The Southern Torch — Vol. 7, No. 1

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 2021 / VOL. 7, NO. 1 / $1.00

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THIS WEEK IN SPORTS

THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS

THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY

THIS WEEK IN POLITICS

• A Year in Review: The Best Southern Torch Sports Stories of 2020!

• See Who's Featured in Our Spotlight! • Trash Scattered at FP Nursing Home

• Upcoming Events in DeKalb County! • Valley Head FBC Moves Blessing Box

• Inside The Statehouse with Steve Flowers: We Lost Some Good Ones This Year

THE TOP STORIES OF 2020

We are proud to present the Southern Torch's Top 10 Stories of 2020!

By Southern Torch Staff DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — At the end of each year, the Southern Torch Staff looks back on the previous year and chooses our most important stories.

2020 might have been a much different year than many expected, and it certainly had its fair share of huge news stories in DeKalb County and the world in general. From complications caused by COVID-19 to starting up the Jackson Blaze and electing a new U.S. Senator, 2020 has been eventful to say the least. Here are the Southern Torch Top Stories of 2020.

Southern Torch Launches Jackson Blaze • Published: January 9, 2020

• Writer: Nick Jones On January 9, Southern Torch announced a Jackson County, Alabama online news company — jacksonblaze.com. Since its inception, the Jackson Blaze has reported and published critical content for Jackson County and its surrounding communities.

Dylan Smith serves as the Blaze’s Managing Editor. In addition to online content, the Jackson Blaze has become integrated into our weekly print publication.

Jackson Blaze formally launched on January 13, 2020.

Dock Fire Turns Deadly • Published: January 27, 2020 • Writer: Marla Jones On January 27, a massive fire broke out at

the docks at Jackson County Park in Scottsboro.

The fire quickly consumed the dock and claimed the lives of eight (8) people, according to statements from Scottsboro Fire and Rescue. Multiple local, state and regional resources responded to the site and conducted the recovery operations. By the end of the investigation, an estimated 35 boats were completely destroyed prior to extinguished.

DeKalb Co. Reports First COVID-19 Case • Published: March 26, 2020 • Writer: Zach Hester COVID-19 has dominated the 2020 news cycle across the nation, but the first local case of the virus came at the end of March with Commission

President Ricky Harcrow announcing it. Local officials encouraged following health protocols and made the appropriate arrangements for quarantining the individual, but cases continued to rise in DeKalb County and across the world. The following month, Governor Kay Ivey announced her “stay-at-home� order that is still in effect today, now with a mask mandate to continue averting the spread of this deadly disease.

Local Officials Bail Out Police Heckler • Published: June 24, 2020 • Writer: Marla Jones In June, a local controversy arose after a Rainsville police officer

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was threatened while issuing a ticket. According to body camera footage, Jerry Jason McKee was pulled over by officer Josh Wilson, verbally threatened the officer, and was taken into custody after a warrant was served.

McKee was then bailed out

by Rainsville City Council Pro Tem Ricky Byrum and DeKalb County Board of Education member Monty Darwin. The full video of Wilson’s body camera footage can be found at southerntorch.com.

Southern Torch Turns Seven • Published: August 26, 2020 • Writer: Marla Jones In August, Southern Torch celebrated its 7th anniversary as a business in DeKalb County. On the

anniversary, Southern Torch unveiled the first look at our brand-new location in downtown Fort Payne. We are so thankful for our loyal audience and hope the best is yet to come for Southern Torch.

Tuberville Unseats Jones in U.S. Senate Race • Published: November 4, 2020 • Writer: Zach Hester In the 2020 election, former Auburn Football Coach Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) successfully unseated incumbent Democrat Doug Jones in the race for U.S. Senate.

Tuberville had previously defeated former U.S. Senator and Attorney General Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) to win the

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FRIDAY — JANUARY 1, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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

WWW.BOBBYLEDBETTER.COM • 256.844.2210

@JACKSONBLAZEAL

Commission Chairman Resigns NACC Updates Plan

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

SCOTTSBORO, Ala. — The Jackson County Commission voted Tuesday to accept the resignation of the chairman Tim Guffey. Guffey has served on the Jackson County Commission for the last eight years. His resignation will be effective April 11, 2021, but he immediately resigned as Chairman. “With regret, however, due to health reasons, I have decided to resign my position as Chairman of the Jackson County Commission,� Guffey stated. “I trust the commission to handle the transition to a new Chairman with professionalism.

