineman and 1st baseman at Ider. I am so proud of Andy...Capital is getting a good one!," stated Ider High School Coach Miles Keith.

This week's Catch of the Week goes to Krymson Thrash and Lorali Tallent!

These two girls caught their fish while spending the day with friends and family!

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

IT’S TIME TO WIN THE DAY PREMIER MEMBERSHIP

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FRIDAY — JUNE 19, 2020

BOE

FROM PAGE 1

(three days) • Adam Haynes: Maintenance Worker at the Facilities Building (four days) The following leaves of absence were approved: • Ashley Williamson: English language arts teacher at Sylvania (8/3/20-5/27/21) The following transfers were approved: • Gregorio Sarabia: 12-month custodian to assistant secretary at Collinsville • Danica Phillips:

elementary teacher at Ider to elementary teacher at Fyffe • Marsha Dobbins: elementary teacher at Valley Head to elementary teacher at Fyffe • Dawn Osborne: assistant special education teacher to special education director (effective 7/1/20) • Megan Lea: library media specialist/itinerant instructional coach at Ruhama to itinerant library media specialist at Moon Lake/Ruhama • Daniel Pope: bus mechanic to shop foreman at the Bus Garage (effective 7/1/20)

Ider Discount Drugs

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• Kim Osborn: assistant principal (10 months)/teacher at Crossville Middle School to assistant principal (10 months) at Collinsville • Dr. Anna Hairston: assistant principal (10 months) at Collinsville to instructional supervisor (12 months) at the central office (effective 7/1/20) • Misty Gilbert: bus driver at Ider to itinerant special education bus aide at Ider Special Services Center The following placements were approved: Certified • Jamie Pruett: secondary mathematics teacher at Ider • Lisa Thayer: elementary teacher at Collinsville • Amanda Kasinger Smith: elementary teacher at Collinsville • Nicole Carroll: business education teacher at Valley Head • Renae Fraley: elementary teacher at Valley Head • Molly Veal: elementary teacher at Crossville Middle • Akela Barkley: itinerant English language arts teacher at Henagar/ Ruhama Support • Kristen Haymon: itinerant school nurse at Henagar • April Shrader: CNP

supervisor at the central office (effective 7/20/20) • Michael Peppers: bus driver at Crossville • Eddie King: bus driver at Sylvania • Desiree Henderson: Pre-K auxiliary at Ruhama • Christopher Haston: computer hardware/ software technician for the school district (effective 6/17/20) • Robert “Bobbyâ€?

Hullett: bus driver at Crossville The following summer workers were approved: • Sylvania: Grant Atchley, Hunter Hill • Fyffe: Brody Coots, Koby Harris • Geraldine: Caleb McSpadden • Moon Lake: Bret Hulgan • Plainview: Corey Blair, Geovauny Chaparro • Valley Head: Matthew Ogle • DeKalb Co. Technology Center: Seth White • Facilities: Cally Mays The following contracts were approved: • The Learning Tree: applied behavioral analysis (IDEA B) • Berenise Luna: translator for school enrollment (local) • Bris Torres: translator for school enrollment (local) The Board approved the following recommen-

dations from the Superintendent: • Approved Jennifer Williams to receive the duties and compensation of the Assistant Superintendent Supplement, in addition to her duties as federal programs director • Corrected salary schedules for translators and transliterators • Increased the adult CNP meal price to $3.75, based on yearly adjustments • Approved a supplement from the Bear Club to Robi Coker in the amount of $20,000 • Approved a supplement from the Fyffe Athletics Club to Paul Benefield in the amount of $15,000 • Removed the Internet opt-out policy • Approved the Superintendent’s request for permission to make placements upon Board approval The next meeting of the DeKalb County Board of Education will be held on Thursday, July 9 at 12

FP

FROM PAGE 1 immediate consideration and passed Ordinance 2020-05, to establish qualifying fees for the upcoming municipal election in the amount of $50.

The Council also approved the following: • Ordinance 2020-04 authorizing the use of Election System Software and Hardware for the upcoming Municipal election • Resoultion 2020-27, authorizing Ladd Environmental to apply for TAP funding for sidewalk upgrading in the downtown area Mayor Larry Chesser updated the council of the recent FEMA award to the City of Fort Payne in the amount of $689,380 for expenses due to coronavirus.

The next meeting of the CIty of Fort Payne will be held on July 7.

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FRIDAY — JUNE 19, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Happy Father's Day

Graphic Designer Zach Hester with his father, Chuck Hester, and sister, Jada Hester

Managing/Sports Editor Marla Jones with her father, E.C. Samples

Accountant Lindsey Jones and her father, Alan Cuzzort

Account Executive Amy Thrash and her late father, Jimmy West

Jackson Blaze Managing Editor Dylan Smith and his grandfather, Eddie Gilbert

Account Executive Jodi Skinner and her late father, Howard Crick

Distribution Director Marshall Stiefel and his father, Charlie Stiefel

Account Executive/Reporter B.A. Little's late father, Frank Hughes (1942-2016)

Celebrate Your Dad

By Zach Hester, Reporter zach@southerntorch.com

Father's Day has always been a day to celebrate fathers or the father figures in your life. As we glide through this story we call life, the effect of the men who raised us becomes more evident as you grow older.

While modern television mostly portrays fathers as dimwitted deadbeats, for me, I know that my Dad is anything but that. He perfectly portrays the best qualities that come to mind when you think about what makes up a great father.

He is faithful. He loves others. He is a mentor. He's a hard worker. He leads by example.

Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

From watching me roll my eyes while trying to teach me how to change a tire to... watching me roll my eyes while trying to teach me how to change a wiper blade (we've had to have a lot of car-related lessons), my dad was patient with me even when I had a less-than-stellar attitude (which is often).

Over the course of my life, my dad has shown great work ethic when it comes to providing for my family. He's worked hard, stayed late, and still rushed home to go with me to see a good movie. I knew he was tired but he still took the time for

me. It's a lesson that I know I will have to use if I have children of my own to parent.

He has taught me so many things over the years of my life and though I have to overlook some seriously bad dad jokes from time to time, I know that my dad has the best interest for not only me, but my sister as well.

As you wake up on Sunday morning and if you still have a dad to thank, get up and let him know that you really appreciate him. If your dad has passed away, thank the father figure who has led you and shaped who you are today.

I'm not the best with getting deep about any sort of feelings, but the least I can do is say thank you on this special day. Happy Father's Day!

a better future for all of us is only 10 questions away.

Complete your census at my2020census.gov

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FRIDAY — JUNE 19, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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