The Southern Torch — Vol. 6, No. 51

SAVE BIG THIS SEASON AT TWIN CITY! 1411 Glenn Blvd SW, Fort Payne, AL 35967

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>> Local DAR Joins Wreaths Across America Campaign >> Upcoming Events in DeKalb

FP Hires New Police Chief

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

marla@southerntorch.com FORT PAYNE, Ala. — (Full video at southerntorch.com) The Fort Payne City Council held their last regularly scheduled meeting of 2020 on December 15.

In new business, the Council voted on the new Chief of Police. The field of applicants had been narrowed down to two finalists: Lee Traylor, who currently serves as Captain of the Fort Payne Police Department, and David Davis, who serves as DeKalb County Sheriff Office Chief Investigator.

Phillip Smith nominated David Davis with John Smith seconding his motion.

Council President Walter Watson went on record as saying that he

felt that we should promote from inside, stating that he thought Captain Traylor has done an excellent job and did not want to send the message that if you worked hard you still may not get a chance of promotion in the department. He went on to say that he felt Traylor should be considered for Chief but whoever was elected, the council would be behind them, “one hundred percent.�

The Council then approved the hire of David Davis in a unanimous vote as the new Chief of Police.

Davis has over 24 years of experience in law enforcement.

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office released the following statement regarding the hire of Davis by Fort Payne: “Our office would like to extend our congratulations to

Geraldine Appoints New Councilmember

Chief of Investigations David Davis, on being named Fort Payne’s new Police Chief. David Davis is an outstanding officer and phenomenal leader. He will be greatly missed, but Fort Payne will be extremely benefited by Chief Davis’ true passion for Law Enforcement and leadership that he brings to the table. There is no doubt Fort Payne will be moving forward as Chief Davis will take it to the highest, most professional level possible.�

Nick Welden released the following statement regarding Davis leaving the Sheriffs Office for his new position: “Even though it is tough to lose someone of this caliber, it is such a blessing knowing the working relationship we will have between the

>> CHIEF, P2

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

On Tuesday, the Fort Payne City Council unanimously voted to hire David Davis as the city's new Chief of Police. (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

DeKalb Co. Schools Temporarily Go Remote

PICTURED: Councilwoman Melissa Gilbert is sworn-in to the seat vacated by her late husband, Tim Gilbert at Monday's night meeting. (Geraldine, AL | Facebook)

By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com GERALDINE, Ala. — (Full video at southerntorch.com) On Monday, the Geraldine Town Council voted unanimously to appoint Melissa Farley Gilbert, the wife of late Councilman Tim Gilbert, to the open seat on the Council. “I am extremely

excited to have Melissa Gilbert as a Councilmember,� said Geraldine Mayor Chuck Ables. “I believe she will be a great asset to our Council and community.�

Councilman Tim Gilbert passed away on Tuesday, December 8, 2020. He had a combined 20 years of service to the Town of Geraldine and was

>> TOWN, P4

By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — According to a new statement from DeKalb County Superintendent Dr. Jason Barnett, DeKalb County Schools are instructed to transition to remote learning from Wednesday, December 16

through Friday, December 18.

Students will also participate in remote learning during the week following the upcoming Christmas holidays, from January 4 through January 8.

"Due to the increased cases we are experiencing following the Thanksgiving holiday, I have great concern for COVID spread

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County Moves Forward on Jail Expansion

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during the Christmas and New Years holidays," said Barnett. " This is a very special time of the year, and I know that many, like me, are looking forward to this special time. Students will remain on remote learning the week of January 4th through January 8th, where students will not come to

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. — FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The DeKalb County Commission met on Tuesday, December 8, 2020.

David Smith of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office asked for the commission’s approval to hire Dawson Bobo to replace Mickey Bowen and to promote Lee Meadows to Executive Assistant (all budget neutral).

Smith discussed the future jail expansion and the need to hire an architectural firm.