The resignation came one day after the other four Jackson County Commissioners issued a statement that the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEM) was investigating “improper surveillance� of a worker at the Courthouse. On December 14 an unknown video camera was discovered and removed. “The commissioners take this allegation very seriously and are providing full cooperation with the investigation,� said the statement.

In a statement, Guffey said the camera system under investigation stemmed from the response to an incident that occurred on September 18, 2019, where a 72-year old armed man with a handgun and four fully-loaded magazines, was shot by a deputy in the courthouse after witnesses said he pulled a gun. “After the shooting took place at the Courthouse the commission started looking at our camera system and what areas were not covered,� Guffey said. “As Chairman, I directed new cameras to be installed inside and outside of the courthouse in an effort to enhance safety. I did not consult the other commissioners on where to place the cameras. No cameras were ever intended for purposes other than observance of command areas. I am sorry about the confusion but only the well being of our employees and citizens were my reasons for their

placement. I cannot say more due to the ongoing investigation. I do trust that the commission will share information as they can to clear these concerns.�

The other commissioners stated that they nor the courthouse security committee “were aware of the placement of the particular camera involved in the present investigation.�

The Jackson County Commission made an additional statement on Wednesday that Guffey would be considered on administrative leave until his resignation takes effect. “The chairman alone is responsible for his resignation, and the commission has no control over that process or the date he chooses for it to become effective,� the statement said. “As of today, the commission is not aware of any formal criminal charges having been brought against the chairman although the matter is under investigation by the appropriate law enforcement agency.�

Vice-chair Jason Venable took over on an interim basis. Governor Kay Ivey is expected to appoint a permanent replacement for Guffey in the coming weeks.

With every passing morning, 2020 has presented many challenges.

We know that during these uncertain and troubling times, the sun will rise, family and friends will be together again, and we will be stronger than ever. As your local, community newspaper we will continue to be here in the days ahead as a friend you can count on. We’re proud to be the number one most trusted source for local news and information in Alabama. You can depend on us to continue to bring reliable reporting on news that affects our community.*

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Ad sponsored by the Alabama Press Association *Pulse Research, October 2019

R T p w e h w m R t c

for Spring Semester

By Jackson Blaze Staff MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Due to the surge in COVID-19 cases, officials at Northeast Alabama Community College (NACC) have announced that the College will extend the use of virtual courses through at least January of the 2021 Spring term.

Course instruction will be conducted virtually in real time for most classes. Students will remain in the classes for which they have registered and will participate in the classes at the normal meeting times according to the published class schedule.

With this adjustment, students will be meeting with their classes virtually rather than sitting in the classroom.

According to NACC President Dr. David Campbell, “Much data shows that the College’s service area has a very high rate of coronavirus transmission, including data from the Alabama Department of Public Health, the Center for Disease Control, and other independent studies. One national publication has identified our area as an emerging coronavirus hot spot.� Campbell also stated that the College and its personnel do not want to put any students, faculty, or staff at risk. He added that signs show the coronavirus pandemic is going to be present well into the spring.

As noted, most classes will be moved online and will hold virtual class meetings in real time through the end of January via Zoom or Microsoft Teams, with the goal of returning to

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campus-based instruction for traditional courses on February 1st. Students will access course information and class meeting links through their Canvas accounts.

NACC will notify any students enrolled in courses that will require on-campus instruction in January, and the utmost attention will be given to ensuring the safety of students and employees for on-campus class meetings.

Dr. Campbell and other NACC administrators will review the COVID-19 health data for the College’s service area closer to February 1st to determine if it is indeed safe to move forward with the plan to return traditional courses to campus-based instruction. “Despite whatever happens, we at NACC are pledged to give our students a quality education, while assuring their safety,� stated NACC President Dr. David Campbell. “Our administration is focused on that. We want to be on top of

m C a w F R everything we do!� a Interim Dean of o Instruction Chad w o Gorham discussed specific measures the A C College will take to 9 ensure course instruction is delivered fi s efficiently. “By using

online meeting platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, students will be able to see and hear both their instructor and fellow students in the class,� said Gorham. “Since class meetings will be held at specific times during the week, students will be able to establish a semester routine just like if they were on campus."

Although final preparations are being made for the semester, it is not too late to register for classes! Students may register for spring semester courses until January 8. 2021. Contact an advisor, visit nacc. edu, or call 256-2286001 or 256-638-4418 to get started now.

NACC campus offices will be fully operational for the spring semester and will continue to provide excellence service to students.

256.659.2138

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FRIDAY — JANUARY 1, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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COMMUNITY

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TOP 10 FROM PAGE 1

Republican nomination.

The former coach turned politician unseated Jones, who won a 2017 special election, after a highly-advertised race which was considered the most flippable seat for Republicans when it comes to Senate races in this cycle.

Rainsville Approves First Alcohol Sales • Published: November 9, 2020 • Writer: Marla Jones In this year’s municipal elections, the City of Rainsville voted to allow the sale of alcohol within the City limits.

Following the vote, the Rainsville City Council adopted an alcohol ordinance to permit sales within the city limits and on Sundays and formed the Alcohol License Review Committee. On November 9, Rainsville approved the first licenses for alcohol sales in the city limits to

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Bruce’s Foodland, Topher’s Wings, and the Northeast Alabama Agri-Business Center.

Locals Decorate D.C. • Published: December 3, 2020 • Writer: Marla Jones Just before the holiday season, three local women, Connie Cochran, Starr Mitchell, and Alice Pettyjohn, were invited to attend a reception with First Lady Melania Trump after assisting in decorating the White House for Christmas.

Selected from hundreds of applicants across the country, Mitchell called it “an experience I’ll never forget.â€? This year’s Christmas theme at the White House was “America The Beautiful,â€? with an 18 ½ foot Fraser Fir from West Virginia as the centerpiece.

New Police Chiefs Hired at Rainsville & Fort Payne • Published: December 17, 2020; November 2, 2020 • Writer: Marla Jones Since electing new administrations after this

year’s municipal elections, both the cities of Fort Payne and Rainsville have voted to hire new police chiefs. In Fort Payne, the Council unanimously voted to hire David Davis, the then-Chief Investigator with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, who has 24 years of experience in law enforcement.

In Rainsville, the Council appointed former Chief Deputy of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Michael Edmondson as the new Chief of Police.

Edmondson has served in law enforcement since 2000 and has experience as the commander of the DeKalb County Drug and Major Crimes Task Force, overseeing patrol, investigation, the D.A.R.E. programs, clerical work, and incarceration.

DCSO Discovers Illegal Alcohol Operation • Published: December 17, 2020 • Writer: Marla Jones On December 17, officials with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office and

Alabama Beverage Control Board discovered an illegal alcohol operation at the Rainsville Wastewater Treatment Facility.

The following day, Rainsville Mayor Rodger Lingerfelt held a press conference addressing the illegal winery and explained the sequence of events that led to its discovery. Lingerfelt also stated he had been the liaison to the plant for the last several years.

On Friday, December 18, Allen Maurice Stiefel (62 of Fyffe) was arrested in connection with the winery on the charges of Unlawful Possession of an Illegally Manufactured Alcoholic Beverage, a misdemeanor, and Use of Official Position for Personnel Gain, a Class B felony.

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden stated that this was a “significant operation� and the matter would be turned over to the State Bureau of Investigations.

Valley Head FBC Moves Blessing Box

By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com VALLEY HEAD, Ala. — The "blessing box" at Valley Head First Baptist Church has moved locations.

The box, which is filled with food and essential items for anyone in need, is now located at the Servant Mission Thrift Store at 8403 Alabama Highway 17 in Valley Head.

Donations for the Valley Head blessing box are being taken at all times.