President Harcrow stated that in a special work session on Monday he, Sheriff Welden, and Chief Deputy Smith along with all Commissioners and other jail personnel met with GNC Architects to discuss the jail expansion project and that everyone present was in unanimous agreement with GNC’s recommendations for the project. Mr. Harcrow asked the commission to grant Chief Deputy Smith’s request to hire GNC Architect for the expansion project of the jail.

DeKalb County Engineer, Ben Luther brought up the following for approval: • CR 218 Speed Limit Resolution: Posting a

>> JAIL, P3

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 — DECEMBER 18, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

SAVE BIG THIS SEASON AT TWIN CITY! 1411 Glenn Blvd SW, Fort Payne, AL 35967

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Rep. Hanes Applauds CHIEF Brooks' Electoral Stand FROM PAGE 1

By Dylan Smith JB Managing Editor

dylan@southerntorch.com MONTGOMERY, Ala. — State Rep. Tommy Hanes (R-Bryant) announced his support of Congressman Mo Brooks’ efforts to challenge the results of the Electoral College on the basis of combating voter fraud.

U.S. Representative Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville) has pledged to challenge Congress’ certification of the Electoral College, due to what he calls flawed election systems in some states.

“Congressman Brooks is taking a patriotic stand to ensure the electoral integrity of our great nation is upheld, and we should all stand with him,” says Hanes.

Hanes pointed to the lack of strong voter ID laws in blue states as

justification to challenge the results.

“The socialists have waged war on the American electoral system.

They have effectively disenfranchised law-abiding American citizens by making it easier for illegal aliens to partake in our elections,” said Hanes.

Hanes continued, “Foreign nationals have no business telling Americans who their elected officials will be. It’s a blatant attack on our constitution. This is the real foreign interference.”

Hanes is seeking to drum up support from

fellow legislators and the public, urging them to stand with Congressman Brooks.

“Congressman Brooks has made it clear that he will not surrender to the radical left. I’m proud to support his fight and I’m hopeful that those in this state who revere the constitution and rule of law will do so as well.”

Hanes concluded by urging state elected officials to take a stand for President Trump.

“The President has always put this great nation first in the face of anti-American opposition from the media and the left-wing mob. We must do what is right as it is now time for us to fight for him.”

Hanes is a retired firefighter and two-term legislator representing House District 23.

two Agencies. Not only will Fort Payne benefit, but all of DeKalb County.”

The Council recognized Rita Hill with a plaque commemorating her 33 years of service (1987-2020) in dispatch for the City of Fort Payne.

The Council passed the following resolutions: • 2020-49: accepting the lowest qualified bid for the paving project at the new school for $150,968 to Wiregrass Construction • 2020-50: accepting the lowest qualified bids for the Terrapin Hills sewer project and the wastewater plant upgrades (will run from 49th Street at pump station and terminate at pump station at Dead Mans Curve-This will include upgrades to equipment with a price for all three projects of 4 million. The City has been approved for 8.3 million through State Funding) • 2020-51: granting tax abatements to Nucor for an

addition to their plant • 2020-52: approval of the agreement between the City and the Alabama Department of Transportation for the DeSoto State Park project The Council made the following board appointments: • The DeKalb Cherokee Gas Board has six (6) members whose term expired on November 30.

The Population of Fort Payne is over 14,000 so an additional seat can be added. After discussion the council approved the following for the Board: Steve Parker, Scott Chadwick, Brandi Lyles, Steve Eberhart, Brian Baine, Johnny Eberhart and Lynn Brewer. The following were approved unanimously with the exception of John Smith voting no on Lynn Brewer and Johnny Eberhart.

• The Fort Payne Improvement Authority has two (2) members with terms expiring on December 31. The Fort Payne Water Board has one (1) member with a term

expiring December 18.

Watson stated that a discussion needed to be made by the next meeting.