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

January 1, First Northeast Alabama who aren't afraid to provide special Day Hike at DeSoto Agri-Business Center, explore on your knees, worship music. Please State Park - Start the located at 1571 belly, in the mud, and bring a written prayer new year with a first McCurdy Avenue N in through tight tunnels. request. For any day hike at DeSoto Rainsville. The event is The adventure questions, please State Park! Led by Park contact Patricia Laney $20 per person and is includes a helmet, staff, the hike goes to organized by Rickey cave lamps, and a fun, at (256) 605-1254. All the Civilian West Bucking Bulls. informative guide! The local churches are Conservation Corp's For more information, cost is $5 per person, invited! "unfinished" bridge. please visit the event's but those under 18 are The hike is approxifree. This event is January 9, Section page on eventbrite. mately 3.5 miles com. organized by the Pharmacy roundtrip. Come on Alabama Little Britches Anniversary out and burn those January 30, Rodeo Association. For Celebration - Come calories while enjoying out and enjoy the Russell Moore & IIIrd more information, the Great Outdoors!

Tyme Out at the please visit their Section Pharmacy's DeKalb Theater Facebook page at 30th Anniversary January 1-3, Russell Moore and IIIrd www.facebook.com/ Celebration on Honey Pot Barrel Tyme Out will play albra.rodeo or visit Saturday, January 9!

Racing - The Honey their annual show at nealagribusinessThe festivities will Pot will hold a the DeKalb Theatre on center.com. begin at 12 p.m. with three-day racing event grilling and giveaways, Friday, January 30 with prizes and awards before fireworks at 5 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. with open/youth/ For more information, p.m. Don't miss out on futurity races! Event please contact (256) this amazing 997-0396. will be held at the celebration of this Northeast Agrifantastic community Business Center from February 20-21, business!

January 1-3 from 1 p.m.

Little Britches Rodeo to 8 p.m. each day. at the Agri-Business January 15-16, Center - The Little Bull Bash 2021 - The January 2, Prayer Britches Rodeo will annual PBR Bull Bash in the Park - A special return to the Northeast will be held on Friday, Prayer in the Park Alabama Agri-Business January 15 and event will be held on Center on February 20 Saturday, January 16 Saturday, January 2 at and February 21. Get from 7:30 p.m. to 10 6 p.m. at Henagar ready for a 2 1/2 hour p.m. each night at the Park. Ryan Watkins will adventure for those

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 Joe Sims, Radio Operations Manager Zach Hester, Art Director/Reporter Amy Thrash, Account Executive Jenna Sue Payne, 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

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LEGALS ATTENTION to Darrell Hancock Darrell Hancock, please remove your possessions from the premises of the following address:

Local DAR Chapter Places Wreaths

Trash Scattered Near FP Nursing Home

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

If anyone is able to contact Mr. Hancock or has further information, please do so and direct them the property owner, Stanley Cagle.

To be published: December 25, January 1, January 8, January 15

142 Kelly Drive, Henagar, Ala. 35978

STANLEY CAGLE SMALL ENGINE REPAIR 8059 Ala. Hwy 168, Boaz, Ala. 35957

Faith

By Southern Torch Staff DeKALB COUNTY, Ala.

— The Hannah White Arnett Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and Post 3128 Veterans of Foreign Wars placed memorial wreaths on Saturday at Glenwood Cemetery.

Pictured: Chapter Regent Marian Doss, Scott Azbell, and Linda Jones.

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Sometime around the Christmas holidays, a large amount of debris was dumped on the side of the road near 13th and Forest Avenue N. The area is near the nursing home and the old Fountains building.

Fort Payne Mayor Brian Baine was observed picking up and bagging the garbage for the Fort Payne Sanitation Department.

According to a statement made by Mayor Baine on Facebook, “this kind of activity is

(Phillip Smith)

unacceptable. No excuse for this. There have been names found on unopened mail. The police are looking into this and we need to stop this activity.�

Baine went on to thank the Fort Payne Sanitation for getting all the trash that was dumped. “These guys go

above and beyond to help keep Fort Payne clean.�

The debris appears to be the contents of a home and/or trash. The Fort Payne Police Department requests that if you have any information to please contact them at (256) 845-1414.

FRIDAY — JANUARY 1, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

5

POLITICS

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE

By Steve Flowers Political Columnist

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — As is my annual ritual, my yearend column pays tribute to Alabama political legends who have passed away during the year.

Sonny Cauthen passed away in Montgomery at age 70. He was the ultimate inside man in Alabama politics.

Sonny was a lobbyist before lobbying was a business. He kept his cards close to his vest and you never knew what he was doing. Sonny was the ultimate optimist who knew what needed to be achieved and found like-minded allies with whom to work. When he had something to get done, he bulldozed ahead and achieved his mission.