Councilmembers Phillip Smith and John Smith expressed that those applicants needed to be interviewed and that they did not know who they would be voting for without interviewing them.

“You are sending the wrong message out there.

Hey, lets get more involved in the community but hey we know who we are going to vote for so don't bother,” stated John Smith. The Council agreed to accept applications for the vacant positions until 12/29/20.

The Council approved the alcohol license applications for Cracker Barrel and Jefferson’s.

The Sanitation Department announced that during the Holidays, garbage will run as regularly scheduled.

The Fort Payne Council will meet for their first meeting of 2021 on January 5, 2021.

FRIDAY — DECEMBER 18, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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COMMUNITY

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Local DAR Joins Wreaths Across America Campaign

Submitted by Marian Doss

ddoss1898@att.nett FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The Hannah White Arnett Chapter of the Alabama Society Daughters of the American Revolution along with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3128 (VFW) in Fort Payne, Ala., are participating in the National Wreaths Across America on Saturday, December 19 to "Remember the fallen, honor those who serve, [and] teach our children

the value of freedom."

There will be a brief ceremony beginning at 10 a.m. at Glenwood Cemetery at 505 9th Street in Fort Payne, beside a large tree in the center.

Another ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. at Bankhead Cemetery at 2203 County Road 642 in Mentone, beside a tall monument and flags.

The Hannah White Arnett Chapter will be providing a live balsam wreath at these locations as well as the Alabama National Cemetery in

Montevallo, which will be a virtual event.

The community is invited and welcome to attend.

National Wreaths Across America Day is a movement that places live Christmas wreaths at all veterans cemeteries

Lopez Joins FPFD JAIL

FROM PAGE 1

PICTURED (L to R): Edgar Joj Lopez and Fort Payne Fire Chief Ron Saferite, just after Lopez graduated from Recruit School. "Fort Payne Fire Department congratulates our newest member, Edgar Joj Lopez, for successful completion and graduation from Fort Payne Regional Fire Training Academy," said Saferite.

Ider Discount Drugs

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25-mph speed limit on CR 218 due to citizen concerns. • Road Maintenance Acceptance Shankles Ridge Phase 3: Andy and Deborah Shankles asked the County to accept and take over maintenance of the road leading into Shankles Ridge Subdivision (off CR 505). Mr. Luther stated that all requirements have been met concerning this project. • Damage claim on CR167: Mr. Luther presented a damage claim from Jessica Aiken claiming tar and clay damage to her vehicle while traveling on CR 167.

Mr. Luther made a recommendation to the Commission to forward the claim to the County’s insurance carrier. • CR 386 Bridge Project: Mr. Luther presented an agreement for a bridge replacement project on CR 386 over Cross Creek and requested the Commission’s authorization for Mr. Harcrow and Mr. Sharp to sign and execute the construction agreement.

On behalf of Tyler Wilks, President Harcrow made the recommendation to hire Christina Cordova, (TAA) to replace Meny Miraselvas (PT/RC).

Miraselvas replaced Joyce Buttram in the Revenue Commission Office.

President Harcrow presented an Agency Agreement and Resolution from the Secretary of

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 Teresa Smith, Traffic Director Dylan Smith, Jackson Blaze Managing Editor Lindsey Jones, Accounting Marshall Stiefel, Distribution Manager Tim Jones, Account Executive

256.638.4040 • 256.259.2341 MEMBERSHIP RATES:

Regular Yearly Rate — $30 Senior /Veteran Yearly Rates — $25

nationwide to honor veterans and the sacrifices they have made in American wars since the Revolution. National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is a Wreaths Across America corporate sponsor, and encourages all Daughters to volunteer to place wreaths or donate to the cause by visiting www. wreathsacrossamerica.org.

For more information, please contact us at (256) 516-2720 or ddoss1898@ att.net.

State’s Office required to be signed and passed by the Commission. The Agreement is required under the federal National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) as well as a corresponding state law that mandates every four years (after a Presidential election) a mailing to voters to see what voters need to be removed from the voter rolls for reasons set forth in the NVRA). The Secretary of State’s Office has served as the agent to every county to accomplish the required mailing to voters and it works out the payment of the mailer production and mailing costs so the county is not burdened by these expenses.

President Harcrow asked that the Commission pass a one-time Special Payroll for county employees. The special payroll would pay $300.00 to full-time employees and $150.00 to qualified part-time employees.

The next meeting of the DeKalb County Commission will be held on Tuesday, January 12, 2020.

EVENTS Submit your local upcoming events to zach@ southerntorch.com to be featured in an upcoming print edition of Southern Torch!

December 19, Turkey Shoot in Fyffe - The Hillbilly Saddle Club in Fyffe will hold a turkey shoot on Saturday, December 19 at 12 p.m.! A $25 gift card from Foodland will be given out each round. For more information, please call (256) 623-3276 or (256) 899-4295.

December 24, FBC Rainsville Christmas Eve Services - Rainsville First Baptist Church will hold its annual Christmas Eve service at 5 p.m. on Thursday, December 24 featuring Christmas carols, the Christmas story, and a brief message from Pastor David Cofield.

Social distancing will be observed. Visit rainsvillefirst.com for more information!

December 28, HMC Blood Drive - Blood supply in our community is critically low due to extreme declines in donations, but Highlands Medical Center (HMC) is preparing to address this need. HMC will hold a blood drive at the hospital's main entrance on Monday, December 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. To sign up, please visit www. bloodassurance.org/HMC or call 1 (800) 962-0628.

Walk-ins are welcome.

January 1-3, Honey Pot Barrel Racing - The Honey Pot will hold a three-day racing event with prizes and awards with open/youth/futurity races! Event will be held at the Northeast Agri-Business Center from January 1-3 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. each day.

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4

FRIDAY — DECEMBER 18, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

BUSINESS AMY THRASH ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

amy@southerntorch.com

Hometown banking, wherever you are!

Office: 256.638.4040 Cell: 256.996.0460

Southern Gold & Silver QUALITY JEWELRY

226 Gault Ave. N • Fort Payne, AL 35967 Phone: 256-845-5680 Fax: 256-845-5165

James Allensworth • allensworthgold@aol.com

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Fort Payne, AL 35968 • (256) 997-7591

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Office: 256.259.2341 Cell: 256.574.9538

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Rainsville Church Pew has provided quality church furnishings by American craftsmen since 1958. Located in Rainsville, Ala., Rainsville Church Pew makes it easy for your church with custom-crafted solid furniture including: pews, pulpits, chairs, benches, racks, tables, screens, rails, and lecterns! In addition, Rainsville Church Pew offers full church renovation and remodeling, as well as sanctuary restoration. Head over to www.rainsvillepew.com for more on how you can get quality work without settling for less!

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LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No.: 2020-2077 IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION PETITION OF ANGELA MARQUITA GREEN NOTICE OF ADOPTION PROCEEDINGS NOTICE TO: Alicia Megan Payne and any other interested party Please take notice that a Petition for Adoption of the minor child, C.W.R.R., in the above-styled matter has been filed in said Court by Angela Marquita Green, Petitioner, and that the 26th day of January 2021 at 11:00 o'clock a.m. has been set for hearing on the same at the DeKalb County Courthouse in Fort Payne, Alabama. Alicia Megan Payne and any other interested be advised that if you intend to contest this adoption, you must file a written response within thirty (30) days hereof with counsel for

said Petitioner, and with the Clerk of the Probate Court or thereafter a judgment by default may be rendered.

by law, or the same will be barred.