Sonny was a yellow dog Democrat who believed in equal treatment and rewarding hard work. He was an avid outdoorsman and hunter and mentored a good many young men in Montgomery.

Another Montgomerian who will never be forgotten was Representative Alvin Holmes, who passed away at 81. Like Sonny, Alvin was born and raised and lived his entire life in his

hometown of Montgomery. He, too, was a real Democrat and an icon in Alabama politics.

Alvin represented the people of Montgomery for 44-years in the Alabama House of Representatives.

He was one of the most dynamic and outspoken legislators in Alabama history, as well as one of the longest serving members.

I had the opportunity to serve with Alvin for close to two decades in the legislature. We shared a common interest in Alabama political history.

In fact, Alvin taught history at Alabama State University for a long time.

He was always mindful of the needs of his district, as well as black citizens throughout the state.

Alvin was one of the first Civil Rights leaders in Montgomery and Alabama. He helped organize the Alabama Democratic Conference and was Joe Reed’s chief lieutenant for years.

Ironically, we lost another Civil Rights icon this year. John Lewis was born in rural Pike County in the community of Banks. After graduating from college, John joined the Dr. Martin Luther King as a soldier in the army for Civil Rights. John was

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.

beaten by Alabama State Troopers near the Edmund Pettus Bridge on the infamous Bloody Sunday Selma to Montgomery march. He became a Civil Rights legend in America.

He was one of Dr. King’s closest allies. John became almost as renowned worldwide as a Civil Rights leader as Dr. King. John moved to Atlanta with Dr. King and was elected to the U.S. Congress from Atlanta and served 33 years with distinction. Even though John was a national celebrity, he would take time out of his busy schedule to drive from Atlanta to rural Pike County to go to church with his mother at her beloved Antioch Baptist Church. John died of pancreatic cancer in July at age 80.

Another Alabama political legend, John

Dorrill, passed away in January at age 90.

Ironically, John Dorrill and John Lewis were both born and raised in rural Pike County near Troy. John Dorrill went to work for the powerful Alabama Farmers Federation shortly after graduating from Auburn. He worked for the Federation for 43 years. For the last 20 years of his career, he oversaw and was the mastermind of their political plans and operations as Executive Director of the Federation.

He retired and lived out his final years on his ancestral home place in Pike County. John Dorrill was one of my political mentors and friends.

Another Montgomery political icon, former Republican State Senator Larry Dixon, passed away only a few weeks ago from COVID-19 complications at age 78. He served over 20 years in the state legislature. Larry epitomized the conservative Republican, and his voting record was right in line with his Montgomery constituency. He was known as “Montgomery’s State Senator� but his ultimate legacy may be as a great family man. Larry was a devoted husband to his

wife, Gaynell, and father to his two daughters. Larry was a good man.

Former Alabama Supreme Court Judge Hugh Maddox recently passed away at age 90.

Judge Maddox served 31 years on the Alabama Supreme Court before his retirement in 2001.

One of my favorite fellow legislators and friends, Representative Richard Laird of Roanoke, passed away last week from COVID-19. He was 81 and served 36 years in the Alabama House of Representatives. Richard was a great man and very

conservative legislator.

In addition to Richard Laird, Alvin Holmes, and Larry Dixon, several other veteran Alabama legislators passed away this year including Ron Johnson, Jack Page and James Thomas.

We lost some good ones this year, who will definitely be missed as we head into 2021.

Happy New Year.

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DEATH NOTICES W.T. WILSON Alex Felipe Nicolas - Infant, died on Wednesday, December 23. Services and burial were held on Monday, December 28 at Collinsville Cemetery.

Rickey Lynn Cash - 70 of Collinsville, died on Wednesday, December 23. Services were held on Saturday, December 26 with burial in Roden Cemetery.

Lydia Kathryn Hairston - 70 of Henagar, died on Wednesday, December 23. Services were held on Sunday, December 27 with burial in Kirk Memorial Gardens.

Anthony S. Mitchell - 63 of Attalla, died on Saturday, December 26. Services were held on Wednesday, December 30 with burial in Mt. Moriah Cemetery.

John Laurence Hare - 66 of Dunlap, Tenn., died on Saturday, December 26. Services were held on Wednesday, December 30 with burial in Kirk Memorial Gardens.