To be published: December 4, December 11, and December 18

LEGALS

LEGALS

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

Case No.: 2020-306

Case No.: 2020-299

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JAMES E. ALLEN, deceased

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE'S NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS Letters Testamentary as Personal Representatives of the Will of Marian Dobbins, deceased, having been granted to the undersigned on the 30th of November, 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

/

Faith

To be published: November 27, December 4, December 11, December 18

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF MARIAN DOBBINS, deceased

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT TO BE PUBLISHED BY PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Jeff Allen, Personal Representative on the 2nd day of December, 2020, by the Honorable Ronnie Osborn, Judge of Probate of DeKalb County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within allowed by law or the same will be barred.

To be published: December 11, December 18, December 25

BOE

TOWN

campus, but have online assignments provided to them by their teacher(s) according to the DeKalb County Remote Learning Plan."

Barnett stated that students are expected to return to campus on January 11, 2021 in an effort to "mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and to bring awareness to individuals who may have been exposed or contracted the virus."

Barnett went on to say he hopes this temporary transition to remote learning will be a "short-term interruption" and not complicate the goal of ensuring in-person instruction for the spring semester.

also the Transportation Supervisor for Marshall County Schools. “Tim was an outstanding person, dedicated to helping Geraldine move forward and I know Melissa will blend right in with the same passion for making our community better for everyone,� Ables continued. “The outpouring of love from her students and her co-workers at school shows a level of respect that is genuine and earned.�

In other business, the Council: • Discussed the purchase of property near the existing ball fields for a new tee-ball field

FROM PAGE 1

FROM PAGE 1

• Passed Resolution 2020-12-14 to change the speed limit on County Road 52 inside the Town limits between the ball fields to Highway 227 to 35 mph • Passed a one-time raise for Town employees: $125 for full-time employees and $50 for part-time employees • Hired Brian Slaton as a full-time police officer at the Geraldine Police Department at $16.20 per hour • Hired Jeremy Johnson to the Geraldine Police Department for him to attend the police academy The next meeting of the Geraldine Town Council will be held on Monday, January 11 at 5:30 p.m. at Geraldine Town Hall. A work session will be held on Tuesday, January 5, also at 5:30 p.m.

FRIDAY — DECEMBER 18, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

5

POLITICS

Ivey: No State INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE Income Tax A n E l e c t i o n Ye a r t o R e m e m b e r on Stimulus

By Steve Flowers Political Columnist

By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Last week, Governor Kay Ivey (R-Ala.) signed a supplemental emergency proclamation to allow citizens and businesses statewide to avoid paying state taxes on certain benefits from 2020’s CARES Act. The proclamation comes as the state legislature’s session to address tax and economic development issues was delayed due to complications from COVID-19. It also extends sunset dates for the Alabama Jobs Act and Growing Alabama tax credits. “This action is a short-term solution until these items can be considered by the full legislative body during the 2021 Regular Session,â€? said Ivey. “In the meantime, the people of Alabama need clear guidance prior to filing their 2020 taxes. Therefore, the state will not be collecting taxes from individuals or businesses who received benefits from the CARES Act because these benefits were designed to help our citizens survive the pandemic’s strain on the economy.â€?

Under this proclamation, revenue commissioners are directed to alter tax-return forms to ensure citizens and businesses will not be required to pay taxes to the state government on the financial relief provided by the CARES Act, which stands for Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. For more information, please visit governor.al.gov.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — As we close out this year of COVID and presidential politics many of you are still in discussions about Donald Trump. Some are still enthralled with the most colorful and controversial character in my presidential memory and are saying the election was stolen from him.

Others are saying he is the most egocentric and crooked person to ever sit in the oval office.

Allow me to disagree with both sides. In my lifetime no man could come close to comparing with one Lyndon B. Johnson when it comes to crookedness, crudeness, and audacity. He was the epitome of an unbridled, unconscionable thirst for power. No election could be more brazenly stolen than LBJ’s means of ascent to power in this first election to the U.S. Senate in 1948.

Johnson was a tall tough young East Texas Congressman making his play for a Senate seat from the Lone Star State. Most Texans thought it was a Don Quixote kamikaze mission because he was running against the legendary Texas Governor Coke Stevenson.