John James West - 82 of Crossville, died on Saturday, December 26. Services were held on Tuesday, December 29 with burial in New Harmony Cemetery.

Frances Louise Whitmire - 77 of Geraldine, died on Sunday, December 27.

Services were held on Wednesday, December 30 with burial in Glenwood Cemetery.

Jeanette Margaret White - 60 of Crossville, died on Sunday, December 27.

Services and burial were held on Wednesday, December 30.

BURT Leona Jane Britton - 63 of Huntsville, died on Friday, December 25.

Services will be held at a later date.

December 24. Services were held on Sunday, December 27 with burial in Chattanooga National Cemetery.

Foster Ray Hartline - 88 of Henagar, died on Thursday, December 24. Private services will be held by the family.

Terry Winford Brown - 62 of Pisgah, died on Monday, December 28. Services were held on Wednesday, December 30 with burial in New Home Cemetery.

GERALDINE Mary Nell Harper Davis - 99 of Dawson, died on Tuesday, December 22. Services were held on Saturday, December 26 with burial in DeKalb Memorial Gardens.

Connie Mitchell Miller - 65 of Bryant, died on Thursday,

Burt Funeral H omes

Doris Lacy Elsoon Swader - 81 of Rainsville, died on Wednesday, December 23. Services and burial were held on Sunday, December 27 at Unity Cemetery.

David Sims - 60 of Henagar, died on Saturday, December 26. Services were held on Tuesday, December 29 with burial in Chaney’s Chapel Cemetery.

Grove Cemetery.

KERBY Vickie Williams - 58 of Fort Payne, died on Friday, December 25. Services were held on Wednesday, December 30 with burial in Head Springs Cemetery.

Laura Payton Dawson - 85 of Dutton, died on Sunday, December 27. Services and entombment were held on Wednesday, December 30 at Green Hills Memory Gardens.

WILSON

H.M. Everett Jr. - 82 of Chavies, died

RAINSVILLE

CORNER STONE Connie Holland Scott - 67 of Fort Payne, died on Thursday, December 24. Services were held on Tuesday, December 29 with burial in Payne Gap Cemetery.

Carl McDaniel, Jr. - 91 of Dawson, died on Wednesday, December 23. Services and burial were held on Saturday, December 26 at Mountain View Memory Gardens.

on Wednesday, December 23. Services and burial were held on Sunday, December 27 at Mountain View Memory Gardens.

Peggy Biddle - 68 of Sylvania, died on Wednesday, December 23. Services will be held at a later date.

Daniel Winfield Browning - 76 of Section, died on Thursday, December 24. Private services will be held by the family.

Heather Hale - 40 of Fort Payne, died on Thursday, December 24. Services were held on Sunday, December 27 with burial in Mountain View Memory Gardens.

Don Dingler - 78 of Fort Payne, died on Friday, December 25.

The family will hold private services.

Boyce Guice - 84 of Rainsville, died on Saturday, December 26. Services were held on Tuesday, December 29.

Jimmy Wells - 77 of Rainsville, died on Tuesday, December 22. Private services will be held.

Emmanuel Rodriguez Avendano - Infant, died on Monday, December 21.

Services and burial were held on Tuesday, December 29 at Glenwood Cemetery.

Maybell Dover - 77 of Collinsville, died on Saturday, December 26. Services were held on Monday, December 28 with burial in Welcome Grove Cemetery.

Sharrel Patricia Anderson Tinker - 70 of Dutton, died on Saturday, December 26. Services and burial were held on Monday, December 28 at Union

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

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FRIDAY — JANUARY 1, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

BEST SPORTS STORIES OF 2020

Collinsville Wins Pisgah Lady Eagles State Championship Take State Title

By AHSAA

By AHSAA

BIRMINGHAM – Collinsville High School’s Lady Panthers looked like they had been there before Friday morning as girls played in their first state basketball championship game in school history.

Junior guard Hadley Hamilton made the first two 3-point shots she attempted and the Panthers matched Cold Springs step for step as Collinsville (29-3) beat the defending Class 2A state champions 58-45 to claim the AHSAA Class 2A state title. The Class 2A girls’ finals opened Championship Friday at the 98th AHSAA State Basketball Championships being held at Birmingham’s BJCC Legacy Arena. The championship was Collinsville’s first. Cold Springs (31-5) has won four state crowns including the 2019 title.

Hamilton finished with 16 points, going 4-for-8 from the 3-point arc and making all four free throws she attempted. Senior forward Brittany Rivera had 11 points and 13 rebounds to earn Class 2A state tourney MVP honors. She also had five assists, five steals and one blocked shot. Olivia Akins added 16 points and Tyla Tatum 13. Collinsville was 13-of-14 at the foul line for the game and 5-of-16 on 3-pointers.

Cold Springs’ Lady Eagles, coached by Tammy West, led the nation in 3-point shooting last season and ranked among the nation’s top five this season. In Friday’s finals junior guard Toni West sank 5-of-9 and the team was 8-for-24. The difference came at the foul line, Cold Springs was 7-of-11, and on the boards. Collinsville out-rebounded the Eagles 32-19.

West finished with 17 points and Elizabeth Hill added 13 points for Cold Springs.

Elizabeth Neely had eight – six coming on two 3-pointers.

BIRMINGHAM – Defending state champion Pisgah jumped out to an 18-point lead by halftime and then staved off T.R. Miller’s strong comeback effort as the Eagles won their third Class 3A state title in a row with 59-52 win at the 98th AHSAA State Basketball Championships at the BJCC Legacy Arena Friday afternoon.

Pisgah (31-3), which graduated eight seniors from the 2019 3A state championship team, used some solid outside shooting and sure-handed play by its guards to seal the 2020 state crown. Chloe Womack had 16 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Eagles, coached by Carey Ellison. The 5-foot-8 senior had one 3-pointer. Sophomore Molly Heard sank two of Pisgah’s seven 3-point goals and finished with 19 points and eight rebounds. Freshman guard Kallie Tinker finished with 10 points, four rebounds, made two 3-pointers and dished out three assists.

T.R. Miller (28-2), coached by Ronald Jackson, was paced by Aleria Smith’s 14 points and 12 rebounds. Raivon Ewing had 12 points and nine rebounds and Ja’Nazsia Nettles contributed nine points. The loss snapped a 16-game winning streak.

Ellison, who has coached Pisgah to six of its eight state titles, won the 625th game of his coaching career with the championship game victory. He is now 625-155 with state championships in 1997, 2003, 2005, 2018, 2019 and now, 2020. T.R. Miller’s Jackson has guided the Tigers to four state crowns (1995, 1996, 2002 and 2009).

Friday’s championship day schedule concluded with 4A girls’ title game at 4 p.m. featuring Deshler and Anniston, and the 4A boys’ championship at 5:45 featuring defending state champion Talladega versus Williamson.

3-PEAT FOR FYFFE!

By AHSAA TUSCALOOSA – Fyffe High School’s state-best current football winning streak and championship hopes appeared in serious jeopardy Thursday late in the fourth quarter when Montgomery Catholic’s defensive stand stopped the Red Devils, trailing 16-13, on fourth down at the 1-yard line.

But the Red Devils (15-0) didn’t panic.

Fyffe, coached by Paul Benefield, had a goal-line stand of its own – forcing the Knights (12-3) to punt from their own end zone which resulted in a safety to close the gap to 16-15 and the Red Devils took the free-kick and drove 67 yards in just four plays to score the winning TD with just 1:03 to play to win 21-16.

After falling behind 16-0 in the opening

quarter and having a blocked field goal return for a touchdown wiped off the board after an instant-replay review, Fyffe rallied to capture its third straight state championship, but first in Class 3A, at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Fyffe’s Ike Rowell scored the game-winner on a 1-yard run with 1:03 remaining – his third touchdown en route to being winning the game’s MVP award – to cap a 67-yard drive that lasted just four plays. Catholic got one last chance but the Knights’ pass into the end zone on the final play fell incomplete.

“I knew these guys have no quit in them,” Benefield said. “It’s a special group of kids.”

Fyffe extended its winning streak to 45 straight games, and the Red Devils have now won

five state championships in the last seven seasons.

The Red Devils haven’t lost since falling to Sulligent in the 2A quarterfinals in November 2017.