The Governor was a revered figure in the state.

He epitomized a Texas legend. He was a successful self-made man who had built a large ranch and cattle empire. He was much like the father figure, Ben Cartwright, played by Lorne Green in the old

television series Bonanza.

Stevenson was generous, plain-spoken, and very conservative. He had been a very good governor.

Stevenson was from the old school and renowned for his integrity and he was above reproach.

Johnson was just the opposite. He had already earned the reputation that when it came to winning that was all that counted, and character, integrity, and honesty went out the window.

As might be expected, Johnson had unlimited campaign money, a lot of which was supplied by the Brown and Root Construction Company that is now Halliburton, which by the way is a major player in Senate races today. Johnson outspent Stevenson 10-to-1 as Stevenson would not ask for contributions.

Johnson employed new, modern campaign devices like polling and he even used a helicopter to land at rural towns throughout the gigantic state. He crisscrossed Texas and not only outspent Stevenson 10-to-1, he outworked him by the same measure. His hand was swollen from handshaking.

Coke Stevenson still beat Lyndon Johnson.

However, Johnson was not going to take defeat. Duval County on the Mexican border was known as the most corrupt political county in Texas, if not in the nation. It was legendary for bold, unadulterated vote manipulation. Johnson

had cornered the bosses of Duval County and they held their votes out in case Johnson needed them.

Three days after Stevenson’s apparent victory, Duval came in. It had voted more than twice as many people as who lived there. Johnson got over 90% of the Duval votes that were suspiciously cast. When they got the Duval votes to Austin, it still was not enough to overtake Coke Stevenson.

Not to be outdone, Duval officials swore under oath that a box was still out. They said Box 13 has not reported. They came back five days later with just enough votes for Lyndon to claim victory.

The margin of victory in the state of Texas was 83 votes.

When Johnson got to Washington as a freshman senator, the entire Senate and most people in Texas and a good many political observers around the nation, knew that Johnson and his allies had stolen the 1948 Texas Senate race.

Thus, Senators and Washington insiders gave him the dubious nickname of “Landslide Lyndon�

because of his 83-vote margin. Many people think that nickname was a reference to his actual landslide victory over Barry Goldwater in 1964, but it came from his unscrupulous election to the Senate in 1948.

A legendary story came out of that election about stealing an election or as some say, counting someone out. Supposedly, as Lyndon’s cronies were harvesting the last batch of needed votes from the infamous Box 13, they were going through an old Mexican-American Cemetery taking names of long passed folks either from Mexico or Duval County off of tombstones to vote them posthumously after the fact. Lyndon was actually accompanying the Duval voting officials to make sure they voted all the residents in the cemetery. They got to an old marker that was indiscernible. The harvester shouted out to Lyndon we cannot make out this name. Johnson replied, “Hell, make him up a name, he has as much right to vote as the rest of them in here.�

See you next week.

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

DEATH NOTICES W.T. WILSON Lyvonne Franklin - 77 of Fort Payne, died on Wednesday, December 9. Services and burial were held on Monday, December 14 at Glenwood Cemetery.

Terry Sidney Mize - 61 of Collinsville, died on Thursday, December 10.

Visitation was held on Saturday, December 12.

Evelyn Phillips Passed away on Friday, December 11.

Services were held on Sunday, December 13 with burial in Walker’s Chapel Cemetery.

Arlene June Smith - 58 of Arab, died on Friday, December 11.

Services were held on Monday, December 14 with burial in Adamsburg Cemetery.

J.W. Wooten - 65 of Sylvania, died on Friday, December 11.

Services were held on Sunday, December 13 with cremation to follow.

Joseph E. Tully 77 of Crossville, died on Friday, December 11. Services and burial were held on Monday,

December 14 at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.

at Chestnut Grove Cemetery.