Fyffe won 2A titles in 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2019 before moving up to 3A this season. Benefield, who was honored earlier this season with the Fyffe football stadium being named in his honor, earned his 300th career coaching victory earlier this season and capped it with another state title.

“This is the sweetest one of all,” Benefield said.

“It’s unbelievable. I don’t know what to say or how to put it. We’re not a come-from-behind type of team. … It’s amazing. It’s an amazing group of kids to go out 45-and-0.”

Catholic (12-3), coached by Aubrey Blackwell, sprinted to a 16-0 lead in the first

quarter with Judd Osten kicking a 26-yard field goal after D.J. Carter’s65-yard kickoff return to start the game.

Quarterback Caleb McCeary hooked up with Myles Butler for two touchdown passes – a 13-yarder to cap a 10-play, 76-yard drive and then a 56-yarder on a screen pass on the first play of the next drive for a 16-0 lead with 41 seconds to go in the first quarter. The Knights missed the first extra point and made the second.

Rowell, who rushed for 140 yards on 36 carries and completed 5-or-7 passes for 155 yards, got the Red Devils on the board with a 4-yard run with 2:33 to go in the first half to make it 16-6 after a blocked extra point. He appeared to cut into Catholic’s lead on the final play of the first half when he blocked a field goal and

returned it 75 yards for an apparent touchdown. The play was overturned by instant replay following a challenge by Catholic’s Blackwell concerning expiration of the play clock expired. Upon review, the TD was nullified resulting in a delay of game penalty.

Catholic then lined up for a final untimed play, but McCeary’s pass fell incomplete and the Knights carried a 16-6 lead into halftime.

After teams traded punts throughout the third quarter, Rowell scored on a 3-yard run in the opening minute of the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to 16-13.

Catholic stopped Ike Rowell on a fourth-and-1 midway through the fourth quarter to maintain a 16-13 lead.

After the safety, Fyffe took over at its own 33 with 2:59 to go after the

ensuing free kick.

Rowellcompleted passes of 34 and 27 yards – both to Brody Dalton – to move the ball inside the Knights’ 5,and the quarterback scored the game-winner with 1:03 to go, making it 21-16.

“We don’t know how to give up,” Dalton said.

Catholic drove to the Fyffe 34 and called timeout with two seconds to go, but McCeary’s pass on the final play bounced off a teammate in the end zone and fell incomplete.

Rowell accounted for 295 of Fyffe’s 316 yards of total offense. He also returned five kickoffs of 104 yards. Dalton caught three passes for 76 yards.

Justin Stiefel added two catches for 79 yards and also intercepted a pass and had four tackles on defense. Hunter Gillilan led the Fyffe defense with seven tackles.

FRIDAY — JANUARY 1, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Happy New Year!

Marla Jones, Managing / Sports Editor

In 2021, I want to be the best possible version of Marla that I can be. I don't know what the next year will bring, but I can promise that it won't be boring. Don't live the same year 75 times and call that a life.

Zach Hester, Reporter / Graphic Designer In 2021, I hope to continue my weight loss journey by losing another 50 pounds.

Additionally, I plan on continuing my reading goal of finishing 30 books by the end of year, just like I did in 2020. I also plan on drinking less soft drinks and more water.

Amy Thrash, Account Executive Next year, I want to spend more time with my family, eat healthier and drink more water, stop stressing out over things outside of my control, and attempt to to a good deed for someone else every single day.

Beverly Annette Little, Account Executive In 2021, I hope to follow these rules: "Just be a good person, love who you can, help where you can, and give what you can."

Teresa Smith, Traffic Director I guess we all have the same New Year's Resolutions about saying goodbye to 2020, which is on top of my list. In 2021, I hope to reconnect to family and friends, to enjoy each day to the fullest, to take the road less traveled, to act crazy, and to be silly and laugh more, to have fun this coming year.

Joe Sims, Radio Operations Manager I'm not much of a resolutions person. I believe the best time to start any changed in your life is now. Whether it be January 1 or June 1. If there are changes you wish to make about yourself or your surroundings just start. Change takes habit. It also takes not making old habits 'the good guy'. Like quitting smoking, you can't make the cigarette the good guy. ('If I can only make it another hour I can have a cigarette.' I know this, I smoked.) Good Luck on yours!

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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