Donald Leon Wilbanks - 87 of Ider, died on Saturday, December 12. Services were held on Tuesday, December 15 with burial in Kirk Memorial Gardens.

Martha Sams Burns - 68 of Bryant, died on Wednesday, December 9. Services were held on Saturday, December 12.

Cynthia Dawn Wheat - 63 of Scottsboro, died on Saturday, December 12. Services were held on Saturday, December 19.

Jackie Allen Hamilton - 59 of Albertville, died on Monday, December 14.

Services will be held on Saturday, December 19 with burial in Mt. Vernon Baptist Church Cemetery.

CORNER STONE Mattie Sue Thompson - 83 of Ider, died on Wednesday, December 9. Services and burial were held on Friday, December 11

Otho Edward Arnold - 79 of Stevenson, died on Thursday, December 10. Services were held on Sunday, December 13 with burial in Stern Cemetery.

Toy June Faulkner - 89 of Rosalie, died on Saturday, December 12. Services were held on Thursday, December 17 with burial in Friendship Cemetery.

Jack Robert Pell - 85 of Gainesville, Ga., died on Monday, December 14. Services and burial will be held on Saturday, December 19 at Pine Grove Cemetery.

Terry Vondell Moore - 68 of Dutton,

Burt Funeral H omes

died on Monday, December 14. Private services will be held.

James Juan Edmondson - 76 of Ider, died on Tuesday, December 15. Services will be held on Friday, December 18 with burial in Chestnut Grove Cemetery.

KERBY Mack Qualls - 75 of Bryant, died on Monday, December 14.

Services and burial were held on Thursday, December 17 at Concord Cemetery.

BURT Julia Annette Orr - 79 of Fort Payne, died on Tuesday, December 8. Services will be

announced at a later date.

CROSSVILLE Carl Eugene Kilgo - 78 of Crossville, died on Wednesday, December 9. Services were held on Saturday, December 12 with burial in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.

RAINSVILLE Bobby L. Watkins - 86 of Rainsville, died on Wednesday, December 9. Services and burial were held on

Friday, December 11 at Rainsville Memorial Park.

Hershel R. Dunavant - 83 of Rainsville, died on Monday, December 14.

Services will be held on Saturday, December 19 with burial in Collinsville Cemetery.

WILSON Thomas Edmond Crowe - 74 of Mentone, died on Friday, December 11. Services will be held at a later date.

6

FRIDAY — DECEMBER 18, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Sand Mtn. Tournament Recap

FSB Announces Annual Shootout

By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com RAINSVILLE, Ala. — The Plainview Bears will host the 6th Annual First State Bank Shootout beginning on Monday, December 28. The three-day event will showcase six high school basketball teams.

On Monday, December 28, games will begin at 4 p.m. with Hueytown vs.

Buckhorn, followed by

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com RAINSVILLE, Ala. — On the opening night of the Sand Mountain Tournament, the Varsity Girls took to the court. #8 ranked Section faced #9 ranked Crossville with Section defeating the Lady Lions, 65-46. This loss eliminates the Crossville Girls from the tournament.

Madison Armstrong led Section with 22 points. Laura Lopez led the Crossville Lady Lions with 13 points.

With this win, the Section Lady Lions (1-8) will advance to face the top seed, Pisgah, at 4 p.m. on Thursday.

On night two of the Tournament, the Boys took the court.

The #1 Plainview Bears took on the Crossville Lions, defeating them 83-26. Jonah Williams led the Bears with 22 points, while Bryce Luther had 14 points for the night, and Ty Griggs had 12. Dylan Haymon led the Bears with seven (7) rebounds, followed by Jathan Underwood and Jacob Henderson with six (6) rebounds each.

Plainview will face the Geraldine Bulldogs on Friday, December 18 at 7 p.m.

The #4 Geraldine Bulldogs defeated the #5 Section Lions, 73-73.

The #2 Fyffe Red Devils (6-2) defeated the #7 Pisgah Eagles, 77-62. Xavier Works led the Red Devils with 23 points and five (5) assists. Parker Goodwin had 21 points for the night, followed by Tate Goolesby with 13 points.

Brody Dalton led with 10 rebounds, and Goolesby followed with eight (8). Jacob Hendricks led the Pisgah Eagles with 26 points.

The Red Devils will face the North Sand Mountain Bisons on Fridau, December 18 at 4:30 p.m.

The #3 North Sand Mountain Bisons defeated the $6 Ider Hornets, 81-46.

Albertville vs. Darlington at 5:30 p.m., and Plainview vs. Elkmont at 7 p.m.

On Tuesday, December 29, Elkmont will face Hueytown at 4 p.m., followed by Plainview vs.

Darlington at 5:30 p.m., and then Buckhorn vs.

Albertville at 7 p.m.

On Wednesday, December 30, Darlington faces Buckhorn at 4:30 p.m., followed by Albertville vs. Elkmont, and Plainview vs.

Hueytown at 7 p.m.

FPMS Student Ranks at State

Dalton Signs With UAB

(Cheryl Boydston | Southern Torch)

(Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Fort Payne Middle School student Khloe Pasquill, a 5th grader with Northeast Alabama Gymnastics, competed in Foley, Ala. for state competition on Saturday, Decemeber 4. She placed 7th and 10th in her group, walking away with two trophies.

FYFFE, Ala. — On Wednesday, Fyffe senior Brody Dalton signed his intention to continue his football career at the collegiate level with the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Blazers.

Dalton, son of Joey and Tori Dalton, also had offers from the University of South Alabama (USA), Jacksonville State University (JSU), University of North Carolina at Murray State (UNC), Tennessee Tech, Kennesaw State University, and the University of South Florida.

Dalton, who stands at 6'4 and weights 238 pounds, recently played in the Class 3A State Championship in Tuscaloosa and was also selected to play in the annual Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic football game.

HUNTER OF THE WEEK This week's Southern Torch Hunter of the Week is Ryker Ingle!

Ryker is a 13-yearold, seventh grader at Fort Payne. He bagged this buck while hunting over the weekend.

Submit your photos to marla@southerntorch. com to be featured as the next Southern Torch Hunter of the Week!

Q.D. SCRUBS

2109 Gault Avenue North, Fort Payne, AL • 256.273.6115

A nurse-owned scrub store for all budgets! Group orders available. We are STOCKED FULL! We have tons of new colors, jackets, and plus sizes!

FRIDAY — DECEMBER 18, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Emergency care.

Recognized nationally. Available locally.

CHEST PAIN CENTER

STROKE CARE

30-MINUTE PLEDGE

GENERAL SURGERY

CARDIOLOGY

OBSTETRICS

GASTROENTEROLOGY

ORTHOPEDICS

Ashley Cole, M.D.* Board-Certified in Emergency Medicine • Emergency Department Medical Director

When you have an emergency, turn to the emergency department at DeKalb Regional Medical Center with confidence.

• The 30-Minute Pledge means we will work diligently to have you initially seen by a medical professional within 30 minutes of your arrival.

• As an American College of Cardiology Accredited Chest Pain Center, we have achieved a higher level of expertise when caring for patients who arrive with heart attack symptoms.

• We have earned The Joint Commission’s Certificate of Distinction for Primary Stroke Centers. This means we provide the critical elements to achieve long-term success in improving outcomes for stroke patients.

All this, plus specialists in Cardiology, General Surgery, Orthopedics and Neurology, means we are at our best when you need us most.

Current Average ER Wait Time DeKalbRegional.com 200 Medical Center Dr. SW • Fort Payne, AL 35968 If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.

Specialists are Employed and Independent Members of the Medical Staff at DeKalb Regional Medical Center. *Independent Member of the Medical Staff at DeKalb Regional Medical Center.

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FRIDAY — DECEMBER 18, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH